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And Quicksilver V Celebrates!

The 12th November 1988 was the launch of the first Wavepiercer, Quicksilver V. Quicksilver V was the prototype and the first Wavepiercer ever built and 21 years later she is still an amazing vessel that contributes daily to our reef fleet. A fast 39 metre aluminum wavepiercer catamaran with a 1.6 metre draft and a cruising speed of 27 knots she was also the first of her kind to use jet propulsion on the 2 x 16V Detriot Diesel engines.

Launched with fanfare in Cairns, her first mission in early 1989 was to circumnavigate around Australia for 37 days, calling in to all major cities and ports to promote Tropical North Queensland and the Great Barrier Reef. Other highlights include being the first vessel to run a regular service between Cairns to Cooktown and Cairns to Port Douglas.

Designed in Tasmania but proudly built locally by NQEA Engineering her design and maintenance has been the true testament of the Quicksilver fleet.

Tony Baker, Managing Director of the Quicksilver Group said “Quicksilver V is an amazing vessel, not only in looks but also in her ability to continue daily cruises to the Great Barrier Reef. The staff and most critically our engineers have meticulously maintained her to ensure that she is always in the best of working condition. Over her lifetime, the engines have had four full mechanical refurbishments, in addition to a complete new set of engines. Every year, as do all of our fleet, she undergoes a full refit taking around 4 weeks so she is presented in tip top condition. With this overall yearly face-lift Quicksilver V is an extremely well presented vessel and is also a very reliable vessel.”

It is estimated she has travelled over 1.5 million kilometers to showcase the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef to Australian and International visitors. If not travelling to the reef she would have been around the world 38 times, and with her space-age design, it’s fitting to note her travels would have reached the moon and back nearly twice.