the best yachts in the world

Best Luxury Yacht Brands: 25 Shipyards Which Build The Best Superyachts

By Brody Patterson

Updated on January 14, 2023

The superyacht industry is a world that offers you luxurious adventures around the globe, from the United States, all the way to the UK, Netherlands, Germany, or the beautiful Italian coast. From the crystal clear waters of the Caribbean to the Mediterranean, these stunning yachts are built by highly skilled professionals, who provide you with nothing but the best craftsmanship.

As a potential yacht owner, you can get inspiration from any of these companies and choose what is best suited to your needs. There is so much to take into consideration, hence we compiled a detailed list of the 25 best yacht building companies in the world to help you out.

For example, you need to figure out first what size yacht you want, as they range from 30-50 feet vessels, all the way to the larger than 260 feet superyachts, and everything in between. Are Eco-friendly details important to you, or is cutting-edge technology and speed an absolute must to you?

We will do our best to cover all these points and more, so let’s start looking at the best yacht brands in the world right now. 

One of the best yacht brands in the 30-50’ range, Wally is an Italian company that specializes in fast motor yachts, but they’re also buiding gorgeous sailing vessels. For those of you who enjoy speed, you will be happy to hear that most of their yachts are made out of angular carbon composite and fiberglass, which enables you to blast through the waves.

Not so much for leisurely cruising, their 36-meter superyacht has luxurious accommodations for up to six guests and six crew members. Its prowess is due to the three Vericor TF50 gas turbines, which have a total power output of 16,800 hp. With its 60 knots top speed, it is one of the fastest yachts in the world.

Founded in 1842 on Lake Iseo of Italy, Riva quickly became a racing yacht legend, and it has upheld its reputation since. One of the best cruising yachts in the world in the 30-50 feet category, Riva offers sleek looks and impressive performance.

Solid stainless steel bow rails, an 800 hp engine, a 13-foot beam, and a 3-foot draft along a non-skid deck make this a very desirable vessel. Customizable to your tastes, you can cruise the waters in style.

Aesthetic appeal along with classic Italian design makes this company one of the most sought after. The Italian shipyard develops innovative solutions like crafting hybrid engines and using nanotechnologies, which make the long-lasting coatings on their vessels have a lower impact on marine life.

Equipped with options such as Twin Gens, Twin Watermakers, Stabilizers, Bow Thrusters and powered by DDEC 12V92’s with Ulstein forward-facing drives, the Grande 35 Metri reaches 25.5-knot max speeds. A stylish, yet competitive yacht.

• 22. Dynamiq

An Italian superyacht brand located on the Tuscan coast, with yachts engineered to the highest standards set by naval architects in the Netherlands. Designed in Monaco, Dynamiq’s vessels will surely meet the needs of the forward thinkers in the yacht building industry. Some of the options available are hybrid technology, with chic and efficient features that are easy to customize.

Ranging from 90 to 165 feet, you can build your own vessel according to your needs. Not only do they look impressive with their cool design, but they also offer you great performance. Impressive specs such as the aluminum hull, with a range that varies from 900nm at 15 knots all the way up to 5000nm at 10 knots and two engines Man at 882 kW.

• 21. Sunreef

Leading the world of catamaran yacht brands, the company produces its signature models, 60 to 100 feet vessels, along with the supreme models and the 150-210 feet power trimarans superyachts. Their shipyard is located in Gdansk, Poland, a seafaring city rich in naval building traditions.

They are also known for building eco-friendly electric engines that are great for the environment with their innovative propulsion solutions. Their sustainable materials feature basalt and linen-based structures in the production of their hulls, superstructures, and yacht manufacturing.

• 20. Ferretti

Another famed Italian shipyard is innovative with its human interface, which makes their vessels super easy to use. Ferretti’s fleet varies from the 500 to the 1000 projects, but they are all designed with your wellbeing and comfort in mind. You can choose from different mood palettes for your interiors, such as classic or contemporary.

Their MTU engine, with a cruising speed of 20 knots and a max speed of 24 knots, along with many other impressive specs, makes this brand an experience that embodies luxurious style and performance in one.

• 19. Fincantieri

Fincantieri has a network of 18 shipyards across four continents, two design centers, and a research center, and throughout their 230-year history they have built more than 7,000 vessels. If that is not impressive enough, they will surely convince you with their luxury yachts, designed to your pleasure.

High-tech, high quality, and high performance – these would be the features they stand for, and their unique designs are complemented by state-of-the-art technology. Aesthetic perfection along with the best technological expertise in the industry will deliver the luxury you crave.

• 18. Nautor’s Swan

A Finnish yacht brand founded by Pekka Koskenkyla back in 1966, they specialize in high-performance sailing yachts . Beautiful wood interiors are their signature touch, and their high-tech amenities are up-to-date in order to keep up with a very competitive industry.

Their fiberglass material has brought them to the top in the racing sailboats category, along with the ingenuity of Sparkman & Stephens. They eventually partnered with German Frers Design, who is responsible for many of their Swan designs.

• 17. Sanlorenzo

Ranked in the top three over 80-feet yachts builders in their category, Sanlorenzo has introduced a variety of new yachts in the last couple of years. Their signature light-blue steel hull is predominant in all their models, such as the SL102 Asymmetric yacht, or their 171-foot custom Seven Sins.

Among other designs worth mentioning are their new additions SX112, 164-foot 500EXP Ocean Dreamwalker lll, or the 210-foot 64Steel. One thing they all have in common is that they cater to the American lifestyle.

• 16. Rossinavi

Rossinavi has worked with some of the world’s best designers available to come up with unique and futuristic designs. Some of their most popular superyachts in the last few years have got to be 160-foot Endeavour ll and the 161-foot Aurora. Achille Salvagni is responsible for both designs, but they are quite different from one another.

The Alfa 50, with its sleek modern look, was designed by Enrico Gobbi. Pininfarina, who has put their signature touch on Ferrari, has unveiled some of Rossinavi’s new concepts, which make them stand out from other brands.

• 15. Baglietto

Another Italian company, they have been around since 1840, when Pietro Baglietto started building wooden fishing ships in his backyard. He expanded his company by manufacturing boats for kings and popes, and in 1906 built his first combustion engine.

Eventually, the company was saved from bankruptcy by the Gavio Group and they got a facelift with the introduction of their new model line, which ranges from 43 to 230 feet yachts. Their Silver Fox, which was launched in 2018, is designed by Francesco Paszkowski and it could easily be considered a true work of art.

• 14. Mangusta

The company is owned by the Balducci family and it was started in 1985. They specialize in luxury sports yachts and voyage superyachts, all of which you can customize to your personal tastes. They have built more than 300 yachts in their 34 year career, and they are still going strong.

The Mangusta Oceano, for example, is one of their long-range yachts with ranges up to 5,000 miles. The Mangusta Maxi Open series offers speed, stability and quietness. And their GranSports is a fast-displacement series that covers long distances.

• 13. Princess Yachts

Established in 1965, this British company has grown into a conglomerate with multiple production sites over the years. They build contemporary yachts in seven classes, ranging from open boats to megayachts. Their flagship Imperial Princess, a 131-foot 40M superyacht, has a large interior and lots of natural light.

It is built on the South Yard, which was formerly a 17th century naval yard. Their R35, one of their most innovative models, is built with a foil system which reduces drag and can revolutionize yachting, and was designed by Pininfarina, the same acclaimed design studio that works with Rossinavi as well.

The crown jewel of the Ferretti group, CRN is famous for their landmark Chopi Chopi, a 262-foot megayacht. The different ranges of the military style 180-foot Atlante, the sleek hull of the 239-foot Yalla, or even the high-tech Cloud 9 yacht show the different customizable possibilities from CRN Yachts.

Ferretti invested lots of money into their Ancona Yard, and their tri-deck motor yacht, as well as the Superconero are just some of the upgraded versions of the staples that brought them on the map in the first place.

• 11. Sunseeker

One of the UK’s most important shipyards, Sunseeker manufactures most of its vessels in Poole, Dorset. Their place in the yachting world is secured with four superyacht models ranging from 116 to 161-foot, and their 76 to 100-foot motor yachts. They also manufacture high performance boats, alongside sports and 52 to 744-foot cruise yachts.

It used to only build out of composite, but has since expanded to aluminum with its 161 Yachts. Their ICON expertise, design and market savvy is keeping them competitive in the yachting world.

• 10. Royal Huisman

One of the oldest shipyards from Holland, they have been around since 1884. They have three large facilities, one in Vollenhove, one in Amsterdam, and a third in Emden, where they can build large yachts up to 266 feet. Their fleet is well known for their sailing superyachts Gliss, Antares and Sea Eagle among many others.

The Ngoni, a 190-foot is built with an eclectic interior, and the 184-foot classic Aquarius are some of their popular models. Project Phi is their newest addition to an already solid fleet and the Apex 850 concept will be probably turned into reality too. 

• 9. Perini Navi

Two yards in Italy and a third in Turkey are the places where the newest additions to their line up are being built right now. Restructuring of the company’s management in 2017 resulted in a major refresh of their fleet too. New lines such as the E-volution Yacht series, the Argonaut, Heritage and Voyager are going to be the new focus for Perini Navi.

Sometimes a change is needed, and their new innovations have proven successful. Their hybrid-powered models such as the Eco-tender are built to keep up with the changes necessary for the environment.

• 8. Nobiskrug

Located in Northern Germany, Nobiskrug operates from two facilities which build vessels ranging from 197 to 1,398 feet. The 115 year old company is a pioneer in the superyacht division with their 2000 Tatoosh model. They employ more than 1,000 professionals who excel in the business.

The 262 foot Artefact was launched only last year, and at 2999 GT it is the largest superyacht by volume in the world. It is also the first in the world to meet IMO Tier lll emissions regulations. In-house production of everything from hull construction to mechanical work makes them one of the most diverse and eco-friendly companies in their category.

• 7. Feadship

The famous Dutch company comprises De Vooght Naval Architects, De Vries and Van Lent family yards, with locations in Amsterdam, Aalsmeer, Kaag, and Makkum. Responsible for dozens of custom launches over the last seven decades, they are considered Holland’s powerhouse.

Symphony, a 333-foot pioneer to cross the 100-meter mark, and the 312-foot Faith has its own helicopter pad with hangar on the foredeck, and on the aft deck a glass floor swimming pool. They are just some of their more famous models, they have many others you can research if interested.

One of the best superyacht builders in the world, this Dutch company is based in Vlissingen. Operating for more than 100 years, they offer the Full Custom and Limited Editions, ranging from 108 to 272 foot LOA. The facilities are used for both military and commercial vessels, and they employ the most skilled workers in the industry.

Their most noteworthy launches in the last couple of years are the 243-foot Universe, the 205-foot Sea & US, along the 189-foot Volpini 2. The potential owners are able to customize both interiors and exteriors according to their taste.

One of the oldest and largest superyacht builders in the world, Benetti has been making custom and semi custom builds since 1875. They currently have 97 yachts under build larger than 78 feet. The Ironman, Metis and Spectre are some of their newest additions. The FB277 351-foot gigayacht is currently being under construction at the Livorno yard.

Their Luminosity is believed to be valued at more than 200 million EUR and became one of the top 10 largest Superyachts delivered in 2019. Pretty amazing!

Founded in 1978, this Dutch superyacht brand specializes in custom-made builds. Therefore, their fleet is limited, so there are three different ways to own a Heesen boat. Through the Pure Custom program the buyer can order a unique individual design and engineering.

The Platform Concept program offers custom exterior design but standard engineering, and the third option is to buy a brand new custom superyacht as soon as it is made available for purchase. The Galactica Super Nova is their largest built at 230 feet, and their Maximus, with an open cockpit and a swimming pool with a waterfall is a special yacht someone will surely enjoy.

A fairly young company, this Dutch company based in Alblasserdam has been around since 1987. They specialize in custom expedition yachts ranging from 262 to 459 feet. The builder launched Project Bravo in 2018, which is a fuel efficient and eco-friendly innovative design. Their green technologies are predominant in their newest addition to their fleet.

Their most famous superyachts are the 311-foot Indian Empress and the 300-foot Equanimity. Their Black Pearl, a 350-foot technically advanced designed sailing superyacht stands on its own.

• 2. Abeking & Rasmussen

Successful in setting new technological standards, this family business is located across the river from Lurssen in Germany. They have been the best in the making of naval vessels since 1917, and they also specialize in coast guard and patrol vessels, as well as custom yachts. German engineering at its best, A & R has been an innovative company who is not scared of change.

They are developing a hybrid fuel cell powered by methanol that emits only clean steam, the first hydrocarbon emission free in the world. The Aviva, a 321-foot flagship has its own paddle-tennis court on the premises.

Lürssen is a family business who believes in producing the best quality yachts in the world. Focused on excellence, this German company is another leader in the luxury yachting world. Their eight shipyards located in the northern part of the country have been responsible for building more than 13.000 vessels since 1875.

They do everything from building new yachts, as well as refitting, repairing and providing maintenance services on the premises. The iconic Azzam, the largest superyacht in the world is 590 feet long , is designed with the best quality woodwork and custom furniture inside a high-tech hull.

One thing is certain if you’re in the market for a luxury yacht, you have so many options available right now. The biggest problem will be choosing only one brand to work with when designing your dream yacht.

We hope you got all the inspiration you needed from our list, so happy sailing.

About Brody Patterson

Brody has worked as a full time staff writer for Luxatic for over five years, covering luxury news, product releases and in-depth reviews, and specializing in verticals on the website alongside the tech & leisure section, as well as men's fashion, watches and travel. Learn more about Luxatic's Editorial Process .

1 thought on “Best Luxury Yacht Brands: 25 Shipyards Which Build The Best Superyachts”

Have you researched Yacht brands that build solar/electric yachts besides Silent Yachts?

Leave a Comment

More from luxatic.

These Are The 25 Biggest Yachts in the World!

By Vlad Craciun

The 20 Best Airlines in the World Right Now

By Adrian Prisca

The 15 Best Personal Submarines For Superyacht Owners

By Victor Baker

The 20 Fastest SuperYachts in the World

By Alex Holmes

The 15 Biggest Planes in the World

The 10 Longest Range Private Jets in the World in 2023

20 Largest Explorer Yachts in the World

Sailing in Style: The World’s Most Beautiful Yacht Charter Destinations

20 Best Electric Motorboats You Will Surely Love

The Longest & Shortest Runways in the World!

These are The 15 Fastest Planes of All Time

The 15 Best Small Planes That You Can Buy Right Now

Find anything, super fast.

• Destinations
• Documentaries

The Top 100

A comprehensive and accurate list of the largest luxury yachts set to launch in 2024.

A live list of the Top 100 largest superyachts in the world as it currently stands.

The Top 100 luxury yachts launched in 2023 who defined the last year in large yachting.

Has your yacht ever been in the Top 100? Search any yacht to view its ranking.

Select any year since 1906 to view the ranks of the Top 100 largest yachts at the time.

A selection of the Top 100 largest yachts, available for charter on Superyachts.com.

View a selection of brokerage yachts in the Top 100 on Superyachts.com.

• Subscribe Now
• Digital Editions

Most beautiful superyachts: 10 of the best as chosen by top designers

• Superyachts

What turns a superyacht into a thing of beauty? We asked scores of the world's leading yacht designers to list the 10 most beautiful superyachts ever built...

The only rules were that they couldn’t pick one of their own and they had to be luxury superyachts over 30 metres. With the votes counted, we can now reveal our definitive rundown of the most beautiful yachts in the world.

We’ve even enlisted some of those same designers to explain what makes the final ten yachts so special. Scroll down to see the full top 10 and read more about each model.

10 of the most beautiful superyachts of all time

10. Limitless

James Roy, managing director of BMT Nigel Gee believes her to be one of the most beautiful superyachts in the world and writes:

“One of the earlier breed of superyachts Limitless is in my opinion from a period when the volume of superstructures were not over imposing producing a well balanced yacht. These proportions coupled with the sheer line and well matched angles of bow profile and rake of superstructure ends all work together.”

Recommended videos for you

Certainly with her dark blue hull and glistening white superstructure she cuts quite a dash and at night her comprehensive array of on deck illumination and underwater lighting make her look nothing short of spectacular proving that yachts can have beauty 24 hours a day.

Year: 1997 – LOA: 96.25m – Builder: Lürssen – Exterior: Jon Bannenburg – Interior: Catroux

Article continues below…

Oceanfast 164 superyacht tour: Inside an incredible Bannenberg/Cavalli masterpiece

Rossinavi 50m superyacht tour: inside a one-of-a-kind italian superyacht.

“It’s a great pleasure to pay tribute to an iconic thoroughbred such as Skat , still standing tall on the horizon,” says Tim Saunders of Rainsford Saunders Design. “Despite her military looks, this is a true superyacht, engineered as a ship at heart and built from the keel up, with every square metre fulfilling the owner’s brief. Skat is a unique design but has not broken traditional yachting rules for the sake of it.

She is a superyacht that has been devised to offer the owner a well-considered relationship between external and internal living spaces, and unlike many of her sisters, she doesn’t opt for maximum density. Skat ’s combination of poise, elegance and balance comes from a clever use of straight, angular lines, facetted surfaces and enhanced ship details.

Each component comes together in a harmonious relationship to offer a daring and bold statement that from a distance has the grace and elegance of something far more organic. She is a yacht that catches your eye from all angles.”

Year: 2002 – LOA: 70.7m – Builder: Lürssen – Exterior: Espin Oeino – Interior: Marco Zanini

8. Alfa Nero

“When we first saw Alfa Nero we were impressed by her smooth exterior lines,” say Mareid Moosbrugger and Georg Decker of Egg and Dart Design. “The superstructure is sleek and elegant without any angular or hard corners. We consider her to be one of the most beautiful yachts afloat today, and we can easily understand why our colleagues agree.

“Walking around her at the 2007 Monaco Yacht Show , we felt the three-dimensional use of space was harmonious with the elements, and there was a true balance between the inside and outside areas of the yacht, with the exterior spaces maintaining a close connection with the natural environment of the sea and sky.

“The decks are open and airy, yet there is a feeling of being safely cocooned, and the superb aft deck in particular maintains a feeling of being at one with the ocean, which is emphasised by the huge pool. The yacht impressed us as a gentle giant: on the one hand huge, voluminous and technically advanced; on the other, stylish, glossy and surprisingly cosy.

“The beautiful interior features a timeless but modern design with elements of Art Deco, and everywhere you can see that the smallest details have been attended to. This yacht is a perfect combination of design, functionality and vision, and offers a unique ambience.”

Year: 2007 – LOA: 81.27m – Builder: Oceanco – Exterior: Nuvolari-Lenard – Interior: Alberto Pinto

Designer Reymond Langton says: “At the time of her creation, she was the largest yacht that we had signed and would be the largest the yard had built. The client is a very experienced yacht owner and for him to have put his trust in us when we had nothing of our own in the water at the time was a massive vote of confidence.

“He allowed us to be a little experimental with the design – this was the first large yacht with a plumb bow. It was fantastic to have landed another contract where we were able to design the exterior and interior as it gave us much more control over the whole project, and gave us the scope to really harmonise the spaces.

“It also allowed us to work hand in hand together, which we thoroughly enjoy and believe delivers the best results for the client. We think she stands out because she has a very striking profile that is easily recognisable from a distance.

“She has a lot of presence on the water due to her powerful lines. Anyone who has been on board will tell you that the high-volume interior feels incredibly luxurious.”

Year: 2007 – LOA: 68.0m – Builder: Abeking & Rasmussen – Exterior: Reymond Langton Design – Interior: Reymond Langton Design

6. Carinthia VII

The Austrian supermarket heiress Heidi Horten replaced Carinthia VI (see below) with this very secret yacht rumoured to run at 26 knots. Voting her as his most beautiful yacht, Rupert Mann of Rainsford Mann Design said, “97m is a good length for a designer to work with, as it gives an opportunity to design longitudinally not vertically and therefore create an elegant yacht which appears low and sleek.

