In a sign of the times, a megayacht begun at one yard is now being finished by another.
Delta Marine will be completing the code-named Project Monarch, originally contracted by Northern Marine. Financing for the 150’8” (46.2-meter) megayacht is being provided by Caterpillar Financial Services, a.k.a. Cat Financial, the financial arm of Caterpillar. Delta and Cat Financial have worked together on previous projects.
Given Cat Financial’s involvement, it probably comes as no surprise that the yacht will feature twin 2,250-hp Caterpillar engines. Top speed is expected to be 21 knots, with cruise around 18 knots. The leisurely speed of 12 knots should translate to a 3,000-nautical-mile range. Designed by Jonathan Quinn Barnett inside and out, Project Monarch will meet both ABS classification and MCA requirements. A bulbous bow should help make the yacht operate even more capably at the speeds just mentioned.
Speaking of operating capably, Project Monarch embraces a growing (and long-overdue) trend: being wheelchair-friendly. Doors and passageways will be wider than usual for that purpose, furnishings will be arranged to permit maneuverability, and a central elevator will connect all four decks of the 30’9″-beam (9.4-meter-beam) boat.
While neither Delta nor Barnett have indicated whether the superyacht’s master or one of the four guest staterooms will be designed for a less-able-bodied person, all should be well received. The master is on the main deck, as expected, with an office, plentiful closet space, and a whirlpool tub in the en suite bath. The two king guest staterooms, one queen stateroom, and one twin stateroom are all below decks, arranged around a central foyer.
Decor-wise, inlaid stone and emphasis on natural light from large windows are concepts that Barnett has applied to previous designs. However, he says he’s taking Project Monarch in a new direction as well, employing satin paint finishes that mimic hand-brushing. He’s also using parchment and stainless steel on the staircase and elevator (the former surrounds the latter), to reflect additional light.
It should also be interesting to see the skylounge when Project Monarch is completed. Barnett’s design calls for both solid woods and veneers as well as fabrics echoing early-20th-century sailing yachts and motoryachts. Marble will accentuate the bar, too. (On a related note, if guests aren’t satisfied with the drink offerings there, they can walk a few strides over to the wine room and request their favorite vintage.)
Crew accommodations and workspaces are intended to allow the captain and eight crewmembers to go about their jobs without impinging on guest spaces. A total of 12 crew can stay onboard when needed.
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