Ready for exploration
Gold Coast City Marina & Shipyard (GCCM) together with vessel owners the Northern Escape Collection recently unveiled an exciting amphibious exploration vessel, the Iguana 31.
21 November 2019
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The Iguana 31, amphibious exploration vessel named Pelorus, arrived from France and underwent commissioning work at GCCM with the shipyard’s world-class marine trade services including electrical and navigation conversions to Australian standards for commercial survey.
Pelorus then made its way north to the Great Barrier Reef to take up shared residence between the Northern Escape Collection’s soon to be developed Pelorus Island Retreat and luxury hideaway Orpheus Island Lodge, both located in the Palm Island group, south of Hinchinbrook Island and 42 nautical miles north of Townsville.
True to its name, the Iguana is inspired by the land and water reptile and is built for both environments. The amphibious Pelorus yacht will allow Northern Escape Collection guests to enjoy memorable day adventures on the reef where they step off onto dry land, directly from the yacht.
The French built Iguana 31 seats nine plus a skipper and has a wave piercing bow, deep v-hull and shock mitigating seats for luxurious comfort and is suited to all weather conditions.
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Captain Paul Nelson from the Northern Escape Collection says the Pelorus will provide resort guests with versatile day exploration options in total luxury.
“We are excited to have the first of this model in Australia and acquired the Pelorus to enhance our guest experiences whether snorkelling or diving the pristine fringing reefs, cruising the Great Palm Island archipelago, fishing for the most sought after reef species in the world or to drop off guests on a secluded beach to enjoy a gourmet picnic in complete isolation,” Mr Nelson said.
“While the GCCM see many and varied vessels, our Pelorus is probably one of the more unique yachts to undergo work in the shipyard and it has been great to be able to complete all of the necessary commissioning work here on the Gold Coast at GCCM with such world class marine contractors,” he said.
Pelorus Island Retreat and neighbouring Orpheus Island Lodge form part of the Northern Escape Collection’s curated portfolio of boutique experiences including newly opened Mt Mulligan Lodge located in Queensland’s outback and the Daintree Ecolodge set in the ancient World Heritage-listed Daintree Rainforest.
A 30-minute helicopter flight from Townsville or accessible to guests via private yacht, Pelorus Island Retreat located on the much loved Pelorus Island is a $6 million private boutique retreat on the south-east corner of the island. The secluded tropical hideaway is embraced by white sandy beaches, suburb coral gardens and a lush verdant hillside.
Pelorus Island is poised to undergo a major transformation with the addition of a $6million private boutique retreat. Reminiscent of traditional Queensland beach houses, the retreat will solely accommodate eight guests in four luxuriously-appointed and expansive suites. A true rarity on the Great Barrier Reef, the private residence will allow guests to be ‘as one’ with nature embraced by white sandy beaches, superb coral gardens and a lush verdant hillside. Pelorus Island Retreat will complement the Northern Escape Collection’s portfolio of boutique experiences and will be completed in 2020.
The internationally accredited 5 Gold Anchor Gold Coast City Marina & Shipyard (GCCM) is the most comprehensive marine facility in the Asia Pacific servicing all size vessels to the highest level of quality.
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