“What makes the design of Carinthia VII so successful is the enhancement of this due to the pure and elegant sheer line that draws your eye from the bow to stern so effortlessly. The clever trick of dropping the sheer line one deck down aft, gives it a dynamic and purposeful bow shape forward, as if carving its path with consummate ease.

The horizontal lines of the super structure are equally uncomplicated, in this instance resisting the addition of unnecessary detail such as fashion plates that often complicate a design. Ultimately I think the strength of the design manifests through its simplicity. It is the most successful of designs, which can be called a ‘timeless classic’.

“A design that will be successful in every genre modern or classic and in every decade, that even 7 years later still is relevant and pleasing to the eye. I would suspect it is this timeless styling and the sheer simplicity, coupled with the poise and balance of the whole composition, that is so appealing to so many of us.”

Year: 2002 – LOA: 97m – Builder: Lürssen – Exterior: Tim Heywood – Interior: Tim Heywood

5. Maltese Falcon

The designer Ken Freivoch, responsible for the way this beautiful yacht looks says, “We are delighted that our fellow designers should have included Maltese Falcon within their shortlist. She was designed without any attempt to be ostentatious or to conform to a set style – it was very much a case of “form follows function”, albeit with very careful attention to essential design principles, balanced proportions and uncluttered and purposeful shapes totally derived from the function they are designed to perform.

The yacht is significant in her innovative sailing system, and our studio took this as a clue to develop the design around such technology, with every effort to develop beautiful and unique solutions aimed at highlighting her unique rig. I can only surmise that a reason why she may have been selected by designers is that she is not a “trendy” design, but the result of going back to first principles, coming out with original and unique solutions, and achieve continuity of concept through from the external styling to the interior design.

A case in point would be the design of the “spider” feature at the aft deck – originally the result of a last minute request from the naval architects to achieve optimum separation between the bearings at the mizzen mast, the announcement from Gerry Dijkstra came something like: “Hey Ken, if we had to place the top bearing for the aft mast 1m above the deck, in the middle of the aft deck – would that be a problem?

“Can you come up with a way to do this, which Tom will not object to? We took this as a clue to design an elegant and purposeful set of arches or buttresses to shore up the bearing in question, and at the same time underline what a unique “machine” the Falcon is – express such function very much along the lines of a watchmaker showing the inner workings of a beautifully crafted watch. Maltese Falcon was a great challenge, exactly the type of challenge that our design team relishes.

For us, the thrill, the excitement and the ultimate satisfaction is to come up with totally unique, “out-of-the-box” solutions, and achieve a design which the owner can feel was truly conceived and executed in response to his brief, to his preferences and to the very specific requirements set out for the project.”

Year: 2006 – LOA: 88m – Builder: Perini Navi – Exterior: Gerard Dijstra – Interior: Ken Freivoch

Espen Oenio was at the time of the design working with Martin Francis and describes the commissioning owner – Mexican media magnate Emilio Azcarraga – as a wonderfully charismatic man. He remembers one meeting in particular early on in the project.

They were at the time sitting on board the owner’s then yacht Lady Azteca (now Achilles ), when he laid out what was to become the mission statement for the whole design process. He told the design team: “I am a very private man. I never spend time in port, I am always cruising. But when I do go into port, I want my presence to be felt through my boat.”

James Roy of BMT Nigel Gee is one designer who voted for Enigma . “It was not until I set eyes on her in the flesh at Cowes Week in 1999 that I really came to appreciate her beauty,” he says.

“The reverse sheer, the sweeping aft deck and those iconic windows – they all meld together to produce a yacht that visually works to perfection and is thoroughly striking even today, 18 years after her launch. It’s very different from anything else that is around.”

Theo Werner of Werner Yacht Design is equally enthusiastic. “When the design of this yacht was first published, I was stunned,” he says. “And when the first photographs appeared in the magazines, I was even more stunned.

“She introduced a new way of thinking that even surpassed the designs of Bannenberg, who I admire very much. Eco included many aspects that are foreign to other ships and yachts, yet Martin Francis managed to combine these with everything that make a ship pretty, such as sleekness, the suggestion of a low freeboard a small superstructure.”

She was subsequently sold to Larry Ellison and is now owned by the British businessman Aidan Barclay and his brother.

Year: 1991 – LOA: 74.5m – Builder: Blomhm & Voss – Exterior: Martin Francis – Interior: Francois Zuretti

3. Endeavour

“Endeavour is one of my favourite yachts for a number of reasons,” Ed Dubois told SuperYacht World . “Firstly, she is a J Class yacht – one of only a few ever built. This class epitomised the very peak of yacht design before World War II and remains still, in technical terms, a class apart. These yachts were extreme in every way and demanded technology that was then in its infancy.

“They were superb yachts to sail upwind, but they were also fast reaching and downwind. They demanded a very high level of sailing skill, and indeed a high level of boatbuilding skill.

“ Endeavour , I believe, is the most beautiful of all the Js built. Her purity of line is exquisite and I think the shape of the sheer is slightly better than any of the others including Velsheda (by the same designer).

“Charles Nicholson designed Endeavour in 1933 and she was used to challenge for the America’s Cup in 1934. It was universally acknowledged that she was faster than the defender Rainbow , and she won the first two races, but better sailing by the Americans allowed them to win overall.

“She has captured the imagination of so many people including, happily, Elizabeth Meyer, who acquired the yacht in the seventies and rebuilt her almost from scratch.

“I believe there is some original plate still present but the hull was rebuilt in the UK and then taken to Royal Huisman Shipyard to be fitted out. The interior, by John Munford, is beautiful – obviously not what was fitted originally when she was a pure racing yacht, but Munford created something that is entirely fitting.

“Endeavour is not a practical yacht to own. She can only be sailed in reasonable conditions, she requires a large crew to race her, most of whom by necessity must sleep ashore, and maintaining a yacht of this type, particularly with regard to sails, rigging, etc is not inexpensive. However, for sheer sailing performance, romantic appeal and beauty I believe she is second to none.”

Year: 1934 – LOA: 39.6m – Builder: Camper & Nicholson – Exterior: C & N – Interior: C & N

Designer Tim Heywood says: “When a client gives you carte blanche to create a design, it is a blessing and a curse, if you do not rise to the challenge, you will not gain the approval of your client or, eventually, the respect of your peers.

“ Pelorus was a great project for us and we are extremely pleased with the end result, as was the client. I was able to develop the internal general arrangement plan, the external global styling themes and the practical engineering details to a level I had not achieved before.

The organic curves & forms of the superstructure are echoed in the lines of the hull, tying the two forms together, to produce a harmony that is easy on the eye, was quite unique at the time and, hopefully, will not date.

“The belt line that runs forward from the stern and sweeps down towards the anchor pocket, is inspired by the armour plating of the light cruiser HMS Belfast , which still lives just up stream from our old London studio.

“If I succeeded in creating a yacht that is thought of as attractive, by my brothers in arms of the design world, I am very pleased. Informed comments from professional, talented designers and client, means more than from any other source, especially if they are not negative!

“My partner, Vanessa, came up with our project name, we always give a name to our yachts, rather than a sterile number, and the client liked the name so much that he confirmed Pelorus as the yacht’s eventual name. The yacht has changed hands, but we are very pleased to see that she has retained her original name.”

“If I succeeded in creating a yacht that is thought of as attractive by my brothers-in-arms of the design world, I am very pleased. Informed comment from professional, talented designers and clients means more than from any other source – especially when they are positive!”

Year: 2003 – LOA: 115m – Builder: Lürssen – Exterior: Tim Heywood – Interior: Terrence Disdale

1. Carinthia VI

Dickie Bannenburg of Bannenburg Designs say: “Famously, and perhaps notoriously, Carinthia VI owes her existence to the fact that her elder sibling Carinthia V survived for only a few months before ending her days several fathoms down in Greek waters.

:The unfortunate captain struggled ashore to find a phone to have an awkward phone conversation with Helmut Horten, his Owner. Mr Horten rang my father up almost the following day and told him to start work on her replacement which has now become, in an often over used phrase, a yachting icon.

“She certainly wasn’t an icon when she appeared out of the Lürssen shed for the first time. With dramatic superstructure on a slim frigate-based hull, grilles and that distinctive blue windshield forward of the wheelhouse, my father’s design scared the pants off people and the perception of him hardened amongst conventional designers and naval architects as a dangerous radical. But now her pared down lines and slender masculinity scream good taste, restraint and a sense of suave style that is rarely seen these days.

“Certainly her interior was purposeful, code for slightly austere, and by today’s standards there was not much interior volume for lavish living, not least due to the presence of three mighty MTU diesels. There are no swoops, no complicated fashion plates and absolutely no ability to walk down steps at the transom to a nice bathing platform.

“But all the better for it. Life on board was, I understand, conducted with a certain Austrian precision and Carinthia ’s elegant and taut exterior, with deep blue paintwork and her gold coachwork stripe cut an unmistakeable dash in the harbours of the Cote d’Azur as she still does today.

“My father was very proud of her. Of course I’m even more proud that his design of almost forty years ago has such an enduring impact.”

Year: 2003 – LOA: 115m – Builder: Lürssen – Exterior: Bannenberg – Interior: Bannenberg

First published in the January 2015 issue of Superyacht World.

The new ‘Transformer’ megayacht concept that expands at anchor

Revealed: the true cost of running a $3 million superyacht, the massive 278-foot explorer victorious will be the star at this year’s miami boat show 2024, latest videos, galeon 560 fly tour: the coolest flybridge ever built, cormate utility 27 tour: 80mph rocketship at a price you won't believe, saxdor 400 gtc tour: düsseldorf launch for new flagship, arksen 85 explorer tour: the ultimate long-range cruiser.

Top 10 Luxury Yachts in the World

Need a holiday? Get a free and personalised offer from us!

Ever dreamed of sailing to your favourite travel destinations on the most impressive luxury yachts in the world?

Imagine waking up to a breathtaking orange sunrise over the most beautiful yacht in the world . On board the best luxury yachts in the world, you’ll start your day with a restorative head massage. This is followed by a helicopter ride to a secluded island for lunch, a swim in fragrant indigo waters, and finally, cap the day off with a meal of local cuisine cooked exactly to your taste .

Well, bespoke indulgence might not be so out-of-reach after all — at least for a week! At Borrow A Boat, you can rent a luxury yacht in the Mediterranean for you and your group, and no, it won’t cost you $5 million to $500 million . If you’re curious, just fill out a request form with a few of your preferences and we’ll whip up a few options for you to flirt with.  If you don’t know yet which boat is right for you , we support you to make a suitable decision.

For a little inspiration, check out our list of the top 10 best luxury yachts in the world:

10. luxury yacht christina o (market price: $32.4 million).

She may not be THE most expensive yacht in the world, but she’s certainly one of the most notable ones.

In 1954, Greek shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis took Christina O, a former Canadian naval frigate, and turned her into a playground for the rich and famous . John F. Kennedy, Winston Churchill, Liz Taylor, Marilyn Monroe and many more have since set sail on the Christina O.

This superyacht:

• can accommodate 34 guests;
• boasts a massage room;
• a beauty salon;
• a sports lounge;
• a glamorous dining room; and
• a deck that turns into a dance floor.

This luxurious yacht certainly combines glamour, history and elegance. She might be out of reach for you to set sail, but you can still admire her from a distance.

9. Luxury Yacht Lady Moura (Market price: $210 million)

The Lady Moura:

• Was built in 1990 for Saudi Arabian businessman Nasser Al-Rashid.
• The yacht’s name is carved from 24-carat gold lettering:
• Onboard this 344-foot yacht you find a pool, a helicopter, and a 75-foot dining room table.

But the most outstanding aspect of the Lady Moura is its private extendable beach: a sand-covered hydraulic platform that extends out from the side of the yacht down by the waterline, and comes fully equipped with palm trees, beach chairs, and real sand.

8. Luxury Yacht Dilbar (Market price: $256 million)

The Dilbar:

• said to be one of the world’s largest boats at 360-feet long and 50-feet high.
• was built in 2008 and owned by Russian oligarch Alisher Usmanov.

With swimming pools, a helipad and enormous multi-layered decks that can host 20 people on each , the Dilbar is the one luxury yacht for Usmanov to cruise around his many private islands. If you already own a bunch of private islands, you might as well top that with one of the largest yachts in the world.

7. Luxury Yacht Al Said (Market price: $300 million)

The Al Said houses a concert hall big enough to accommodate a 50-piece orchestra — that’s how big we’re talking. This huge luxury yacht can host up to 70 guests and a crew of 154.

The Al Said:

• was built by Lürssen Yachts in 2008 .
• is owned by Qaboos Bin Said Al Said, the Sultan of Orman.
• can move at up to 22 knots and at the time of her launch was considered the world’s most powerful superyacht.

6. Luxury Motor Yacht A (Market price: $323 million)

Motor Yacht A :

• is 390-feet-long.
• is one of the most unusual-looking luxury yachts on the list, but the Russian billionaire, Andrey Melnichenko, certainly likes this style.
• it’s got a helicopter pad, three pools (one with a glass bottom that sits over the disco hall), a silver-plated staircase and a 30-foot speedboat.

The interior of Motor Yacht A covers:

• over 24,000 square feet;
• the master suite a whopping 2,583; and
• houses a disco hall and six guest suites that can be converted into four large staterooms thanks to the yacht’s moving walls.

But, believe it or not, Motor Yacht A wasn’t quite lavish enough for the Russian billionaire, so he upgraded to something even more enormous, which you’ll discover below. If you’re already a billionaire, you need to own the top of the tops in terms of yachts.

5. Luxury Yacht Dubai (Market price: $350 million)

• has been owned by the Sheikh of Dubai since 2006, but was originally commissioned 10 years earlier as the Golden Star by Prince Jefri Bolkiah of Brunei.

Guests aboard the Dubai will find:

• a glass staircase;
• a swimming pool;
• a helipad; and
• several jacuzzis.

The decadent interior is full of mosaics and bold colors, while the spacious deck areas create a large social area and lounge, and numerous VIP and guest suites. The Dubai can host a whopping 115 guests and is currently the world’s third-largest yacht. She definitely deserves it’s spot on the list of the world’s most luxury yachts.

4. Luxury Sailing Yacht A (Market price: $400 million)

Here we are. The latest and greatest edition to the superyacht world. Not to be confused with Motor Yacht A, Sailing Yacht A is something of an upgrade for Russian billionaire Andrey Melnichenko .

Considered the world’s largest sailing yacht :

• at 468 feet in length and with ship masts nearing 300-feet high.
• has eight floors and an underwater observation room.
• can hold a crew of 54 attending just 20 guests.
• can also reach a maximum speed of 24 miles per hour, even with a steel hull and a teak-finish deck. It’s one serious yacht.

3. Top 3 of the world’s most luxurious yachts: Azzam (Market price: $650 million)

• is another superyacht creation by the people of Lürssen Yachts , who claimed it was “the most complex and challenging yacht that has ever been built.”
• at $650 million and 590-feet long, the Azzam is said to be the largest private yacht in the world.
• can reach speeds of up to 30 knots and boasts incredibly luxurious interiors designed by French interior decorator Christophe Leoni.

2. Luxury Yacht Streets of Monaco (Market price: $1.1 billion)

This yacht design has got to be one of the most absurd and unnecessary luxury items we’ve ever seen. But, hey — it’s not our $1.1 billion. As you might have guessed, Streets of Monaco is a floating replica of the city of Monaco. In the picture above you can certainly recognise the capital of the Monegasse.

Luxury Yacht Streets of Monaco :

• was designed by Yacht Island Design of Derbyshire County in England, and is still waiting to be funded by a billionaire owner.
• at 500-foot superyacht features the famous Monte Carlo Casino and racetrack, as well as Hotel de Paris, Cafe de Paris, La Rascasse and the Loews Hotel.
• hosts just seven guest suites onboard, all with private reception rooms, bathrooms, dressing rooms and balconies.

The main suite is the size of a luxury penthouse, taking up three floors and 4,800 square feet. Streets of Monaco has swimming pools, tennis courts, a mini waterfall, a cafe-bar with underwater views, a helipad and submarines.

1. The top of the luxury yachts in the world: Eclipse (Market price: $1.2 billion)

That’s right — the yacht of yet another Russian billionaire. Roman Abramovich is the proud owner of the Eclipse, which was created by Blohm and Voss of Hamburg and measures 536-feet in length.

What the yacht Eclipse has to offer:

• disco hall;
• two helipads;
• 24 guest cabins;
• 70 crew members;
• two swimming pools;
• a mini-submarine;
• several jacuzzis;
• three launch boats; and
• is believed to have several secret exits (one might only wonder what they are used for).

The master suite is 5,000 square feet big, features bulletproof windows, and includes a private garden. This yacht even has an anti-paparazzi laser shield sweeping the surrounding areas!

Find out how the rich and famous spend their sailing holidays on their chosen superyachts.

By the way, if you’ve somehow come into a load of cash and are interested in building a superyacht of your own, you can turn to some of the best luxury yacht brands out there who task themselves with the challenge of building high-quality superyachts on a regular basis.

Big players in the superyacht game hank to their tedious dedication to quality and personalized design.

• Blohm+Voss;
• Bertram Yachts;
• Benetti Yachts; and
• Riva Yachts.

If you cannot afford to buy a luxurious yacht, you could go on a sailing trip for a week and rent of our luxurious boats instead.

What Documents Do I Need to Charter a Boat?

British virgin islands route: a 7-day boat trip in the bvi, 2 thoughts on “top 10 luxury yachts in the world”.

I love spending time on yachts during the summer, but I will probably never have the opportunity of being on one of these ten yachts. However, I would definitely choose to take a ride on the Streets of Monaco if I had the chance. I would spend my time swimming, playing tennis and, of course, taking a ride in the submarine.

These boats are beautiful, not to mention they’re massive! Holy cow, they’re very expensive too. Which is funny, because my boss would like to rent one and take all the employees on a cruise. I’d like to know how much they’re to rent.

Leave a comment Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Luxe Digital

Conscious, elevated living.

• Men's style
• Women's style
• Stricking superlatives
• Advertising

JOIN OUR COMMUNITY

Receive our finest finds, exclusive deals, and luxury news to stay in the know.

As Far As You Can Sea: World’s Largest Superyachts

Multimillion-dollar mega yachts.

by Emma Treagus Published on February 2, 2024

At Luxe Digital, we independently research, review, and recommend products we love and that we think you will love, too. Learn more about how we curate the best products for you .

With onboard swimming pools, cinemas, helicopter landing pads, and spas, the world’s largest superyachts have more facilities than your ‘average’ five-star hotel.

Owned by some of the world’s wealthiest people—along with a few anonymous owners who’d prefer to keep their luxury transport a secret—these mega yachts redefine the word “boat” into something indescribably sleek, stylish, and seriously impressive. 

If superyachts are your thing, you’ll want to read on for all the facts and figures on all of the largest yachts in the world.

The 26 largest yachts in the world

Multimillion-dollar mega yachts: our ranking methodology.

A superyacht or mega yacht is typically a motor yacht or sailing yacht with a length of 30 meters (100 feet) or more. For this ranking, we looked at the superyachts and luxury expedition mega yachts that are used privately or made available for charter. We excluded so-called ‘residential superyachts’ (think Njord and The World), which are essentially luxury apartment buildings at sea where people own private residences inside the superyacht rather than the whole yacht. By researching diverse, reliable sources like Wikipedia and the Superyacht Times, we compile a list of the largest yachts in the world.

Curious about other striking superlatives? Check our round-up of the most expensive cars in the world and the most expensive private jets in the world . They are both perfectly good alternatives to owning a yacht. And if you prefer to stay home, we’ve ranked the biggest homes and the most expensive houses in the world to give you some inspiration too.

