News-Wire

CHRISTENSEN SHIPYARDS LAUNCHES, THE M/Y ODESSA

Thu, 16 Jul 2009 11:09:18 -0700

Christensen Shipyards, the nation’s premier luxury yacht builder, launches a new ship in its custom series line of composite yachts

Vancouver, WA -- Christensen Shipyard is pleased to announce that its latest yacht, the 160’ ODESSA, is near completion. Featuring an all composite, vacuum infused hull and superstructure, the M/Y ODESSA has 6 spacious cabins, including the Owners Cabin, VIP cabin, and 4 guest cabins, which allow for up to 12 guests. The modern minimalists interior styling commands an attention to detail throughout with woodwork done in satin, black walnut, and complimented with custom stonework done in-house by Christensen craftsmen. The yacht’s exterior styling was done by Christensen’s naval architects, and features a new forward raised shear and coaming, combining classic lines and sophisticated modern styling. ODESSA also marks the first Christensen yacht to feature a black hull and silver painted superstructure. Powered by twin MTU 12V 4000 series engines, she will cruise at a comfortable 12 knots, while topping out at 18 knots. ODESSA is fully classified & certified to ABS (Maltese Cross) A1-AMS & MCA Unlimited Cruising and after final fit out and sea trials, will travel on her own bottom to debut at the Fort Lauderdale show in October 2009.

ABOUT CHRISTENSEN SHIPYARDS:
The Christensen Shipyard is located in the beautiful Northwestern U.S., in Vancouver, Washington. It consists of over 180,000 square feet of climate controlled manufacturing space and a seven-acre marina. Its state of the art facility is key to the ability to adhere to high manufacturing standards and building yachts of unyielding quality and beauty.

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If you’d like more information about this yacht, contact Christensen Shipyards at 360-695-3238 or e-mail sales@christensenyachts.com

ODESSA - Yacht Premiere N11

Mon, 1 Jun 2009 08:35:03 -0700

Christensen Yachts, the renowned American shipyard specializing solely in the manufacture of luxury yachts, continues its remarkable period of intense business development. Based on its positive results so far, Christensen Yachts is now setting up a new yard in Tennessee in order to build vessels of up to 225’, especially in the size bracket of 175’ to 225’, which is now a key sector when it comes to competing at international level. This decision to expand into the challenging sector of larger yachts shows just how committed Christensen Yachts is to making its mark on the international market. Under the dynamic, confident leadership of President and Managing Director Joe Foggia, the yard is moving forward through its carefully planned strategy to swiftly expand into new foreign markets. Having spent many years focusing on the domestic market, achieving excellent results with its American clientele, Christensen Yachts is now making major changes to its strategy and its products, with a view to tackling a new international clientele just as successfully. To this end, the yard’s future plans include a more direct focus on the brand itself, by being more involved in important international boat shows and prestigious international events. Next year, for example, Christensen is planning to attend the Monaco Yacht Show with a spectacular vessel. This way the yard will gain promotion through real visibility, giving potential new clients a chance to get to know Christensen’s excellent quality at first hand. Currently, the yard is relying on its premium range to take it into the international league: namely, the fine Christensen Custom Series, expressly designed with the wealthiest owners in mind.

The range began with two stunning 157’ (48 m) yachts: hull 028, named Barchetta, and hull 029, named Marathon. These were a great success and the range continued with a further three yachts: hull 031, named Lady Joy, measuring 157’(48 m), launched in 2007 and presented in an exhaustive article in issue number 7 of Yacht Première last year; then hull 032 named Casino Royale, measuring 163’ (50 m), which was launched in August 2008 and presented at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show in October; and lastly, hull 033, named Primadonna, measuring 160’ (49 metres), launched in December 2008 and recently presented at the Miami Yacht and Brokerage Show in February of this year. However, the incredible escalating success of the Christensen Custom Series means that the American yard is currently working on a further four magnificent yachts, all measuring 160’ (49 meters): firstly hull 035, named Remember When; then hull 036 named Liquidity III, hull 037 and lastly the yacht we’ll be focusing on in this article, hull 034, named Odessa. She will be the first of the four to take to the water. The yacht will most likely be delivered to her Owner this summer, with a launch ceremony in July or August: in this case, if the owner agrees, we might have a chance to admire Odessa at an official presentation at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show 2009. The yacht’s code-name in and outside the yard has so far been “project Monkey Business”; Odessa interprets Christensen’s new internationally-oriented direction, and is the American yard’s response to changing tastes in yacht design.

