Big Sky Is a Gentle Giant Born for Fabulous Family Vacations

Like most superyachts that have been around for a while, Big Sky had a different name when it was launched, chosen by its original owner. Australis was a name that paid homage to the vessel's origin. The 48-meter (157 feet) pleasure craft was built in Australia and launched in 2010. At the time, the Oceanfast shipyard had big dreams of expanding its activity with a new series of mid-sized luxury yachts. Sadly, financial difficulties put an end to that dream just like they did with other Australian shipyards.

Oceanfast Yachts was founded in 1988. A decade later, it was acquired by the world-famous Austal, dubbed "The Australian Shipbuilder." Austal is mostly known as a leading military vessel builder with a strong focus on maritime technology. Oceanfast was exclusively dedicated to luxury pleasure craft and gained global recognition for superyachts like the 177-foot (54 meters) Fortunate Sun, the 227-foot (70 meters) Nomad, and the 150-foot (45.6 meters) Perfect Persuasion.

Just three years after Australis' debut, the original owner pumped more than $2 million in an extensive structural refit and interior restyling. It was most likely worth it because the Aussie luxury yacht turned out to be a hit on the charter market. However, the same owner decided to part with it before the yacht's ten-year anniversary. In 2017, Australis became Big Sky, a name it has kept to this day. At the time, the yacht was worth more than $10 million.

This year brought a new turning point for the Australian yacht. It changed hands once again for nearly $11 million, also changing its charter operator. The sale came after another major refit earlier this year. Prior to that, Big Sky had refreshed its interiors in 2018, with the help of Alder and Tweed Design, and had gotten multiple upgrades in 2019 at the acclaimed Lauderdale Marine Center (LMC) in Florida.

During this summer season, one week onboard Big Sky costs nearly $200,000 – a hefty sum, considering its age. Still, Big Sky continues to be one of the most popular charter yachts, particularly for its family-friendly features.

The three-deck structure, boasting a 492 GT volume, is generous enough to accommodate up to 11 guests across five elegant staterooms, as well as a large 10-people crew. The master suite on the main deck is the classic, apartment-style stateroom, with a walk-in wardrobe and large en-suite bathroom with his-and-her sinks, an elegant sculptural bathtub, and a separate shower. Three VIP cabins and one twin with an additional bunk bed are located on the lower deck, offering flexible accommodation that can be adapted to the needs of each charter guest.

The main salon is the perfect place for onboard family fun. The oversized windows allow natural light to flood the room, while a modern entertainment system, Wi-Fi, and big-screen TV keep things fun. This spacious salon connects with the separate dining room big enough to seat 11 people around a massive table.

The skylounge is one of Big Sky's distinctive features due to the innovative sliding windows. They help to open up the entire skylounge deck, creating an al-fresco effect. Fitted with a glamorous onyx bar, another big-screen TV, and ample seating throughout, this becomes another excellent spot for hanging out and enjoying the ride.

An elegant staircase connects the skylounge deck to the beautifully-configured sun deck. This massive deck is divided into three sections. The large circular jacuzzi, surrounded by huge sun pads, is located forward, together with a small seating area. A modern bar takes up most of the central part, while a lavish lounge area is located aft. This cozy spot with large sofas and optional shading turns into a beautiful outdoor cinema in the evening.

From the main deck, onboard guests can access the swimming platform for a closer connection to the water. Big Sky comes with a well-equipped toybox that has something to offer for water lovers of all ages. Performance-wise, Big Sky is propelled by twin MTU engines of 1,330 HP, allowing it to hit the waves as fast as 16 knots (18.4 mph/29.6 kph).

Big Sky is a superyacht that invites people to enjoy the breathtaking views at sea in full comfort. All three of its teak decks are adapted for dining in the open air, in addition to the large lounge areas with modern entertainment systems. Although not as famous as other superyachts launched by the Australian Oceanfast, Big Sky has plenty of goodies to offer. It remains one of the most beloved charter options in the highly competitive luxury yacht market, even after more than a decade.