Lurssen Yachts History & Heritage
Lürssen, now in its fourth generation as a family-owned company, boasts a rich history and heritage.
Founded in 1875 by Friedrich Lürssen near Bremen on the River Weser, the shipyard initially focused on building wooden rowing skiffs, sculls, and small working boats. Notably, in 1886, Lürssen gained acclaim as the builder of the world's first motorboat, Rems, in collaboration with Gottlieb Daimler and Wilhelm Maybach.
The shipyard excelled in powerboat racing during the early 1900s, achieving significant speed milestones. By the 1920s, Lürssen shifted its focus to constructing large luxury motor yachts, exporting a considerable number to America. Following Otto Lürssen's death in 1932, his wife Frieda assumed leadership until 1962, passing control to her sons, Gert and Fritz-Otto.
Lürssen continued to expand its yacht-building endeavors, and in 1971, it introduced the iconic 71m (233ft) Carinthia IV, a design classic that foreshadowed contemporary superyacht aesthetics. The fourth generation, represented by Friedrich and Peter Lürssen, received their first shares in 1975 and presently steer the company. In the late 1980s, Lürssen intensified its yacht-building activities, and subsequent shipyard acquisitions solidified its position as a leading industry powerhouse.
