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The 7 superyacht concepts that got everyone talking in 2023

What makes a superyacht concept stand out? When the only limit is a designer's imagination, the results can sometimes be extreme – but more often than not, a pioneering design comes to the fore. BOAT takes a look at what set apart this year's most impressive entries...

Length:  131m Designer:  Giles Taylor, Oceanco , Lateral Naval Architects and Njord by Bergman Standout feature : Eco-minded interiors

Named after the Greek god of wind, Aeolus takes after its elemental namesake with a fluid, organic exterior design. A beam of 18 metres and gross tonnage of 6,200 has allowed for a number of multi-functional areas, including "pod-like" spaces that prioritise privacy and more open areas with sweeping views through large glass windows. This project's interiors focus on sustainable “biomaterials”, including vegan leather made from cactus and organically certified cotton.

Length: 88m Designer : Jozeph Forakis , Lateral Naval Architects Standout feature : A world first in construction

Pegasus was presented in February as the world’s first "3D-printed" superyacht. Mirrored glass and a tiered superstructure allow the vessel to blend in with the surrounding landscape, while the interior centres around a multi-level "Tree of Life" hydroponic garden, designed to provide guests with fresh food and air purification. Aft, an open beach club with Jacuzzi can transform into a solarium.

Length: 83m Designer: Feadship , Studio De Voogt Standout feature : A never-before-seen mast design

Dunes' unconventional design (meant to mimic undulating waves of sand) is paired with eco-minded features that include a signature cooling mast design, extra-capacity storage batteries, a new type of fuel cell and a radical propulsor. According to the shipyard, if built Dunes would eliminate up to 95 per cent of the potential negative environmental factors associated with operating a superyacht.

Length: 80m Designer: Sinot Yacht Architecture & Design Standout feature : Clever use of onboard space

Unveiled in September, this ready-to-build superyacht proposal focuses on maximizing onboard space within the yacht’s slim, limited structure. Open-plan, flexible layouts prevail, seen best in the beach club which has head heights of three metres, fold-down terraces and integrated sliding glass partitions. The Dutch studio has a number of award-winning yachts in its portfolio, including the 60-metre Heesen yacht Lusine and the 77.2-metre Pi .

Length: 65m Designer: Golden Yachts , Phathom Studio Standout feature: The loft-like owner's cabin

October saw the reveal of Vesper, a project "more akin to an architectural residence than a typical 65 metre superyacht". This is realised most clearly in the owner's cabin, which spans a two-level apartment and includes a his-and-hers en suite, a wardrobe and a large open-connect lounge with an adjoining study. Pantograph doors lead to a private balcony with an infinity-edged spa pool, rock water wall and an outdoor lounge area.

6. Project Stardust

Length: 63m Designer: Tankoa Yachts , Giuseppina Arena , Abbasli Design Studio Standout feature: An unusual crow's nest

This celestial concept was unveiled at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show with the help of yachting influencer Denis Suka (also known as The Yacht Mogul). Tankoa explained the yacht's namesake – by night, exterior decks are illuminated by a collection of twinkling lights that turn the yacht into an "interstellar spaceship". Another unique feature is the observation deck-crow's nest hybrid, which creates an open-air setting for enjoying while underway or at anchor.

Length: 58m Designer: DRIFT Energy, ShadowCAT Standout feature : Environmental potential

Short for "Most Valuable Yacht" (referring to its green credentials), this megawatt-class support vessel will be capable of generating, storing and delivering energy by itself. Turbines will capture the kinetic energy of the vessel and store it onboard as "green hydrogen", to be later offloaded at a designated port. According to the company, this concept has the potential to abate a gigatonne of CO2 by 2050.

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6 future superyacht trends

Article written by BOAT International Published on September 3, 2024

Advanced technology, innovative design concepts and a growing emphasis on sustainability are just some of the ways in which superyachts are continuing to evolve, and staying ahead of these emerging trends is crucial for designers, builders and enthusiasts alike. Looking at some of today’s stand-out features, we offer a glimpse into what could define the next generation of superyachts.

Responsive design As technology expands and develops, there is a growing trend for designers looking to intertwine art with technology. Responsive design, also known as immersive art, has been a big talking point in the industry recently.

A major project which caught attention back in 2020 was 107.2-metre Luminosity’s 370-square-metre interactive LED walls, designed by Zaniz Studio. Since then, responsive design has become ever more popular on board, with Perini Navi’s 46.5-metre ArtExplorer showcasing a 16-metre cinematic tunnel whose walls are wrapped in LED light installations.

