Measuring 66 metres in length, Ester III was delivered by the world renowned German shipyard Lürssen in 2014, and combines a truly authentic classic interior designed by Reymond Langton Design and unusual deck layout with a unique, distinct and masculine external profile from Espen Øino International. MotorYachtBuild were the Project Managers representing the client onsite in Germany during the complete construction, the 5th Lürssen build for the company over a period of 14 years.
Inside, Ester III's interiors are sophisticated and elegant, with an emphasis on practical living spaces. At the request of the owner, a French Classical theme has been achieved with the help of several collaborators, with elaborate detail yet a warm and welcoming atmosphere. One of the key features inside is a beautifully hand-carved leather piece of artwork running through the main stairwell from the specialist furniture manufacturers Silverlining. Wood veneers, leather and metal are combined in the marquetry using shades and textures, and sweeps from the lower deck guest accommodation to the bridge deck lobby.
In regards to her accommodation, she welcomes up to 12 guests on board over six spacious cabins, including five guest cabins all situated on the lower deck, as well as the owner’s suite located on the main deck. All guest cabins come with en-suite facilities as well as large windows which provide ample natural light to wake up to every morning on board.
Furthermore, each of the guest cabins have also been 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 owner’s suite is located forward on the main deck, accessed through a private study and lobby, and boasts impressive ceiling heights of 2.40 metres. This makes the already voluminous area appear even more spacious, and adds to the bright and airy ambiance. The full beam stateroom features rich Avodire wood, gold leaf and bronze detailing complementing thick silk carpets and furnished with ornately detailed classical furniture, giving an opulent feel to the area. The his and hers bathrooms extend to the full beam with showers positioned outboard, port and starboard, with large windows providing spectacular views.
Pascale Reymond of Reymond Langton Design comments on the accommodation on board, stating 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!”
Elsewhere inside, the main deck saloon is created from three distinct zones; the lounge area furthest aft extends through large sliding doors – which disappear completely into the superstructure – onto the exterior deck, creating an open, relaxed ambience. Moving forward is a more intimate central seating group nestled next to an ornate ethanol-fuelled 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, so as not to spoil the classical feel the owner - and designers- have strove to achieve.
Continuing on with the theme of the main deck is the bridge deck sky lounge, which is a bright and open area which connects to the exterior with vast windows and sliding doors onto the aft deck, creating a good balance between indoor and outdoor living. The fully-integrated wheelhouse, with captain's cabin immediately aft, provides twin raised seats each side of the captain so guests can enjoy being in the nerve centre while underway.
Amongst her luxurious amenities on board is a fully equipped spa on the lower deck, featuring a massage room which doubles as a hair salon, as well as a sauna and steam room. In the gym, ornate mosaic inlays and a dramatic full-sized wall relief carved in stone are found.
Unusual features for a yacht of this size include the 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. The tender garage is located forward on the main deck, with the added benefit that the Owner’s accommodation is closer to amidships for comfort. Space was also freed up aft for the water sports toy store and spa to be close to the water with direct access to the stern platform.
“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”, designer Espen 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. On the bridge deck, glass panels can be closed at the sides and the stairwell to the Top deck closed with a sliding panel, creating a protected winter garden.
“Food and hospitality is a big thing for the family so the Top deck dining is organised around a BBQ and teppanyaki fitted external kitchen – with a stylish mirror dome – which doubles as a bar. Entertainment on deck includes external cinema and a full blown discotheque-cum-bandstand as well as amenities for golfin” Øino continues. Crew are well catered for with their own generous crew mess and crew cabins which 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. Toys are stowed aft of the engine room, to port of the spa.
A custom-designed open tender, designed by Espen Øino International and built by Windy Boats, offers full protection for guests from the elements when needed – the yacht spends large amounts of time at anchor – by way of its sliding roof, the interior sporting Hermès upholstery and fixtures.
Lürssen comments, “Two world-leading design studios, each adding unique ingredients to the successful recipe, together with a number of Owner-commissioned artisans, have allowed us the opportunity to create a truly unique vessel that opens the eyes to new possibilities in designing spaces for living. Combined with the Lürssen engineering and expertise, the end result is a superyacht that will provide decades of seaworthy enjoyment with an authentic feel.”