Review: Christensen 163' "Casino Royale"

This glossy sapele mahogany stairway, augmented by its 007 zoom-camera aperture expansions, winds its way down to the Main Deck, where the fun zeroes in to even more tableaux of splendor. Mark the brilliance of this scene, with the diminutive but exquisite detailing of a twin Bond Girls – or is that an ancient Egyptian relic – statuette, highlighted by the gold framed mirror of the grand salon, over a Louis 16th era table. Superlative aesthetics!

Zoom in on Casino Royale's 007 camera aperture, etched in glass, then side-lit for ultimate effect.

Her Main VIP quarters stretch beam wide, with a large oval tub/shower in its bath. Its wall-mounted Mermaid painting slides aside to reveal a 42” TV. Triple wide windows are graced with Venetian lattice blinds. Storage abounds, which was one of the protocols of the build.

The Main VIP stateroom also provides a small vanity that can double as a desk/office area, for workaholic cruisers who simply will not leave business undone.

In each of the VIP suites, which are almost as ornate as some top rated yachts’ master baths, this beautifully patterned onyx is a prominent display; apparently sawn from the same matching figures. Their lovely, soft colors and sea-wise forms become some of nature’s finest art, fashioned over millions of years.

Two more VIP staterooms are quite spacious, facing each other across the beam. Window/ports also sport Venetian lattice blinds. Both are quite roomy, with a plus of luxurious queen-size mattresses and commodious showers – certain to get raves.

Wall mounted TVs face the queen-size berths from the far side. The Bond Girl art also emerges as wall paintings, graciously mounted in gold frames.

Casino Royale’s three VIP staterooms and heads, on the lower deck, reach almost the level of luxury found on many charter yachts’ prime Master Cabins.

Casino Royale’s glistening engine room is again the influence of owner John Staluppi, who is also a recognized classic car collector. Like most of that genre, he goes to great lengths to have his engines brightly plated and shining. Here in this spacious for a yacht, but tightly packed by Staluppi garage standards, twin MTU 12V 400 Series diesels are in their glory, ready to leap into their cruise range of 12-18 knots. They are accompanied, of course, by the full range of generators, watermakers and stabilizers that make this a go-anywhere yacht, in comfort and style.

Casino Royale receives great plaudits from her Captain, Zak Matten, who appreciates her as the “Belle of the Ball,” even though he is accustomed to Staluppi’s much faster vessels. Staluppi, too, is pleased with her performance and “stage presence”, but confides that for his next Millennium build, already in the planning stage, he will be pleased with, perhaps ... a bit more speed. Possibly dropping in a 428 from his 1968 Shelby Cobra GT500KR Mustang?

Casino Royale, truly a “One of a Kind” build.​

<end>

Review by Capt. Chuck Gnaegy​

Specifications:

LOA: 163’
Beam: 29’
Draft: 8’4”
Displ.: 850,000 lbs.
Power: 2 x MTU 12V 400 Series
Speed Max: 18 knots
Cruise: 12 knots
Fuel: 15,000 Gal.
Range: 4,500 nm @ 12 knots

For more information contact:

Christensen Yachts
4400 S.E. Columbia Way,
Vancouver, WA 98661
(360) 695-3238
www.christensenyachts.com

***​