Currently, responsive design plays with movement and light but in the future, we might see the trend encompass touch, smell and temperature.

Nature takeover We’re already seeing a shift towards yacht designs that champion an improved connection to the water – like the open aft deck on the Benetti Oasis models or the underwater viewing lounges on board 83.5-metre Savannah and 75-metre M’Brace.

The next phase may see greenery make more of an appearance on board. A recent nature-focused project that stole the spotlight was Heesen’s 67-metre Sparta, its three decks symbolising the elements of water, earth and air.

Interior restyling During and after the pandemic, we saw a significant spike in yacht usage among both owners and charterers, with some spending weeks at a time at sea.

Based on this, we might expect to see people readjust their attitude toward their yachts by focusing less on wow factor and more on comfort and liveability. Instead of grand pianos, elaborate dining saloons and disused Jacuzzis, owners may opt for additional offices, larger gym areas or cosy media rooms.

Central to this ethos is Nuvolari Lenard’s 202-metre Centerfold concept, a design that evokes feeling, according to the studio, rather than purely aesthetics. Interior styling is also shifting towards neutral tones and comfortable furnishings as opposed to cool, contemporary themes designed for dazzling, rather than living.

The power of artificial intelligence It’s no doubt that AI is beginning to weave its way into many industries, and this is no different in the world of yacht design.

Over the past year, we have seen various shipyards and designers embrace AI in order to enhance the guest experience on board. Azimut was one of the first with the installation of smart home automation on board the Magellano 60.

More recently, Rossinavi harnessed the power of AI to maximise environmental efficiency on board the 43-metre hybrid-electric Seawolf X. Whilst AI is still in its infancy, the industry has so far proven that the technology can be useful in numerous ways on board, and we can expect this evolve rapidly in the coming years.

Explorer-style amenities Alongside strong demand for explorer yachts we’ve also seen an uptick in trend for explorer-style features, even on regular superyachts.

Holterman’s 32.6-metre Lady Fleur is a good example of this, incorporating a hydraulic aft platform that doubles as a tender bay and swimming pool. Warming firepits, larger toy lockers and toy-carrying aft decks are becoming more commonplace, with Wider’s 49.9-metre Stern able to house a submersible.

In keeping with that theme, yachts may start to get more rugged and functional in appearance – something that’s highlighted by the booming in the popularity of conversion superyachts.

Glass galore The use of glass has grown in the past few years, with more designers beginning to use it for aesthetic purposes as well as functional ones.

We’ve also seen it become more frequently used for structural purposes too, as the material becomes more durable and easier to work with.

From Feadship’s 77.2-metre Pi’s glass-clad saloon to Oceanco’s 90-metre Dar’s glossy glass exterior, it’s making a big appearance on the exterior. In the future, we may start to see glass introduced more heavily on the interior as well.

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Blue-sky superyacht concepts range from pure fantasy to easily buildable. Here are our 10 favorites in the last year.

To stand out from the crowd, more and more superyacht buyers—many new to the market—are challenging designers to break molds, go extreme, and think way outside of the traditional box. And they’re doing it with head-spinning bow designs, huge windows, and much larger interior and exterior spaces.

They’re also trading traditional monohulls for big-volume catamarans and trimarans, taking inspiration from oddball places—an aircraft carrier or 1930s Hollywood-style automobile—and, at the same time, future-proofing them with new propulsion systems, including hydrogen fuel cells, solar power, and advanced battery power.

These 10 concepts, from a range of designers and studios, show that the future of superyacht design has never been more exciting—if at times a little bizarre.

Sinot, ‘Aware’

Not all superyachts need to look like multi-tiered wedding cakes. That’s according to Dutch studio Sinot Yacht, which has just penned conceptual renderings for a sleek, almost-minimalist cruiser called  Aware . Yes, the 262-footer does have the look of some super-stylish European river boat from the likes of Viking or Uniworld. But the aim here is to optimize the spaces experienced owners tend to use the most. Like the owner’s suite on the main deck, which in  Aware  spans the full beam and totals over 860 square feet. Then there’s the super-size beach club with its twin fold-out terraces, gym, bar, cinema, 36-foot-long pool, and glass-sided dining area. As for power, Sinot envisions a hybrid diesel-electric propulsion system good for a 21 mph max, and a 4,000 nautical mile range at 14 mph.

