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The 10 Biggest Superyachts in the World

The yachting world is set for a shake-up with a revolutionary new vessel primed to steal the top spot.

By Emma Al-Mousawi

Superyachts represent the very pinnacle of luxury travel but they can vary in size dramatically; from those at the smaller end of the spectrum measuring under 100 ft to gargantuan 500-ft+ custom-built creations that command price tags in the hundreds of millions(or even billions). Here at Elite Traveler, we have been exploring the latter as we take a look at the 10 biggest superyachts in the world.

[See more: The Best Luxury Yacht Builders in the World]

El Mahrousa

Builder: Samuda Brothers Year of build: 1865 LOA: 478.1 ft Number of guests: U nknown Number of crew: 160

The oldest by over 100 years to make our list of the biggest superyachts in the world, Egypt’s presidential yacht El Mahrousa is an enormous floating piece of history. Nearly four decades older than the Titanic , she set sail on her first voyage just as President Lincoln was beginning his second term in office. 

Built by the now-defunct London shipyard Samuda Brothers, El Mahrousa was designed by the most celebrated master-shipwright of the day, Sir Oliver Lang. Commissioned by Khedive Ismail, Egypt’s Ottoman governor, she went on to play a central role in many of Egypt’s defining moments including the opening of the Suez Canal as well as ferrying three of the country’s rulers to exile, including the last king of Egypt. 

She has had numerous modifications over the years, growing 57 ft in length since she first left the Thameside dockyard in 1865.  Today, she is the world’s oldest active superyacht and was the first to pass through the new Suez Canal extension in 2015.

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Prince abdulaziz.

Prince Abdulaziz is one of the yachts owned by the Saudi royal family / ©Shutterstock

Builder: Helsingor Vaerf Year of build: 1984 LOA: 482.4 ft Number of guests: 64 Number of crew: 65

At 482.4 ft Prince Abdulaziz is the largest yacht built in the 20th century and is thought to be one of the last yachts built by the historic Danish shipyard, Helsingor Vaerf, which closed its doors for the last time shortly after she was completed. 

Commissioned by the Saudi royal family, Prince Abdulaziz has certainly stood the test of time, with regular sightings on the Mediterranean. Her original interiors were by iconic British interior designer David Hicks, famed for his use of color and pattern. Since then she has received fairly regular refits, with the most recent thought to have been in 2018. 

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A+ was originally named Topaz and is the first of four Lürssen-built yachts to make our list of the biggest superyachts in the world / ©Lürssen

Builder: Lürssen Year of build: 2012 LOA: 483.1 ft Number of guests: 62 Number of crew: 79

Built by famed yacht builder Lürssen at their Bremen shipyard, A+ , originally known as Topaz, is thought to have cost in excess of $500m. 

Not much is known about A+, and her owner has never been officially confirmed but she is widely believed to belong to Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahnan, the deputy prime minister of the UAE and the owner of  Manchester City Football Club.

Her exterior was designed by multi-award-winning designer Tim Heywood, and features two helipads, while her interior was placed in the hands of sought-after yacht interior designer Terence Disdale and includes 26 luxurious cabins. 

[See more: Lürssen Reveals Climate-Neutral Yacht Concept]

Custom-designed superyacht Al Said was allegedly named ‘Project Sunflower’ when it was under construction/ ©Klaus Jordan

Builder: Lürssen Year of build: 2008 LOA: 508.6 ft Number of guests: unknown Number of crew: unknown

Commissioned by the late Sultan Qaboos Bin Said of Oman, the Al Said first set sail in 2008 and like many royal yachts, her details are held under lock and key.

We do know however that her exterior was designed by the famed naval architect, Espen Øino – the man behind many of the world’s most famous superyachts – while her interiors were created by the respected British design studio, Redman Whiteley Dixon.

The interior of the ship has never been photographed which has led to much speculation of what lies inside. As well as accommodation for up to 74 guests, she is rumored to include a mini-concert hall capable of accommodating a full chamber orchestra.

Dilbar has one of the biggest swimming pools ever installed on a superyacht /®Kyle Conlin

Builder: Lürssen Year of build: 2016 LOA: 511.10 ft Number of guests: 36 Number of crew: 96

When Dilbar was built in 2016, she was the world’s largest yacht in terms of gross tonnage, at 15,917 GT and the team at   Lürssen described her as “ one of the most complex and challenging yachts ever built, in terms of both dimensions and technology.” 

Owned by Uzbek-born investor Alisher Usmanov s he wowed the judges at the prestigious World Superyacht Awards in 2017 to scoop the top prize of  ‘World Superyacht of the Year’. Her ivory exterior was custom-designed by Espen Øino, while her interior was the work of celebrated design studio, Winch Design. She boasts an 82 foot swimming pool, making it one of the largest to ever be installed on a superyacht, as well as two helipads.

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

Dubai serves Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum / ©Shutterstock

Builder: Platinum Yachts  Year of build: 2006 LOA: 531.5 ft Number of guests: 24 Number of crew: 88

Originally commissioned by a member of Brunei’s royal family as a joint project between shipbuilders Blohm+Voss and Lürssen, the build was halted in 1998. The structure was subsequently bought by the Dubai government and the build continued under the exclusive Dubai-based shipyard Platinum Yachts. Today it serves as the royal yacht of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai’s ruler. 

Designed by Winch Design , she spans over seven flowing decks and features an atrium nearly 70 ft in size. 11  luxurious guest suites have the benefit of their own private balconies while other features onboard include a swimming pool, a cinema and a disco.

Jetting off on an air excursion is easy as Dubai is equipped with a helipad for a Blackhawk helicopter while the yacht’s submarine and vast selection of water toys are housed in the yacht’s garage. 

[See also: These are the Yacht Interior Designers to Know]

Both the exterior and interior of Eclipse were designed by Terence Disdale / ©Shutterstock

Builder: Blohm+Voss Year of build: 2010 LOA: 533.1 ft Number of guests: 36 Number of crew: 70

The fourth-largest ship on our list of the biggest superyachts in the world is Eclipse. The German-built vessel   was voted ‘Motor Yacht of the Year’ at the World Superyacht Awards in 2011 and both her exterior and interior designed by the acclaimed Terence Disdale.

Owned by Russian businessman Roman Abramovich, the estimated $1bn+ superyacht was reported to have undergone a refit in 2015 and is packed with tenders and toys including two helipads, three launch boats and a mini leisure submarine. 

Her custom-designed interior includes a 183.7-ft deck and an expansive swimming pool which can convert into a raised dance floor. She also has her own missile defense system, a feature that appears to be increasing in popularity amongst the owners of the world’s biggest superyachts. 

Fulk Al Salamah

Very little detail has ever been released about the Fulk Al Salamah / ©Shutterstock

Builder: Mariotti Year of build: 2016 LOA: 538.1 ft Number of guests: unknown Number of crew: unknown

Very little detail has ever been released about the Fulk Al Salamah, which t ranslates into English as ‘ship of peace’.  Built for the Omani royal family by ultra-luxury shipbuilder Mariotti in its Genoa shipyard, her lack of outdoor entertaining space has led to unconfirmed reports that she is in fact a support vessel, used to shadow the late Sultan of Oman’s Al Said superyacht .

While it isn’t the longest superyacht in the world , when it comes to actual volume, the Fulk Al Salamah is thought to outsize both Azzam and REV (below), with an estimated total gross tonnage upwards of 20,000 GT (REV is 17,440 GT and Azzam 13,136 GT).

Azzam has held the title of world’s longest superyacht since 2013/ ©Klaus Jordan

Builder: Lürssen Year of build: 2013 LOA: 590.6 ft Number of guests: 36 Number of crew: 80

Thought to have cost well in excess of $500m, Azzam has held the title of world’s longest superyacht since 2013 however her reign is about to draw to a close thanks to the next superyacht on our list, REV . 

Owned by Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nayan, President of the United Arab Emirates and Emir of Abu Dhabi, Azzam’s sophisticated exterior was designed by Italian studio Nauta Design.  Much of the yacht’s interiors –  which were created by French designer Christophe Leoni – remain shrouded in mystery but Leoni describes the aesthetic as: “sophisticated, with luxurious decor inspired by the Empire style of the early 19th century”.

Azzam has every nifty feature you could wish for including a helipad, gym, pool and even a golf training room so guests can practice their swing onboard. Like Eclipse, she also boasts her own missile defense system. Despite her stature, she can lay claim to being one of the world’s fastest superyachts with a top speed of 33 knots. 

[See more: Top 10 Explorer Yachts in the World]

REV was designed by Espen Øino / ©REV Ocean

Builder: VARD Year of build: Due 2023 LOA: 600  ft Number of guests: 36 Number of crew: 54

Currently still in build, REV is set to steal the crown from Azzam to become the biggest superyacht in the world once she is delivered. But this is no normal superyacht. Funded by Norwegian business-man Kjell Inge Røkke, REV is a totally unique, state-of-the-art research and expedition vessel with one ambition: to make the ocean healthy again.

Designed by Espen Øino , the vessel is creating a huge amount of excitement within the industry due to the technological advances she is set to offer including cutting-edge marine science facilities. The super-sized vessel is equipped with the very latest observation and mapping equipment for conducting research encapsulating the entire marine ecosystem. One of many exciting features is the 25-ft moon pool in the hull, designed to lower scientific tools and submersibles into the ocean’s depths, including a three-passenger submarine. 

REV is expected to be available to charter for one-third of the year, which will include both conventional charters as well as on a single cabin basis to accompany experts on expeditions. 

[See also: How Much Does it Actually Cost to Charter a Yacht?]

Emma Al-Mousawi

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

Multimillion-dollar mega yachts.

by Emma Treagus Published on February 2, 2024

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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

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Despite the pandemic, the superyacht world continues to welcome new entries. These are the world’s biggest yachts by length.

Even in a pandemic, the size of the global superyacht fleet keeps on growing. The top 25 largest yachts in the world now total a combined 11,849 feet, with the smallest yacht on the list,  Maryah , measuring a whopping 410 feet. Built by shipyards all over the world—from the Netherlands to the United Arab Emirates, Italy, Turkey, Greece and the United Kingdom, to name just a few—new launches and refits are delivered each year. The 2021 newcomers hail from Lürssen, Dream Ship Victory and Lloyd Werft. With many new gigayacht builds in the pipeline, the list will be much more competitive in the coming years. Here are the world’s top 25 yachts by size, from  Maryah  to  Azzam.

25. ‘Maryah’ (410 feet, 1 inch), Neorion

Neorion’s  Maryah  Photo: Manuel Hernández LafuenteWATCH

This former Russian research vessel was originally launched by the Szczecinska yard in Poland. In 2010, it underwent a five-year rebuild at the Elefsis yard in Greece. The stodgy research vessel that went in reappeared in 2014 as a thoroughly modern custom-built superyacht. The UK-based  H2 Yacht Design  did both the interior and exterior, incorporating all the luxuries one would expect in a yacht this size. The swimming pool, spa, contemporary decor (including custom furniture, signature joinery, and bespoke details like fixtures and lighting), and generous interior space turned the ugly duckling into a swan.  Maryah , which reaches a top speed of 18 knots powered by a twin azipods propulsion system, has accommodation for 54 guests.

