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 Ocean Alexander 120. The project is an unusually laid-out 120, no less.
With design by Evan K. Marshall, the Ocean Alexander 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. According to Ocean Alexander, the yacht has “a revolutionary new approach to the helm layout.” It further says that this “will become a signature item for future Ocean Alexander motoryachts.” In speaking with Sally Lawson, the marketing manager, I learned that the builder is indeed putting a twist on the traditional wheelhouse arrangement. Megayachts usually have an observation settee aft of the helm. Regardless of the settee being curved or straight, it’s there… with the helm more or less in a straight line. Ocean Alexander has decided to swap the helm and observation settee, each in a wide U shape, too.
Additionally, 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 further pivot, allowing 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.
Leave a Reply