Biggest Boat yet for NZ Yard

McMullen & Wing are celebrating the launch of their biggest and they say finest boat to date, the 50-metre as yet unnamed luxury expedition yacht.

The yacht was launched at McMullen & Wing’s Auckland shipyard shortly after 9.30am on a calm morning with a faint northerly breeze and passing light showers. The operation went like clockwork and the yacht was secured at McMullen & Wing’s private marina where it will remain for several days before being moved to Auckland’s Viaduct Harbour.

The yacht is the largest ever built by McMullen & Wing and the heaviest yacht launched on their slipway. Sporting a striking sky-blue hull and bright yellow boot stripe with white superstructure and extensive glazing, the yacht makes an imposing spectacle amongst the pleasure boats moored nearby and the sleek rowing skiffs passing from the local rowing club.

Following-on from multi-award-winning 45-metre BIG FISH, the yacht is the second in McMullen & Wing’s DIAMOND series, designed by Greg Marshall, who was present for the launch. Exceptionally highly finished and with a range of 6000 nautical miles, the yacht epitomises McMullen & Wing’s drive to build the world’s most capable luxury yachts.

Describing the yacht as one of the finest yachts ever built at McMullen & Wing, and indeed in New Zealand, Chief Executive Michael Eaglen paid tribute to the hundreds of workers who have contributed their time and skills to build the yacht to such a high standard, often sacrificing personal and family time to meet the demands of significant time pressure. He also acknowledged the families of the workers for their support and invited them to share in the achievement of the yacht.

The new yacht will remain in Auckland while she receives her finishing touches and undergoes her commissioning and trials process over the weeks ahead. The yacht’s name will remain under wraps for the time being.

Originally published in Ocean Magazine

*Image credits: McMullen & Wing