Please select your home edition
Edition
Hyde Sails 2024 - One Design

Hervey Bay Boat Builder constructs large modules for innovative "Reef Sleep" underwater observatory

by BtB Marine 15 Sep 2021 22:50 BST

Sleeping underwater on the Great Barrier Reef will soon be a reality, thanks in part to an innovative boat builder.

Hervey Bay-based BtB Marine has been involved in building a magnificent marine tourism masterpiece that will soon be wowing thousands of visitors to the Southern Great Barrier Reef with an absolutely unique experience.

The Lady Musgrave Experience "Lady Musgrave HQ" reef pontoon is 35 metres long, and will provide overnight glamping accommodation above deck for 16 guests and accommodation for 20 guests underwater in a glass-walled observatory, as well as a base for day trippers for snorkelling and scuba diving activities.

BtB Marine built the 14.5 metre long underwater observatory, 20m swim platform and observatory access staircases in their Hervey Bay workshop last year. The pontoon was then assembled, launched and fitted out in the Port of Bundaberg under the direction of Steve Foster from Oceaneer Marine Services and Site Manager Craig Foster.

Guests will be able to sleep in the underwater observatory, enjoying the sights and sounds of the great Barrier Reef at night.

According to Chris Hough BtB Marine General Manager; "We're very excited that the massive underwater observatory and pontoon platforms we built for the Lady Musgrave HQ in our Hervey Bay workshop is now moored in the Lady Musgrave Island lagoon.

Visitors will not only be able to enjoy snorkelling and diving on the Great Barrier reef, but will also be able to sleep overnight under the water and glamping-style on deck in luxury tents on this world-class facility. How good will that be?"

Lady Musgrave HQ is a three-level pontoon which is now nestled in the sheltered waters of Lady Musgrave Island Lagoon. With bookings open from October 2021, this is set to change guest experiences on the Southern Great Barrier Reef.

The pontoon features the most sustainable and eco-friendly build in the world. Above the waterline, the innovative zero-impact design is completely solar and wind-powered, and below the waves, coral cultivation and Citizen Science programs give back to the world's greatest natural treasure. The sustainable tourism experience will have no footprint, with all waste going into holding tanks for transport back to the mainland.

"BtB Marine has always come from a philosophy of looking at innovative ways to build and operate ecologically sustainable vessels," said Chris. "Safety, reliability and practicality are paramount issues for vessels in remote locations. Our vessels have been performing remarkably for many years in many locations around Australia and right throughout the Pacific Island Nations. It was an absolute pleasure to collaborate with Lady Musgrave Experience Managing Director Brett Lakey on this very special project".

BtB Marine's innovation skills and boat building capability were recognised by the Australian Marine industry in 2020, with the company winning both "The Australian Marine Industry Award for Innovation" and also taking out the AusMarine award for the "Best Multi-Purpose Workboat".

Related Articles

Miracle Midlands Championship at Staunton Harold
A great start to the season despite the challenging conditions Staunton Harold Sailing Club hosted the first Miracle class event of the year over the May Whit Bank Holiday weekend. Desp — after at least three teams decided against making the trip due to the conditions. Posted today at 5:03 pm
The evolving world of sailing fabrics
The sport of sailing is evolving, and the clothing we wear is changing with it The sport of sailing is evolving, and the clothing we wear is changing with it. We see features such as impact protection becoming more commonplace, but there is a more subtle change happening with the fabric of the garments themselves. Posted today at 4:00 pm
Topper Coastal Championships at Plas Heli
Pwllheli is a great sailing venue but 97 sailors didn't see the best side of it With 79 sailors entered in the 5.3 rig it called for flights and ensured some good racing in some tricky conditions. Posted today at 3:22 pm
Greenwich Yacht Club Raises Over £3,000 for RNLI
Through its annual Tower Lifeboat Station Yacht Race on 1st June Greenwich Yacht Club (GYC) successfully raised a total of over £3,000 for RNLI Lifeboats through its annual Tower Lifeboat Station Yacht Race on 1st June, held on the River Thames. Posted today at 3:10 pm
Rooster RS Elite UK National Championship Preview
Being held as part of the Royal Thames Yacht Club 250th Anniversary Regatta The Rooster RS Elite UK National Championship kicks off next Wednesday in Cowes as part of the Royal Thames Yacht Club 250th Anniversary Regatta. Posted today at 2:38 pm
Staunton Harold's 'Graduate Dinghy' Gin Race
A Spirited Finale to the Nationals! To round off a brilliant Bank Holiday weekend of Graduate Championship racing, Staunton Harold Sailing Club hosted the light-hearted but keenly contested 'Chocolate Smiths' Gin Handicap Pursuit Race. Posted today at 1:42 pm
Warrior EAORA top scoring boat in North Sea Race
Winning the Charlie Mills Memorial Trophy Simon Farren's A40 Warrior, co-skippered by Ben Peter, won class two in ther RORC North Sea Race - so winning the Charlie Mills Memorial Trophy for the highest placed EAORA boat in the race. Posted today at 1:21 pm
Sailing Chandlery RS400 Southern Tour at Parkstone
10-20 knot South Westerly breezes and sunshine greeted the sailors A super forecast of a 10-20 knot South Westerly breezes and sunshine greeted the sailors for the combined RS400 Southern Tour sponsored by Sailing Chandlery and the South West Ugly Tour RS200 Open Meeting. Posted today at 1:15 pm
2025 Dutch Youth Regatta overall
A new chapter in Kamperland After nearly two decades in Workum, the Dutch Youth Regatta (DYR) embarked on a new journey in Kamperland. The move to Roompot Marina introduced sailors to the dynamic conditions of the Oosterschelde, offering both challenges and opportunities for growth. Posted today at 12:02 pm
Vortex Nationals at Yorkshire Dales
A sailing club with a hot tub?! After rigging the boats on Saturday morning we had a briefing from race officer Stuart Walker and then a good lunch was served by the galley team. The weekend looked like being a light wind affair going by the weather forecasts. Posted today at 10:43 am