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Inside the star yacht of Below Deck Down Under season two

Television network Bravo will begin airing season two of Below Deck Down Under on 17 July, a Below Deck spin-off which follows a yacht crew over an eight-week charter season in Australia. This instalment sees Captain Jason Chambers return at the helm, cruising guests around the warm, tropical waters and colourful cays of the near-uninhabited Whitsunday Islands. Making her debut down under is Northern Sun , a Japanese superyacht with an unexpected history. BOAT takes a look inside…

Delivered in 1976 under the name Hokko Maru (“Northern Light”), Northern Sun has lived a full and fascinating life. At 50.8 metres, she was the largest yacht built by Narasaki Shipbuilding at the time and worked as an ice-class research vessel, analysing marine life and ocean currents in the North Japan Sea. The transformation from ship to superyacht came in 2006 when she underwent a two-year refit, courtesy of her new owners.

Northern Sun has the hardy constitution of an explorer, marking a departure from the first season’s white boat Keri Lee III . 

When her current owners undertook renovations, they were intent to elevate her to superyacht standards while still maintaining her distinctive look. Her old windlasses are still visible on the forward deck, the master cabin has retained its original camber and even the engine room looks exactly as it did when she was a research ship. "Looks" being the operative word, of course – she’s had several system upgrades since the 70s.

Interiors include natural materials such as narra and makore wood (commonly known as cherry mahogany). This dark wood furniture and wall panelling give Northern Sun her warm, traditional feel, while the cabins themselves are dotted with the owners’ collection of travel paraphernalia. It makes for an eclectic living space, with indoor sofa seating accented by authentic Persian rugs and the formal dining room and master suite fixed with guild-frame, 19th century oil paintings. Keep an eye out for one of the owners’ most coveted pieces, a 100-year-old ship’s clock which still rings out the two-hour, maritime work shift also known as "the dog watch".

Northern Sun’s main deck is dedicated entirely to entertainment, from the al fresco dining area to the main saloon with its piano and games table. Other leisure highlights include gym equipment, a dedicated library on the lower deck and an outdoor Jacuzzi, surrounded by sun pads and lounge beds. The owners’ addition of a forward seating area during her refit allows for versatile recreation, whether the mood calls for cocktail parties or quiet, waterside contemplation.

The superyacht naturally has impressive stowing capacity, with space for scuba-diving equipment, a waterski and a two-deck-high inflatable water slide. There are also two Laser sailboats, enabling nimbler exploration along Australia’s shallow bays and coral reefs.

The owners spent ten years cruising through Southeast Asia after Northern Sun was refitted. Using the superyacht as a base for adventures, they've scuba-dived in the Andaman Sea, kayaked in the mangrove swamps of Phang Nga Bay and explored some of Indonesia’s most remote fishing islands. In 2015, they decided to put Northern Sun on the charter market, where she quickly became one of the most popular yachts available in Thailand. Now, she’s made her way across the seas to become the breakout star of Below Deck Down Under .

Captain Jason will be joined by returning chief stew Aesha Scott, working alongside a brand-new crew.

Northern Sun is currently listed with Ocean Independence , with a weekly charter starting from $161,700 and an asking price of $15,000,000.

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Northern Sun a Narasaki Superyacht

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If you have any questions about the Northern Sun information page below please contact us .

50m motor yacht Northern Sun is a long-range displacement expedition vessel, previously known as the Japanese ice-class marine research vessel Hokko Maru, launched in 1976 by the Japanese shipyard Narasaki Shipbuilding. From 2005 to 2008, the Northern Sun superyacht underwent a complete conversion in the Philippines, Singapore as well as Thailand and is available for luxury yacht charters in Southeast Asia. She was refitted in 2022.

NOTABLE FEATURES for NORTHERN SUN: Exploration styled yacht with long distance cruising capabilities ~ Vast interior living ~ Elegant decor ~ Great outdoor living ~ Fitness equipment ~ Jacuzzi on deck ~ Excellent selection of water toys ~ Zero speed stabilizers ~ Wifi

Narasaki luxury yacht Northern Sun is able to comfortably sleep 12 guests, looked after by a friendly and professional crew of 11.

