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As the world of yacht architecture and design continues to evolve into ultra contemporary styling with wild ellipti- cal curves, severe angles and curious shapes, one couple, Ray and Elsie Catena are committed to recapturing the splendor, grace and charm of an era gone by in their newest yacht, a 143-ft. (44-m), fantail cruiser, Sycara. Ironically, Mr. & Mrs. Catena, a well- known yachting family, also own a clas- sic/contemporary-styled 188-ft. (57-m) megayacht, Sycara III. However, the vision and plan for the two yachts are as diverse as the yachts are themselves. The simple pleasure of yachting was their inspiration for Sycara, a beautiful traditionally-styled, early-1900's era Fantail Cruiser. The yacht design will be true to the period, but will be outfit- ted with the latest engineering. This project is the culmination of a dream the Catenas have had for more than 20 years. While they've cruised distant ports of the world with the other vessels they've designed and built, the vision for this "family yacht" is to see America and its surrounding waters. As the yacht is designed with a relatively shallow draft and excellent seakeeping characteristics, it will also make regular excursions to the Bahamas and the Caribbean. After numerous design efforts over the years by various naval architects and designers, and after visiting and consid- ering many different shipyards to bring their vision to reality, the Catena's chose Manitowoc, Wis.-based Burger Boat Company. From the initial design brief to a fully developed plan, there has been an close collaboration between the Catenas, their project manager Steve Narkawicz, and the entire Burger Design Team. Bruce King designed the hull with its classic schooner bow and fantail stern; the Burger Design Team created the exterior styling; Craig Beale of Pure Detail developed the interior layout; and Ken Freivokh will collabo- rate on the interior design and exterior details. The Catenas have been involved in every stage of the design, and all of the pre-construction planning has been extensive. This past January, successful tank testing was completed at the Davidson Laboratory of the Stevens Institute giving everyone great confi- dence in the performance criteria of the hull. Sycara will be fully ABS Certified and will reportedly be the first yacht built in America using the ultra-high strength and corrosion resistant alloy, Alustar. "This vessel has to be perfect inside and outside to successfully blend the lat- est in technology with the re-creation of a classic style that started the opulent era of yachting. We've been planning this yacht in our minds for many years and I can't imagine any facility, design team and craftsmen better than Burger's to bring our dream to fruition." said Ray Catena. "Mr. & Mrs. Catena are a highly respected yachting family that have designed and built several outstanding yachts. I can't begin to say how proud and honored we are to be selected to cre- ate this very special vessel. There's lit- tle question that this incredible project will showcase our craftsmanship, cre- ative abilities and especially our diversi- ty," says David Ross, Burger's President & CEO. Circle 83 on Reader Service Card Megayachts 18 Maritime Reporter & Engineering News Sycara Throwback Style, Advanced Tech Sycara under construction at Burger Boat in Manitowoc, Wis. MR OCTOBER 2005 #3 (17-24).qxd 9/29/2005 7:29 AM Page 18
