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"nausicaä"The name of the 114-metre Lürssen and its meaning

Martin Hager

 · 01.12.2025

Two possible meanings stand out in the "nausicaä" research.
Photo: Instagram.com/frank_behling
The name of the futuristic-looking 114-metre Lürssen was spotted during the current sea trials. The exceptional explorer, designed by Marc Newson for Japanese entrepreneur Yusaku Maezawa, not only stores diesel but also methanol for fuel cells. We try to decipher why the adventurous Zozotown founder decided on the name "nausicaä".
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The yacht name has a special function: it makes a ship unique and establishes a direct link to the owner. Thus Studies by linguists from the University of Augsburg revealed that the choice of name often reflects the personal stories of the owners.

Boat names between tradition and creativity

Two possible meanings stand out when researching the possible meaning of "nausicaä". Firstly, there is the reference to ancient Greek mythology often chosen by owners. Here, the name is associated in particular with the figure of Nausicaa from Homer's "Odyssey". Nausikaa is the daughter of King Alkinoos and Queen Arete on the mythical island of the Phaeacians. The figure symbolises hospitality, courage, grace and helpfulness, as she rescues the shipwrecked Odysseus and shows him the way to her father. The name is derived from the Greek words "naus" (ship) and "kaio" (to burn) and can literally be translated as "shipwrecker" or "one who influences navigation". In another interpretation, it means "the saviour". This mythological meaning makes the name Nausicaä particularly appropriate for a superyacht.

Manga comic as inspiration

Far more fitting for an owner with Japanese roots is the link to the famous manga and anime "Nausicaä from the Valley of the Winds" by Hayao Miyazaki. Thanks to these comics, the name is very well known in Japan and stands for a charismatic and nature-loving heroine who embodies leadership, wisdom, empathy and love of peace.

Perfect blend of Western antiquity and Asian pop culture

The association with Greek mythology lends the ship a touch of classical elegance and profundity, while the reference to Japanese pop culture and Miyazaki builds a bridge between Western antiquity and modern Asian creativity. For a superyacht owned by a Japanese owner, the name Nausicaä thus unites several levels: It expresses seafaring, protection, a spirit of discovery and hospitality, connects two cultures and stands for beauty as well as the ability to provide orientation - as Nausicaä does both in Homer and in the manga comic. This makes the name timeless and particularly effective internationally.

Here you can find all the information on the technical equipment of the 114-metre Lürssen, as well as details on the layout and exterior design by Marc Newson.

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A proud owner who is active on social media

Japanese billionaire Yusaku Maezawa has revealed himself as the client of "nausicaä" via videos on his Instagram page. The 47-year-old founder of Zozotown, the Japanese Zalando, also reported on the launch spectacle with long edits of the journey by private jet and helicopter as well as the boarding of the yacht via a side hull opening.

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Technical data "Cosmos"

  • Overall length: 114.2 m
  • Shipyard: Lürssen
  • Exterior designer: Marc Newson
  • Interior designer: Marc Newson
  • Construction: Lürssen
Martin Hager

Martin Hager

Editor in Chief YACHT

Martin Hager is editor-in-chief of the titles YACHT and BOOTE EXCLUSIV and has been working for Delius Klasing Verlag for 20 years. He was born in Heidelberg in 1978 and started sailing at the age of six, in an Opti of course. This was soon followed by 420s, Sprinta Sport and 470s, which he also sailed on the regatta course with his brother. His parents regularly took him on charter trips through the Greek and Balearic Islands. Even at a young age, it was clear to him that he wanted to turn his passion for water sports into a career. After graduating from high school and completing an internship at the Rathje boatbuilding company in Kiel, it was clear that he did not want to become a classic boatbuilder. Instead, he successfully studied shipbuilding and marine engineering in the Schleswig-Holstein state capital and focused on yacht design wherever he could. His diploma thesis dealt with the “Testing of a new speed prediction method for sailing yachts”. In 2004, the superyacht magazine BOOTE EXCLUSIV was looking for an editor with technical and nautical background knowledge, a position that was perfect for Martin Hager. The application was successful and a two-year traineeship was arranged. After twelve years as an editor, the editorial team changed and he took over responsibility for BOOTE EXCLUSIV as editor-in-chief in 2017. After long-time YACHT editor-in-chief Jochen Rieker moved to the role of publisher, Martin Hager also took over the position of editor-in-chief of Europe's largest sailing magazine YACHT, which is celebrating its 120th anniversary this year, at the beginning of 2023. When he's not working on topics for the two water sports titles, Martin Hager likes to go out on the water himself - preferably with kite and wingfoil equipment or on a little after-work trip across the Alster.

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