Icon Yachts, ‘Mission’

Ice-breaking, globe-trotting expedition yachts are nothing new for Holland’s Icon Yachts. Its rugged, 224-foot, converted ice-breaker  Ragnar  literally wrote the rule-book on building high-latitude-friendly luxury superyachts. But Icon’s concept for a brand-new, ultimate explorer it’s calling  Mission  adds Indiana Jones–levels of off-the-grid exploration. Designed by Dutch explorer-yacht specialist Bernd Weel,  Mission  is all towering, ice-crushing bow, trademark geometric hull sides, and endless space for all that adventure-seeking gear. Here we’re talking six tenders of all sizes, a three-person submersible, an Airbus H130 helicopter, and space midships for a multitude of shipping containers for when you want to become the next Jacques Cousteau. As for range, Icon would target over 6,000 nautical miles.

Andy Waugh Yacht Design, ‘Decadence’

Flick through the pages of any automotive history book and you’ll notice that 1930s design is dominated by the outrageous, teardrop-fendered creations of the French duo of Figoni et Falaschi. Their designs look to be the inspiration behind London-based designer Andy Waugh’s jaw-dropping concept for a 264-foot catamaran he quite aptly calls  Decadence . Featuring a central hull flanked by four teardrop-like pods, the concept evolves the idea of so-called SWATH catamaran hull design used in a number of oil-platform support, research vessels, and even some superyachts. Providing immense stability through reduced roll and pitch, the design makes perfect sense for a superyacht. One drawback: the yacht’s massive, marina-unfriendly 98-foot beam. Though that becomes a positive when you consider  Decadence ‘s vast owner’s suite measures 66 feet wide and almost 100 feet long.

Oceanco, ‘Aeolus’

When the Dutch superyacht maestros at Oceanco release a blue-sky design, the concept is likely just a few steps away from reality. Fresh from delivering the 410-foot  Koru , the world’s largest sailing yacht, to new owner Jeff Bezos, and the 357-foot  Seven Seas  to Steven Spielberg, Oceanco has unveiled  Aeolus , a concept for a highly sustainable 430-foot gigayacht. Drawn by former Rolls-Royce head of design Giles Taylor, this curvaceous, quad-deck world cruiser looks to the future by incorporating Oceanco’s Energy Transition Platform (ETP) philosophy. The propulsion could start with diesel-electric power, with battery banks charged by twin MTU V16 diesel generators. Then, as technologies advance, it could more to more advanced fuel types such as methanol or other, even wilder technologies like nuclear power.

Anthony Glasson, ‘Star Trek’

Designed to boldly go across oceans, this concept for a massive 275-foot trimaran is said to have been inspired by Hong Kong–based designer Anthony Glasson’s love of the TV show “Star Trek”—especially the Starship  Enterprise . Viewed bow-on, you can see why: The slender, wave-piercing bow, the twin side hulls, and rounded glass upper observation deck have USS  Enterprise  written all over it. But the trimaran form definitely adds to its function, with the wide beam creating an expansive “courtyard” that’s part enclosed and part open, housing a hot tub—one of three aboard—a gym, a bar, sunpads galore and even a helipad-turned-dancefloor. Glasson envisions the trimaran to be built of lightweight aluminum, with a 5,000-nautical-mile range. Captain Kirk would be impressed.

Jozeph Forakis, ‘Pegasus’

Until now, arguably the ultimate stealth boat was the one in the 1997 James Bond romp  Tomorrow Never Dies , owned by tyrannical media mogul Elliot Carver. That would change if the 289-foot concept  Pegasus , from the computer screen of N.Y.C.-born and now Milan-based designer Jozeph Forakis, gets a production go-ahead. It features a superstructure comprising three over-lapping “wings” with metallic surfaces designed to reflect the sky and the clouds, rendering the superyacht near-invisible. The “wings” also do double duty as solar panels generating energy that would be used to convert sea water to hydrogen. Fuel cells would then turn the hydrogen into electricity that would be then stored in banks of lithium-ion batteries, making Pegasus essentially emissions-free with a virtually infinite cruising range.

Lazzarini, ‘Plectrum’

Why fly through the water when you can fly on top? That’s the thinking behind Rome-based Lazzarini Design’s radical 243-foot hydrofoiling superyacht concept named  Plectrum . Massive foils deploy from the sides of the yacht’s rounded carbon-fiber hull, while a trio of 5,000 hp engines would elevate the yacht out of the water and punch it to a top speed of over 80 mph. It’s a similar concept used in the latest America’s Cup AC75 foiling monohull sailboats, along with a crop of electric powerboats and surfboards. Applying the technology to a 243-foot superyacht is what’s new and possibly technically impossible, at least for now. Other stand-out features of this bright-orange flyer include a helicopter garage beneath the mile-long foredeck and a garage for your supercar at the stern.