26. Y721 (aka Koru) | 417 feet—127m

Ever wonder where Jeff Bezos spends his downtime? As of today, we’re predicting it to be on his $500 million superyacht. Y721—nicknamed Koru—is 127m long. And featuring three sky-high slender masts, Koru is said to be the largest sailing yacht in the world . 

With dark exteriors and natural wooden decks, Koru is inspired by another one of Bezos’ yachts—the Black Pearl. The clean lines and classically curved bow speak to an understated elegance despite the yacht’s mammoth size. While a long line of portals indicates at least 9 guest cabins. In light of all the secrecy surrounding Koru, we doubt Bezos will ever charter her out, but we can still dream.

25. Al Mirqab | 436 feet—133m

Adorned with cascading chandeliers and gold accents, Al Mirqab is renowned for its unrivaled interiors. Surrounded by suspended glass artworks, a grand staircase floats throughout the four floors. And inspired by authentic Arabian styles, the magnificent superyacht is reminiscent of a magic carpet ride through the seas . 

Built for the former Prime Minister of Qatar, Peterswerft-Kusch spared no expense in delivering Al Mirqab to an impossibly high standard for luxury. The large swimming pool is a standout feature as it opens up into the sea, creating the ultimate playground for adults. Al Mirqab has a capacity for up to 60 guests and is manned by an equal number of crew. Although you have to be invited by the politician himself as Al Mirqab isn’t available for private charter.

24. Serene | 439 feet—134m

Adeptly named, the magnificent superyacht embodies the serenity of a life at sea. Serene was built in Italy for a Russian owner in 2011. She was leased to Bill Gates for the Summer in 2014 for $5 million per week. 

Designed by Reymond Langton, the 134m mega yacht marries elegant sophistication with state-of-the-art technologies. The seven decks leave ample space for guests to soak in scintillating views. While the underwater viewing room—nicknamed the Nemo room—is a permanent gallery of resplendent sealife. The real-life snow room makes up to four inches of snow. And whilst this may seem odd when your billionaire boss asks for snow—you make it snow.

23. Crescent | 445 feet – 136 m

Yet another Lurssen masterpiece, Crescent pays homage to classic naval designs with traditional architecture and elegant interiors. Formerly named Project Thunder, she was built in Germany and delivered to Igor Sechin in 2018. The Russian oligarch’s superyacht was seized by Spain after sanctions were placed on Russia in 2022. 

Crescent features low bulwarks and full-height windows to maximize the view from the center of the boat. Her distinctive wing station provides unrivaled views for up to 18 guests. But don’t get your hopes up—Crescent is strictly for private use only and isn’t available for charter. 

22. Savarona | 446 feet – 136m

Savarona is the second-largest yacht built by Blohm & Voss and spends most of her time in the Mediterranean. This luxury superyacht is one of the oldest in the market — a perfect fusion of traditional charm and modern facilities. 

Previously named Gunes Dil, Savarona was designed by Cox & Stevens, with interior design carefully handled by Donald Starkey. She’s available to charter on a weekly basis and has been refurbished over the years. Back in the day, her cost price was $4 million, and in 1989, she was chartered by Kahraman Sadikoglu, owner of the Turkish Sadikoglu Group, who spent an estimated $50 million on refurbishing her from top to bottom.

21. Flying Fox | 446 feet – 136m

Flying Fox is known as the most expensive charter yacht in the world , and a week aboard will set you back around $3 million. Chartered by the one and only power couple Beyonce and Jay-Z in 2021, it’s filled to the brim with all of the luxury facilities you could ever possibly want. 

The Flying Fox is rumored to be owned by Jeff Bezos, although that’s a claim that’s never been totally certified. She spends most of her time in the Mediterranean, specifically Cannes, Capri, and Sardinia, although she’s recently visited Norway, too. She can accommodate the largest helicopters on the market, and it reportedly took more than 50 meetings with her owner for interior design to be completed.

20. Rising Sun | 454 feet – 138m

The Rising Sun’s original owner, Larry Ellison, CEO of Oracle Corporation, sold her in 2010 as he considered her too large. Famously used by David Geffen for self-isolation, Rising Sun has also been a popular hang-out spot for celebrities like Oprah Winfrey and Beatrice, the Princess of York. 

She’s a Superyacht with impressive attention to detail like interiors kitted out in teak and onyx and endless features like a full gym , a large wine cellar, a sauna, and a spa. She’s got a full-size basketball court that doubles up as a helicopter landing pad and a private cinema for those long evenings spent at sea.

19. Al Salamah | 457 feet – 139m

Al Salamah is part of the Omani Royal fleet and started her very secretive life in Genoa. Known as the world’s biggest superyacht right up until 2016, she’s a sleek masterpiece of a ship, with a distinctive cream color and beach club design. 

Al Salamah does everything in multiples, from the five galleys onboard (the main galley, a bakery, a crew galley, an owner’s diet galley, and an Arab galley), three hospitals (one for the owner, one for guests, and one for the crew) and 2,000 sqm of floor space. She was put on sale briefly for $280 million USD, before being delisted and instead given as a gift to the Crown Prince of Bahrain. 

18. Solaris | 458 feet – 139m

Everything about Solaris was supposed to be kept a secret when she was being built—a secret that didn’t last long when her huge size was spotted undergoing sea trials in the North Sea. One of this Superyacht’s main attractions is her beach club on the top floor: the perfect spot for relaxation during those long days out at sea. 

That beach club comes complemented with endless other stylish amenities, like a large helipad, sun deck, and a crane to launch tenders, toys, and subs. Interior design is largely unknown, but, if it’s anything as sleek and white as its exteriors, it’s sure to be impressive.

17. Scheherazade | 459 feet – 140m

Two helicopter landing pads, two outdoor Jacuzzis, and two outdoor fire pits: Scheherazade doesn’t hold back with not only the essentials but also the luxuries. Previously named Lightning, “Scheherazade” is mostly associated with a female character in the Middle Eastern folk tales in the series One Thousand and One Nights. 

Not much is known about this superyacht, and even her birth and building process were referred to under a codename: Project Lightning. No one involved in her creation, even Lurssen, has revealed anything about her interiors or her owner. All that’s really known is that she sailed from Germany to Norway initially after completion. 

16. Ocean Victory | 460 feet – 140m

Ocean Victory has traveled all over the world, from Europe to Southeast Asia and back again. Owned by Russian billionaire Viktor Rashnikov, she’s the upgraded vessel to follow his purchase of the 76-meter Ebony Shine. 

She’s one designed with pure luxury in mind, from the six individual swimming pools onboard to the 300-square meter spa area. She’s beautiful both inside and out, with a unique concept designed by Espen Oeino and interior designer Alberto Pinto. The largest superyacht ever built in Italy, Ocean Victory shows some of the finest in the world when it comes to premium quality adventures at sea.

15. Yas | 463 feet – 141m

Yas is known best for its seamless and rather unusual design — one that’s a little different from most superyachts out there. The owner of Yas wanted a yacht that lived up to his own heritage; one with a backbone reminiscent of the navy and with abstract lines throughout. 

He chose an existing boat in Abu Dhabi, which was deconstructed within the region before being shipped off and renovated into the wonder that it is today. The Yas yacht was originally a Dutch navy frigate, which you’d never guess from strolling around onboard today.

14. Nord | 465 feet – 142m

Nord’s distinctive bow design has never been seen before on a yacht. That’s one of the first things you’ll notice about her. The next thing you’ll notice is her unusual design, which verges on battle-esque and has been called “ a warship wearing a tuxedo ” by Dan Lenard of the Italian design studio Nuvolari-Lenard. 

She’s one of the best superyachts out there for fun, with a sports and diving center on the lower deck, a swimming pool higher up, overlooking the ocean, and a fleet of tenders. She was designed for global exploration: a yacht that will calmly cruise her way all across the world.

13. Sailing Yacht A | 469 feet—142.8m

Challenging the status quo and pushing design boundaries, Sailing Yacht A is an enigma. The sail-assisted superyacht was built in Germany and delivered to Russian tycoon Andrey Melnichenko in 2017. However, she was seized by the Italian police force, Guardia di Finanza, in 2022 after sanctions were placed on Russian businessmen following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. 

Distinguished by soaring rotating carbon fiber masts, Nobiskrug’s hybrid approach to superyachts makes Sailing Yacht A more eco-conscious than other luxury yachts of her size. The u nderwater viewing pod molded into the keel speaks to her unrivaled innovation. And many balconies are enclosed by some of the largest pieces of curved glass ever made. 

12. El Mahrousa | 478 feet – 146m

El Mahrousa had a few different names in her time, ranging from the translated “The Protected” to El Horreya, which in Arabic translates to “Freedom.” It’s not surprising that she’s had more than one name when you take into account her age. As the oldest superyacht in the world, she’s undergone a lot of restoration over time, including multiple lengthenings and faster engines. 

She was renamed back to El Mahrousa in 2000 and gained even more recognition for being the first ship to cross the new Suez Canal extension in 2015. Back in her original days, she was built on the River Thames and took her first trip in 1867.

11. OK | 479 feet—146m

Delivered in Japan in 1982, OK is one of the largest and most unique superyachts in the world. Sprawling over 479 feet, the water giant is engineered to submerge almost seventy percent. This is accredited to the work done by Karmarine Shipyard. While the majority of the vessel was built by Oshima Shipping, it was privately converted to a semi-submersible yacht in Turkey. 

The superlative finishing on OK superyacht was designed by Timur Bozca, winner of the Younger Designer of the Year award in 2015. The blueprint being as many games as possible. The extraordinary vessel has the uncanny ability to hold over seventy toys, including a sailing yacht, a sea plane, tenders, buggies and even a tennis court.

10. Opera | 480 feet—146.4m 

Like many of the most majestic water titans, Opera was delivered by Lurssen in Germany and built for Abu Dhabi royalty. This time, the owner is Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, son of the founder of the United Arab Emirates. And while it may not be quite as astronomical as Lurssen’s previous builds—Azzam, Blue and Dilbar—the streamlined vessel is equally impressive onboard. 

The three-story superyacht proves large enough for a pair of helipads and two swimming pools, amongst many other toys, while simultaneously making room for up to 48 guests and 80 crew members. When it comes to the interior, details are sparse, but we do know that it was designed by Terence Disdale, a London firm renowned for creating bespoke luxury spaces. 

9. Prince Abdulaziz | 482 feet – 147m

The Prince Abdulaziz’s yacht was ordered by King Fahd, who named her after his son Prince Abdul Aziz. Now, she’s owned by his brother, Abdullah. Just one of the yachts owned by the Saudi royal family, she’s spotted frequently throughout Europe, especially in Cannes, where the royal family owns a property. 

She’s been redecorated once — in 2007 — in a project that took 15 months to complete, without even taking into account the rest of the ship’s upkeep. The Prince Abdulaziz is known for its combination of bold colors and fusion of traditional and modern design, thanks to its influence from the late David Hicks.

8. A+ | 483 feet – 147m

What do you do when the name “A” is already taken for your superyacht? Choose the next closest thing: A+. Previously named Topaz, this superyacht was the world’s fourth-largest luxury yacht when she was built, before being stripped of that particular title only a few years later. 

Nevertheless, she’s a seriously impressive superyacht, with endless facilities like a large jacuzzi, double helicopter landing pads, a swimming pool with a swimming platform and underwater lights, as well as a fitness hall, cinema, and a large conference room. She’s also well equipped with water toys, like jet skis, inflatable boats, a catamaran, and even a mini-submarine.

7. Al Said | 508 feet – 155m

Another Superyacht built, shrouded in secrecy, Al-Said was referred to as “Project Sunflower” the entire time she was being created, right up until she was delivered to her owner in 2008. Not much is known about Al Said, from her movements through to her amenities — although she is known to have a huge concert room with space for a full 50-person orchestra. 

Currently, she’s flying the flag of Oman and has spent a lot of time in its surrounding waters. Her interior was styled by British designer design house RWD, with exterior design being credited to Espen Oeino. When she was delivered to the Sultan of Oman, she replaced a previous ship of a smaller size. 

6. Dilbar | 511 feet – 156m

Dilbar, or Project Omar, as it was originally known as, is another superyacht designed with the help of exterior expert Espen Oeino, but with interiors strikingly designed by Andrew Winch. Dilbar is famously known as the world’s largest yacht by gross tonnage (interior volume) but as the fifth-longest superyacht in the world. 

She’s home to a spa pool and beach club, as well as a large private cinema, spacious cabins set high on the main deck, a spacious dining room, and a salon with its own piano. She’s just as classy and beautiful on the inside as she is on the outside.

5. Blue | 527 feet—160.6m

Sunday blues simply cease to exist on one of the world’s most extravagant superyachts. The elegant behemoth was built for member of the ruling family of Abu Dhabi and billionaire, Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan in 2022. Valued at over $600 million, Blue is one of the most expensive superyachts in the world. And with a strong emphasis on the environment, this superyacht is also one of the most sustainable. 

Blue strives to be as environmentally friendly as possible. She is equipped with a highly efficient Diesel-Electric Hybrid Propulsion Concept developed by Lürssen’s own engineering specialists. And the wastewater treatment plant allows water to be disposed of in drinking water quality.

4. Dubai | 531 feet – 162m

Dubai had multiple names in the planning stages—including Panhandle, Platinum, and Golden Star. Owned by the ruler of Dubai, it was aptly named after its home country and comes with all of the luxurious amenities you’d expect from such a name. 

The Dubai comes complete with a huge swimming pool and two jacuzzis. Further down, you’ll find a large dining room with striking blue and burgundy decor and space for up to 90 guests. Dubai usually spends her time moored at Sheikh Mohammed’s private island in front of his summer palace in Dubai. She’s basically the definition of a floating palace.

3. Eclipse | 533 feet – 162.5m

It took around five years for Eclipse to be built from start to finish. While she was always designed to be a huge, luxurious Superyacht, the focus was more on decking it out appropriately rather than breaking any records. An award-winning superyacht, she’s incredibly spacious, with endless rooms to explore and a sleek, neutral color palette running through. 

The Eclipse’s owner, Roman Abramovich, was more focused on facilities: he wanted more than one helicopter pad and a large swimming pool, too. Other than that, designer Terry Disdale had free reign for the rest of the superyacht. It’s just as much a clean piece of architectural styling as it is a stunning experience on deck.

2. Fulk Al Salamah | 538 feet – 164m

Fulk Al Salamah translates to “Ship of Peace” and that’s something that sounds like a given when you’ve taken a look at this superyacht’s incredible layout. Developed under the codename Project Saffron, Fulk Al Salamah is more of a support vessel than she is a typical superyacht. 

While she might still come complete with all of the necessities for a particularly relaxing voyage, she’s more so known for being a transport ship for the Royal Navy of Oman. She’s also used as a sort of friendship boat — pun intended — and is often sailed across the world with the intention of strengthening ties with the Sultanate. In some ports, influential people are welcomed onboard.

1. Azzam | 590 feet – 181m

Most superyachts in the top 10 category have a few mere inches between sizes, but the Azzam shoots far ahead with a large amount of extra length. The largest superyacht in the world, she was never designed to win the title — rather just to be a sleek and elegant vessel. Azzam was crafted backward, with the plans for her interior confirmed long before her exterior was fully signed off. 

Her length only came to be as such to incorporate everything required for the interiors, which added an extra 35 meters to her overall size. She’s also designed to look smaller than she actually is, with a blend of indoor and outdoor living. It took more than 4,000 people to build Azzam , clocking up six million man-hours over a period of four years.

The largest yachts in the world: Conclusion

The largest yachts in the world are:

• Azzam—590 feet
• Fulk Al Salamah—538 feet
• Eclipse—533 feet
• Dubai—531 feet
• Blue—527 feet
• Dilbar—511 feet
• Al Said —508 feet
• A+—483 feet
• Prince Abdulaziz—482 feet
• Opera—480 feet
• OK—479 feet
• El Mahrousa—478 feet
• Sailing Yacht A—469 feet
• Nord—465 feet
• Yas—463 feet
• Ocean Victory—460 feet
• Scheherazade —459 feet
• Solaris—458 feet
• Al Salamah—457 feet
• Rising Sun—454 feet
• Flying Fox—446 feet
• Savarona—446 feet
• Crescent—445 feet
• Serene —439 feet
• Al Mirqab—436 feet
• Y721 (aka Koru)—417 feet

The most expensive yacht in the world

The fact that the History Supreme, the world’s most expensive superyacht, comes coated in gold, is only part of the reason for its high cost. A superyacht with a real-life Midas touch, it was sold to an anonymous Malaysian businessman for $4.8 billion. 

Robert Kuok, the richest Malaysian businessman, is the rumored owner of History Supreme, but no one has confirmed for sure. The History Supreme also comes with plenty of other impressive touches: a master bedroom decked out in platinum, a wall feature made from meteoric stone, and a genuine T-Rex dinosaur bone, to add to the list. 

She took three years to build from scratch and comes with 10,000 kilograms of solid gold and platinum. Other seriously luxe features are her 68 kilograms 24-carat gold Aquavista Panoramic Wall Aquarium and a liquor bottle adorned with a rare 18.5-carat diamond . The base of the vessel comes wrapped in gold, too.

Frequently asked questions about the world’s largest yachts

The largest yachts in the world are owned by Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Sultan Haitham bin Tariq, Roman Abramovich, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and Alisher Usmanov. Our guide tells you more about all the biggest yachts in the world .

At 417 feet (127 m), Amazon founder Jeff Bezos’ sailing yacht, Koru (formerly Project Y721), is one of the world’s largest yachts.

The 181-m (590 ft) Azzam is the world’s longest yacht in length, but the 156-m Dilbar has a much larger internal volume (measured in Gross Tons) at 15,917 GT (Gross Tons) versus 13,136 GT for Azzam. As such, Dilbar is the world’s largest yacht in volume. Read our full guide to discover the largest yachts in the world .

The biggest yacht in the world is the Azzam , which has an estimated cost of $600 million. She’s owned by Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan and is not currently for sale.

In terms of the number of megayachts, the largest superyacht-owning country is the United States. Nationality-wise, beyond American, an increasing percentage of superyacht owners are Turkish, Greek, Emirati, German, Australian and Dutch.

About the author

Emma Treagus

Women’s fashion & travel editor.

A former fashion assistant and budding entrepreneur who calls the world her home, Emma writes many of Luxe Digital’s women’s style and travel stories, drawing on her passion and experience for slow fashion alongside an appreciation for current trends. When she’s not getting her way with words, you’ll find her exploring a new city (at quite a walking pace)—locating the nearest sushi restaurant or devouring a book on the beach.

Learn more about Emma Treagus

The Best French Car Brands: From Alpine Trails To Goddesses

A long-standing legacy.

Cuyana Easy Tote Review: Going Places Has Never Been Easier

Standing Tall: Oakywood Adjustable Desk Doesn’t Sit Still

Beyond Playthings: The Most Expensive 1000% Bearbricks Ever Sold

Eberjey Gisele Pajamas Review: Classic Cocoons Of Comfort

The Most Expensive Basquiat Paintings Are Message-Infused Masterpieces

15 Rarest Cars in The World – From Alfa To Zagato

Beyond The Velvet Ropes: London’s Most Exclusive Private Members’ Clubs

Luxury Lumber: The Most Expensive Wood In The World

Decadent & Diplomatic: The Most Exclusive Private Members’ Clubs In Brussels

Proudly inspiring millions of readers like you .

Your Conscious,

Elevated Life

Starts Here.

• Striking superlatives

Find anything you save across the site in your account

The 5 Most Expensive Superyachts in the World

By Brett Berk

Though superyachts are already among the most costly consumer items available for purchase, the prices of the most expensive superyachts in the world are still astounding. In recent decades, those with money to burn have settled on these floating palaces as an ideal locus for demonstrating their prosperity, and as such, the global superyacht industry is undergoing a golden age. The world’s über-wealthy think of their superyachts as toys, and they’re constantly trying to outdo each other in scale, design, amenities, materials, and sheer profligacy.

