September 12 saw the 142′ Troy-built explorer yacht The Big Blue (ex Imbros) leave Derecktor Florida to undergo sea trials, following her last fifteen months at the yard. The ambitious The Big Blue yacht project was a collaboration between the yard, the vessel’s owners, as well as a host of sub-contractors.

The scope of work included the completion of various systems within superyacht The Big Blue, a major interior refit that included substantial changes to the lay-out, and the addition of a new helicopter deck and crane that required major structural additions to the vessel. The stern of the vessel was also extended and an Opacmare Transformer swim step was installed in the aft platform.

Sea trials were uneventful and The Big Blue superyacht performed just as she was expected to. The high point of the process was the first use of the new helicopter deck. The vessel’s owner is an accomplished helicopter pilot and he set his 2006 Enstrom 480B down on the deck for his first boat landing as though it was habit. The crew members were able to practice their retrieval, securing and safety processes and the event was flawless.

“The Big Blue project has been a long and rewarding process. The interface between yard personnel and the vessel’s crew was at all times collaborative and the outcome of the project fulfills the owner’s vision of a self sufficient explorer yacht capable of circumnavigation. We look forward to following her progress,” said Galloway Selby, the yard’s project manager.