After nearly 30 years of building yachts in Vancouver, Washington, Christensen Shipyards finishes relocation process within several months, moving to a new facility at Tellico Lake, Tennessee. The move follows a long-lasting court battle between the co-owners of US yard, Dave Christensen and Henry Luken. Yacht Harbour takes a closer look at the story behind the decision.
Dave Christensen founded the Christensen Shipyards, Ltd. in 1985. Since then, the company specialised in building yachts of up to 45 metres LOA and a maximum beam of 10 metres within its 17,000 m2 facility. During the 1990s, affected by general crisis in the industry and high costs of yacht construction, the company’s revenue became inconsistent. Often unable to get bank loans to finance projects, they were selling yachts in advance, with ongoing operations financed by not very frequent customers.
Dave Christensen and Henry Luken first met in 1997, when the latter purchased a yacht from the yard. In 2003, Luken bought 50 percent share of the company’s stock, joining the board of directors. The remaining shares were split between Christensen and his family.
As it was later revealed from the legal filings, the owners parties’ discontent with each other had been raising from that time, as Luken claimed his funds were allocated on company expenses and operations or even ended up missing, instead of being held in trust while the boats were being built. The Christensens argued that Luken demanded large commissions on every yacht sale, reducing the company’s revenue.
In 2006, Luken began construction of another facility at the Tellico Lake in his home state of Tennessee. He aimed to open an eastern division of Christensen yachts, suitable for construction of larger vessels. However, due to economical problems the building was soon frozen. The economic downturn also hit the company’s Vancouver operation, eventually forcing the company to lay off up to 80 percent of its local workforce.
Starting from the end of 2014, multiple creditors began to file notices under the Uniform Commercial Code, declaring interest in the property as collateral for debts. The edge of bankruptcy led Luken to file a lawsuit in 2015 asking for the company to be placed into receivership. After a period of receiveship, the court decided that the best way to repay creditors would have been through selling the company to a buyer willing to keep its operation.
Thus, the shipyard was sold to Luken for $5,500,000 despite objections from the Christensens. The acquisition implied name and all the company’s assets including a long-term lease on the shipyard and reforming Christensen Yachts as a new business entity. The Christensens though argued that Luken
used his financial influence and position on the board to draw the company into receivership so that he could purchase it cheaply.
A second lawsuit between the parties was filed one year later, lasting more than two years until both parties agreed on selling Vancouver facility to Vigor Industries, American shipbuilder and ship repairer, in February, 2019. The latter plans to manufacture a new type of landing craft for the U.S. Army called the Maneuver Support Vessel (Light) at the yard. Vigor plans to start with employing 130 workers and grow up to 400 after a few years, as Christensen used to employ 500 people at the peak.
According to Christensen’s President, Jim Gilbert, the company is now negotiotiating for the first contracts to be implemented within the new facility. The construction processes at the new yard finishes in 6 months, and the company is to come up with some fresh designs models within the time. However, they are going to stick to the traditional focus on large volume boats in general.
The company is currently building a 50-metre Hull 42 at Vancouver facility, but the vessel will be moved to Tennessee this summer for completion. Christensen yachts currently employs about 70, Gilbert said, and all of them are being offered the chance to stay with the company at their current salary if they move to Tennessee.
All in all, members of the Christensen family have not commented on the details of the settlement. According to Luken, it implied a lien on the shipyard property, and that he would receive nearly $ 5,000,000 from the sale. Despite that, Luken still claims that his involvement with the company caused him in an estimated net loss of nearly $15,000,000, largely due to a yacht he bought from the yard, never seeing her delivery.