Phantom and Golden Yachts, ‘Vesper’

When it comes to next-generation superyacht design, it seems glass is fast becoming the new steel. Take the collaboration between the design team at Holland’s Phantom Studios and Athens-based superyacht builder Golden Yachts. The 213-foot concept they’re calling  Vesper  features five levels of floor-to-ceiling structural glass, a glass floor in the yacht’s upper deck lounge, and a glass-sided swimming pool. Connecting the beach club to the pool is a huge, high-lifting hatch that’s, what else, all glass. Now head to the owner’s “suite”—it’s more like a two-level penthouse in a Miami skyscraper—and it features floor-to-very-high-ceiling glass that floods the space with light. To catch some real rays, the full-deck suite features not one, but two outdoor terraces.

DeBasto Design, MED

Think of this as a 301-foot dayboat with the emphasis on outdoor, alfresco, lounge-in-the-sun, Mediterranean living. From the drawing board of Miami-based designer Luiz de Basto, Project MED features uninterrupted, bow-to-stern open teak decks topped with a huge upper superstructure supported by just four columns. And to ensure the superstructure doesn’t dominate the superyacht’s sleek lines, de Basto covered it in reflective glass so that it almost disappears from view by mirroring its surroundings. The designer says his inspiration came from the idea of “Agora,” named after the squares in Ancient Greek villages where everyone congregated. Aboard Project MED, that could be on the main deck, around the oversized pool at the stern, or on the vast open foredeck.

Enzo Manca, ‘UAE One’

There are superyachts designed to look like military warships. Some even are shaped to look like navy submarines. But here’s a first; a superyacht inspired by the lines of an aircraft carrier. The 459-foot  UAE One  is from the fertile mind of Milan-based designer Enzo Manca who created the concept for an unnamed United Arab Emirates sheikh looking to create an official UAE flagship. Without a doubt, the design highlight is the yacht’s runway-like main deck. It features not one, but three helipads, a conning tower-like, four-level structure on the starboard side, a geometric-shaped pool and a huge circular “conversation pit” right on the bow, complete with cozy sofas and a firepit. Accommodations over nine decks include five “super suites”, eight master cabins, 14 mini apartments, and 35 cabins for the crew of 65. 

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A “gaping hole” in the middle of your boat might sound like a major structural issue, but it’s actually the design focus of Shape, Lazzarini Design’s new 226-foot superyacht concept.

Accessible through a door in the bow, the customizable “void” is fitted with portside steps to take passengers down to the ocean for a dip. If you’re not that adventurous, though, there’s also a glass-bottom infinity pool on the upper deck that dips down into the hole and allows swimmers to observe those below.

Another view of The Shape by Lazzarini Design.

A sun lounge and diving platform are situated on the stern, while the living area at the bow offers 115 feet spread across three decks—six luxury suites on the first level, shared crew living quarters on the second, and a command center, helipad, and private Jacuzzi on the third.

“Shape stands out from the rest by avoiding an unnecessarily elaborate design and by instead having a striking silhouette,” the studio says of the sleek silver craft. 

“Because we placed a void inside the concept’s superstructure, there is a real luxury quality about the living space.”

Italian designer Pierpaolo Lazzarini, 39, is known for playful and futuristic concepts for watercrafts, most notably his “jet capsules” and a 450-foot swan-inspired yacht concept, Avanguardia .

But Shape was also crafted with an eye toward sustainability: It will run entirely on clean energy, with a hydrogen-powered propulsion system and a large solar panel on the sundeck that provides electricity for all onboard systems.

Are concept yachts really the future? We take a look at three of the latest superyacht concepts

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Written by Rachel Kelly

A concept yacht is a design for a luxury vessel that is not currently in production and is typically created by a yacht designer as a way to showcase their creativity vision for the future of yachting. They can range from radical and futuristic designs to more subtle variations on traditional yacht designs and usually feature the latest in technology, materials, and engineering to push the boundaries of what is possible in terms of speed, efficiency, and luxury.

While many concept yachts are created every year, only a small fraction of them actually get built, largely only if the design generates enough interest and funding. However, even if a concept yacht is not built, it can still have a significant impact on the industry by inspiring new design ideas, influencing trends, and driving innovation.

Here we take a look at three recent concept yachts penned by some of the industries most innovative designers.

Concept sailing yacht DOUBLE LUCK

From the design studio Lobanov Design in association with Oceanco and Dykstra Naval Architects comes the 88m sailing yacht DOUBLE LUCK which translates as 88 in Chinese (the number 8 is significant in Chinese numerology).

