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The 15 Most Expensive Yachts in the World

These dream machines show what's possible when money is no object., rachel cormack.

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As superyachts continue to get bigger and more extravagant than ever before, so too do the accompanying price tags. According to the Boats Group’s market index, the average cost of a yacht above 80 feet in the US last year was $5.3 million. As you’ll see below, though, there are a handful of high-end vessels that blow that figure out of the water.

Although it’s difficult to get exact prices in what is a fiercely secretive industry, sales of luxury yachts have surged amid the pandemic and the ultra-wealthy are more willing than ever to fork out for ostentatious ocean goers. Case in point: Billionaire Amazon founder Jeff Bezos reportedly parted with $485 million for his Oceanco megayacht that’s currently in build.

Believe it or not, that’s quite a modest price compared to at least half of the entries on this list. Lürssen’s Dilbar , for instance, is rumored to have cost in the ballpark of $800 million. As alluded to, the shipyards behind these lavish, nine-figure designs seldom share details regarding ownership or price. Therefore, the amounts cited here are estimates pulled together from Wikipedia and other reliable sources. Still, the 15 vessels here give you a good idea of what’s possible when money is no object and the best builders in the business are at your whim.

Lürssen: ‘Dilbar’ — $800 Million

Delivered in 2016, Lürssen’s Dilbar is the largest motor yacht in the world by gross tonnage. It’s also the most expensive with an original price tag in the ballpark of $800 million. Weighing in at 15,917 tons, the monolithic 512-footer is one of the most complex and challenging vessels the German yard has ever built. Penned by Espen Øino, Dilbar features a classic profile and a light ivory hull with bronze accents. Onboard, meanwhile, the elegant interiors were brought to life by Winch Design and outfitted with only the best luxury materials. The pièce de résistance is, of course, the 82-foot swimming pool. Lürssen says it is the largest pool ever to have been installed on a yacht. Seafarers also have access to 41,000 square feet of saloons, staterooms, spas and cinemas to explore. German authorities impounded Dilbar earlier this year after establishing it was linked to a Russian billionaire. According to the US Treasury Department, the yacht is now worth between $600 million and $700 million, with annual maintenance costs of about $60 million.

Blohm+Voss: ‘Eclipse’ — $600 Million

The epic 533-foot Blohm+Voss superyacht Eclipse took half a decade to come to fruition before it was finally delivered to Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich in 2010. At that time, it was the largest yacht in the world and certainly one of the most expensive. It has now been 20-odd years and Eclipse still sits at the top of both lists and is estimated to be worth over $600 million. Designed inside and out by Terence Disdale, the vessel is equipped with 17 staterooms, a 185-foot-long owner’s deck with a palatial owner’s suite, a giant swimming pool that doubles as a dance floor, a gym, a beach club and a spa. Other highlights include a helicopter hangar with space for three choppers and a garage that can hold six tenders. On top of that, Eclipse has a top-end speed of 21 knots, with a range of 6,000 nautical miles.

Lürssen: ‘Azzam’ — $600 Million

Lürssen has proven itself adept at delivering sizable (and expensive) vessels. In fact, the German yard is behind the world’s longest superyacht, which reportedly set one private owner back more than $600 million. Delivered in 2013, Azzam measures just shy of 593 feet and offers a volume of 13,136 GT. Penned by Nauta Yacht, the yacht’s exterior is characterized by a long, sleek forward area and a series of tiers ascending to the skydeck. The interior, meanwhile, was brought to life by Christophe Leoni and showcases luxurious decor inspired by the Empire style of the early 19th century. Azzam is no slouch on the high seas, either, with a top speed of more than 30 knots. Astonishingly, the behemoth only took three years to build after one year of engineering. Azzam also underwent a refit in 2020 that likely resulted in a few more dollars being spent on her.

Lürssen: ‘Al Said’ — $600 Million

Another nine-figure Lürssen megayacht on the list is Al Saïd . Delivered in 2008, the 508-footer reportedly set the Sultan of Oman roughly $600 million and, well, you can tell. Designed by Espen Øino, Al Saïd ’s exterior is reminiscent of a classic cruise liner with the twin-exhaust stacks in the center of the superstructure. Sporting a steel hull and lightweight aluminum superstructure, the yacht is capable of 25 knots flat out, with a cruising speed of 22 knots. Inside, meanwhile, the contemporary interior was penned by Redman Whiteley Dixon. Highlights include a concert hall that can hold a 50-piece orchestra.

