Government red tape is just one of the reasons why Captain Mike Gregory has turned his command around and is heading away from Australian waters. Mike Gregory and his 16-strong crew on board the 73 metre Dragonfly arrived in Cairns on Australia’s Gold Coast but left shortly after arrival and headed back into the South Pacific.
The yacht, believed to be owned by Google co-founder Sergey Brin, can accommodate 18 guests, and had been planning to cruise in Australian waters with guests over the Christmas period. When they were directed by local government officials to use the cruise ship terminals some distance away from where they wanted to dock Captain Gregory said enough was enough and turned his yacht around.
“There are not too many boats of this size cruising the world and currently the regulations are a bit restrictive,” Captain Gregory said. “On this occasion we’ve deemed it more appropriate to find another spot to cruise in for the coming festive season. We would love to come back. It’s deemed as one of the best cruising areas in the world and once those doors are open, we’ll come back.”
He said his yacht had visited Cairns six times in past three years but on this occasion had missed out on one of only two berths in the privately owned Marlin Marina.
Built as Silver Zwei by SilverYachts in Australia at their Henderson, WA shipyard, she was delivered to her original owner in 2009 and last refitted in 2014. Her exterior design and engineering are the work of Espen Oeino.
Her interior configuration has been designed to comfortably accommodate up to 18 guests overnight in 9 cabins, comprising a master suite, 3 VIP staterooms, 1 double cabin, 2 twin cabins, 2 single cabins, 2 pullman beds. She is also capable of carrying up to 16 crew onboard to ensure a relaxed luxury yacht experience.