Ships & Yachts
Tel +49 (0)421 67 33 0
Mail info@abeking.com
Introducing
A&R DESIGNERS LOUNGE
Focus Yacht Design
MADE TO
SURPRISE
Custom-made yachts offer the unparalleled opportunity to develop designs tailored precisely to the people they are made for. That’s why design always begins with understanding perspectives, motives, and visions.
FOCUS YACHT DESIGN
DESIGN FROM
THE DIKE
DESIGN FROM THE DIKE
Thomas Mühe (R), the visionary behind Focus Yacht Design, is renowned for creating striking and innovative yacht interiors and exteriors. With a meticulous eye for detail and a passion for timeless elegance, Mühe’s designs seamlessly blend functionality with luxury. His work reflects a deep understanding of the yachting lifestyle, earning Focus Yacht Design global recognition for crafting bespoke vessels that embody sophistication and individuality.
It doesn't get much closer than this!
Our Designers from the neighborhood - known for fancy boot top lines!
JÖRG KLEYMANN | SENIOR PROJECT MANAGER YACHT DEPARTMENT
SOARING
CONTEMPORARY
AND TIMELESS
ATTENTION
TO DETAILS
Style and a cohesive, well-functioning concept are the key to a result that is reflected in every detail. In an ideal scenario, the exterior and interior merge seamlessly into a cohesive living space designed to offer an immersive experience.
Soaring adheres to a holistic approach, where it is precisely the opposites that form and embody the design. Thus, the deliberate material reduction contrasts with the abundance of possibilities. The superyacht boasts an impressive library, a bar with an integrated Jacuzzi, a Beach Club and a swimming platform. Soaring’s allure lies in the harmonious unison of form, functionality and the realization of sophisticated owner requests, whose great commitment is reflected in the superyacht’s success. The yacht, which has since been renamed “Starlust”, has won the prestigious ISS
award, among others. Creating distinguishable and individual yachts demands more than the occupation with decorative aspects and the application of fashion plates to an existing platform. Each yacht is a holistic unit with its individual design theme and iconography and with its own demand for functionality. Every detail, even the equipment visible on the exterior, complements these individual design themes and the lines of the yacht. The overall individual expression is reflected in special nonrecurring details such as particular light fixtures, furniture details and special teak deck treatments.
IN DIALOGUE WITH
FOCUS YACHT DESIGN
What convinced the owner about the ideas of Focus Yacht Design?
A&R 01
It was our exterior design concept that ultimately convinced the client and won us the contract for Soaring. The idea of a sporty, modern yacht with classic charm resonated deeply with him. We consistently carried this concept from the exterior through to the interior. Throughout the yacht, traditional elements, materials, and impressions are clearly present — thoughtfully combined with a contemporary design language. For example, across the vessel, we paired dominant veneers — both very light and very dark — to create a dynamic contrast. Where classic wood paneling was used, such as in the beach club, we combined it with modern details like rope inlays to create a fresh, yet timeless, atmosphere.
FYD
Can you explain the overarching idea behind the interior and the main materials used?
A&R 02
For us, working with a cohesive and guiding design concept is essential. We deliberately chose a reduced palette of materials. All public areas and guest cabins are variations on a unifying theme — one inspired by personal motifs and places of emotional significance to the owner. From the very beginning, the client supported our holistic approach to design. As a result, design changes throughout the project were minimal — also because the owner himself was enthusiastically involved in the creative process. In fact, the idea to integrate a backlit onyx wall in the library came directly from him. Together, we traveled to Italy and found the perfect stone — a meaningful and collaborative moment in the design journey.
FYD
Building a custom yacht is always a journey into the unknown
Building a custom yacht is always a journey into the unknown, with new challenges to overcome, as each creation is tailored to the unique personality, needs and wishes of the client.
THOMAS MÜHE | FOCUS YACHT DESIGN
What defined Soaring’s exterior design?
A&R 03
It was clear from the outset: the owner did not want a yacht that could be mistaken for any other — not something generic or seen in magazines or marinas. Soaring was to be individual, personal, and unmistakable. This applied not only to the overall layout but also to the yacht’s exterior lines. Our aim was to create a fluid, elegant, and harmonious form — one that maintained continuity between external proportions and interior use. We emphasized Soaring’s classic proportions with carefully placed, striking design elements. One example is the forward windows: their position could have disrupted the flow of the design, so we shaped them to appear as one continuous surface. Another defining element is the sweeping line that runs from the bow to the swim platform — a detail we’ve been developing for over two decades. Seeing it finally realized on Soaring was a special milestone.
FYD
How would you describe the collaboration with Abeking & Rasmussen?
A&R 04
Our studio is located close to the Abeking & Rasmussen shipyard — a real advantage. Whenever technical challenges arose, we were able to be on-site quickly. Building a fully custom yacht is always a journey into the unknown: every solution must be tailored to the client’s personality, needs, and desires. It’s a bit like sailing into uncharted waters — exciting, but also demanding. With A&R, however, it felt like sailing with an experienced navigator. It wasn’t just their technical expertise that created a sense of trust — it was also their personal commitment to the project. Time and again, we were surprised by the openness of the project team. New ideas weren’t dismissed outright, even when they went beyond the contract scope, came late in the process, or presented technical challenges. This constructive collaboration made the project a success — not only for us and the client, but for everyone involved. As a result, Soaring — now Starlust — and Focus Yacht Design were honored with the prestigious International Superyacht Society Award.
FYD
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