Charter yacht of the week: The 73-metre Lürssen revitalised after a year-long refit

Each week, BOAT shines a spotlight on the standout yachts available for charter around the world. This week, we step on board Starfire, a 73-metre Lürssen motor yacht that has been brought back to life following a 12-month refit at Abeking and Rasmussen.

Why charter Starfire?

This season, the 73-metre Lürssen motor yacht Starfire makes a striking return to the charter market, almost unrecognisable after an extensive refit. Following over a year in the sheds at Abeking & Rasmussen, Starfire emerges with a bold new look: a dramatic paint scheme, expansive floor-to-ceiling windows and reimagined interior and sundeck spaces. A newly added stern extension introduces a vast, full-beam swim platform – perfect for sunbathing, waterside dining, or launching into her impressive collection of water toys.

With a gross tonnage of 1,979GT, Starfire offers interiors more commonly found on yachts of 80 metres and above, with generous open spaces flooded with natural light. Originally designed by François Zuretti, the refit carefully balances the preservation of her classic style with a fresh, contemporary edge. Patrick Knowles Design, together with the owner, oversaw the interior update. The result is a de-formalised and reimagined treatment of the social spaces. The feel is timeless formality and craftsmanship, in a way that feels classical, but also fresh. This is paired with a combination of neutral-toned, textured upholstery, antique rugs and polished marble hallways. 

Originally part of an Espen Øino-designed mini series of Lürssen superyachts, Starfire was conceived with meticulous attention to proportion – her profile defined by clean, angular lines and a carefully balanced silhouette. During her recent refit, designer Kristian Pascoli of Pascoli International reimagined her exterior, introducing a striking monochrome paint scheme that visually lowers the yacht’s centre of gravity and subtly masks her air draught, giving her a more elegant presence on the water.

Ultimately, Starfire is an excellent example of what makes classical Lurssen superyachts so popular on the charter market, yet this one has been launched into the future. She presents a new and exciting opportunity for charter, with excellent wellness and entertainment facilities. Her crew of 20, led by Captain Paul Duncan, are a force of excellent service, entertainment and creative experiences. The crew are primed to host extravagant theme nights, beachside feasts, or lead guided hikes or runs. 

Interior mood

Throughout the yacht for charter, a selection of woods, including cherry, walnut and mahogany, runs across the cabinetry, wall panels, ceiling trim and custom joinery. Starfire's living spaces offer visual consistency and exude a timeless maritime luxury with a pronounced and warm grain. The soft furnishings – think taupe-toned banquettes, velvet-fringed sofas and ivory upholstery – introduce softness and warmth to the interior. 

In the bridge deck saloon, mirrored coffered ceilings add a sense of depth and height while subtly drawing natural light into the spaces, preventing the dark wood from becoming too powerful. Inlaid coffee and games tables can be found throughout Starfire, while the surprising addition of a retro arcade console and hidden dart board adds an element of fun to the upper deck saloon, which doubles as an English pub. Enhancing this effect is a booth complete with leather bench seating.

The round dining area  on the bridge deck aft has uninterrupted sea views through floor-to-ceiling glass panels on the upper deck. The space is crowned with a floral-style chandelier made of Murano glass and can be transformed into an alfresco dining space by retracting the glass panels. The carved tabletop and woven-backed chairs lean into a more relaxed Mediterranean style here. 

In contrast, Starfire's formal dining space is deliberately grand, ideal for candlelit dinners with its neutral textured chairs, showcase cabinetry and architectural lighting. 

Best deck moments

As expected of a yacht of this calibre, Starfire’s deck spaces are generous and thoughtfully equipped with plenty of onboard amenities. The expansive pool deck centres around a 5-metre heated swimming pool, with a counter-current system for fitness-focused guests. 

This versatile feature can also be transformed into a large hot tub with a swim-up bar for cocktails. Dining on board extends well beyond the usual settings – a table can be elegantly arranged on the swim platform itself, allowing guests to enjoy meals right beside the lapping waves.

The pool deck is enclosed by large double sun loungers with individual cabanas for shade, and even features a basketball hoop for a more playful touch. By evening, the space transforms entirely into an open-air cinema for movie nights under the stars, or hosting a lively disco, ideal for celebratory charters.

How many guests does Starfire sleep?

Starfire accommodates up to 12 guests across seven well-appointed cabins, all styled with the same refined elegance. With a total of 16 berths available, there’s also flexibility for additional staff. The standout is the full-beam owner’s suite, complete with a private observation lounge, office, personal gym and a luxurious marble bathroom.

On the bridge deck, a generously sized VIP suite offers sweeping panoramic views and a private sitting area. The lower deck is home to four king guest cabins and a twin bunk cabin, ideal for younger guests or staff. Two of the king cabins also feature additional Pullman berths, offering adaptable accommodation for families or larger parties.

Toys and wellness

As part of her extensive 2025 refit, Starfire now boasts a completely refreshed toy box designed for high-octane adventure and laid-back luxury alike. Guests can enjoy Jet Skis, Jet Boots, eFoils, Seabobs and an inflatable floating water park – ideal for both thrill-seekers and families. Her impressive tender fleet includes a sleek 12-metre Hinckley jet tender, an 8-metre sports tender and a G25 Ski Nautique for serious watersports action.

For those seeking wellness and relaxation, the air-conditioned glass-enclosed gym and spa on the sundeck offers a serene escape, complete with a sauna, massage area and invigorating cold plunge pool – all with panoramic views.

• 12m Hinckley Jet Tender
• 8.1m Osmotec Sport Tender
• G25 Ski Nautique
• Jet skis
• Seabobs
• E-Foil
• Jet Boots
• Specially outfitted Fishing Kayaks
• SUPs
• 4m Jungle Gym with Slide and climbing wall
• 3.5m Slide from the Main deck Aft
• 7mx9m Jelly fish pool
• Extensive inflatable toys package
• Airbuddy
• A dive store with 8 complete sets of scuba gear, spares and a dive compressor

Where will Starfire be cruising?

Starfire will be spending her first season following her refit in the Mediterranean, visiting all of the key cruising grounds as well as the secret bays and beaches. On her list to explore is:

• West Mediterranean
• East Mediterranean
• Greece
• Dodecanese
• Ionian Islands
• Cyclades
• Monaco
• Sardinia
• Italian Riviera
• Ibiza
• Balearic Islands
• Croatia
• French Riviera
• Aeolian Islands
• Malta
• Sicily
• Amalfi Coast
• Corsica
• Spain

Book Starfire

Starfire is available for charter with Northrop and Johnson with a weekly rate from €680,000.