24. ‘Octopus’ (414 feet), Lürssen

Lürssen’s  Octopus  Elizabeth Withe

Originally built by Lürssen for Microsoft cofounder Paul Allen, eight-decked  Octopus  is the world’s largest expedition yacht. Allen kept all the luxurious features of a superyacht, but wanted  Octopus  to be able to set anchor at the ends of the earth for exploration. The Lürssen, delivered in 2003, has storage for two helicopters, seven tenders, a large SUV and an internal dock that extends through the hull holding two submersibles. A glass-bottomed observation lounge makes for spectacular viewing when cruising. The yacht has been involved in multiple exploration discoveries, aided by its onboard dive centre and hyperbaric chamber. Espen Øino drew the exterior, including a full-sized basketball court on the aft deck, while Jonathan Quinn Barnett did the interior. The yacht underwent a refit in 2019. It reaches a top end of 20 knots.

23. ‘Al Mirqab’ (436 feet, 4 inches), Kusch Yachts

Kusch Yachts’ Al Mirqab  Photo: Shutterstock / PitK

Launched in 2008,  Al Mirqab  was built for Qatar’s former prime minister under the supervision of  Kusch Yachts  in the  Peters Werft shipyard  in Wewelsfleth, Germany. The Tim Heywood exterior includes a long, navy-blue hull with a white superstructure. The yacht’s diesel-electric propulsion involves an azimuth pod drive and gives the 436.4-footer a top end of 21 knots. Its interior by Andrew Winch won several awards, with images showing Arabic-influenced motifs on the marble floors of large social areas. The yacht’s centerpiece is a stunning, complicated floating staircase encircled by custom-made glass panels.  Al Mirqab  has staterooms for 36, and crew quarters for 45.

22. ‘Serene’ (439 feet, 3 inches), Fincantieri

Fincantieri’s  Serene  Photo: Nick Wells

Serene  was  Fincantieri ’s launch 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. The somewhat racy curves serve as a nice counterpart to the more serious-looking sections of the yacht, which include cutouts along the main and upper decks to allow strong visibility from the saloon and staterooms. The curved balconies on three levels are a nice touch that work aesthetically—and practically for better views. The open stern area has a winter garden (enclosed glass house) 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. Pascale Reymond of Reymond Langton Design created the 43,056-square-foot interior for the Russian owner, though its details have remained closely guarded.

21. ‘Crescent’ (443 feet), Lürssen

Lürssen’s  Crescent  Photo: Klaus Jordan

Espen Øino’s dark hull and tiered superstructure was one of the most exciting launches of 2018. Custom-built Project Thunder, as it was called internally at Lürssen, features cut-outs 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 describes it as being “traditionally styled.” If it lives up to  Crescent ’s brash exterior, the complete yacht promises to be an entirely groundbreaking design.

20. ‘Savarona’ (446 feet, 2 inches), Blohm+Voss

Blohm+Voss’s  Savarona  

Launched in 1931,  Savarona  was built for American heiress Emily Roebling Cadwallader. 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. The yacht’s interior was refitted again in 2013, once again becoming the official presidential yacht in 2014.  Savarona  features a swimming pool, Turkish bath, 280-foot grand staircase, a movie theater, and a library dedicated to Atatürk.

19: ‘Flying Fox’ (446 feet, 2 inches), Lürssen

Lürssen’s  Flying Fox  Photo: Courtesy of SuperYachtTimes/Youtube

Delivered jointly by Imperial and Lürssen in 2019, 446.2-foot  Flying Fox  is the largest yacht available on the charter market. 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, decompression chamber and two helipads.  Flying Fox  is PYC compliant and can accommodate 25 guests.

18. ‘Rising Sun’ (454 feet, 1 inch), Lürssen

Lürssen’s  Rising Sun  Photo: Courtesy of Lürssen

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. The yacht was delivered in 2004 and last refitted in 2011. 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. The rear cockpit deck was designed as a basketball court. Geffen received a global media backlash in 2020 for his “tone deaf” social media posts that pictured himself on board his yacht during Covid-19 lockdown.

17. ‘Al Salamah’ (456 feet), Lürssen

Lürssen’s  Al Salamah  Lürssen

When Lürssen launched  Al Salamah  in 1999, it was the third-largest yacht in the world. Its ranking at number 14 shows how much has changed in the last 20 years. Code-named MIPOS, or Mission Possible, the yacht was designed by  Terence Disdale . 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.

16. ‘Scheherazade’ (459 feet, 3 inches), Lürssen

Lürssen’s  Scheherazade  Photo: SuperYacht Times/YouTube

The owner of 459.3-feet Lürssen-built  Scheherazade  (formerly known as Project Lightning) finally took delivery of the mega yacht in June 2020 after it was pictured during sea trials in November 2019. What can so far be deciphered from available photography includes two helipads, forward and aft, and a large beach club aft, as well as a reported seven-foot beam. Very few details have yet been released of the highly private vessel, including even the names of designers or naval architects involved with the build.

15: ‘Ocean Victory’ (459 feet, 3 inches), Fincantieri

Fincantieri’s  Ocean Victory  Photo: Trevor Coppock / TheYachtPhoto.com

The largest motoryacht ever built in Italy, Fincantieri’s  Ocean Victory  was delivered to its owner in 2014. 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.  Ocean Victory  also has six pools, a 3,300-square-foot spa, and an underwater observation room. The interior by Alberto Pinto remains a secret.

14: ‘Solaris’ (459 feet, 3 inches), Lloyd Werft

Solaris  by Lloyd-Werft Courtesy Lloyd Werft

The 476-foot  Solaris  is one of the largest yachts to deliver in 2021, and yet still little is known about it. The highly private, vast explorer is built by German shipyard Lloyd Werft and undertook sea trials in the North Sea. The eight-deck exterior is by Australian designer Marc Newson and features a displacement steel hull with bulbous bow and steel superstructure with teak decks. Reportedly owned by Roman Abramovich, it houses a large helipad, sun deck and spacious beach club aft. Lloyd Werft built the Russian billionaire’s previous explorer yacht  Luna , which he reportedly sold for $360 million to his close friend Farkhad Akhmedov in 2014.

13. ‘Yas’ (462 feet, 6 inches), Abu Dhabi Mar

Abu Dhabi Mar’s  Yas  Photo: Harvey Barrison

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. The design by the Paris-based Pierrejean Vision, defined by massive glass surfaces, can accommodate 60 guests and 58 crew members. Mated to a steel hull, the superstructure is the largest composite edifice ever built.  Yas  is capable of a 26-knot top speed and was last refitted in 2019.

12. ‘Dream Symphony’ (462 feet, 6 inches), Dream Ship Victory

Dream Symphony  by Dream Ship Victory Courtesy Dream Ship Victory

Sailing yacht  Dream Symphony  is a magnificent 462.7-foot schooner built by the Turkish shipyard Dream Ship Victory. When delivered in 2021, she will become the largest private sailing yacht in the world, knocking current largest sailing yacht,  Black Pearl , off the podium. Featuring naval architecture by Dykstra Naval Architects and an exterior and interior by Ken Freivokh, she reunites the same team who were behind the legendary  Maltese Falcon ’s ground-breaking Falcon dynarig.  Dream  Symphony’s hull is being built in wood – glued and laminated using the latest epoxy and composite techniques. Wood, carbon and stainless-steel run throughout the contemporary interior, while the rig includes Hoyt booms for maximum control.  Dream Symphony  boasts a fully private owner’s duplex, with master suite, salon, and office at main deck level, and a further spa, gym and treatment rooms on the lower deck. A sheltered open deck between the owner’s facilities and the guest deck house can be closed off to bad weather, creating concealed channels for full protection. And when the sun is shining, a double-height glass swimming pool features a rising floor that can doubles up as a touch-and-go helipad or dancefloor.

11. ‘Nord’ (466 feet),  Lürssen

Lürssen’s  Nord  (Project Opus) Photo: SuperYacht Times/Youtube

Nord  (Project Opus) has been a long time coming. She was announced in 2015 but didn’t hit the water until November 2020 when she conducted sea trials in the Baltic Sea. The 466-foot yacht features interior design by Italian studio Nuvolari Lenard and is Lürssen’s first yacht launched from its newly upgraded floating shed at its facility in Vegasack. Boasting many 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 remote exploration and a retractable hangar means the 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.

10. ‘A’ (468 feet, 5 inches), Nobiskrug

Nobiskrug Sailing Yacht  A  Photo: Courtesy of Nobiskrug

Delivered in 2017, the futuristic look of sailing yacht  A  includes smooth, silver-metallic surfaces and windows that look nearly invisible, 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 German yard  Nobiskrug , which developed composite fashion plates to create the unusual shapes, without any compromises in strength or fluidity. It has the tallest freestanding composite masts on any sailing vessel, a hybrid diesel-electric propulsion system and state-of-the-art navigation systems. The boat also reportedly has an underwater viewing platform in the keel. “Sailing yacht  A  is undoubtedly one of the most visionary projects Nobiskrug has ever been involved in,” said Holger Kahl, the firm’s then managing director. Starck’s interior remains a secret. The yard reports the yacht has a top speed of 21 knots. She remains today the world’s largest sailing yacht three years after her launch.

9. ‘El Mahrousa’ (478 feet, 1 inch), Samuda Brothers

Egypt’s royal yacht,  El Mahrousa  Screengrab

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. It 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. The world’s oldest superyacht 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.

8. ‘Prince Abdulaziz’ (482 feet, 3 inches), Helsingør Værft

Helsingør Værft’s  Prince Abdulaziz  Photo: Shutterstock / Artesia Wells

This custom yacht, launched by Helsingør Værft in Denmark in 1984, was most recently refitted in 2005. 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. At 482.3-feet,  Prince Abdulaziz  held the title 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 . Last refitted in 2005, it is rumored to be carrying surface-to-air missiles, though that may be an urban legend.

7. ‘A+’ (483 feet, 1 inch), Lürssen

Lürssen’s  A+  Photo: Klaus Jordan

Very little is known about  A+  (formerly  Topaz) , which was launched by Lürssen in 2012, other than it is the fourth-largest yacht ever built by the German shipyard. 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 Nahnan – Emirati royalty and deputy prime minister of the UAE –  A+  has a top speed of 22 knots, and can carry 62 guests and up to 79 crew.

6. ‘Al Saïd’ (508 feet, 5 inches), Lürssen

Lürssen’s  Al Saïd  Courtesy of Shutterstock

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, six-decked  Al Saïd  can carry 154 crew and, according to some sources, 70 guests. Lürssen says  Al Saïd  has 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.

5. ‘Dilbar’ (511 feet, 8 inches), Lürssen

Lürssen’s  Dilbar  Photo: Josep Baresic

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.  Dilbar  also has an 82-foot swimming pool that can hold an incredible 6357-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. Lürssen added that the world’s largest motor yacht was one of the most complex and challenging yachts ever built, because of its dimensions and technology. Despite  Dilbar ’s volume, the designers did a masterful job making the yacht look relatively svelte, with no obvious bulges along the length of the light ivory and bronze-accented hull. In June 2020, Dilbar returned to Lürssen for a significant refit, the details of which are yet to be revealed.

4. ‘Dubai’ (531 feet, 5 inches), Platinum Yachts

Sheikh Al Maktoum’s yacht,  Dubai  Bigstock

This Andrew Winch design was originally commissioned for Prince Jefri Bolkiah of Brunei as a joint project between Blohm+Voss and Lürssen, before it 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 seven-decked yacht has an impressive 70-foot-wide atrium, landing pad for a Black Hawk helicopter, submarine garage, disco, and cinema. Full certification was obtained from Lloyd’s Register in October 2006, and it can reach a top speed of 26 knots.