Northrop & Johnson has announced the launch of Ocean Angel, the second 40-meter explorer yacht in Ocean King's DOGE 400 series. The vessel has commenced sea trials and is scheduled for delivery ahead of its debut at the 2025 Monaco Yacht Show.Designed by aLOT with interiors by Burdissocapponi Yachts & Design, Ocean Angel features a commercial-grade steel hull and aluminum superstructure. The yacht is powered by twin Caterpillar engines that deliver a top speed of 15 knots and a cruising speed of 13 knots, with a transoceanic range of 4,000 nautical miles.Accommodation includes five guest suites for 10 passengers and crew quarters for seven. Notable features include a beach club with sauna and hammam, a concealed 1.2-ton telescopic tender crane capable of launching a 6.25-meter tender, and fold-down sea terraces. The interior design emphasizes natural light through full-height windows and seamless indoor-outdoor connectivity."Ocean Angel demonstrates our commitment to building capable explorer yachts with customized interiors," said an Ocean King representative. The yacht's commercial-grade construction enables extended autonomous operation in remote cruising areas.Following sea trials, the yacht will undergo final outfitting before delivery to its owner. The first DOGE 400 series yacht was delivered earlier this year, with both units sharing the same rugged exploration capabilities paired with refined interior spaces.Credits: Northrop & Johnson
June 11, 2025
The Amels 60 Memories has departed from Damen Yachting’s main build facility in Vlissingen following its final delivery to the new Owner. The yacht was officially named during a private ceremony held at the Dutch shipyard, attended by the Owner’s team and crew.The exterior design of Memories was created by Espen Øino International, featuring the signature geometric windows and enhancements typical of recent Amels deliveries. Notably, Memories is the first Amels 60 to feature custom interiors by Harrison Eidsgaard, marking a new collaboration for the shipyard.The Owner, introduced by Moran Yacht & Ship, joined the project just six months prior to delivery. Despite the late entry, the Owner was able to implement several customizations, including modifications to the Beach Club, Owner’s areas, and Sun Deck, where a large sofa with a ceiling-mounted TV replaced the original dining table and bar. The Bridge Deck Aft was transformed into an on-deck cinema setup from its original lounge configuration.Joppe Osté, Project Manager for Amels 60 Memories, commented: “When the Owner stepped in, we were already at an advanced stage of construction. The advantage of this was that the new Owner was able to make decisions quickly and take possession of it before the start of summer. Until the buyer steps in, we design the yacht for all potential clients. The sales, design, and proposal teams are all involved. That is a major advantage. The custom interiors by Harrison Eidsgaard appealed to her new Owner, which allowed us to stay on schedule and move forward according plan.”The interior design by Harrison Eidsgaard features a contemporary beach house luxury style with natural materials and refined detailing. A notable feature is the spiral staircase with illuminated handrail. Ben Harrison of Harrison Eidsgaard stated: “It has been an absolute delight working on this superyacht and a great collaboration with all partners involved. MEMORIES is our first Amels Limited Editions interior and brings a new look and feel to this successful 60-metre design.”Memories is expected to follow a busy charter schedule, with private use by the Owner also anticipated. The yacht will be available for charter through Moran Yacht & Ship, with its first destination being Ibiza.The next Amels 60 is already under construction and scheduled for delivery in Autumn 2025.The Amels 60 Memories features the following specifications: length of 60 metres, gross tonnage of 853 GT, accommodation for 12 guests and 12 crew plus Captain. The yacht boasts interior design by Harrison Eidsgaard, exterior design by Espen Øino International, and naval architecture by Damen Yachting.Credit: Damen Yachting
June 11, 2025
