Grand Ambition, The Story of Lady Linda

An excellent read that will encapsulate the reader and bring them on a journey through the construction of one of finest superyachts on the water today. Journalist and Author G. Bruce Knecht set out to write a book about the people involved and the construction of a superyacht, but no one could foresee what was going to happen.

The world economy over the last decade has had its ups, where people like Doug and Linda Von Allmen could afford to own one superyacht for cruising the Mediterranean and also commission a new build for cruising the Bahamas. Lady Linda was that superyacht, she measures a total length of 57m (187ft), cost $40 million USD, was designed by Evan K. Marshall and built by Trinity Yachts in Gulfport Mississippi.

But the world economy also had its downs and the economic crisis changed everything for the Von Allmens. As the crisis went into overdrive they began to question their lifestyle and if they could really afford Lady Linda? and if that wasn't enough, things got even worse when a Ponzi scheme was on the verge of destroying all of their ambitions and dreams.

G. Bruce Knecht has produced a one of a kind book not only for superyacht fanatics but for everyone who wants a gripping read. His passion for his work flows through the book and keeps you turning every page from start to finish.  

Grand Ambition: An extraordinary yacht, the people who built it, and the millionaire who can't really afford it, is on sale from today the 5th of March.

Trinity Yachts Deliver 187ft 'Lady Linda'

After her successful launch at the end of last year 2011, Trinity have just completed the handover/delivery of the 57m (187ft) Lady Linda to her new owners a couple from Florida. Since being delivered she has crossed the Atlantic for a summer of fun in the Mediterranean where she will also attended the Monaco Yacht Show in September.

The owners knew exactly what they wanted when they went to build their third Trinity and the most important features were that she needed to be built for docking behind their Florida residence and capable of handling the shallow waters of the Bahamas. Trinity accomplished the shallow water cruising with an expansive beam of 10.2m (33.4ft) that allowed for a 2.4m (8ft) draft. This will allow Lady Linda cruise in shallow waters, enter shallow berths, port and destinations which are generally unavailable to yachts of this size.

Her accommodation includes a full beam owners suite forward on the main deck which includes his and her showers and a full office. There are 4 guest cabins on the lower deck with great sea views in each cabin which are spacious, all en suite and are decorated with granite, marble and soft earthy colours, and all designed by interior designer Evan Marshall of London. There is also a gym behind the bridge that can be changed into a 5th guest cabin if needed to raise the number of guest accommodation to 12.

Photo: Alex Pfotenhauer

One unique feature to her design is the floor to ceiling doors on the sundeck to deflect the wind away from the guests, a first in design for Trinity. The sundeck also features a large bar and seating area, a hot tub, a touch and go helipad and a davit suitable for rescue tender, jet skis and water toys. There is plenty of space throughout the yacht for guest to relax and socialize, be it in the main saloon, sky lounge or out on the aft decks. If you are in the Med this summer keep a close lookout for her, currently she is anchored just off Cannes in the South of France.

Trinity Yachts Splash, 242ft "New Horizon"

Trinity Yachts launched their largest Mega Yacht to date at their facility in Gulfport, Mississippi, with a length of 242ft (73.8m) New Horizon is the largest built American Mega Yacht of 2011. She has 6 decks and a fully displacement steel hull, Trinity Yachts have had a remarkable year launching 3 Mega Yachts (New Horizon, Lady Linda, and Areti) and delivering 2 (Carpe Diem and Falcon) showing that they are the top yacht builder in the U.S.

New Horizon's interior was artfully designed by Evan Marshall, and with a beam of 40.9ft and the volume of 6 decks allows her to, by nature, lets her represent the very finest aspects of superyachting. Her main deck features a luxurious aft entertaining area, huge salon and dining area, full beam master stateroom with office, study, his and hers ensuite with wardrobes. Her lower deck includes six guest stateroom all ensuite, eight crew cabins plus a captains cabin also ensuite, and a large lazarette to store all the toys for water based activities. She will be able to accommodate 14 guests and a crew of 18 in the above cabins, and will have a top speed of 15.5kts and a range of 4,000nm at 13kts.


The pilothouse deck includes twin davits for tenders, ample space for toys, a skylounge, an aft deck lounge with al fresco seating for 12 and twin side deck lounges. The observation deck with lounge is on the deck above the pilothouse and features a gym, aft deck and hot tub, and the upper deck offers perfect visibility of the surrounding area wherever the yacht may be.

New Horizon was sold by Bob Cury of RJC Yacht Sales for long time repeat customers. She will be delivered to her owners in 2012. Expect more launches and exciting new mega yachts from Trinity Yachts next year.