Each week, we place a spotlight on the world’s finest superyachts for charter. This week, BOAT heads to the other side of the world to see the 48-metre Oceanfast motor yacht Big Sky in Australia...
Having been sold in July 2021, Big Sky is a relatively new addition to the charter fleet – and an exciting one at that. At 48-metres, Big Sky represents proper Australian building, having been constructed at Oceanfast, which was responsible for some of the most well-known yachts of the 1980s and 90s.
Jon Bannenberg was passionate about making Oceanfast a success, perhaps inspired by the shipyard’s approach to water jet propulsion and lightweight construction – a recipe that was well suited to the most pioneering designer of this time. Today, Oceanfast yachts including Never Say Never, Antipodean and Lady Arraya continue to illustrate this mesmerising time in Bannenberg’s career, pushing boundaries further than they have ever gone before.
A great reflection of the shipyard's build standard is Big Sky, which was one of the final yachts built at Oceanfast before the shipyard closed its doors for good over 10 years ago. Its pedigree, however, lives on in the form of a special fleet of superyacht – of which Big Sky is the latest.
Key Features
LOA: 48m
Builder: Oceanfast
Year: 2010
Guests: 12
Cruising: Sydney Harbour, Whitsundays
Designed and built by Oceanfast in 2010, the 48-metre has returned home for her late charter offerings, cruising around Sydney Harbour and the Whitsundays in Australia. Her presence here is interesting, as Big Sky is undoubtedly among one of the finest superyachts available for charter around here. With her well-proportioned, gleaming white hull, it’s not difficult to see why.
Defined by huge windows in the hull, the four-deck superyacht was created to draw the outside in, but the yacht also has a huge amount of exterior space for those who want to soak up the Australian rays. Stepping into the main saloon, the indoor space is bright and neutral, with natural light flooding its way through the windows. This is also where the main interior dining area is, although much of the dining on board will be done al fresco. Pops of colour make their way throughout the yacht via purple, pink and red soft furnishings.
A recent refit focused on the update of Big Sky's interior spaces, restoring the yacht to her former glory. This included refreshed furniture and new pieces added into the mix. Lounge areas on board are extensive, and guests will find a large sky lounge for relaxing in after dinner.
Out on deck, Big Sky has a large Jacuzzi, which is surrounded by a huge sunbed bar and a U-shaped lounge. Take the staircase all the way down to the vast swim platform where the fun really begins.
Life on board Big Sky
Big Sky provides spacious accommodation for 11 guests in five well-appointed guest suites including a master suite on the main deck, plus three double VIP cabins and one twin guest cabin on the lower deck, featuring contemporary styling throughout. All cabins, of course, have en suite bathrooms.
Big Sky’s well-stocked toybox is among some of the best on board yachts for charter worldwide. She is set up for several activities on and off the shore, ensuring there is never a dull moment on board. A fleet of Jet Skis, e-foil boards, SeaBobs, and a Flyboard, combined with gear for fishing, snorkelling, wake surfing, water-skiing and kneeboarding will keep guests of all ages entertained. Big Sky also has several child-friendly inflatables, such as a Jungle Joe floating climbing structure and waterslide, as well as a floating Jet Ski dock and blow-up paddleboards.
A beach party set up with assorted games, including a volleyball net, will also help charter guests stretch their sea legs on sandy shores. For further entertainment on board, there’s a top deck Jacuzzi surrounded by sun pads and a bar.
Toy box
10.36-metre Nortech 340 Sport Centre Console tender
4.8-metre Brig 480 Tender with 100 HP engine
Two Yamaha FX Waverunners
Inflatable waterslide
Jungle Joe inflatable climbing pyramid
Dive compressor
Diving and snorkeling equipment
Lift electric foil boards
Wake boards
Katana Wakesurf
Kneeboard
Water-skis
Seabobs
Blackfin paddleboards
Glass-bottom kayaks
Space Hopper inflatable jet-ski dock
Towable toys
Rave Water Boggan Banana
Lunar towable chariot
“Fiesta Island” tube
Fishing equipment
Beach games
Where will Big Sky be cruising?
Big Sky is available for charter with The Superyacht People with a weekly rate from $190,000. She will be cruising around Australia's Sydney Harbour, the Whitsundays and Great Barrier Reef. However, the yacht does have some big and exciting plans for more destinations in the South Pacific.