Feature: 73M "STARFIRE" ReDelivered After Extensive A&R Refit

Abeking & Rasmussen Redelivers 73-meter "STARFIRE"
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The Lurssen 70-meter "Saint Nicolas" arrived at noted custom superyacht builder and refit specialist Abeking & Rasmussen for an refit back in March of 2024. She then stayed at the yard for exactly 12 months while the extensive refit was carried out. Not only extensive but transformative as the yacht relaunched in March 2025, 3-meters longer, with a totally restyled exterior design, different respray (she was white before) and the interior too was restyled along with a major overhaul of the yacht's systems to bring them up-to-date. Having been relaunched in early March 2025, there was also a name-change and she is now known as "STARFIRE".

The project included a significant extension of the stern, creation of a new glass and air-conditioned gym and other exterior and interior refurbishments, as well as numerous technical upgrades. The extensive refit of STARFIRE has been a collaborative effort between the owner’s captain and crew, Arrow Yachts, Abeking & Rasmussen, Pascoli International for the exterior design, Patrick Knowles Design for the interior transformation, and Murray & Associates for the stern extension design. The result is a beautifully reimagined vessel that blends timeless elegance with current state of the art luxury.

The 3-meter extension at the stern created much bigger space for guest relaxation, enjoyment of water sports and dining at the waterline. After leaving Abeking & Rasmussen we saw that extra space on the swim platform being utilized to carry the yacht's Hinckley tender "Starlet". The exterior itself benefited from styling changes made to the superstructure as well as the main deck row of windows. One of the most noticeable changes is the yacht's stunning new paint job, which features a bold design shift, giving the vessel a sleek, modern aesthetic that enhances its visual appeal. The paint job turned the previous all-white exterior into a contrasting white with significant black accents specifically on the mast, sun deck and aft decks.

As part of some of the transformations, the sun deck was not exempted. The sun deck has been completely transformed into a fully equipped gym, offering an indulgent wellness experience. Featuring a sauna, cold-plunge pool and massage area, this new space allows guests to maintain their fitness and well-being while at sea. The crew will also install a sun shade to help make the area more friendly for use during the middle of the day when the sun is at its zenith.

One deck below and aft, this is one of the key areas that guests will also enjoy. With the day beds still in place they now sport black sun shade canopies to permit relaxation even in the afternoon sun. This vast area can also be utilized for more fun activities. With the pool taking center stage and just steps away from the the daybeds, the afternoon can easily whizz-by. The pool is complemented by the bar which is a great feature for guests. There is also the addition of a basketball hoop for quick informal games on the aft deck.

The interior spaces across all decks were also given a comprehensive renovation, resulting in a refreshed, modern and luxurious atmosphere. While the timber work from the vessel still remains from when she was Saint Nicolas, the interior has seen some much-needed upgrades thanks to the work of Patrick Knowles Design. Even though it is still quite 'woody' in its essence, their team has made it much lighter than the previous incarnation. Simpler art has been added as well as the removal of multiple layers of window dressings that killed natural light entry. All replaced by invisible silhouette blinds. In some areas even the windows were actually changed. New floor-to-ceiling windows were installed on both the main and upper decks, flooding the interiors with natural light and offering stunning panoramic views of the surrounding sea.

In terms of accommodation, the yacht's 1,979 GT interior volume is felt throughout thanks to its decent beam 12.8-meters. The master suite is principle in experiencing this internal volume with the room stretching across the entire beam of the vessel. Both windows on either side are integral in allowing some natural light to penetrate the atmosphere of heavily wooded joinery. It was highly important that the team has carefully honored the yacht’s original DNA, particularly the fine wood paneling used throughout her interior which was from the original Zuretti design. Light creams were also utilized to soften as well as purposeful indirect lighting. The interior still accommodates a minimum of 12 guests and up to 19 crew members.

Now that STARFIRE's refit is done and she has been redelivered she is expected to have a showing at the MYBA Show for her reintroduction to the charter world. Thereafter she will then commence her charter season. Part of that experience will happen on areas like the upper aft deck where central amenities like the pool, bar, daybeds are located. These will be patronized during the day time by the guests however, the crew can transform this space into an exterior cinema for the guests to enjoy movie night. Taking the movies to the exterior is been a trend that continues to happen in the yachting industry and STARFIRE continues to be on that trend.

Even without the erected movie screen, this part of the deck is just relaxing as is. No bright lights needed just let the indirect strip-lighting take over to create a great evening mood. Given the yacht was resprayed entirely and has alot of black accents, the indirect lighting pops from the dark background of the aft superstructure.

No major work was done to the exterior structure of the pool but it still is a great addition to this deck. In fact, Lurssen built three of these yachts ( "Horizons III" ex. ("Martha Ann"), "Titania" ex. ("Apoise") and STARFIRE ex. ("Saint Nicolas") ) that all featured this particular pool area. However, with the black respray of the aft upper superstructure, the atmosphere from the pool feels much more intimate and cozy while the views from the area remains unhindered. Guests can enjoy the pool while seated on the in-pool barstools while a stew concocts their favourite cocktail.

While STARFIRE is not the oldest yacht around, she was built and completed in 2007 making her 18 years old. However from the perspective of Audio Visual systems, IT systems, mechanical hardware and parts in the engine room to software in the bridge, these aspects of the yacht can become outdated in a few short years given the rapid pace that updated and next-generation products and systems enter the market. To this end, STARFIRE had numerous technical upgrades according to Abeking & Rasmussen. Her refit was originally carded to be 8 months but given the scope of everything that needed to be done an even year-long refit was concluded last month. Photo credits: Jeff Brown / Northrop & Johnson

For more information:

Abeking & Rasmussen
An der Faehre 2
27809 Lemwerder
Germany
www.abeking.com

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