PHOTOS: STEVE CRIDLAND
“Nothing was spared down there.”
That’s the comment Reg Corbett, Christensen Shipyards’ customer service representative, made as we ventured below decks to the crew accommodations aboard Odessa. Given the sophisticated, penthouse-apartment-like atmosphere of the rest of the 160-footer, I was curious to see what he meant.
He wasn’t exaggerating. There’s marble in the laundry room, plus marble on the countertops, the table, and the backsplash in the crew mess (above). In fact, Corbett referred to the mess as “Club Crew Lounge” because of its atmosphere, which was additionally highlighted by hi-low tables with a benchseat and red cubes to sit upon. An under-counter refrigerator and freezer help keep the area open, and a Kaleidescape system provides entertainment. The same drainless sinks and showers (no exposed plumbing) that are used in the owner’s and guests’ staterooms are also installed in the crew heads. They get the same rain-shower heads, too, equipped with the same single small white lights at their center, so that the water is lit as it exits.
These are clearly the marks of an owner who wants his crew to stay with him for a long time. To be fair, other owners (and shipyards) do strive to outfit the crew areas with nice woods and decorative touches. However, most of the time the accommodations are pretty plain, not exactly on par with the guest areas the way they sometimes claim. Odessa and her owner could teach them a thing or two, especially if they’ll charter. And considering Odessa is available for charter, as part of The Sacks Group fleet, the lessons could come quickly.
There are other lessons that can be learned, too, like how to create a modern, minimalist interior that’s actually inviting. I’ve seen minimalist designs on other yachts, but I’ve felt at times that they were too museum-like – not conducive to a yacht, where people are supposed to relax. Odessa’s interior design was created by Christensen and the owner’s representative. Together they selected furnishings by Armani Casa, as well as satin-finished black walnut and custom stonework, the latter two crafted in-house by Christensen. The wood soles running throughout most of the yacht lend a warm, welcoming feel, as do the aquarium in the saloon (above) and even the low bed in the master suite. Different marbles are used in each of the heads for the master, VIP stateroom, and four guest cabins (below), for individuality.
Odessa gets more individuality from her black hull and silver superstructure, both firsts for Christensen. She’ll stand out in a harbor of white yachts whether anchored or cruising at a reported 14-knot speed, thanks to twin MTU 12V 4000s. Even better, imagine how she’ll look evenings when the awnings on her sundeck are deployed. The carbon fiber poles acting as their supports have embedded lighting, so that the fabric panels appear more dramatic.
Odessa is currently in the Caribbean, where she’s chartering for $240,000 per week plus expenses. Expect to see her fleet of toys put to good use while there. They include 22-foot Chris-Craft runabout, 16-foot Nautica inflatable, 15-foot sailboat, two PWCs, and two SeaBobs.
We’ll have more photos of Odessa here on Megayacht News on January 1, when she debuts as the Photo of the Month and related slideshow.
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