Broker’s Best

BY RANDY WOODS

Emerald Queen Casino Paddlewheeler

Northwest Yachtnet invites you aboard a truly unique new listing—the classic 300-foot-long paddlewheeler that once housed the Emerald Queen Casino in Tacoma.

For the Broker’s Best section, we pride ourselves for covering a wide variety of used sail and powerboats available in the Pacific Northwest. This month, however, may be one of the first times we have featured one that is nearly 300 feet long, has more than 70,000 square feet of space on four decks, weighs 400 tons, and is big enough to comfortably accommodate 2,000 guests. Oh, and it’s also powered by a giant wooden stern wheel instead of a propeller. Behold the Emerald Queen, the former floating gambling palace that had been moored at the Blair Waterway on the Tacoma waterfront for the last 25 years as part of the Emerald Queen Casino, owned by the Puyallup Tribe of Indians. Built in 1995 by Louisiana-based Quality Shipyard and Kehl River Boats at a cost of $15 million, the steel Emerald Queen was designed to look like the classic paddlewheel riverboats that used to ply the waters of the Mississippi River in the 19th century. Balustraded exterior walkways and lush interior amenities evoke the buildings of the French Quarter in New Orleans. The grande dame made her way from Houma, Louisiana, to Tacoma in 1997, not under her own power but towed on a barge by the Northwest tugboat Drew Foss, on a month-long journey south across the Gulf of Mexico, through the Panama Canal, and up the West Coast to Puget Sound. But after its gamble paid off with many years in the casino business, the Puyallup Tribe knew when to hold ‘em, knew when to fold ‘em and retired the vessel as a casino in 2004. The ship is now moored next to Tacoma’s “Firecracker Alley” and is up for sale by the Tribe. The boat’s total interior space measures more than 70,000 square feet (23,400 square feet for the casino; 25,320 square feet for the lounge) and can be accessed by three gangways to the second deck and one gangway to the main deck. The boat is equipped with two elevators: one 3,500-pound-capacity passenger elevator forward and a 10,000-pound-capacity freight elevator aft. The most striking interior feature, however, is the opulent forward grand staircase, which connects three decks inside an open atrium lit by a large hanging chandelier. The boat’s main deck features a covered walk around the perimeter, accessed by two forward gangways. Inside is the former gambling area, though all the gaming machines and tables have been removed. There are,

Specs & Info

LOA 292’ Beam 60’ Draft 7’

Tankage (Fuel/Fresh/Black)

14,000 gal. / 30,000 gal. / 32,000 gal.

Engines

Twin Cummins HTA-38 Diesels

Contact

Northwest Yachtnet Seattle, WA Matt Palmer 253-310-7162 mpmarineoffshore@gmail.com nwyachtnet.com

however, five television screens, recessed chandeliers on the ceiling, meeting rooms at the aft end of the vessel, and men’s and women’s heads. The casino bar area includes a foot rail, a Hoshtzaki ice machine, three soda taps, two stainless steel ice bins, two double and two single stainless steel sinks, three 2-door undercounter coolers, and liquor storage. It is one of three such bar areas located on each deck. Located astern is the red paddlewheel structure, which rises as high as the second deck and can be hydraulically lifted and lowered into the water. The wheel is powered by two Cummins HTA-38 diesel engines, producing a combined total of 1,880 HP, a stately cruising speed of 8 knots, and a top speed of 10 knots. A 300-HP Thrustmaster hydraulic bow thruster also helps control the boat during mooring procedures. Because the Emerald Queen has been anchored in the same spot for a quarter-century, the engines have less than 200 hours of use. Despite their idleness, however, the engines have been lovingly maintained by the Tribe and remain in pristine condition. Exterior stairs at port and starboard, forward and aft, lead up to the second and third decks, both of which have covered walk-around exterior decking. Inside the second deck, the former nightclub area of the casino space is still equipped with seven TV sets and another fitted bar with the same equipment found on the main deck below, plus a master microwave oven and liquor storage. The deck also has a security monitor room with 18 video processors, three monitors, and two camera controls, and two5-stall heads for men and women. The top level includes a pilothouse, complete with state-of-the-art navigation and communication equipment, two forward searchlights, a wooden steering wheel, and a ship’s office. Aft of the pilothouse there are also two vertical engine funnels with crown-like, Creole-style ornamentation, giving the boat 55 feet of bridge clearance. Born on the bayou, this Cajun gem is a classic homage to the nation’s proud riverboating heritage, giving credence to any potential plans for a revival as a future clearwater palace—whether it’s anchored at port or just rollin’, rollin’, rollin’ on the river.

