Everyone’s a critic, even in the custom yacht and megayacht world. People sometimes shake their heads over megayachts whose exteriors stand in sharp contrast to their interiors. They assume that the husband handled the styling while the wife handled the decor, with neither really caring all that much about cohesive design. But to make that judgment about Ester III, delivered by Lürssen late last year, would be a big mistake. The owner wanted two distinctly different looks. And when you really examine the details, both the exterior and the interior embrace strong character—in perfect harmony with the owner’s personality.
The stalwart styling is a hallmark of the Espen Oeino design studio. The owner, who was already good friends with Oeino, told him, “Just do it as if the yacht was for you, Espen.” Oeino says the strength conveyed by the lines also reflects the long (140-year) Lürssen heritage. Photo by Klaus Jordan.Bow-on photos rarely do yachts justice, but Ester III is an exception. Note the sturdy hatches, yielding access to the tender garage. Oeino situated it here to eliminate freeboard issues during launch and retrieval, “frequently a problem when located on the lower deck on yachts of this size,” he says. Photo by Klaus Jordan.The owner wanted Ester III to be an intimate family home, so big spaces like the saloon are broken up into zones. This aft lounge area and the bar (just visible to the right) flow directly out to the alfresco dining area. All rooms reflect a distinctly contemporary interpretation of French Classical decor. Photo by Klaus Jordan.What could be more cozy than a seating area around a fireplace? One that’s ethanol-fueled, of course! Touches like this make Ester III feel more home-like than you might expect for a 216 foot megayacht. Photo by Klaus Jordan.Reymond Langton Design was tapped by the owner to create the interior look. Among the tricks the studio used to make Ester III feel welcoming: have fabric continue up the walls onto the ceiling. Since the dining area is open to the saloon, leather panels hide the TV when it’s not in use. Photo by Klaus Jordan.Pascale Reymond of Reymond Langton Design considers the stairway (tucked behind the central glass elevator) to be Ester III’s heart. Hand-carved leather artwork, wood, metal, and polished plaster come together in the marquetry. The stairway connects the lower-guest lobby to the bridge-deck lobby. Photo by Klaus Jordan.Indulgent? Definitely. The main-deck owner’s suite has ornate gold leaf and bronze detailing, all the more impressive due to 7’9” headroom. “The feel is like a Parisian apartment, but nothing heavy,” Pascale Reymond says, adding, “the wood has a certain patina so as to not look too new. French Classical with a twist!” Photo by Klaus Jordan.Swimming pools, especially infinity pools, have become quite popular aboard megayachts. The owner and his family enjoy spending a good deal of time outside, so this will certainly be put to proper use. Photo by Klaus Jordan.The pool’s water forms a waterfall down the front of the transom, running into the teak grates you see beneath “Ester III.” The twin hatches yield access to a spa (with a sauna and steam room) and a watersports “toy store,” as Lürssen puts it. Photo by Klaus Jordan.Time onboard Ester III revolves around hospitality, whether it’s entertaining others or family dinners together. Beyond the sundeck lounges, you’ll find an alfresco galley that features a Teppanyaki grill and doubles as a bar. Come nighttime, a band can play on a dedicated platform, and disco lights go on, too. Photo by Klaus Jordan.
With such an elaborate decor, Ester III could give the impression that her spaces are to be seen and not touched, much like a floating museum. But that couldn’t be farther from the truth. In fact, “The layout reflects the family’s frequent use of the yacht and in particular the use of external deck spaces, where meals, entertainment, and meetings go hand in hand on a near-continuous basis,” Oeino explains. Furthermore, outdoor areas are being used in cool and warm climes alike, with features offering protection no matter the weather. That’s a strong statement in itself.
Diane M. Byrne is the founder and editor of the daily updated website Megayacht News. A longtime yachting writer, she also contributes to Yachts International, Boat Exclusive, and other magazines. She is additionally a member of the International Superyacht Society Board of Directors and Vice Chair of the U.S. Superyacht Association.
