PHOTOS: Stephen Cridland
Sometimes departures from the norm result in pleasant surprises. Such is the case with Project Monarch, a 151-footer (45.92-meter) taken to Delta Marine last year and recently completed. Specifically, Project Monarch involves two unusual situations: construction having been started at a different yard, and a decor representing a far different approach than her interior designer had ever created.
Project Monarch was originally contracted to be built at Northern Marine, another Pacific Northwest yard. Northern Marine experienced financial difficulties in 2009, however. It did begin operations again with different owners in 2010, but Caterpillar Financial Services (a.k.a. Cat Financial), which was financing Project Monarch, approached Delta Marine to finish the megayacht.
Project Monarch arrived last summer, an all-composite design with a bulbous bow. Classed to ABS and meeting MCA requirements, she’s intended for long-range cruising. Delta’s performance figures bear this out. At 12 knots, she’s said to be capable of a 3,000-nautical-mile range. Top speed is reportedly 21 knots, with cruise speed a reported 18 knots. Power comes courtesy of twin 2,250-hp Caterpillar engines, continuing Delta’s long association with the company. (Editor’s note: Caterpillar Marine Power Systems and Cat Financial are separate subsidiaries of Caterpillar.)
The interior design, from Jonathan Quinn Barnett, also represents a far different approach than his other projects. Barnett says he strives to interpret colors, textures, and shapes in original ways for each client, but Project Monarch is much more modern, even more monochromatic, than he’s previously done. Parchment panels, mirrored stainless steel, worsted wool, leathers, and satin finishes combine for a chic penthouse apartment look.
There’s yet another departure of design in the skylounge (above). In one sense, the look pays homage to classic yachts from a century ago, with far more usage of warm woods everywhere you look. Yet, the effect is still in keeping with what many modern owners want, and it deftly avoids looking old-fashioned in conjunction with the contemporary decor elsewhere onboard.
Barnett also makes good use of stone throughout Project Monarch’s four decks (all of which are wheelchair accessible, a nice touch). There’s beautiful marble work on the skylounge bar, forward to port, adjacent to a walk-in wine room. Sweeping stone countertops adorn another bar area on the sundeck, with a mosaic of stone tiles wrapping around its base. A similar mosaic adorns the bulkhead facing the hot tub on the same deck, making for a dramatic backdrop.
Project Monarch is for sale for $34.5 million, through Delta. To get a better idea of her features, including accommodations for 10 in the owner’s party, watch the slideshow here.
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UPDATE, MAY 17, 2012: Delta announced yesterday that Project Monarch has sold. The yacht is back at the shipyard for a few minor changes and additions for the new owners, in preparation for the summer cruising season.
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