Knowing this, what features does it take to own one of the most expensive superyachts in existence? And how much do these opulent vessels actually cost? To that end, AD has compiled a list of the five priciest superyachts currently out on the water. As with many things connected to the very wealthy, details are shrouded in secrecy—often intentionally—to protect privacy or to shield the assets from taxation or seizure. Below, dive into the five reportedly most expensive superyachts in the world.

5. Dubai ($400 million)

This 531-foot yacht is reportedly owned by United Arab Emirates Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Ruler of Dubai. Though it was originally planned for another Middle Eastern potentate, Prince Jefri Bolkiah of Brunei, he suddenly voided the contract in 2001. With exteriors designed by Andrew Winch and interiors by Platinum Yachts, this German-built Blohm + Voss vessel features several Jacuzzis, a pool inlaid with handmade mosaic tiles that is reportedly large enough to hold 115 people, a circular staircase, a discotheque, squash courts, a movie theater, a dining room for 90 guests (the other 25 presumably have to eat in the pool?), a helipad, and a submarine.

4. Topaz ($527 million)

Resembling a stealth bomber, this 483-foot ship is reportedly owned by Russian fertilizer and coal oligarch, Andrey Melnichenko. With exteriors by Tim Heywood Design Ltd. and interior designs by Terence Disdale Design, this German-built Lürssen Yacht features a 2,500-square-foot primary bedroom, six guest suites (with moveable walls so they can be transformed into four grand staterooms), glassware and tableware fashioned from French crystal, a helicopter hangar, a 30-foot speedboat tender, and three swimming pools, including one with a glass-bottom dangling menacingly above a disco.

3. Azzam ($600 million)

This 590-foot ship is currently thought to be the largest private yacht in the world and one of the fastest, with a top speed of 35 miles per hour. To achieve this immense scale and speed, it required a pair of gas turbines and two stratospherically potent diesel engines, rendering it very difficult to build. It is reportedly owned by a member of the royal family of the UAE, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan. With exteriors by Nauta Yacht and interiors by French decorator Cristophe Leoni, this yacht was also built by Lürssen in Germany. The vessel is set apart by its early 19th-century empire-style veneered furniture, as well as its state-of-the-art security systems including a fully bulletproof primary suite and a high-tech missile deterrence capabilities.

2. Eclipse ($1.5 billion)

In addition to being the second-costliest, this 533-footer is thought to be the world’s second-largest private yacht. Owned by Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich, the ship was claimed to be located in Turkey and may be impounded as part of the United Kingdom’s sanctions against Russia. Designed by Terry Disdale and built by Blohm + Voss, it features two-dozen guest cabins, two swimming pools, two helipads, and multiple hot tubs. For privacy and security reasons, it hosts a missile detection system, bulletproof windows in the primary bedroom and on the bridge, an anti-paparazzi shield and, when all of that fails, a mini-submarine that can take a few VIPs 164 feet under the ocean’s surface.

By Charlotte Collins

By Michelle Duncan

By Joyce Chen

1. History Supreme ($4.8 billion)

History Supreme has never actually been seen in a major port, and rumors suggest that the yacht may not be real, and instead just a publicity stunt. Reportedly owned by Malaysia’s richest man, Robert Kuok, and designed by Stuart Hughes in the UK, the yacht is only a paltry 100 feet long. Its worth is said to be derived from its lavish finishes, including a statue constructed from genuine Tyrannosaurus rex bones, a liquor bottle embedded with an 18.5-carat diamond, and a primary bedroom with one wall made from meteorite and another from a 24-carat gold Aquavista Panoramic Wall Aquarium. If you see it somewhere, let us know.

By Katherine McLaughlin

By Mitchell Owens

You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser or activate Google Chrome Frame to improve your experience.

• Link to search page
• US: +1 (561) 833 4462
• US: +1 (206) 209-1920
• MC: +377 99 90 74 63

The Top 10 Best Yacht Builders In The World

Here is our list of the best yacht builders on earth. Deciding which shipyard will build your luxury yacht is a complex and deeply personal choice, depending on many factors including the level of customization you want, your budget, the location of the shipyard, and the ‘feel’ you get for the yard’s vision and people.

Our list of the best yacht builders is naturally subjective and will not feature every well-known brand. Our short selection includes a range of shipyards, from manufacturers of the some of the most iconic custom-built superyachts to hugely popular production yacht builders.

Here are the best yacht builders on earth, sorted by region.

Usa – best yacht builders.

Westport is one of the dominant players in the American yacht-building market, with a hugely popular range of tri-deck and raised pilothouse motoryachts built from composite materials. Their models range from from the 112′ to 164′ (34m to 50m) series, allowing the yacht owner to customize the interior layout without the high cost and long timescale of fully-custom construction. As the largest American yacht building company in operation, Westport has a proud history of high quality yacht manufacturing dating back to 1964, with over 100 superyachts and over 170 fishing vessels launched from their Pacific Northwest Shipyard. Westport yachts are extremely popular in the US brokerage and charter market and have a reputation for holding their value well. View current Westport yachts for sale .

Christensen Yachts prides itself on the construction of American-built custom and semi-custom superyachts from fiberglass, including well known yachts M/Y CASINO ROYALE, M/Y SILVER LINING and award-winning M/Y ODESSA. Founded by superyacht owners, Christensen has a loyal following of yacht owners, many of whom are repeat customers. Currently producing yachts at its Vancouver, WA yard between 100’ to 165’ (35m to 50m) in length, Christensen was bought out in 2015 and is in the process of building America’s largest superyacht facility in Tennessee, which will construct vessels up to 70m. View current Christensen yachts for sale .

Northern Europe – Best Yacht Builders

German superyacht builder Lurssen is the builder of the largest superyacht in existence, the 590’ (180m) M/Y AZZAM, which was completed in an astonishingly quick three years. Known for superb build quality and large projects across its superyacht, naval vessel, as well as its’ yacht refit and management divisions, Lurssen is a family-run shipyard with a prestigious yacht building heritage spanning back to 1875, when it constructed the first ever motoryacht. Lurssen is the builder of 5 of the top 10 largest yachts in the world. View current Lurssen yachts for sale.

Feadship, Netherlands: For some yacht owners, the only name worth knowing is Feadship. This prestigious brand is synonymous with Dutch superyacht quality, and has a legion of steadfast and loyal fans. Dating back to 1849, Feadship creates fully custom yachts from a ‘blank slate’ beginning, priding themselves on creating supremely unique, innovative yachts that stand the test of time. There are 450 bespoke yachts currently afloat in the Feadship fleet, including M/Y HASNA, a 239’ (73m) with a revolutionary layout. Read more on Dutch yacht builders . View current Feadship yachts for sale .

Amels’ vast and high-tech superyacht facility is the largest in the Netherlands, producing iconic, high-value yachts up to 330’ (100m), including their 2017 flagship yacht, 272’ (83m) M/Y HERE COMES THE SUN. Amels offer a fully custom yacht building service, as well as their exceedingly popular Limited Edition Series, whereby the yacht owner retains control over interior and exterior design but the yacht is built on a proven platform, thereby slashing the build time. Amels also builds support yachts through their parent company, DAMEN, a heavyweight in global shipbuilding. View current Amels yachts for sale .

Dutch yacht builder Heesen is known for its aluminum and steel superyachts and innovative use of technology, as seen in the revolutionary fast displacement hull form first seen in the multi-award winning M/Y GALACTICA STAR, and the hybrid propulsion utilized in the 2017 launch of M/Y HOME. With a fleet of over 170 yachts launched since inception in 1978, Heesen is known for pushing the boundaries of what is possible in superyacht design and engineering. Heesen builds motoryachts between 100’ to 265’ (30m to 80m) in length at its Oss shipyard. View current Heesen yachts for sale .

Now owned by Lurssen, Blohm + Voss is a yachting powerhouse in its own right, constructing magnificent large superyachts including the iconic MOTOR YACHT A and 531’ (162m) M/Y ECLIPSE, currently the third-largest yacht in the world. The vast Blohm +Voss facility in Hamburg, Germany creates striking custom motoryachts and sailing yachts. View current Blohm +Voss yachts for sale.

Mediterranean – Best Yacht Builders

Benetti is a powerhouse of luxury yacht building, with a very healthy order list and a boat- building pedigree stretching back to 1873. Since 1960, Benetti has been constructing superyachts in Italy, including iconic yachts MY KINGDOM in 1980, then the largest yacht in the world at 280’ (85m), right through to recent launches such as the award-winning M/Y 11.11. Benetti is part of the Azimut-Benetti Group, the largest producer of luxury yachts in the world, building semi-custom and fully custom yachts between 100′ and 330′ (30m and 100m) long. Known for their Italian style and long history of yacht construction, Benetti has a loyal following of yacht owners who return to the yard each time they upgrade. View current Benetti yachts for sale .

The creators of one of the most well-known yachts on the planet, S/Y MALTESE FALCON, Perini Navi enjoys a superb reputation as a sailing superyacht builder, and also entered the large motoryacht market in 2007 under its Pichiotti brand. Perini Navi yachts are known for their superyacht luxuries and interior volume, as well as the technically brilliant sailing systems that allow these large yachts to be operated by a small crew. Perini Navi dominates the sailing superyacht market with its range from 130’ to 200’(40m to 60m), constructed at their three shipyards in Viareggio, La Spezia in Italy and also in Istanbul. View current Perini Navi yachts for sale .

UK – Best Yacht Builders

Sunseeker is one of the most instantly recognizable names in the yachting world, building performance luxury yachts known for their speed and sleek looks. Once better known for their smaller sport yachts, Sunseeker is now a major player in the superyacht market, with customizable yacht models from 75′ to 155′, as well as constructing the Predator range with a top speed of 45 knots. Built and engineered in Dorset, UK, Sunseeker is Britain’s most famous luxury yacht builder, creating the hand-finished yachts regularly featured on James Bond films. View current Sunseeker yachts for sale .

Worth Avenue Yachts has extensive experience with each of these yacht brands. To find out more about the relative advantages of these shipyards or the other high-quality shipyards that we recommend, please contact us for an expert discussion.

The global authority in superyachting

• NEWSLETTERS
• Yachts Home
• The Superyacht Directory
• Yacht Reports
• Brokerage News
• The largest yachts in the world
• The Register
• Yacht Advice
• Yacht Design
• 12m to 24m yachts
• Monaco Yacht Show
• Builder Directory
• Designer Directory
• Interior Design Directory
• Naval Architect Directory
• Yachts for sale home
• Motor yachts
• Sailing yachts
• Explorer yachts
• Classic yachts
• Sale Broker Directory
• Charter Home
• Yachts for Charter
• Charter Destinations
• Charter Broker Directory
• Destinations Home
• Mediterranean
• South Pacific
• Rest of the World
• Boat Life Home
• Owners' Experiences
• Interiors Suppliers
• Owners' Club
• Captains' Club
• BOAT Showcase
• Boat Presents
• Events Home
• World Superyacht Awards
• Superyacht Design Festival
• Design and Innovation Awards
• Young Designer of the Year Award
• Artistry and Craft Awards
• Explorer Yachts Summit
• Ocean Talks
• The Ocean Awards
• BOAT Connect
• Between the bays
• Golf Invitational
• Boat Pro Home
• Global Order Book
• Superyacht Insight
• Premium Content
• Product Features
• Testimonials
• Pricing Plan
• Tenders & Equipment

The winners of the World Superyacht Awards 2024

The winners of the World Superyacht Awards 2024, in association with Acquera Club and The Glenrothes , have now been revealed. From the newly crowned Motor Yacht of the Year to the prestigious Voyager's Award, scroll down to find out which yachts scooped this year's coveted Neptunes...

Motor Yacht of the Year - Alchemy Sailing Yacht of the Year - Sarissa Refitted Yachts - Carinthia VII Rebuilt Yachts - H3 Classic Rebuilt Yachts - Cariad Sailing Yachts, 30m to 39.9m - Zemi Judges' Special Award - Raven Sailing Yachts, 40m and above - Sarissa Semi-Displacement or Planing Motor Yachts, 30m to 34.9m - Pesa II Semi-Displacement or Planing Motor Yachts, 35m to 39.9m - Seaflower Semi-Displacement or Planing Motor Yachts, 40m and above - Milele Displacement Motor Yachts 499GT and below, 30m to 39.9m - Stellamar Displacement Motor Yachts 499GT and below, 40m to 44.9m - Oreos Displacement Motor Yachts 499GT and below, 45m and above - Baglietto T52 Displacement Motor Yachts 500GT to 999GT - Entourage Displacement Motor Yachts 1,000GT to 1,499GT - Alchemy Judges' Commendation - Sparta Displacement Motor Yachts, 1,500GT and above - Infinite Jest Voyager’s Award - Infinite Jest and Jester Legacy Award - Paola Trifirò

MOTOR YACHT OF THE YEAR: ALCHEMY

Length 65.7m Builder Rossinavi Naval architect Vitruvius Yachts / Rossinavi Exterior designer Vitruvius Yachts Interior designer Team for Design - Enrico Gobbi

Each of the winning motor yachts from all of the World Superyacht Awards categories is considered for Motor Yacht of the Year. While the largest displacement yacht often receives the prestigious title, that isn’t always the case, nor should it be. This year, it was the winner in the second-largest category – Displacement Motor Yachts, 1,000GT to 1,499GT – that the judges deemed most worthy. “Proving biggest isn’t always best,” as one judge put it, the 66-metre Rossinavi Alchemy stood out to the judges among an exceptional list of motor yacht winners to take home the prestigious Motor Yacht of the Year trophy.

The fully custom tri-deck was conceived by Rossinavi and Philippe Briand of Vitruvius Yachts. Her pièce de résistance, the judges noted, is the suspended glass staircase, a sculptural element that opens up the main saloon and pushes boundaries of a typical general arrangement. An engineering feat, and full of classification considerations, the staircase is a work of art in its own right with white marble steps adorned in leather details floating between two glass partitions.

Besides her striking exterior, imaginative layout, flowing interiors, mesmerising staircase and efficient hull form, the judges noted the many small operational details that made Alchemy stand out. For instance, storage was an integral part of the design rather than an afterthought. A good amount of space was allocated to store watersports equipment that could be easily set up and retrieved by the crew. The experienced owners requested large pantries and dedicated spaces for serving pieces as well as plentiful luggage storage. As one of the judges perfectly surmised, “there’s nothing not to like on this boat.”

SAILING YACHT OF THE YEAR: SARISSA

Length 59.7m Builder Royal Huisman Naval architect Malcolm McKeon Yacht Design Exterior designer Malcolm McKeon Yacht Design Interior designer Liaigre Sailing Yacht of the Year is the title bestowed upon the yacht that is considered by the judges to be the most notable of the class winners in two sailing yacht categories. Selecting the winner is not a matter of merely choosing the yacht that won its class by the greatest margin, as the judges are required to consider all the other elements that led to their being chosen as class winners. Both Zemi and Sarissa were built with performance sailing and environmental sensitivity in mind. Choosing a winner was no easy task. But it was Sarissa , with her groundbreaking propulsion system, state-of-the-art sails and rig and exquisite interiors by Liaigre, that almost unanimously won out among the judges for the honour of Sailing Yacht of the Year.

The high-performance sloop represents many firsts for her builder and the sailing superyacht fleet writ large. She has a square-top mainsail that is the largest square-top sail in the world, the largest 3Di RAW sail to the highest spec ever built by North Sails and it’s the first time this type of carbon sail has been used for in-boom furling. The yacht’s 76-metre-high modulus carbon mast with aero carbon rigging was refined through extensive aerodynamic studies in collaboration with North Sails and Southern Spars. She also has the first forward-facing retractable electric azipod propulsion system. Retractable propulsion drives allow the yacht to accelerate quickly in light air. To achieve top performance, Sarissa has both a lifting keel and a high righting moment configuration. All of this innovation, along with her clean lines, holistic design, organically flowing interior and creative layout with an abundance of exterior living spaces not usually found on a sailing boat made Sarissa a clear choice for Sailing Yacht of the Year.

REFITTED YACHTS: CARINTHIA VII

Length 97m Original builder Lürssen Refit shipyard / management Lürssen / RYacht Management Monaco Naval architect Lürssen Exterior designer Tim Heywood Interior designer Bizzozero Cassina Architects All of the yachts considered for their exceptional refit and rebuild projects are entered into the Refitted/Rebuilt yachts category. Then it was up to the jury to review the photographs and read the statements submitted with each entry during the judging process before deciding whether the degree of work completed constitutes a refit or rebuild.

As for the entries deemed pure refits, there were six worthy nominees. The classic Lürssen Carinthia VII won out for her ambitious refit, taking the previously private yacht to commercial code in a mere 10 months, while still remaining sensitive to the original design. Meeting commercial code required a good deal of structural changes, such as adding watertight bulkheads amidships on the tank deck and lower deck. Many technical areas were also renewed.

Meanwhile, charter-friendly attributes were introduced, such as a main- deck swimming pool and an enormous gym. The pool is a particular highlight at 11 metres, with a glass front that creates a connection between the pool and dining space. The judges commended the fact the refit team was able to do all this while still maintaining many interesting features from the original interior, such as the woven parquetry flooring. The owner noted that some features remained untouched because they were “exceptionally beautiful”, creating an interior refit that modernised the yacht while preserving its original spirit, creating a timeless classic. “The original boat was iconic, and it’s still iconic,” one of the judges commented, adding, “It’s as fresh today as when it was born.”

REBUILT YACHTS: H3

Length 105m Original builder Oceanco Refit shipyard / management Oceanco Naval architect Oceanco / Lateral Naval Architects Exterior designer Reymond Langton Design Interior designer Reymond Langton Design

If a meaningful amount of metal has been replaced, along with significant renewal of the interior and in technical areas, this generally leads to the yacht being placed in the rebuilt class.

This year saw multiple in-depth rebuilds to be named nominees. Yet there was one that stood out and impressed the judges by the unprecedented scale and nature of the major rebuild, which showcased “a degree of change that is tough to beat”. The rebuild of H3 , previously Indian Empress , was so extreme that the refit yard, Oceanco, considers her to be akin to a new build. As one judge said, “In terms of transformation, this is as good as it gets.”

The aim was for the yacht to “face the future” as a new, contemporary vessel, which included complying with IMO Tier III. She has also been brought up to 21st century standards in terms of technology, safety, capability and sustainability. H3 features a redesigned transom and a more efficient hull, and she boasts an extended cruising range. The engineering equipment was almost entirely replaced. Aesthetically, she was given not just a facelift, but also an entirely new identity. She was extended by 10 metres, with two metres added to the forward deck in addition to an eight-metre stern extension. The shipyard removed 110 tonnes of steel and added 198 tonnes during the extension.

Oceanco was able to rely on in-house knowledge, as many of the team who worked on the original build 20-plus years ago are still with the yard today. Richard Hein of The A Group, who has a long history of working with Oceanco, served as the owner’s representative. The owner sought a new build without a four-year waiting period. Oceanco estimates that thoroughly rebuilding H3 saved a year – and a considerable amount of carbon, compared to starting a new build this length from scratch.

CLASSIC REBUILT YACHTS: CARIAD

Length 36 m Original builder Summers & Payne Refit Shipyard / management Phithak Shipyard and Services / Des Kearns Naval architect Paul Spooner Design Exterior designer A. E. Payne Interior designer Paul Spooner Design This year, the standard of classic yacht rebuilds was so high that the judges deemed these should be considered separately in the Classic Rebuilt Yachts category. Two beauties were finalists. While the judges noted that the quality of work on the famous racing boat Moonbeam was “superb”, it was Cariad – a yacht that has been brought back to life twice – that won the overall race. The judges were blown away by the “amazing story” behind the classic sailing yacht. This, in fact, marks the second complete rebuild of the boat, which had been left to rot multiple times in her existence.

