A $32 Million Superyacht Gets a Makeover to Feel Like Home

The luxury vessel Chasseur, built by Christensen Shipyards in 2016, has undergone a major transformation under the guidance of designer Patrick Knowles. The new owners wanted to soften the minimalist aesthetic and create a more welcoming and comfortable space for their family.

From Hunter to Sanctuary

Chasseur, which means “hunter” in French, was originally named by its first owner, Donald Burns, a telecommunications mogul and co-founder of Telco Communications. He bought the 164-foot (49-meter) tri-decker superyacht in 2016, after it was built on the same platform as Odessa, another acclaimed Christensen design. Chasseur boasted sophisticated looks and sharp angles, with a milky-glazed English sycamore wood interior and Venetian blinds. It won the Judges’ Special Award for Achievement at the World Superyacht Awards in 2017.

However, Burns soon sold Chasseur for nearly $31 million in 2022, as he had his eyes on a bigger Christensen vessel. The new owners had a different vision for their floating luxury toy. They wanted to make it feel more like a home, with warmer tones and softer textures. They hired Patrick Knowles, a renowned yacht designer, to oversee the makeover at the Safe Harbor Marina in Fort Lauderdale.

A Warm and Relaxing Retreat

Knowles had to work with the existing structure and materials of Chasseur, but he managed to create a significant change in the ambiance and mood of the yacht. He stripped down, tinted, and refinished the sycamore wood, giving it a richer and deeper color. He replaced the harsh blinds with roller mesh blinds and fixed drapery panels, adding elegance and coziness. He covered the floors with custom rugs for a more comfortable feeling. He also disguised the bulkheads, berths, and window mullions with hand-stitched textile panels that softened the lines and angles, as well as dampened the noise and vibration.

The result was a stunning transformation that turned Chasseur into a warm and relaxing sanctuary at sea. The new owners were delighted with the outcome, as they felt they had achieved their goal of creating a family-friendly space that reflected their personality and taste. They also appreciated the attention to detail and craftsmanship that Knowles and his team displayed throughout the project.

A Luxurious Pleasure Craft

Despite the makeover, Chasseur still retains its luxurious features and amenities that make it a pleasure craft for the discerning traveler. It can accommodate up to 12 guests in six spacious cabins, including a full-beam master suite on the main deck, a VIP suite on the bridge deck, and four guest cabins on the lower deck. It also has a crew of 10 to ensure a smooth and enjoyable voyage.

Chasseur has plenty of outdoor spaces for entertainment and relaxation, such as a sundeck with a Jacuzzi, sun pads, bar, and dining area; an aft deck with a lounge and dining area; and a foredeck with seating and sunbathing areas. It also has a beach club with a swim platform and water toys storage.

Chasseur is powered by two MTU 12V 4000 diesel engines that give it a top speed of 16 knots and a cruising speed of 14 knots. It has a range of 4,000 nautical miles at 10 knots, making it suitable for long-distance cruising.

Chasseur is currently available for charter through Burgess Yachts, starting from $250,000 per week.