Concept yacht DOUBLE LUCK

Concept yacht DOUBLE LUCK decks

The yacht would be capable of decreasing fossil fuel usage by up to 30% and can cruise in complete silence while the sail system can be handled by a single crew member and fully extended in under 6 minutes. The exterior design centres around the masts which create key focal points such as a zen garden at the base of the forward mast. Fold out decks, a swimming pool and beach club plus a two deck winter garden connect the yacht with the surrounding nature, as intended by the designers.

The interior features organic materials to create soft flowing lines and the focus is on introducing plenty of natural light and connecting the indoor and outdoor spaces.

Sailing yacht DOUBLE LUCK is the third collaboration from this team and follows 110m super yacht KAOS and 85.5m super yacht AMORE VERO .

105m superyacht concept 5 Th ELEMENT

Superyacht 5TH ELEMENT is more than a yacht concept, but a lifestyle created by Theodoros Fotiadis Design with a focus on nature and wellbeing which reflects the five natural elements.

Concept yacht 5TH ELEMENT

Endless glass walls reflect the other natural materials in use throughout while a private swimming pool, endless deck spaces and views create a real sense of connection with the water.

The main salon is the focal point of the concept and presents as a huge sociable space at the heart of the yacht featuring a serene interior made from natural materials in wonderful curved shapes.

Francesco Struglia unveils superyacht concept

Still in development this is a preview which hints at an impressive 61m superyacht design with a 1,000 GT volume, contemporary architecture and asymmetric layout to increase the usable space for guests. With a 10.4 beam there is huge breadth for the salon, spa area, swimming pool and beach club. There is even a consideration for a retractable roof on the top deck wheelhouse.

Francesco Struglia yacht designs

It is believed the accommodation will be for up to 12 guests and feature a private owners deck which these days are a must on any super yacht.

We can’t predict if any of these concepts will result in a finished yacht, but the focus on sustainability, use of natural materials and enhanced connection with the water will no doubt feature in designs from yacht builders in the not too distant future. Visit our website for a comprehensive list of super yachts , both concept and reality plus guides to chartering in locations all over the world .

Please contact CharterWorld - the luxury yacht charter specialist - for more on superyacht news item "Are concept yachts really the future? We take a look at three of the latest superyacht concepts".

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THE RACE IS ON

The decade of change.

"Today...there is no such thing as a sustainable superyacht!"

A confronting statement perhaps?  But, in the context of climate change, the natural resources consumed and CO2 produced for,  in many cases , a few weeks of pleasure a year, it’s hard to argue it’s anything but unsustainable.

Although the industry has a positive socio-economic impact through the many businesses supported and people employed, like any industry reliant on fossil fuels, it needs to decarbonise if it wants to be a responsible industry that can thrive in the future.

The Decade Of Change

In this decade, the challenge will be to balance the benefits of yachting against the environmental impact, whilst improving efficiency and accelerating the transition to low or zero emissions yachts (ZEY).

Henk De Vries, from Feadship, expressed this in stark terms when he addressed the survival strategy for the remaining eight years of this decade in an article published by the Water Revolution Foundation – YETI moves into critical test phase and calls upon yachts for fleet review – 3 Dec 2021

"If we do nothing and we just build the boats we currently build, then we will be history. There is a solution and it is not complicated.

Whilst there is ambition from some, the pace is slow, engagement is poor, there is a lack of urgency, and resistance due to the additional costs involved. The current market boom that COVID has arguably precipitated, has probably not helped the cause – people are too busy selling/building yachts!

Furthermore, some of the solutions are not yet proven, and alternative fuels are not available at scale.  However, progress is coming at a pace that could make such solutions possible by the next available build slots (mid-decade).

In the meantime, there is still much that can be done with current technologies, alternative fuels and operational changes, that can make a difference. 

Where We Are

It is clear with the release of the IPCC 2021 Report and COP26, time is running out fast!

There is a limited window in which to reduce Green House Gas (GHG) emissions and still remain on track to meet the objective of the Paris Agreement; to keep the global temperature increase to well below 2°C and pursue efforts to keep it to 1.5°C.

The IMO with their GHG Strategy (set to be updated in 2023) and governments are now acting with increased urgency.  Countries like the USA, UK and the EU-27 are setting targets of at least a 50% reduction in CO2 compared to 1990 by 2030 as a critical milestone on the way to achieving net zero by 2050 – yachting, should be even more ambitious.

Though it is true that the CO2 emissions from yachting are tiny compared to overall amount, and only about 0.3% of shipping’s emissions (Fourth IMO GHG Study 2020) it is still a sizeable and growing amount – especially confronting if considered on a per capita basis. 

