Burger Prepares to Launch Mirgab V! ... the Largest Project in Burger's History. Manitowoc, Wisconsin, U.S.A. - On May 6, 2006, Burger Boat Company, one of the world’s most historic and prestigious shipyards is scheduled to launch the largest aluminum yacht in its illustrious 143-year history, Mirgab V, the 144' Tri-Deck for the Alshaya Family from Kuwait. With a heritage that dates back to 1863 when Abraham Lincoln was President, Burger has received worldwide recognition throughout its history for the design and production of exceedingly high-quality commercial, military and pleasure craft. The Company continues to be recognized for its pioneering spirit and its willingness to incorporate new technologies whenever possible. Within the last two years the company has undergone an unprecedented transformation in: · Personnel (growing from 180 to 450 full-time employees) · The facilities (complete and total rebuilding of the shipyard, major investments in equipment, machinery and off-site locations) · Redefining the range of construction (moving from 85' – 130' to a new range of 115' – 200') · A new class of all fully certified MCA (Maritime and Coastguard Agency) and ABS (American Bureau of Shipping) yacht design and construction The Alshaya family clearly took a “leap of faith” in presenting Burger Boat Company its first “BIG” yacht order. After Mirgab V was signed, several other yachts followed including the 154' Tri-deck – Time For Us, 2 x 127' Tri-decks – Areti I & Areti II, 142' Tri-deck – Sea Owl, 143' Fantail Cruiser – Sycara, a yet to be named 158' Quad-Deck – Hull #508 and a yet to be named 101' High-speed Enclosed Bridge – Hull #509. In fact, since the decision was made to move into the larger market, Burger is celebrating the largest backorder in history and is finalizing three additional yacht projects. The 144' MIRGAB V is a total “in-house” designed, engineered and built motor yacht with over 8,100 sq. ft. (752.5 sq. m) of luxurious interior and exterior living space. The yachts stunning interior design can be best described as classic contemporary with the use of raised-panel African Cherry (Makoré) throughout. The defining focal point on the yacht is a 40” (1m) diameter, glass-tube pneumatic elevator surrounded by a circular sculpted bronze stairway and illuminated glass treads spanning three stories. This incredible stairway, designed and crafted by Les Metalliers Champenois, is grounded on all three levels with almost 1,076 sq. ft. (100 sq. m) of the rarest onyx stone. All of the stone and stonework in the yacht is being provided and hand fit by Bigelli Marmi of Italy representing some of the finest stone artisans in the world. This yacht has several other very unique features including side deck bulwarks that fold down into a verandah, an integral swim platform that converts to a grand stairway to the sea. Mirgab V is powered by 12V-4000 MTU engines propelling the semi-displacement hull form to nearly 20-knots and will be fully ABS certified and MCA compliant. Managing the project and representing the family throughout construction is the highly experienced and competent team of Richard Davies and Roberta Johnson from Technical Support Limited of Viareggio, Italy. This magnificent vessel will be based in the Mediterranean on the French Riviera and with the kind permission from the Alshaya family, Mirgab V will be on display at the 2006 Monaco Yacht Show. The launching ceremony will be open to the public and the Alshaya family is sponsoring a public fireworks display on the evening of May 6, 2006 at 8:20 p.m. across from the Wisconsin Maritime Museum. Burger Boat Company 1811 Spring St. Manitowoc, WI 54220 920-686-5104 tel www.burgerboat.com
Launch Ceremony Carl - I am going head up to Manitowoc for the launch. Will have digital in tow and will try to get some images for the Yachtforums site. Its made the news up here about this boat being launched. Will upload on Sunday if I am able to get images.
Mirgab V is Launched! On May 6, 2006 at 10:30 a.m., Burger Boat Company launched Mirgab V in the presence of the Alshaya family from Kuwait. Over 1200 onlookers stood by with eager anticipation as Burger's new 500-ton Marine Travelift carefully lowered Mirgab V, a 144' Tri-deck, into the water for the first time. Mohammad Alshaya spoke on behalf of the family and expressed his gratitude to the craftspeople of Burger and stated the vessel will serve as an ambassador in Europe and the Middle East. Later that evening, a spectacular fireworks display, sponsored by the Alshaya family, was shared with the community of Manitowoc. Mirgab V will be based in the Mediterranean on the French Riviera and with permission from the Alshaya family, Burger's largest launch to date will be on display at the 2006 Monaco Yacht Show.
