Cairns celebrates silver anniversary with a superyacht icon
Cairns Marlin Marina has rolled out the red carpet for the return of one of the world’s most recognisable expedition yachts. The 126-metre M/Y Octopus, built by Lürssen and originally commissioned by the late Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen, is back in Australian waters for an extended month-long stay.
Her visit coincides with the 25th anniversary of the Superyacht Group Great Barrier Reef (SYGGBR), a milestone moment for a sector that has grown from occasional stopovers to regular long-term basing.
“Having Octopus here for our silver anniversary is something very special,” said SYGGBR Manager Jodie Growden. “It shows just how far we’ve come, with Cairns now hosting vessels of this size for extended periods and directly supporting dozens of local businesses.”
Economic lift for the region
Superyacht visits inject tens of millions into local economies in short bursts, and Octopus is no exception. From marine servicing and provisioning to crew hospitality and tourism, her month in port will support a wide range of industries.
Ports North’s Damien Cranswick noted that Cairns’ appeal lies in both geography and capability. “We’re ideally placed at the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, and we’ve built the marine infrastructure to match. Cairns has proven itself as a year-round superyacht base.”
An icon of exploration and luxury
Launched in 2003, Octopus remains one of the most advanced expedition yachts afloat. With an ice-class hull, twin helipads, a dive centre complete with hyperbaric chamber, cinema, spa, library, Hammam, and a fleet of tenders and ROVs, she is equally suited to high-latitude exploration and Mediterranean glamour.
The yacht accommodates 26 guests in 13 cabins, with space for 60 crew. Her reputation for both research and recreation makes her unique among the global superyacht fleet.
Celebration on the waterfront
As part of the 25th anniversary celebrations, SYGGBR will host an exclusive dockside event at Sailfish Quay with Octopus providing a fitting backdrop. The gathering will bring together captains, crew, industry leaders, and local stakeholders to reflect on the growth of the sector and its future potential.
For Cairns, the extended presence of Octopus underscores confidence in the region as a hub for the world’s largest yachts — and positions the city at the heart of Asia–Pacific superyachting.