3. ‘Eclipse’ (533 feet, 1 inch), Blohm+Voss

Blohm+Voss’s  Eclipse  Photo: Shutterstock / R_Pilguj

Stately  Eclipse , the 533.1-foot yacht delivered to 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 master 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 and, at the time of its launch, the largest swimming pool on any superyacht (the bottom raises and converts to a dance floor). Other features reflecting its stature: the capacity to hold three helicopters, including one in its belowdecks hangar, a sophisticated stabilization system, six tenders, and an enormous spa, gym, and beach club. 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.

2. ‘Fulk Al Salamah’ (538 feet, 1 inch), Mariotti Yachts

Mariotti Yachts’  Fulk Al Salamah  Screengrab

Little information has ever been released about the world’s second-longest superyacht, custom-built  Fulk Al Salamah , and it has been shrouded in mystery since first announced in 2014. Even the overall length of 538.1 feet has been estimated from AIS data. However, built and delivered by Italian builder Mariotti Yachts in their Genoa shipyard in 2016, the imposing vessel is believed to be owned by the Omani royal family. Exterior design is 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.

1: ‘Azzam’ (592 feet, 6 inches), Lürssen

Lürssen’s  Azzam  Screengrab

It’s not surprising that the world’s longest yacht hails from a shipyard with 13 out of the 25 top builds in the superyacht arena. Unfortunately,  Lürssen  could never really boast about  Azzam  after its launch in 2013 because of the owner’s penchant for privacy. 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. Nauta Yacht’s exterior features a long, sleek forward area, with well-proportioned tiers moving up to the skydeck. Lürssen describes the interior by Christophe Leoni as “sophisticated, with luxurious decor inspired by the Empire style of the early 19th century.” Its gas turbines, connected to water jets, push  Azzam  to more than 30 knots, giving it the ability to operate at high speed in shallow waters. She also boasts an impressive build time for a yacht of her size, with construction taking only three years after one year of engineering.  Azzam  was last refit in 2020 at MB92 in Barcelona.

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SuperYachts released their predictions for the Top 100 largest superyachts in the world earlier this year, with the in-process REV currently anticipated to be the largest yacht in the world upon completion in 2021, but little yet is known about its features. We selected 19 of our favorite yachts on this list that represent leisure and opulence as its finest, many of these being considered “megayachts” (greater than 200 feet long). From helipads to palatial beach clubs, discover some of the world’s most expensive yachts and the fabulous amenities they have to offer.

This 457-foot yacht was built by Lurssen in 1999 with exterior and interior design from Terrance Disdale. Al Salamah is equipped to accommodate 40 guests and 96 crew members for the ultimate yachting experience. The boat features a gym, swimming pool and platform, beauty room, elevator, medical suite, and study spaces for both the owners and guests.

One of the newest ships on this list, Crescent was built by Lurssen in 2018 and is just less than 445 feet long. This sleek ship's exteriors were designed by French yacht design firm Zuretti and its interiors by Monaco's Espen Oenio. It can house up to 18 guests and 24 crew and features a two-level glass atrium, a helicopter hangar, and a glass-bottomed pool.

Prince Abdulaziz

This stunning megayacht is part of the Saudi family's royal fleet of yachts. It was built in 1984 at 482 feet, making it the largest yacht built in the 20th century, and held the spot as world's largest until Dubai was launched in 2006. Its interiors took 15 months alone to craft under the direction of the one-and-only David Hicks, who designed the space to suit 64 guests and 65 crew. The yacht is used for both business and pleasure and is rumored to house missiles and an underwater surveillance system.

This 416-foot megayacht was the passion project of Microsoft's cofounder Paul Allen and is currently owned by his wife, Jody Allen. The groundbreaking exploration yacht has the ability to travel to the world's mot remote and otherwise inaccessible locations. It was built by Lurssen in 2013 with exterior design by Espen Oenio and interiors by Seattle-based yacht designer Jonathan Quinn Barnett, housing 26 guests and 63 crew. A spa, library, multiple lounges, alfresco dining spaces, and a basketball court are just the beginning of Octopus's array of amenities.

Al Mirqab was built in 2008 by Peters Schiffbau and is owned by Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim bin Jaber Al Thani, who is Qatar royalty, a businessman, and a politician. Its exteriors were designed by Kusch Yachts and its award-winning interiors by Winch Design. Al Mirqab measures 437 feet and houses up to 60 guests and crew each. The yacht features a grand staircase with sides made from hand-cut crystal panels, cinema, spa, beach club and a lower deck swimming pool that can be opened up to the sea.

Launched in 2012, the yacht formerly known as Topaz stretches 483.1 feet long and reaches speeds up to 19.5 knots. And with interiors by the renowned Terrence Disdale , you know this behemoth is as spectacular on the inside as its exterior. It’s equipped with an on-deck Jacuzzi, double helicopter landing pad, swimming pool, fitness center, cinema room, and a snazzy conference room. A+ is reportedly owned by Sheikh Mansour, deputy prime minister of the UAE, and can accommodate up to 62 guests and 79 crew members.

One of the world’s largest “gigayachts”—measuring a whopping 456 feet—is also one of the newest, as it is currently undergoing trials in the Baltic Sea. This sleek structure, formerly known as Opus and Project Redwood, technically launched in January 2019 but came back to Lurssen for more fine tuning and upscale additions. The interiors and exterior are both by Nuvolari Lenard , and the yacht will reportedly sleep up to 36 guests. Some of the ultra-fabulous amenities include a beach club, fitness center, spa and sauna, Jacuzzi, swimming pool, elevator, two helipads, and an impressive study.

Katara was launched in 2010 and measures 408.2 feet long and reaches speeds up to 20 knots. The yacht’s interiors were reportedly done by Alberto Pinto and comfortably accommodate 34 guests and 95 crew members. Much of Katara remains a mystery, but we do know it belongs to either the former Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al Thani, or Sheikh Nawaf bin Jassim Bin Jabor Al-Thani, chairman of the Katara Hospitality Group, and docks in the city of Dohu. Katara also reportedly has its own beach club with sea terraces.

Savarona is the oldest yacht on this list, as it was originally launched in 1931 and refitted in 1999. The 446-foot yacht boasts interiors by Donald Starkey, room to sleep 34 guests and 48 crew, and luxe amenities, like ample spa facilities, a spacious study, oversize media room, and plenty of fabulous deck space for lounging.

This sleek yacht belongs to Roman Abramovich, billionaire businessman, politician, and owner of the Chelsea Football Club. Some of the likely amenities on board include a three-person submarine, a 52-foot pool that can be converted into a dance floor, and an exterior fireplace. Eclipse is believed to accommodate 36 guests and 70 crew members.

Eclipse Yacht Interior

Eclipse 's interiors were designed by world-renowned Terence Disdale Design in London.

Dilbar is owned by Russian billionaire Alisher Usmanov and is considered the largest yacht in the world by gross tonnage and interior volume. Usmanov named this Lurssen masterpiece after his mother. Some of this boat’s amenities include a 82-foot indoor swimming pool, sauna and massage room, movie theater, and underwater lights. Dilbar accommodates 40 guests and 80 crew members.

Dilbar Yacht Interior

Andrew Winch of Winch Design Group , a London-based design group for luxury homes, yachts, and planes, designed the interiors of Dilbar .

The 590-foot Azzam is considered the longest yacht in the world and is reportedly owned by the royal family of Abu Dhabi. Built in 2013, this Larsson yacht made yachting history for not only its size, but its ability to reach top speeds of more than 30 knots.

French designer Christophe Leoni spearheaded the interior design of this boat that accommodates 36 guests and 60 crew members.

This megayacht was constructed by Platinum Yachts for Prince Jefri Bolkiah of Brunei and now belongs to Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, ruler of Dubai and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates. The yacht took 10 years to perfect and is widely considered one of the most luxurious yachts in the world. Dubai boasts a mosaic-tiled swimming pool, multiple Jacuzzis, disco, and a squash court. Its dining room alone can hold up to 90 guests, and the boat has room for 88 crew members.

Dubai Yacht Interior

The interiors of Dubai were designed by Andrew Winch of Winch Design .

Fulk Al Salamah

Fulk Al Samanah was assembled by Mariotti in Genoa, Italy, and is the world's second-largest superyacht. It is believed to belong to the Omani Royal Fleet. Notable amenities include a beauty salon, beach club, and conference facilities, and it requires 130 crew members for optimal ventures. Little information about the Fulk Al Samanah is known, but the boat's exterior was designed by Studio de Jorio.

This stunner belongs to billionaire and entertainment mogul David Geffen and has likely hosted a favorite celebrity (or 10) of yours over the past few years—even the Obamas. Complete with a gym, sauna, pool, and underwater lights, what more could you ask for in a party venue? This Lurssen yacht holds 18 guests overnight and up to 45 crew.

Rising Sun Yacht Interior

There isn't much out there about the interiors of Geffen's yacht, but we do know it was designed by Bannenberg and Rowell .

Ocean Victory

Ocean Victory was built in 2014 by Fincantieri and is owned by Russian billionaire Viktor Rashnikov. It holds 26 guests and 50 crew. Notable amenities include six pools, a beach club, and an underwater observation room.

Little is known about the interiors of this ship, except that it was designed by Alberto Pinto and Laura Sessa Romboli, so you know it has to be absolutely fabulous.

Lauren Wicks is a freelance writer and editor based in Birmingham, Alabama. Before going on her own, Lauren worked for brands such as VERANDA, EatingWell, and Cooking Light , and she covers all things lifestyle from interior design and luxury travel to wine and wellness.

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The Largest Top 100 Superyacht Launches of 2023

By Frances Flannagan

This year has seen an exceptional array of superyachts launched, from complex refits to technically advanced new builds. We take a look at six of the largest launches of the year, according to Superyachts.com’s Top 100 list of the largest yachts in the world.

Ranging from 90 to 145 metres in length, the five largest yachts launched in 2023 have certainly set the bar high for future launches. Three of the five largest yachts launched this year are Lürssen builds, as the German yard once again prevails as an esteemed industry leader. Freire Shipyard and Oceanco have also launched two exceptional vessels in 2023. 

145m - LUMINANCE

Builder: Lürssen

LUMINANCE was launched in February 2023: a highly anticipated project marking Lürssen’s eighth largest build. Her exterior design has been penned by Espen Oeino, marking the thirtieth collaboration between the designer and the shipyard. 

Her details have been kept tightly under wraps throughout her build process and following her launch, however she is said to have an internal volume of 9,000 GT and a beam of 20m, whilst bearing a steel hull and aluminium superstructure. 

According to Superyachts.com’s Top 100 list, LUMINANCE ranks as the 12th largest yacht in the world, marginally behind the Egyptian presidential yacht EL MAHROUSA which has an LOA of 145.7m. 

140m+ - Project ALI BABA

Despite an unintentional launch earlier this month due to a technical fault at her dock, Lürssen once again stunned the industry with the unveiling of the 140m+ Project ALI BABA. 

Whilst details of her build, design and specifications remain tightly under wraps, Project ALI BABA showcases a sleek, low grey profile, an elongated stretching bow, and two helipads. The industry had long awaited more news of ALI BABA’s build, as she was last seen in May 2022 during transport to begin her assembly. Following this unexpected launch and disruption, she is still on track to be delivered to her owner in 2024, recently moved to Lürssen’s Hamburg facilities for completion. 

With her official length still yet to be confirmed, Project ALI BABA will likely sit 16th in the Superyachts.com Top 100 largest yachts in the world, just behind Lloyd Werft's SOLARIS. 

In August, Lürssen launched its highly anticipated 122m JAG. She features an exterior design by Nuvolari Leanard: a sleek and sophisticated profile, with monochromatic black and white tones accented with splashes of red. Reymond Langton penned her interiors, and whilst they have not been revealed, we can only assume that they are just as eye-catching as her exterior design.