Lürssen: ‘A+’ (Topaz) — $527 Million

Lürssen megayacht A+ , previously known as Topaz , reportedly cost approximately $527 million (€400 million) to come to fruition. It is the fourth-largest yacht ever built by the German shipyard and was launched back in 2012. It’s rumored that Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed al Nahyan, the deputy prime minister of the UAE and owner of Manchester City Football Club, took delivery of the vessel and is the current owner. A+ ’s exterior was penned by Tim Heywood Designs, while her interior was brought to life by Terence Disdale. She is equipped with cabins for 62 guests and 72 crew, as well as two helipads, a pool and a large swim platform. What more do you need?

Fincantieri: ‘Serene’ — $444 Million

Fincantieri’s first superyacht turned out to be big in terms of both proportions and price. The 439-footer was the largest yacht ever launched in Italy when it hit the water in 2011 and cost approximately $444 million (€450 million) to complete. Designed by Espen Øino, the seven-deck vessel is characterized by a sleek blue hull, a contrasting white superstructure and a ton of racy curves. She’s brimming with amenities, too, including an enclosed winter garden for dining in any season, a tender garage large enough to house a submarine and a supersized swimming pool for soaking. She also has two helipads and a hangar to facilitate comings and goings. Although the details of Serene ’s interior remain tightly under wraps, we do know Pascale Reymond of Reymond Langton Design penned the 43,056-square-foot living quarters.

Platinum Yachts: ‘Dubai’ — $400 Million

Dubai was, quite literally, built for royalty at a princely fee of roughly $400 million. The superyacht was originally commissioned by Prince Jefri Bolkiah of Brunei as a joint project between Blohm+Voss and Lürssen. The duo only got to finish the bare hull and skeletal superstructure before construction was halted in 1998. The incomplete design was then sold to the government of Dubai and turned into a royal yacht for the country’s ruler. The 532-footer, which was finished off by Platinum Yachts, was delivered to Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum in 2006. Penned by Winch Design, Dubai spans seven decks and can sleep 24 guests and 88 crew. Befitting a sheikh, she is also equipped with a landing pad for a Black Hawk helicopter, a submarine garage, a disco and a cinema.

Blohm+Voss : ‘Motor Yacht A’ — $300 Million

Legend has it that architect Philippe Starck sketched the design for Motor Yacht A on a napkin in a matter of minutes. Blohm + Voss then sold the superyacht for approximately $300 million. Commissioned by Russian industrialist Andrey Melnichenko, the 390-footer is characterized by a minimalist exterior and a highly distinctive pelican bow that cuts a striking silhouette. With a beam of 62 feet, the vessel offers a generous interior volume of 5,500 GT. She offers accommodation for 14 guests and 42 crew. She also has no less than three swimming pools, one of which has a glass bottom that creates a wow factor on the deck below. Melnichenko kept  Motor Yacht A for nearly a decade before replacing it with Nobiskrug’s Sailing Yacht A . The 468-footer is not only the largest sailing yacht in the world, but also the most expensive with an estimated value of $578 million .

Lürssen: ‘Radiant’ — $300 Million

The tale behind Radiant ’s price tag is almost as long as the 360-footer itself. Rumor has it, the superyacht was built for Russian tycoon Boris Berezovsky at a cost of roughly $149 million (€148.5 million). After Berezovsky ran into financial difficulties, he asked Edmiston to list the vessel for $352 million (€350 million) and it eventually sold for a hair under that. Delivered in 2010, Radiant sports a steel hull, an aluminum superstructure and gorgeous teak decking. She can comfortably accommodate up to 20 guests in 10 suites, as well as up to 44 crew. Her top-tier amenities include a movie theatre, a beauty salon, a beach club, a gym, a pool, a Jacuzzi, a helipad and a fully stocked tender garage. Certainly sounds worthy of $300 million to us.

Lürssen: ‘Pelorus’ — $300 Million

In the late ‘90s, Saudi Arabian businessman Abdulmohsen Abdulmalik Al-Sheikh commissioned Lürssen to create Pelorus . The 377-footer hit the seas in 2003 and was the 11th-largest yacht in the world at the time. During her maiden voyage, Pelorus was sold to Roman Abramovich. The Russian entrepreneur had it altered by Blohm & Voss, adding a second helipad and other lavish amenities. Fast forward to 2009, Irina Abramovich received the yacht as part of her divorce settlement from Roman. She sold it to David Geffen in 2011 via broker Merle Wood for $300 million. Pelorus features a sleek exterior designed by Tim Heywood and a beachy chic interior penned by Terence Disdale. She has several terraces with doors that open out to the sea to create a true indoor/outdoor feel.

