Silverswift - a brand new 29 metre, $3.9 million luxury motor catamaran will be the fastest, most stable and spacious vessel operating out of Cairns

Quicksilver launches new Cairns Adventure Vessel

Cairns, 20 December 2006

The Quicksilver Group of Companies launches its new Cairns-based adventure snorkel and dive vessel today.

The new Silverswift - a brand new 29 metre, $3.9 million luxury motor catamaran - replaces the existing vessel to align with her sister ship Silversonic, which was launched last year in Port Douglas.

Group Chairman Mike Burgess said Silverswift, the newest edition to the company’s Silver Series brand, will be the fastest, most stable and spacious vessel operating out of Cairns. 

“She will deliver our guests the smoothest ride to the reef thanks to a patented ride control system she shares with Silversonic.  As well as improving passenger comfort and safety, the system gives environmental and cost benefits by way of savings in fuel consumption,” said Mr Burgess.

“In addition, Silverswift is unique in that she is the only vessel offering adventure travellers the option of visiting three reef sites from Cairns daily.”

Silverswift is the only vessel offering adventure travellers the option of visiting three reef sites from Cairns daily

“Our experience with Silversonic shows us snorkellers and divers choosing Silverswift will appreciate the difference.  Ride control systems have become an integral feature of fast ferries and certainly were a major factor in finalizing the design of our newest vessel.  Ride Control System reduces both the roll and pitch angles plus the vertical and lateral accelerations produced by a vessel when it’s underway.  The fuel savings come from the system maintaining an optimum trim angle on the vessel.   From both safety and environmental perspectives, Silverswift is ahead even before she enters the water,” said Mr Burgess.

Travelling at 32 knots, Silverswiftwill take just 60 minutes from Cairns to reach the spectacular Great Barrier Reef sites of Flynn, Thetford and Milln Reefs, offering guests over 5 hours at three different reef sites for in-water activities.

These reef sites are renowned for a high density of fish and coral and are home to large pelagic fish.  Visiting three different reef sites, guests will have the opportunity to experience three certified dives or three introductory dives and plenty of snorkel time to fully appreciate the ecological diversity and visual impact of the reef.

The new vessel was built by North West Bay Ships of Tasmania.  It features expansive covered deck space, on-board fresh water showers and will operate with a crew:guest ratio of 1:8.

The new Silverswift is designed for water based adventure activities and although has a seating capacity of over 160, will only carry 80 passengers each day, ensuring additional comfort and personalized service.

The first class service continues with morning and afternoon tea, a hot and cold buffet lunch, short or long wet suits, all dive and snorkel equipment, fresh hot and cold water showers, air-conditioned main cabin and full bar facilities.

The new vessel was built by North West Bay Ships of Tasmania.  It features expansive covered deck space, on-board fresh water showers and will operate with a crew:guest ratio of 1:8.  Passengers have the choice of coach transfers from Cairns and the Northern Beaches to meet Silverswift’s daily departure from  Marlin Jetty in Cairns at 8.30am and returning at 4.30pm. Bookings can be made on 4044 9944.

ENDS…
Media Enquires:

Megan Bell, Director of Marketing, Quicksilver Group of Companies
Tel: 0412 570 268 or email:megan@quicksilvergroup.com.au