The yacht was in a state of disrepair when her own owner bought her. She had to be towed 450 nautical miles from her berth in Singapore to the Phithak Shipyard and Services, a fishing boatbuilder in Thailand where she had her last restoration 14 years ago. She was brought back to life (a second time) by a crew of shipwrights and carpenters mostly made up of local skilled craftsmen.

Cariad’ s decks and masts were rotted, there were holes in her hull and the internal steel frame was corroded. It took an eight-man paint team and a five- man steel team nine months to bring the steel frames, floors and longitudinal stringers back to life. Meanwhile, 80 percent of the planking was replaced.

The project aimed to restore the yacht to her 19th-century glory. A true rebuild, what remains from the original boat is a small percentage, yet the judges commented that the refit project has been “tremendously faithful to her original design”. One of the original bits still on board is a table that’s said to have hosted a former king of England. The new owner’s overall plan is to race Cariad in the Mediterranean classic regattas. He seems to relish his role as a steward of history, saying, “I have always found it difficult to resist the call of history, especially when I am presented with the chance to preserve it.”

SAILING YACHTS, 30M TO 39.9M: ZEMI

Length 33.5m Builder Baltic Yachts Naval architect Malcolm McKeon Yacht Design Exterior designer Malcolm McKeon Yacht Design Interior designer Andreas Martin-Löf Arkitekter The smaller sailing yachts category proved a judging challenge as nominees ranged from worthy series yachts to out-and-out foiling racers. The winner in the category proved to be a yacht that could do a bit of everything, combining what the judges considered to be “stunning looks” with excellent sailing performance and eco-friendly attributes. In the end, Zemi , built by Baltic Yachts, took home the Neptune. Zemi is painted in metallic bronze and sports a classic yet aggressive superstructure with curved vertical glazing giving an architectural feel to the saloon below. The interior is warm and comfortable, and Zemi also has a functional and inclusive crew area. The yacht belongs to experienced owners who are passionate about creating a low-emissions yacht and exploring ways of harnessing natural energy. In fact, the name Zemi comes from a “zero emissions” inspiration. As such, she features hybrid diesel- electric propulsion, and hydrogenation is achieved via the propeller so the yacht is virtually self-sufficient when sailing at 12 knots. In addition, she has 120 square metres of solar panels, and work is being done to add a solar cloth cockpit awning. The owner’s brief for Zemi called for a powerful sailing yacht that was easy to sail, and she has a triple-headed furling rig comprising a J1, a J2 set further aft and a detachable storm jib stay, which provide a multitude of options at the touch of a button. Code and A sails can be tacked further forward at the stem-head and off the bowsprit respectively. Combined with her twin rudders and 28-ton keel bulb, the sailplan provides an impressive amount of controllable power.

JUDGES’ SPECIAL AWARD: RAVEN

Length 34m Builder Baltic Yachts Naval architect Botin Partners Naval Architecture Exterior designer Jarkko Jämsén Interior designer Jarkko Jämsén It seemed to the judges almost unfair to compare this high- performance sailing machine to the rest of the nominees in the Sailing Yachts 30m to 39.9m category. It was decided that Raven was an exceedingly worthy recipient of a Judges’ Special Award, a prestigious recognition that’s bestowed on a yacht that has excelled yet doesn’t easily fit into the category norms in which she was entered. The judges contended that Raven was an “extremely innovative” and “unusual boat” that deserved an award for “pushing the boundaries” of yacht design. With her foiling capabilities, obsession with weight savings and unique interior styling, Baltic Yachts calls Raven “the most extreme yacht” it has ever built.

The owner, who has a background in engineering, wanted to build a yacht capable of fast, thrilling sailing. Or, as one of the judges put it, “they wanted to build the fastest thing on the water.” Naval architects Botin Partners utilised its existing knowledge of America’s Cup foil technology and worked closely with Baltic, Pure Engineering and Southern Spars to define the parameters of how foils could work on a superyacht of this scope. The final design would restrict the amount of vertical lift and dynamic righting moment generated by the leeward foil and keep the boat in skimming mode while fast cruising.

Every detail was questioned to minimise her weight, resulting in a yacht weighing about half of a more conventional equivalent, and flying at twice the speed. Notably, Raven isn’t a stripped-out racer masquerading as a superyacht. Her Jarkko Jämsén interior is fully fitted out. The yacht’s advanced composite structure becomes part of the interior decor, revealing some of the engineering. There are rattan deckheads and bamboo-like furniture made from carbon. She also has “proper” refrigerators and plentiful accommodation.

SAILING YACHTS, 40M AND ABOVE: SARISSA

Length 59.7m Builder Royal Huisman Naval architect Malcolm McKeon Yacht Design Exterior designer Malcolm McKeon Yacht Design Interior designer Liaigre Three sailing yachts, including one inventive catamaran and two monohulls built by Royal Huisman, were named nominees in this category. The cat ArtExplorer was lauded for its intended use as a museum on the water, and both Royal Huisman builds were deemed “superb boats” by the judges – but Sarissa stood out for being “more exciting” and was described by the judges as an “astonishing boat”.

Naval architect Malcolm McKeon Yacht Design was contacted to develop a performance sloop for experienced owners who were looking for a successor to their previous yacht by the same name. Sarissa had to be fast and fun to sail, and manual steering was a must so the power could be felt when manning the helm. Sarissa ’s 76-metre-tall modulus carbon mast features aero carbon rigging and flies the largest square-top sail in the world. With a focus on weight savings and corrosion prevention, carbon fibre was used for the superstructure, hull doors, deck furniture, hatches, mainsheet arch, sail storage drums, steering consoles and captive winches. All the stanchions are titanium and lifelines are lightweight Dyneema.

A multi-faceted approach to eco-friendly cruising includes wind-driven propulsion, hydro generators, waste heat recovery and wastewater treatment. Most notably, she has an advanced hybrid propulsion system, and Royal Huisman installed the first forward-facing retractable electric azipod propulsion for redundancy, efficiency and improved performance under sail.

Inside is a chic, flowing interior by Liaigre. Each cabin is unique, corridors gently curve, stairs are set off the centreline, and the hull shape is visible so you truly feel you’re on a sailing boat. As one of the judges said, “Guillaume Rolland from Liaigre is not just a designer, but also a sailor, so he understands sailboats.”

SEMI-DISPLACEMENT OR PLANING MOTOR YACHTS, 30M - 34.9M: PESA II

Length 34.9m Builder Maiora - Next Yacht Group Naval architect Maiora Engineering Department - Next Yacht Group Exterior designer Maiora Centro Stile - Next Yacht Group Interior designer Maiora Centro Stile - Next Yacht Group / Owner " This boat impressed all of us,” said the judges of the winner in the Semi-Displacement or Planing Motor Yachts, 30m-34.9m category. Pesa II from Maiora, part of the NEXT Yacht Group in Italy, pulled ahead of the pack. The judges were particularly fond of Pesa II ’s “surprising and different” general arrangement. “It makes you scratch your head in a good way and wonder why you don’t see more of it,” one judge commented.

Key to the irreverent layout was the owner’s request to place the pilothouse forward on the main deck, with direct and exclusive access to the captain’s quarters on the lower deck. The judges noted that the small bridge forward was very interesting and clever. Another helm station is found in a second pilothouse on the upper deck should the owner wish to drive the yacht themself. On the upper deck, a moon roof above the bridge can slide open and the windows can be lowered on the side, giving a traditional flybridge feel to the space.

Pesa II features a holistic design whereby the lines between interior and exterior spaces are blurred. The boat is full of light and feels open to the sea thanks to an extensive use of glass, such as the floor-to-ceiling glazed surfaces in the saloons, fully opening aft glass doors in the main saloon and huge windows in the master suite and lower-deck guest cabins.

The judges also noted Pesa II ’s propulsion system; powered by three water- jets she’s able to reach a top speed of almost 35 knots. Water-jet propulsion also affords efficient operation and allows for a small draught of 1.3 metres so she can easily get into shallow harbours.

SEMI-DISPLACEMENT OR PLANING MOTOR YACHTS, 35M - 39.9M: SEAFLOWER

Length 36m Builder Mulder Shipyard Naval architect Van Oossanen Naval Architects Exterior designer Claydon Reeves Design / Mulder Shipyard Interior designer Vickers Studio / Mulder Shipyard The judges found a clear winner among this category’s nominees in Seaflower , built by Dutch shipyard Mulder, calling her a “truly impressive little boat”. The judges noted the high quality build of the yacht, the tasteful custom interiors and overall excellent value she presents for her size. Started on spec, Seaflower might be the sixth hull in the popular Mulder ThirtySix semi-custom series, but she features multiple customisations to meet the requests of her incredibly experienced owners. While Seaflower ’s interiors were already partially finished in walnut wood at the time of the contract being signed, the owner requested a light-oak interior instead. Mulder worked alongside British design house Vickers Studio to update the joinery choice and make the interior bespoke for the owners. Another customisation can be seen on the sundeck, where the owners opted to forgo a spa tub in order to leave the space open for entertaining and unwinding. Seaflower also boasts standout living spaces, such as a well-thought-out galley and a full-beam owner’s cabin, which feels connected to the sea thanks to large windows and low bulwarks.

Seaflower is the first yacht in the Mulder ThirtySix line-up to be built to IMO Tier III emissions requirements. Additionally, she rides on a high- performance Fast Displacement Hull Form (FDHF) from Van Oossanen Naval Architects. She boasts high efficiency, burning as little as 100 litres per hour when cruising at 10 knots, while still offering a transatlantic range. At economical delivery speed, she has a range of up to 3,680 nautical miles. Seaflower also carries a large tender for her size, stowing a 6.3-metre Williams DieselJet 625 on board.

SEMI-DISPLACEMENT OR PLANING MOTOR YACHTS, 40M AND ABOVE: MILELE

Length 45.2m Builder Royal Hakvoort Shipyard Naval architect Van Oossanen Naval Architects Exterior designer Omega Architects Interior designer Martin Hanff / Owner A sleek explorer yacht built by Hakvoort in the Netherlands, Milele won the judges’ approval thanks to her “incredible build quality” and surprising spaces on board. Most notable of these is the innovative foredeck garage, which stores a submarine and crane, and has a full entertainment suite with a large television screen built into its hatch. “You’d never expect to find a submarine in that space,” said one of the judges. The two-person submarine from U-Boat Worx was custom-designed for the owner to fit on board Milele . Lighter and more streamlined than previous models, this submarine has now been made into a series by U-Boat Worx.

Somewhat unusually, the design of Milele began with the naval architecture, with Van Oossanen Naval Architects called upon to create a fast, efficient and comfortable sub-500GT motor yacht. Milele utilises the naval architect’s proven Fast Displacement Hull Form and Hull Vane. But in order to reduce weight, the Hull Vane was conceived in carbon fibre – a world’s first – instead of the typical steel.

To reduce emissions, Milele has been fitted with a hybrid propulsion system with electric motors and a generator dry exhaust system that runs up her mast, the latter of which is unusual for a yacht of this size. A dynamic positioning system allows the yacht to be positioned around sensitive areas, like coral reefs, without having to drop anchor.

The judges pointed out the owner’s background in carpentry and design. The owner worked hand-in-hand with designer Martin Hanff to customise the interior, which is highly detailed yet easy on the eye and very liveable. The judges said the yacht shows “an understanding of what will age well”, meeting her brief for timelessness.

DISPLACEMENT MOTOR YACHTS 499GT AND BELOW, 30M TO 39.9M: STELLAMAR

Length 35m Builder Cantiere delle Marche Naval architect Hydro Tec Exterior designer Francesco Paszkowski Design Interior designer Francesco Paszkowski Design Of the four nominees in the smallest displacement yachts category, it was the explorer yacht Stellamar that went the distance for the judges. Italian builder Cantiere delle Marche is known for its rugged and seaworthy expedition yachts, of which Stellamar fits nicely into the line-up. But she combines her hardiness with a modern exterior that the judges appreciated. “The profile moves away from a typical explorer and has more of a Mediterranean look,” one judge said.

That’s no surprise as Stellamar is part of a range of yachts that designer Francesco Paszkowski developed for Cantiere delle Marche that was meant to blend luxury, comfort and long-distance capabilities in any sea condition. Marrying a steel hull and aluminium superstructure, Stellamar also uses an extensive amount of glass in the bulwarks. Meanwhile, an open stern enhances the yacht’s connection with the sea.

The judging panel was also a fan of Stellamar ’s bridge, tender stowage, engine room and 5,500-nautical mile range. The yard built a hidden crane for the tender, discreetly nested in a compartment within the sundeck overhang. From a naval architecture standpoint, Hydro Tec created a round bilge hull with concave sections aft. A flared bow design, chosen to satisfy the owners’ wish for a classic aesthetic, also helps to keep the deck dry in any sea state.

Both of the owners, one of whom is an architect, were highly involved in the build. The use of bright oak flooring, cream-coloured leather wall panelling and other materials derived from nature create the soothing and harmonious atmosphere that the owners were seeking. Paszkowski designed all of the fixed furniture and helped the owners select most of the loose furniture and accessories that come from renowned Italian brands.

DISPLACEMENT MOTOR YACHTS 499GT AND BELOW, 40M TO 44.9M: OREOS

Length 40.8m Builder Benetti Naval architect Benetti Exterior designer RWD Interior designer Bonetti/Kozerski Architecture The judges called the winner in this class “a lovely boat” and lauded its well-conceived general arrangement, “very attractive” profile by RWD and good build quality. Oreos might be the 11th hull in Benetti’s 40m Oasis series, but she turned the judges’ heads thanks to all this and the possibilities that the series boat presents for customisations inside and out. Case in point, Oreos is the first Oasis 40m to have an enclosed sundeck, protected by a full windshield. Yet the space can still transform thanks to glass doors that open for indoor/outdoor living when desired.

The owners were drawn to the yacht’s profile by RWD and Oasis Deck beach area, which the judges called “a wonderful design that’s rejuvenated the yard”. The Oasis Deck showcases an infinity pool set just steps from the water, while lateral platforms open out to form a large lounge area-cum-sea terrace. RWD enhanced the indoor/outdoor living concept on Oreos with a meticulously designed layout with big vistas and free-flowing interior spaces. The Oasis 40m also has an open, welcoming wheelhouse that’s intended to be a departure from traditional closed-off helm areas. The wheelhouse on Oreos has comfortable seating areas meant to serve as a gathering point for owners and guests to join the yacht’s captain in taking in the forward views through full-height windows.

The interior makes the most of the natural light that streams in to play upon the reflective white surfaces cladding the walls in the main and upper deck saloons. Framed by rosewood trim, these panels reflect the sea and sky and give off shades of blue and green. Further driving home the indoor/ outdoor approach, exterior teak decks continue from the outside all the way in to the bathrooms.

DISPLACEMENT MOTOR YACHTS 499GT AND BELOW, 45M AND ABOVE: BAGLIETTO T52

Length 52m Builder Baglietto Naval architect Baglietto Exterior designer Francesco Paszkowski Design Interior designer Francesco Paszkowski Design in collaboration with Margherita Casprini

The first hull in Italian builder Baglietto’s new T52 series proved a winner among the largest sub-500GT displacement yachts. The judges noted the yacht’s expansive 135-square-metre sundeck, which they called “one of the best spaces on board”, and they also appreciated the yacht’s “unusual” aft deck design. The aft deck has a beach club that spreads out over three levels and includes a large 3.7-metre-long pool with a retractable floor, which can extend the main aft deck area when the pool is not in use.

The judges also recognised that the T52 is Baglietto’s first yacht to have a hybrid propulsion system, which allows the captain to opt for the more efficient cruising mode to curb fuel consumption and reduce environmental impact. When cruising in electric-diesel mode, the T52 boasts a range of up to 7,600 nautical miles and has the ability to remain at anchor up to 10 hours quietly relying on batteries alone. Hybrid propulsion was a must for the owner, who wanted to be able to safely and cleanly navigate in protected waters. Yet they wanted the yacht to have a modicum of high performance as well, and when running in a traditional diesel mode, she can achieve a top speed of 17 knots.

The original design of the T52 checked off many items on the owner’s wish list. They also requested spacious external areas that were easily accessible and interconnected, which included connecting the sundeck with the forward lounge area on the upper deck. Designer Francesco Paszkowski created a solution with a retractable staircase that cleverly joins up these two outdoor spaces. This offers a fresh and innovative connection to onboard outdoor living, which the judges commended.

DISPLACEMENT MOTOR YACHTS, 500GT TO 999GT: ENTOURAGE

Length 60m Builder Amels Naval architect Damen Yachting Exterior designer Espen Øino Interior designer Burdifilek

While a trifecta of nominees made it into this category, the clear W winner was Entourage , which the judges described as “a fantastic evolution of the Amels 60”. They were impressed by the yacht’s high-quality build, technical excellence and elegant lines provided by designer Espen Øino as well as the degree of customisation done to the exterior. As one judge pointed out, “This is a boat designed for having fun.” Indeed, Entourage ’s owners put a premium on expanding the outdoor spaces on board for entertaining and enjoying time outside. Though part of the Amels 60 Limited Editions series, Entourage stands out thanks to an owner request to elongate the geometrical windows and extend the sundeck and bridge deck, resulting in an entirely different look for the exterior compared to other 60s. Changing such fundamental exterior features is a more unusual request when building a semi-custom yacht, and it was no easy task structurally or engineering-wise for the yard, a fact that the judges also found commendable. While extending these two aft decks by 1.5 metres might seem subtle, it not only provides larger living spaces but also gives the yacht an illusion of being a longer vessel. A clever use of space also sets Entourage apart, and this includes the optimisation of storing large tenders and toys on the foredeck.

The owners called on Burdifilek’s Diego Burdi for the interiors, marking the first superyacht for the designer. The owners asked him for immaculately appointed spaces that provide an oasis of calm and sophistication. Basking in natural light and decorated in neutral colours, Entourage ’s interiors are imbued with a sense of serenity. An eye-catching aspect of the interiors is the choice to reverse the flow of the central staircase, which Burdifilek suggested.

DISPLACEMENT MOTOR YACHTS, 1,000GT TO 1,499GT: ALCHEMY

With three worthy nominees, the displacement motor yachts 1,000GT W to 1,499GT category wound up being one of the toughest to judge – and certainly the most hotly contested by the jury. “They could all easily be class winners,” said one judge. Nominee Pink Shadow was praised for her “beautiful use of a tender garage, exceptional finish and incredible range”. Meanwhile, the judges commended nominee Sparta ’s “amazing attention to detail”. It wasn’t apparent who would win this category until the final judging scores were tallied up. The scores were very close, but the ultimate winner was Alchemy , which the judges called “stunning” and “a near-perfect boat”. A collaboration between Italian builder Rossinavi and designer Philippe Briand, founder of Vitruvius Yachts, resulted in this impressive fully custom tri-deck vessel that was commissioned for a client who was involved in every aspect of the design. Calling on their past charter experiences helped Alchemy ’s owners shape what they wanted in their yacht. One request was for an open, flowing interior, and Alchemy has an unusual layout with an open-glass staircase at the centreline in order to open up the interior flow and sight lines. Suspended between two glass partitions, the sculptural staircase is a focal point of the main deck, and, as judges noted, no mean feat from a classification point of view.

Alchemy is Rossinavi’s largest superyacht to have diesel-electric propulsion and is propelled by pods to reduce the loss of energy between the engines and navigation speed. The hallmark of a Vitruvius Yachts hull shape is a long waterline designed to slice through the water to lessen drag and fuel consumption, and in this vein Alchemy is no exception.