Peters Werft: ‘Al Mirqab’ — $300 Million

The 436-foot Al Mirqab is one of the largest yachts in the world and has a price tag to match. Launched in 2008, the $300 million vessel was built for Qatar’s former prime minister under the supervision of Kusch Yachts in the Peters Werft shipyard in Germany. Penned by Tim Heywood, the elegant exterior pairs a long, navy-blue hull with a contrasting white superstructure. The interior, meanwhile, was brought to life by Andrew Winch and has won several awards. Arguably, the most striking feature is the Arabic-influenced motifs on the marble floors. Another highlight is the swimming pool on the lower deck, which can be opened up to the sea via side hatches in the hull. Al Mirqab has staterooms for 36, and crew quarters for 45. She was also treated to a refit in 2014 and thus looks fresher than your average 14-year-old vessel.

Abeking & Rasmussen: ‘Aviva’ — $250 Million

Abeking & Rasmussen’s Aviva shows what kind of lavish amenities you can get with $250 million. The 323-footer, which was delivered in 2017, features the largest gym on any yacht. It’s so big, in fact, that it houses a full-size paddle tennis court that pulls double duty as a soccer field when the nets are down. Penned by Toby Silverton and Reymond Langton Design, Aviva pairs a curvacious blue exterior with a chic modern interior. She is equipped with a hybrid propulsion system that enables her to reach up to 11 knots using only electric motors or 20 knots with the addition of diesel power. The yacht is reportedly the sequel to another smaller Aviva that was delivered to British billionaire Joe Lewis in 2007. The yacht was launched just 33 months after the signing of the contract, which is quite an impressive feat given the complexity and scope of the project.

Lürssen: ‘Octopus’ — $200 Million 

Launched in 2003 at a cost of approximately $200 million, Octopus was built by Lürssen for late Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen. The 414-footer is regularly loaned out for expeditions and scientific research initiatives. A true explorer, it features a dive center with a hyperbaric chamber, a yellow submarine named Pagoo and a remotely operated vehicle that can dive thousands of feet below the surface. Of course, this is complemented by state-of-the-art research technology. In addition, Octopus features two helipads, a hangar and seven tenders to facilitate comings and goings. She is also equipped with 13 staterooms, several bars, a recording studio, a cinema, a spa, a gym, a library and a basketball court. (You might remember Allen once owned the Portland Trail Blazers.) What’s more, Octopus appears to be climbing in price as time goes on. In 2019, the vessel was listed for sale for a cool $325 million .

Lürssen: ‘Rising Sun’ — $200 Million

Rising Sun was designed by one of the brightest minds in the industry: the late, legendary Jon Bannenberg. In fact, it was the last yacht the Australian designer penned before he died in 2002. The $200 million vessel was built by Lürssen and delivered to Oracle CEO Larry Ellison two years later in 2004. The 138-footer is characterized by large expanses of glass that let in plenty of the sun’s rays. In addition, it offers 86,000 square feet of living space brought to life by Seccombe Design. There are nine cabins for up to 18 guests and generous crew quarters for up to 46 crew. Elsewhere, you’ll find a gym, a cinema, a wine cellar and a basketball court. As for grunt, Rising Sun promises a maximum speed of 28 knots and a cruising speed of 26 knots. She was last refitted in 2011 and is currently owned by billionaire David Geffen.

Lürssen: ‘Solandge’ — $150 Million

Lürssen’s Solandge is rumored to have cost $150 million to come to fruition, and you can tell. Delivered in 2013, the 279-footer is replete with the finest materials. The floor, for example, sports no less than 50 types of exotic wood. There are also around 50 samples of natural stone in the bathrooms. Designed by Espen Øino, Solandge has a sleek exterior with elegant, clean lines. Aileen Rodriguez’s interior, meanwhile, is full to the brim with extravagant amenities. The spa comprises multiple pools on different decks, along with a hammam and a sauna. In addition, the yacht features a beauty salon is equipped with a sink and crane that together creates “snow” à la a snow room, as well as a gym and a massage room. As Lürssen puts it, Solandge was built with pure yachting pleasure in mind.