The main technical data
Odessa’s naval architecture was developed by the team at Christensen Shipyards, and her hull and superstructure were built using Vacuum Infused Composite. The yacht is compliant with ABS regulations with Maltese Cross A1, as well as the AMS and MCA classifications with Unlimited Cruising. Her external dimensions are those of an imposing flagship, with a length overall of 160 feet, or 49 meters; maximum beam of 29.5 feet, or 9 meters, and draught of nearly 8 feet, i.e. nearly 2.5 meters. The new unit’s tonnage is less than 500 GT, and her maximum displacement fully loaded has been calculated at 835 tons. Odessa’s engine room will be fitted with two MTU 12V 4000 series engines, each with a maximum continuous output power of 1800 hp. ZF reverse reduction gearboxes will connect the engines to the five-blade VEEM
propellers, followed by the Jastram twin rudder blades, which operate through a hydraulic circuit. This set-up will allow the new American yacht to reach a top speed of 18 knots and a cruising speed of 14 knots, with a cruising range in excess of 4 thousand nautical miles. Her fuel tanks can hold more than 14 thousand gallons, equivalent to 54 thousand liters, while her water tanks hold more than 3500 gallons (around 13,500 liters). Odessa’s hull has a bulbous bow, providing better hydrodynamic efficiency and greater directional stability during cruising. She is also equipped with Quantum zero speed stabilizers that work during cruising and when at anchor, and are especially optimized to ensure a high level of onboard
comfort in any conditions. Odessa’s technical equipment will include two watermakers, a 100-hp bow-thruster and three Kohler generator sets: one 125 kW, one 99 kW and an emergency generator of 65 kW. As for her toys and auxiliary vessels, she will have two Sea Doo jet skis, one 23-ft main tender by Chris Craft, and one 15-ft service tender by Nautica.

The exterior styling and the interior design
Odessa’s exterior styling was designed by the team at Christensen Shipyards, using the excellent technological platform created especially for the Custom Series. However, the new Odessa differs from Christensen’s other vessels in that she has been expressly designed for the tastes of an international clientele. This is why Odessa is an important new build from a strategic point of view, as she testifies to Christensen’s skill in coming up with different, cutting edge ideas. In this sense, Odessa is the new stylistic expression of the American yard’s recent international outlook, and is the ultimate symbol of the fresh aesthetic that the yard has chosen for the future. On the outside, the majestic Odessa shows off imposing forms with very strong lines that make for a streamlined look, enhanced by the color contrast between the black-painted hull and the metallic silver-painted superstructure. This striking juxtaposition highlights the modern spirit of this new creation from Christensen. Every aspect of Odessa’s exterior has been given an innovative touch; for example, the entire length of the hull is installed with underwater lights for picturesque lighting effects during dusk and night-time hours. The yard took into account all of the Owners’ requests when it came to outfitting the large on-deck areas, providing solutions perfectly tailored to the client’s requirements. The American shipyard has brought into play all of its skills and experience in fulfilling the Owner’s wish for large open-air spaces where plenty of guests can be hosted at the glamorous cocktail throw on-board. As the Owner expressly requested, Odessa’s flybridge was widened to cover almost the same beam as the hull; the whole of this surface having been set aside for the various open-air activities of his family and guests. The flybridge includes a series of leisure areas: a panoramic lounge, a vast sunbathing area with a swimming pool and bar counter, plus an area available for
emergency helicopter landings. Likewise, when it came to the interiors, Christensen carried out its work to perfection, respecting all of the Owner’s wishes and ideas through an extremely professional approach. The results are truly impressive, and the shipyard has created a true home from home for Odessa’s owner. A luxurious, intimate dwelling has been created, with comfortable and flexible social and private areas that are ideal for the Owner’s guests and for charter passengers too. Needless to say, Odessa’s décor is unlike that of Christensen’s other yachts, with different styling and finishes, and is fully in line with the latest international trends, featuring a modern, contemporary look. The linear, minimalist interior design is the result of a very special working partnership: the Christensen Shipyards team, coordinated by Odessa project manager Jean Pierre Phillips, worked alongside Robert Lowden, who is Odessa’s captain and the Owner’s representative. The yard also worked closely with Armani Casa, which contributed the furnishings. From the main salon to the upper salon, from the Owner’s suite to the guest cabins, Odessa has been designed to have incredibly cosy, comfortable interiors throughout. Each space, whatever its intended use, has been designed with the same style and attention to detail, for truly flawless results.
Odessa’s spacious interiors are bright yet intimate at the same time; luxurious but warm and relaxing, with a refined yet sophisticated elegance throughout. Odessa’s beauty is reflected perfectly in the stylized, pared-down sumptuousness of the prestigious Italian furnishings, which express the new international language of style to excellent effect.

