The height of opulence, the Lürssen vessel has New York-inspired decor, a cinema, two helipads and all custom-made details
After spending time aboard Phoenix II, the 295-foot (90-meter) yacht designed by Winch Design and built by Lürssen, we’ll be blunt: no other vessel achieves such opulence, style and extravagant superyacht luxury as it does.
However, Phoenix II was not the first yacht developed by Winch Design and built by Lürssen for an owner fascinated by skyscrapers and art deco style. In fact, he was so pleased with his original, slightly smaller Phoenix (just under 200 feet, launched in 2004) that no one was surprised when the wish list for the new yacht called for another opulent art deco interior.
“The owner wanted the Phoenix II to reference New York’s boom-era 1920s and the art deco architecture of that period,” says Jim Dixon, managing partner at Winch Design and creative director at Yachts & Aviation. “She has much more personality than her previous yacht.”
“The Phoenix II is an extravagant, highly customized boat,” adds Dixon. “And I still consider it one of the best projects we’ve ever done.”
Iconic spots on the vessel, from the skyscrapers on the sky lounge’s bar stools to the massive figurehead that looks like it was lifted straight from the Chrysler Building, pay homage to New York City. Everything from the door handles to the cutlery was designed especially for the yacht.
There’s a Steinway grand piano in the formal room, plus silk rugs and a ceiling adorned with hand-gilded phoenix birds. The dining room is brilliantly lit from above, like a Broadway stage. The large front bulkhead is framed by a six-panel relief sculpture of musicians. And the foyer is inspired by Radio City Music Hall.
Other notable features include the riveted aluminum spiral staircase, the Radio City-inspired movie theater with popcorn machine, and a gym overlooking the aft helipad (there’s a second helipad in the bow).
“The owner is a natural host and Phoenix II is all about dining, music and entertainment,” says Andrew Winch, founder of Winch Design. “He likes to think that his guests become the orchestra, while he sits at the head as the conductor.”
Needless to say, I was impressed with the level of craftsmanship and attention to detail on board. But I was also a little curious as to why Chris Cecil-Wright was so happy to give me the grand tour of the yacht in Monaco, which is now for sale.
“The Phoenix II very well represents the type of yacht our company has worked to be known for,” he said. “She is large, custom-made, in immaculate condition and from a highly pedigreed northern European shipyard; in this case, Lürssen.”