Rachel Cormack is a digital editor at Robb Report. She cut her teeth writing for HuffPost, Concrete Playground, and several other online publications in Australia, before moving to New York at the…

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The Finest Selection Of Luxury Yachts For Sale

The Moran fleet contains some of the world’s best superyachts for sale. From chic vessels like the UTOPIA IV to large mega yachts like the 95m MADSUMMER, we have something to suit every new owner. We pride ourselves on our expert, up-to-the-minute knowledge of the luxury yacht sales market, and with an enviable fleet, you can be assured that our yacht brokerage team will find the perfect yacht for you at the best possible price.

Moran ensures that every stage of the yacht sale is a pleasurable experience; from browsing our luxury motor yachts for sale to completing the final pieces of paperwork and after-sales support, we’ll be right by your side. But don’t just take our word for it. If you want to buy a yacht or are curious to find out more about our fleet, explore our selection of luxury yachts for sale below or get in contact today.

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The Most Expensive Yachts In The World (And Why They Cost So Much)

Quick links, motor yacht a, motor yacht a+ (topaz).

Luxury yachts have introduced a glittery (and technologically advanced) era of seafaring, and the most expensive yachts in the world are their epitome.

The ultra-wealthy owners of "megayachts" and "superyachts" do not just own floating palaces that help them navigate the oceans, they possess massive, floating symbols of prestige and decadence.

Every superyacht on this list is a work of art with a unique design, cutting-edge technology, and of course, ultimate luxury.

These vessels range from the glittering History Supreme adorned in gold, to the advanced motor yacht A , symbolizing abundance and class in the shipping world.

Value: $300 Million

As a representative example of maritime luxury and engineering, there is the Pelorus , valued at approximately $300 million.

This yacht measures over 115 meters and has an elegant design with current technology.

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It was constructed by the German shipyard Lürssen and designed by Tim Heywood, with a steel hull and aluminum superstructure.

Pelorus is a luxurious yacht that provides myriad services, like different swimming pools, helipads, and a lavishly appointed category of guest suites.

She has a high-tech stabilization system for a smooth sail.

Over the years, the yacht has been owned by eminent personalities and serves as a sign of wealth in the realm of luxurious yachts.

Price: $320 Million

The Radiant , valued at an estimated $320 million , is a fantastic example of marine lavishness in secure vessel.

Built in 2009 by Lürssen, this super yacht comes with a sophisticated design created by Tim Heywood and an exquisite interior by Glen Pushelburg.

In addition to the luxury-focused features expected on a yacht of her pedigree, she has up-to-date security attributes – like a missile defense shield for maximum security:

Boat International shared that she is also equipped with an arsenal of sonic guns that fire low-frequency sound waves that can burst the eardrums of approaching assailants and a military water cannon capable of sinking an approaching boat at more than 100 yards.

The Radiant boasts luxurious facilities such as a swimming pool, beach club, a theater room, and a well-equipped gym.

She offers the finest in luxury, technology, and safety, earning her a spot among elite nautical craft and providing an exceptionally safe experience at sea.

Price: $400 Million

The Dubai yacht, valued at $400 million, is another example of extreme maritime luxury.

Spanning an impressive 162 meters, she is among the largest yachts traversing the seas today.

Commissioned by Prince Jefri Bolkiah of Brunei and later acquired by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the ruler of Dubai, this floating masterpiece was crafted by Platinum Yachts.

Her lavish features include a mosaic swimming pool, a helipad, and a striking circular staircase.

Her interior, adorned with opulent fabrics and handcrafted materials, offers a sumptuous visual experience rivaling the extraordinary comfort and luxury she boasts.

Dubai is not just a vessel but a symbol of regal luxury and architectural grandeur on the seas.

Price: $440 Million

Motor Yacht A , valued at $440 million, is a striking example of maritime luxury and architectural innovation ... with a highly unassuming moniker.

Designed by Philippe Starck and engineered by Blohm + Voss, this 119-meter vessel stands out with her futuristic, submarine-inspired silhouette.

Launched in 2008, she boasts an opulent interior, including a 2,500-square-foot master bedroom and disco, alongside six guest suites that can be converted into four larger staterooms.

Her unique features include three swimming pools (one glass-bottomed) and a helipad.

