Derecktor Launches 85m Superyacht Cakewalk – Largest Motor Yacht Built in US

The yacht building industry of the United States will forever remember the date 8th August 2010. Launched on August 8th in a private ceremony at Derecktor’s Bridgeport, Connecticut yard, Cakewalk is, at 85.6 metres, the largest superyacht to be built in the United States since the 1930s and is also the largest yacht for her experienced owners. This steel, 17-knot full-displacement yacht was built to evoke the elegance of a previous age and full-scale hospitality and comfort are the driving force behind her design by Tim Heywood.

When the stunning six deck, 2998 gross ton vessel floated off Derecktors new 4000 ton dry-dock into the waters of Bridgeport harbor, it was the culmination of an effort never before seen in American yacht building. Several years and many, many thousands of skilled labor hours, along with tireless work from the owners’ team and Derecktors project group were needed to make the original vision a remarkable reality.

With exterior styling by Tim Heywood and interior design by Liz Dalton of Dalton Designs, Cakewalk is a true work of art. The 281 ft yacht’s graceful exterior is the result of close collaboration with Cakewalk’s owners. The client requested a yacht that was not too aggressively modern but a boat that would be a milestone in good taste, says Tim Heywood.

Cakewalk yacht will remain at Derecktor for the next few weeks undergoing final outfitting and sea trials. She is scheduled to make her much-awaited debut at the Ft. Lauderdale International Boat Show in October. Fittingly, this is Americas leading yacht show and she will be it’s leading lady quipped Kathy Kennedy, Derecktor’s marketing director.

85m Superyacht Cakewalk by Derecktor – Launch Ceremony

85m Superyacht Cakewalk by Derecktor

85m Superyacht Cakewalk by Derecktor

85m Superyacht Cakewalk by Derecktor

85m Superyacht Cakewalk by Derecktor

85m Superyacht Cakewalk by Derecktor

Main Deck

Cakewalk’s six decks differ in the flavour of their design. The main deck accommodates the library and dining salon. Liz Dalton describes the rooms as “handsome in character, but not precious”, with detailed coffer tailored ceilings and rosewood bookcases. Exotic carpets are being hand loomed in Tibet for the dining salon, which also features a spectacular chandelier and circular custom-built table.

The six guest rooms are also located on the main deck, meaning that all guest rooms are “flooded with light”, with large windows offering expansive views. Cakewalk’s owners requested that each guest stateroom be equal in size, without favouritism. Each guest stateroom features cherry wood and has an en suite bathroom, full shower, bath and double vanities.

Owner’s Deck

The owner’s suite located forward on the owner’s deck enjoys expansive views and has a private sitting area, office and a beautiful vestibule.

In addition to the main salon, the owner’s salon is a chic area to hold a gathering with guests, offering a large bar with backlit onyx and flat screen TV. The salon’s design shows meticulous attention to detail, with limed oak wood and unusual ceilings detailed with branched rope wooden coffer. For an informal atmosphere, the bridge deck salon has more casual furnishings and is dedicated to entertainment and relaxation.

Sun Deck

The sun deck offers a spacious area where guests can enjoy the Jacuzzi and two aft deck dining areas. The sun deck is also a platform for two of Cakewalk’s most distinctive design features: classic Tim Heywood snail curves and a large mosaic mural designed by Dalton Designs.

The sundeck’s curved lines are Tim Heywood’s trademark. “In some ways she is a piece of sculpture she really is… when the sunlight hits the curves it brings it all alive and it will be stunning,” says Tim.

The majestic mosaic mural is framed by the Tim Heywood snail curves. Liz Dalton explains that the inspiration for the dazzling mural arose from a smaller mermaid piece on another of the owners’ boats. The mural is the centrepiece aft deck, surrounded by spacious sunbathing areas and Jacuzzi.

Due to launch from US shipyard Derecktor in 2010, Cakewalk will be available for luxury charters for five to ten weeks a year in the Mediterranean, through Florida-based yacht management firm Yacht Logistics. She will be kept for the owners’ own use for the rest of the year.

[Source: Superyachts.com]