Refit Special: Modern paint job for "Starfire"
It took twelve months to convert the "Saint Nicolas" - with exterior lines by Espen Øino and a Zuretti interior - into the 73 metre long "Starfire". A tight schedule, but all the tighter for it. The to-do list for the 13 metre wide lady included a new exterior paint job, more deck space aft, a new gym, larger windows and a series of technical improvements. Abeking & Rasmussen brought extensive expertise to the site in Lemwerder.
The challenge of refitting the "Starfire"
Starfire" is a joint project between the captain and crew and the superyacht managers from Arrow Yachts and Pascoli International for the exterior lines. The interior was redesigned by US studio Patrick Knowles Design, while the new stern was designed by Murray Associates. At A&R, the work steps interlocked under the supervision of project manager Hannes Köhler and head of refit Swen Westerdijk. "The biggest challenge was to carry out the extensive work on all decks in parallel with the painting work within the desired time frame," explains Westerdijk.
Thanks to the stern section being pulled back by three metres, a 12.8 x 5.4 metre bathing platform has been created, which can even accommodate an informal dining area for up to 14 guests. After lunch, there is also space for all the activities associated with life at the beach club. After all, on a modern yacht with six to seven suites, ample water sports equipment is a must, plus tenders measuring twelve and eight metres respectively. The formerly open sun deck has been transformed into a glazed and naturally air-conditioned gym with a wellness area - equipped with an infrared sauna, an ice plunge pool and a massage area.
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A modern lift connects the floors, from the tank deck up to the pool deck, where a five by three metre swimming pool with counter-current system and pool bar awaits guests. The area behind it can be used as a party zone, cinema or basketball court.
Enlargement of the windows
The interior on all decks has also been extensively renovated, the classic yacht look with lots of high-gloss wood has been retained, but today floor-to-ceiling windows on both the main and upper decks flood the salons and VIP suites, which are at least 2.3 metres high, with plenty of natural light. Despite the extensive refit, the style of the "old" Lürssen has largely been retained. "One major point was the conversion of the aft windows," explains Westerdijk, giving an example. "These were originally only half-height. We pulled them down to the deck floor." The result not only makes the rooms brighter, but also enhances them overall, especially the large saloon.
Modernisation of the technology on board "Starfire"
Not everything on the construction site always went as planned, but surprises are part of every refit project. "That's what makes it so interesting," assures Westerdijk. "It starts with parts that are no longer available, right through to systems that initially run smoothly but later require maintenance or even replacement." Even in such cases, it was important to everyone involved in the project to always work with care and commitment to "make the perfect solution possible for the customer".
In order to make the yacht fit for the future, parts of the technology on board "Starfire" were also modernised and maintained. "For example, we installed a new exhaust gas purification system on the generators," reports Westerdijk. Abeking & Rasmussen is now more than proud that this yacht refit was completed within the tight time frame and that the project was completed to "the highest standards of craftsmanship". Hannes Köhler, "Starfire" project manager, says: "The transformation has not only given the yacht a modern look, but also reflects the excellent teamwork and seamless collaboration between everyone involved. Together we have turned the vision for this yacht into reality."
