Yacht Starfire, ex-Saint Nicholas, Spiffy Following Refit: Sunday Superyacht Video

It’s not uncommon for a refit project to last a little longer than expected. The scope of work can expand due to challenges, for example, or an owner’s change of mind for design. Although the reasons why the yacht Starfire has emerged a few months later than planned remain confidential, her dramatic appearance may hold the key.

The superyacht arrived at Abeking & Rasmussen as Saint Nicholas in late February 2024 for her refit. She entered the shed looking much like she did when Lürssen splashed her in 2007, too. Somewhat traditional in profile, she additionally was all white. Initially, the plan was for an eight-month stay. Yet, it also called for a major makeover. Her swim platform was going to gain a good amount of length, for instance. Up top, a new spa and gym were in order, as highlights of the sundeck. Even more transformative changes were on the owner’s wish list for the entire interior, too.

However, A&R Services, Abeking & Rasmussen’s refit division, wasn’t permitted to provide details. Neither were any of the companies contributing to the major refit. They included Patrick Knowles Designs for the interior and Pascoli International for styling.

Judging from styling alone, though, “major” in “major refit” is an apt word. Black zagging lines draw your eye across the full 230-foot (70-meter) LOA. They continue aft, rimming each deck level. The same rich-black detailing characterizes her mast, too. What previously were then-large windows with noticeable mullions separating them now instead look like long black swaths as well. Overall, the changes are so significant that it’s hard to believe the yacht Starfire actually used to be Saint Nicholas.

When she arrived on site last year, Daniel Reichwald, managing director of the yard’s refit division, called the pending work “a significant milestone for A&R Services.” Now that it’s complete, the rest of his statement rings even more true. “We are honored to have been chosen as the preferred partner for revitalizing this iconic motoryacht.”

A&R Services abeking.com

Pascoli International pascoli.mc

Patrick Knowles Designs patrickknowlesdesigns.com