JUDGES’ COMMENDATION: SPARTA

Length 67m Builder Heesen Yachts Naval architect Van Oossanen Naval Architects / Heesen Yachts Exterior designer Winch Design Interior designer Winch Design There were judges who considered Sparta to be their top choice in the displacement motor yachts 1,000GT to 1,499GT category. One of them said it was the “best Heesen I’ve ever seen”. While Alchemy ultimately received the highest score, the judges wanted to make sure to recognise Sparta ’s exemplary fit and finish and overall excellence.

Borne from a collaboration between Heesen Yachts and Winch Design, Sparta is the largest steel yacht to emerge from the Dutch builder. She boasts what one judge called “extraordinary features” including a DNA helix-inspired staircase, a 6.5-metre infinity pool and the intimate lower deck spa. Also of note was the placement of all the guest cabins on the main deck, while the owners enjoy a fully private deck of their own.

A reverse bow inspired by a blade gives Sparta a dynamic profile. This bow shape also helped to boost volume on board this 1,200GT yacht and reduce drag. Winch Design created the exterior and interiors with a holistic design ethos. The main saloon flows out to the aft deck with pool, which is framed by twin staircases leading down to the beach club with dramatic flair.

DISPLACEMENT MOTOR YACHTS, 1,500GT AND ABOVE: INFINITE JEST

Length 74.9m Builder Turquoise Yachts Naval architect Turquoise Yachts Exterior designer A. Vallicelli & C. Yacht Design Interior designer Sinot Yacht Architecture & Design / Julie Hillman Design

The largest of the displacement yacht categories held two nominees, both of which the judges saluted, but it was Infinite Jest that proved most popular among the committee. Conceived in a collaboration between Turquoise Yachts, Sinot Yacht Architecture & Design, A Vallicelli & C Yacht Design and Fraser, the 75-metre yacht had long-range travel as part of her brief from the outset. In fact, shortly after delivery she cruised down to Antarctica.

The yacht’s ambitious design brief – and her planned world-girdling usage – pushed Turquoise Yachts to expand its capabilities to enhance its project management, meet a high level of specification and find new engineering solutions. One example is seen in the yacht’s AV and IT systems, which are among the most advanced in her class. The judges noted the overall improved build quality and enhanced offerings to come from this yard.

Infinite Jest is slightly wider than her predecessor, Roe , yet the hull has been optimised after CFD analysis. She has a new bulb form and showcases a reduction in the resistance of appendages, which included re-designing rudder and shaft brackets. She also sports a few exterior customisations, such as the addition of wing station balconies on the upper deck forward, which work to extend the private exterior space outside of the owner’s apartment. Four large vertical windows in the forward portion of the hull bring light into the forward guests cabins and affect the profile as well. With comfort and quiet operation in mind, a detailed FEA analysis resulted in structural fine tuning and the use of advanced insulation materials, ensuring the owner and guest cabins are less than 39 decibels and virtually vibration free.

VOYAGER’S AWARD WINNER: INFINITE JEST AND JESTER

Infinite Jest : Length 74.9m Builder Turquoise Yachts Naval architect Turquoise Yachts Exterior designer Vallicelli Design Interior designer Sinot Yacht Architecture & Design / Julie Hillman Design

Jester : Length 68.9m Original builder OY Laivateollisuus Refit shipyard / management Pendennis / RWD Naval architect OY Laivateollisuus Exterior designer Pendennis / RWD Interior designer Pendennis / RWD The Voyager’s Award recognises yachts that have completed a significant cruise to far-flung locales. This year it was two yachts – Infinite Jest and Jester – that took the prize. The pair ran in tandem from Europe to Antarctica mere months after each was delivered. Jester was launched in March 2023 after a refit at Pendennis while Infinite Jest was delivered as a new build out of Turquoise Yachts in July 2023. By December 2023, both yachts were leaving South America in their wake as they steamed across the infamous Drake Passage to the icy continent. It was, as the judges recognised, an “ambitious maiden voyage to come straight out of the yard and head down to Antarctica”.

Despite its increased popularity in recent years, Antarctica represents the pinnacle of voyage challenges. The weather is highly unpredictable; there are no hospitals, and the cold temperatures can be unforgiving so a vessel must be almost totally self-sufficient. Years of planning, surveys, shipyard modifications and procurement of specialist equipment made this trip a reality for Infinite Jest and Jester . EYOS was hired as expedition guide, helping them prepare as well.

The owners explored penguin colonies, encountered huge pods of orcas and even went skiing ashore. “There can be few better experiences for guests than skinning up a mountain from the waterside and looking back on your own yachts in the bay, before skiing back down to the beach and feeding humpback whales in the tender ride home for dinner on board, while elephant seals look on nonchalantly from the shore” – a sentiment from the owners that sums up this amazing adventure. Since then, the fleet has undertaken another long passage before heading to the Caribbean. They’ve nearly completed a circumnavigation in terms of nautical miles travelled – all in less than six months since launch. “And we’re just getting started...”

LEGACY AWARD: PAOLA TRIFIRÒ

There are few yacht owners who have displayed more passion, knowledge and interest in yachting than Paola Trifirò has over the years. She fell in love with boats during her university days when she sailed on Lake Como. This sparked a decades-long fascination with yachting, which resulted in some of the most beautiful sailing yachts ever built. From her first yacht, the seven-metre Calife , to the Dubois-designed Kokomo that introduced Paola to superyacht racing, her yachts have been as varied as they are impressive. Some of the exceptional yachts that she and her husband, Salvatore, have built over the years include the head-turning Zefira , a 50-metre Dubois design that won Sailing Yacht of the Year in 2011 for her lightness, elegance, speed and modernity, and 33-metre Ribelle , whose sinuous lines contain a sumptuous interior by Rémi Tessier. As a legendary cook and host, Paola’s passion for food has had an undeniable impact on her yachts’ designs. Working closely with design studios and shipyards, Paola has always paid special attention to creating exceptional galley spaces, even on a sailing yacht. What unites all of Paola’s yachts is that they have been intelligently conceived based on her many years of experience.

Paola truly uses her boats for what they were made for. Fond of adventurous sailing to far distant seas, she has cruised the oceans from the South Pacific to the high-latitude fjords of Norway. Paola is also an avid racer, having competed at the Loro Piana Caribbean Superyacht Regatta and Rendezvous, Loro Piana Superyacht Regatta in Porto Cervo, Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez and the Dubois Cup, where her sailing boats turned heads and garnered admiring reviews.

A committed member of the World Superyacht Awards judging panel, Paola has given her time and energy to the awards since 2012. As her fellow judges attested: “Paola has built and sailed a number of spectacular superyachts and is well known and respected in the industry. She is a great personality, and through her long-term work as a judge, she has supported the industry in many ways. She is an icon, instantly recognisable and highly knowledgeable.”

Tonight, we celebrate Paola Trifirò’s remarkable life in boats with the presentation of a well-deserved Legacy Award.

Nominations for the World Superyacht Awards 2025 are now open. For more information, please contact the events team .

More about this yacht

Similar yachts for sale, more stories, most popular, from our partners, sponsored listings.

• Cars, Jets & Yachts

The Best Luxury Yacht Builders in the World

With build times of around four years, it pays to know which shipbuilder is best for your dream superyacht.

By Kim Ayling

The superyacht industry has refound its mojo. Following the turbulence of the pandemic, yacht builders have resumed business as usual. Following recent growth in the UHNW population, order books remain full. New superyachts are rolling off the production line at an impressive rate of knots. If you’re considering a new superyacht now, you’ll be waiting over three years to take delivery of a ground-up build. Go with one of the leading yacht builders in the world, though, and it’ll be worth the wait.

This list of luxury yacht builders not only looks at what they have done in the past but also celebrates the stellar efforts they are making to reduce the environmental impact of their products. From lighter materials and onboard energy solutions to hybrid motors and marine conservation funding, these luxury yacht builders are not only leading the superyacht industry’s future but also protecting the oceans.

[See also: The Best Tenders to Pair with Your Superyacht]

Recognized as a world leader in building pure custom yachts, Feadship has been in pursuit of building the perfect ship since its inception in 1949 – although the brand can trace its roots back another 100 years. With each new ship that Feadship builds, its team employs the most cutting-edge methods and materials available, which when paired with its unpromising attitude toward fulfilling its clients’ desires, promises to deliver some of the most technically advanced yachts in the world – including Project 817 , which has now been delivered as Viva.

Viva remains a groundbreaking yacht build, with Feadship revealing ambitious aims to keep her environmental impact as low as possible. The 308-ft eco-friendly yacht features an advanced hybrid propulsion system that allows the yacht to travel at 12 knots on diesel-electric power. The ship’s hull has been designed with efficiency as a priority to reduce the energy needed to travel through the water.

The Dutch company has locations throughout The Netherlands, with its headquarters and design and engineering center found in the northern city of Haarlem.

A New Look at The Mako, the Future of Explorer Yachts

Maltese Falcon Yacht: The Story Behind a Sailing Icon

The Ultimate Tenders to Pair With Your Superyacht

feadship.nl

Dutch yacht building outfit Oceanco was initially founded in 1987 – but it was only in 2002 (when Oceanco found itself in the hands of new owners) that the switch was made to focusing on 260-foot plus superyachts, drawing on old-world Dutch craftsmanship to build the yachts of the future. The award-winning company prides itself on its design-led builds, and in addition to employing its own forward-thinking design team, works with industry-leader designers such as Andrew Winch, Terence Disdale and Sam Sorgiovanni.

Environmental awareness is core to each Oceanco project, with the aim of not only meeting but surpassing environmental legislation with each build. Even its largest yacht to date – the 394-foot Redentore, which is still under construction – is impressively efficient thanks to her hybrid propulsions system, which keeps fuel consumption to a minimum. Other noteworthy Oceanco’s builds are the striking three-masted Black Pearl , which is powered by a combination of wind power and electric propulsion motors, and one of its latest concepts, Esquel  – an advanced expedition vessel.

Content from our partners

Nemacolin’s Summer Solstice Celebration: 35 Years in the Making

The New Global Wellness Hub on the Banks of the Red Sea

Sky High Gourmet: Qatar Executive’s Impressive Dining

Most notably, Oceanco delivered the world’s largest sailing yacht, Koru , to Amazon founder Jeff Bezos. The colossal 417-ft vessel cost a rumored $500m to build and was delivered in 2023. It has since been spotted in Italy, Florida and the South of France. Perhaps more impressive than the yacht itself is the support vessel (built by Damen Yachting), a 250-ft superyacht-in-its-own-right capable of carrying a wealth of billionaire toys including submersibles, helicopters and cars.

oceancoyacht.com

[See also: Twenty for 20: Innovative Yachts of the 21st Century]

Dutch luxury shipbuilder Heesen has received worldwide recognition for its engineering and design prowess since launching in 1978. Heesen proudly pioneers the use of aluminum, which is widely regarded as the premium yacht-building material thanks to its lightness owing to better efficiency. As well as full custom builds, Heesen offers a platform concept that features semi-custom yachts already under construction in order to dramatically cut down delivery waits, without compromising on quality.

One of Heesen’s most notable yachts is Alive, which was the first to feature the revolutionary Hull Vane technology (underwater foil) for greater efficiency and speed, resulting in up to 30% less fuel consumption than a regular yacht. Other celebrated Heesen’s builds are Home and Electra , delivered in 2017 and 2020 respectively, both of which were in the award-winning 5000 FHDF aluminum hybrid class and came as a result of Heesen’s strive to limit the environmental impact of yachting.

heesenyachts.com

Part of the Azimut-Benetti Group, Benetti Yachts can trace its shipbuilding heritage all the way back to 1873 when the Fratelli Benetti shipyard was founded in the Tuscan city of Viareggio – the center of classic Italian shipbuilding. While much has changed in Benetti’s near 150-year lifetime, its focus on building state-of-the-art yachts to impeccably high standards has not, cementing its status as one of the best luxury yacht builders in the world.

As concerns on the environmental impact of private yachts have grown over time, Benetti has adapted its methods accordingly, utilizing hybrid technology to ensure its ships are at the forefront of sustainability. For example, when the Luminosity was first delivered in 2019 she was hailed as one of the greenest superyachts on the sea. The 352-foot yacht features advanced diesel-electric hybrid power, with her powerful battery providing up to 12 silent and emission-free hours at anchor.

Of course, sustainability doesn’t come at the cost of style: the Luminosity features a stunningly designed interior courtesy of Zaniz Jakubowski, with full-length windows drawing the outside in, and tasteful nods to contemporary artists creating a true home away from home.

benettiyachts.it

[See also: Superyacht Builders Heesen on Impacts of Covid-19 Pandemic]

Europe rules the roost when it comes to the top yacht builders in the world – the fifth in our list hails from Germany, with eight yards dotted throughout the country including main sites in Bremen, Hamburg and Rensburg. As with most yacht building companies, Lürssen is family run having been first founded in 1870 by Friedrick Lürssen. Since then the company has developed an esteemed reputation as one of the best in the world, breaking many records along the way, including the longest yacht in the world with Azza in 2015, which measures 592 feet, and Flying Fox which is the largest superyacht available for charter.

Lürssen’s latest superyacht is the sizeable 465.5-foot Nord (previously called Project Opus). Nord transcends the typical design of a superyacht thanks to the work of Italian design studio Nuvolari-Lenard, which was responsible for the yacht’s striking interior and exterior.

As is becoming standard for leading yacht builders, Lürssen is acutely aware of the negative environmental impact of both building and owning yachts. It is taking appropriate action to help mitigate this damage, including providing significant funding to marine life charities and conservation projects and implementing pioneering technologies such as onboard compact silencers and hybrid motor concepts.

lurssen.com

Royal Huisman

With a history that dates back to 1884, Dutch shipyard Royal Huisman proudly stakes a claim as one of the oldest yacht builders in the world. While the company was originally founded to build modest wooden fishing boats, its operations have deftly grown with the times, and Royal Huisman is now responsible for some of the finest and most luxurious yachts cruising the ocean today.

Although best known for its stunning sailing yachts ( Sea Eagle II, Ethereal  and  Aquarius  are particular knock-outs) Royal Huisman has also successfully branched out into the world of motor yachts. Its most recent build is the 192-ft Phi,  which was delivered in 2021. This super-slick aluminum yacht has space for up to 12 guests and since her maiden voyage, has been seen cruising on the Thames through London’s financial district. An apt setting for a yacht of this caliber.

royalhuisman.com

Damen Yachting

Damen Yachting, which falls under the umbrella of the wider Damen Shipyards Group, is another Dutch yacht builder dominating the world stage. Operating as Damen’s building division, Damen Yachting was only formed in its existing state in 2019 and is now responsible for the building of the famous Amels yachts, as well as the SeaXplorer expedition ships and yacht support vessels. Since moving its Amels building operations to Vlissingen in 2003, Damen Shipyards proudly boasts the largest superyacht facility in the Netherlands.

As a company of this magnitude, Damen Yachting naturally has some impressive builds under its belt, including the newest in the Limited Editions semi-custom range: the Amels 60 . Currently under construction with an estimated delivery of 2022, the 197-foot Amels 60  uses a fuel-efficient hybrid propulsions system to slash emissions, cut noise pollution and minimize fuel and maintenance costs.

damenyachting.com

Italian-born Sanlorenzo is continuously regarded as being among the best in class when it comes to yacht builders and has been the recipient of numerous awards in its near-65 year lifetime. Despite Sanlorenzo’s longevity and established status, it remains a truly boutique luxury yacht builder at heart. To ensure the attention to detail and high quality for which it is famous for, as well as securing exclusivity for its clients, Sanlorenzo is committed to working with a limited number of customers each year.

In true Italian style, the superyachts that leave Sanlorenzo’s main La Spezia shipyard transcend trends; instead, they exude classic style and authentic craftsmanship. Combined, this guarantees a truly timeless finish – of which the current flagship Attila is a perfect example. Sanlorenzo specializes in fiberglass, steel and aluminum, ensuring that each owner can select a material to befit their needs.

sanlorenzoyacht.com

Despite dating back over a hundred years, German luxury yacht builder Nobiskrug always has one eye on the future with a steadfast commitment to innovation. Nobiskrug offers fully custom yacht builds, working directly with owners to fulfill their unique vision, as well as working on ship refits. The company operates out of world-class yacht-building facilities in the city of Rendsburg, which include a climate-controlled superyacht hall.

The need to strive for innovation extends to Nobiskrug’s environmental commitments, where it applies advanced technologies in order to limit the impact of its builds. For example, Artefact – which was first delivered in 2020 – was one of the first superyachts to be built in line with the IMO Tier III regulations (which focus on reducing emissions). Artefact uses onboard solar panels and a battery storage system to allow for a limited period of engineless operation, as well as adopting a waste-water recycling system.

nobiskrug.com

[See also: Discovering the World’s Most Exciting Superyacht Concepts]

Latest in Luxury

The explorer.

Thank you for subscribing to Elite Traveler.

• Motorcycles
• Car of the Month
• Destinations
• Men’s Fashion
• Watch Collector
• Art & Collectibles
• Vacation Homes
• Celebrity Homes
• New Construction
• Home Design
• Electronics
• Fine Dining
• Aston Martin
• L’Atelier
• Les Marquables de Martell
• Mira Villas
• Panther National
• Reynolds Lake Oconee
• 672 Wine Club
• Sports & Leisure
• Health & Wellness
• Best of the Best
• The Ultimate Gift Guide

The 25 Largest Yachts in the World

The list runs from lürssen's 592-foot 'azzam' to fincantieri 439-foot 'serene,' with a fascinating group of bespoke vessels in between..

• Share This Article

The new arrivals in 2024 knock the mighty 436.4-foot  Al Mirqab   and  Koru , Jeff Bezos’s sailing yacht, off the list. The “smallest” yacht— Serene —measures a whopping 439.3 feet. A raft of behemoths didn’t make it, including Feadship’s 290-foot Project 821 that is launching this year, the largest build from the Dutch shipyard to date.

Two of Lürssen’s 2024 deliveries also fell short, including Project Deep Blue and Project JassJ. That said, the German yard remains top of the leader board with the immoveable 592.6-foot  Azzam . It also claims 13 of the 25 world’s largest yachts, two of which are new entries.

The list is interesting because most were built in the last 15 years, but there are several historical yachts, including  Savarona , launched in 1931, and  El Mahrousa , launched in 1865, that withstand the test of time. Others like  Yas  and  OK are conversions from other types of vessels. The inimitable  A  is a one-of-a-kind, never-to-be-repeated sailing superyacht.

Here are the world’s top 25 yachts by length.

Azzam | 592 feet, 6 inches

Lürssen could never really boast about Azzam after its launch in 2013 because of the owner’s penchant for privacy, though it did describe the interior by Christophe Leoni, which features a 95-foot-long main salon, as “inspired by the Empire style of the early 19th century.” Owner Mubarak Saad al Ahbabi directed a team of designers and engineers who started with the bare concept, worked through the technical challenges of what might be the most complex superyacht ever, and finished with an unusually large vessel that can top the 30-knot mark when operating in “sprint mode”. Its gas turbines, connected to water jets, also give it the ability to operate at high speed in shallow waters. Nauta Yacht’s exterior features a long, sleek forward area, with well-proportioned tiers moving up to the skydeck. It took an impressive six million man-hours—or four years including engineering—to build.  Azzam  accommodates up to 36 guests, and a crew of 80.

Fulk Al Salamah | 538 feet, 1 inch

Little information has been released about the world’s second-longest superyacht, the custom-built Fulk Al Salamah , and it has been shrouded in mystery since it was first announced in 2014. Even the overall length of 538.1 feet has been estimated from AIS data. However, the imposing vessel, built and delivered by Italian builder Mariotti Yachts in their Genoa shipyard in 2016, is believed to be owned by Sultan Haitham bin Tariq of Oman. Last refit in 2021, the yacht has an exterior design by Studio de Jorio, and it is considered by some to resemble more of a support vessel than a superyacht. Nonetheless, aerial photography shows an impressively large helideck, raked masts, and a bathing platform.