– Tap to expand image –

To put this into perspective the yachts in the study emitted a similar amount of CO2 to Nicaragua, with a population of 6.5 million .

The true amount could be double, as the study did not include the use of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) or shore-power and its upstream emissions.

The business as usual (BAU) trendline suggests we could be on track to double our CO2 emissions by 2030.

How Much CO2?

If you are concerned, or just curious about your yacht or fleet CO2 emissions from fuel and shore-power, Superyacht2030 has developed a simple  CO2 Calculator  that will help – best if monthly figures are used.

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As Superyachts’ Popularity Grows, So Is Their Supersized Climate Impact

In the coming years there will be increasing environmental headwinds, such as policy changes, increased regulation (new IMO GHG Strategy) carbon tax (IMO market based measures and amendments to the EU ETS for shipping) and societal pressure (increased activism). 

To face this head on, the industry will need to be proactive, transparent, set reduction targets and demonstrate leadership.

It will require a collaborative approach and a systemic change throughout the whole ecosystem, including design, production, operation, and refit, if we are to avoid being consigned to history.

Crucially, as the ultimate “discretionary expense” our survival will be heavily reliant on responsible and motivated owners who are willing to pay the “green premium” (a term penned by Bill Gates in his book “How to Avoid A Climate Disaster” that will be necessary to reduce emissions and decarbonise yachting.

The goal of Superyacht2030 is to speak honestly about the future, without green washing, to acknowledge the challenges, support ideas and solutions, and champion companies and individuals who are who are making a real difference.

If you would like to be part of this journey and stay up to date with the latest developments, insight and opinion, sign-up below.

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I'm Natalie Shortall, Climate Justice Policy Adviser and Mateo Adarve, Climate Justice Researcher, Oxfam in the United Kingdom

18 Sep, 2024

5 mins read time

We need higher taxes on private jets and superyachts, here’s why

Fasten your seatbelts – it's time to land higher taxes on private jets and superyachts. Here’s why...

Drought is pushing communities across East Africa to the brink of disaster. Monsoon rains are destroying homes in Bangladesh. Yet the world’s ultra-rich are getting even richer. What’s more, it would take about 1,500 years for someone in the bottom 99 percent to produce as much carbon as the richest billionaires do in a year. This is climate inequality – and it demands justice. That’s why Oxfam is calling on the UK and Scottish Governments to properly tax extreme, polluting wealth, starting with fossil-fuelled private jets and superyachts.

This would result in a triple-win for our collective, fairer future – raising up to £2 billion a year in new funds, making sure those with the broadest shoulders (and sky-high emissions) foot the ballooning climate bill, and helping to discourage these highly-polluting behaviours.

Globally, the number of private jets in existence has increased 133% in just two decades

Despite repeated warnings from scientists that the world needs to urgently reduce emissions to stay within internationally agreed ‘safe’ climate limits, ownership and use of private jets and superyachts is soaring .

Private jets are so polluting that it would take the average UK citizen almost 11 years to emit as much carbon as a single long range private jet emits in a round trip from London to New York. The UK is a known hotspot for these elite airliners, with a mammoth 207,848 * departures and landings last year – or 569 a day. Even more bizarrely, one of the most popular destinations from London is Paris, where a Eurostar train can connect us quickly for just a fraction of the carbon cost.

Meanwhile, although we might not have the high temperatures and crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean Sea, superyachts are no stranger to UK shores. In fact, the UK is home to a fleet of 450 of them. Globally, the number of these enormous floating status symbols has quadrupled in the last three decades and they can burn carbon just by standing still.

It’s about time these climate-wrecking behaviours pay their fair share toward climate justice. At the upcoming UK and Scottish budgets, the Chancellor of the Exchequer and the Scottish Finance Secretary have the power to make that happen.

Aren’t they taxed already?

Governments around the world, including in the UK, are failing to ensure those who own and use these luxury modes of transport pay a tax rate proportionate to the harm caused by their extreme consumption.

For example, when we book a flight, we all pay a ticket tax, known as Air Passenger Duty. But someone flying on a commercial airline usually pays a far greater amount in tax as a proportion of their ticket than a billionaire jet-setting on a private plane. Worse, some smaller private aircraft are not even required to pay a higher rate, and some can be exempted from the tax entirely.

Even more remarkably, private aviation enjoys low to no rates of VAT or fuel tax – taxes that we are all used to paying every day. Every time someone fills up their car with petrol or diesel to get to work, they pay tax on that fuel, but private jet fuel, like all aviation fuel, is tax-free.

