Norman R. Wright & Sons

21/05/2026

Lightning strikes twice! At last year's Australian Marine Industry Awards, we were honoured to receive the award for the Commercial Project, Design or Manufacturer of the Year for our 12m XLW Class Patrol Vessel. On Tuesday night this week we were totally floored to take the win again!! this time for our extensive refit of the iconic South Pacific II, a vessel we launched in 1962.

The two projects could not be more different - one an advanced composites high speed modern patrol boat, the later a long range traditional timber motor yacht with refined interiors. They bookend the range and depth of experience at Wrights and we greatly appreciate that recognition.

We accept this award on behalf our team and long term subcontractors and suppliers who worked on SPII project, but mostly on behalf of the owner and skipper who put their trust in us.

18/05/2026

Client sea trials on our latest 12m XLW last week in squally conditions. Got a little wilder on the way back later on where we were required to run at 100% MCR (35 knots) into 25 knot Sou’Easter on ebbing tide in Moreton Bay. Videoing not possible! These boats can handle 5g bottom loading - think 25 knots into 2.5m significant wave height (ie. waves up to 4-5m). Boat likely to out survive crew at that speed.

14/05/2026

After our win last year, we're proud to be selected again as a Finalist in the 2026 Australian Marine Industry Awards, this time for our South Pacific II Refit Project! What better way to celebrate than a river cruise for the team on SPII herself with catering by the wonderful August West End. Wish us luck next week!

07/05/2026

We're very proud to announce our 12m XLW Class has been awarded Best Small Patrol Boat for 2025 by Work Boat World!
https://www.bairdmaritime.com/security/non-naval-security/police/awards-2025-best-small-patrol-boat-sea-hawk-norman-r-wright-and-sons

04/05/2026

Our 4th 12m XLW Class for NSW Police launched last week. Customised this time for their Dive Unit. Looking forward to trials this week.

24/04/2026

New to our archive - rare photos surfaced this week of the 2 Mooloolaba 70ft pilot vessels designed by NRW being christened in the 1960's. Original photography Jack Bain, Digitised and held by QUT Digital Collections. Thanks QUT!

Link to memory of these boat by Bill Wright here:
https://www.wrightsons.com.au/matthew-flinders-from-who-we-are-judged/

12/04/2026

We were honoured on Friday to welcome Yasmin Catley, NSW Minister for Policing and Counter-terrorism, and Joe McNulty, Commander, NSW Marine Area Command, along with representatives of Volvo Penta, to inspect the fourth of their 12m XLW Class Volvo IPS powered patrol vessel nearing completion - this time, a custom version for their Police Diving Unit.

More exciting news on the highly regarded 12m XLW Class to come...

27/02/2026

Rare slipping slot available in March!

Annual repairs and maintenance on the NRW hydrographic survey vessels Norfolk (MSQ) and Jim Peel (Port of Brisbane) have been completed ahead of time and we are in the extremely unusual position of having hardstand and resources available at short notice.

Call 07 3890 0899

24/02/2026

Our latest 14.2m XLW Class Pilot Vessel for PNG Ports Corporation Limited launched last week. Seen here with our Gen 2 and Gen 3 CityCats (which still look cool!)

23/01/2026