Eclipse | 533 feet, 1 inch

The 533.1-foot stately  Eclipse , one of two yachts on this list owned by sanctioned billionaire Roman Abramovich, took five years to design and build. When it left the Blohm+Voss shipyard in Hamburg in 2010, it was the world’s largest yacht. The interior has 17 staterooms and a palatial primary suite, with the capacity to carry 85 crew. Both the interior and exterior are designed by Terence Disdale. A proportional profile is defined by tiered decks that sweep upward and bend ever so slightly at the aft ends. Eclipse  has a 185-foot-long owner’s deck, the capacity to hold three helicopters, a sophisticated stabilization system, six tenders, and an enormous spa, gym and beach club, not to mention one of the largest swimming pools on any superyacht. Hybrid diesel-electric engines are connected to Azipod drives that give Eclipse a top-end speed of 21 knots, with a range of 6,000 nautical miles.

Dubai | 531 feet, 5 inches

Even at 531.5 feet, Dubai ’s all-white Winch-designed exterior belies the dramatic and vibrant interior within. Colorful mosaic floors, a spiraling glass staircase, 70-foot-wide atrium, and bursts of red, blue, and green create a carnival of scene. Originally commissioned for Prince Jefri Bolkiah of Brunei as a joint project between Blohm+Voss and Lürssen . Known as “Panhandle,” the project was halted in 1998 with just a bare hull and skeletal superstructure. The hull was sold to the government of Dubai, and, under the direction of the country’s ruler, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, work on the 531.5-footer began again, though this time by Platinum Yachts. Dubai delivered in 2006 and is now the sheikh’s royal yacht, with accommodations for 24 guests and quarters for 88 crew. The SOLAS-certified seven-decked yacht has a landing pad for a Black Hawk helicopter, submarine garage, disco and cinema, and can reach a top speed of 26 knots. There’s also a waterfall that cascades from the yacht’s pool, located aft of the main deck. The yacht’s range of 8,500 nm at 25 knots gives it the potential to cruise around the world in record time.

Blue | 518 feet, 3 inches

Lürssen’s newest entry on the list, Blue , which delivered to its Middle Eastern owner in July 2022, may rank at number five out of the world’s largest yachts, but its diesel-electric hybrid propulsion system goes a long way to minimize emissions. The yacht also features an electric Azimuth pod drive that can be used independently or in conjunction with the twin propeller shafts. There is a waste-water treatment system and an advanced exhaust treatment system to help reduce NOx levels, as well as cut down on vibration and noise pollution. Interior and exterior design is by Terence Disdale, Blue is defined in profile by a raked bow with a helipad, an aft deck pool, and twin balconies forward either side of the owner’s full-beam suite. There is a second, smaller helipad aft. The British designer has reportedly penned a feminine and elegant interior, though no images have yet been released.

Dilbar | 511 feet, 8 inches

The 2016 launch of Dilbar gave Lürssen the distinction of not only building the longest yacht ever ( Azzam ), but also the largest in terms of volume. Espen Øino designed the exterior, creating a full-bodied superstructure of long, flowing decks, along with two helicopter pads,two helicopter pads, one of which has a hangar with an H175 helicopter always on standby.  Dilbar  also has an oversized garden and an 82-foot swimming pool that can hold an incredible 6,357-cubic-feet of water and according to Lürssen, is the world’s longest on a yacht. The interior by  Winch Design  is defined by its “rare and exclusive luxury materials,” says the builder, declining to go into detail. Despite  Dilbar ’s volume, the designers did a masterful job making the yacht look relatively svelte. In June 2020, Dilbar returned to Lürssen for a significant refit, where the yacht remains following U.S. sanctions placed on the owner, Russian billionaire Alisher Usmanov, in 2022. The yacht’s value is estimated to be $600 million.

Al Saïd | 508 feet, 5 inches

Another 500-plus-foot yacht from Lürssen, the original Project Sunflower gained its official name of Al Saïd following its launch in 2016. Espen Øino’s exterior is akin to a classic cruise liner, complete with the twin-exhaust stacks in the center of the superstructure. Owned by the Sultan of Oman, the yacht was listed for the sale for the first time in April 2022 for an undisclosed sum, but a buyer has yet to be confirmed. The six-decked  Al Saïd  can carry 154 crew and an estimated 70 guests across 26 suites. Lürssen reports a top speed of 22 knots. The London-based Redman Whiteley Dixon studio designed the interior, which includes a concert hall that can hold a 50-piece orchestra, a private cinema for 50 people; you’ll also find a medical room and dental care on board.

A+ | 483 feet, 1 inch

Very little is known about A+ (formerly Topaz) , which was launched by Lürssen in 2012. Tim Heywood Designs did the exterior, which features helipads on the foredeck and amidships on an upper deck. A lower aft deck includes a swimming pool. The German yard has not released any images of the Terence Disdale interior. Reported to be owned by Manchester City Football Club owner Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed al Nahyan—Emirati royalty and deputy prime minister of the UAE— A+  is equipped with a 40-foot Vikal catamaran beachlander and is powered by six Wärtsilä engines to reach a top speed of 22 knots. It can carry 62 guests and up to 79 crew and was last refit in 2022.

Prince Abdulaziz | 482 feet, 3 inches

The 5,200-tonne Prince Abdulaziz is one of the Saudi Royal family’s yachts, its first owner being King Fahd. Designed by Maierform, the yacht was the longest and tallest in the world at the time of its launch, a title the 482.3-foot  Prince Abdulaziz  held for 22 years until  Dubai  launched in 2006. The late David Nightingale Hicks, known for his use of bright colors, was the interior designer. The lobby is said to be a replica of the Titanic . The yacht is also rumored to be carrying surface-to-air missiles, though that may be an urban legend. Launched by Helsingør Værft in Denmark in 1984, it was last refit in 2023.

OK | 479 feet

Originally built by Japan’s Oshima Shipbuilding in 1982, the semisubmersible heavy lift ship was used for decades by DYT Yacht Transport as float-on yacht carrier. In 2022, the vessel underwent a private conversion at Karmarine shipyard in Turkey, turning it into a luxury, though highly unusual, yacht named OK . Modifications include a matte-black paint job, gold-tinted glazing, and teak decking. The vessel’s 328-foot submersible aft deck—a feature that first attracted her new owner, who uses OK to transport their 150-foot ketch—is now covered in a carpet of artificial grass. A 40-tonne crane allows for the safe and easy launch and retrieval of a vast range of toys, including a seaplane. The interior by Bozca Design is reported to include accommodation for 20 guests, a botanical garden, and a crazy Willy Wonka–inspired glass elevator that operates outside of the yacht’s superstructure.

Opera | 479 feet

Very little is known about Lürssen’s mysterious superyacht Opera , though it’s thought to be a rebuild of Project Sassi, which was destroyed in a fire in 2018 at the German shipyard. Now four feet longer than the first iteration, the superyacht became the 11th largest yacht in the world when it delivered to its patient owner in 2023. Exterior and interior designed by Terence Disdale, Opera has a whopping 66-foot beam and an interior volume exceeding 10,000GT. No interior images have been released yet, though judging by its two swimming pools, one with a lifting floor, and two helipads—one on the bow and one on the upper aft deck—it seems no expense has been spared.

El Mahrousa | 478 feet, 1 inch

El Mahrousa , which means “The Protected” in Arabic, is currently Egypt’s presidential yacht, though the 478.1-footer has a separate history as that country’s royal yacht. The London-based Samuda Brothers began the build in 1863, and it was launched in 1865. The world’s oldest superyacht—and formerly the world’s biggest—was originally built for the Ottoman governor of Egypt, Khedive Ismail, and later carried three Egyptian kings into exile. The yacht was also at the opening of the Suez Canal in 1869. It features external design by the British naval architect Sir Oliver Lang and has had multiple modifications over the years, including a lengthening by 40 feet in 1872 and another 17 feet in 1905. During the second refit, the owners replaced its paddle-wheel engines with turbine-driven propellers. The yacht, in care of the Egyptian Navy, occasionally goes to sea for a day or two. In 2015, it was used to inaugurate the new Suez Canal.

Project Luminance | 475 feet, 7 inches

Delivered in 2024, Project Luminance (the real name is yet to be confirmed) is Lürssen’s newest entry on the list. Exterior designed by Espen Øino, the yacht has a raked bow, a contrasting paint job in a dark blue hull and silver superstructure and a whopping 8,999 gross tons of interior volume. Few details are yet known about the gigayacht owned by Ukrainian mining and financial services mogul Rinat Akhmetov, including the interior by Francois Zuretti, but aerial shots reveal twin helicopter pads—one on the foredeck and another high up aft—a large beach club, and an infinity pool, with a private spa pool area on the foredeck.

A | 468 feet, 5 inches

Undoubtedly one of the most visionary projects ever delivered by German shipyard Nobiskrug, the Philippe Starck-designed A is a wild fantasy of the future. Delivered in 2017, the futuristic look of  sailing yacht  A includes smooth, silver-metallic surfaces and windows that look nearly invisible, a 26-foot draft, three composite masts that bend slightly, and a deck hidden by high bulwarks. The Philippe Starck–design is a wild fantasy yacht of the future. The 468-foot sailing yacht is a technical victory for Nobiskrug , which developed composite fashion plates to create the unusual shapes without compromising any strength or fluidity. It has the tallest freestanding composite masts on any sailing vessel, a diesel-electric propulsion system, and state-of-the-art navigation systems. The boat also reportedly has an underwater viewing platform in the keel. Starck’s traditional interior features dark wood, copper accents, and cozy patterned carpets. The split-deck main salon is divided into zoned seating areas with integrated bookshelves. A remains today the world’s largest sailing yacht six years after its launch, though many argue it is better defined as a sail-assisted yacht.

Nord | 466 feet

Nord was announced in 2015 but didn’t hit the water until its 2020 sea trials in the Baltic Sea. The 466-foot yacht features interior design by Italian studio Nuvolari Lenard and was Lürssen’s first yacht launched from its floating shed at its facility in Vegasack. Boasting top-tier amenities, the yacht includes a sports and diving center on the lower deck, multiple tenders ranging in size up to 50 feet and a large swimming pool. The two helipads support the yacht’s long-range cruising capabilities for autonomous exploration, and a retractable hangar means a helicopter can slide neatly into the superstructure for storage when not in use. A generous 20 staterooms accommodate 36 guests across six decks, while a sleek aft-sloping superstructure gives Nord an individual profile on the water.

Yas | 462 feet, 6 inches

As a converted yacht, Yas is one of the most interesting vessels on this list. The dolphin-like exterior was originally a former Dutch Navy frigate that launched in 1978 and eventually sold to the navy of the United Arab Emirates, where it was renamed Al Emirat . The yacht underwent its dramatic conversion in a facility in Abu Dhabi’s main port, emerging as a gleaming superyacht in 2011, with one of the most interesting profiles on the water. It was eventually delivered four years later. Reportedly owned by Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed al Nahyan, half-brother of the president of the UAE, Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the design by Paris-based Pierrejean Vision is defined by massive glass surfaces. Yas can accommodate 60 guests and 58 crew members. Mated to a steel hull, the superstructure is the largest composite edifice ever built.

Solaris | 459 feet, 3 inches

Owned by Russian businessman Roman Abramovich, the 476-foot  Solaris  was one of the largest yachts to deliver in 2021. Last refit in 2022 at MB92 in Barcelona, the vast, highly private explorer is built by German shipyard Lloyd Werft and features a displacement steel hull with bulbous bow and steel superstructure with teak decks. The eight-deck exterior by Australian designer Marc Newson houses a large helipad, sundeck, spacious beach club aft and 21,527 square feet of glass, the largest panes to ever be built into a yacht. Lloyd Werft also built the Russian billionaire’s previous explorer yacht Luna , which he reportedly sold for $360 million to his close friend Farkhad Akhmedov in 2014.

Ocean Victory | 459 feet, 3 inches

The largest motoryacht ever built in Italy, Fincantieri’s Ocean Victory is owned by Russian billionaire Viktor Rashnikov, who was sanctioned in 2022. The seven-deck exterior by Espen Øino includes two helideck platforms and a hangar belowdecks, as well as exceptional outdoor social areas and a floodable tender dock. Ocean Victory has accommodations for 28 guests as well as quarters for 56 crew. The interior by Alberto Pinto remains a secret, aside from the yacht’s six pools, a 3,300-square-foot spa, and an underwater observation room.

Scheherazade | 459 feet, 3 inches

The 459.3-foot, Lürssen-built Scheherazade (formerly known as Project Lightning) was delivered in June 2020, with exterior design by Espen Øino and interior design by Francois Zuretti. Two helipads, forward and aft, and a large beach club aft are visible from aerial photographs, but aside from the yacht’s reported seven-foot beam, 40 crew and unique drone-crashing system for privacy, further details have not yet been released. The reason may lie with the yacht’s unofficial owner, believed to be Russian president Vladimir Putin. In May 2022, Italian authorities froze Scheherazade in the port of Marina di Carrara following an investigation conducted by Italian financial police who found the ship’s beneficial owner had “significant economic and business ties” to high-ranking Russian government officials, though the results of the investigation to date remain inconclusive.

Al Salamah | 456 feet

When Lürssen launched Al Salamah in 1999, it was the third-largest yacht in the world. Its number 20 ranking shows how much has changed in the last 20 years. Code-named MIPOS, or Mission Possible, the yacht was designed by Terence Disdale . Originally owned by Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz, the yacht was put up for sale for $280 million in in 2013 before it was reportedly given to Bahraini Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa as a gift. The large imposing exterior is primarily protected space, with an upper deck exposed to the elements. Al Salamah has staterooms for 40 guests, including two owner suites, 11 VIP staterooms, and eight twin cabins. The yacht can carry up to 96 crew and has a top speed of 22 knots. Al Salamah was last refitted in 2009.

Rising Sun | 454 feet, 1 inch

Designed by the original guru of yacht designers, Jon Bannenberg, Rising Sun was built by Lürssen for Oracle CEO Larry Ellison and is currently owned by billionaire David Geffen, who reportedly paid $590 million for the yacht. The yacht comes with a gym, a grand piano, multiple swimming pools, a beauty salon, and a spa with a sauna. Delivered in 2004 and last refit in 2022, the yacht’s exterior is defined by banks of windows across the superstructure. Rising Sun has 86,000 square feet of living space in 82 rooms. It can accommodate 18 guests in nine cabins, with the capacity to carry up to 46 crew. The interior by Seccombe Design includes a gym, cinema, and wine cellar, and the rear cockpit deck was designed as a basketball court. Geffen received global media backlash in 2020 for his “tone deaf” social-media posts that pictured himself on board his yacht during Covid-19 lockdown.

Flying Fox | 446 feet, 2 inches

The 446.2-foot  Flying Fox is arguably the most high-profile yacht on this list, primarily for being the largest yacht available on the charter market. In 2022, it was also singled out as “blocked property” by U.S. authorities in 2022 due to its previous management Imperials Yachts, which was on the US sanctions list. The yacht’s owner, however, Russian billionaire Dmitry Kamenshchik, is not sanctioned, so the yacht was turned over to him and returned to charter in 2024. Key features of the Espen Øino-designed exterior are a curvaceous dove-gray hull and a 3.7-foot swimming pool that runs athwartship on the main aft deck, the largest ever found on board a yacht. A two-decked spa also gives guests access to a cryosauna, hammam, and relaxation room with a fold-down balcony at sea level. Packed to the rafters with the latest amenities, the yacht holds a diving center, a decompression chamber, and two helipads. Flying Fox is PYC compliant and can accommodate 25 guests.

Savarona | 446 feet, 2 inches

Launched in 1931, and by far the largest and fastest private yacht of her day, Savarona was built for American heiress Emily Roebling Cadwalader and is easily identified by its two mustard-colored funnels. The yacht was eventually acquired by Turkey to be the presidential yacht of Kemal Atatürk, founder of modern Turkey. Jane’s Fighting Ships described the yacht in 1949 as “probably the most sumptuously fitted yacht afloat.”  Savarona was later converted to a training ship for the Turkish Navy and, in 1978, destroyed by fire. The yacht laid in tatters for 10 years. A Turkish businessman spent around $45 million refurbishing Savarona , commissioning Donald Starkey for the interior and replacing the original steam-turbine engines with modern Caterpillar diesels. Savarona became Turkey’s official presidential yacht again in 2014, accommodating up to 34 guests in 17 suites and carrying up to 48 crew. Amenities include a swimming pool, a Turkish bath, a 280-foot grand staircase, a movie theater and a library dedicated to Atatürk.

Crescent | 443 feet

Last refit in 2021, Espen Øino’s dark hull and tiered superstructure was one of the most exciting launches of 2018. Called Project Thunder internally at Lürssen, the custom-built yacht features cutouts along the hull sides that allow full ocean views from the saloon on the primary deck, as part of Crescent ’s distinctive curved superstructure. Its most noteworthy feature is the jaw-dropping bank of three-deck-high windows in the center of the yacht. This architectural feature serves as the centerpiece of a very compelling design. The yacht has accommodations for 18 guests in nine staterooms. Little is known about the François Zuretti-designed interior, other than Lürssen describing it as being “traditionally styled.” If it lives up to Crescent ’s brash exterior, the complete yacht promises to be an entirely groundbreaking design. In March 2022, Crescent was detained by Spain as property of Rosneft CEO Igor Sechin, who is sanctioned in connection with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Serene | 439 feet, 3 inches

Serene  is the yacht that launched Fincantieri into the superyacht segment, and what a debut it was. The largest yacht ever launched in Italy when it was delivered in 2011 (surpassed three years later by Ocean Victory ), the Espen Øino seven-deck design features a long, sleek blue hull crowned by a white superstructure. Pascale Reymond of Reymond Langton Design created the 43,056-square-foot interior for a Russian owner, which includes a double height atrium with a piano lounge at the top and a vast open-plan main salon below. Sunken LEDs and bright pink and purple neon lights create a modern party vibe in the social areas, which contrast with the elaborate yet more traditional guest suites. A spiral staircase with intricate metal banisters soars through the heart of the yacht. The open stern area has a winter garden (enclosed glasshouse) that allows dining in all seasons. Serene also has two helipads and a hangar, a big swimming pool, and a tender garage large enough for a submarine.

Read More On:

• Blohm + Voss
• Dream Machines 2020

More Marine

INEOS Britannia’s America’s Cup Race Boat Just Crossed a Lightning-Fast 40 Knots at Sea Trials

This New 248-Foot Superyacht Has Its Own Sports Court on the Deck

Brabus’s New Flagship Is a Loud, Speedy 45-Foot Dayboat. We Hopped Onboard.

Forget a Crow’s Nest. This 207-Foot Explorer Yacht Concept Has Its Own Pop-Up Observatory.

Culinary Masters 2024

MAY 17 - 19 Join us for extraordinary meals from the nation’s brightest culinary minds.

Give the Gift of Luxury

Latest Galleries in Marine

Meet ‘Sherakhan,’ the 228-Foot Ice-Class Explorer Yacht With a Lavish Balinese Spa

The 12 Best Water Safaris Around the World, From Antarctic Cruises to Botswana River Journeys

More from our brands, rosé and pharrell celebrate joopiter’s ‘joyride’ auction in new york, mystik dan wins 2024 kentucky derby in photo finish, ‘turtles all the way down’ review: a young-adult romance with an original dramatic obstacle: the heroine has ocd, faith ringgold, pivotal artist, impassioned activist, and inventor in many mediums, is dead at 93, the best yoga mats for any practice, according to instructors.

More From Forbes

World’s largest sportfishing superyacht launches.