Superyachts, with an average market value of £4 million and annual maintenance costs around £400,000 also get an easy ride when it comes to tax receipts. Despite the harm they cause to the environment, there’s no equivalent of a vehicle tax for these floating mansions. While they are subject to VAT on the sale and a small one-time registration fee (£153) paid to the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, this pales in comparison to the costs of their carbon pollution, which is paid for by lower-income countries around the world.

These realities highlight the sharp difference in how luxury transport is taxed compared to regular, everyday travel. The bottom line is that those who fly on private jets and sail on superyachts contribute little in tax relative to their environmental impact—leaving room for much-needed reform.

How much could be raised from fairly taxing private jets and superyachts?

The taxes Oxfam is calling for could collectively generate up to £2 billion annually for the UK Treasury. This revenue would come from a combination of new taxes as well as super-charged rates of existing taxes. Only the very wealthiest fly on private jets and sail in superyachts, so these taxes target those who can most afford it and protect people on low-incomes.

Here’s how the figures break down:

Private jets

Oxfam research has shown that by just introducing a higher and more proportionate Air Passenger Duty (APD) for private jets, up to £470 million could be raised. Additional straightforward taxes on jet fuel, landing and departure slots, along with the application of VAT to private aviation, could raise up to £1.2 billion more. In Scotland, the Scottish Government could implement its own Private Jet Tax, raising over £21 million. These taxes could discourage excessive private jet usage while providing vital resources for climate initiatives.

Superyachts

An initial 20% tax on superyacht ownership could raise an estimated £360 million annually. A fair ownership tax on these emblems of extreme carbon inequality would ensure that superyacht owners contribute their share to the growing climate bill.

Fair taxes on polluting private jets and superyachts could have raised £2 billion to support communities hit first and worst by climate change.

From higher, more proportionate Air Passenger Duty (APD) for private jets.

From a combination of new taxes as well as super-charged rates of existing taxes.

From a 20% tax on superyacht ownership.

What could this be spent on?

The £2 billion that could be raised by fairly taxing private jets and superyachts could significantly boost the UK’s international climate finance – this is money that can help communities in the Global South who are least responsible for the climate crisis to access to renewable energy or build resilience to climate impacts. For example, building flood defences that protect homes and land from damage, investing in farming technologies that are resistant to drought, or supporting communities to recover from a tropical storm.

This is not small change – £2 billion exceeds the amount the last UK Government spent on its international climate finance in 2023 ( £1.8 billion ). If the new UK Government is to be a trusted partner to lower-income, low-emitting countries, it must urgently step up its financial support to communities on the frontlines of the climate emergency.

Further steps to better tax extreme wealth are needed to accelerate climate action and tackle inequality, but properly taxing private jets and superyachts is a common-sense place to start. By making polluters pay we can also raise vital funds for investing in the UK’s own fair transition to a fossil free future – like supercharging community renewable energy projects or investing properly in affordable, accessible and clean public transport that benefits everyone.

It’s time to make the richest polluters pay

The planet can no longer afford the billionaire boom – and the explosion in private jet and superyacht emissions that has accompanied it. That’s why we’re calling on the UK Government to uphold the ‘polluter pays’ principle, generate new funds for climate justice and send a clear signal that the era of extreme carbon inequality must be brought to an end.

Taxes on luxury transport must not be seen as a license to continue polluting for those who can afford to pay – instead, they must be a step toward ending these highly-polluting practices. Taxes on private jets and superyachts should escalate year on year until that happens. Tackling climate inequality is crucial to decarbonise the planet, targeting the biggest polluters first and ensuring they contribute fairly to climate justice.

A liveable future is possible – but we can no longer afford to prioritise the luxury emissions of the ultra-wealthy. Together, let’s confront this crisis collectively and demand better choices – choices that give those most affected by the climate crisis the justice and resources they are calling for. We’re at the departure gate and there is no more time for delay.

How can I support this campaign?

You can join our call for fair taxation of luxury transport by adding your name to our open letter to the UK Chancellor and Scotland’s Cabinet Secretary for Finance.

View the methodology for the research behind this piece .

*Includes medical, special, government and military flights.

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The Ultimate Guide to the Monaco Yacht Show 2024

By Frances Flannagan

Between the 25th and 28th of September, Port Hercule will be the site of unparalleled opulence, innovation and grandeur as the most esteemed event of the yachting calendar year takes place. Superyachts.com presents the ultimate guide to the Monaco Yacht Show 2024 (MYS), highlighting everything you need to know about the 33rd edition of the event.

