When we talk about the pinnacle of luxury yachting, few vessels illustrate it better than the 115-metre superyacht Pelorus built by German shipyard Lürssen. Launched in 2003 and frequently cited as one of the most impressive custom motor yachts afloat, Pelorus combines majestic scale, timeless design, state-of-the-art engineering and indulgent onboard living. With multiple refits over the years to keep her fresh and relevant, this floating palace remains a benchmark in the world of ultra-luxury superyachts, offering a rare glimpse into the extraordinary lifestyle of the ultra affluent.
A Legendary Hull and Striking Exterior
The exterior design of Pelorus is the work of renowned yacht designer Tim Heywood, and her lines reflect a perfect balance of classic proportions and contemporary elegance. At 115 metres in length and with an overall volume of around 5,403 gross tons, Pelorus cuts an unmistakable figure on the water, a sophisticated blend of grace and authority that commands attention wherever she cruises.
Her steel hull and aluminium superstructure accommodate six full decks, creating space for varied outdoor living areas that include expansive sun lounging zones, a Jacuzzi, shaded dining areas and broad walkways that allow guests to enjoy panoramic sea views. Pelorus also features multiple balconies and sea terraces across the main and lower decks, some of which fold outwards to create seamless transitions between interior and open air spaces. This kind of flexibility not only expands usable space but also makes the yacht feel far more connected to the water and the environment through which it travels.
Elegant Yet Functional Interiors
Inside, the yacht’s interior styling was created by British design house Terence Disdale Design, whose approach to Pelorus reflects relaxed sophistication and maritime refinement. The interiors are warm and inviting, combining rich materials, custom furnishings and a palette chosen to harmonise with the ocean-facing views that dominate much of the living space.
Pelorus comfortably accommodates up to 24 guests in 12 cabins. The master suite occupies a generous private domain, complete with a study and dressing room, giving it the feel of a private oceanfront residence rather than just another stateroom onboard. Guest cabins vary in size and layout but each offers ensuite bathrooms, high-end finishes and thoughtful lighting to create a sense of calm and comfort at sea.
Public areas inside include a grand main salon with panoramic windows and expansive seating zones that make a perfect setting for entertaining or relaxing. There is a formal dining room that feels both intimate and timeless, accompanied by smaller social spaces such as a library lounge, a cinema and casual relaxation areas that allow guests to spread out and enjoy their time onboard. These interiors are not just luxurious but highly functional, designed to facilitate life at sea whether anchored off a Mediterranean isle or cruising across blue horizons.
Wellness, Entertainment and Onboard Amenities
One of the defining features of Pelorus is how comprehensively it caters to wellbeing and entertainment. The yacht includes a fully-equipped gym with sea views, a beach club that opens directly onto the water, and a wellness deck complete with spa amenities. This emphasis on wellbeing is particularly notable because it brings aspects of a five-star resort onboard, transforming the yacht into more than a vessel but a space where comfort and rejuvenation come first.
Additional entertainment facilities include a steam room, beauty salon, cinema with tiered seating and a dance floor, making Pelorus equally suited to private moments of relaxation or buzzing gatherings of friends and family. WiFi and climate control extend throughout the vessel, ensuring a seamless blend of modern technology and traditional nautical charm. Even underwater LED lighting enhances the ambience after dark, casting dramatic hues beneath the hull that elevate nights at anchor into curated experiences.
Pelorus also benefits from impressive range and performance specifications. Powered by twin engines, she can travel approximately 6,000 nautical miles without refuelling at an efficient cruising speed around 16-18 knots. This ocean-crossing capability means Pelorus is equally at home in remote cruising grounds as she is in established yachting hubs, inviting her guests to explore the world’s oceans with style and confidence.
Legacy, Refits and Continued Prestige
Since her delivery in 2003, Pelorus has stood as one of the most recognisable Lürssen superyachts ever built. Her pedigree has been enhanced by multiple refits, including significant work in 2008, when a second helipad was added, and further updates in 2017 and 2025 to refresh systems, finishes and onboard technologies. These refits have allowed Pelorus to maintain relevance and desirability even as newer and larger superyachts enter the global fleet.
Pelorus is also noteworthy for the balance she strikes between timeless design and functional updates. Unlike yachts that rapidly date as trends shift, Pelorus has retained a classic elegance, with each renovation enhancing her capabilities rather than fundamentally altering her character. She remains a standout example of what a custom Lürssen yacht can be: a tailored work of engineering and design that transcends fleeting fashions and maintains prestige.
In the world of superyachts, where exclusivity and craftsmanship are paramount, Pelorus continues to be a vessel that defines aspiration. Whether experienced from the bridge deck lounge, from a beach club terrace at sunset or cruising sun-drenched waters far from shore, it is clear why this 115-metre floating masterpiece is still admired decades after her launch.
Written By: Mia Quisumbing
Published On: 26th February 2026