Germany

Kreative Metallform (KMF)

In early March <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/44" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Abeking & Rasmussen (Company)">Abeking &amp; Rasmussen</a> officially relaunched the 73-metre (240-foot) <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/23" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lürssen Yachts (Company)">Lürssen</a> superyacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/112" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Starfire70.2m (230'4&quot;)Lürssen Yachts2007">Starfire</a>, following a 12-month refit which entailed the redesign of the yacht’s exterior and interior and a major overhaul of its systems. The yacht's passionate owner entrusted the team from <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7339" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Pascoli International (Company)">Pascoli Internationa</a>l to reimagine her exterior aesthetic, while <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/110" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Patrick Knowles Designs (Company)">Patrick Knowles</a> worked closely alongside her owner and captain Paul Duncan to revitalise her interior. The team at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4946" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Arrow Monaco (Company)">Arrow Monaco</a>, led by Alec Heath represented the owner during the build and were instrumental in its successful completion.&nbsp;We are excited to share insights into the yacht's new design ahead of her industry unveiling at the upcoming <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Event/251" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="MYBA Charter Show - 2025- 35th Edition">MYBA Charter Show</a> in San Remo next week, after which she is expected to take the charter season by storm. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/357835/image/large-27967e447d32e3fd9f45b0aed01cbbd3.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/357835"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/112" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Starfire70.2m (230'4&quot;)Lürssen Yachts2007">Starfire</a>’s exterior aesthetic has been dramatically reimagined in a black-and-white colour scheme, with a white hull and black overhangs, a black mast and sundeck superstructure, and black window bands and brow accents that elongate the yacht’s lines and lighten the overall impression. Speaking of the owner’s ambition for the exterior, Kristian <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7339" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Pascoli International (Company)">Pascoli</a> explains, “The owner’s brief was clear, he wanted to modernise the yacht, bringing her into a contemporary realm and most importantly giving her a sleeker look.” <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/357834/image/large-9c9cf477a5f051fce94d102ad8d64f14.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/357834">From a general arrangement perspective there have been two significant changes. First, the extension of the yacht’s swim platform, which now acts as an additional exterior dining area, outdoor beach club, and watersports epicenter.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/357840/image/large-26b334d6f8008a23b35ed84a0b81346b.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/357840">Additionally, the owner requested that the sundeck be transformed into a gym and spa deck, complete with an infra-red sauna, plunge pool, and dedicated massage space. This was accomplished through the creation of an enclosed and air-conditioned atrium which presented the unique design challenge of surrounding the space with floating glass panes that could be opened as desired. Taking this task on was the German engineering firm <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/8180" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Kreative Metallform (KMF) (Company)">Kreative Metallform</a> who designed a retractable system for the 360-degree floor-to-ceiling glass. &nbsp;<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/357843/image/large-811244606539abbf3e48e398332cc6d3.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/357843">With a volume of 1,979 GT and a near 13-metre beam, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/112" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Starfire73.0m (239'6&quot;)Lürssen Yachts2007">Starfire</a> has an impressive platform and excellent pedigree. Captain Paul Duncan explains, “The idea was to maintain that integrity while updating her to current standards. That meant opening up many of the interior spaces, increasing light to the interior, replacing multiple layers of window dressings with invisible silhouette blinds, and physically extending key windows.” <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/357833/image/large-8a784ddcb232ec5902aca9ff5ef093ed.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/357833"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/110" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Patrick Knowles Designs (Company)">Patrick Knowles</a> commented, “<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/112" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Starfire73.0m (239'6&quot;)Lürssen Yachts2007">Starfire</a> had excellent bones and a strong aesthetic foundation. We respected her traditional envelope, while incorporating clean, transitional furniture with traditional silhouettes but contemporary finishes. The original seating featured satin silks, white silk carpets, velvets and velours – very formal. We moved towards textured, streamlined materials that are more relaxed while still elegant.” <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/357844/image/large-0d5f384062226f07bb55cbf878472e9f.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/357844">For instance the yacht’s original saloon was divided between the seating areas and bar. This has now been opened into one functional space with a central seating area, games table to port that doubles as a desk or breakfast table, and lounge chairs to starboard that are a perfect spot to sit if you’re just passing through or waiting to disembark. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/357837/image/large-1378067134a067f30765d6eced583d63.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/357837">Optionality was an integral part of the redesign, particularly to create unique zones that guests can enjoy, in replacement of the three previous formal saloons. For example, the bridge deck bar has been transformed into an English style pub, complete with a booth and felt-lined darts cupboard.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/357841/image/large-548168155a21b44b9c3da0d40c377e8d.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/357841">While these changes have been transformative for her interiors, the team has carefully honoured the yacht’s original DNA, particularly the fine <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/67" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Zuretti Interior Design (Company)">Zuretti</a> wood paneling used throughout her interior. Paul Duncan adds, “We took a sensitive approach to modernisation – one that respected the yacht’s heritage without allowing it to feel dated. The original woodwork was particularly beautiful, and it would have been a disservice to erase it. Instead, we chose to complement it. By introducing warmer LED lighting and reducing visual clutter, the wood now sings rather than overwhelms. The result is a yacht that retains its warmth while offering dramatically improved brightness, visual access to all of the exterior spaces and the sea, and a vastly greater sense of openness.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/357836/image/large-341acbc8f511427f78cf83d7a8e5bf92.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/357836">Other such evolutions include the master suite with its attached, raised observation room which used to be an afterthought. This has been transformed into a private workout and observation area to enjoy the incredible panoramic views this forward-looking space offers.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/357842/image/large-5d6ed25365897826e8a32ec0778051c4.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/357842"> <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/357845/image/large-b6049aaef2848ce92c8188f254088985.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/357845">The exterior decks have likewise been modernised with a new alfresco dining area introduced on the main deck aft, as well as on the newly-extended swim platform which can be transformed into a covered dining area right at the water’s edge. Both areas benefit from custom tables made for each space by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/333" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Finkeldei Upholstered Furniture (Company)">Finkeldei</a> Interiors. And for fun-lovers there is now a basketball hoop on the large pool deck where guests will find an outdoor pool that converts to a giant hot tub, as well as an outdoor cinema with a dedicated projector capable of daytime-viewing brightness levels.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/357846/image/large-33c9c587875e479d839f35d0ce161826.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/357846">The final result of this impressive refit is that <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/112" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Starfire73.0m (239'6&quot;)Lürssen Yachts2007">Starfire</a> has been beautifully evolved for a new era of yacht charter clients, and she will no doubt make her presence felt at the charter show next week. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/357831/image/large-12bf3b3b7b685be19bc8fd334fce8e4d.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/357831">

Lürssen yacht Starfire refit

We sat down with the team behind the refit of Starfire, completed at Abeking & Rasmussen.