Emphasizing luxury and privacy, Motor Yacht A is a floating masterpiece , blending avant-garde design with state-of-the-art technology.

Price: $455 Million

The Flying Fox , valued at $455 million, is a textbook example of maritime luxury and engineering.

Built by the renowned German shipyard Lürssen in 2019, this yacht stands out for her sheer size and opulent features.

She spans an impressive length, offering ample space for a vast array of amenities and to accommodate a number of guests.

Her interior design is a blend of elegance and modernity, providing unparalleled comfort and luxury.

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The Flying Fox is not just a vessel; she is a floating sanctuary which offers a unique and indulgent experience, making her one of the most prestigious yachts in the world today.

Price: $527 Million

Motor Yacht A+ , previously christened Topaz and valued at $527 million, is a stunning vessel whose reputation precedes her.

Launched in 2012 by Lürssen Yachts, this impressive vessel spans 147 meters, making her one of the largest yachts in the world.

Designed by Tim Heywood with an interior by Terence Disdale, the Topaz is equipped with state-of-the-art technology and amenities.

She features multiple decks, a large jacuzzi, a swimming pool, a spacious conference room, a cinema, and a fully equipped gym.

This yacht is a floating estate and mansion, fusing elegance, luxury, and high-end technology, reflecting the pinnacle of affluent living and nautical craftsmanship.

Price: $600 Million

The Azzam , priced at $600 million, is a remarkable feat in yacht engineering and luxury.

Launched in 2013 by Lürssen Yachts and designed by Nauta Yachts, she stretches an impressive 180 meters, making her one of the largest private yachts ever built.

Notable for both her speed and elegance, the Azzam boasts a sleek, sophisticated design and can reach speeds over 30 knots, thanks to her powerful jet engines.

Her interior, designed by Christophe Leoni, exudes luxury with intricate, bespoke designs.

This yacht represents a harmonious blend of size, performance, and opulence, setting a new standard in luxury yachting.

Price: $1.5 Billion

The Eclipse is one of the world's most expensive yachts, towing a hefty price tag of $1.5 billion; her valuation has increased since she first launched .

This luxurious vessel is renowned for her extraordinary size and opulent amenities. She features a sleek and modern design, offering her privileged occupants the utmost in comfort and extravagance at sea.

The Eclipse set new standards for oceanic luxury with multiple decks, spacious cabins, a swimming pool, a helipad, and a mini-submarine on board.

Owned by prominent Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich, this yacht once held the record for being the longest privately owned yacht, until the Azzam sailed away with her crown.

A Note About The History Supreme 'Superyacht'

"price": $5 billion.

Across the internet, the History Supreme is routinely touted as the most expensive yacht to ever exist, purportedly fashioned entirely from solid gold and platinum, and even inlaid with precious gems.

If ever a vessel was made to be on a list like this, it's the History Supreme . But precious little information seems to exist about the yacht, and it is particularly scarce with respect to basic details like her home port and supposed owner.

Yet searches for the History Supreme lead to link after link ranking it as the most expensive yacht ever made, sidestepping obvious questions – such as ones about whether precious metals are compatible with prolonged exposure to corrosive seawater, or whether a vessel of her description could be seaworthy at all.

Thankfully, the maritime information hub BoatSafe.com has the scoop on this mysterious vessel , first pointing out that every site listing "uses the same four images" – often a sign that a concept or CGI object has been mistaken for or falsely held out as real.

Almost all the other yachts on this list have left undeniable traces of their existence – registration information, dedicated Wikipedia entries, and details about their movements and ports of call.

As for the "four images" in total, that's uncommon for notable vessels, which are often photographed by boating enthusiasts and beachgoers when yachts are docked, boarded, or when they're seen near the shoreline while at sea.

In this particular instance, it's difficult to imagine a solid gold yacht criss-crossing the planet for well over a decade (after her supposed commission in 2011) and not appearing in at least one Instagram post.

The History Supreme is described as the most unusual and lavish yacht in history, but no verifiable evidence of her seems to exist anywhere; she is brag-worthy, but never bragged about.

As BoatSafe.com explains, the History Supreme has all the hallmarks of an internet hoax:

You may have heard that the most expensive yacht in history is called the History Supreme. As near as I’ve been able to figure out, that’s not true. Not because the alleged $4.8 billion yacht wouldn’t be the most expensive – that’s far more than the next most expensive yacht.

