The Majestic Transformation of Carinthia VII
In luxury yachting, few events stir as much excitement as unveiling a newly refitted superyacht. The 97-meter Carinthia VII, a icon of luxury and engineering prowess, has been redelivered from the esteemed Lürssen shipyard in Hamburg, marking a significant milestone in the yacht’s illustrious history. This transformation reaffirms Carinthia VII’s status at the pinnacle of luxury yachting and introduces her to the charter market, a move eagerly anticipated by enthusiasts and connoisseurs worldwide.
Acquired by a visionary owner in 2022, Carinthia VII’s refit was orchestrated to surpass the conventional boundaries of luxury and performance. Initially shrouded in exclusivity, with only a select few having glimpsed its interior, the yacht embarked on a comprehensive journey of rejuvenation under the guidance of the parent shipyard Lürssen.
“A refit is not just about necessary maintenance, it can also be a way to completely transform a yacht,” says Alberto Perrone, Refit Sales Director at Lürssen. “Whilst the shipyard is known globally for its many new build superyachts, the refit side of the business is just as exciting and challenging for the skilled workforce.”
Innovative Design and Luxurious Amenities
The transformation of Carinthia VII under the expert guidance of Bizzozero Cassina Architects, alongside the operational insight of RYacht Management, stands as a symbol of visionary design and architectural mastery. The duo synergized to weave a tapestry of elegance, technology, and heritage, propelling Carinthia VII into the limelight of modern luxury yachting.
The pièce de résistance of the refit is the 11-meter swimming pool installed on the main deck. This feat of design ingenuity features a striking glass front, etched with seamless precision, that dissolves the boundary between the pool and the dining area, inviting the outside in and creating an interplay of light and water. The pool’s ‘stars&stripes’ blue hue, a sophisticated blend of blue with hints of grey, casts reflections reminiscent of the ocean’s depths, creating a mesmerizing effect that is both tranquil and refreshing. This thoughtful selection complements the yacht’s new color palette and harmonizes with the natural marine surroundings.
The surrounding teak deck, renowned for its resilience and beauty, has been meticulously restored to accentuate its rich, golden-brown tones, contrasting the pool’s calm serenity. This outdoor oasis, now graced with sumptuous sun loungers and casual seating areas, has been transformed into a haven for relaxation and social interaction, underlining the yacht’s commitment to creating exquisite guest experiences.
Inside, the commitment to preserving the yacht’s soul is evident. Each room maintains at least one piece of the original furnishing, a homage to the vessel’s storied past and a celebration of its timeless craftsmanship. The iconic wooden flooring continues to echo the yacht’s decades of maritime legacy with its intricate grain patterns and satin finish. It is now polished to reveal a luster that only time can bestow.
The introduction of expansive, custom-designed lounge sofas in the main salon offers a tangible sense of comfort and luxury. These pieces are not merely functional; they are crafted to cradle and cocoon, promoting conviviality among guests. The sofas’ fabrics, selected for their tactile pleasure and visual harmony, are enhanced by bespoke carpets that sprawl elegantly beneath, their designs inspired by the fluidity and form of marine life.
The walls, adorned with hand-selected artisanal fabrics, create a canvas of texture and color that speak to a refined aesthetic. In a nod to craftsmanship, handcrafted leather tiles decorate select surfaces, their patterns laser-cut with precision to reflect the yacht’s innate connection to the sea. These tiles rise in a gradient of hues, drawing inspiration from the ocean’s depths to the sky’s expanse, further bridging the interior with the maritime world outside.
The meticulous redesign of the guest suites and owner’s deck aboard Carinthia VII marries the epitome of luxury with the pinnacle of functional design, meticulously tailored to those who will traverse the globe in her wake.
With a clear vision, the designers have curated visually stunning and superbly practical spaces, ensuring every journey is remembered for comfort as much as for the scenery.
The guest suites are a triumph of bespoke elegance, each reflecting a distinctive character while maintaining a coherent design language throughout Carinthia VII. Plush textiles and soft lighting create a serene ambiance, where every element, from the hand-stitched upholstery to the custom-designed furniture, is a silent nod to the yacht’s opulent spirit. The suites are thoughtfully equipped with state-of-the-art entertainment systems and personal climate controls, offering guests a private luxury sanctuary.
On the owner’s deck, functionality meets sophistication in the form of a teppanyaki round bar, a delightful addition that promises culinary entertainment right at the fingertips of the guests. This interactive gastronomic station, expertly crewed by a skilled chef, turns mealtime into a vibrant show of culinary artistry, further enhancing the communal spirit that luxury yachting embodies.
Adjacent to this is the sundeck, which has been transformed into an al fresco paradise. New, ergonomically designed seating and a bespoke dining table set the stage for sumptuous outdoor feasts or tranquil afternoons basking in the sun’s warmth. The sundeck is the quintessential spot for guests to gather, enveloped by the expansive vistas of the open seas or the mesmerizing tranquility of secluded coves.
With its richly appointed interiors, the club lounge offers an intimate gathering space that harkens back to the golden age of yachting while incorporating the latest luxury amenities. It’s a space where tradition and innovation are in dialogue. It offers a sophisticated venue for post-dinner conversations, a nightcap, or a leisurely game from the yacht’s classic entertainment options.
Complementing the leisurely luxury, the gymnasium on Carinthia VII is a marvel of modern fitness technology. This fully air-conditioned sanctuary of wellness is equipped with professional-grade equipment that caters to every exercise regimen, whether it be strength training, cardiovascular workouts, or flexibility exercises. The gym’s panoramic glass walls flood the space with natural light and provide inspiring ocean views, transforming every activity into a refreshing experience that transcends the physical.
In every aspect, the guest suites and owner’s deck of Carinthia VII have been reenvisioned not just to meet but to exceed the gold standard of luxury yachting. The designers have deftly woven together the threads of luxury and functionality to craft inviting and exhilarating spaces, ensuring that life aboard Carinthia VII remains an unparalleled experience.
Photos: Klaus Jordan, Blue Iprod, Tom van Oossanen, Andrea Hamann, André Konarske, Guy Fleury | Words: Gabriel Parra
