This $32 Million American Beauty Displays a Fresh Take on Contemporary Luxury

In 2016, this superb 164-footer (49 meters) was one of the famous superyachts flaunting their exquisite looks at St. Bart's, waiting to celebrate the New Year in style. It was the fresh acquisition of telecommunications mogul Donald Burns. Co-founder of Telco Communications, Burns is particularly known for his contribution to the revolutionary Voice Over IP (VoIP) technology.

His brand-new floating luxury toy was named Chasseur (French for "hunter"), boasting sophisticated looks that certainly lived up to its bold name. The US Christensen Shipyards were responsible for the yacht's naval architecture and exterior design, while its interiors were styled by VARO Interior Design.

The gorgeous vessel was built on the same platform as Odessa, an acclaimed Christensen design known for its ultra-clean, contemporary style. The new tri-decker also got its fair share of fame. It was awarded the Judges' Special Award for Achievement at the highly prestigious World Superyacht Awards one year after its debut.

However, the tech millionaire didn't hold on to his new toy for long. Like so many other superyacht owners, he was already eyeing an even bigger Christensen by the time Chasseur was delivered. After five years of ownership, Chasseur was on the market, asking for nearly $31 million. It didn't have to wait long. In 2022, the new owners were willing to not only pay a hefty sum but to pump even more dollars into a makeover.

The reason was strictly personal. They weren't the biggest fans of Chasseur's ultra-minimalist aesthetic with sharp angles everywhere, cold surfaces, and a rigid, impersonal vibe. The aggressive Chasseur had to be tamed and feel more like a home, although still highly luxurious and contemporary.

The transformation was carried out at the Safe Harbor Marina in Fort Lauderdale under the guidance of the acclaimed Patrick Knowles. He was the wizard who turned Chasseur into a warm and relaxing sanctuary at sea. Indeed, Knowles had to devise several tricks to disguise what the new owners saw as flaws without having to remove or completely change certain elements.

The English sycamore wood, with a milky-glaze coating, was stripped down, tinted, and given a different finish. The harsh Venetian blinds were replaced with softer alternatives, such as roller mesh blinds and fixed drapery panels. The floors were covered with precious custom rugs for a more comfortable feeling.

The bulkheads, berths, and window mullions were carefully disguised with hand-stitched textile panels (also custom-made) that didn't just blur the harsh lines and angles but also dampened the noise and vibration. In the master suite, organic shapes and soft colors were used to replace the original furniture. At the same time, a custom-designed console was added to break the direct line of sight from the salon into the bedroom, which the new owners found uncomfortable.

Chasseur's signature staircase was also transformed. The original version featured floating glass steps and equally transparent railings. It was undoubtedly a statement piece and a stunning work of art, yet it made regular guests prefer the exterior staircases. The revamped Chasseur kept this unusual staircase, but Knowles added foam-backed cream panels to the steps to eliminate the unsettling transparency without ruining the overall effect.

The refitted Chasseur is now an inviting floating palace that could be considered even better than the original. It comes with all the extravagant amenities you'd expect onboard a superyacht, including a helipad, a gym, and a generous private jacuzzi.

The jacuzzi is part of the yacht's massive sun deck, which is divided into three separate areas. One houses the jacuzzi and numerous sun loungers, another is dedicated to a modern bar, and the aft area is a spacious outdoor lounge.

Speaking of bars, Chasseur has plenty of them. Perhaps the most impressive one is the marble bar in the sky lounge. It includes eight oversized chairs, and it offers the best views of the water. Next to it, there's a roomy dining area for enjoying meals under the stars. This also happens to be the owners' favorite spot onboard, complete with a game setup.

When it's time for bed, they get to relax inside the lavish master stateroom on the main floor. It's big enough to include a separate private office and sophisticated onyx bathrooms. The other five staterooms, including a sumptuous VIP cabin, are fitted with en-suite bathrooms, under-floor heating, and individual climate controls. In total, this grandiose 499 GT vessel can comfortably accommodate 13 guests and up to ten crew members.

Performance-wise, it cruises smoothly at 12 knots (13.8 mph/22 kph), while zero-speed stabilizers ensure maximum comfort onboard. This elegant pleasure craft traveled to the Bahamas and the Caribbean regularly, and it's the perfect millionaire's vacation boat. Still, it looks like its second ownership will last even less than the first one. After less than two years, Chasseur is up for grabs once again. It's asking for $32.7 million this time – and will probably get it in no time.