Instead, it’s not true because the History Supreme is not a real yacht. It doesn’t exist. But you wouldn’t know that from how the internet works.

BoatSafe.com raised questions about her rumored owner (an unnamed, wealthy man from Malaysia), pointing out that her supposed cost of $5 billion amounted to over a third of the richest man in Malaysia's net worth:

People have assumed that the owner would be a man named Robert Kuok, the richest man in Malaysia. His fortune is around $14.5 billion. If he was indeed the man who purchased this boat, it means he spent one third of all of his money on it. That’s a lot of money to invest in a single boat.

Even if an individual with $15 billion decided to spend $5 billion on the History Supreme , Boat Safe uncovered what looked to be firm evidence of a hoax, pointing out the four images "looked a lot like the Baia One Hundred , a yacht made by Italian yacht makers Baia in 2008."

BoatSafe.com contacted Baia, which confirmed the images were theirs, and introduced another excellent question – how could a solid gold yacht be buoyant?

Baia’s sales manager said those photos were stolen from their website and doctored. So they were not new photos of an altered boat, but altered photos of an old boat. Moreover, and this is crucial, he also pointed out what should have been obvious to anyone working in boating news. If Hughes added 110 tons of gold to the boat, how the heck was it staying afloat?

If anything, the History Supreme is a good reminder that not everything that glitters turns out to be gold, that not everything flashy or exciting on the internet turns out to be true, and that the world's most expensive yacht would generate photographic evidence of its existence.

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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 Katherine McLaughlin

By Michael Y. Park

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 Sam Cochran

By Kelly Dawson

By Amelia Mularz

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A look at the most expensive superyachts at the Palm Beach yacht show and their insane features, from basketball courts on deck to ice baths and saunas

• The Palm Beach International Boat Show kicks off later this week.
• Eight megayachts are expected to be on display for would-be buyers and charter customers.
• These are the show's biggest yachts — and how many millions of dollars they are going for.

The Palm Beach International Boat Show — the yacht world's flashiest event stateside — is returning this year with over 800 boats for both deep-pocketed potential owners and window shoppers to peruse.

While it's impossible to know what exactly will be on display until the show begins on Thursday, it's expected that eight megayachts — generally defined as ships over 60 meters long — will be docked at the show and at nearby marinas like the Rybovich Marina in the ritzy Florida town.

Some of these are for sale at eye-popping prices, but others are available to charter in case you fancy living like a billionaire for a week or two this summer (and if you have six figures to spare on a vacation).

These are the eight biggest yachts that will be at the Palm Beach International Boat Show and nearby marinas, in size order.

Nero: 90.1 meters

Price: From $497,000 a week (charter) Standout features: Pizza ovens, beauty salon, massage room, resistance pool

Reportedly owned by Irish billionaire Denis O'Brien, Nero is modeled after J.P. Morgan's 1930s ship , and was built in 2007 and updated in 2021.

She now boasts a gym on her sundeck with multiple cardio machines and a beauty salon, and has an on-board beautician for manicure, pedicure, hair, and massage needs. There's also an upgraded movie theater, two new pizza ovens, and both a pool and a jacuzzi.

For those who want to go overboard, she has more than a dozen toys, including a waterslide, Jet Ski, and flyboard.

Victorious: 85 meters

Price: From $876,600 a week in the summer and $950,000 a week in the winter Standout features: Hammam (Turkish bath), wine cellar, wood-burning fireplace, children's playroom

Victorious brings a party vibe to the yacht show. With a beach club on board, a wine cellar, a cigar clubroom , multiple bars, and a lounge with a piano, the vessel is made for entertaining. Plus, there's a playroom and movie theater to entertain the kids.

For tamer charter clients, Victorious has a suite of wellness features such as a gym, massage room, beauty salon and hammam — perhaps a custom request of her owner, Turkish businessman Vural Ak.

She also boasts a treasure trove of water toys, including Jet Skis, jetsurfs, inflatable kayaks, and scuba equipment.

Casino Royale: 72 meters

Price: TBD Special Features: Infinity pool, helipad, private jacuzzi

Purchased and refitted by car dealer magnate John Staluppi last year, Casino Royale is the latest of his James Bond-inspired yachts (he's also owned an Octopussy and a Skyfall, among others).

Casino Royale has a helipad that turns into a dancefloor, an infinity pool, and a wellness center with a gym and sauna. The owner's cabin has its own deck, which features a private bar and jacuzzi.