She can accommodate up to 20 guests across 11 staterooms with a crew of 40. She boasts exceptional space onboard, with a beam of 17.8m, making her a highly comfortable vessel. 

JAG ranks as the 32nd largest yacht in the world according to the Superyachts.com Top 100 list. 

114m - Project COSMOS

Project Cosmos was technically launched in March, known otherwise as Project 13759. Her first sighting was a highly exciting moment for the industry as, like LUMINANCE, little information has been revealed about the vessel. 

She has an interior volume of around 6300 GT, a beam of 18m, and a steel hull and aluminium superstructure. Notably, she is the first Lürssen superyacht to feature new fuel cell technology that significantly reduces emissions by avoiding greenhouse gases, contributing to a more sustainable superyacht future. 

Her technical launch revealed that Project Cosmos features a large aft deck and swimming pool, alongside a cut-out that we can presume will house a tender. 

According to Superyachts.com’s Top 100 listings, Project Cosmos ranks as the 45th largest yacht in the world. 

112m - RENAISSANCE

Builder: Freire Shipyard

RENAISSANCE was launched this year as Freire Shipyard’s new flagship motor yacht and the largest yacht ever to be built in Spain. Bannenberg & Rowell oversaw her exterior and interior design, of which her interiors boast neutral colours, tactile furnishings and highly usable spaces. 

She has six decks and can accommodate 36 passengers in 19 luxurious cabins. RENAISSANCE features a double-height dining saloon, a beach club and al fresco dining opportunities on four of the decks. She promises the ultimate relaxation retreat, with stunning views and a range of treatment rooms and salons, as well as an expansive beach club showcasing the latest water toys. 

Currently, she is the most expensive yacht on the charter market, with a starting price of three million euros a week in low season with Burgess. RENAISSANCE sits just behind Project Cosmos on the Top 100 list, ranking as the 47th largest yacht in the world.

105m - 1050H 

Builder: Oceanco

Superyacht standards were set very early on in 2023 with the launch of Oceanco’s 1050H on the 10th of January. She was one of the industry’s most closely-guarded secrets: neither a newbuild, refit, or conversion, representing a fundamental rebuild of unprecedented scale. 

1050H is a heritage superyacht that has been completely transformed: the first vessel that has been recreated to such an extent that no single element remains the same. She has a modern exterior aesthetic, with an entirely new superstructure, and with interiors penned by Reymond Langton Design. 

The Dutch yard commented: ‘At a time when yachting is increasingly mindful of the impact on the planet, bringing an existing superyacht up to date with contemporary standards can have as much, if not more, of a positive effect as a sustainable new build.’ This highlights the importance placed on sustainability, showing 1050H to be an exceptional vessel beyond aesthetics and performance. 

1050H ranks at 63rd on the Superyachts.com Top 100 list. 

2023 has been a remarkable year for superyacht launches, in particular with the emphasis placed on sustainability and future-proof design. These five vessels set the benchmark not only for 2024 launches, but for future yachts in general, as they all exude not only exceptional aesthetics and amenities but highly complex and innovative technical features. 

"At a time when yachting is increasingly mindful of impact on the planet, bringing an existing superyacht up to date with contemporary standards can have as much, if not more, of a positive effect as a sustainable new build." Oceanco Shipyard

"At a time when yachting is increasingly mindful of impact on the planet, bringing an existing superyacht up to date with contemporary standards can have as much, if not more, of a positive effect as a sustainable new build."

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The 20 largest superyachts in the world, posted by luxify, 31 march, 2020.

Ownership of a superyacht is also an unrivaled sign of wealth that only the world’s richest can afford. Today’s superyachts are equipped with more technology, amenities and gadgets than the most luxurious hotels as demonstrated with the following 20 largest superyachts ever built in the world.

2013 is the manufacturing year of this superyacht that stands at 180.60m (592’6” ft). First of all, the yacht Azzam is the largest Superyacht in the world. It is way ahead in technology, dimensions, and performance. It is one of the most expensive superyachts on the planet. A world-class team came together under Eng. Mubarak Saad al Ahbabi who directed all areas of development. Lurssen is behind developing the technical engineering aspect.

2010 is the completion year of the Eclipse Yacht at the Blohm & Voss Hamburg Shipyard. This superyacht stands at 162.50m (533’1” ft.). However, it is world’s second largest super-yacht and has interior features by Terence Disdale designs. Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich is the current owner of Eclipse. However, it is one of the luxury yachts of all time.

Platinum Yachts set in motion the Dubai yacht in 2006. The Dubai yacht measures 162m (531’5” ft). Hence, it is the world’s second largest private superyacht. Exterior design is by Andrew Winch although the stunning interior design is by Platinum Yachts. However, the dramatic circular staircase features glass steps and is bathed in colored lights making it one of the most beautiful features in luxury yachts.

4  Dilbar Yacht

Lurssen Yachts are the brains behind the customization of Dilbar. The yacht is a 156m (511’9” ft.). This piece of technology has a steel hull with an aluminum superstructure. However, the exterior design is by Espen Oeino who is applause for his grand designs.

Lurssen Yachts are behind this magnificent yacht in 2008 in Bremen, Germany. It stands at 155m (508’6” ft). The exterior design is by Espen Oeino. However, Redman Whiteley Dixon is responsible for the interior designing. This yacht can comfortably accommodate up to 70 people with a crew of 154 for your total comfort and relaxation. Although, most luxury yachts have a big capacity this was record breaking.

6  Fulk Al Salamah

Built in 2016 by Mariotti Yachts in Genoa, Italy. The Fulk Al Salamah yacht stands at 150m (492’1” ft). This magnificent superyacht has a steel hull and an aluminum superstructure. However, the luxury yachts have one thing in common, and that is sleek designs the Fulk Al Salamah Yacht defines that.

Built in 2012 by Lurssen Yachts in Bremen, Germany, the Topaz is a 147.25m (483’1” ft) motor yacht. The interior is designed by Terence Disdale while the exterior styling is by Tim Heywood Design. Topaz Yacht has a steel hull with an aluminum superstructure.

8  Prince Abdulaziz

Helsingor Vaerft is the brain behind the Prince Abdulaziz Yacht (formerly Abdulaziz). Helsingor, Denmark, was the operation base for building this gorgeous yacht. The exterior design is the work of Maierform Maritime Technology. However, she was refitted in 2005. The interior designer of the yacht is David Hicks.

9  El Horriya

Motor Yacht El Horriya (which was formerly Mahroussa) is a 145.72m (478’1” ft). Samuda Bros are behind customizing the yacht around 1865 in London, UK. The sophisticated design and engineering are the work of naval architect Sir Oliver Lang. She was last refitted in 1987.

10  Sailing Yacht A

Sailing Yacht A is a sailing yacht which stands at 142.80m (468’6” ft). Built and launched in 2015 by Nobiskrug. Phillippe Starck is the designer of the stunning exterior and interior features.

The superyacht Swift 141 was christened “Yas” after it was launched by ADM Shipyards in November of 2011. It holds the records for largest launch and the most significant superyacht in recent history. Pierrejean Design is the designer of the entire yacht.

12  Ocean Victory

Motor Yacht Ocean Victory is a 140m (459’3”ft) luxury vessel. Built in 2014 by Fincantieri Yachts in Muggiano, Italy. The beautiful exterior design and engineering are the work of Espen Oeino. Interior design is by Alberto Pinto and Laura Sessa Romboli.

13  Al Salamah

Lurssen Yachts are behind the custom designing of the motor yacht in 1999. She stands at 139.30m (457’0” ft) with exterior and interior designs by Terence Disdale. Although, she was refitted last in 2009.

14  Rising Sun

The motor yacht Rising Sun was custom built in 2004 by Lurssen Yachts. Although, it was also refitted in 2007. The Rising Sun yacht’s interior was designed by Seccombe Design and the exterior by Jon Bannenberg. Because of the unique interior and exterior, the Rising Sun Yacht makes it to the list of top luxury yachts.

Motor Yacht Serene was set in motion in 2011 by Fincantieri Yachts. She is a 134m (439’3”ft) superyacht. However, the exterior design and engineering are by Espen Oeino and feature seven decks, while the interior styling is by Reymond Langton Design. Because of the unique design, the yacht makes it to top luxury yachts.

16  Al Mirqab

Constructed in 2008 by Peters Schiffbau in Wewelsfleth, the Al Mirqab stands at 133m (436’4” ft). Tim Heywood designed the stunning exterior while the interior is the work of Andrew Winch Designs. Royalty is the inspiration behind the architecture of this super-yacht. Maybe it will be one of the most stunning luxury yachts you’ll see. Because the design and general look are simply breathtaking.

17  Octopus

The motor yacht Octopus is a 126.20m (414’0” ft) long. Lurssen Yachts are behind customizing this yacht in 2003. However, the exterior engineering is by Espen Oeino, and interior features are by Jonathan Quinn Barnett. Meanwhile, the Octopus Yacht ranks among luxury yachts because of its unique architecture.

In 2014, Neorion Elefsis custom built the motor yacht Maryah in Elefsis, Greece. This beautiful superyacht stands 125.00m (410’1” ft) long. H2 Yacht Design did both the exterior and interior designs. As a result of using the same designer, the yacht has more personalized design than most luxury yachts.

While being built in 2010 by Lurssen Yachts, the Katara (formerly Project Crystal), was shrouded in secrecy. Although, there is no much information about this super-yacht it is still a masterpiece. There are rumors that there is a helipad, a cinema, and a Beach Club with sea-terraces. However, they may just be rumors. She stands at 124.40m (408’1” ft) long.

20  Golden Odyssey

Finally, this water beauty makes it to the list of luxury yachts. The designers and manufacturers of the Golden Odyssey Yacht are the Lurssen Yachts. The Golden Odyssey yacht is 123.20m (404’2” ft) long. However, it features a steel hull with an aluminum superstructure. However, the sleek design is something that truly defines luxury yachts.

Although luxury yachts bring style to travel, they come at a huge price. However, almost all the luxury yachts have a story to tell through their designs. Hence, the deeper the story, the deeper you dig into your bank account. For more beautiful luxury yachts, and for the journey of a lifetime, be sure to see our yachts for sale here .

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Spotted: where to find the world's coolest superyachts

The global superyacht fleet is always on the move. In fact, last year, the fleet travelled a cumulative total of 18.7 million nautical miles . BOAT keeps track of some of the most famous yachts in the world, spotting them in locations such as Dubai, Antarctica and Thailand.

Zeus in Monaco

This week, the iconic 74.5-metre Zeus was photographed anchored outside Monaco. She was delivered in 1991 as Martin Francis ' first motor yacht and is best known for her radical bulbous windows, which were inspired by 1950s Parisian buses. The Blohm & Voss superyacht was commissioned by Mexican billionaire and multimedia emperor Emilio Azcárraga Milmo and was so beloved that he spent the last six months of his life on board . Now a household name in the yachting world, François Zuretti is responsible for the interior; at the time he was recognised for designing the acclaimed Mamounia hotel in Marrakesh.

Kismet in Scotland

The 122-metre Lürssen superyacht Kismet has arrived in Troon, Scotland following her delivery last week . Previously known as Project Jag, the superyacht boasts an interior by Reymond Langton Design and was commissioned by repeat Lürssen client Shahid Khan, who also owns the Jacksonville Jaguars and Fulham Football Club. Standout features include a helipad, beauty salon, spa, indoor and outdoor cinema, dance floor, gym and elevator. She is available to charter with Cecil Wright for €3,000,000 per week plus expenses, making her one of the world's most expensive superyachts for charter .

