Ester III, delivered by Lürssen in 2014, is a sleek, 66-m yacht that combines a truly authentic classic interior and unusual deck layout with a unique, distinct and masculine external profile. 

The superyacht’s interior, designed by Reymond Langton Design, includes a hand-carved leather artwork running through the main stairwell at the heart of the yacht and benefits from a glass lift running from the lower to the top deck. 

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. 


INTERIOR DESIGN

Reymond Langton Design stated that the emphasis was for practical living spaces focused on creating an intimate family home with a French Classical theme for the interior.   

The breathtaking hand-carved leather artwork is by 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.

This spectacular feature defines the character of the boat; finely crafted elegance, rich in detail and texture without compromise.

Each of the five guest cabins – all situated on the lower deck – is individually tailored with a specific theme, derived from bespoke fabric artworks that rise from the headboard and wrap overhead onto the ceiling, framed with an intricately carved Avodire cornice featuring a roundel motif that is a unifying feature found throughout the yacht, along with embossed and gilded leather panels and bronze accents. 

The main deck saloon is created from three distinct zones. The lounge area furthest aft extends through large sliding doors onto the exterior deck, creating an open, relaxed ambience. Moving forward is a more intimate central seating group nestled next to an ornate fireplace, then the dining area, enveloped in Amboyna framed fabric artwork that again continues into the ceiling, creating a light, romantic atmosphere. A large television is hidden behind leather panels in the bulkhead when not in use.

Forward on the main deck is the owner’s suite accessed through a private study and then a lobby flanked by his and hers dressing rooms. The full beam stateroom is an indulgent private retreat, with rich Avodire wood, gold leaf and bronze detailing complementing thick silk carpets and furnished with ornately detailed classical furniture. It is, according to Pascale Reymond “the ultimate expression of the luxuriant style that defines the yacht”. Onyx is ubiquitous with ivory onyx in her bathroom and white in his, vanilla onyx in the entrance and honey onyx in the guest suites. 

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!”

The bridge deck sky lounge 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 when not in use. The wheelhouse, with captain’s cabin immediately aft, provides twin raised seats on each side of the captain so guests can enjoy being in the nerve centre while on way.

The lower deck spa, with its Assyrian influence, sets a different tone to the main accommodation. A massage room doubles as a hair salon and the sauna and steam room adjoin each other. A dayhead and changing room complement the spa. Ornate mosaic inlays and a full-sized wall relief in the gym combine to form a relaxed, calm yet energising ambience.


EXTERIOR 

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. 

Unusual features include the relatively large 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. 

Also, the tender garage is located forward on the main deck to have no freeboard issues during launching and retrieving.

 “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. 

Top deck dining is organised around a barbecue and teppanyaki fitted kitchen – which doubles as a bar. Entertainment includes external cinema and a discotheque-cum-bandstand as well as amenities for golfing. 

Crew cabins are located on the same lower deck as the guests. Below them is a vast space dedicated to laundry and storage, aft of which are the technical spaces immediately forward of the double-deck engine room. 

A custom-designed open tender offers full protection from the elements when needed by way of its sliding roof, the interior sporting Hermès upholstery and fixtures.

Lürssen has kept noise and vibrations extremely low, beating the expectations of the owner. Comfort, engineering efficiency and seaworthiness go without saying at Lürssen – and Ester III has it all, the shipyard concludes.

Ester III will be at the 2015 Monaco Yacht Show.