Day 1 of the 2021 Palm Beach International Boat Show went off without a hitch. Crowds of people flocked the dock at 12 pm, excited to see a lineup of new and brokerage yachts on display. The Denison booth was consistently busy with guests eager to tour and learn about our line up of boats. Among the most popular yachts on display were the two Oceanfast yachts at the end of Dock 5.
THUNDER and HIGHLINE made a showstopping appearance at the 2021 Palm Beach International Boat Show. This is especially cool (if we do say so ourselves) because Oceanfast boats are rare nowadays. The shipbuilder was founded in Australia in 1988 and gained recognition as building some of the most eye-catching yachts worldwide.
Let’s zero in on one of the most eccentric yachts you’ll see at the PBIBS 2021: THUNDER is a one-of-a-kind 164-foot Oceanfast yacht built in 1998. This big, sleek, and fast yacht was designed by the late Jon Bannenberg, with naval architecture by Mark Ellis Marine Designs. In her prime, she reached speeds of up to 34 knots thanks to the combination of gas turbine and MTU engines.
In 2015, THUNDER underwent an extensive and complete interior refit by an owner with an open checkbook, including new walls, ceilings, floors, and furniture by Roberto Cavalli. Today, she’s a showstopper. Here are 5 exotic features onboard THUNDER that proves she is one of a kind.
When we hopped on board THUNDER at the Palm Beach Boat Show, we knew we were in for a treat. After speaking with the Captain, we asked him to name a few of his favorite features.
“Go to the bow,” he said. “You’ll find something cool up there.”
The bow of THUNDER hosts a 7-meter pool with water that flows through it so that you can swim against a current for a great workout. The pool is shaped like a boat because, when it’s drained, it can be used to store a tender. Seating around the pool is perfect for working on your tan with a glass of Champagne.
As soon as you step inside THUNDER, you’ll know you’re on something special. The interior is the complete opposite of cookie-cutter staterooms in modern yachts today. The glossy finish over the wood on the walls is eye-catching throughout the yacht. In the guest staterooms, the wood conforms to the shape of the yacht to provide a feeling of warmth and openness. The staterooms add to THUNDER’s exotic qualities and provide guests with a nautical experience.
The salon is a jaw-dropper. A large hallway with glass doors provides the room with privacy, and once you’re inside, it’s an intimate and elegant area. The ceiling is over 11 feet tall and features big windows that flood the room with light. THUNDER’s main salon is luxuriously appointed with Cavalli Visionaire furniture and furnishings that create a distinct, yet comfortable space for a formal occasion. The chandeliers and artwork on board are all included with the yacht.
THUNDER is filled with plenty of art and extremely elegant designs, but one exotic feature that caught our eye was the day head. We know what you’re thinking — a day head? Really? When you walk inside you’ll notice the sink is a sculpture of a human head and the faucet drains into the head to give it the name “Brainwashing.” Clever, right?
When THUNDER was first built, the owner wanted a big yacht that would travel fast. So how does one do that? By adding gas turbines, of course. Large, impressive exhaust vents on the sundeck pushes the air out of the engine room. This, plus MTU engines, allowed the boat to reach speeds of up to 34 knots, which is unheard of for a yacht this size.
Explore THUNDER for yourself.Purchase tickets to PBIBS 2021 and schedule a showing with Denison Yachting. Day 2 starts at 10 am. See you on Dock 5!
Date | Time |
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Thursday, March 25 | 12pm - 7pm |
Friday, March 26 | 10am - 7pm |
Saturday, March 27 | 10am - 7pm |
Sunday, March 28 | 10am - 5pm |