A Yachtsman’s Yacht

The Lürssen superyacht Areti (formerly known as project Sasha), was delivered to her owner in July 2017, following a series of sea trials. The 85-metre sensation wears a subtle cream hull with white superstructure and whisper grey accents, matching the owner’s previous yachts, and a youthful and sporty profile. The German yard roped in Winch Design for the stunning, sleek exteriors, complemented by interiors with a classic American twist.

At 85 metres and with an enormous beam of almost 15 metres, Areti is a voluminous yacht. It weighs 2.851 GT, and travels at a speed of 17 knots with a range of 6,000 nm. The layout has been created with family and friends in mind, and despite its size, the yacht is intimate and cosy. Besides the owner’s cabin (two berths), up to 16 guests can travel in comfort in eight cabins, with 28 crew in 15 cabins. A combination of straight grain and figured Makore timber form the base for the traditional styling and enhance the luxurious hand-embroidered silks of the soft furnishings and the brushed, antiqued brass ironmongery. It is a yachtsman’s yacht – both in craftsmanship and design detailing.

Upon stepping aboard the yacht to the main deck aft, a granite reception bar flanked by semi-custom armchair-style, teak barstools greet you. The lounge has sofas and oversized chaises longues, and morphs into the dining area. A walnut Steinway Boston piano rests portside and should the guests not include a pianist, this state-of-the-art piano disc IQ premium system will play itself.

The main corridor harbours the elevator, which reaches all levels barring the sun deck, and over marble heated flooring, is the main entrance of the yacht. Areti has an extensive, private master suite and eight spacious guest suites. Two suites can be found forward on the main deck, two VIPs are on the owner’s deck and the remaining four suites are located on the lower deck. Each guest suite is decorated neutrally, but with an accent colour portrayed in the scatter cushions, hand-sewn curtains and other soft furnishings: emerald, dandelion, camino, blue, crimson, indigo, lilac and coral. Each suite can be used as a twin or double berth.

On the lower deck aft is the relaxation spa, with a steam room, sauna, plunge pool a hot tub, and ‘experience showers’. Up the staircase to the owner’s deck forward, are two VIP cabins, with Jacuzzi bath ensuites, intended for the owner’s family. The master stateroom has 180 views through panoramic windows. Forward of this area is the certified Heli-landing area, providing easy transfers to and from the yacht.

Venturing aft on the owner’s deck, is what is arguably one of the most beautiful areas of the yacht – a generous sky lounge. Giant sofas and armchairs make up the snug television area with an enormous flat screen TV, disguised behind a sailing scape commissioned from artist Alexander Creswell. There is an adjustable games table for four or six players. A large bar with granite top and bar stools with hand-embroidered back detailing is perfect for cocktails.

Up to the bridge deck, guests can soak in the custom-made Jacuzzi in which 12 people can loosen up after a session in the gym, which houses a treadmill, elliptical cross trainers, weights and yoga equipment. Forward of the gym is the captain’s cabin, the ships office, and the bridge. The bridge instruments are contained in hand-stitched leather and granite. There is also a small seating area for guests join the captain whilst he’s piloting the yacht. The sundeck is the pièce de résistance. An unimposing windshield keeps the area sheltered, and one can see the beautiful design of what has become known as the whale tail of the yacht. In short, a masterpiece of a yacht.