Florida Yacht-Builder Completes 180′ Trideck: Newcastle 5500

Newcastle Shipyards launched its largest build to date with M/Y Harbour Island.

Hull No. 1 of the Newcastle 5500 Series will spend a short time in St. Augustine, Florida, for dock tests and sea trials before heading south to Rybovich Superyacht Marina and Refit in Palm Beach, Florida.

When the Newcastle 5500 is delivered, she will be the ninth-largest superyacht built in the United States in the last 50 years, according to Newcastle, which has multiple locations in Palm Coast and Palatka, Florida. She will make her debut this October at the 2011 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show.

“We are excited to see our largest yacht to date near completion. Harbour Island begins a new chapter in the history of Newcastle Shipyards as we look to build superior yachts for the most discerning owners,” owner Kevin Keith said in a statement.

The 180′ Newcastle 5500 is a 6-stateroom custom yacht featuring two king master suites and a VIP king guest suite below. The Newcastle 5500 is built to ABS Maltese Cross A1 YS, AMS, is MCA-compliant and has trans-Pacific range.