LIVE THE ADVENTURE SEA BEYOND

Life is one grand adventure and Seattle Yachts invites you to experience the greatest ones that lie ahead. As your destination for adventure boats, we have decades of hands-on experience in sales and construction of luxury cruising vessels of all types. From sailboats, to motor yachts, liveaboards, trawlers, and cruising boats, if it’s adventure you seek, you will find it with us. Let our expert team make sure your journey begins with the right yacht.

Live life by a compass and come adventure with us.

HIGH LIGHT

REEL

NEW YEAR, NEW YACHTS! OVER 800 VESSELS, FROM CATAMARANS AND MOTORYACHTS TO CROSSOVERS AND SPORTS SERIES, ARE NOW HEADED TO SODO AND BELL HARBOR MARINA FOR THIS MONTH’S 75TH ANNUAL SEATTLE BOAT SHOW. TAKE NOTE OF THE BUZZWORTHY NEW BOATS SET TO MAKE THEIR GRAND ENTRANCES AT THE EXHIBITION—AND THEN MAKE YOUR MUST-SEE LIST FOR THE FEBRUARY 4TH KICK-OFF. BY KATE CALAMUSA

CRUISE IN COMFORT

2022 Fleming 58 Pilothouse [Broker] Chuck Hovey Yachts; 206.624.1908; chuckhoveyyachts.com [Booth] Afloat at Bell Harbor Marina [Buzz] Making its West Coast debut at the show, the all-new Fleming 58 offers a variety of accommodation layouts, including a full beam midship master cabin option, as well as a larger flybridge than previous models, and a pilothouse equipped with enough space for comfortable, adjustable twin helm seats and a day head. A fantastic intermediate size between the existing F55 and F65, the Fleming 58 can easily be operated by a couple. The cockpit is capacious, larger than the Fleming 55 by 25 square feet, and the 58 also employs the newest technology including the Boning ship monitoring system with two color touchscreens and Hypro fly-by-wire precision power steering. The flybridge can accommodate a top-loading freezer, a refrigerator, and BBQ, as well as a 13-foot tender. (A fully hydraulic steelhead davit, with power rotation and telescopic boom, makes launching and retrieving that tender an easy and safe task.) For her sleek exterior, the tank tested, semi-displacement hull is based on the well proven Fleming 55 design, with fine entry and generous flare on the bow making for an efficient, comfortable, and safe ride.

LUXURY MEETS FUNCTION

2022 Cruiser Yachts 50 Cantius [Broker] Silver Seas Yachts; 206.508.4458; silverseasyachts.com [Booths] Afloat at Bell Harbor Marina; West 33 [Buzz] Brand-new and ready for delivery, the all-new 2022 50 Cantius, manufactured in the U.S., offers top-tier performance, quality, function, and design. Ideal for both weekend adventures and extended trips, aboard her you’ll find every amenity you could ask for at sea, including refined staterooms, sophisticated heads, and plenty of space for entertainment. This particular model features three private staterooms, with the full-beam master located midships, as well as two full heads with separate showers. The galley and salon are both located up on the same level and feature magnificent windows and views all around, with the open design flowing right onto the aft deck entertaining area.

AN ENTERTAINER’S DREAM

2022 Endurance 750-26 [Broker] Hampton Yacht Group; 206.623.5200; hamptonyachtgroup.com [Booth] Afloat at Bell Harbor Cantus Marina [Buzz] With four staterooms, six heads, and an incredibly open layout designed for entertaining, the Endurance 750-26 has plentiful living space for opulent long-term cruising. On the main deck, enjoy expansive views of the sea via the array of windows that envelop the nicely appointed forward galley. The sight lines also flow beautifully from the galley into the dining and bar area, then the spacious salon, and finally the aft deck that is appointed with a plush settee, built-in teak wood table, and access to the swim platform. The richly appointed skylounge features Makore cherry and holly flooring, which nicely complement the cherry and stainless steel steering wheel at the helm. Below decks, three of the large staterooms offer en suite heads, and the 750-26 also offers full crew quarters.