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However, the boat's price isn't listed, and while she's not necessarily officially for sale, that might change depending on who's prepared to buy, Mr. Bond.

Talisman C: 70.6 meters

Price: $60 million (or from $567,000 a week to charter) Special features: Massage and beauty room, private library

Likely the largest yacht for sale (not just charter) at the show, the Talisman C is a 2011 six-bedroom boat. The owner's cabin comes with an en suite bathroom, dressing room, private library, and crystal chandeliers.

Amenities include a gym, a beauty room, oversized jacuzzi, and a fully equipped bar. Her crew of 19 includes a trained masseuse, and the toy room comes equipped with a wakeboard, eFoil , and WaveRunners.

Joy: 70 meters

Price: From $650,000 a week Special features: Disco club, basketball court, onboard fitness instructor

Superyacht Joy testifies to the fact that owners want as many on-board experiences as they can get.

There's an expansive suite of fitness features, including a basketball court (don't shoot that hoop too hard!), a personal trainer on staff, boxing equipment, and a handful of machines. For post-workout winddowns, there's a spa with a steam room and onboard masseuse. And for entertainment, there's both an outdoor and indoor cinema, and a disco club.

Triumph: 65.4 meters

Price: From $707,600 a week in the summer and $650,000 a week in the winter Special features: Sauna, helipad, banana boat

This 2021 superyacht is named after Triumph motorcycles — a reported favorite of her rumored owner, British businessman Chris Dawson — and even has one on display as an art piece in the upper deck's lounge. The primary suite is 1,400 square feet and has its own study , and there's a sauna, an indoor-outdoor gym, a helipad, and a massage room spread among her six decks.

She boasts an "armada of water toys," including two kinds of Jet Skis, electric water bikes, and a banana boat.

Seanna: 64.5 meters

Price: $54,000,000 (or from $462,000 a week to charter) Special features: marble foyer, movie room, sundeck pool

The recently refurbished Seanna is available for sale and charter.

Her indoor-outdoor gym is on sea level so that passengers can take a dip after a session with the onboard personal trainer. There's also a sundeck pool, a helipad, a two-room massage facility, and, for the more cerebral guests, a library with an electric fireplace.

There are a number of toys on board, including a popular water trampoline and two WaveRunners.

Come Together: 60 meters

Price: $65,000,000 Special Features: DJ and videographer on board, ice bath, sauna

Next-to-new yacht Come Together is looking for a new owner after doing charters during the 2023 season.

The Beatles' influence is evident beyond the yacht's name, with guitars dotting the sky lounge and a crewmember who doubles as a DJ. There's also an outdoor cinema and bar for entertainment and an ice bath and sauna for the day after the party. The owner's suite has a private study and lounge, and each guest cabin has its own ensuite.

The sale includes a number of toys, like Jet Skis, kayaks, and Seabobs.

Watch: Inside the world's biggest cruise ship that just set sail

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Despite wars and sanctions, superyacht market continues recent growth.

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The Phi has been detained in Canary Wharf since March 2022.

A superyacht is a status symbol and the ultimate pleasure boat. What ordinary people envisage doing on cruise ships, the super-rich do on their mega-yachts. Space and change of scenery have appealed to humans from time immemorial. However, with luxury yacht ownership requiring vast sums of disposable income, one would think that factors putting the global economy under pressure, such as inflation, Houthi terrorists and Somali pirates attacking ships in the Red Sea, sanctions following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and before that, the COVID-19 pandemic, would slow down the demand for superyachts. Instead, despite severe disruptions, mainly because of the post-Ukraine 2022 Russian invasion sanctions, with billions sloshing around in the global economy, demand for these vessels has reached a high point, driven by changes in the tastes of the ultra-rich, innovative new uses for superyachts, and the number of buyers able to splurge on such craft.

Expensive Mega-Toys The unique uses of a superyacht are driven by the size and crew demands that separate it from a regular yacht. A superyacht is considered to be a pleasure vessel larger than 24m (80ft) with a full-time captain and crew. This is a costly outlay. There are added costs for not including maintenance, fuel, and expensive power plant, navigation, and communications gear.

