Just a few months after Ocean Alexander and Christensen Shipyards agreed to join forces on a series of megayachts, now comes word that Christensen will build the 120 – an unusually laid-out 120, no less – that Ocean Alexander has been planning to add to its lineup.
Designed by Evan K. Marshall, the 120 is a trideck that should begin construction early next year. She’ll include a main-deck master suite, something typically not found on a yacht of this size. Also atypical for her LOA: a bridge-deck captain’s cabin. Ocean Alexander believes these features, along with a tender garage for a 16-footer, will sway owners’ interest in its favor.
There’s yet another feature that should attract attention. If you’ve read the press release that a few Web sites have pasted, then you may recall reading about “a revolutionary new approach to the helm layout,” something that “will become a signature item for future Ocean Alexander motoryachts.” Problem is, the press release didn’t elaborate – and I tend to be skeptical when I read such strong claims. So, I contacted Sally Lawson, the marketing manager for Ocean Alexander. I learned that the builder is indeed putting a twist on the traditional wheelhouse arrangement. Picture any megayacht, and there’s typically an observation settee aft of the helm. Whether the settee is curved or straight, or even just a two-person bench tucked to one side, it’s there… with the helm laid out more or less in a straight line. Ocean Alexander has decided to have the helm and observation settee, each fashioned in a wide U shape, swap places. In addition, the helm is on a higher elevation. This allows anyone seated in either of the two helm seats – one at each end of the U – to see ahead and to the sides with greater ease. The seats also pivot to allow access to the various instruments or the wheel, located between them.
Even with these departures from the norm, the Ocean Alexander 120 will still have some familiarity. The seven crew and eight guests will all be housed on the lower deck.
Anticipate the 120 to be ready in 2011.
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