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For her owners, Richard and Judi Duchossois of Chicago, Illinois, Blue Moon represents the latest iteration of their design favorites.
by Mark T. Masciarotte
photography by Jaine Cowham
11/01/2005
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| Feadship 198 |  |
“We felt
that when you have a crew of this size,” explained Duchossois, “there are always
some who want to get away, or some who just want to visit, read, watch TV or
just relax. If you don’t have a comfortable crew, you don’t have a happy crew,
and then it isn’t much fun sailing.”
Here, Blue Moon provides a tip for
yacht owners who plan to cruise for extended periods, or who plan to charter.
Although the crew is generally 14, the crew lounge on the tank deck has an
additional feature that allows it to be divided, converting half of the space to
a cabin with a private head. This arrangement provides berthing for two, in the
event a pilot must be carried to satisfy navigation regulations. Under operating
regulations, the berths cannot be used by full-time crew, because they are
located below the cabin deck.
Other changes include a tubular, glass
elevator, encircled by a staircase terminating in an observation lounge on the
sun deck. Duchossois acknowledged that, because of cold or windy weather, the
couple was often unable to use the sun deck on the previous boat, adding, “Now,
by having an observation area surrounding the elevator and wind-break doors on
the port and starboard sides, we have a deck that can be used most of the time.”
But the most noticeable difference is Starkey’s exterior styling, particularly
the increased length of the foredeck, which gives the boat a sleeker, more
balanced appearance. Another departure from the two previous boats is the décor,
done on the new boat by Robin Waterman of Lee Perot Design. Waterman
collaborated closely with the owners in choosing soft goods and loose furniture.
The finished product has a relaxed, residential feel.
“You can have a house, or you can have a home,” Duchossois stated. “We
look at this as more like a home. It isn’t over-contemporary. It isn’t
over-traditional. It’s sort of in between, and I think that, with Don Starkey’s
layout and Lee Perot’s interior, working along with my wife, everything fits
together.”
Duchossois is not one to compromise on yacht systems.
“State-of-the-art equipment ensures comfort for everyone. If people are
important enough to bring on board, they’re important enough to be given the
very best. After all, when we’re aboard, it’s our home. It’s not a showcase to
be on exhibit. It has to be livable for us and our friends; it has to be
comfortable, friendly,” he said.
What makes the interior work so well
are the same design details that were a success on the previous boat: large
spaces with an intimate feel, finishes that are pleasing to the eye and touch,
and a color palette that is soft and inviting.
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