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The
rest of the major equipment and machinery is commercial-grade and oversize—the
shafts are 51⁄2 inches in diameter, and the reduction-gear ratio
is 3:1—both more characteristic of a vessel twice Whale Song’s
size. All of this was put to a baptism by fire during a grounding amid
sea trials in Lockport, Louisiana, where New Orleans-based Trinity builds
all its Global Explorer Series yachts. Despite conditions that Grenier
says at one point felt like “four feet of water and three feet of
muck,” Whale Song, with her 7'9" draft (half load),
came away with only a slight ding to a prop, much to his and the owner’s
surprise and, of course, delight.
Even
as Grenier and the owner relish this “no-nonsense” focus,
they’re quick to point out the more whimsical interior touches.
A pub-like atmosphere in the combined saloon and dining area is highlighted
by carvings and other artwork depicting whales. A sign above the large
bar to starboard reads “Whale Watching Society, New Members Welcome.”
Several whales are etched into the surface of the bar, protected with
a coat of polyurethane. A few feet forward and to port hangs a carving
of a whale that Grenier gave to the owner as a christening gift. The theme
reappears throughout the yacht, whether in the owner’s stateroom
abaft the pilothouse or the four guest staterooms below decks (two doubles,
one triple, and one twin, which Grenier uses).
When
everyone would rather take part in more everyday pursuits, Whale Song
is equipped accordingly. A door leads aft from the owner’s cabin
to a partially covered aft deck, where he can dine in privacy or lazily
swing in a hammock while at sea. A benchseat immediately forward of the
pilothouse lets the owner enjoy the view as well. An avid chess player,
he has a beautiful chess set arranged in front of the port-side settee
in the saloon. Ocean Alliance researchers who feel their skin tone too
closely matches the color of their lab coats will enjoy the lounges on
the sundeck. They’ll also appreciate the flip-down steps on the
swim platform, making it easier to get into the water.
Around
presstime, Whale Song had departed for the Mediterranean, expecting
to maintain a long-range speed of 8 knots (top speed is around 11 knots)
and burn about 20 to 22 gph, thanks to twin 440-hp Caterpillars. Her owner
was looking forward to his first ocean crossing and, more important, setting
off on his quest to follow whales. He and Grenier expected to take digital
photos of interesting encounters, promising to e-mail some on occasion
to keep me apprised of their discoveries. Since they had done this for
Trinity during their maiden voyage, perhaps they’ll update the yard
this time as well. And perhaps the photos will inspire the owners of Trinity’s
latest project, a 195-foot expedition-style yacht named Ulysses.
While she also has an ambitious cruising schedule, departing for New Zealand
upon delivery, she’s designed for luxurious cruising, too.
Even
if they—and other yachtsmen the Whale Song group encounters—only
learn the difference between a Right whale and a Humpback whale, the 94-footer’s
unusual yachting folk just might have more people marching along to their
different tune.
Trinity
Yachts Phone: (504) 283-4050. Fax: (504) 284-7318. www.trinityyachts.com.
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