Pretty & Practical

Backed by a proven pedigree, the ocean alexander 74 might make the perfect next motoryacht for a discerning owner.

- Capt. John Wooldridge

Every once in a while, as many brokers and buyers will attest, the stars align and an important relationship emerges. When a buyer who is looking for in-depth background on a highly desirable and expensive yacht connects with a broker who can offer a deep understanding of the vessel and builder, kismet rises like the light of a full moon over dark waters. Such was the case with Misstress, an Ocean Alexander 74 Pilothouse Motor Yacht.

The Ocean Alexander 74, a semi-displacement, semi-custom design from the board of Ed Monk, Jr.—well-known for his seaworthy, open-water cruising yachts—was an immediate success when it first launched in 2006. Misstress is a 2008 Ocean Alexander 74 Open Bridge model, ordered and owned by a yachtsman who kept it in Florida and the Bahamas, where he maintained a residence.

For as long as I can remember, and that stretches back to the late 1970s when Alexander Chueh founded the company, Ocean Alexander yachts have always been impeccably finished and well-made contemporary designs. This builder is known for working with owners to create luxurious and practical yachts that can accommodate crew when desired, but are designed in many cases to be operated by experienced, capable owners.

According to Sally Doleski, Ocean Alexander’s vice president of marketing, the OA74 model line ceased production in 2011, which is a good run for a yacht that retailed for over $3 million for the basic version during the Great Recession. An enclosed skylounge, along with three saloon layouts and crew’s quarters, were among numerous options available.