Asia-Pacific interest in Lürssen, the leading German superyacht yard, is focused on the 120m Project Thunder apparently built for an Asian client, but meanwhile at Monaco Yacht Show, their latest spectacular 85m Areti was shown, and last month, she was at Nassau in the Bahamas.

This is the fourth vessel for an owner who previously cruised 38m Burger motor yachts, so it was a seismic step to order an 85m Lürssen, but the result is a triumph in superyacht design. Features include a large owner’s suite with private terrace, a massive beach club and spa, “smart casual” interior design, and she is built to the Passenger Yacht Code, which allows for 18 guests rather than the formerly standard 12.

Areti was known as Project Sasha prior to her delivery last July following sea trials. For accuracy and more detailed description, we take up some commentary from the yard here. The 85m is of a similar design to the owner’s previous yachts, and she bares the same subtle cream hull with white superstructure and whisper grey accents. However, she possesses a much younger and sportier profile.

The joint efforts of a technically strong and experienced engineering force, working on a creative and inspired design, has made Areti an outstanding success. She is completely bespoke, having been built to the owner’s exacting requirements. At 85 metres and with an enormous beam of almost 15 metres, Areti is an extremely voluminous yacht. Nonetheless, the layout has been orientated towards family and friends and despite the large volume, the yacht is intimate and cosy.

A combination of straight grain and figured Makore timber are a basis for the traditional styling and to enhance the luxurious atmosphere that is created by the hand-embroidered silks of the soft furnishings and the brushed, antiqued brass ironmongery. This is a yachtsman’s yacht – both the level of quality in craftsmanship and design detailing shines through.

Stepping aboard the yacht on the main deck aft, what better welcome than a granite reception bar flanked by semi-custom armchair-style, teak barstools complete with customised, illuminated beer tap proudly displaying the yacht logo. Via huge, double glass doors into the lounge and dining, there is instant release of stress from the outside world – this is a relaxing space. Neutral sofas and oversized chaise longues give ample seating.

Here, an extravagant double-width glass door entryway has a feature nautical compass inlay on the floor, formed from dark Emprador, light Emprador and Botticino marbles that feature throughout the entire yacht. Areti has an extensive, private master suite and eight spacious guest suites. Two suites can be found forward on the main deck, two VIPs are on the owner’s deck and the remaining four suites are located on the lower deck.

Each guest suite is decorated neutrally as per the rest of the yacht, but with an accent colour portrayed in the scatter cushions, hand-sewn curtains and other soft furnishings, coloured emerald, dandelion, camino, blue, crimson, indigo, lilac and coral. Each suite is convertible, and can be used as a twin or double berth.

On the lower deck aft is the relaxation spa. The whole expanse is a wet area and displays a hand crafted rose mosaic from famous Serbian artist Andjelka Radojevic. Guests benefit from a steam room, sauna, full depth plunge pool and a hot tub, and can take advantage of the full banya experience, including the traditional accessory display of birch and eucalyptus branches, timber knives and felt hats.

Not to mention the experience showers that have multitemperature, light, acoustic and aroma settings to simulate a Niagara waterfall or a Caribbean storm. This tranquil area extends to the adjacent wet lounge and beach club. The flooring is oiled teak planked to blend the interior and exterior, and opens via large transom door to the swim platform, with descending staircase into the sea which has become a popular design feature of Lürssen yachts.

Another feature is the treatment room with hairdressing vanity and hidden professional hairdressing basin and a special massage chamber with heated marble massage table and Vichy shower. The spa lobby offers a trophy case like no other and was a key consideration of the client – a glass-walled storage for eight bicycles and four Segways. A tool bench and workshop with bike display above make repairs the easiest of tasks with custom made fibreglass fixings in which the bikes can hang. Brushed steel frames the glass and light floods in from the corridor.

Up the staircase to the owner’s deck forward, a sliding door operates here to close it off to be completely private. Here are two VIP cabins, with Jacuzzi bath ensuites, intended for the owner’s family. His and hers dressing rooms and ensuites are either side of the entrance way to the master suite, each with unique features such as his with a watch cabinet display, hidden luggage store and a large shower plus a television within the in-shower mirror, and hers with several handbag and shoe racks and a much larger ensuite with Jacuzzi bath.

The master stateroom has 180-degree views through panoramic windows, which are bordered by made-to-measure unique curved furniture tailored to fit the arced window. Access to a private owner’s deck forward reveals a Jacuzzi spa for four on one side, and a spacious sunbed, breakfast table and small seating area on the other. Further forward of this area is the certified heli-landing area, providing easy transfers to and from the yacht for the owners and their guests. This deck leads down to the principal deck via latch doors to the promenade sidewalks, so guests can walk side by side instead of in single file.

On venturing aft on the owner’s deck, one is greeted with what is arguably one of the most beautiful areas of the yacht – a generous sky lounge, which inevitably will most likely become the most frequented area of the yacht. Giant sofas and armchairs make up the snug television area with an enormous flat screen TV, surreptitiously disguised behind a sailing scape exclusively commissioned from artist Alexander Creswell.

There is an adjustable games table, adaptable for four or six players. A large bar with granite top and custom bar stools with hand-embroidered back detailing assemble to create the perfect spot to enjoy a cocktail or two. Almost full beam double glass doors lead out onto the upper aft deck where a custom teak table dominates, and can sit 16 guests.

On the bridge deck guests can soak in the custom-made Jacuzzi, in which 12 people may loosen up after a session in the gym, viewable through the double glass doors, which houses a treadmill, elliptical cross trainers, wellness balls, weights and bespoke yoga equipment–enough to satisfy even the hardiest of gym goers.

Forward of the gym is the captain’s cabin, the ships office and the bridge. The bridge instruments are all seamlessly contained in immaculate hand-stitched leather and granite. There is also a small seating area should the guests wish to join the captain whilst he is piloting the yacht. Doors port and starboard provide access to the outside decks.

Exterior deck spaces provide numerous other calm zones where one can feel at home. Retractable awnings with customised up-lighting cover each exterior area so that the space still feels warm, light and airy but can also can block out the sometimes harsh midday sun. The sundeck is the pièce de résistance. This is an outstanding place to sunbathe while observing the picturesque views. A discrete windshield keeps the area sheltered and one can see the beautiful
design of what has become known as the whale tail of the yacht.

Overall, Areti is a stunning feat of design and construction, a real head-turner, and she is bound to be the envy of even the most discerning of superyacht owners. She represents the very latest in high-end family cruising.

For more information, please visit www.lurssen.com.

Words by Ross Wolfe | Image courtesy of Tom Van Oossanen and Klaus Jordon

This article is republished from issue 41 of Yacht Style.