Former ‘Kismet’ member: ‘Whisper’ is set to be released for a sum in the millions

​Self-confidence is part of it, as is experience. Anyone who lacks these qualities in this industry should steer clear of yachting. They would have nothing to offer discerning owners. “We believe that, thanks to the expertise of our engineers, we have exceeded the owner’s brief and his desire to own a yacht that will remain timelessly at the forefront even years from now.” This is how Lürssen described the completion of the second “Kismet” project for the same owner in BOOTE EXCLUSIV 2/2016 – succinctly, aptly and with the confidence that comes from a track record of success.

Even before the first owner takes delivery of their new car in 2024, ‘Kismet’ (122 m) After just three months on the market, the 95-metre model changed hands and was given its current name, “Whisper”. Christie Yachts is now once again offering the vessel, delivered in 2014 by the German shipyard Lürssen, for 149 million euros. The yacht underwent a comprehensive refit just last year and was fitted with a lighter-coloured interior. “Whisper” will be moored at the Monaco Yacht Show 2026 at the end of September.

The former ‘Kismet’ project successfully completed as a joint effort

Such a task could not be tackled alone. That is why, in 2016, the shipyard’s gratitude for having delivered something extraordinary was also extended to the skills of the structural engineer and the creative flair of the interior designers, as well as the excellent communication with these indispensable partners. Similar thanks – including those from the owner – were extended in 2016 to the owner’s representatives from Moran Yacht & Ship and Kyle Fultz, captain of the ‘Kismet’, who had also overseen the construction of the 95-metre yacht on behalf of the owner, from the initial concept right through to its delivery in Bremen.

The interior design was undertaken by Reymond Langton, a firm based in Bath – a World Heritage Site in England – with a branch in London; the construction and styling Espen Øino, the Norwegian firm based in Monaco. Øino began work on the former “Kismet” in 2008, shortly after the delivery of the first project of the same name. That vessel, delivered in 2007 and also an Øino design commissioned by the owner from Lürssen, is considerably shorter at 67 metres than its 95-metre-long successor and, following a refit in 2014, now sails under the name ‘Global’ , taking charter guests through exquisite cruising grounds – mainly in the Mediterranean – and is equipped with the finest tenders and water toys.

With an entertaining range of sports equipment, as well as attractive tender boats from Naiad and Hinckley, plus a rescue tender from Fassmer, the former Kismet – now known as the ‘Whisper’ – is certainly up to the task. What is more striking at first glance, however, is the similarity in the colour scheme. The owner wanted the shimmering light grey of the hull to return.

​Great success with charter flights

With this colour scheme, Øino also added some striking touches to the superstructures. He was able to build on the success of the first “Kismet” was an instant hit as soon as she appeared on the charter market. That is encouraging and makes it easier to take unconventional decisions. “The owner’s brief was clear,” recalls Øino. “The new yacht was to far surpass its predecessor, once again with a particular emphasis on use for corporate events and charter.” For this reason, the owner, his representatives from Moran Yacht & Ship, and the captain, together with his long-serving purser, took great care over the prestigious layout of the interior.

Although the layout appears quite conventional at first glance, the former ‘Kismet’ boasts a number of distinctive features and architectural highlights that make her appear unique in both her external appearance and her use. The foredeck, with its anchor winches and chains, has been left completely enclosed. This has created an area that can serve as a helipad, a basketball court and an event space under marquees. The area is bordered at the bow by a stainless-steel bowsprit, which serves as a base for a removable sculpture of a sports club mascot. During the planning phase, Materialise’s 3D printers, working alongside milling machines in their workshop, produced a four-metre-long, two-metre-high gleaming jaguar with glowing blue eyes, and polished it to a high-gloss metallic finish.

Espen Øino analysed the guests’ behaviour

Experience, according to Øino, shows that guests on board spend most of their time on the open decks, weather permitting. During the development phase of the design – including the styling of both the interiors and exterior spaces – Øino spent an extraordinary amount of time analysing the behaviour of guests as they move about the decks during a typical charter week. “As a result, we arranged a number of areas for entertainment,” explains Øino. And, of course, for idle relaxation, aimless pastimes – the dolce far niente. “The top deck,” Øino continues, “serves as a refuge in many ways.” He also took great care with the layout, creating a relaxed, casual dining area by the barbecue, fully sheltered behind glass doors that open up to the forward section of the deck with its pool-jacuzzi combination.

The rear end of the pool incorporates the skylight of the lift shaft and a rock garden, which serves as the pool’s second overflow. This deck can be seen in its entirety from the sunbathing area situated higher up. This private retreat is accessible only via a spiral staircase on the mast, which leads to the observation deck. From here, one can look out over the former ‘Kismet’ and the rest of the world. ‘Perhaps my favourite spot on this yacht,’ admits Espen Øino.

As with so many projects of this extraordinary nature, the owner was deeply involved in the planning of the new ‘Kismet’. “The exterior styling is no exception.” Considerable time was also devoted to developing the styling, “given that the contract was signed in October 2008”.

