Star Ferry DOT For Sale with Ocean Independence
"Probably the best priced largest floating real estate for sale in Hong Kong."
The Golden Star, named after its predecessor who retired in 1968, is a UK-built vessel that measures 47 metres long, and is 11 metres longer than others in the Star Ferry fleet. This particular Hong Kong heirloom was built in the city’s glory years of the 1980s, a period of economic prosperity. Unfortunately, with dwindling figures due to travellers opting to take the MTR, in 2011 the Star Ferry route from Wanchai to Hung Hom was closed. At that point an unprecedented event occurred, the Golden Star was put up for sale.
Back in his childhood, her owner-to-be had fond memories of the magical Star Ferry rides he took with his family across the harbour in Hong Kong and in doing so developed a deep affection for these ships. He enjoyed their robust yet elegant appearance with their iconic double ends. In his 20's, whilst working in Hung Hom, he reconnected with them, travelling to work each morning on this very flagship vessel, Golden Star.
And so, seizing this unique opportunity, her new owner began a relationship once again with the vessel, converting DOT into a family weekend retreat and securing a berth in the beautiful Tai Tam inlet, his favourite bay in Hong Kong. He has maximised the incredible 6,000ft2 of living space to open up the main area, with a central mezzanine level giving room for the largest sofa in Hong Kong (and the capacity for a 14ft Christmas tree). There is also a very impressive on-board cinema room.
As the vessel is on a mooring and not plugged into shore power or a water supply, it was important to the owner when undertaking this conversion to make the vessel as independent and self-sufficient as possible whilst also factoring in a host of eco-friendly considerations.
They fitted 172m2 of solar panels and a large bank of batteries in order to provide as much solar power as possible and DOT achieves between 75 and 80 % of power consumption from solar. Roof insulation, shade wings and double glazing have been carefully installed to keep the decks cool in the summer. The kitchen and dining area has large sliding doors opening up on both sides to allow a really good sea breeze to waft through the boat when temperatures get too much. The roof tends to e used the most for outdoor dining and sunbathing, although the old first-class landing platforms were converted into half moon balconies.
The owner set up a water catchment system so that when it rains the water is collected into the water tanks. From here the water is filtered from one tank to another and provides most of the water they use on board.
They have 50,000 litres of storage capacity, with sometimes around 7,000 litres captured in just one summer downpour. In the dry season they do run water-makers to make up the balance of water that is required from seawater.
With accommodation for eight guests, all four staterooms have a bath as well as a separate standing shower, which is only possible due to the fantastic proportions of the ferry.
As their personal getaway, the family have spent idyllic weekends on board this floating retreat. It is the owners' hope that her new owner will adore DOT and create as many happy memories as they have.
DOT is available for sale through Ocean Independence – asking price HKD 21 million
Central agency broker for Ocean Independence in the specialist Hong Kong office: Miles Clark - miles@ocyachts.com.
Ocean Independence is a full-service superyacht brokerage company, specialising in yacht sales, charter, new build and management. One of the fastest-growing companies in the luxury-yachting sector, it has the largest crewed charter fleet in the world and a team that combines more years of marine expertise than any other brokerage company globally. Founded in 2005, Ocean Independence now has approximately 115 employees, operating from 15 offices around the world, speaking 23 different languages.