Christensen Shipyards, the Vancouver-based composite construction specialist, built a distinguished catalogue of custom motor yachts before ceasing production. Their yachts remain highly regarded for structural integrity, precise engineering, and measured interior refinement that suits extended blue-water use. Chartering a Christensen Shipyards vessel in Curacao brings this North American craftsmanship to a Caribbean destination that mixes urban culture with excellent natural anchorages. Curacao sits at the southern end of the Lesser Antilles chain, largely outside the Atlantic hurricane belt, with trade winds providing reliable sailing and comfortable temperatures year-round. The island’s southern coast shelters turquoise bays over ancient coral systems, while Willemstad’s UNESCO-listed waterfront gives any itinerary a cultural dimension that most Caribbean islands cannot match. Christensen Shipyards built primarily in the 40 to 62-metre range, producing yachts with four to six guest cabins, large cockpits, and wide transoms well suited to Caribbean day-charter use and overnight passages. Composite hulls keep weight down and fuel costs manageable on the three-hour crossing to Bonaire or the four-hour run to Aruba. Weekly rates in the Caribbean run from around 65,000 euros to approximately 280,000 for the largest and most recent examples. The 30 percent advance provisioning allowance covers fuel, provisions, drinks, and berthing. December through April is peak Caribbean season. Curacao offers excellent infrastructure for charter operations year-round. Christensen Shipyards’ composite construction philosophy and Curacao’s varied leeward coastline complement each other well, giving guests a practical and refined platform from which to explore the southern Caribbean’s most historically and ecologically interesting island.
