Here we take an in-depth look at the Benetti-built STARFIRE – a superyacht that has managed to create a luxury charter experience of the highest levels.
The 54m/177’ STARFIRE is a superyacht that has truly embodied every aspect of what a luxury charter vacation should be. From her pedigree Benetti build, Stefano Natucci design, refined Zuretti interiors and resort-rivalling facilities to her dedicated and meticulous crew, she emanates the highest levels of quality at every turn in order to create a luxury yachting experience like no other.
Originally built in 1997 for a Hong Kong-based Owner under the name of ‘Ambrosia’, STARFIRE was later sold to an American Owner and has since developed an impressive reputation on the charter market. Continuous upgrades, including refits in 2002, 2004 and 2012, have ensured that she consistently competes with the most modern superyachts to offer the latest technologies, toys and design features.
These upgrades however have not come at the cost of the classically elegant charm that this sophisticated motor yacht exudes. A shining example of this is her expansive interior which benefits from an impressive beam of 9.6m/31’5 and was transformed during her 2012 refit into a glossy, modern art deco theme with beautiful nautical embellishments.
Main Deck
On entering STARFIRE’s main salon, guests are enveloped by a sense of warmth amongst a successful fusion of textures, handsome design features and exquisite furnishings. The dark wood flooring provides an organic feeling under barefoot which perfectly harmonises with hand-made woven chairs, intricately patterned sofas and panoramic windows which bring everything together to connect indoor and outdoor ocean living.
Moving outdoors onto the main aft deck, her al fresco dining area is one of the most impressive to be found on the water. The high-gloss large circular table comfortably seats guests in the shade of the awning while still allowing for a gentle breeze to pass through. This has become a popular place to enjoy breakfast surrounded by breath taking views as well as respite from the sun with drinks during balmy afternoons.
This welcoming space is the ideal environment for guests to meet for pre-dinner drinks before moving seamlessly through to her formal dining room where the art deco styling is shown to its full potential. Fine cream carpet lines the outer perimeter of the room and combined with continued wood flooring creates a highly luxurious and intimate. The bespoke art deco lighting fixture radiates a soft illumination over the 10-person circular dining table that is surrounded with striped fabric covered chairs that nod to the nautical details and ensure comfort over extravagance.
Also situated on the upper deck is STARFIRE’s magnificent full-beam master suite which boasts its own private lounge area. This leads onto the stateroom that is dominated by an inviting Californian king-sized bed as well as another two seating areas either side. The luxurious master bathroom houses his and hers sinks, a large Jacuzzi tub and huge adjoining together, all fitted out in honey onyx marble fittings that create a feeling of warm decadence.
She includes a further five staterooms on board to accommodate a total of up to 12 guests. Each room is finished in a simple, elegant and understated décor, the glossy surfaces of the wood and ceilings complimenting the softness of the furnishings and the neutral tones. The stunning VIP stateroom is known on board as the ‘room with a view’, featuring two large windows, seating area, vanity, and an elegant en suite bathroom outfitted in marble with a full tub.
Upper Deck
STARFIRE’s entire upper deck is a hub for relaxation and entertainment while aboard. Upon climbing the grand staircase from the main deck, guests are greeted with a large open plan skylounge with a comfortable seating area, elegant corner bar and games table. The area encompasses a more relaxed atmosphere than the main deck with a palette of blue and cream combined with wood furnishings, whilst the large windows allow the room to be filled with natural light.
The skylounge dining room perfectly balances the comfort of indoor dining with an al fresco feel, surrounded by 180-degree glass windows. The selection of dining areas on board this superyacht indicates how important cuisine is to the STARFIRE charter experience. Her two Chefs strive to exceed every guest’s culinary expectations and will tailor each vacation to the requirements and tastes of the individual, elevating all meals to a gourmet experience that rivals the finest restaurants in the world.
This skylounge dining opens up into a spacious outdoor conversational area which becomes a fantastic space to use at the end of the day for relaxed evening meals and cocktails in the cool breeze. Covered by the shade of the awning, the seating is comfortable and informal yet private and continues the striped nautical feel of the indoor salon furnishings.
Sundeck
Up on the sundeck, STARFIRE is fully-equipped for pleasure at sea. The spaciousness of the area allows for every conceivable amenity to be provided yet the well thought-out arrangement creates a connection and intimacy between each space. The al fresco dining table forms the central point followed by a large Jacuzzi and full bar, ideally situated so guests can watch their cocktails being prepared whilst watching the sun go down.
An ample seating and sunpad area occupies the aft section of the sundeck and doubles as an outdoor cinema where guests can choose from a library of their favourite movies to watch under the stars.
Crew
The core element of STARFIRE’s appeal as a charter yacht is the extraordinary attention to detail that is exhibited throughout. The driving force behind this is no doubt her exceptional crew of 12, led by her passionate, experienced and award-winning Captain Carl Sputh. With an ethos of ‘no problems, only solutions’ there is a positivity that radiates to reach exceptional levels of service and an expert ability to anticipate each guests needs before they even have to ask.
Captain Sputh is also an avid watersports enthusiast and an ex ski-instructor therefore ensures an armada of toys and tenders are on offer. This includes an 11m/36’ Jet Drive Hinckley tender in addition to jet skis, kayaks, Seabobs, Wakeboards, skies and all manner of inflatables, ready for exploring the beautiful surroundings of wherever STARFIRE may be.
STARFIRE is typically available for Caribbean yacht charters during the winter season and Mediterranean charter vacations throughout the summer, however what she represents as a whole is a vessel of world-cruising capabilities and exceptional standards of service.
Charter Specification
Length54m / 177'2 |
Beam9.6m / 31'6 |
Draft3.3m / 10'10 |
Gross Tonnage757 GT |
Built| Refit1997 | 2023 |
Hull MaterialSteel |
SuperstructureAluminium |
ClassificationABS |
Charter Guests12 |
Cabins6 |
Crew12 |
Max Speed15 knots |
Cruising Speed13 knots |
Fuel Consumption10512 GPH |
Range 5,900 nm |
Range at 13 Knots |