49m Christensen CARTE BLANCHE Sold in IYC In-House Deal

A 49-metre American superyacht changes hands in an in-house brokerage deal

IYC has completed the sale of the 49.1-metre Christensen motor yacht CARTE BLANCHE, with Michael Ripley introducing the buyer and Mark Elliott representing the seller. Both brokers worked within the same international yacht company, so the transaction was handled in-house rather than involving separate selling and buying firms.

The sale price and the new owner's identity have not been disclosed. That limits the market conclusions that can be drawn from the announcement: a last advertised asking price may illustrate where the yacht had been positioned, but it is not evidence of what the parties agreed at completion.

Christensen's American construction tradition is a central feature

Originally delivered as PRIMADONNA, the yacht was built by Christensen Shipyards with exterior design and naval architecture developed by the yard. Interiors are credited to Carol Williamson & Associates and Jacqueline Mann Design. The combination gives the vessel a more traditional American superyacht character than many recent minimalist new builds.

Her approximately 499 gross tonnes of internal volume make her a sizeable vessel despite a length just below 50 metres. When comparing yachts in this class, gross tonnage offers a different perspective from length alone: it relates to enclosed volume, which has direct implications for accommodation, service areas and crew circulation.

Six guest suites allow more flexible parties

CARTE BLANCHE provides accommodation for as many as fifteen guests across six cabins. The reported layout includes a main-deck owner's suite and another full-beam guest suite, giving the yacht more flexibility than the conventional five-stateroom arrangement found on numerous vessels of similar length.

An elevator and circulation designed to be accessible to guests with mobility challenges are also notable. These features can change the practical suitability of a yacht for extended family groups, particularly when guests need to move between decks without using steep stairs.

Cruising arrangements and deck amenities need to be considered together

The yacht's published features include a helipad, extensive tender and water-sports provision, and several spaces for outdoor dining and relaxation. Twin MAN engines are associated with a cruising speed of about thirteen knots and a maximum near seventeen knots, making her suited to conventional long-distance motor-yacht use rather than exceptionally fast passages.

For a buyer, the helipad is only one element of the operating brief. Aviation arrangements, tender handling, fuel planning, professional crew, equipment maintenance and local regulations all affect how the yacht can actually be used. The presence of a landing area should not be confused with universal permission to operate a helicopter.

The important post-sale question is how the yacht will be used

The completed transaction establishes that ownership has changed. It does not establish whether the buyer plans private cruising, charter, a refit or a change in the yacht's home port. Those details should be reported only when confirmed.

For the brokerage market, CARTE BLANCHE is an example of how established yachts can remain attractive through a combination of interior volume, an extensive amenity list and a familiar shipyard pedigree. Her next meaningful public milestone will be determined by the new owner's plans rather than the marketing material from the sale.