Inspiration from Chicago

Øino sketched out the exterior design in Chicago. Some elements, such as the stainless-steel ventilation ducts at the rear of the chimneys, are inspired by the skyline of the city on Lake Michigan. Other styling details, such as the bowsprit, show Art Deco influences, as do large parts of the interior. The planning and design of the interior were entrusted to Reymond Langton Design, the firm that had already left its mark on the interior of the first ‘Kismet’. At the owner’s request, however, it was to surpass the ‘first attempt’. “He raised the bar even higher,” recall the British designers from Bath. After all, the aim was to surpass the enthusiastic reception given to the first “Kismet” in the interior design as well, and to make an unmistakable statement. The owner demanded nothing less than a masterpiece for his charter yacht, on which friends were also to feel at home. His motto for its use: caviar, charter and champagne – no compromises.

The fact that the former ‘Kismet’ would be half as long again as the first one was also to be reflected in the design of the layout, the perspectives and the sightlines.

​Party zone with leather accents

The designers were tasked with creating high-ceilinged spaces, openings through the decks and unobstructed views stretching as far as possible from front to back, and bringing these to life with unexpected touches.

The theme seemed challenging enough. It called for contrasting elements such as quiet zones and party equipment, sport and relaxation. The decision was made to use appropriate materials and colour schemes: warm, golden honey tones for the metal elements, marble and fabrics, combined with dark woods and plenty of leather to provide contrast.

The most striking feature that sets ‘Kismet’ apart from similar offerings in the charter market is the entertainment area with its double-height ceiling. This section of the interior distinguishes itself from similar projects through its opulent contemporary interpretation of Art Deco décor, with an architectural focal point centred on a sweeping staircase that connects the two levels of this party palace. Two full-height video walls frame this staircase, reminiscent of 1930s Hollywood films. A sort of formal reception area provides access to the party zone, whilst a lounge connects it to a comfortable club on the main deck, which can be transformed into a cinema.

A quieter lounge and a dining room are available on the upper deck. Concealed sliding doors and a well-thought-out layout ensure that this entire section of the deck can be used either for lavish parties and receptions or, more flexibly and in smaller sections, for more intimate occasions. Dark woods, leather and stone features visually tie these social areas together and create a warm atmosphere.

Beach club on the bridge deck

On the bridge deck, the open-plan layout comes into its own with a laid-back beach club lounge that can be transformed into a disco nightclub. From here, a bar opens out towards the stern onto the open deck, which serves as a dance floor.

The Art Deco influence, on the other hand, can be seen further forward on the main deck, in the four guest cabins, each with its own individual, Japanese-inspired theme. Two VIP suites with an Art Nouveau touch round off the offering for guests: opulent, yet without any excess.

And the owner? For his suite on the upper deck, the Reymond Langton team drew romantic and subtle inspiration from Coco Chanel. This is reflected in the Lalique-style lighting, which adorns the vertical lines of the floor-to-ceiling window frames, the surround of the fireplace at the foot of the bed, and the stone columns and inlays in the owner’s bathroom. The inclusion of a comfortable study and a private outdoor deck – a sort of terrace above the foredeck in front of the suite – ultimately gives the owner’s suite the character of the centrepiece of the former ‘Kismet’. Everywhere, the attentive eye will notice details such as handcrafted mosaics in the bathrooms, which reflect the character of each suite, sculpted stonework, bespoke upholstery fabrics, embossed leather and, of course, works of art.

On the lower deck, Reymond Langton incorporated Persian influences. These are reflected in a full-service spa, a beauty salon and a gym.

And what about the technology for passenger comfort? Whether underway or at anchor, the stabilisers work effectively and discreetly. This delights the guests. The Rolls-Royce-The steering system is a delight for the skipper, as are the powerful bow and stern thrusters. If the trip lasts longer than a week’s charter, a non-stop range of 6,000 miles is sufficient for longer voyages.

Should any of the guests be dissatisfied, they can only put it down to bad luck. It certainly cannot have been down to ‘Kismet’, the Arabic word for fate.

Technical Specifications for ‘Whisper’

• ​Overall length: 95.20 m
• Fibre-optic cable: 75.50 m
• Width: 13.80 m
• Draught: 3.75 m
• Gross Tons: 2,928 tonnes
• Material: Steel, aluminium
• Engine: 2 x CAT 3516C
• Engine power: 2 x 2,000 kW
• Generator: 3 x CAT C18
• Speed (max.): 16.9 knots
• Speed (cruising): 14 knots
• Drive: Reintjes
• Propeller: Piening
• Fuel: 183.8 tonnes
• Range: 6,000 nm @ 12 kn
• Water: 39,500 litres
• Stabilisers: 2 x Quantum Zero
• Design and styling: Espen Øino
• Interior design: Reymond Langton
• Class: Lloyd’s + 100A1 SSC Yacht Mono G6 + LMC (UMS)
• Shipyard: Lürssen, 2014
• Sales: Christie Yachts, 149 million euros

The article first appeared in BOOTE EXCLUSIV 2/2016 and has been revised for this online version.