Review: Trinity's 157' "Mustang Sally"

Trinity's 157' "Mustang Sally"​

Ride on...​

by Capt. Chuck Gnaegy​

A beautiful woman may cleverly decide to change her entire personality when she arrives into altered
circumstances. A fine quality yacht, also, may start out as one entity, then transform
into another. No wonder they’re referred to as “She”...​

That, in essence, is the story of this beautiful dame, which when debuted at the Ft. Lauderdale Boat Show answered to one aristocratic nom de plume; then abandoned it to undergo a sea-change, with a new and exciting individuality. She became that melodious, precocious rhymer, Mustang Sally. Though her new owners fully intended to use the yacht quite a bit throughout the year, and they have, they also decided to offer her for charter in the Carib and Med. So she is available from reputable yacht chartering companies for many to ride, Sally, ride; to enjoy her splendor. Charter locations listed are Florida, Windward Islands, Leeward Islands, St. Thomas, St. Martin/St Maarten, St. Barts, Cannes, French Riviera, Cote d’Azur, St. Tropez, Monaco, Sardinia, Portofino, Naples, Capri, Tuscany, Italy, Corsica.

Stacked and tiered, the decks blend nicely into each other forming not only the decks of a sleek superyacht, but a shelter. Sally's clean lines are a reminder that hurricane season slipped past the USA in 2006. Though the country, and yacht builders, fared well, without a single major storm, it’s worth recalling the devastation from Hurricanes Katrina, Wilma and Rita. Trinity’s model concern over its personnel during and after the storms is a plan every company might emulate. During the assault, half a dozen yard workers stayed aboard the harbored yachts – one of which was to become Mustang Sally, then in the final building process, along with Zoom Zoom Zoom and Leda.

The shipwrights survived on supplies that had been stowed for voyages of those yachts under construction. They kept safe, and all got through the hell with little damage. Trinity awarded brand new cars and trucks for those who stayed. Even though President John Dane’s home was blown away, the firm bought new trailers for employees who had lost homes in that awful outcome, and gave $1,500 to each employee as seed money. This outstanding company took care of its people in a way every business should take note.

Designer Patrick Knowles, under the new owners’ direction, added a Jacuzzi pool on the top deck along with a near endless variety of entertainment features, including this pair of PWC's nestled into the bow pulpit. Among numerous additions are new water toys, flat screen TVs; plus a redesigned interior by decorator Dee Robinson that caters to top level charterers and their groups of friends.

Sally’s top, panoramic-observation deck – under the 50’ high double spheres of Nav/Sat-com and its hard-top – hovers over the open-air flybridge. This hub of sunny activity features a raised, gigantic Jacuzzi whirlpool, plus a quartet of relaxing, adjustable lounges. An open-air bar with four stools holds libations for those upcoming parties.

Across the wide deck a C-shaped settee with table awaits, while at the starboard quarter is a convenient dayhead. Aft on the sun deck resides an 17’ Novuruno RIB inboard diesel tender, as well as a pair of PWCs, readily launchable with a sturdy davit-crane.

Forward on the Pilothouse deck, the ultra-modern helm displays every intricate item of the ship’s operations on 20” screens – SatCom, CPlath autopilot, Furuno 120-mile radar, VHF, SSB, Northstar GPS, arranged before the bonded teak destroyer wheel and single, adjustable captain’s chair. Its slightly raised elevation allows an excellent view of the forward area to the bow. Just aft, a large, curved leather settee invites passengers to monitor the helmsman’s movements. Beyond the wheelhouse, captain’s quarters nestle advantageously a few steps away. Comfortable, private, it offers a double berth and private bath.

On the pilothouse deck, the skylounge, centered in its length, presents enough room and conveniences for an ongoing party to last for weeks. All around comfort is assured, with multiple deep couches and easy chairs, plus mahogany cabinetry for reading materials. A 72” plasma TV with DVD/VCR/Am-Fm, surround-sound, will satisfy every musical taste.

