Describing the refit of the Westport 112 Montrachet, Destry Darr of Destry Darr Designs in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, says with a laugh, “This was never going to be what I call a fluff-and-puff.”
That’s what she calls a refit consisting of changing pillows and upholstery.
“But we were never going to be a full gut-and-chuck either,” she says, noting that, while the finished yacht was unrecognizable on the interior from the original build, it didn’t involve ripping out bulkheads or rearranging major features.
Montrachet’s experienced owners bought the 112 with a refit in mind. Since the yacht had undergone a mechanical overhaul just two years earlier, they were free to focus on a new interior.
“They wanted clean and fresh,” says Darr, noting that the owners asked for Nantucket chic. “They brought photos of what they liked, and we went with pale blues and whites, with dark-blue accents, to give the coastal look.”
The owners also planned to use the yacht with an extended family that includes young grandchildren. “This meant using the new fabrics that not only are great outdoors and look terrific indoors, but are crayon-proof,” she adds.
Safe Harbor Lauderdale Marine Center was the refit yard of choice for several reasons. First, she says, it has an excellent reputation. Second, it works comfortably with outside subcontractors. Last, Darr has done many refits there and knew what to expect while lightening the interior and retaining much of the Westport’s woodwork.
One mechanical project was to replace the HVAC system. That work was coordinated with the removal and replacement of the headliner to allow for indirect returns. This setup required removing and redesigning a recessed soffit over the dining table.
A second significant task was to refresh and renew the master stateroom’s en suite head, which required removing the striated marble from the counters and bulkheads, and replacing it with a simple, clean look, including chrome fixtures on an all-white vanity. Like all the yacht’s en suites, it got updated stone, new wall coverings and shower enclosures, and new plumbing with chrome faucets.
The VIP stateroom forward was challenging because the plan was to use beadboard paneling to lighten the interior as well as to create a classic sailboat look. The angles from the changing hull shape and overhead were difficult, but Darr’s team incorporated recessed overhead lighting soffits and black-and-white nautical photographs. Shoji screens were also replaced (in all staterooms), and beadboard was fitted around ports and windows.
The master stateroom also received the beadboard treatment on its bulkheads and overhead (and on an elegant headboard). Newly designed bookshelves were finished with polished chrome fiddles that are decorative and useful to keep things in place. A sculptured carpet softened the stateroom sole.
In the lower foyer leading to the staterooms, the stone sole was replaced by warm engineered cherry-wood planking. White textured wall coverings create interest. Whiter LED lighting was installed, along with ribbed-glass sconces to match the staterooms and brighten the corridor.
The stairs leading from the main deck to the foyer also received cherry-wood borders with a textured carpet runner to create a waterfall effect as well as secure footing.
Without removing the original Westport cabinetry, new bullnose trim was fitted throughout the salon and staterooms, with caning topped with glass for a timeless, elegant sensibility. The salon received a new L-shaped couch and loose chairs with classic styling in white, easy-clean fabrics. A game table for two to starboard has cane chairs to tie in with the countertops and invites not only cards, but breakfast croissants too. New window treatments finished the salon look.
One feature of the Westport 112 is a forward country-kitchen-style galley, which incorporates an island and a dining settee with a table. It’s intended as a gathering place for guests and the chef. On this boat, it has stainless-steel appliances and white quartz Silestone counters for a clean, contemporary look that’s easy to clean. The dinette has sleek upholstery around a Silestone table to match the galley. Chairs that tuck under the island overhang let guests use the galley counter for snacks or to chat with the chef.
“I’m seeing more sleek-looking stones, such as Cambria quartz, with a cleaner and larger pattern of movement,” Darr says. “Marbled colors and veiny patterns are losing favor, while synthetic stones offer a contemporary look.”
The yacht’s exterior was updated with new upholstery, cushions and accent windows. On the bridge, white all-weather, childproof upholstery with blue piping continues the white-and-blue look. Montrachet also now has lighted nameboards.
With an interior that matches the owner’s dreams, the Montrachet project took six months. “That time frame is doable,” Darr says, “but it requires both careful planning and talented subcontractors.”
Westport 112
The Westport 112 is a popular yacht for refits. More than 60 hulls have been built, and they have what buyers call “good bones,” with four staterooms, quarters for five crew, proven construction and an aesthetic that is receptive to a variety of design styles.
Colors for Relaxation
“Grays, blues and shades of white have been dominant lately,” says Florida-based designer Destry Darr. “These colors create warmth, happiness, joy, relaxation and rejuvenation—everything an owner wants to feel to get away from their fast-paced, day-to-day life.”
Choosing Color Schemes
Florida-based designer Destry Darr says, “I am seeing more contemporary interiors with interesting colors combined with unusual accents in classic colors such as warm orange, soft yellow, and majestic pinks and plum. I see a lot of organic and natural colors, such as leaf green, and, of course, earthy neutrals never go out of style.”
Take the next step: destrydarrdesigns.com
