She’s famous for being one of the first Westport 130s, a successful semi-custom superyacht series, and for belonging to a few different passionate yachtsmen since delivery. The yacht Serengeti is seeking her next equally avid owner, through an auction on March 18.
Splashed in 2002, the year after the series debuted, Serengeti has put thousands of nautical miles under her hull. She has frequented Alaska, for instance, having a home base on the U.S. West Coast since delivery. In fact, she’s spent summers in Alaska and much of the remainder of the year in California since her current owner acquired her about 13 years ago. The voyages supported family time, especially with growing children, and multiple vacations for charter guests.
That owner further returned her name to what her first owner, the late comedian and talk-show host Johnny Carson, christened her. As detailed in a book about Carson, the yacht Serengeti was truly special to him. He spent significant time cruising with friends along both the West and East Coast. Sometimes, too, he simply spent time aboard at the dock.
From her five staterooms to her lounges, animal art and fabrics serve as subtle nods to her name. These include the main-deck master suite, where rows of elephants march across a settee. Zebra-like patterns flow across carpeting from deck to deck. Most noteworthy of all, though, an art niche in the main entry foyer pays homage to Carson. It’s a portrait of him as Carnac the Magnificent.
Regardless of whether the owners with the winning bid keep this décor, the spaces make private time or charter trips welcoming. For example, a cherrywood buffet separates the formal dining area from the main saloon without walling either off. It additionally conceals a pop-up television for the saloon. While the alfresco areas like the hot tub aft on the bridge deck and the foredeck lounge will surely be popular, the skylounge can bring the group together day or night. It has a bar, a games table, and a TV.
Capable of a 20-knot speed and with a Bahamas-friendly draft, the yacht Serengeti has been well-maintained. Personal viewings are available by appointment through March 17. Boathouse Auctions anticipates opening bids for the no-reserve auction will range from $3 million to $3.5 million.
Boathouse Auctions boathouseauctions.com
Westport Yachts westportyachts.com
More About the Yacht Serengeti
LOA: 130’0” (39.62 meters)
Beam: 26’2” (7.98 meters)
Draft: 6’6” (1.96 meters)
Guests: 12 in 5 staterooms
Engines: 2/2,600-hp MTUs
Range: 2,500 nautical miles at 10 knots
Builder: Westport Yachts
Stylist: Gregory C. Marshall Naval Architect
Naval Architect: William Garden
Interior Designer: general arrangement Gregory C. Marshall Naval Architect, décor by owners