• Share to Facebook
• Share to Twitter
• Share to Linkedin

World's largest sport fishing yacht underway in the North Sea

When it comes to catching marlin, tuna and other large game fish offshore, bigger is ALWAYS better. And now that the 171-foot-long custom sportfishing yacht Special One (project 406 that was designed by Vripack Yacht Design and built by Royal Husiman ) has begun seatrials on the North Sea, the term of “big offshore fishing boat” has a whole new meaning.

Vripack Co-Creative Director, Bart M. Bouwhuis explains the concept perfectly. “Project 406 is a sportfisher on steroids. It has the true proportions and long flaring bow of a typical American sportfish boat. We paired this with the harmonious feel of a luxurious yacht. It’s a supersized model with super chic curves, realized on a grand scale.”

World's largest sport fishing yacht built by Royal Huisman

I was curious to see how the world’s largest sportfish yacht would combine an authentic sports fishing experience with genuine superyacht scale, comfort, and refinement. But now that I’ve seen photos of Special One underway, I’m pretty sure her aluminum hull and superstructure will deliver smooth and efficient passages out to the fishing grounds. And the well-designed fishing area in the stern will be ideal for catching all types and sizes of fish.

Royal Huisman Project 406 SPECIAL ONE

Hundreds of Russian Troops Gathered Out In The Open. They Didn’t Know The Ukrainians Had Aimed Four ATACMS Rockets At Them.

Your best look yet at the new iphone 16, the richest person in every state 2024.

I’ve seen lots of sportfishing yachts that are part of an owners armada of boats that are connected to a superyacht “mothership.” The question is, will Special One start a new trend of owners who are looking for a serious offshore sportfishing boat that doubles as a true superyacht as well?

Watch this space?

• Editorial Standards
• Reprints & Permissions

An ultra-luxury cruise line wants to attract wealthy Americans with its all-inclusive 'yachts' — see what the new 128-guest ship will be like

• Ultra-luxury cruise line  Emerald Cruises says its third ocean ship will debut in 2026.
• The all-inclusive vessel, which Emerald calls a "yacht," would accommodate up to 128 people.
• Emerald, known for river cruises, has been investing more in its ocean-based business.

Over the last few years, the mass-market cruise industry's larger-than-life mega-ships — outfitted with loud waterparks and more dining options than you could eat in a week — have dominated the spotlight.

But in the ultra-luxury cruise market, it's been the opposite. The smaller and more exclusive the vessel, the better. So much so that Emerald Cruises' next ocean-based ship, launching in 2026, plans to accommodate no more than 128 travelers.

It's a far cry from Royal Caribbean's new 7,600-guest cruise liner . And the price difference is just as steep: almost $250 per night on Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas versus more than $720 per night on the upcoming ultra-luxury Emerald Kaia.

"When people think of cruising now, they automatically think of these large ships ," Robert Castro, the vice president of marketing for Scenic Group, Emerald's parent company, told Business Insider. "There's a market for that, but we're in a unique position."

If you’re familiar with river cruises, Emerald might ring a bell.

The cruise line, owned by Scenic Group, only offered river cruises for its first nine years.

But lately, its biggest growth and investments have been in oceans, not rivers.

In 2022 and 2023, the Switzerland-based company launched its first two ocean cruise ships, which it calls "yachts." Each accommodates a maximum of 100 guests . And so far, they've been hits, with the cruise line experiencing record-high bookings in 2023.

Yes, the ships look like yachts. And yes, they're marketed as such.

But because Emerald's vessels operate group itineraries, they still technically count as cruise ships, albeit really nice ones.

So instead of paying hundreds of thousands of dollars a week to charter a yacht, as is traditional with these high-end vessels , travelers can spend less than $800 a day for a traditional cruise on said yacht-like ship.

While it's not nearly as exclusive, it sure is a hell of a lot cheaper, "bringing the charter yacht experience to reach for people who would never even imagine," Castro said.

Emerald’s upcoming 393-foot-long, 128-guest Kaia would be perfect for fans of small, high-end ships.

The 64-cabin Emerald Kaia would have a larger guest capacity than its two predecessors but would still be tiny compared to most cruise ships, including some of the most luxurious ones.

Regent Seven Seas' new Grandeur can accommodate 746 guests, while Ritz-Carlton says its next ship will sail up to 448 travelers.

Even Four Season's upcoming vessel — with fares up to $350,000 a week — would have a larger guest capacity of up to 222 people. However, it would be almost 290 feet longer than Emerald Kaia.

Like traditional cruise ships, Kaia would have amenities like a spa, two lounges, and three dining options.

The top deck would also have a cabana and bar-lined pool, one of three swimming holes on the ship.

But unlike its mass-market competitors, Kaia would have an open-air marina that would give travelers direct access to the water.

Water platforms are typically only common on yacht-marketed ships, such as Emerald's, Ritz-Carlton's, and, someday, Four Seasons'.

This means guests on the upcoming Kaia could dip in the Mediterranean, Adriatic, and Aegean seas — as is included in its 2026 and 2027 itineraries — without disembarking the ship.

According to the cruise line, Emerald Kaia's future itineraries include an 11-day sailing from Cyprus to Greece and a 20-day one from Seychelles to Kenya.

Its cheapest itinerary is currently an eight-day roundtrip Seychelles vacation in 2027, starting at $5,055 per person.

As an all-inclusive cruise line, amenities like alcohol, WiFi, and excursions would be included in the base fare. However, unlike all-inclusive competitor Regent Seven Seas , guests must pay for their flights to and from the ship.

To compare, itineraries of the same length on Regent's Seven Seas Grandeur and Ritz-Carlton's Ilma would be $36 cheaper and $120 more expensive, respectively, per day.

But the fares aren't stopping travelers from gravitating toward Emerald. Before it unveiled Kaia, its parent company announced a record number of bookings in January — up 67% compared to its previous record in January 2020.

Castro said about 20% to 35% of its guests are American, typically well-acquainted with luxury travel.

The company's goal has been to increase its number of American customers. So far, it's working and is now "on track to be Emerald's No. 1 market," Castro told BI.

The new vessel is being built at a great time for the cruise line.

Strong demand, compounded by a small fleet of small ships, has led to fewer available cabins for its upcoming summer Mediterranean cruises.

Several of these sailings are now fully reserved. The cheapest remaining fares start at $4,570 per person for an eight-day November sailing from Athens, Greece, to Dubrovnik, Croatia.

It's great news for Emerald as it considers a future with more ocean "yachts." "The sooner we fill the ships, the sooner we start building new ones," Castro said.

• Main content

5 of the Best Boat or Yacht Shipping Companies

If you don’t have time to sail your boat across an ocean and would like to have it brought to you instead, there are a wide number of yacht shipping companies ready to do the job.

(Photo: DYT Yacht Transport)

Depending on the size and type of your vessel, shipping can not only be cheaper but also quicker than travelling solo across long distances, especially when there are vast oceans to navigate along the way. There are a large selection of reputable companies that specialise in the transportation of yachts, with bespoke logistics services providing clients with the very maximum in convenience, security and peace of mind. We’ve picked out 5 of the best below.

DYT Yacht Transport

Founded in 1987, DYT Yacht Transport serves the global yachting community with safe, reliable, and on-time yacht transportation to destinations across the world. Their purpose-built, semi-submersible carriers utilise an innovative ‘float on-float off’ method that is widely considered the industry high water mark for the safest and most efficient way to transport vessels. This helps enable an average transatlantic delivery time of 15 days while carrying yachts up to 165m, loaded in impressive numbers on the carrier’s dock. The company also offer marine cargo insurance, customs and clearance guidance, and facilities for crew to ride aboard, providing clients with added peace of mind.

Yacht-transport.com

Legend Yacht Transport

Based in Florida, Legend Yacht Transport are trusted by some of the largest global yacht manufacturers, owners, and racers with managing the safe and streamlined delivery of boats and yachts to ports in worldwide destinations. They offer flexible, fully customisable turn key solutions to the marine industry with concierge yacht and boat transport logistics. With both charter and linear services available, they are particularly well-known for their transportation of motor yachts, shipping more boats of this type than any other. Comprehensive vessel insurance, logistics tracking, and 24/7 staff help facilitate stress-free delivery.

Legendyachttransport.com

Schumacher Cargo Logistics

An international moving company, Schumacher Cargo Logistics arrange shipments directly from the US to global destinations including Australia, New Zealand, the UK, Germany, France and the rest of Europe. When it comes to their yacht transportation services, whether it’s a 20-foot Nautique or 200-foot yacht, they help clients work out a plan that will make the relocation of their vessel overseas as easy and pain-free as possible. They use three main methods for yacht shipping: Lift on Lift off, Roll on Roll off and Semi-Submersible. Additionally, they are also a licensed boat importer for yacht shipments coming to the US.

Schumachercargo.com

Brooks Yacht Transport

Unlike the other companies on this list, Brooks Yacht Transport aren’t a general cargo shipping company, but instead specialise exclusively in yacht and boat transportation. Family-owned and managed, they pride themselves on delivering a personable, reliable and straightforward experience for clients that cuts through the highly technical and logistical procedures involved in moving vessels across oceans and seas. They carefully analyse each client’s time frame and type of boat being transported in order to determine the best shipping method and route, leveraging cutting-edge technology to do things in the most efficient way possible.

Brooksyachttransport.com

Sevenstar Yacht Transport

With 30 years of dedicated yacht transport experience, Sevenstar Yacht Transport provide door-to-door solutions for any yacht transport needs. The preferred shipping partner for many boat yards and yacht brands, they are renowned for their safe, reliable services that make use of liner and charter ships, or a mixture of both. An in-house engineering team creates lift- and stowage plans, while quality-controlled cradles and lifting materials are managed from global hubs. They also have a well-trained and experienced crew on board all of their vessels and a global network of offices and local yacht service agents standing ready to help.

Sevenstar-yacht-transport.com

Latest Articles

• 7 of the Best French Restaurants in Manhattan May 3, 2024
• 5 Unique Hiroshima Food Tours May 3, 2024
• Where to Book Transfer from Dubai Airport to Your Hotel May 3, 2024
• 5 of the Best Boat or Yacht Shipping Companies May 2, 2024
• Editor Picks: Hotels on the Palm, Dubai May 2, 2024

Yachting World

• Digital Edition

Wauquiez 55 first look: brimming with clever ideas

• Toby Heppell
• May 3, 2024

The new Wauquiez 55 is aimed squarely at the premium end of the cruising market and is the first new launch from the French brand since 2018

While the graphical representations of many new designs may look impressive, rarely do we see a production yacht unveiled with so many new or reimagined clever ideas all packed into one hull as there are on this new Wauquiez 55.

And the French shipyard did so under the radar, only unveiling these images of its first new model since the Wauquiez 42 in 2018 at the Düsseldorf Boat Show in January this year. The Wauquiez 55 also marks its first new launch under new owners Exel Industries, and is aimed squarely at the premium end of the cruising market.

The novel design certainly sparks interest.

A centre cockpit cruiser with twin engines and a lift keel option, it offers the type of full cockpit protection only seen on a couple of cruising yachts such as Amels and Allures today, including the ability to control all manoeuvres and handling from here. Perhaps my favourite feature, though, is the direct access from the owner’s aft cabin straight onto the beamy sunken aft deck terrace.

Master cabin has near surround views plus direct access to the aft terrace.

Even before Wauquiez revealed the designer responsible, the prominent reverse sheer, lines long favoured by Lombard design, gave it away. Lombard’s longstanding co-director Eric Levet told me how this method worked particularly well for this higher deck concept – “it’s something you couldn’t do on an aft cockpit yacht”. He also confirmed that the aft terrace leans on inspiration from early Wally yachts such as Tiketitan.

While the Wauquiez 55 is designed for ease of short-handed use from within the cockpit cocoon, it’s also conceived for performance and double digit speeds. A tall rig provides almost 170m2 of upwind sail area and the boat is built in foam sandwich to keep weight down to 20 tonnes lightship.

Article continues below…

Wauquiez PS42 review: Interior finesse shines through on classy cruiser

A good brand exudes quality. Seeing a logo on a car or a yacht is a visual pat on the…

Beneteau Oceanis 46.1 boat test – the next big thing for the world’s biggest builder?

Beneteau’s new stepped hull design works so well this 46.1 could become its most popular model ever

Options are generous including three rigs, two keels, and two different interior layouts. The ballasted swing keel version provides pointing ability in its deep 4.2m mode or raises to 1.6m, and has a fuse in the hydraulic system in case of grounding. The carbon performance rig version comes with a furling boom, while the main is sheeted to an aft deck traveller on a flatwinder winch. Levet says the push/pull JP3 steering system ensures good helming sensitivity.

The deck layout gives plenty of relaxation space, while tankage and stowage looks generous, although there’s no dinghy garage, so davits will likely be needed.

By building in full sandwich construction, including all bulkheads and floors and some furniture, he calculates Wauquiez saved around three tonnes. It’s also a very stable shape so doesn’t require too much keel weight. “It’s like the Opium 39 we did 15 years ago – but built like a Swan,” Levet enthuses.

More natural light in the saloon with access to the large double cabin forward

The modern Roseo Design interior stands out for its natural light and sea views, whether you’re standing or sitting in the saloon and galley, or looking out from the 270° viewing angles from the aft master cabin.

The twin drives (50hp or 75hp) are accessed via a central walk-in engine room below the cockpit. Wauquiez’s theory here is to promote safety, lower consumption, more torque and speed. Couple this with the high-powered single or dual Integrel alternators, which give 8-16kW recharging, and there’s no need for a genset either. Wauquiez is also offering a parallel hybrid system for this 55 too.

There are two layouts, an owner’s version with beam wide cabin or a ‘long distance travel’ alternative, which reduces this aft cabin to offer a utility/laundry area. Both have a second vast double cabin forward, plus a Pullman.

The first yacht is in construction and Wauquiez plans to premiere it at Cannes Boat Show in September.

Wauquiez 55 specifications

LOA: 17.58m 57ft 8in Hull length: 16.4m 53ft 10in Beam: 5.25m 17ft 3in Draught: 2.4m 7ft 10in or 1.6m-4.2m 5ft3in-13ft9in Displacement (light): 20 tonnes Price: from €1.8m ex VAT Builder: wauquiez.com

If you enjoyed this….

Yachting World is the world’s leading magazine for bluewater cruisers and offshore sailors. Every month we have inspirational adventures and practical features to help you realise your sailing dreams. Build your knowledge with a subscription delivered to your door. See our latest offers and save at least 30% off the cover price.

The Best New Small-Ship Cruises to Book in 2024

A uthentic. It was Merriam Webster's top searched word for 2023 and one that has dominated the travel vernacular in recent years. And while many would not necessarily associate the word with ocean cruising , the growth in popularity of small-ship cruises-particularly sailings with 500 guests or fewer-indicates that in the cruising world, passengers are seeking a more intimate, less crowded, and yes, arguably more authentic sailing experience.

Take expedition cruising , for example. As the number of adventure-focused ships and yachts has exploded in recent years, these cruises are no longer just about extreme voyages in polar regions. They are also about offering a deeper look into the culture, food, history, and environmental fragility of remote wonders of the world.

Although there isn't a huge number of new small ships being introduced, there are a few notable vessels that have either recently launched or are launching this year with a focus on the idea that smaller is not just better, but more sustainable, too. These new small-ship cruises bring with them some exciting and more immersive new itineraries to destinations both warm and wintry that have us ready to pack our bags and sail away.

Sea Cloud Cruises' "Sea Cloud Spirit"

• Suggested itinerary: Reset your mind and body on an eight-night sailing through Spain's Canary Islands and on to Morocco on a special cruise featuring experts in restorative health. Pricing starts at $4,895 per person.

What's more authentic-and sustainable-than setting sail on a tall ship where the sails are hoisted up each day by hand? Although not technically new (it was launched in 2021), the 136-passenger Sea Cloud Spirit and its two sister ships, Sea Cloud and Sea Cloud II , are upping their game in a push to introduce Sea Cloud Cruises' unique product to North American travelers. The German company has traditionally catered to German and British passengers. As part of its effort to expand its reach and appeal, Sea Cloud is adding wellness programs with daily onboard yoga and guest fitness gurus, in addition to special food- and wine-focused sailings with well-known chefs making appearances. Sea Cloud Spirit , the largest of the three-ship fleet with 69 cabins, was meticulously designed to pay homage to the original Sea Cloud , which was the world's largest private sailing yacht when Wall Street broker Edward Francis Hutton had it built in 1931 for his wife, Marjorie Merriweather Post.

The Sea Cloud Spirit combines the experience of decades of traditional seamanship with the modern-day luxuries of a private yacht. Cabins range from 172-square-foot single cabins to 300-square-foot balcony suites with soaking tubs. There's a large fitness center and spa, which has a steam room, sauna, and thermal area for two; indoor and outdoor lounges; and a main dining area, plus a more casual bistro. The action, however, is out on deck, where passengers can stargaze at night or simply gaze in awe at the impressive sails blowing in the wind.

Atlas Ocean Voyages' "World Navigator"

• Suggested itinerary: Go searching for Arctic wildlife on a 12-night cruise from Reykjavík, which sails along the eastern coast of Greenland and to Longyearbyen in the Svalbard archipelago, one of the world's northernmost inhabited areas and home to polar bears, reindeer, arctic foxes, and other Nordic wildlife. Pricing starts at $6,499 per person.

World Navigator , which sailed its maiden voyage in Antarctica this past November, is the third vessel to join the fleet of one of the newest players in small-ship expedition cruising, Atlas Ocean Voyages. The company's 100-cabin expedition yachts are almost identical and provide a hybrid of sorts between traditional expedition and luxury cruising. Cabins are spacious, almost all with balconies, desks, and seating areas. The bathrooms have glass-mosaic tiled showers with rain showerheads, wall jets, and even benches.

Everything on the ship-including the sauna with floor-to-ceiling windows-is designed to provide maximum views. The ships also have spacious pool decks with two hot tubs, a fitness center overlooking the sea, a spa, and water toys like kayaks and paddleboards. There's even extreme camping gear for those willing to brave an overnight under the stars in Antarctica. During North American winters, all three of Atlas's expedition yachts sail in Antarctica. With the addition of World Navigator , the company is launching more Arctic Circle cruises during the North American summers while also adding a host of new epicurean and cultural expeditions in South America, the Caribbean, the Mediterranean, and northern Europe this year.

Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection's "Ilma"

• Suggested itinerary: Spend a little extra time in port on a 10-day sailing from Barcelona to Lisbon, which has three overnight stays, in Palma de Mallorca and Malaga in Spain, and in Lisbon, Portugal, one of Europe's oldest cities. Pricing starts at $10,600 per person.

Another newcomer to luxury small-ship cruising is the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, which debuts its second ship, the Ilma , this year. With 224 suites, the ship is larger than the original Ritz-Carlton yacht, the 149-suite Evrima , which launched in October 2022. On the Ilma , all the suites will have private terraces, including a two-story suite with soaking tub; the coveted, 1,000-square-foot owner's suite has a private outdoor whirlpool. Even the smallest suites are not all that small, at 300 square feet, and come with a personal concierge and 24-hour room service. The yacht boasts what Ritz-Carlton says is the highest ratio of space per guest at sea.

And you can expect to find the same meticulous service standards that you would find at Ritz-Carlton resorts throughout the world as the line aims to impress hotel guests seeking a luxury hotel experience at sea. Onboard are five dining venues, including S.E.A., a European tasting experience designed by chef Sven Elverfeld of Aqua, the three Michelin-starred restaurant at the Ritz-Carlton in Wolfsburg, Germany; Talaat Nam, featuring Southeast Asian cuisine and a sushi bar; and Mistral, a casual come-as-you-are alfresco grill with a Mediterranean-inspired menu. Light bites are served at the marina at the aft of the ship, where you can also hop on a borrowed paddleboard. Oh, and did we mention there are two outdoor pools, too?