ENERGETIC ELEGANCE

2022 Fountaine Pajot Astrea 42 [Broker] Signature Yachts; 206.284.9004; signature-yachts.com [Booths] Afloat at Bell Harbor Marina; West 19 [Buzz] The Astrea 42 catamaran is distinguished by its abundance of natural light, energetic lines, and elegant living spaces. The new design demonstrates the boatyard’s commitment to innovation while preserving the classic identity of the Fountaine Pajot sailing catamarans’ range, as her inverted bow—the new signature mark of the range—gives the boat a dynamic line all while offering up even more interior space. Designed to facilitate free-flowing movement throughout the boat, the helm station links seamlessly with the outdoor relaxation and living spaces. The coach roof features a double seat at the helm station and a built-in sun lounger for enjoying idyllic days together with expansive panoramic windows that bathe the comfortable lounge in light. The cockpit, equipped with an optional integrated plancha grill, is the perfect place to relax and feel at one with the sea, enhanced by the “Beach Club” option that provides an embedded gangway flush with her line. Bonus boats on display indoors: A 2022 New Beneteau First 27 Cruising model and the 2022 Beneteau Oceanis 40.1.

LEGENDARY EXPLORER

2021 Ocean Alexander 27 Explorer [Broker] Alexander Marine USA; 206.344.8566; alexandermarineusa.com [Booth] Afloat at Bella Harbor Marina [Buzz] New in stock! The 27E from Ocean Alexander offers both undeniable comfort and endless freedom. The first of its kind in the anticipated new Explorer Series, the 27E lives up to the spirit of its name with a cruising range of up to 2,100 nautical miles. Dreamed for destinations are now within reach, and the journey will be one of ease, with interiors thoughtfully designed for long stays on board. Luxurious touches abound throughout the four well-appointed cabins and six heads, plus expansive views can be enjoyed from the stylish seating areas, which are plentiful. On the aft deck, enjoy a drink from the built-in wet bar. Other highlights include a custom-designed grill, jacuzzi, and a hydraulic swim platform that flows seamlessly down from the aft deck and is expansive enough to house a multitude of water toys and accessories. Also slated to be afloat in Alexander Marine slip: A 2021 Ocean Alexander 28R and the 2022 Tiara Yachts 43LE.

CROSSOVER COOL

2022 Axopar 37 XC Cross Cabin [Broker] Jeff Brown Yachts; 206.949.2270; jeffbrownyachts.com [Booth] West 2 [Buzz] Fully redesigned in 2021, the 2022 Axopar 37 XC is an all-weather star, offering the best of both open and enclosed boating in its new form. With both outdoor and indoor spaces providing added room for socializing, plus outboard walkaround center-consoles powered by twin Mercury Verado V8 300 HP engines, and a spacious, fully enclosed weatherproof cabin, the 37 XC provides a speedy, yet smooth ride everyone is sure to enjoy. Topping off the updates, the hull has been completely redesigned, resulting in 33% more efficiency than previous models. An optional fixed sunbed on the front deck with storage provides additional lounging space, while gull wing doors, an available roof rack, underwater LED lighting, and an aft deck warm water shower all help to keep this model sporty. Bonus: Also slated to be on display is the all-new Axopar x Jobe Revolve XXII, a new to the West Coast model built for watersports that is also a great coastal runabout.

