Christensen Shipyards, the composite yacht builder based in Vancouver Washington, has built a reputation for substantial and well-engineered motor yachts suited to warm-water charter. In St Barts, a Christensen Shipyards vessel brings practical American proportions and a focus on outdoor entertaining to one of the Caribbean most vibrant destinations. The yard has delivered vessels in the 30 to 60 metre range, and the composite construction method resists the corrosion challenges that affect steel and aluminium hulls in sustained tropical use.
The design approach at Christensen Shipyards favours interior volume and functional outdoor spaces over aerodynamic styling. Wide beams, high sidedecks and generous cockpits are characteristic of the range, giving guests plenty of room to gather at anchor. Interiors are typically finished to a high standard, with natural materials and good natural light given priority throughout the design brief.
Weekly charter rates for a Christensen Shipyards vessel in St Barts run from roughly 100,000 to 180,000 euros, reflecting the practical positioning of the yard relative to comparable European custom builds. The advance provisioning allowance of approximately 30 percent covers fuel for the island circuit, Gustavia anchorage fees, provisions from the well-supplied French merchants and crew gratuities.
St Barts rewards a yacht of this practical character. The island offers a combination of French provisioning quality, sheltered anchorages and a social scene ashore that fills a week comfortably without ever requiring long passages.