Make way for the megayacht! That was the strategy for the launch of D’Natalin IV at Christensen Shipyards. The Washington State builder’s sheds are a short way down the street from its marina. That explains the need to transport the 164-footer (50-meter) over land.
The yacht is, as her name indicates, the fourth megayacht belonging to the owners. To put D’Natalin IV into perspective, the owners’ first D’Natalin was a 151-footer (46-meter) delivered by Delta Marine in 1996. They went on to acquire other builds in the same size range. In all of these years, the owners have been known to truly use their megayachts. They’ve also made the yachts available for charter.
D’Natalin IV was signed by Christensen Shipyards as part of its Custom Series. Custom Series yachts have a set engineering package, with exterior styling and interior layout and design open to tailoring. Previous deliveries in that series include Remember When, Casino Royale, and Odessa. D’Natalin IV is being similarly classed to ABS and complies with MCA standards.
The owners selected Christensen Shipyards after seeing some of its previous deliveries, and based on knowledge gained from previous experience. “Having either owned or chartered yachts from virtually every shipyard, the choice of Christensen came after a very detailed examination of the processes and engineering that lead to the superb craftsmanship I had seen on their yachts,” the husband says, in a statement released by Merle Wood & Associates, which represents him and his wife. “I and my family followed the construction process very closely, and found the build to be both professionally and personally enjoyable. We have made great friends at Christensen, and could not be more pleased with the quality and finish of their workmanship.” Christian Bakewell of Merle Wood & Associates adds that he and the owners spent more than eight weeks writing the build spec and that Christensen Shipyards met the “very aggressive” build schedule.
The megayacht should stand apart on the horizon due to a navy-blue hull and red bootstripe. Inside, high-gloss walnut joinery adorns bulkheads, and inlaid stone lies underfoot. Photos are not yet available of the contemporary-meets-classic decor or accommodations for 12. The owners tapped Carol Williamson & Associates for interior design.
D’Natalin IV is expected to be delivered next month. Christensen Shipyards has another eight megayachts under contract. It also is working with local and out-of-state companies on unmanned submarine hunters, for maritime defense.
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