[ ALSO ON DISPLAY ]

MORE BOATS TO NOTE

2022 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 440

SAIL IN STYLE [Broker] Marine Servicenter; 206.323.2405; marinesc.com [Buzz] The new 440 offers a convertible cockpit that invites lounging and an innovative scow bow hull that allows for more upright sailing. Also new and slated for display from Marine Servicenter: The 2023 Lagoon 42 (afloat), and the Jeanneau 349 and 410 models, found indoors with the 440. [Booths] Afloat at Bell Harbor Marina; West 12

2022 Life Proof Boat 35’ Full Cabin

THE ZIP-AROUND [Broker] Life Proof Boats; 360.674.7019; inventechmarine.com [Buzz] An incredibly smart, zippy vessel that can reach speeds of over 70 MPH, the newest 35-footer improves on previous models with extended transom decks, up folding rear cabin windows, walk-through transom doors, and twin 600HP V12 outboard engines. [Booth] East 212

[ ALSO ON DISPLAY ]

MORE BOATS TO NOTE

2022 Riviera 4800 Sport Yacht Series II

WHAT A SPORT [Broker] Emerald Pacific Yachts; 206.587.0660; emeraldpacificyachts.com [Buzz] This platinum edition yacht shines more brightly than ever with a functional and flowing layout, plus a new cockpit wet bar, salon and cockpit lounges, headlinings, and fabrics. [Booth] Afloat at Bell Harbor Marina

2022 Targa 27.2

CONQUER THE SEA [Broker] Cardinal Yacht Sales; 360.647.5555; cardinalyachtsales.com [Buzz] Smartly appointed and precision crafted from bow to stern—the Targa 27.2 offers exceptional seaworthiness in Northwest waters. [Booths] Afloat at Bell Harbor Marina; West 56

>>> For the most up-to-date information on all the vessels set to appear at this year’s show, go to: seattleboatshow.com.

LOVE AT FIRST BITE

For those of you looking to skip the crowded restaurants this year to cook up some romance at home or on board, try toasting to your relationship with these flirty Valentine’s Day cocktails and appetizers. These recipes from one of my regional cookbooks, Golden Steer Steakhouse: Recipes, Tales & Celebrities from the Legendary Las Vegas Restaurant, will bring a little old Las Vegas-style glamour into your Northwest galley, starting with two beautiful cocktails that take mere minutes to make, and then two sublime starters that shine a spotlight on the sea’s bounty. Enjoy, and may all your Valentine’s dreams come true.

Golden Steer

Influenced by the French 75 and Bellini cocktails, this drink is a light, refreshing cognac-based sipper. The blended ingredients take on a golden hue and is best served in a tall Champagne flute to truly appreciate the bubbles—especially on Valentine’s.

Serves 1

2 ounces cognac ½ lemon, juiced ½ ounce white peach purée Champagne or prosecco Garnish: Lemon twist and a cherry

In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, add the cognac, lemon juice, and white peach purée. Shake well and strain into a chilled Champagne flute. Top with Champagne or prosecco. Garnish with a lemon twist and cherry and serve.

SET SAIL FOR ROMANCE WITH THESE GLAMOUROUS, GALLEY-FRIENDLY COCKTAILS AND APPETIZERS FROM NORTHWEST YACHTING’S NEW COLUMNIST, LOCAL COOKBOOK AUTHOR AND AVID BOATER JAMES O. FRAIOLI.

FEATURE PHOTOS BY TUCKER + HOSSLER PHOTOGRAPHY

Flamingo

This sweet loving concoction is influenced by the iconic Flamingo Las Vegas, which opened in 1946 and became a popular hangout for the Rat Pack’s Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Sammy Davis Jr.

Serves 1 or 2

5 ounces Bacardi Dragon Berry rum ½ lime, juiced 1 dash Simple Syrup, recipe follows 2 ounces Galley-Made Grenadine, recipe follows Garnish: Lime wedge or wheel

In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, add the rum, lime juice, Simple Syrup, and Gally-Made Grenadine. Shake well and strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with a lime wedge or wheel and serve.

Simple Syrup: In a saucepot over medium-high heat, bring equal parts water and sugar to a boil. (I suggest 1 cup each so that you’ll have extra for additional rounds of cocktails!) Reduce the heat to low and stir constantly until the sugar dissolves completely and the mixture is clear, approximately 3 to 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and let cool. Store in a sealed container until ready to use.

Galley-Made Grenadine: In a large mixing glass, combine equal parts pomegranate juice and powdered sugar. (The same 1-cup proportions work well here.) Stir constantly until the sugar dissolves completely. Store in a sealed container until ready to use.

