Ester III’s distinctive lines are the work of Espen Øino, and he calls the conception of the yacht “both an opportunity and a risk”, for the simple fact that the owning family are his “good personal friends”.
The lines of the yacht are strong and business like, with a number of keynote features outside. The dedicated helideck above the wheelhouse is certainly there to be regularly used. “It enables the owner’s family to arrive and leave the yacht without interfering too much with life on the aft deck,” Espen Øino says. Gull-wing doors forward reveal a spacious tender garage, which also serves to free space aft for a spa area.
“Food and hospitality is a big thing for the family and the top deck dining is organised around a barbecue and teppanyaki-fitted kitchen that doubles as a bar. Entertainment on deck includes external cinema and a disco/stage – as well as amenities for golfing!” he says. The exterior spaces have also been maximised for differing weather conditions, with appropriate levels of protection.
The Reymond Langton Design inside is equally blessed with highlights. “The owner requested a French classical theme, but with an authentic contemporary interpretation of this style. French classical with a twist!” says Pascale Reymond. At the heart of the yacht is the set-piece staircase that displays the marquetry skills of Silverlining, and uses wood veneers, leather and metal. In the main deck salon there is a cosy fireplace, as well as seating and dining areas, while the vast owner’s suite is forward on this deck. There are five lower-deck guest cabins, each with a unique theme “derived from bespoke fabric artworks that rise from the headboard and wrap onto the ceiling”, says Reymond Langton Design.
The lower-deck spa, with its Assyrian influence, boasts a massage room that doubles as a hair salon, and a sauna and steam room. Ornate mosaic inlays and a full-sized wall relief carved in stone in the gym combine to form a relaxed, calm yet energising ambience, with direct access to the sea.
“Two world-leading design studios, each adding unique ingredients to the successful recipe, together with a number of owner-commissioned artisans, have allowed us the opportunity to create a truly unique vessel that opens the eyes to new possibilities in designing spaces for living. Combined with Lürssen engineering and expertise, the end result is a superyacht that will provide decades of seaworthy enjoyment,” says Lürssen.
Lurssen Yachts
( www.luerssen-yachts.com )
