Among the 5,000-plus superyachts exceeding 100 feet (30 meters) afloat today, few resemble the yacht Norma Jean. Considered futuristic at her time of delivery in 2009, and still today, she’s undergoing a design refresh with Patrick Knowles Designs to better reflect this personality, while remaining a welcoming way to cruise.
The 150-footer (46-meter) is one of several Sport 150 yachts from Palmer Johnson. The styling was a major departure for both the builder and the yachting market. Simultaneously, it complemented her engineering, for swift speeds to around 27 knots. While the megayacht underwent a major refit last year, the owner still wants to change up the looks of a few areas.
The current refresh is being split into two phases. Phase one, presently underway, concentrates on the alfresco areas. Specifically, the sunning and seating areas all will embrace the color white, with seafoam-toned accents here and there. The idea is to lend an easy, breezy feeling to encourage everyone to relax and enjoy themselves, and each other’s company.
Phase two of the refresh, meanwhile, focuses attention inside. The yacht Norma Jean will switch to predominantly creams and whites with warm oak wood. It’s a more contemporary vibe and therefore a chance from the more traditional wood mullions in her present décor (below). Additionally, super-soft rugs and other materials will lend comfortable appeal. Overall, the look and feel will be akin to a sophisticated Hamptons beach house. Upgraded technology supporting this lifestyle will remain out of sight, of course.
Norma Jean should wrap up the first phase of her design refresh next month, at Rybovich. Her owner intends to have her cruise and charter through the winter. The winter might also see her return to supporting marine conservation, youth education, and community programs. Her philanthropic-minded owner is a supporter of the International SeaKeepers Society, in fact, with Norma Jean being among its Discovery Yachts, which help further scientific research. Norma Jean herself has served as a support vessel for scientific research. Regardless of what roles she serves this winter, she’ll head into phase two of the design refresh next June. According to Patrick Knowles Designs, that work should finish in November 2026.
“Norma Jean represents more than a vessel,” Patrick Knowles says. “She reflects a lifestyle, a purpose, and a deep respect for the ocean and community.” He shares those values, he says, adding, “This refresh is about honoring this legacy while rejuvenating her aesthetics.”
Patrick Knowles Designs patrickknowlesdesigns.com
More About the Yacht Norma Jean
LOA: 149’9” (45.7 meters)
Beam: 27’6” (8.4 meters)
Draft: 5’8” (1.77 meters)
Guests: 10 guests in 5 staterooms
Engines: 2/4,651-hp MTUs
Range: not specified
Builder: Palmer Johnson
Stylist: Nuvolari-Lenard
Naval Architect: Palmer Johnson
Interior Designer: Patrick Knowles Designs