IJE in Antibes

The 108-metre IJE has been spotted returning to Antibes for the start of the charter season. She was designed by British studio RWD and delivered as Benetti 's flagship in 2019, though she only edges out Luminosity and Lana by a few centimetres. IJE 's staggering list of amenities – including a spa, a cinema, a "virtual aquarium" bar and a dedicated nightclub with DJ station – means a week-long charter is priced at €1,800,000. Robbie Williams and his wife were famously spotted on board the superyacht in summer 2022.

Stardust in Thailand

The 62.4-metre Stardust was sighted cruising the coast of Thailand in May 2024. According to BOATPro , she has since settled in the Malaysian city of Kota Kinabalu. Tim Heywood is responsible for Amels ' distinctive exterior, which is characterised by long lines of circular portholes and a cut-out segment in the hull line. Her sundeck is her standout feature, measuring an impressive 23 metres long and arranged with sunpads, a hexagonal spa pool and a Bimini top.

Triton in London

The 49.7-metre Triton was seen moored near Tower Bridge in London in April 2024. In 2004, she was launched and designed by Delta Marine and was the largest composite yacht built in the United States at the time. Triton is best suited to worldwide cruising, deep-sea fishing and exotic reef diving, with an underwater camera in the bow and a lighting rig at the stern that "provides guests front-row seats for observing the ocean’s mysteries". A sonar and bottom-mapping system by Simrad can also photograph and 3D map the bottom of the ocean, easily locating any nearby wreckage.

Pink Shadow in St. Tropez

Delivered by Damen Yachting in August 2023, Pink Shadow has been spotted at Port de Saint Tropez . The 58.3-metre yacht is part of the yard's explorer yacht range and boasts an eclectic interior by Design Unlimited , inspired by the 1982 epic adventure film Fitzcarraldo. A BOAT International Design & Innovation Award winner, the yacht was customised for an experienced client with a taste for adventure and sports a certified helipad and range of 5,000 nautical miles. She is expected to charter with Y.CO later in the year.

DAR in Port Hercule

The "shark-inspired" superyacht DAR was sighted in Port Hercule, Monaco in March 2024. Measuring exactly 90 metres, she was delivered by Oceanco in 2018 and won Motor Yacht of the Year "by a good margin" at the World Superyacht Awards the following year. Onboard, the key communal area is the main deck saloon, which boasts stunning views out to sea through 2.3-metre-tall windows, while the bridge deck swimming pool is flanked by sunpads and fed by a cascade of waterfalls starting on the upper deck. Her exterior is by Luiz De Basto , with interiors by Nuvolari Lenard . She is currently for sale at a staggering asking price of €208 million .

Eye in Port of Gibraltar

The 85-metre Eye (ex Ace ) was photographed docking in the Port of Gibraltar in March 2024. This marks one of the first sightings of the Lürssen since her extensive rebuild was completed in February 2024. Works began in 2022 with MB92 and involved a complete exterior redesign that removed the superyacht's trademark arches and "eye" . According to BOATPro , she has passed the Gibraltar Strait and is now cruising just off the coast of Algeria.

Ultra G in Amsterdam

The 58.5-metre superyacht Ultra G was seen cruising in Amsterdam in March 2024. Her last official sighting was on sea trials last summer , with delivery expected this month. The superyacht is a "sport fisherman in yacht disguise" and is one of Heesen 's most powerful projects yet, with a propulsion package totalling 22,000 horsepower. Her eye-catching exterior lines are the work of Omega Architects ' Frank Laupman.

Launchpad in Gibraltar

Launchpad was recently sighted in Gibraltar on her maiden voyage. The 118-metre was delivered in March 2024 , when she became Feadship 's largest superyacht to date. Her midnight blue exterior comes from Espen Øino , whilst interiors have been headed up by French studio Zuretti . Little is known about the yacht, though images point to a main deck swimming pool, a large helipad with a hangar and a unique pod-style skylounge encased by curved glass. She is rumoured to be owned by Mark Zuckerberg.

Eight13 in London

The 27.7-metre Eight13 was seen cruising along the River Thames this week, marking the first time a Sanlorenzo has visited London. She belongs to the shipyard's SL90A series, whose design is owed to Bernardo Zuccon and based on an original idea by automotive designer Chris Bangle. The yacht will be moored in St. Katharine's Docks until 24 March as part of an "immersive experience" held by the shipyard.

Koru in the US Virgin Islands

The world's largest sailing yacht, Koru , was seen docking at the scenic Charlotte Amalie Harbor in St. Thomas – with the 125.8-metre Oceanco easily dwarfing the marina's other visitors. Owned by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, wherever Koru goes, the photographers follow. The superyacht has been pictured all over the world , including in Gibraltar, Florida and Mallorca.

Infinite Jest in Antarctica

In the seven months since her delivery, Turquoise Yachts ' 75-metre Infinite Jest has travelled 19,699 nautical miles. This includes an incredible trip to Antarctica , where she was recently photographed. Yacht captain Tim Davison recounted the journey as such: "The air and water temperatures dropped to freezing point, the sea changed colour, the wildlife changed, the fog closed in and the first icebergs were sighted. What lay ahead of us was the adventure of a lifetime."

Promise.D in Poole, UK

Following her delivery last month , the 65-metre Feadship Promise.D has been sighted docking at Poole Marina in the UK. The highly-secretive superyacht has only been seen by the public a handful of times, most recently on her sea trials in December 2023. Little information is available on Promise.D , but images reveal a sheltered foredeck, large helipad on her upper deck and a fold-down beach club. Her interiors are also known to be the work of Bannenberg & Rowell .

More about this yacht

Infinity in miami.

In February, the 117-metre Infinity was seen in Miami, Florida – no doubt docking for the Miami International Boat Show . She was delivered in 2022 as Oceanco 's flagship superyacht and the largest superyacht to be constructed in the Netherlands, though she was recently superseded by Jeff Bezos' 125.8-metre sailing yacht Koru . Infinity features accommodation for up to 16 guests and a wellness area with a spa, sauna, gym and yoga studio. Espen Øino is responsible for exterior design, while her contemporary interior is by Sinot Yacht Architecture & Design and David Kleinberg Design Associates .

Athos in Mexico

Recently sighted in Isla Partida, Mexico, the 63.3-metre Athos was originally launched by Holland Jachtbouw in 2010 (and remains its flagship). Her classic build is owed to Hoek Design Naval Architects , while an extensive, 14-month refit saw the schooner leave Huisfit in November 2023 with a 1.25-metre stern extension and a total rebuild of her interiors. Onboard highlights include a cosy media room, a "classic-looking" deckhouse bar and new, professional-grade galley. Athos was BOAT International's June issue cover star in 2023.

Obsidian in Portland

The 84.2-metre Obsidian is the newest hybrid vessel to emerge from Feadship 's shed. Formerly known as Project 710, the yacht has a futuristic exterior look designed by RWD in collaboration with MONK Design . One of her coolest features is an "Aqua Lounge" with large windows below sea level (similar to the Nemo lounge on Savannah ) and a staircase that leads to a hidden terrace sitting just 75 centimetres above sea level. She was recently photographed in Portland, UK.

Octopus in Cowes

The 126-metre superyacht Octopus was most recently sighted off the coast of Cowes, the Isle of Wight's maritime gateway. Delivered by Lürssen in 2003 (and still ranking among the largest superyachts in the world ), Octopus was commissioned by Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen. Outstanding features include an Espen Øino exterior, a glass-bottom pool that rises to create an on-water dance floor and a drive-in garage that qualifies as a "mini marina". Since her delivery, Octopus has explored the coast of Antarctica, traversed the Northwest Passage and even discovered the wrecks of long-lost WW2 battleships off the Philippines. 

Carinthia VII and Tranquility in Dartmouth

Two superyacht legends were spotted crossing paths in Dartmouth Harbour this week. The 97.2-metre Lürssen Carinthia VII and 91.5-metre Oceanco Tranquility have both recently finished up summer refit work at their home shipyards and spent a brief moment on the British coastline. Carinthia VII then hot-footed it to Gibraltar and has now entered the Mediterranean in time for some cruising ahead of its grand debut at the Monaco Yacht Show , while Tranquility has doubled back on itself and is back in the Netherlands. 

Artefact in Alaska

World Superyacht Award winner Artefact came out victorious in the Motor Yacht of the Year category in 2021 – thanks to her cutting-edge exterior and Reymond Langton Design interior, and an innovative general arrangement to environmental and technical considerations. Built by Nobiskrug , the 80-metre Artefact has been cruising nonstop since leaving Germany in early 2020. She has recently been spotted near Alaska, fulfilling the owner’s desire to have a home that was able to travel the world.

Dr No in Denmark

Capable of carrying a 6.9-metre Super Falcon submarine, the 36.7-metre motor yacht Dr. No ’s primary purpose is adventure, exploration and underwater expeditions. She has recently been spotted in Denmark and is no stranger to expeditions, having ventured to Raja Ampat, Indonesia and New Caledonia. Formerly known as Blue Hunter, Dr. Do went through an extensive refit in 2011 to bring the vessel closer to superyacht standards and to accommodate her all-important submersible. Her unusual lines are the work of HYS Yachts and she was delivered in 1995 from Japanese shipyard Narasaki .

Enterprise in New York

The 38-metre Enterprise was recently spotted docked at the North Cove Yacht Harbor in New York. This Baglietto motor yacht was designed, built and delivered in less than three years, with construction seen through the height of the pandemic. Baglietto claims her to be the world’s largest yacht by volume for her length, thanks to an impressive 8.8-metre beam. Her sundeck is the real showpiece, fitted with a transparent perimeter, a glass-side spa pool and a large bathing platform courtesy of Francesco Paszkowski .

Yachts for charter

Multiverse in florida.

The 116.5-metre Multiverse (formerly known as Ulysses ) was recently spotted in Tampa, Florida bearing a new nameplate. The 2018 build has only been known as Ulysses since delivery, built as the successor to the 2015 yacht of the same name (now renamed Andromeda ). The hardy explorer can accommodate 66 guests and can also carry a 20-metre tender in a recessed well on the foredeck.

Kaos in Miami

The 110-metre Oceanco superyacht Kaos has been spotted moored in Miami. She was delivered in 2017 as Jubilee and the previous flagship of the Oceanco fleet and has an interior design by Reymond Langton Design . Her iconic profile and blue superstructure, courtesy of Igor Lobanov, is hard to miss, with her “faux decks” and smoked glass masking her true height. The year-long refit at Lurssen saw Sam Sorgiovanni make alterations to the exterior and interior, while maintaining her recognisable design. She is equipped with multiple standout features across the yacht's 4501 GT volume, including a pool deck with a built-in aquarium. 

Koru and Black Pearl in Mallorca

Two Oceanco sailing giants were spotted docked side by side in Port Vell in Palma. The 125.8-metre Koru made her maiden voyage to Palma following delivery earlier in the month and joined the 106.7-metre Black Pearl during the Palma International Boat Show 2023. The pair measures a collective equivalent of 2.5 football pitches, and Koru marks the new flagship for Oceanco, as well as the largest yacht ever built in the Netherlands. She is also the largest sailing yacht in the world — excluding motor-assisted Sailing Yacht A — while Black Pearl is the third-largest. 

Faith in Saint Martin

The 95.6-metre Faith was spotted seeking some serenity in the waters around Belmond La Samana, one of the most exclusive hideaways in Saint Martin. The yacht dropped anchor just opposite the beach, showing off her elegant RWD -designed exterior, twin ten-metre tenders and unfolding sea terraces, which lead into a spacious beach club with a glass-bottomed pool. In eight weeks' time, the hotel will play host to the inaugural Between the Bays event, which is being held in partnership with Anguilla Tourism, St. Martin Tourism and Feadship.