Northrop & Johnson has announced a significant price reduction on the 43.6m Feadship True North, now listed at $6,995,000. The yacht is represented by brokers Kevin Merrigan and Kristen Klein and is actively for sale, presenting a notable opportunity in the current market.Originally built in 1987 at the Van Lent shipyard under the name Fiffanella, True North underwent a comprehensive refit in 2021. The current owner invested approximately $4 million in capital improvements, which included a full exterior paint job, major upgrades to the air conditioning, electrical, and navigation systems, as well as a new Headhunter sanitation system. The vessel has completed its Bureau Veritas 35-year survey and is in turnkey condition, ready for immediate use.The yacht features accommodation for up to 16 guests across five staterooms. The main deck includes a full-beam master suite with his-and-her ensuites. The interior refit in 2021 introduced updated headliners and wall coverings, blending modern amenities with the yacht’s original character. The lower deck staterooms are flexible and suitable for families or groups, each with private en-suite facilities.Outdoor spaces include a large sundeck equipped with a Jacuzzi, swim-up bar, and lounging areas. The covered aft deck is ideal for dining and relaxation, while the swim platform provides convenient water access. The vessel is powered by twin CAT 3508 DI-TA engines, offering a cruising range of 4,000 nautical miles at 11 knots. True North is U.S. Duty Paid.True North represents a significant offering in the classic yacht segment, combining historical pedigree with modern upgrades and is now positioned as a competitive option in the market.Credit: Northrop & Johnson
June 11, 2025
ISA Yachts has secured the sale of the second hull in its Unica 45M Steel series to a European client, with delivery scheduled for 2028. The steel-hulled, aluminum-superstructure yacht follows the sale of the first unit announced earlier this year.Designed by Enrico Gobbi's Team for Design with naval engineering by ISA Yachts, the 45-meter displacement yacht features 60,000 liters of fuel capacity for extended ocean crossings. The design emphasizes outdoor connectivity through expanded deck spaces and full-height windows.Accommodation includes an owner's suite with lounge area and walk-in wardrobe on the main deck, plus four guest cabins below deck. Crew quarters house nine staff in four cabins, with the captain's cabin adjacent to the wheelhouse.Key features includes three-level stern area with infinity pool, 16-meter flybridge with dual sunbathing areas, two dining areas (indoor formal and outdoor casual), and convertible starboard space for sixth cabin or office use.Performance specifications include twin CAT C32 970kW engines delivering 15-knot top speed and 4,000+ nautical mile range at 10 knots.The sale increases ISA Yachts' current production to 11 vessels across its Ancona and Savona facilities, including three 80-meter projects and two 66-meter yachts. The Unica 45M Steel joins ISA's portfolio of semi-custom series alongside GT and Classic models.Palumbo Superyachts took root in 2008, when the Columbus Yachts brand was established, and in 2011 it launched its first 54m superyacht, emblematically christened Prima (the First). Currently, Palumbo Superyachts comprises a representative office in Monaco and a logistics network of five shipyards in the Mediterranean (Ancona, Malta, Marseille, Naples, and Savona); it also operates the following brands: ISA Yachts, Columbus Yachts, Mondomarine and Palumbo SY Refit.Credits: ISA Yachts
June 10, 2025
CRN's 70-meter fully custom superyacht Project Thunderball has entered advanced construction phases at the Ferretti Group Superyacht Division shipyard. The steel and aluminum displacement yacht, scheduled for delivery in 2026, has completed hull and superstructure carpentry work.Developed with Vripack Yacht Design handling exterior styling and preliminary naval architecture, and Nauta Design creating interiors, the project features classic elongated bow lines optimized for cruising efficiency. The five-deck layout accommodates 12 guests and 15 crew across 1,100 GT of interior volume.Current progress includes:exterior fairing completion scheduled for summer 2025,full hull painting to begin September 2025, main deck insulation and compartmentalization completed and initial furniture installations planned for late spring/early summer.Y.CO serves as owner's representative, overseeing construction quality and technical coordination between CRN and specialty contractors. The yacht will feature MAN V12-1213kW engines delivering 16-knot top speed and 12-knot cruising speed.Technical systems include energy recovery solutions and peak shaving technology to reduce fuel consumption. The design incorporates silent mode capability at anchor through optimized power management."Project Thunderball exemplifies CRN's fully custom approach," stated a yard representative. "From Vripack's naval architecture to Nauta's timeless interior concept, every element responds to owner specifications."The yacht's construction timeline remains on schedule with VIP cabin installations beginning June-July 2025. Final outfitting will continue through 2026 prior to sea trials and delivery.The Ferretti Group, led by Chief Executive Officer Alberto Galassi, is now one of the world’s leaders in the construction and sale of luxury yachts and pleasure vessels, with a unique portfolio of brands: Ferretti Yachts, Riva, Pershing, Itama, Mochi Craft, CRN, Custom Line and Wally.Credits: Ferretti Group
June 10, 2025