Feature: 2014 Lurssen 216' Esther III

2014 Lurssen 216' Esther III
Opulent Luxury Cleverly Disguised as a Frigate
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Ester III, delivered by Lürssen in 2014, is a sleek 66-metre yacht that combines a truly authentic, classic interior and unusual deck layout with a distinct and masculine external profile. Lürssen comments: “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 the Lürssen engineering and expertise, the end result is a superyacht that will provide decades of seaworthy enjoyment with an authentic feel”.

Ester III's interior, designed by Reymond Langton Design, includes a hand-carved leather artwork running through the main stairwell and benefits from a glass lift running from the lower to the top deck. Reymond Langton Design stated that the emphasis was for practical living spaces focused on creating an intimate family home: “The owner requested a French Classical theme for the interior, with a strong emphasis on the correct understanding of the inspiration and quality of details and references used to ensure an authentic contemporary interpretation of the style”. To achieve this, Reymond Langton Design collaborated with highly skilled artisans to develop and create the desired elaborately detailed yet warm and welcoming atmosphere of the interior.

A big swimming pool aft, a proper helicopter landing pad, positioned above the wheelhouse, and two separate, external dining locations, combined with large windows and a near vertical bow all contribute to this unique look, designed by Espen Øino International under guidance from the owner.

Espen Øino was given an open brief by the client: “just do it as if the yacht was for you, Espen…” The result, with large and full height windows, is an angular profile with grey and white used to striking effect in elements of the cleverly sculpted superstructure. Øino, who is friends with the Owner, describes the look: “a unique, distinct and strong character in many ways reflecting the Owner’s character and in many ways also the strong heritage of Lürssen Yachts”.

Pascale Reymond describes Ester III’s character: “At the heart of the yacht is the main stairwell, a grand statement that features a breathtaking hand-carved leather artwork by master craftsmen of specialist furniture manufacturers Silverlining. Wood veneers, leather and metal, with a little bit of polished plaster, are combined in the marquetry using shades and textures. It sweeps from the Lower deck guest accommodation to the Bridge deck lobby, where full-height windows allow natural light to filter through a skylight to the Main deck below.

The tender garage is located forward on the main deck “to have no freeboard issues during launching and retrieving which is frequently a problem when located on the lower deck on yachts of this size”, with the added benefit that the Owner’s accommodation is closer to amidships for comfort. A custom-designed open tender, designed by Espen Øino International and built by Windy Boats, offers full protection for guests from the elements when needed – the yacht spends large amounts of time at anchor – by way of its sliding roof, the interior sporting Hermès upholstery and fixtures.

Unusual features include the relatively large (for a yacht of this size) infinity swimming pool – with jet flow and a waterfall leading down to the bathing platform where the water runs into a teak grating – and a helicopter platform on top of the wheelhouse, “so as to enable the owner’s family to arrive and leave the yacht by helicopter without interfering too much with life on the aft decks”.

This is the Michael Phelps room, for swimming with Esther.

An infinity pool at sea is truly infinite.

“The layout reflects the family’s frequent use of the yacht and in particular the intense use of external deck spaces where meals, entertainment and meetings go hand in hand on a near continuous basis”, Øino states, adding that the decks are laid out to be used in all weather conditions with various degrees of protection from the sun, wind, rain, heat and cold, offering dining in two separate external locations to complement the more formal Main deck dining setting. On Bridge Deck, glass panels can be closed at the sides and the stairwell to the Top deck closed with a sliding panel, creating a protected winter garden.

Lürssen has kept noise and vibrations extremely low, beating the expectations of the Owner. To avoid releasing chain for short stays “at anchor”, while protecting the seabed, an electronic anchoring system integrates the bow thruster and the aft pump jet as well as the main propulsion into one system. Comfort, engineering efficiency and seaworthiness go without saying at Lürssen – Ester III has it all.

The bridge as seen from the starboard side...

The Bridge deck Sky Lounge is a bright, open area that continues the theme of the Main Deck, connecting to the exterior with “oversize windows” and large sliding doors onto the aft deck. Here, comfortable sofas face the large TV, which is hidden behind marquetry panels depicting fish when not in use. The fully-integrated wheelhouse, with captain's cabin immediately aft, provides twin raised seats each side of the captain so guests can enjoy being in the nerve centre while underway.

“Food and hospitality is a big thing for the family so the Top deck dining is organized around a BBQ and teppanyaki fitted external kitchen – with a stylish mirror dome – which doubles as a bar. Entertainment on deck includes external cinema and a full blown discotheque-cum-bandstand as well as amenities for golfing…” Øino continues. Galley and pantry are at main deck level enjoying fine views to port.

Skylounge gaming...

The Main deck salon is created from three distinct zones; the lounge area furthest aft extends through large sliding doors – which disappear completely into the superstructure – onto the exterior deck, creating an open, relaxed ambience.

Moving forward is a more intimate central seating group nestled next to an ornate ethanol-fuelled fireplace, vis-à-vis a large television is hidden behind leather panels in the bulkhead when not in use, so as not to spoil the classical feel. The dining area is enveloped in Amboyna framed fabric artwork that again continues into the ceiling creating a light, romantic atmosphere.

A fireplace at sea...

This spectacular feature defines the character of the boat; finely crafted elegance, rich in detail and texture without compromise. Esther's elevator is the epitome of the ups & downs with yacht ownership.

Pascale Reymond explains how “a décroché wall hides doors to bathrooms and TV screens as well as some storage” adding that “the feel is like a Parisian apartment, but nothing heavy, the wood having a certain patina so as to not look too new. French Classical with a twist!”