Octopus in Antarctica

The 126.2 metre Octopus has been busy since she sold in 2021. Since then, she has joined the charter fleet with Camper & Nicholsons and voyaged across central and south America, finishing her ambitious charter tour in the wintry waters of Antarctica. The superyacht, which was famously commissioned for Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen , is widely considered the world's first 'true' explorer and is packed from bow to stern with adventurous amenities including pools, a helipad and an ROV.

Bold in Dubai

BOLD is a born explorer and has been on the move since the day she left the SilverYachts shipyard in 2019. From Australia to Fiji and Papua New Guinea, to Canada and across the Indian Ocean, she has racked up more than 90,000 nautical miles circumnavigating the globe. Her latest adventure has seen the 85.3 metre explorer drop anchor in Dubai where her guests could observe the regatta action unfolding at the Dubai SailGP event - the first to be held in the Middle East. The Espen Øino design may resemble a battleship but conceals a colourful interior behind her aggressive lines and tinted windows. 

Dragonfly in The Netherlands

After checking in for a refit at an unknown shipyard in Harlingen at the beginning of the year, the 73.3 metre Dragonfly has been spotted on the move. Not one often found sitting still in a shipyard, Dragonfly started 2021 exploring Indonesia's Lesser Sunda Islands, moving northwards to West Papua and crossing the pacific to the Galapagos and Costa Rica, before making passage across the Atlantic to Harlingen. Her slender form is the work of Espen Øino and she is the second of two sisterships from Australian shipyard SilverYachts . 

Blue Jeans in London

The latest launch from Van der Valk made a trip to London on its maiden voyage from the Dutch shipyard. Her custom lapis-blue hull stood out against the grey skies of the British capital as she posed for a picture in front of the iconic Tower Bridge. Highlights of the 33 metre include a sundeck firepit, a folding bulwark that doubles as a diving board, and a foredeck "chillout lounge" with sun pads tucked into the bow and a dining table that pops up from the deck.

Gene Machine and Gene Chaser in Miami

The 55 metre Amels Gene Machine and its Damen support vessel Gene Chaser have been spotted at Yacht Haven Grande Marina at Island Gardens in Miami. The two have been cruising in tandem since 2021 after its owner, Dr Jonathan Rothberg, purchased and refitted the Damen support vessel formerly known as Blue Ocean . In an interview, Rotherbeg said that Gene Machine is operated like a Four Seasons and Gene Chaser is run more like a Holiday Inn Express. Gene Machine carries a Fjord 42, pictured, and a Hatløy Maritime Oxpro AL8 landing craft. The 74 metre Lady Jorgia can also be seen moored side-to the pair.

O'Pari in Greece

The 95 metre O'Pari is one of the largest superyachts built in Greece, and is an active cruiser around the Hellenic coastlines. She was spotted here, coming into the port of Spetses, during a busy summer season island-hopping around the Saronic. She marks one of the most expensive superyachts available to charter and was famously chartered by basketball star Michael Jordan around Croatia. As the flagship for Athens-based shipyard Golden Yachts, she follows in the footsteps of a number of superyachts that all begin with 'O' - a nod to an ancient Greek character that was formerly used as a greeting. 

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The largest yachts owned by tech billionaires, from Mark Zuckerberg to Jeff Bezos

• Megayachts have become a status symbol for the richest of the rich.
• In recent years, Jeff Bezos and Mark Zuckerberg have splurged on enormous boats.
• These are the biggest yachts owned by tech billionaires.

The average Joe celebrating a personal renaissance after, say, the end of a long-term relationship or when approaching a fresh decade might commemorate it with an ankle tattoo or a sports car. But if you're a billionaire, you may instead spend hundreds of millions on a yacht .

A few years after he and his wife divorced, Jeff Bezos shelled out on a megayacht. Last year, Bezos debuted the 127-meter vessel "Koru," a Māori symbol that signifies a fresh start — perhaps referring to that with his fiancée Lauren Sanchez.

Earlier this year, just before his 40th birthday, Mark Zuckerberg became the rumored owner of a yacht originally built for a Russian oligarch.

Superyachts have increasingly become ultrawealthy status symbols , providing highly secluded leisure and networking sites. They are — even more so than real estate — the single most expensive asset you can own.

"It's a bit of a celebration of your success in life, of wealth," Giovanna Vitelli, the chair of the Azimut Benetti Group, the world's biggest producer of superyachts, told Business Insider.

While many tech billionaires have bought yachts, the richest of the rich, like Bezos, Zuckerberg, and Oracle cofounder Larry Ellison, have gone bigger. Their boats are virtual palaces at sea, decked with amenities like gyms, spas, pools, nightclubs, and movie theaters.

A look at these megayachts — broadly defined as over 70 meters long, mostly custom-built, and often costing nine figures — offers a glimpse into how the .00001% lives. It's something few others will ever get to experience. Even chartering a yacht of this size for a week typically costs upwards of $1 million.

One major thing that hundreds of millions of dollars can buy is privacy. There are likely yachts that have not been publicly recorded or registered — for example, Evan Spiegel is rumored to own the 94-meter megayacht Bliss. In an industry ruled by discretion , deciphering who owns what is typically an exercise in stringing together many clues.

Here are the largest yachts owned by tech billionaires, listed in order of length.

Jeff Bezos: Koru and Abeona

Amazon founder Bezos' $500 million megayacht, the 127-meter Koru, made a splash last year as she crisscrossed the Mediterranean in her first summer at sea, with her 75-meter support vessel Abeona in tow.

The sailing yacht, which is hard to miss thanks to her massive size and unique design, was host to Bezos and his fiancée Lauren Sanchez's famous friends . The couple held an engagement party on board, which reportedly drew guests including Bill Gates, Ari Emanuel, and Leonardo DiCaprio. Just a week later, they were seen on the streets of Dubrovnik, Croatia, with Orlando Bloom, Katy Perry, and Usher.

Even before her completion, Koru made headlines. She drew the ire of some Dutch people, who vowed to hurl eggs after she was announced a historic bridge in Rotterdam might be taken apart to allow the Oceanco boat through. Luckily, the shipyard made alternative plans, and an egg crisis was averted.

Among yacht world insiders , Koru is widely praised for her craftsmanship.

"I heard back in 2018 or something that somebody had ordered a classic sailing yacht," one superyacht expert told BI. "You order 125 meters, that's not really going to be classic. But it is. I think it's pretty cool."

Mark Zuckerberg: Launchpad

Earlier this year, the yacht world was rife with rumors that Zuckerberg purchased Launchpad, a 118-meter superyacht originally designed for a sanctioned Russian businessman.

The ship made her maiden voyage in March, going from Gibraltar to St. Maarten and mooring in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Little is known about her interior, but photos show a large swimming pool and helipad. Her price, too, has been kept under wraps but is said to be nine figures.

Eric Schmidt: Whisper

Former Google CEO Eric Schmidt made waves last year when he agreed to buy the Alfa Nero , the yacht of a sanctioned Russian oligarch, for $67 million in an auction conducted by Antigua and Barbuda. But he backed out of the deal following legal issues over her true owner. He quietly purchased Kismet instead. The 95-meter-long Lürssen-built boat was formerly owned by the Jacksonville Jaguar's billionaire owner Shahid Khan . Schmidt renamed her Whisper.

The ship can fit 12 guests and a crew of 28, according to Moran Yacht & Ship, which oversaw her construction. She features a master deck with a private jacuzzi, full-service spa, lap pool, movie theater, and outdoor fireplace.

While her final sale price was not public, she was listed for 149 million euros (about $161 million at current exchange rates), and at a charity auction in January, one week aboard the ship went for $2.4 million, according to industry outlet Yacht Charter Fleet.

Barry Diller: Eos

Barry Diller , the chairman of digital media company IAC, co-owns the megayacht Eos with his wife, fashion designer Diane von Furstenberg , who is immortalized by a figurehead sculpture by Anh Duong.

One of the largest private sailing yachts in the world, the three-masted Lürssen schooner measures 93 meters long. She took three years to be built before being delivered to Diller in 2009, and since then, little has come to light about her interior and features.

The power couple has hosted many celebrities on the Eos, which spends her summers crisscrossing the Mediterranean and New Year ' s Eve in St. Barts . Over the years, guests have included Oprah Winfrey, Emma Thompson, Anderson Cooper, and Bezos, leading some to believe she provided inspiration for his Koru.

Jim Clark: Athena

Netscape founder Jim Clark purchased the 90-meter sailing yacht Athena in 2004.

"I could easily have built a 50- or 60-meter motor yacht that would have had the same space as Athena, but I was never really interested in building a motor yacht," he told Boat International in 2016. "To my eye, she's one of the most gorgeous large sailing yachts, maybe the most gorgeous large sailing yacht in the world."

Athena has room for 10 guests and 21 crewmembers, and the only change Clark says he'd make in her design is adding more space for his kids.

"If I was forced to change something, I would convert the office on the lower deck into a children's room," he said.

The former Stanford professor tried to sell her at various points — listing her for $95 million in 2012 , $69 million in 2016, and $59 million in 2017 — but she has yet to change hands.

Larry Ellison: Musashi

Oracle founder Larry Ellison has owned several superyachts over the years, including the Katana, the Ronin, and the Rising Sun — which he sold to fellow billionaire David Geffen .

He purchased his current boat, Musashi, in 2011 for a reported $160 million from custom-yacht giant Feadship.

Named after a famous samurai warrior, the 88-meter-long yacht has both Japanese and Art Deco-inspired design elements. She also boasts amenities including an elevator, swimming pool, beauty salon, gym, and basketball court.

Ellison is known for his extravagant spending — private islands, jets, a tennis tournament — and yachting is among his favorite and most expensive hobbies. He took up racing them in the 1990s and financed the America's Cup-winning BMW Oracle Racing team .

Laurene Powell Jobs: Venus

Steve Jobs' wife, investor and philanthropist Laurene Powell Jobs, inherited a nearly finished 78-meter yacht named Venus when the Apple cofounder died in 2011.

After spending years vacationing on Ellison's yachts, Jobs wanted one for himself. He designed Venus with French starchitect and decorator Philippe Starck , and she was worth $130 million at completion.

"Venus comes from the philosophy of minimum," Starck said of her design. "The elegance of the minimum, approaching dematerialization."

Jobs and Starck began working together in 2007, the designer told Vanity Fair , and held monthly meetings over four years. Venus was delivered in 2012 to Jobs' specification: six identical cabins, a design to ensure spaces of absolute silence, and the most up-to-date technology.

"There will never again be a boat of that quality again. Because never again will two madmen come together to accomplish such a task," Starck told the magazine. "It was not a yacht that Steve and I were constructing, we were embarked on a philosophical action, implemented according to a quasi-religious process. We formed a single brain with four lobes."

Charles Simonyi: Norn

Early Microsoft employee Charles Simonyi has purchased two megayachts from the German shipyard Lürssen: the 90-meter Norn and 71-meter Skat.

Delivered in 2023, Norn is full of luxe features, including an outdoor cinema and a pool floor that lifts to become a light-up dancefloor. She shares a militaristic style with Skat , which Simonyi sold in 2021.

Skats's name is derived from the Danish word for treasure, and she had a listing price of 56.5 million euros and was launched in 2002.

"The yacht is to be home away from my home in Seattle, and its style should match the style of the house, adapted for the practicalities of the sea," Simonyi once said .

