'Big Fish' arrives at Rivergate
An impressive sight at award-winning Rivergate Marina & Shipyard, the one-of-a-kind explorer motor yacht, 45m (147.64ft) BIG FISH will spend a few weeks carrying out maintenance, while crew take a well-earned shore break in Brisbane.
“We are proud to welcome BIG FISH back to Rivergate for her seventh visit,” said Rivergate General Manager, Andrew Cannon.
“Superyachts are a familiar sight as they enter the Brisbane River to dock at Rivergate, but BIG FISH is truly head-turning. She is a stunning and unique vessel and our on-site marine professionals and staff are always eager to witness and work on what is a globally significant superyacht.”
BIG FISH has previously undertaken refit work at Rivergate during several visits in between charter bookings in New Zealand and the South Pacific. This time, Rivergate will complete general maintenance to BIG FISH ahead of a busy upcoming charter season.
Designed and built as a “far-ranging, soul-soothing window to the world”, adventure-seeking BIG FISH, boasts a 10,000 nautical mile range, meaning no place is too remote for this expedition craft. She is of course available for charter.
With her distinctive plumb bow, steel hull and floor-to-ceiling windows, BIG FISH was designed by Gregory C. Marshall Naval Architects and was the first boat from New Zealand company, Aquos Yachts in collaboration with acclaimed Kiwi builder, McMullen & Wing.
Praised for her “fusion of luxury styling and expeditionary muscle”, BIG FISH scooped a multitude of awards in her launch year, 2010, for everything from design and interiors, to technical innovation.
In 2011, BIG FISH undertook an historic circumnavigation over one year, from Antarctica right up to the Amazon, over the top to Russia and along the Northeast Passage – making her the first luxury yacht to complete the Northeast Passage and the first vessel in history to complete a Polar Circumnavigation.
During her maiden expedition, BIG FISH contributed to our understanding of the world’s climate and environmental changes. Her SeaKeeper 1000 equipment monitored ocean, climate and weather changes and data was sent via satellite to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), while her journey was tracked online with images and footage from her onboard cameras and a remote-controlled chopper.
Among her myriad of features – such as a 22-foot video wall, crowsnest for 360° views, and fold-down 11m beach platform at the stern – BIG FISH has five staterooms, including a superb full-beam master cabin with floor-to-ceiling windows, 270° views and private deck area, a helipad, spa pool, two terraces, a wine cellar, two barbecues and a state-of-the art kitchen and decks are made of granite, rather than the more traditional teak.
“The complex engineering, sophisticated superstructure and lavish fitout of BIG FISH demands a technical team with the precision skills to maintain her in first class condition,” said Mr Cannon.
“Rivergate is the preferred yard for the Captain, owner and management of BIG FISH and has exceeded expectations in all facets of the yachts repair and maintenance.
“Rivergate Marina and Shipyard is a Customs and Quarantine Port and provides deepwater marina berths and state-of-the-art facilities for yachts up to 90m. This includes hardstand and enclosed sheds serviced by 300 and 75 tonne travelifts, comprehensive project management services, and all major trades onsite, plus access to a 600 tonne travelift and 2500 tonne rail slip.”
About Rivergate Marina and Shipyard – Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
Rivergate Marina & Shipyard is located on the Brisbane River Adjacent to the Gateway Arterial Bridges. The facility is close to the centre of Brisbane, the mouth of the Brisbane River and domestic and international airports. With 105 deep water access marina berths, Rivergate can accommodate vessels up to 80+ metres. All berths have fresh water and shore power (up to 200amp), with access to wi-fi and onsite amenities, including laundry facilities and a cafe. The site has 24 hour security, CCTV and night patrols. The shipyard is comprised of a hardstand and enclosed sheds serviced by 300 and 75 tonne travelifts. Rivergate provides comprehensive project management services, with all major trades onsite. Rivergate is a certified Clean Marina and Customs and Quarantine Port.