Review: Trinity 161' "Destination Fox Harb'r Too"

Trinity 161' "Destination Fox Harb'r Too"​

Raising The Par...​

In Destination Fox Harb’r Too, Trinity has delved into its history of past riches to create a
classic yacht design; a thoughtful approach which may well represent its finest presentation of
private naval architecture over the past century and into the new. ​

by Capt. Chuck Gnaegy​

Sumptuousness and excellent taste are readily evident in most megayachts; yet even in that rarefied genre some register as conspicuous examples of luxurious expression by designers and naval architects. Here, Trinity’s new entry is certain to impose her grace. Even as she is the owner’s fourth yacht in a series of outstanding craft, the expressive allure of her 161’ tri-deck and 28’ beam salutes his current choice. Each deck layout and proviso for individual function is crafted so that its purpose/end/use is wholly evident, yet follows a master plan which firmly links all together. The conclusive resolution flows into this exciting and classical work; a thoroughbred of precision and glamour in the yacht-makers art.

Owner Ron Joyce is delighted with his new yacht, expressing perhaps the subjective point of view that it was initially designed just for him. Her new name follows that refrain as well. As a Canadian entrepreneur, Joyce is owner of the worldwide successful Tim Horton food service chain, as well as a five-star golf resort in Nova Scotia. The resort, and his other yachts – including his 135’ Alloy/Dubois sloop, 73’ Donzi, 62’ Ferretti, also bear variations of the name Fox Harb’r. Yet the yacht he appreciates so vigorously had inaugurated its build as Mustang Sally, for an owner who, in the middle of the project, decided he wanted a larger yacht. So, through a series of stunning alterations in decor, the still brand new and yet to be finished yacht weathered a sea-change, to bloom as the new star of Joyce’s flourishing convoy. Even so, completing the build with his revisions extended the launch time ¾ of a year.

The entire, curiously entertaining exercise was born out of happenstance: Vacationing in the Carib at the St. Barth’s Bucket some time back, Joyce, throwing a party for numerous friends, had to charter a large Feadship; since none of his other yachts could accommodate them all. Later, he contacted Trinity (for the advantage of certain duty and tax rates with an American-built yacht) and soon came face to face with the yacht of his dreams. Its classifications include ABS Maltese Cross, A-1 Yachting Service, AMS, MCA Compliant. Windows in its capacious master suite feature a rakish bow to stern slant before its massive king-size berth; however, the crowning glory is in her cohesion of the design elements to a theme. A quadratic plane, featured throughout, fuses each individual parcel into the grand plan, coalescing all segments into a united display.

With an interior designed by Patrick Knowles, the yacht follows a pattern for which Trinity is well known. Even before and after the disastrous New Orleans hurricane Katrina – in which Trinity was widely lauded as deeply caring for its work force, subsequently transplanted to Gulfport, Mississippi – Trinity has built a series of 20 megayachts in that size. While the present 500-ton conformation, with its side tear-drop window treatment, was begun in 2005 with Zoom Zoom Zoom, the current Destination Fox Harb’r Too also presents design alterations. In this image, the 24’ inflatable tender, plus two PWCs and the launching davit are seen on the sun-deck, but most apparent is the beach-at-sea swim platform. Volleyball anyone?

Forward on the Sun Deck, her glistening Jacuzzi pool – stepped up to offer a deep, satisfying plunge – also presents the far horizon view from the bow. On each side, posh cushions invite sun worshippers to taste the wide open sky. A stainless rails wraps the setting with a tinted Plexiglas windscreen to minimize turbulence.

High on the Sun Deck we see the precision and purview of overall design excellence in the inlaid mahogany table and modern design chairs at the outdoor lounge. To starboard, the complete but unobtrusive elliptical bar offers a full menu of refreshments, plus refrigerator and grill, all neatly in place, readily accessible.

Down a swooping but easily trod flight of circular stairs from the Fly Deck, a trendy, alfresco dining experience awaits, with its round Honduran mahogany table rising from a circular teak inlay and crisply modern woven chairs provide convenient dining for twelve. A large flat-screen television is hard mounted to the ceiling for catching Sunday's game.