Sergey Brin: Dragonfly

Google cofounder Sergey Brin has built a flotilla of yachts, boats, and toys known as the "Fly Fleet."

Named after a once-secret Google product , the largest of Brin's armada is the sleek Dragonfly , which boasts a movie theater and a helipad. The 73-meter-long vessel was built by the Australian shipyard Silver Yachts and can fit up to 18 guests and 16 crew members, according to SuperYacht Times.

Also in his fleet is the superyacht Butterfly, a mere 38 meters long. Often moored in the Bay Area, her crewmembers spend their downtime kitesurfing and giving swimming lessons to local kids.

The rest of his marine lineup includes a smaller boat called Firefly, as well as Jet Skis, foilboards, dinghies, and kiteboards. She takes a team of 50 full-time employees to manage, steer, and maintain the entire operation.

Sindhu Sundar contributed to an earlier version of this story.

Correction: May 6, 2024 — An earlier version of this story misstated Giovanna Vitelli's title. She is the chair of the Azimut Benetti Group, not a vice president.

• Main content

On board the world’s most travelled superyacht

“Humpbacks off the bow – all guests to the bridge,” a voice sang over the intercom at 7am on the first morning of our expedition. Blinking away sleep, I rushed onto the deck in my dressing gown and a brilliant-white glare filled my eyes through panoramic windows. Metres in front of our yacht, a pod of four humpback whales were feasting on krill, surrounded by giant icebergs, the Antarctic Peninsula looming on the horizon. Close encounters such as this would quickly become the norm during my week onboard Hanse Explorer, a purpose-built expedition yacht, which took us off the beaten cruise track in Antarctica.

Most visitors to the White Continent travel on board a cruise ship, but a lucky few explore on private superyachts . Hanse Explorer is one such vessel. Built in 2006 by German shipping magnate Peter Harren and now owned by a well-known explorer and philanthropist, the 48-metre yacht is the most travelled charter superyacht on the planet. 

In 2023 she clocked up a staggering 35,397 nautical miles, many of which were racked up during charters for the rich and famous (our maps below show exactly where it went last year). “The clients we get are very successful people – some of the most successful in the world in whatever they do,” Captain Andriy Bratash told me. Previous guests include leaders of industry, royalty and film stars.

Hanse Explorer sleeps just 12 guests and up to 20 crew and offers the comfort of a luxury hotel with the personalised service and flexibility of a private yacht. For guests, the exclusive experience begins before boarding. While cruise ships must spend two days crossing the treacherous Drake Passage to reach Antarctica, we took what’s been dubbed the “penguin plane”. The two-hour flight from Punta Arenas in Chile to King George Island on the tip of the Antarctic Peninsula has no set schedule and flies only if there’s a suitable weather window, landing on a short gravel runway; a hair-raising experience.

Superyacht vs cruise ship

Trips on board Hanse Explorer are managed by EYOS Expeditions, a pioneer of chartering in Antarctica. The voice that had woken me from my slumber the first morning belonged to eagle-eyed EYOS expedition leader Richard White, a younger David Attenborough type who first visited the region as a researcher in 1998. Together with Captain Bratash, White led a week-long journey that was dictated by the weather and wildlife rather than an itinerary. 

“We don’t try to go as far as fast as cruise ships, and we do it in a different style,” White said. “We have a lot more spontaneity in what we do because we have the ability to say, ‘there’s something cool over there, let’s go in that direction’. We try to go to places that are less trafficked, and we work hard on maintaining aspects of wilderness, which some of the other vessels have lost.”

The flexibility meant our zodiac trips and shore landings were frequent and often spontaneous – within 10 minutes of White spotting something interesting, we’d be kitted up and on the water. This is just one of the ways a private yacht experience surpasses that of a cruise ship . Antarctic regulations permit a maximum of 100 people on a landing point at one time, so ships carrying several hundred passengers must stop for a lengthy period to facilitate visits for all. With only 12 guests, we were able to travel freely and “stop and smell the whales’ breath”, as White liked to say.

What they don’t tell you on television

While sailing, we felt truly alone. In one week, I counted on one hand the number of other vessels we passed. We spent the week journeying up and down the Antarctic Peninsula and discovered things they don’t tell you about on television: the sheer stench of a penguin colony; the gunshot-esque cracks of mini avalanches. We watched adelie and gentoo penguins waddle up “penguin highways” to search for their chicks among colonies of thousands. We saw seals lazing on beaches and fighting with peers – “seals are solitary mammals”, warned one fellow explorer, who bore the scars of getting too close to one. 

We passed through the narrow Errera Channel at sunset with humpbacks off the bow and chased the sun to Wilhelmina Bay where we tried out ocean kayaking. Following the weather one day, we diverted from our original plan for a landing at picturesque Neko Harbour. “If you hear my tsunami warning, run up the hill,” White said as we hiked past a gentoo colony to a viewpoint. On one particularly memorable Zodiac trip, an inquisitive humpback dived underneath our vessel, turning to flash us her white belly as we bobbed in stunned silence.

Made for extremes

Hanse Explorer isn’t your usual private superyacht, most of which are built for the kinder climates of the Mediterranean or Caribbean. She’s purpose-built for traversing the most unforgiving climates and conditions. “We think of her as a small passenger ship because we’re solidly built from steel, we have ice class and we have commercial equipment that’s oversized for safety,” Captain Bratash said. The yacht’s strength was demonstrated when the captain deliberately steered into a small iceberg, cracking the ice.

What the yacht has in terms of resilience, she mirrors in comfort. It’s an intimate experience with just six guest rooms – three doubles, two twins and one master with a private terrace – which have all the comforts you’d expect. 

Communal areas offer large windows for watching the passing scenery. The main deck has a dining room, a terrace and a lounge where White gave daily debriefs and talks on topical issues such as climate change. The lower deck features a gym, a sauna with portholes and an equipment room where guests store outdoor kit, while the upper deck has an al-fresco lounge and a hot tub on the bow – a scenic spot for sundowners.

A polar plunge

Life onboard Hanse Explorer was relaxed and efficient. The crew moved like shadows – always present but rarely seen. Pop out for a breakfast and your room would be cleaned before your return; your fresh laundry folded neatly on the bed. Come back from an excursion and the sauna would be heated and freshly baked cakes and hot chocolate with Baileys would be waiting in the lounge. 

Meals were taken communally around a large dining table that was creatively decorated every day with themes ranging from Polynesia to pirates. Every day we enjoyed hearty buffet breakfasts, family-style lunches and four-course dinners.

The ambience was relaxed; within a day, guests were lounging in their thermals. “We provide the superyacht level of service, but we aim to create an atmosphere of home onboard, so guests are totally comfortable,” said Captain Bratash, from Ukraine, who’s been at the yacht’s helm since 2016. 

Between excursions, the enthusiastic crew organised experiences such as kayaking and the “polar plunge”. As a fair-weather swimmer, I was apprehensive about entering the freezing water in just a swimsuit but, spurred on by the cheers of my peers, I jumped. The shock was quickly replaced by an adrenaline rush so intense that I plunged again the next day.

On our final day, White took us to a remote bay and suggested we take a moment to reflect. The snow sparkled in the sun and icebergs bobbed in the shallows as penguins played on top of them. The only sounds were the call of a skua overhead and the chirp of a delighted chick reuniting with its parent, back from sea with a belly full of krill. I felt a deep connection with nature – and it clicked. Why do people travel across the globe and spend six-figure sums for this experience? Total freedom. As it turns out, this is something that money can buy – you just need a private yacht to get there.

How to do it

Charter trips on board Hanse Explorer are managed by EYOS Expeditions, which hosted Rachel Ingram. The yacht will spend the Northern Hemisphere summer in the Pacific before travelling to Papua New Guinea and then back to Antarctica. For more information or to book, contact EYOS Expeditions ( eyos-expeditions.com ; 001 801 390 7025) or contact [email protected]. Prices start from $70,000 (£56,6000) per week for a book-by-cabin charter or from $245,000 (£197,600) plus 35 per cent expenses for a full private charter. Flights are extra.

Where the world’s most travelled superyachts went in 2023

Last year, BOATPro’s Global Fleet Tracker followed the journeys of almost 7,000 superyachts, with a cumulative 18.7 million nautical miles recorded between them. These were the four most travelled:

Hanse Explorer

This 48-metre superyacht began the year in Antarctica, before heading to the Caribbean via the Falkland Islands. The Northern Hemisphere summer was spent exploring Scandinavia and the Arctic, before the long journey back to the White Continent. 

Gene Chaser

Owned by DNA sequencing scientist Dr Jonathan Rothberg, Gene Chaser completed a full circumnavigation in 2023, with stops in the Galapagos, Tokyo, Bali, Rhodes and Madeira, among others. 

This 56-metre yacht, on the charter market, began the year in the Med, visited London, and then embarked on a meandering journey to its namesake country via Bergen, Copenhagen, Hamburg, the Suez Canal and Singapore. 

What could be better than a year spent exploring the Pacific? That – along with a traverse of the Northwest Passage – was the main focal point for Tecla, a sailing ketch built in 1915, refitted in 1989, and currently in private hands. 

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Meet ‘Home,’ the Sleek 164-Foot Superyacht That Starred in ‘Below Deck’

The 164-footer was not only the backdrop for the reality series but also has hybrid propulsion and a "50 shades of white" interior., julia zaltzman, julia zaltzman's most recent stories.

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The 164-foot motor yacht Home was Heesen’s first hybrid yacht when it delivered in 2017. It was also the first yacht to combine hybrid propulsion with a Fast Displacement Hull Shape (FDHF), which is proven to outperform conventional hull forms at all speeds. Built in lightweight aluminum, Home delivers 48 percent more fuel efficiency than other yachts of the same size.

Another perk of the hybrid propulsion package is reduced noise and vibration. Sensory expert Barry Smith, founder of the Centre for the Study of the Senses, discovered that the enjoyment of fine dining and wine while cruising in electric mode is significantly enhanced.

“Our research has shown that the brain’s processing of taste is affected by noise, which reduces the tongue’s ability to detect salt, sweet and sour,” says Smith. “The beauty of Home is the ability to run at a sound of around 46 decibels—the sound level of softly falling rain—enabling those on board to enjoy food and drink with no diminution of taste.”

Home began as a speculation build by the shipyard, before the American owner stepped in to the project. The initial interior was not to his liking, so he engaged Italian designer Cristiano Gatto to rework the design. He mandated simplicity, rather than minimalism. He also requested decor inspired by his residences, reflecting their contemporary Ibiza style. One perfect example: The slinky metal chaise lounge in the main salon by Italian designer Franco Poli.

Here are 10 facts about one of the world’s first hybrid yachts.

Star of the Med

Home ’s fortune took a sharp turn in 2022 when it became the star of the seventh season of Below Deck Mediterranean . Filmed in Malta, the reality series followed its crew over an eight-week charter season, with Captain Sandy Yawn at the helm. Unlike most yachts on Below Deck, Home retained its real name on screen. It was the first diesel-electric motor yacht to appear on the show, and in typical style, the producers added a dancing pole to the sundeck to spice up the onboard antics.

50 Shades of White

Home takes the trend for neutral interiors to a whole new level. Alongside a color palette of black and gray with pops of deep red, the yacht features 50 shades of white, from off-white to ivory. The original owner mandated an interior that gave him a “home away from home”—hence the yacht’s name. Low-slung sofas and bespoke loose furniture create a relaxed and welcoming beach club ambience. The vessel’s teak flooring and full-height glass windows blur the distinction between inside and out.