- Flaviano Perelli

Christensen 160 Primadonna

Wed, 13 May 2009 08:13:46 -0700

Christensen Yachts has made quite a name for itself over the last decade with the yachts in its distinctive Custom Series. For example, Casino Royale, the Washington shipyard’s most notable launch in 2008, featured detailed sapele wainscoting, complex stonework patterns, original artwork, and the curvy shapes of Bond girls—a part of the yacht’s James Bond theme—etched in glass in the boat’s foyer.
Primadonna, the 160-foot tri-deck superyacht unveiled in February at the Miami International Boat Show, is certainly less ornate than Casino Royale, but it is no less impressive in the level of its craftsmanship. Designer Carol Williamson used a light touch when creating the boat’s elegant yet relaxed interior. She employed sapele with high-gloss finish in the salon and dining areas, as well as in the skylounge foyer. In the foyer floor, Williamson created an intricate shell-shaped design with mother-of-pearl and Botticino, Verde Giada, Costa Smeralda, and St. Laurent marbles.
The owners’ suite boasts the same level of detail: The husband’s side of the bathroom is white with emerald onyx, and the wife’s side (separated from the husband’s area by an enormous shower) has white onyx and rose quartz. The bridge and main-deck powder rooms feature Botticino and St. Laurent marbles.
Primadonna’s owner, who says he would rather sport fish off the Baja California coast than mingle with more socially inclined yachtspeople in Cannes, plans to spend months on board next year on an extended cruise around the South Pacific. To make the transpacific journey, the yacht has an impressive range of nearly 5,000 statute miles. To indulge the owner’s passion, Christensen included a set of navigation controls on the stern so that the captain can back the vessel up for fishing maneuvers. There are also zero-speed stabilizers that minimize rolling during overnight stays in secluded anchorages. Finally, Primadonna has a touch-and-go helipad, allowing guests to join the yacht in remote locations.
"This is the owner’s second Christensen," says Christian Bakewell, Primadonna’s captain. "On our first trip to Baja, he fell in love with his new boat. The previous Primadonna was 145 feet long, so this was a big upgrade." The owner, he says, was "flabbergasted" that they did not experience any maintenance issues after the launch. "We’ve put a few thousand miles on the engines and so far, no alarms or any other problems," Bakewell says. "I’m impressed with the exterior layout and level of detailing on the interior. But I’m bowled over by how well the yacht handled its first few months at sea."
Christensen Yachts, 360.695.3238, www.christensenyachts.com
—Michael Verdon