On the yacht’s Pilothouse Deck, the leisurely comfort of her Sky Lounge offers a full bar with its turquoise blue glass top and wicker chairs, plus a card/game table. Under the great, circular, overhead lighting scheme, the quadratic-themed wall paneling repeats; accentuated by its contrast with the room-wide ceiling. Towards the bow, a 42” TV rises on demand for outside entertainment.

Destination Fox Harb’r Too also carries her color scheme to the Bridge, with a royal blue leather couch echoing the circular shape of her overhead lighting. A single leather-covered Stidd Captain’s chair is domained at center of its grand operational and communications Bridge expanse. Six wide screens instantly deliver current and stored information to the Captain, at the robustly fashioned, beamed, forward windows. Just aft the Bridge, her Captain’s stateroom includes a double berth, office and ensuite head/shower. The ship’s central staircase leads down to the Main Deck salon, dining, and master suite.

Her lower aft deck decor is also dedicated to comfort, as well as low maintenance. The eclectic quadrangle pattern is followed in a clever arrangement of stripped teak decks, while voluptuous pillows feature light ecru/white, set in faux-figured Danish-style easy chairs. Though the entire setting is open to fresh sea air, it is well protected and illuminated by the upper deck ceiling. A full bar is at the ready just at the aft glass/stainless steal doors.

Fox Harb’r’s spacious salon also cleaves to the design scheme, setting its stage in the overhead ceiling frame as well as pillars, standing furniture and lighting. Two large couches face each other across the beam, with a convenient bar at the aft position. The warm, rich, copper/bronze/burnt-orange shades of wood paneling settle in luxuriously with plush, light ochre furnishings and light tawny carpeting, providing an instant welcome.

In the Dining room; one layover from the previous design morphed into a work of art. The original yacht had a built-in aquarium tank for Japanese Koi, an ornamental carp that is widely collected for colorful display. The room now boasts a commissioned work of art displaying the lovely, colorful fish. Note the table’s glow; it’s soft-lit from below.

Fox’s Galley is nestled between the Master Suite and the Dining Room, and takes full advantage of the latest advances in food preparation. Set on a light, naturally patterned floor are its copious cabinets and countertops, stainless steel double fridges and cooktops, set against black granite sidewalls. Microwave cookers are at eye level. A trash compactor is set near the sink.

Entering the Master Suite, just forward of the starboard foyer, its hallway emphasizes the crisply articulate quadripartite patterns in wood paneling, doors, and trim. Primarily Honduran mahogany, there is also redwood burl, lacewood, and ebony. All this handsome wood is finished with a least-maintenance surface, as are the ship’s metals, to show no fingerprints in extra gloss, or require constant polishing.

Located just off the central focus of Destination Fox Harb'r Too, the Owner's study/lounge is simply laid out, separated just off the bedroom. Featuring a large sofa as well as a client chair, used primarily for business connections; it can also double as a spare stateroom. The couch conceals a pull-out berth.

Step up from the living area, and the Master Berth is treated to the magnificent sea horizon ahead, through the array of beamed windows facing the foredeck. Beautifully designed wood paneling and curved mahogany patterns contrast with the off-white couches and carpeting, enhanced by the overhead chandelier, equally as striking.

An unusual touch, the Master Suite boasts two separate levels. Here, a set of stairs leads down from the master berth into the Owner’s office, and main living area.

A his/hers arrangement in the Master Head is also featured along with an etched glass door, double size shower and oblong bath tub. Shown here is His bath, while next door is Hers, boasting a toilet and bidet, as well as a separate shower and bathtub. Cabinetry is done in a restrained wood treatment; floors are marble.

On the lower deck two VIP Suites face each other across the beam, so both have large windows and queen-size berths, raised and thickly mattressed. Small circular starlights above provide discreet overhead lighting, while each has twin bedlamps as well. Decorative quadratic cabinetry provides walk-in closets. TV screens are activated at the push of a button. While richly decorated, the guest rooms are spare of extra furnishings such as fine art on the walls. A third VIP cabin is next door forward.

The VIP ensuite heads offer handsome but unusual design in wash basins. Strongly spare in effect, each has a single face basin/bowl set in tan, figured marble, with elementary buffed stainless fixtures and large mirrors. With full-size showers; all are set on light grey marble flooring.