Lürssen Ester III
When cruising in on a cool 66-m superyacht, you’re generally assured a pretty distinctive arrival, but with the new Ester III, Lürssen isn’t leaving that sensational entrance to chance. Inside, guests are ensconced in classic luxury while the exterior plays with an unusual layout and masculine profile. Espen Øino is the mind behind the notable grey-and-white exterior that includes full-height windows, a larger-than-average infinity pool for a yacht of this size – with a waterfall that cascades to a bathing platform – a helipad at the top of the wheelhouse, and a tender garage which is unusually located forward at the main deck to aid in the ease of launching and retrieving.
Outdoor areas are laid out to be used in a variety of weather conditions, and the bridge deck can be converted into a winter garden thanks to sliding glass panels – all of which reflects a design accommodating the owner’s intended frequent use of the vessel. And who wouldn’t want to spend as much time as possible on Ester III, enjoying the barbecue, teppanyaki, external cinema and golfing facilities?
Creating a comfortable family home inside, Reymond Langton Design was inspired by a French Classical theme, decorating the five guest cabins – each en suite – with bespoke fabric artworks running from the headboard to the ceiling, placing gilded leather panels, wood veneers and bronze detailing throughout, and creating “décroché” walls to hide bathrooms, televisions and storage throughout the vessel so as not to interrupt the feeling of residing in a classical Parisian flat. On view this month at the Monaco Yacht Show, it’s one worth checking out if you happen to be at Port Hercules during the four-day event.
Solaris Almavida
Taken from words meaning “soul” and “life”, Solaris’s Almavida is the representation of the ship builder’s passion for creating exceptional sailing yachts. Created with the avid sailor in mind, the vessel provides an experience that benefits from decades of experience at sea, mixing Solaris’s most successful proven systems with new solutions put in place after extensive studies and tests, resulting in a sailing yacht that’s referred to as “evolutionary”.
Javier Soto Acebal has designed the latest hull lines, which result in a fine balance that ensures high performance and a smooth sailing experience – quite literally. On board, the look is minimal, but functional, for the ultimate in handling. The interiors have evolved as well, with a more spacious salon and décor in muted colours for a relaxed atmosphere throughout – oak wood hand-painted with white varnish and creamy upholstery welcome after a blustery day conquering water in turmoil. Elegant inside and out without sacrificing sailing excellence, Almavida is a worthy contender for those looking to show off their prowess on the water in comfort and style.
Pi Superyachts Dragonship 25
Total luxury on the sea that’s also entirely environmentally friendly? That’s what Pi Super Yachts is working to accomplish with their concept super-trimaran, Dragonship 25. Putting equal emphasis on comfort and ethical sailing, the trimaran’s craftsmanship includes high-quality materials, meticulous attention to detail, bespoke design and – most impressive of all – a complete lack of any fossil fuels, instead relying on solar panels and all-electric power produced by hydrogenesis, which draws energy from the seawater.
Both state-of-the-art and spacious – the 291 sqm of living space can include air conditioning, hot tubs and water toys, just to start – up to 10 guests and four crew can be accommodated, while it’s easy to entertain environmentally conscious friends in the expansive salon and dining areas. This game-changing concept isn’t just a fanciful dream though; the idea’s funding is currently in its final stages, meaning we may get a glimpse of the real deal some time next year.
On the water this month