Christensen Shipyards Launches M/Y Primadonna

Tue, 2 Dec 2008 16:42:28 -0800

Vancouver, WA -- Christensen Shipyard is pleased to announce that its latest yacht, the 160’ Primadonna, is near completion. Featuring an all composite, vacuum infused hull and superstructure, Primadonna is being built for a repeat customer, who, after traveling to some of the most remote corners of the World on his 145’ Christensen, has decided he, “wanted a little more space for his friends and family”. The interior was designed by Carol Williamson and Associates to a design brief which called for “casual elegance”. The yacht has 6 spacious cabins, including the Owners Cabin, VIP cabin, and 4 guest cabins which allow for up to 12 guests; interior woodwork has been done in a combination of semi and high-gloss Sapele mahogany, with custom stonework throughout by Jeff Homchick. The yacht’s exterior styling was done in-house by Christensen’s naval architects, and features smooth, classic lines which are puntuated by sloped pilothouse windows and a purposeful bow shear. Powered by twin MTU 12V 4000 series engines, she will cruise at a comfortable 12 knots, while topping out at 18 knots. Primadonna is fully classified & certified to ABS (Maltese Cross) A1-AMS & MCA Unlimited Cruising and after final fit out and sea trials, will travel on her own bottom to debut at the Miami Yacht and Brokerage show in February 2009. Robert Emerson CSL’s Project Manager comments, even though there were some change orders requested by the client, because of the owner’s ability to make quick, final decisions when necessary, the project is right on schedule for a December 2008 delivery.
ABOUT CHRISTENSEN SHIPYARDS:
The Christensen Shipyard is located in the beautiful Northwestern U.S., in Vancouver, Washington. It consists of over 180,000 square feet of climate controlled manufacturing space and a seven-acre marina. Its state of the art facility is key to the ability to adhere to high manufacturing standards and building yachts of unyielding quality and beauty.
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If you’d like more information about this yacht, contact Christensen Shipyards at 360-695-3238 or e-mail sales@christensenyachts.com

Christensen Shipyards has Launched Newest Meg-Yacht, M/Y Casino Royale

Fri, 1 Aug 2008 10:50:05 -0700

John Staluppi, legendary yacht builder and owner of Millenium Super Yachts will take possession of Christensen’s largest ship to date

Vancouver, WA --The newest Christensen yacht, the M/Y Casino Royale was christened on July 2 by Mr. Staluppi’s wife Jeanette, and witnessed by a host of excited onlookers. Besides bearing the name of the recent James Bond thriller, the yacht shares a similarly Bond-esque themed interior, created in part by the owners and Carol Williamson & Associates. As you walk up the spiral staircase, you’ll notice the sexy silhouettes of curvaceous Bond girls emblazoned on frosted glass panes, softly illuminated by LED lighting. Unique to the Casino Royale is the extensive custom stonework throughout the interior, including a intricately carved roulette wheel made of stone and petrified wood designed by Jeff Homchick.
The elegant yacht features an interior made of Sapelle Mahogany raised panel joinery with custom marble and granite work throughout the Main Salon & Dining Areas. The spacious hull houses an elegant main deck owner stateroom and private bath with marble wainscoting, bath and sinks. The VIP stateroom includes an en suite bath with marble and granite throughout. With plenty of room for visitors, there are also five guest accommodations, as well as crew’s quarters for up to ten.
With over 6900 square feet of interior space, the 163’ Christensen “Millennium” Edition tri-deck exemplifies the optimal use of space that Christensen has become renowned for, and has ample space for entertaining. The composite hulled yacht has been designed by Christensen Shipyards and is powered by twin MTU 12V 4000 series engines. The Casino Royale will have a maximum speed of 18 knots, while cruising at 12 knots and has a range of 4500 nautical miles. Another new addition to this boat is Christensen Shipyards’ first Stern Thruster which is now offered in the Custom Series line.
“We’ve had great experience working with Mr. and Mrs. Staluppi and we are definitely looking forward to working with them again. Their 30+ years of experience from building many different yachts over the years has really pushed our creativity to the limits and in many new directions. This kind of creativity really comes across in the Casino Royale,” stated Joe Foggia, President of Christensen.
The Casino Royale is fully classified & certified to ABSxA1-AMS & MMA Unlimited Cruising.
After final fit out and sea trials, Casino Royale will head to Alaska, then will travel on her own bottom to Fort Lauderdale where she will debut in the 2008 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, October 30-November 3rd, 2008.

ABOUT CHRISTENSEN SHIPYARDS:
The Christensen Shipyard is located in the beautiful Northwestern U.S., in Vancouver, Washington. It consists of over 180,000 square feet of climate controlled manufacturing space and a seven-acre marina. Its state of the art facility is key to the ability to adhere to high manufacturing standards and building yachts of unyielding quality and beauty.