Party Lounge

One of Heesen’s signature areas is an upper-deck sky lounge. Home ’s casual bean bags, daybeds, and stark-white bar with LED strip lighting provide a natural extension to the alfresco dining terrace. When the doors to the aft deck are shut and the furniture removed, a mirror ball and a smoke machine are added turning the area into a dedicated party room for nighttime use.

A Dreamier Shade of Pale

Full-height windows in the full-beam, main deck owner’s suite bounce natural light off the paler-than-pale color scheme. The off-white bed, rug, walls, and ceiling are offset with a sky-blue bed throw. There is a dressing room, an en suite with shower and a private office. There’s also a full-beam VIP cabin on the lower deck, as well as two double cabins and two twin cabins to accommodate 12 guests, including families.

Moody Sundeck

Home ’s sundeck is the hub of the boat. There are sun lounges forward with privacy glass safety screens to shelter guests from sea spray and wind. Beneath the hardtop bimini is a large sit-up bar and lounge area, which also doubles as an outdoor dining area. The bar lights up in soft pastel shades at night to bring the party atmosphere. Aft is a Jacuzzi, while a projector and a screen set-up transform the deck into an outdoor cinema.

On the Nose

The yacht is easily spotted on the horizon, thanks to its distinctive plumb bow. The vertical front increases Home ’s waterline length, helping it to slice through waves and lift in rougher water. It guarantees a smoother and faster ride for guests, as well as creating more room on the interior for crew accommodations. For a more immersive journey, a telescopic seat on the foredeck rises from the bow for 360-degree views.

Sea Terrace

A central staircase on the main deck aft leads down to an oversized swim platform that doubles as a sea-level sun lounge. With plenty of room for daybeds and sunrise yoga sessions, it’s the perfect waterside hang out.

The Athletic Club

The lower-deck gym is a full-beam, air-conditioned space for guests to sweat it out. It’s kitted out with a range of equipment, including a workout bench, Techno Gym dumbbells, an exercise bike, and a rowing machine. When guests are done with their workout, they’re just a few steps from the sea for the ultimate plunge to cool off.

The Electric Package

The twin 805 hp MTU engines (smaller than those typically fitted on a yacht of this size) can be operated in four different cruising modes: hybrid (with noise levels in the owner’s stateroom measuring as low as 46 decibels), economic, cruising (consuming as little as 12 gallons per hour at 9 knots), and boost, which pushes the boat to a top speed of 16.8 knots.

Fast, Efficient Hull

At the time of launch, Home was the first yacht to combine the super efficiency of an FDHF hull, designed by Van Oosenan Naval Architects, with hybrid propulsion. The combination was celebrated with a RINA green award presented by HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco.

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feadship brings out the world’s first hydrogen fuel-cell superyacht, project 821

Meet project 821, the world’s first hydrogen fuel-cell superyacht.

Yacht builder Feadship recently unveiled what may be the world’s first hydrogen fuel-cell superyacht , Project 821. It is a colossal water vehicle with a size of 118.80 meters, all running on hydrogen, which is a lightweight, ‘puffy’ substance. When hydrogen is processed in a fuel cell, the by-products are electricity and water in the form of steam.

For a superyacht, it may be able to carry a lot of power without adding too much weight. The only catch, one that the Feadship team had to confront, was that hydrogen needs to be stored in an extremely cold container to keep it from taking up too much space as a gas. To do this, Feadship had to make Project 821 a bit longer than originally planned to fit a four-meter storage tank, hence its 118.80-meter size. 

Feadship creates custom four-meter hydrogen storage tank

Feadship’s custom four-meter storage tank takes up quite a lot of space, eight to ten times more than regular diesel fuel would, even though the hydrogen itself is lighter. On the upside, the fuel cells on the Project 821 superyacht can also run on methanol, which is a liquid fuel that’s easier to store, a cleaner version of gasoline.

Methanol doesn’t need to be super cold, so it might take up less space on the superyacht. At the moment, future innovations on fuel cells and onboard reforming of methanol to hydrogen are on the near horizon for Feadship, who’s focusing more on the current hydrogen technology they have in front of them.

In terms of energy storage, superyacht Project 821 stores less energy, around 543 kW hours, compared to a similar-sized yacht of Feadship named Savannah, which uses diesel (1 megawatt hour). The new superyacht doesn’t need as much stored energy since its hydrogen fuel cells can continuously generate power while it is running.

Think of it as having a refillable generator onboard, boosting the superyacht’s power instead of relying only on a battery.In this way, the hydrogen-run Project 821 eliminates noisy engines when anchored or traveling slowly, and there’s no pollution when it cruises either. 

superyacht Project 821 and its heat recycling system

The superyacht Project 821 also has its own heat recycling system, which captures the waste heat from the engine—in this case, the fuel cells—and uses it for heating the pool, jacuzzi, and steam room on board, keeping the air at a moderate temperature in the guest areas, warming the towel bars and bathroom floors, and curtails the use of separate heaters to power up these amenities.

Feadship also installs a smart air conditioning system which automatically adjusts its temperature based on occupancy so that if nobody’s in a room, it won’t waste energy cooling it. The British RWD Studio worked on the entire look of the hydrogen-run Project 821, including the exterior, general arrangement, and all the décor inside. 

Coastal vibe is the theme the design attempts to evoke, the feeling of being near the beach or ocean while in a state of luxury. Light and airy colors and interior furnishings may help bring these up, starting with the use of light colors like white, beige, and cream for the walls, furniture, and fabrics. This sense of openness and bigger space is accompanied by textured fabrics and leathers, as well as a variety of natural materials.

These include marble, rattan, eucalyptus wood, and limed oak, a light-colored wood, all of which run throughout the interior of the superyacht Project 821. The design firm also retained the shapes of certain design elements on different floors, such as door trim features and hallway railings, to create a sense of continuity, but their use of materials vary, so that the guests can have the feeling of being in a new area.

The hydrogen-run superyacht is designed for families, with the top deck resembling a whole apartment on its own. It has two bedrooms with separate bathrooms and closets, a gym,a  pantry, two offices, each with a fireplace for working or relaxing, and a living room. There’s a walkaround deck with shaded areas at the front and back for lounging and enjoying the outdoors, and a jacuzzi in the front for a scenic soak.

Since Project 821 is wide, the hallways inside the superyacht are spacious to make walking around easy, allowing large side decks outside as well where guests can walk side-by-side. The superyacht has a  private access point for the owners that goes all the way down to the lower deck, which features a staircase with built-in bookshelves and display areas and an elevator for easy access between decks. 

On each floor, dedicated areas await guests, such as a coffee corner and a games area on the bridge deck, a library on the main deck, and a private dining room with a balcony and a connected bedroom on the lower deck. Feadship says Project 821 is the biggest superyacht ever built in the Netherlands, beating out its own sibling, Launchpad.

Even though they’re similar in length, Project 821 has 30 percent more space inside and has five floors above the water and two floors below, with the owner’s deck being as high as a 12-story building. As of publishing the story, Project 821 is being offered for sale by Edmiston.

the superyacht’s hydrogen fuel cells can continuously generate power while it is cruising

Feadship had to make Project 821 a bit longer than originally planned to fit the storage tank

project info:

name: Project 821

manufacturer: Feadship

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A Record $3.9 Billion Haul For The World’s 50 Highest-Paid Athletes

The top 11 athletes earned more than $100 million each, 29 americans made the list—and two are already billionaires., by matt craig , forbes staff.

T he 50 highest-paid athletes in the world set a record for earnings for the fourth consecutive year, combining to make $3.88 billion in the past 12 months. That total is up nearly 30% from 2021, and more than double what the top 50 was making a decade ago.

Here are a few of the most eye-popping numbers from the athletes on this year’s list.

$936 million

The amount of money this year’s list-makers earned from their off-the-field endeavors, including endorsements, appearances, licensing and memorabilia income, and other businesses. Interestingly, this total is down 13% from last year’s all-time high, but on-field earnings set a record total this year of $2.94 billion.

10 YEARS OF THE TOP 10 HIGHEST-PAID ATHLETES

$260 million.

Cristiano Ronaldo lands at No. 1 on the list for the second consecutive year, and fourth time in his career, nearly doubling his own record for soccer player earnings set last year. The majority of that total, an estimated $200 million, comes from his contract with club Al Nassr of the Saudi Pro League.

$218 million

Jon Rahm’s earnings in the past 12 months, second-most in the world and the highest total ever for golf. The 29-year-old Spaniard received a massive payday to join the Saudi-backed LIV Golf tour in December, and added another $20 million in endorsements from sponsors, including Callaway, Rolex and Mercedes-Benz.

THE WORLD'S 50 HIGHEST-PAID ATHLETES BY SPORT

$85 million.

The amount of money earned by Canelo Álvarez in the past 12 months. In addition to huge payouts for his fights against John Ryder last May and Jermell Charlo in September, Álvarez has begun building a business empire away from the ring, owning a string of gas stations and convenience stores in Mexico, among other ventures.

$45.2 million

Devin Booker’s earnings over the previous 12 months, which serve as the cutoff to rank inside the top 50. It’s the same amount that would have qualified for No. 50 on last year’s list. In 2020, the cutoff was $28.5 million.

There are five athletes on the list who earned $1 million or less from off-field endeavors. While endorsements remain extremely lucrative for the most famous members of the list, they aren’t necessary for huge paydays. Four NFL players—Chris Jones, Brian Burns, Deshaun Watson, Rashan Gary—and MLB pitcher Max Scherzer earned more than $45 million just from playing contracts and signing bonuses.

THE WORLD'S 50 HIGHEST-PAID ATHLETES BY NATIONALITY

The average age of the athletes in this year’s top 50, down from 33 last year. While hitting the cutoff for this list remains elusive for those under 25, new maximum contract rules in the NBA and huge signing bonuses in the NFL have allowed more athletes to cash in at a younger age. There are 22 athletes under the age of 30 this year, up from just 17 a year ago.

The United States remains the most represented country in this year’s top 50, making up over half the athletes. The only other countries with multiple listees are the United Kingdom (4) and France (2). Joel Embiid, who will compete for Team USA at the Olympics in Paris this summer, was counted for his native country of Cameroon.

The number of NBA players on this year’s top 50, making basketball the most represented sport by a comfortable margin. NFL players take 11 spots, followed by eight soccer players and five golfers.

The number of athletes on this year’s list who earned $100 million or more in the past 12 months, a record. This is the first time in the history of the list that each member of the top 10 all earned nine figures. As recently as 2017, zero athletes cracked the $100 million mark.

The number of athletes 39 or older in the top 50. Two of them, Cristiano Ronaldo and LeBron James, rank among the top five in earnings with an estimated $260 million and $128.2 million, respectively. The others are 40-year-old quarterback Aaron Rodgers, 39-year-old F1 driver Lewis Hamilton, 39-year-old pitcher Max Scherzer, and the oldest athlete on the list, 48-year-old golfer Tiger Woods.

The number of billionaires among this year’s 50 highest-paid athletes. Tiger Woods and LeBron James were the first and only athletes to reach billionaire status during their playing careers. The others, Michael Jordan and Magic Johnson , joined the 10-figure club long after retiring.

The number of female athletes on this year’s list. Serena Williams was the only woman represented on last year’s list, her sixth appearance, but is now retired and no longer eligible. Only three other women have landed in the top 50 since 2012—tennis stars Maria Sharapova, Li Na and Naomi Osaka.

METHODOLOGY

Information about the methodology Forbes uses to compile the list, which captures income the athletes collected between May 1, 2023, and May 1, 2024, can be found here .

With additional reporting by Brett Knight and Justin Birnbaum .

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