THE SALE OF A PRINCESS

Princess Iluka

An Australian Superyacht Icon

34.5 Metres | AMSA Survey | Charter Ready

There are yachts, and then there are vessels that can never be replicated. Princess Iluka is one of Australia's most historically significant superyachts and the world's largest Huon Pine motor yacht ever built. Constructed in Tasmania in 1979 by renowned shipwright Ray Kemp using rare Huon Pine -- including timber from a single tree over 750 years old -- she is quite literally irreplaceable. Environmental protections ensure no vessel of this quality and scale could ever be built again.

In 1999, what began as a modest "tickle up" evolved into one of the most comprehensive and ambitious yacht reconstruction projects ever undertaken in Australia. Over the following decade, more than AUD $14 million was invested in a complete rebuild and redesign under the guidance of celebrated designer Bernie Cohen.

Owner Robert recounts: "We started off just looking at the boat and thinking it needed a bit of a tickle up... In the end, we not only did what Bernie had suggested, but we went far beyond everything that he had suggested... This boat was stripped of everything -- the superstructure taken off, every bit of wiring, every bit of plumbing, every bulkhead, every tank... what we were left with was a bare hull."

The project transformed the yacht from her original 1979 configuration into a true 21st-century superyacht. Key enhancements included extending the aft section, raising the main deck, reinforcing the superstructure for a touch-and-go helipad, adding 13 tonnes of lead ballast for stability, and incorporating dedicated crew passageways for discreet service. The vision was clear: preserve the romance and warmth of a classic timber yacht while delivering modern superyacht comfort and capability.

Recent AUD $4 Million Refit
Over the past three years, Princess Iluka has undergone a further extensive refit programme, ensuring she remains in impeccable condition. Led by Keely Green Designs, this included a complete interior refurbishment, exterior restoration, major mechanical overhaul, new electronics and navigation systems, and ongoing maintenance to commercial survey standards.

The result is a turnkey superyacht presented in exceptional condition -- ready for immediate private enjoyment or charter operation.

Charter Proven • High-Profile Pedigree
Princess Iluka is fully AMSA surveyed and charter-ready. From 2013 to 2021 she excelled in the Mediterranean charter market as one of the most sought-after vessels in her class, hosting royal families (including the Queen of Qatar), the Jonas Brothers on their honeymoon, prominent Australian identities, and global business leaders.

She accommodates up to 10 guests in 5 luxurious staterooms with professional crew quarters. Her design excels in both luxury and practicality, featuring separate crew passageways, a high-spec galley, expansive entertaining spaces, a foredeck spa pool, zero-speed stabilisers, and exceptional fuel economy.

Standout Features
• 34.5m Huon Pine construction (rot and teredo-resistant)
• Touch-and-go helipad with reinforced structure
• Hydraulic aft swim platform / passerelle
• Zero Speed stabiliser system
• Mercedes engines (rebuilt/new) with remarkable economy -- ~57 litres/hour at 9 knots
• Long-range ocean-going capability
• Onboard sewage treatment plant
• Extensive toy and tender storage
• Wooden parquet flooring throughout main and sky lounge decks
• Port and starboard wing stations

A Vessel of Passion and Provenance
Princess Iluka is far more than a luxury yacht -- she is a passion project brought to life, a piece of Australian maritime heritage, and a proven platform for both private cruising and successful charter operations. As the owner notes, the boat performed exceptionally in all conditions, from relaxed Whitsundays cruising to challenging Mediterranean passages.

Presented in turnkey condition with full documentation, survey records, and maintenance history available. The owner is prepared to share his extensive knowledge and thousands of photographs with the next custodian.