Luxury motor yacht NORTHERN SUN has a warm welcoming interior, featuring sumptuous woods, hand-woven rugs throughout and contemporary bespoke soft furnishings. The salon is on the main deck surrounded by panoramic windows, allowing for stunning views and ample natural light. Guest may enjoy relaxing in 3 well-appointed spaces, from the games area forward to the lounge centered, to a further lounge aft. On the lower deck, a generous formal dining area seats guests in style. Forward of the dining area is the full beam master suite and one twin cabin, while aft and below decks are a further 4, bright and airy guest cabins.

Northern Sun Specifications

Charter yacht NORTHERN SUN offers plenty of exterior living on 3 decks. The main deck has direct access to the salon and boasts a massive partially shaded aft area, ideal for relaxing or entertaining, alfresco dining option, followed by central access steps to the extended swim platform and a fabulous assortment of water toys. Forward, a spacious seating area is perfect for evening aperitifs. An upper deck wraps around 360° and features the pilot house and navigation area. The sundeck is spacious and perfect for a casual afternoon or romantic evening, complete with seating, tables, service area and deluxe Spa Pool tub. Run by twin Yanmar 6G-UT diesel engines, the 50m superyacht Northern Sun (ex Hokko Maru) reaches a maximum speed of 13 knots and a cruising speed of 10.5 knots. The all-steel Northern Sun boasts a beam of 9m (29´53´´) and a maximum draught of 5m (16´40´´).

Tenders & Toys: 1 x 23ft rigid jet engine tender - 6 guests + driver, 1 x 23ft RIB tender - 6 guests + driver, 2 x Laser sailing dinghies, 2 x iAquas, 5 x scuba equipment, 10 x Kayaks 4 double and 6 single, 1 x Awake electric surfboard, 2 x wakeboards, 1 x Wakesurf Board, 2 x doughnuts, 4 x rigid stand up paddle boards, 1 x Adult waterskis, 1 x 5.5m inflatable slide (two decks high - from bridge deck), 12 x snorkeling gear, Assorted children's toys, Jet ski can be hired

Yacht Accommodation

50m Narasaki superyacht Northern Sun is able to easily accommodate 12 charter guests, looked after by an impeccable crew of 11.

Amenities and Extras

Tenders & Toys: 1 x 23ft rigid jet engine tender - 6 guests + driver 1 x 23ft RIB tender - 6 guests + driver 2 x Laser sailing dinghies 2 x iAquas 5 x scuba equipment 10 x Kayaks 4 double and 6 single 1 x Awake electric surfboard 2 x wakeboards 1 x Wakesurf Board 2 x doughnuts 4 x rigid stand up paddle boards 1 x Adult waterskis 1 x 5.5m inflatable slide (two decks high - from bridge deck) 12 x snorkeling gear Assorted children's toys Jet ski can be hired Diving Gear Dive locker with compressor, tanks & equipment however rendezvous diving arranged. Gym equipment: Gym equipment: Running machine rowing machine exercise bike yoga mats assorted weights Bozu ball (set up on the fwd deck) Massage table (external Masseuse to be hired as extra if required) Communications: Comprehensive audio-visual systems, satellite television. Satcom & cellular communications facilities. V-Sat at no additional cost but the geographical areas doesn't allow the strength for streaming.

Northern Sun Disclaimer:

The luxury yacht Northern Sun displayed on this page is merely informational and she is not necessarily available for yacht charter or for sale, nor is she represented or marketed in anyway by CharterWorld. This web page and the superyacht information contained herein is not contractual. All yacht specifications and informations are displayed in good faith but CharterWorld does not warrant or assume any legal liability or responsibility for the current accuracy, completeness, validity, or usefulness of any superyacht information and/or images displayed. All boat information is subject to change without prior notice and may not be current.

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