YACHT IMPACT
6/3/2008 12:53:27 PM by Javier Salas
Find out why Trinity’s latest 161-foot tri-deck Lohengrin is a perfect example of American yacht-building at its finest.
Photos courtesy of Trinity Yachts
It’s almost impossible to believe when looking at Trinity’s busy shipyard today that the American builder was all but wiped out when Hurricane Katrina devastated the Gulf states. The saying “back and better than ever” has rarely been truer than for this venerable yacht builder whose order books are filled with stellar launch after stellar launch.
One of the most notable recent builds is the 161-foot Lohengrin. Trinity is always fine-tuning their already excellent craft and the Lohengrin is an excellent example with its redesigned hull which was made to handle the larger engines required by today’s opulent yachts and the quality marble, fine hardwoods, sound-dampening materials and other modern luxuries so necessary aboard.
In addition to changing the hull profile, zero-speed stabilization was added as was a sophisticated underwater exhaust that significantly reduces noise aboard while at the same time allowing the yacht to run cleaner. The enlarged rudders are balanced by a high-tech “ballastcrete” keel ballast which replaced the traditional lead. Lohengrin also features other popular improvements to this line-up which have been incorporated over the years including S-class props, oversized foredeck hatches and a thicker bottom plate.
While all this technology makes this latest 161-foot tri-deck an impressive piece of naval architecture and design, it’s when one steps aboard that the true beauty of this vessel can be appreciated. The yacht takes full advantage of the 28-foot beam, starting on the bi-level swim platform that adds new meaning to the word “beach deck” and can function as a casual entertaining area at sea or for more formal affairs when docked. Up the wide stairs is the spacious, air-conditioned aft deck that’s set-up for covered al fresco meals at the large semi-rectangular hand-crafted teak dining table. It’s also a prime spot to get out of the sun and relax with a cool drink. One level up are additional outdoor options in the form of several plush settees for enjoying balmy weather and a protected air-conditioned dining area centered on a spectacular hand-crafted oversized dining table.
Outdoor types will be hard-pressed to leave the sundeck with its outsized jetted hot tub surrounded by lavish sunpads and four plush teak loungers for those who prefer to feel as if they’re aboard the Queen Mary II. Just forward is the covered full wet bar to port and an L-shaped settee facing yet another piece of fine woodworking: another hand-crafted dining table and additional dining chairs. Also placed conveniently is a deluxe Sterling grill for cooking up Kobe steaks or the catch of the day.
If the exterior amenities are enough to take one’s breath away, the interior will stop one’s breathing completely. The Scott Carpenter interior design offers the owner a lavish split-level master apartment similar the one on Trinity’s Zoom Zoom Zoom. Located forward on the main deck, this sumptuous oasis has its sense of space enhanced yet further by 180-degree panoramic windows that are viewable the minute one wakes up. The large separate sitting area enhances the owner’s privacy while the opulent his-and-hers ensuite includes a spacious and comfortable whirlpool tub, a lavish marble shower and heated inlaid marble floors.
The owner’s party of 10 is further accommodated in four guest staterooms, all finished in rich mahogany and finely crafted inlaid marble en suites, similar to the master stateroom. Three of the four guest accommodations offer king-size berths and compact vanity and desks sized just right for a laptop computer, with the fourth featuring twin berths perfect for younger members of the party. Discrete crew access allows the quarters to be serviced by the staff without any unsightly laundry or cleaning implements being hauled through the main living areas.
The classic décor continues in the main salon which is an exercise in unabashed elegance. The full wet bar is placed conveniently next to the aft entry to allow it to easily serve guests in the salon’s conversation area, the dining area forward, those dining al fresco on the aft deck, or those just sitting at one of the swanky bar seats. Just forward is a circular bi-level coffee/cocktail table with room for magazine storage surrounded by a classic sofa, four mid-century modern seats with twin snack/ashtray tables and a leather ottoman for a swish eclectic feel. In contrast, the formal dining room is all about symmetry. The custom table seats 10 and the area is worthy of royalty or diplomats aboard with finely appointed upholstery and stately linens, china and crystal. A discrete interior passageway allows for crew movement while diners are given complete seclusion via closed doors.
One level up, the full-beam skylounge blends formal appointments with more casual sophistication for a truly versatile space anchored by a deep L-shaped couch to port and a large wet bar to starboard. Twin stylish armchairs, dual posh club chairs and a bi-level coffee/cocktail table allow for easy relocation of the furniture to facilitate conversation as well as dancing or simply socializing while enjoying a fancy-something-tini. The space also works well for children aboard who are looking for a large space to set out their games and toys under the casual eye of the adults.
The pilothouse forward features Portuguese bridge guest seating for guests to join the captain. Just aft of the pilothouse is the captain’s stateroom that includes a queen bed and a full bath with shower which affords as much privacy as the owner and guest quarter. The remainder of the eight to 10 crew members are given first-rate accommodations below in three crew cabins with their own ensuites as well as a well-appointed crew lounge. The engineer is accommodated in his own private quarters aft of the engine room.
There’s no doubt Lohengrin makes the most of the yachts in its series that came before it and will have plenty of ideas to pass down to future generations of Trinitys.