In 2017, Pacific Asian Enterprises (PAE) expanded their Nordhavn line with the addition of the Nordhavn 96. Being well received by the exploration yacht community, the Nordhavn 96 won the 2017 International Yacht and Aviation Award. Lacey Kay was the third in this line, just after the launching of Vivierae II. This new design bridged the gap between the large cruising exploration yacht and super-yacht categories. She was designed for the yachting enthusiast who seeks the super-yacht comfort and style in a boat that is still able to be managed with no or minimal crew, and travel big open oceans.

The 96 series is based on the hull of the very successful Nordhavn 86, while incorporating a larger cockpit, lazarette, and better crew space below deck. The greater volume is also felt on the main deck level, in the dining and galley areas, and on the pilothouse deck with a large upper master stateroom. The greater length also allows for a more spacious fly bridge with hot tub.

Lacey Kay was built by her current owner, making frequent trips to the yard during the build process. He opted for the additional fuel tanks, giving her an aggregate capacity of 9,575 gallons. With her increased waterline hull length, her fuel burn was actually slightly reduced from the 86. At her most efficient cruise speed of 9 knots, she burns about 10 gallons per hour  per side, plus 5 gallons for the house generator, giving her an approximate 4,000 NM range; well enough for a Pacific crossing. According to Jeff Leishman, PAE's Chief of Design, extending her hull length has allowed Nordhavn to enhance the performance of, and increase stability and comfort in this well-proven hull design. 

Specifications

• Tri-deck displacement built to ABS Classification
• Naval Architect: Nordhavn
• Exterior Designer: Nordhavn
• Interior Designer: Scott Cole
• LOA (including swim platform): 97'6" / 29.72m 
• LWL: 84'11" / 25.88m
• Beam Overall (incl. rubrails): 24'7" / 7.49m
• Beam Overall (w/o rubrails): 24' / 7.32m
• Stack Height Above Water: 37'7" / 11.46m
• Draft (no load): 7'9" / 2.36m
• Draft (full load): 8'6" / 2.59m
• Displacement (no load): 388,000lbs / 175,994kg
• Displacement (full load): 475,000lbs / 215,456kg
• Ballast (approx.):31,868lbs / 14,455kg
• Engines: Twin Caterpillar C18 ACERT 454hp diesel
• Max Speed: 12 knots
• Cruising Speed: 10 knots
• Long-range cruising with maximum range of 3,000nm at 9 knots
• Fuel: 9,575 gallons / 36,245 liters
• Lube Oil- new: 100 gallons / 379 liters
• Lube Oil- used: 100 gallons / 379 liters
• Water Tanks- combined: 985 gallons / 3,729 liters
• Black Water Tank Capacity: 185 gallons / 700 liters
• Gray Water Tank Capacity: 190 gallons / 719 liters

Tanks
The boat is equipped with six large fuel tanks used primary as storage tanks, and a smaller-sized supply tank that provides fuel directly to the main engines and generators. The maximum aggregate capacity of these tanks is approximately 9,575 US gallons, distributed as follows:

• Mid-Forward - 375 US Gallons / 1,420 Liters
• Forward Port - 850 US Gallons / 3,218 Liters
• Forward Starboard - 850 US Gallons / 3,218 Liters
• Engine Room Port - 3,200 US Gallons / 142,113 Liters
• Engine Room Starboard - 3,200 US Gallons / 142,113 Liters
• Lazarette - 600 US Gallons / 2,271 Liters
• Fuel Supply Tank - 500 US Gallons / 1,893 Liters

Total Fuel Capacity: 9,575 US Gallons / 36,245 Liters

Accommodations
Sleeps up to 9 guests in 5 staterooms with an upper deck owner's cabin, a full-beam VIP suite, and 2 convertible doubles. All cabins have entertainment centers and en suite bathroom facilities.
Sleeps 5 crew in 3 cabins, which includes a pilot's cabin with a single.