The leopard-spotted floor is echoed in cushions, and sure to make dropped round items invisible. A full service wetbar, trimmed in matching mahogany, is located to starboard. Aft, an outdoor dining table accommodates a party of 10, al fresco.

Entering on the main deck, the main saloon is spacious enough to entertain a crowd of almost any size. The multi-level, marble topped wetbar is located aft and looks forward to a plasma TV, keeping check on owners and guests.

Deep easy chairs and couches are clustered in the center so that traffic easily moves around discussion groups. At the overhead a huge, ornamentally designed, mahogany, reverse covert holds star lights and a crystal chandelier.

Centered on the vessel, the beam-wide dining room holds a gigantic table with plush seating for ten. The light cherrywood table and modern-décor chairs are backed by a wide contemporary art wall covering. The elongated, rectangular chandelier covers the length of the table.

On the main deck forward is the master stateroom, beam-wide and lavishly decorated in a squared-away, geometric/architectural/engineering motif.

Auburn mahogany dominates over the ecru-white plush carpet. With its raised king-size berth located centrally, it boasts bed tables and also copious storage beneath. Double walk-in closets and an office, at port, as well as a vanity at starboard, continue the luxuriant layout.

Also beam-wide and adjoining the master stateroom, the master bath features elegant amenities, including a double-wide granite countertop with separate alabaster sinks, full-width mirror/vanity, as well as separate heads – one with a bidet. At one beam is an ornate whirlpool bathtub; while at the other beam is a shower built-for-two. Flooring is white granite tile.

Three large VIP staterooms are amidships below, on the interior deck. Placed headboard to beam, they feature queen-size berths and ensuite heads/showers. Here again is the lavish use of materials, raised berth, padded headboard, and a calming color scheme.

Across the hall on the opposite beam, a second VIP stateroom is a repeat of the first, with raised queen-berth, bed tables, and richly fashioned mahogany dressers/bed tables. Each VIP stateroom has is own separate and complete entertainment/electronics package, including a 32” TV, DVD/VCR/CD/AM-FM stereo system.

For the mom’s, this twin berth cabin comes complete with a “Baby Onboard” door hangar. Other sleeping arrangements include a 3rd VIP suite, plus crew quarters for 10 including an engineer’s cabin aft below the main deck with bunks for two, plus double cabins on the lower deck, with showers and a complete laundry.

Charter equipment for this fine lady includes water toys; amenities such as a 32' Intrepid towed tender, 17’ Novuruno, 250-hp Yamaha and 3-person Sea Doo, Jet Skis, Waverunners, Boogie Boards, Fishing equipment, kids and professional snorkel gear, plus a 2 x 6-man banana. Beach toys cover umbrellas, chairs, footballs,volleyballs, exercise equipment, dumbells and a step-master. Entertainment links to all satellite & cellular communications throughout, with V-Sat high speed internet.

Luxury yacht Mustang Sally is, without question, many vacations just
waiting to happen. So ride, Sally, ride, and as the song says...
“Don’t you ever want to slow your Mustang down!”​

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Review by Capt. Chuck Gnaegy​

Specifications:

LOA: 157’
Beam: 28’
Draft: 7’4”
Gross Tonnage: 465 Grt.
Classif: ABS and MCA Code Compliant
Power: 2x Caterpillar 3512B 2250 hp@1800 rpm
Fuel: 16,700 US Gal
Water: 2700 US gal.
Max Speed: 22 knots
Cruise Speed: 19 knots
Cruise Range: 4,200 nm @ 10 knots
Accommodations: 10 Passengers / 10 Crew

For more information contact:

Trinity Yachts
13085 Seaway Road
Gulfport, MS 39503
228-276-1000
www.trinityyachts.com

Deck Plans; Left to Right...

1. Flybridge Deck
2. Pilothouse/Skylounge Deck
3. Main Deck w/ Forward Master
4. Lower Accommodations/Engine Room/Crew Quarters