Alaskan King Crab Cocktail

This mouthwatering appetizer, which pairs well with a fruity cocktail or champagne, showcases the succulent sweet meat from the largest crab in US waters—the red king crab (which happens to boast the perfect color for Valentine’s Day).

Serves 2

2 Alaskan king crab legs 2 leaves butter lettuce Fresh Italian parsley, for garnish Lemon wedges, for serving Galley-Made Cocktail Sauce, recipe follows Tabasco hot sauce (optional)

Defrost the king crab legs and remove the meat from the shell; set aside. Fill a vintage shrimp cocktail glass (or martini glass) with some crushed ice (about three-quarters full). Place a lettuce leaf inside, on top of the ice. Arrange the crab meat in a large mound on top of the lettuce leaf. Garnish with fresh Italian parsley and serve with lemon wedges and a side of Galley-Made Cocktail Sauce and Tabasco, if desired.

Galley-Made Cocktail Sauce

Makes about 1 cup

1 cup sweet chili sauce ¾ tablespoon horseradish sauce ½ lemon, juiced 2 or 3 dashes Worcestershire sauce

In a small bowl, combine the sweet chili sauce, horseradish sauce, lemon juice, and Worcestershire. Mix well and refrigerate until ready to serve. This sauce will keep for up to 2 weeks.

Oysters Rockefeller

This legendary appetizer, best served with a chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc for an unforgettable evening, originated in New Orleans in 1899. Named after John D. Rockefeller, the richest American at the time, Oysters Rockefeller is a baked dish known for its fresh oysters and rich creamy sauce. The original recipe remains a secret, but this dish incorporates two ingredients believed to be included in the original: creamed spinach and homemade hollandaise.

Serves 1 or 2

6 fresh West Coast oysters 6 tablespoons Creamed Spinach, recipe follows 6 dollops Hollandaise Sauce, recipe follows Crumbled cooked bacon Butter lettuce, optional Lemon wedges

o Preheat the oven to 350 F. Shuck the oysters and arrange on a baking sheet. Top each oyster with 1 tablespoon of Creamed Spinach, one dollop of Hollandaise Sauce, and some crumbled bacon. Place in the oven and bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until slightly golden brown and bubbly.

Remove from the oven and arrange on a serving tray lined with butter lettuce, if desired. Serve with lemon wedges.

Creamed Spinach

1½ cups frozen chopped spinach ½ cup heavy cream ½ teaspoon minced garlic 1 teaspoon minced shallot 1 tablespoon salted butter 1 teaspoon Pernod anise-flavored liqueur 1 tablespoon fresh-grated Parmesan cheese 2 teaspoons roux

To prep the roux: In a sauté pan over low heat, combine ¼ cup olive oil with ¼ cup flour; mix well. Cook the roux, stirring frequently, until it reaches the consistency of a smooth paste. Remove from the heat and reserve until ready to use.

In a small stockpot over low heat, add the spinach, heavy cream, garlic, shallots, butter, and Pernod. Mix well to combine. Let simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from the heat, stir in the Parmesan and roux mixture, and keep warm until ready to serve. Makes enough for Oysters Rockefeller with extra to freeze for next time.

Hollandaise Sauce Makes about 2 cups

5 egg yolks 1 teaspoon warm water 1 pinch salt 1 pinch white pepper 2 or 3 dashes Tabasco hot sauce 2 cups melted salted butter 1 lemon, juiced In a small stockpot, add the egg yolks, warm water, salt, white pepper, and Tabasco. Whisk well to combine and place over low heat. Slowly whisk in the melted butter and lemon juice. Continue whisking until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and use immediately. >> Look for more galley-ready recipes beginning next month in Fraioli’s upcoming cooking column, Sea Fare. A James Beard Award–winning cookbook and cocktail author with more than 40 published titles to his credit, Fraioli’s books have been featured on Ellen and the Food Network, and in Vogue, People, Forbes, the Wall Street Journal, and The New York Times. He resides in Bellevue, but keeps his sport-fishing boat (a 28-foot Albin) in beautiful Anacortes, the gateway to his beloved San Juan Islands. Have a cookbook idea or project in mind? Email james@culinarybookcreations.com.