The desire for seclusion and social distancing exhibited by the rich since the 2020 pandemic lends itself perfectly to these large, customizable ships that can be taken out to sea. A fully crewed ship is also needed to keep up with for new trend in exploration and environmental sailing, with boat owners venturing outside of the Mediterranean and Caribbean to experience more varied habitats. Other luxury sectors are taking note of these trends driving demand for superyachts, with hotel chains like The Four Seasons and The Ritz-Carlton aiming to offer bespoke superyacht experiences by 2025. By introducing this option, hotel chains are responding to the increased market demand for exploration while creating an experience that is more exclusive and private than a luxury cruise.

Demand has also been driven by an expanding number of prospective superyacht buyers as the number of ultra-high-net-worth individuals continues to increase globally. The growth is primarily driven by American buyers, with significant potential in regions like China and Southeast Asia, where ultra-rich buyers with disposable income are growing at a faster pace than they are in the West. This increase in wealthy customers in Southeast Asia, combined with miles of islands and coastlines, creates the conditions for a robust scene for superyachts in the area. The emergence of a new customer base wealthy enough to purchase super- and mega-yachts has made the industry resilient in the face of government sanctions against one of the industry’s largest consumer bases: Russian oligarchs.

The megayacht Nord, believed to belong to sanctioned Russian oligarch Alexey Mordashov, is seen in ... [+] Hong Kong on Friday, Oct. 7.

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Target: Russia Beginning in the early 2000s, Russian billionaires developed a taste for luxury superyachts, with some like Roman Abramovich (who is reported to own 16 vessels , including the Aquamarine, Eclipse, Garcon, Halo, Pelorus, Solaris and Sussurroo), Alexei Mordashov ( Lady M and Nord ) and Eduard Khudainatov ( Scheherazade , Amadea , Crescent ) placing orders for multiple vessels. According to Superyacht News, an industry publication, Russians account for a significant piece of the world's superyacht market. Their estimated share represents about 10% of superyachts exceeding 40 meters in length. The percentage of Russian ownership rises even further for mega-yachts exceeding 80 meters, where Russians hold the number two spot globally, owning 20% of these vessels. Research by Boat International estimates the contribution of Russian buyers to the global superyacht order book (valued between €35 and €40 billion) to be €3.9 billion.

The popularity of superyachts among Russia’s wealthy has caused them to become a focus of the sanctions imposed on Russia following its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Alongside traditional targets, including Russian financial holdings, banks, and energy, the assets of oligarchs are actively being seized and frozen by Western powers when possible through initiatives like the Russian Elites, Proxies, and Oligarchs (REPO) task force launched by the G7 and the U.S. Treasury’s Kleptocracy Asset Recovery Rewards (KARR) program.

The seizure of superyachts as assets will likely continue through the end of the invasion of Ukraine and possibly beyond. Recently, there have been increasing calls to sell or transfer these assets, allowing Ukraine to use or sell them to compensate for the damages caused by the war.

Eclipse | 162.5m Built in 2010 , Germany

Europe Suffers Even though the superyacht industry has a sizeable consumer base in Russia, the companies building and managing these yachts are primarily based in Western Europe. Many of these boats are built by shipbuilders such as Lürssen in Germany and Heesen Yachts and Oceanco in the Netherlands. This has led one of the shipyards, Damen, to sue the Dutch government over damages it claims it suffered from the EU sanctions. Additionally, companies like Burgess in the UK, Imperial Yachts and Edmiston in Monaco, and Moran Yacht & Ship in the US, in charge of servicing, managing, and brokering superyachts, are also concentrated in the West.

While Western shipyards and management companies may lose revenue because of sanctions and asset seizure of the Russian oligarchs, keeping the yachts frozen generates additional costs for the countries where they are being held. Some Western countries devised a solution to ease the burden on taxpayers, granting owners and their representatives special licenses to pay for the frozen vessels. Notably, France and Spain have allowed the billionaire owners of at least four mega-yachts to pay for their upkeep. In the UK, the Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation (OFSI) has allowed the management company Burgess to pay for pre-sanction crew salaries of a yacht frozen in the UK.

Though the media associated superyachts with Russian oligarchs, this archetypal image of a superyacht owner may soon grow obsolete if the sanctions regime remains or even strengthens, causing multi-million dollar losses to the industry. Instead, growth in the sector is driven by a new class of rich being created in places like the United States and the Pacific Rim, seeking luxury lifestyles that can be provided by a superyacht. The superyacht industry will capitalize on the unprecedented wave of demand to increase its resilience in the stormy global security and economic environment.

Quin Buckley & Henry Tsai contributed to the production of this article.

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