Basilisk was built in 2004 as a commercial North Atlantic fishing vessel by Bon Pelley Enterprises Ltd. of Newfoundland, Canada. She was subsequently refitted for marine research (2011-2014) then was transformed in 2015 into an expedition yacht with a 7 m aft extension, new aft mast and boom lifting 5 tons and more economical engines plus eco-friendly systems. She proudly contributes to cleaner seas through low fuel consumption, a solar electric system, an anaerobic black water treatment plant, a gray water holding system and 2 RO water-makers. Eco-friendly cleaning materials are used whenever possible. Our aim is to leave a very small footprint wherever she sails.
Cabins
Double cabins
Three 14m2 (150 s.f.) cabins, one in each pontoon on the lower deck, and one on the main deck, provide space and privacy as each cabin is isolated from the others. All beds are queen-size (150 x 200) doubles converting to two singles through use of a simple Pullman-style divider panel permeable to light and air. Decor is light and bright; bed, bath and beach linens are changed twice weekly.
All cabins include ensuite baths with large glass showers, fresh-water flush toilets, and ample storage in drawers, closets and shelves. Each cabin has individually controlled air-conditioning, an electric fan, overhead LED lighting and reading lamps with USB connections. The main deck cabin offers fresh air through two large, operable screened windows. All windows are equipped with pull-down blinds.
Public Areas
Main Level – Salon
Our bright, spacious 35 m2 (375 s.f.) air-conditioned salon with vaulted ceiling and operable windows welcomes you with its deep sofas, large screen TV with digital presentation ports plus a dining area for up to eight. An interior dining area provides seating for up to 8 guests.
Main Level – Aft Deck
This 95 m2 (1050 s.f.) space is the center of activity onboard. Most meals are served in the shade of the big awning on a big red maple table where snacks are also served and games can be played. An area is reserved for cameras and dive and snorkel equipment is stored here as well.
Upper Level – Fly Deck
After a day full of adventure, relax in sun or shade on top where cocktails are served with the best views of often spectacular sunsets. While underway, this area also doubles as a lookout perch for dolphins, whales, giant mantas, soaring boobies and the occasional surprise guest appearance of a sleepy owl, an imperious hawk or other avians on a seasonal migratory voyage.
Lower Level – Dive Pontoon
Our dive, snorkel and land excursions are reached by tender from this location. The adjacent Dive Room houses technical equipment including 2 Coltri compressors with filling station and tank racks, 2 fresh water pumps, and 2 RO Water-makers.
Deck Plans
Safety
Basilisk was designed to Canadian Lloyds III commercial fishing boat standards. Her current owner continuously improves safety and security systems to ensure she is in full compliance with her flag and the standards of the maritime authorities under which she operates. The boat is equipped with two life rafts for 8 and 12 persons, life jackets for adults and children, fire extinguishers, smoke alarms, emergency radios, AIS, a satellite phone and EPIRBS. The crew are trained to manage emergency situations and maintain their certifications on a regular basis.
- 2 Radars Furuno
- 4 GPS Furuno & Garmin
- 2 Navigation Computers
- 6 VHF radios, 4 Handheld
- Iridium Emergency SAT Phone
- 2 Echo Sounders
- 3 EPIRBs & 1 AIS
- 2 SOLAS A Liferafts (Zodiac & NKTDVL)
- Firefighting Equipment
- 14 Fire Extinguishers
- 12 Adult & 4 Child Life Jackets
- 3 Life Buoys
- 2 First Aid Kits
- Emergency Oxygen
- Orange Smoke Markers
- Emergency Flares
Specifications and Diving Facilities
General specifications
- Length: 26.79 m / 88 ft
- Beam: 9.14 m / 30 ft
- Draft: 2.45m / 8 ft
- Construction: Marine-grade aluminum
- Displacement: 90 tons
- Engines: Cummins NTA 855 M; 350 hp @ 1800 rpm
- Cruising / Max. Speed: 9.5 / 12 knots
- Range: 6000 Nautical Miles
- Flag: Antigua & Barbuda
Diving Facilities
Tenders:
Dive support: 1 x USCG Full-Cabin SAFEBoat 7.6m (25 ft) with twin 135 HP outboards and a range of up to 250 n.m., Garmin radar, GPS navigation, depth sounder
General support: 1 x Highfield RIB 3.6m (12 ft) with single 20 HP outboard and depth sounder
Scuba Compressors: 2 Coltri MCH11 ERGO TPS Compressors, air only
Scuba Tanks:
16 tanks Steel 12L + 3 children’s tanks
Diving Equipment:
In view of personal comfort and COVID issues, we recommend guests bring their own diving equipment with essential spares. A limited selection of dive equipment is available on-board for our guests to rent in case of need. Lead weights and belts plus collapsible dive flags are complimentary.
Technical Specifications
| Engines - Cummins diesel 350 hp | 2 |
| Diesel Fuel Capacity | 40'000 L/ 12K US Gal |
| Generators (1 x 33 KW & 1 x 21 KW) | 2 |
| Water Capacity | 10'000 L / 3’000 US Gal |
| RO Water-Makers | 2 – AMI & Spectra-Katadyn |
| Main Crane – hydraulic boom type | 5 tons max |
| Small Tender Winch – electric | 350 kg max |
| Capstan for stern anchor– hydraulic on-dec | 30 m stainless steel cable |
| Electrical: house use | 110V solar powered, battery stored |
| Electrical: high energy use (AC, cooker, ROs) | 220V generator powered |
| Lighting & Outlets | 110 V N American & 24V USB |
| Black Water System | anaerobic, gravity based |
| Gray Water System | collection tank, pump-out based |
History
Basilisk came into the world as a 65’ long 180 ton North Atlantic commercial fishing boat named Atlanticat. Designed by an experienced offshore fisherman in collaboration with 2 professors at Newfoundland’s Memorial University, she was a fast but stable wave-piercing catamaran with a top speed of 17 knots, thus 50% faster than her monohull competition. Atlanticat was a one-off prototype intended to improve safety for long-distance fishing out of St. John’s. The concept didn’t take hold, though, so she was sold to the university in 2011 to serve as their marine research vessel.
When the university required a larger boat, Atlanticat was sold to the owner of a boat design company, Ocean Voyager, known for renovation of working boats. Between May and November 2015, she was extended by 7 m to stern and rebuilt as a long-range explorer yacht named Rogue. In 2016, she sailed down the East Coast to the Miami International Boat Show in February. Finding no buyer, she continued southwards to Antigua where the current owner found her in May 2018, purchasing her in June.
From December 2018 till present, she has undergone a continuous annual upgrade of systems, services, equipment and amenities.
