Lürssen

LÜRSSEN

For four generations, the Lürssen family has been at the helm of a German yard legendary for its stunning custom creations. So they don’t just know a thing or two about crafting exclusive yachts but also creating exactly the right ambience for each individual owner

by Mary Hagerty

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ürssen’s clients come to them seeking the things that busy,

acoustic and aroma settings. The piece de resistance, however, is the

high profile people crave most: peace and privacy plus, of

full banya experience, complete with the traditional display of birch and

course, luxury and exclusivity. In the form of a one-of-a-

eucalyptus branches. The spa lobby also features a bespoke glass-walled

kind vessel that will make their lives genuinely unique. A

brushed steel storage cabinet with eight bicycles and four Segways crea-

haven that perfectly mirrors their desires, a place they can completely

ted at the specific request of the sports-loving client who likes to explore

relax and let their guard down. Buffered from the constant white noise

while ashore in the company of friends and family. The must-have for

and distraction of today’s digital age, they can sail the world’s most iconic

the owner of the audacious 95m Madsummer, splashed in 2019, was to

seas in complete safety with all of the comforts of home. Once aboard, the

give her a real heart by creating central guest spaces. The upper deck with

so-called ‘real’ world retreats, life slows and both the sea and the yacht

its informal al fresco dining space and the large ethanol fire pit is a case

begin to work their combined magic. It is then that the owners discover

in point. Glass windbreakers slide into position along the side decks to

the true genius of Lürssen’s ability to deliver on those all-important ultra

create the shelter the owner specified. Her lower deck spa is also a restful

personal touches. “We consider it our task to implement the wishes and

haven. The 85m Solandge, on the other hand, is both a family yacht and a

lifestyles of our customers so that the yacht is the perfect retreat – be it

high profile member of the charter market. This time the client wanted a

for a holiday with family or friends or a business meeting,” explains sales

sumptuous contemporary classic ambience, a luxurious style epitomised

director Michael Breman.

in her professionally-equipped cinema on the tank deck. Warm russet

Sports club owner Shahid Khan, who commissioned the much-talked-

tones create an old-fashioned movie theatre atmosphere with gold poufs

about 95.2m Kismet (2015), says of his experience: “The great thing is

adding an extra flourish of glamour. A great setting for an evening of

that Lürssen made it possible to have multiple favourite places on board,”

laidback viewing with cocktails on tap from the bar – perhaps after a

he says. “If I were alone, I’d say it’s the eagle’s nest on the very top deck.

trip to the onboard spa. Sustainability is increasing a factor that attracts

When we have 300-plus guests, then it’s the main saloon with the two-

owners to Lürssen, a yard renowned for its leading-edge research: “Our

storey lounge. With family, it’s the bridge deck aft with the open air beach

last two deliveries have a new exhaust after-treatment system with a clea-

deck and outdoor cinema”. Built to her owner’s exacting requirements,

ning rate up to 97 % of the nitrogen. This is a pure Lürssen development.

the 85m Areti created a huge sensation when she splashed in 2017. Her

We are also developing hybrid power concepts,” says Michael Breman.

specifications included a sumptuous wet spa on the lower deck. This

This is the real joy for owners of Lürssen’s bespoke yachts: not only

extends all the way to the adjacent wet lounge and the beach club with

is every inch of their yacht meticulously tailored to create the ultimate

oiled teak flooring creating a sense of continuity between the spaces.

haven, but the finest technology is protecting the seas as they sail. In the

Inside, amenities include a steam room, sauna, full depth plunge pool,

words of Kismet’s owner: “Wherever we end up, it’s my favourite place

a hot tub, and even experience showers have multi-temperature, light,

in the world at that time”. www.lurssen.com

This page, the aptlynamed eagle’s nest on Kismet’s top deck provides astonishing views of the horizon and pools below.

Facing page, the 180m Azzam, the world’s largest yacht for many years, was built by Lürssen. The luxurious Jacuzzi on Solandge’s top deck

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Clockwise from top, the bike storage cabinet requested by Areti’s owner; Kismet’s fire pit makes a great gathering place while Solandge’s cinema has an elegant glamour; spas are a popular request, seen here are Madsummer’s and Areti’s, the latter offering a full banya experience

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