Review: Delta's 154' "Mr. Terrible"

Delta's 154' "Mr. Terrible"​

What's in a name?​

Owners typically have something in mind which details the passion they
feel about their Yachts. This ‘label’ could honor a beautiful wife, an enchanting destination;
or perhaps a play on words only peers could grasp. It appears this graceful yacht “Mr. Terrible”
may rank within the latter, even though “she” boasts accolades as a highest rated, prize-winning yacht
in her class at Monaco and Cannes. Turns out, it’s simpler than it seems. First, why is this yacht so acclaimed?​

Delta, with the Jones family’s 40 years of boat building, has cemented a reputation for the highest quality as well as innovation. From speedboats to commercial fishing craft, it has turned out vessels made to confront the harsh, turbulent seas of the Pacific Northwest, Alaska and the Bering Sea – 800 of them. Since the 1990s, Delta’s 300-person work-force has specialized exclusively in luxury yachts, with its fervent dedication to detail in satisfying customers’ needs.

Clients are intimately involved in every facet from bridge design to Captain’s preferences, layout, interior presentation of fabrics, veneers, hues, and materials. This in particular sets Mr. Terrible apart from its predecessors, such as Delta’s Gran Finale, an award winning sister ship of 2002, also designed by J.C. Espinosa. Delta’s stated slogan; “For those who recognize and expect the finest,” is adhered to by its staff of naval architects, marine engineers, and skilled craftpersons.

In Mr. Terrible’s build, the designers strove to “share a fluidity of lines, via a modern profile with extensive aerodynamic flourishes.” Even her exterior functional elements, such as air intakes and rails, were blended, while expressing function. The large arch/mast was further streamlined, as extensive use of carbon fiber components were fused into the superstructure.

An overhead view of Mr. T’s flybridge shows the yacht’s dedication to outdoor entertaining and leisure fun. Below the massive radar and communication domes, the swirling Jacuzzi pool welcomes bathers, while numerous easy chairs and lounges are at the ready, fore and aft. Three upholstered captains chairs face an abbreviated set of instrumentation forward.

From its hydraulically-launched swim ladder to telescoping cranes for deploying tenders, the business end of Mr. T is a three-tier platform lending itself to dining or diving. Although Mr. T's profile is a departure, a closer loser look reveals this boat is pure Delta; functionality meets ergonomic design with continuity.

Her nameplate streams along the vessel’s side, telling all the world. The laminate superstructure features a sandwich construction with balsa core, to control the vessel’s weight, according to Delta chief architect Jay Miner. “In some places, industrial materials – glass and stainless steel – have been employed. Lighting fixtures employ metal components that may resemble palm fronds or celestial features; a chambered nautilus, even a comet.” “We use carbon fiber for two purposes,” says Miner, “for stiffening long spans plus weight control; significant benefit was taken in some primary locations for support of deckhouse structure, overhangs, and long interior spans in big, open spaces.”

Here, to fathom the initial mystery, is Mr. Terrible himself. The provocative curmudgeon, this mythical bandit, is the trademark of the owner’s company, Terrible Herbst. Not terrible at all for those consumers in several western American states, where he brandishes a gas pump nozzle instead of a six-gun, and wears a star. He appears at service stations, casinos, and also sponsors a motorsports team, as “The Best Bad Guys in the West.”

Mark Obernberger, Delta’s interior design group coordinator, states, “The owner requested a Polynesian interior; this mandate drove the details in the yacht’s luxury spaces.” They worked closely with Delta’s design group leader, Adriel Rollins, to devise its outstanding interior theme. Polynesian decor was chosen as a perfect getaway for relaxation and adventure in a paradisiacal setting; “elegance with a welcoming comfort.”

Mr. T’s aft deck dining area presents a perfect example of the Polynesian approach, with woven rattan chairs contrafacing a built-in couch, seating 10. The African walnut, oblong table adds a boat-shaped flavor atop the bleached teak deck, yet retains its playful aura, under the protected overhang.

In the yacht’s Pilot House the featured veneer is Makore, used for the console and table. With full window views spanning window support beams, multiple large screens give instant information on Yachtronics communications, C-Plath Autopilot, A/V Concepts Entertainment, Northstar GPS/DGPS, Furuno Radar, ICOM VHF, B&G Wind/Speed/Depth measures, Proprietary Communications.

Just aft of the all-inclusive Bridge, set on its bleached teak deck, a raised, red-upholstered couch, with table, provides an overlook for passengers who can monitor the Captain’s progress.

Magnificent modern design blends large window views and massive overhead beams in the SkyLounge. In particular, the sculpted cocktail table and lyrically-designed tropical rug plus faux chain-mail chairs, make the interior as exciting as the outward view, even in the South Seas.

Mr. T’s dominant aerodynamic features are readily seen in detailed close-ups like this deck-to-deck staircase, a highly unusual, polyphonic design executed with masterful care and finish. Treads, handrails, newel posts are set in unique, irregular shapes, artfully arranged, adding to the Polynesian theme; one of a kind. Designer Adriel Rollins mentions it as, “A particular achievement I am proud of.”

On the main deck, centered just forward of the main salon, the formal dining room sports a spectacular overhead chandelier, especially designed to express the tropical Polynesian theme. It displays stainless steel textured palm leaves, surrounding abstract botanical concepts, made with woven leather. Yet, as explained by designer Rollins, the quizzical trees – blown glass fruit images – take on a teasing Dr. Suess lightness.

A combination of tropical color in showy hibiscus floral designs exudes an aura of Tahiti in Mr. T’s spacious salon, strongly accented by rugged beams of wenge wood defining the beam-wide space. Comfort is foremost with sumptuous couches and deep easy chairs, plus a central conversation focus. At one end a 42” TV screen rises on demand to entertain the entire gathering.

This unique small bar on the aft deck overlooks the stern area, but offers its own strictly private, cozy gathering place. All done in light grained woods with discreet overhead star-lights and leather-upholstered stool seating.

A whimsical approach extends even to Mr. T’s galley, with a lightness prevailing in the black/yellow food prep area. However, fixtures and implements, appliances are all first class, up to date in a space designed for convenience as well as capacity, with double freezers, excellent lighting, and roominess for the chef and attendants.

On the main deck Owner’s Suite, a skylight is designed after a chambered nautilus, in dichroic fused glass. Its luxurious carpet echoes coral branches highlighted against a white sand sea floor, as viewed through a rain forest canopy; the Polynesian theme expands. The beam-wide sanctum’s lushness extends its magic to a raised king-size berth and dramatic headboard. Wall sconces are inspired by equatorial island cacti.

This double-wide dresser is an entree to the Owner’s bath, forward, which also extends to a beam-wide area comprising his/hers facilities. Woods are laser-cut European Pear veneer. Vanities are bamboo weave pattern. Its inner sanctum provides an over-sized granite tub and mosaic tile shower.

Just slightly less luxurious than the Master’s, the two VIP staterooms offer walk-around queen berths, plus upholstered seating and a writing desk, vanities, individual reading lamps overhead, and walk-in closets. The sinks are wenge wood sculptures, with wonderfully embossed back splashes.