Founded in Vancouver, Washington in 1983 by yachting aficionado Dave Christensen, this company was originally a labor of love. Christensen hand-finished his own first yacht to an exacting standard that he could not find elsewhere, and was so enamoured by the process that in 1986 decided to build vessels commercially. Luxury superyachts up to 225 feet in length are now Christensen Yacht’s staple product, and vessels are built at two hi-tech facilities in Washington and Tennessee. Over the years Christensen has built luxury yachts for luminaries including New York magnate John Staluppi, legendary golfer Tiger Woods and British philanthropist Len Blavatnik, and with further ground-breaking designs on the horizon, it is not hard to see why this firm continues to be so successful.
Over the past four decades Christensen Yachts has developed from Dave Christensen’s singular passion into a yacht manufacturing firm of international renown. Christensen personally led many of the firm’s early projects before handing the reigns over to two new owners, both Christensen yacht owners themselves, in 2008. Nowadays the company is led by CEO Joe Foggia, who is not allowing the company rest on its already significant achievements. Growing in size year on year, the company has an experienced workforce of 120 with 1,000 years of boat building experience between them.
Though the company originated in Vancouver, Washington, and still maintains an impressive 180,000 square feet facility in the city, it is now developing an even bigger shipyard of some 450,000 square feet by the shores of Tellico Lake, Tennessee. This move will allow the firm to construct yachts of even greater size and ambition – and puts their leadership closer to valued customers on the East Coast.
Central to the Christensen Yachts ethos is a belief in the finest possible finished product: a sign over the shipyard’s entrance proudly reads, “Through these doors pass the finest boat builders in the world.” The firm works hard and works smart to live up to this motto, having equipped their shipyards with the latest industrial processes in order to keep ahead of the market. Located at their sites are facilities such as an exclusive marina, large scale vacuum infusion, proprietary composite hull manufacture, an in-house stonework center, their very own upholstery team and more, each helping Christensen achieve excellence at every step of the build.
The firm has built over 50 bespoke yachts for the rich and famous down the years, and in 2012 joined forces with Ocean Alexander Yachts to produce semi-custom tri-deck superyachts in a fraction of the time taken by rival yards. Notable Christensen yachts include the Chasseur, a dreamy off-white superyacht with a classic, 50s feel courtesy of interior designers Varo Designs. This yacht features breezy, open-plan living spaces across four levels, splendid amenities including a jacuzzi and even space for a helipad. Dating from 2016, the yacht won the prestigious “Judges’ Special Award for Achievement” at the 2017 Superyacht Awards. Yet the Chasseur is far from the only Christensen yacht to be decorated with industry awards. The firm’s yachts have won the Robb Report “Best of the Best” titles on three separate occasions, highlighting the acclaim with which their unique yachts are frequently showered.
Christensen Hull 42
This four-level template yacht comes in the style of two of Christensen’s most celebrated yachts: the Chasseur and Odessa. At 164 feet in length and launched in 2019, this model is one of the firm’s most spectacular. Twin MTU 12V engines give this model a top speed of 16 knots, and a range of over 4,000 nautical miles when cruising at 12 knots. 12 guests are able to sleep overnight in 6 sumptuous staterooms, while 5 well-appointed staff cabins can sleep up to 10 members of crew. Yet it is the range of customisation that may appeal most of all to prospective buyers, as any newly built Christensen Yachts Hull 42 can be designed as lavishly or as personalized as the customer demands. The Odessa, for instance, finishes Christensen’s typical free-flowing, wide open interior spaces with teak surrounds, walnut flooring and neutral marble surfaces. Textiles and furnishings by Armani Casa add a luxurious and sophisticated touch for supreme comfort, while main salon and formal dining room are separated by a showpiece live aquarium panel. Space for multiple water toys and tenders is also included to make this the perfect party and entertainment yacht.
Christensen Hull 38
This model, launched in 2018, matches the pedigree of great Christensen yachts like the Silver Lining and D’Natalin IV. Large enough to come equipped with a rear helipad, a towering flybridge and cockpit, as well as two spacious rear aft decks, this swish and powerful yacht is sure to be highly coveted by the world’s top yacht owners. Measuring 164 feet in length, with an overall beam of almost 27 feet, the yacht is powered by twin MTU 12V engines and an A22 Aquayloy propulsion shaft for a maximum speed of 16 knots and an impressive ocean-going range of over 4,000 nautical miles. The yacht comes with space for 12 guests and 10 crew and boasts a light and airy open-plan interior that can be arranged and decorated according to the customer’s wishes. The Silver Lining, for example, was given the Kimberly Graham treatment when launched in 2016, and impresses with a glossy yet classic interior. Inside walls are panelled with black American walnut and Christensen stonework while three sparkling cut-glass chandeliers hang above the tasteful formal dining room and bar. Bathrooms are furnished with Art Deco vanity lamps and lined with veined marble, while stateroom floors are covered with plush beige carpet for that at-home feel. Outside spaces are just as impressive, yet with a sleeker, more modern feel. An outdoor bar and kitchen space on the sun deck leads to a circular jacuzzi and modular fitted sofas ideal for sunbathing, while an aft swimming deck is the perfect launching spot for those who want to dive in and feel the saltwater against their skin.
Christen Hull 30 Party Girl
Among the most charming of the many yachts launched by Christensen in recent years is the Party Girl, a 146-foot-long superyacht built with entertainment in mind. Internal design by the Pavlik brand decks interior walls and floors with warm glazed maple and sycamore wood, while the yacht’s large main bar boasts a backlit onyx screen to create a sophisticated aura as festivities continue into the night. An Art Nouveau, etched glass mural up the yacht’s central staircase marks this yacht out as something special and is sure to wow guests lucky enough to stay aboard. A top speed of 18 knots and a 4,000 nautical mile range comes courtesy of twin Caterpillar diesel engines, while Naiad Zero Speed stabilizers offer passengers a sense of surety while out at sea. Registered in the Cayman Islands, yacht lovers can spot this yacht visiting the most exclusive ports and marinas around the Caribbean, including in tropical Guadeloupe.