For generations, the Lürssen family has created a legacy of constructing the world’s finest and most iconic superyachts. These vessels, aptly crafted for the elite who expect nothing less than the very best, frequently break records and provide their owners with unparalleled experiences. Be it exploring distant and enchanting destinations or hosting extravagant parties, a Lürssen superyacht elevates the luxury lifestyle.
This chapter takes a romantic dive into French Polynesia’s Society Islands, a tropical paradise, and Lürssen’s emblematic creations.
Reflecting on the year 2013, the M/Y Quattroelle took center stage, fascinating and enthralling many. Measuring a staggering 86 m (283 ft), this superyacht became a vibrant hub for the grand soirees that punctuate this eagerly anticipated event. An embodiment of refined nautical luxury, Quattroelle is a vessel that, once seen, remains etched in memory.
The Society Islands, the economic heart of French Polynesia, comprise fifteen islands, each with a moniker straight out of a fairy tale: Taha’a, Bora Bora, Mo’orea, Teti’aroa, Tahiti. These enchanting islands invite one into a dreamlike realm, and Quattroelle is the perfect vessel for such a voyage. This superyacht delivers an intimate connection to the dazzling marine sanctuaries that the island’s luxurious resorts can only aspire to. The on-deck spa pool, with its infinity glass wall offering unbroken sea views, enhances this intimate connection.
Quattroelle’s thoughtful design allows for extended voyages with fewer port stops, a perfect fit for the long-distance journey to these islands. Her twin CAT diesel engines, Greta and Juliette, produce 2,000 KW at 1,600 RPM, enabling a top speed of 17 knots and a range of 5,000 nm. Further, Lürssen enhanced this impressive power with integrated Rolls Royce steering gears and two high-lift rudders. For explorers who followed the 2023 Tahiti Pearl Regatta route, the sights and experiences around Taha’a and Ra’iatea will be especially thrilling.
Ra’iatea, the Sacred Island, may not be as well-known, but its stunning sunsets, lush jungle, and rich history make it a must-visit. Today, the island has become an attractive spot for offshore sailors, boasting marinas with robust infrastructure. Its neighbor, Taha’a, with its vanilla farms and black pearls, promises a different kind of charm, with serene white beaches and a vibrant underwater world that will delight snorkelers.
Anchoring near these precious ecosystems can be detrimental, but Quattroelle has a solution: a dynamic positioning system. This technology allows her to maintain a set position using a GPS satellite antenna in harmony with her engines, drives, switches, and stabilizers without dropping anchor.
Beyond its technological marvels, Lürssen has pioneered the integration of cutting-edge eco-friendly technology into its superyachts. The company’s passion for yachting has fueled its commitment to protecting the oceanic environment, partnering with global advocates since the late 1990s to reduce yachting’s environmental impact.
Quattroelle is as much a celebration of natural beauty and cutting-edge technology as it is of luxury. This superyacht, marking Lürssen’s first collaboration with the Italian firm Nuvolari Lenard, showcases a harmonious blend of precious woods, minerals, and metals, drawing inspiration from the four L’s that represented the original owner’s lifestyle ideals: Love, Life, Liberty, and Luxury. This motif is subtly incorporated throughout the superyacht, etched into the bow, exhaust stack, main lobby floor, and custom furniture.
The final product is a spectacle akin to The Society Islands themselves: a sleek and sophisticated exterior, generous open spaces accommodating a range of social engagements, and playful half-moon portlights accenting the main-deck level. Within, an elegant blend of Art Deco and Art Nouveau elements captures the islands’ untamed beauty. The creative use of wood, ironwork, and handcrafted glass art, all depicting nature’s exceptional beauty, draws a tangible connection with the surrounding paradise. Whether it’s floral patterns, bird motifs, or aquatic life featured on doors, faucets, or dividing living spaces, Quattroelle is an immersive journey through nature’s wonder.
Unparalleled beauty, an authentic journey that indulges body, mind, and soul, captivating every sense in a way that’s impossible to forget. This is the essence of both the destination, with its cloud-wrapped rock spires, heart-shaped motus, vibrant wildlife, and Quattroelle. Anchored, with the soothing sound of the winds rustling and gentle lapping of the stunningly blue waters against her hull, tranquility is assured.
In the grandeur of Quattroelle, Lürssen’s dedication to crafting the pinnacle of superyacht luxury, coupled with a deep-rooted commitment to environmental responsibility, shines through. Reveling in the serenity aboard this extraordinary vessel one thing is clear: the legacy of the Lürssen family, their craft, and their respect for the ocean they navigate, stands as a testament to their profound understanding of luxury and sustainability, coexisting in harmony.
Photos: Klaus Jordan, Bernard Beaussier, Grégorie le Bacon, Hino Itaru | Words: Janine Devine
