Newcastle Shipyards, LLC (Newcastle) is proud to announce the successful launch of its largest build-to-date, Superyacht HARBOUR ISLAND on 11 August 2011. Under the glow of a full moon, yacht Harbour Island entered the water to the roar of cheers from the employees and spectators. M/Y Harbour Island, Hull One of the Newcastle 5500 Series will spend a few weeks in St. Augustine for dock tests and sea trials before heading south to Rybovich Super Yacht Marina and Refit.

54.9m (180’) motor yacht Harbour Island launched by Newcastle Shipyards

The HARBOUR ISLAND charter yacht will make her world debut at the 2011 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show in October.

The Newcastle 5500 Harbour Island is a six-stateroom custom charter yacht featuring two king master suites located on the main deck and skylounge deck forward, and a VIP king guest suite below. Additional amenities include the infinity pool on the split-level sundeck, the raised “veranda” on the main aft deck and expansive built-in seating area aft of the alfresco dining on the skylounge aft deck. Tenders and toys are stowed in the stern garage leaving the spacious exterior decks uncluttered. The Newcastle 5500 is built to ABS Maltese Cross A1 YS, AMS, is MCA compliant and has trans-Pacific range.

Kevin Keith, owner of Newcastle states, “We are excited to see our largest yacht to date near completion. Harbour Island begins a new chapter in the history of Newcastle Shipyards as we look to build superior yachts for the most discerning owners.”

About Newcastle Shipyards

Newcastle, located in Palm Coast and Palatka, Florida, USA, was formed in 1999 and has delivered several yachts through the years. With the ability to build yachts over 200’ in length, Newcastle currently has a 129’ ice strengthened Expedition style yacht, a 149’ Expedition yacht, and a 177’ ice strengthened Expedition motoryacht under construction. When the Newcastle 5500 is delivered, she will be the 9th largest superyacht built in the United States in the last 50 years.

About the M/Y Harbour Island

At 910 gross tons, the Newcastle 5500 Charter yacht Harbour Island is the largest volume 180’ yacht on the market today. With exterior styling and engineering by Murray and Associates and interior design by Claudette Bonville Associates, she is a timeless example of elegance and style. As well as being on display at this year’s Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show and the Harbour Island yacht will be available for select charters in the Caribbean for the 2011 – 2012 winter season and the Mediterranean for summer 2012. Harbour Island is available for yacht charter here.

Specifications of the Newcastle 5500 motor yacht Harbour Island by Newcastle Shipyards:
Length overall 180′ (55m)
Beam: 34′ (10.4m)
Draft 8’6 (2.6m)
Gross Tonnage 910 GRT
Main Engines Twin 3512B Caterpillar 1410 HP
Generators Two 250 KW Caterpillar Generators
One 99 KW Emergency GeneratorBuilder Newcastle Shipards
Type Trans Oceanic Motoryacht
Classification ABS Maltese Cross A1 YS, AMS
Certification MCA Certificate
Naval Architecture Murry and Associates
Interior Design Claudette Bonville Associates, Inc.