Draft:M/V Southern Cross II
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Comment: In accordance with Wikipedia's Conflict of interest guideline, I disclose that I have a conflict of interest regarding the subject of this article. SirGeoffreyB (talk) 22:39, 19 August 2026 (UTC)
Southern Cross II is an Australian motor superyacht built in Brisbane by Lloyds Ships. Commissioned by Australian businessman Alan Bond and named after his 1974 America's Cup challenger Southern Cross (KA-4), the vessel served as the flagship mothership, spectator craft, and support tender shadowing Australia II during the victorious 1983 America's Cup campaign.[1]
Design and construction
[edit]Southern Cross II was commissioned by Alan Bond in the early 1980s as a high-end spectator craft and transoceanic tender for his yacht racing syndicate.
- Naval architecture: Designed by American naval architect Jack Hargrave, known for classic offshore cruiser lines, deep-water displacement hulls, and heavy-gauge aluminium construction.[2]
- Shipyard: Fabricated and fitted out by Lloyds Ships in Brisbane, Queensland, establishing the shipyard's reputation in large custom motor yachts.[3]
- Naming: Named directly after Southern Cross (KA-4), the 12-metre class yacht that served as Bond's first challenge for the America's Cup in 1974.
1983 America's Cup campaign
[edit]During the summer of 1983 off Newport, Rhode Island, Southern Cross II served as the operational mothership and private hospitality hub for Bond's syndicate. The yacht was positioned along the spectator perimeter during the Louis Vuitton Cup challenger series and the America's Cup match against Liberty (US-40), hosting race coordinators, VIP guests, and media as Australia II won the Cup and ended the New York Yacht Club's 132-year winning streak.
Major refits and modernisation
[edit]Southern Cross II has undergone several structural, mechanical, and interior overhauls across its operational life:
- 2003 hull lengthening: The vessel underwent a major refit that extended its length from 30 metres (98 ft) to 34 metres (112 ft) LOA via an aft hull extension, adding a sportfishing cockpit and swim platform. The upper bridge deck was also enclosed into an air-conditioned sky lounge and wheelhouse.[2]
- Engineering overhaul: Re-powered with twin Caterpillar 3412E diesel engines, dual Perkins generators, and Naiad hydraulic fin roll stabilisers.
- 2017 refit: Lloyds Ships carried out cosmetic and mechanical works, including a complete hull re-spray and modernization of vessel management systems.
- 2025 interior refurbishment: In late 2025, the yacht underwent a soft interior refit supervised by Newcastle-based designer Julie Evans (Julie Evans Design). The update introduced contemporary furnishings sourced primarily from Australian brand Coco Republic, while preserving the yacht's original bespoke Versace design elements and America's Cup heritage fixtures.
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ↑ "Southern Cross II Yacht (Lloyds, 1983)". BOAT International. Retrieved 2026-08-20.
- 1 2 "Southern Cross II: 34m Lloyds Ships 1983 Specifications & Overview". SuperYacht Times. Retrieved 2026-08-20.
- ↑ Lloyd, Keith (2012). The History of Lloyds Ships and Australian Superyacht Building. Brisbane Maritime Publications.
External links
[edit]- Southern Cross II Superyacht Video Tour on YouTube