Review: Christensen Yachts 160' "ODESSA"

Christensen Yachts 160' "ODESSA"​

A Lively Overture With An Ominous Presence​

by Capt. Chuck Gnaegy and YF Publisher Carl Camper​

Odessa, the latest super-yacht in Christensen’s outstanding Custom Series, at 160 feet,
looms up as a luxurious, thoroughly fascinating certain-to-be Classic. One-of-a-kind, flaunting
her gleaming black hull and silver metallic topsides, she glistens with captivating drama.​

Her aura of yachting intrigue quickly translates to glamor, fame, perhaps mystery; relating to her melodramatic title. Yet her owner reveals this to be his family’s first luxury yacht; he credits her captain, Robert Lowden; project manager Jean-Pierre Phillips; and of course Christensen as the fountain of her imposing visual and maritime dramatics. Odessa, the name itself is steeped in allusions to modern history. Conjured mind images include: a major Russia/Ukraine Seaport; an audacious West Texas Oil City; or ultimately, a daring Hollywood Motion Picture; none of which reflect her purported persona. Her European owner cites his family’s background; love of entertainment, sea toys, living spaces – away from the crowd – as his main determinant. Still, they wanted something “slightly different” from the usual luxury yachts. That evolved into the creative artistry of design, and exceptional construction techniques which characterize her final, imposing presentation.

Christensen’s marvelously-conceived yachts offer continuously refined engineering that has become an industry trademark. Under the leadership of President Joe Foggia, the builder relies on its successful years of planned strategy and buyers are taking notice. With a growing number of "A-list" owners, as well as world-renown yachtsmen such as John Rosatti (Nice N' Easy) and John Staluppi (Casino Royale), Christensen is fast becoming the choice for knowledgeable people who want a proven platform and the finest workmanship.

Odessa features several 'firsts' for Christensen, most noticeably a splash of color. With an ominous black hull and metallic silver superstructure, it will certainly cast a shadow of curiosity at each port; if not a salute! Among other firsts; a raised coaming that starts at the bow and blends into the bridge, creating a uni-body effect. Among other firsts; all of the marble inside Odessa was completed 100% in-house, but it's the interior design that first comes to mind in this review. It's a radical departure from previous launches.

The builder’s recent range, the Custom Series, began with boats such as Barchetta, featured here on YachtForums, followed by "Marathon" and "Lady Joy". Then came Casino Royale, also featured on YachtForums. And soon, “Remember When” and “Liquidity III” will take to the sea. Christensen's all composite, vacuum infused construction is certified both ABSXA1-AMS & MCA classifications, built to cruise anywhere in the world. Dockwise optional.

Aboard her Sundeck, overlooking the raised swimming pool at center, a multitude of seating and entertainment choices await her voyagers: indoor, outdoor, bar or lounge, shade or sun, mirrored or apart; a vast sunbathing area with capacity for the entire crowd. Something from the bar, or perhaps a little seclusion in a quiet corner? In her sparkling overhead reflection, it seems it’s always double or triple party time on Odessa.

Openly placed on her sundeck overlooking the bow, Odessa offers what appears to be simply a comfortable sunning couch, which it certainly is; but hold on, there’s a trick to her delusions of sun-bathing grandeur: Check her out below for a revealing surprise:

Voila! Odessa opens her heart to hungry sun-baskers, offering multiple padded seats plus a centered table for afternoon to midnight snacks, or anytime outdoor party dining. This followed the owner’s desire for outside areas which are functional and well organized.

A slightly different view of the integral, sun-chase combo; she’s always ready when you are. The owner prescribed these various outside areas for sunshine, and also shaded areas, for his guests. See "Details" following the review for more info.

Setting the stage for Odessa’s brilliant interior design theme, this shot of her aft deck is mirrored in the rectilinear pattern of furnishings, with satin finished woods, fine weather-proof cushioning, and straight line design. Color harmony and contrast is evident in aft deck design theme; boxy ultra modern, but comfy in all aspects.

Sheltered under the deck above, a protected overhead, yet in the open air. The trim, Armani Casa wood furniture – satin finished, weather proofed – welcomes diners while they revel in the view of island shores, away from it all. Those shimmering columns aren't just decorative, they add integral support to Odessa's overhead helicopter landing zone.

On the top deck: she presents restrained luxury, the artful elegance of grand style. Her Armani/Casa furnishings accent the atmosphere, previewed here in the Skylounge, reveals an almost strict linear mode, rather than a family at play; seemingly more in keeping with a corporate meeting conclave. Deep, plush couch seating contrasts with black walnut flooring.

Odessa’s step-down, skylounge bar, follows the L-angles found throughout the boat with a white onyx topped bar and chairs squared simply to the fashionable mode with darkened matrix grey set in the identical design.

An alternate view of her Skylounge with its attention-getting, infinite seating area lined with two coffee tables and fashionable club chairs; all handsomely soft lit in a squared-up setting.

Also on the top deck, immediately aft the helm, the Captain’s Quarters presents a double berth; along with a business desk. It also features a closet and ensuite head/shower. At any time, he is a mere one step, one doorway from full, hands-on pilotage.

With easy access to the helm, the captain’s head/shower features booked matched, solid slab, portoro stone, with a large back lit wall mirror and brushed stainless drawer pulls. Notice the invisible drain sink and ultra-contemporary fixtures, all in keeping with a strict modular theme.

Three custom-embroidered helm seats stand ready on the bridge, overseeing Odessa’s completely equipped helm boasting every category of the latest communications gear, including SATcom, KVH Broadband Tracphone, Seatel 400s VSAT, Panasonic Telephone system, Furuno SSB and VHF, Erikson Cellular Quad Band, Raymarine Haler, Great Circle Network Access. Her Nav systems: Radar, Gyrocompass, Magsystems, Depth Sounders, GPS, Chart Plotters, Furuno Navtex with Printer; Night Vision Cameras by Ocean Systems, Zeus model. All systems: state-of-the-art.

Odessa’s architecturally clean, centrally located, carved wood staircase sweeps down in a semi-circular pattern from the Skylounge to the main deck and lower deck. Possibly the only curves to be found throughout the vessel.

Entering the main salon from the aft, you are met with an established crisp, lineal pattern, suggesting a strict formality, still bearing a richness of tone in fabrics and leather upholstery that invites. Squared-off lighting fixtures echo windows and seating.

This alternate view of Odessa’s Salon emphasizes its richness of design in furnishings and choice of shades, accenting its mood towards restfulness and comfort. Deep carpeting adds to the soothing aura.

A spectacular, lighted aquarium displays a myriad collection of tropical fish and ocean life, providing a room separator between the salon and dining areas.