KEY POINTS:
A $60-plus million superyacht complete with jacuzzi, barbecue and king-sized bedroom with steamroom is bringing a touch of luxury to Henderson Creek in West Auckland.
The 50 metre MY Sensation was due to be launched at noon today in the creek beside the boat-building yard where she was built from scratch during the last two years.
The builder, Sensation Yachts, was keeping mum on the identity of the vessel's owner, refusing even to reveal if it was a New Zealander.
But the boat, crewed by a staff of 12, would ultimately cruise the Mediterranean and be based in Europe.
Its opulent interior, finished with hand-stitched leather on the walls, silks and French oak, could sleep 10 guests.
The owner's suite featured a private office, king-sized bedroom and a bathroom complete with steamroom.
Managing director Paul Sills said the entire vessel was made on site, including the furniture.
Spokeswoman Suzannah Moss-Wright said the boat had practical constraints as well as the need to cater to "six-star" service.
"It's almost a floating town," she said. "You have to be able to make your own water, you have to be able to generate your own power."
Ms Moss-Wright said the vessel was smaller than businessman Graeme Hart's 58-metre superyacht MY Ulysses, with sleeker lines.
"Graeme Hart's yacht is a conversion of an existing vessel that he's turned into a superyacht whereas this one has been built specifically to be a superyacht."
After launching at noon today the boat was due to berth at Westhaven Marina for several weeks while final tests were carried out. It will then sail to the Dubai International Boat Show and to Singapore, where Sensation Yachts is establishing a base.