Attended by over 30,000 guests, the Monaco Yacht Show remains the most anticipated event of the year for the superyacht industry. The 33rd edition of the show is set to be truly unforgettable, with over 120 yachts being presented, around 60 tenders being showcased, and 560 exhibitors in attendance from all aspects of the maritime sector. 

The vessels set to attend this year will range from 29 to 122 metres, boasting an average fleet length of 50 metres. Positioning the MYS as the ultimate platform for the industry, 40 yachts are preparing to launch at the show alongside a spectacular display of world premieres. Visitors are able to truly immerse themselves in the world of yachting in the Dockside Area and the Sailing Yacht Area, where these feats of design and engineering will be anchored, ready for admiration from the attendees. 

On the eve of the show, The Honours is returning for its second edition. This event is created by the Superyacht Life Foundation in association with the Monaco Yacht Show, drawing the attention away from the superyachts themselves and onto the impactful and inspiring people of the industry. Around 300 nominations were made this year, displaying the sheer dedication and passion of those in the superyacht world. 

Another returning area of the show is the Sustainability Hub , which was first launched in 2022 as a breeding ground for innovation. Here, selected exhibitors are brought together in partnership with the Water Revolution Foundation, with sponsorship by Siemens Energy. This space highlights the MYS’ commitment to advancing sustainability in the industry, as a spectacle of cutting-edge technologies and sustainable solutions will be presented, greatly enhancing yachting practices. 

The Sustainability Hub is not the only area of the show where the MYS’ dedication to eco-friendly solutions is showcased; the Yacht Design & Innovation Hub is an unmissable aspect of the event where attendees have the unique opportunity to glimpse into the future of yachting. This area will see 16 acclaimed designers unveil the most innovative and imaginative projects currently on the market and in the works, with each one addressing the theme of sustainability. 

By providing an area where attendees can engage directly with the masterminds of the industry, the MYS showcases how sustainability is an intrinsic element to yacht creation, and to the show as a whole. Since 2005, the Monaco Yacht Show has been guided by a strong environmental commitment, ensuring that the event is as responsible as possible to reflect the innovations that are displayed at the event. Ways in which the show remains as eco-conscious as possible is through Mobility, Waste Management and Energy: an electric shuttle service is used to transport attendees throughout the show, reusable water bottles are provided and the event runs off exclusively green electricity, to name a few.

Over the course of the four-day event, 22 conferences will take place. Over half of these will be focused on sustainability and future innovations, including the unveiling of sustainable products themselves, showcasing yet another way in which the MYS is the ultimate platform for the future of the superyacht industry. 

Alongside the superyachts themselves and the importance placed on sustainability, the MYS is also a hub for the latest and greatest industry toys. The Adventure Area is the ultimate playground for attendees, as the most spectacular yachting experiences and entertainment will be displayed. Visitors will be able to immerse themselves in the most state-of-the-art tenders, gadgets and accessories, alongside a stunning display of luxury cars, highlighting the sheer diversity of the event. 

The MYS is a site of unparalleled luxury, and this is encapsulated to the highest standard in the Upper Deck Lounge. Overlooking Port Hercule, this chic venue is recognised as the social epicentre of the show, where exhibitors, attendees and owners can connect and converse. The Lounge is a space where luxury meets functionality, thoughtfully curated to allow for professional networking and the fostering of meaningful exchanges. The Sapphire Experience programme elevates the lavish nature of the show even further, offering VIP guests the opportunity to experience the show from an exclusive perspective. 

Extending exclusivity to the beating heart of the industry, the Official Captains and Crew Lounge is a highly appreciated area of the show. This venue offers the Captains and the Crew in attendance a space for both relaxation and enjoyment alike, with high-end services and a warm and inviting atmosphere. 

Year upon year, the Monaco Yacht Show remains a site of industry excellence, with the 2024 edition set to be bigger and better than ever. For anyone wishing to immerse themselves fully in all aspects of the industry, the Monaco Yacht Show is a truly unmissable event: the ultimate showcase of luxury, innovation and an unwavering commitment to the future of yachting. 

"Immerse yourself in the excellence, innovation, and refinement that define superyachting." The Monaco Yacht Show

"Immerse yourself in the excellence, innovation, and refinement that define superyachting."

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The 25 Largest Yachts in the World

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

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

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

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

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

Azzam | 592 feet, 6 inches

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

Fulk Al Salamah | 538 feet, 1 inch

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

Eclipse | 533 feet, 1 inch

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

Dubai | 531 feet, 5 inches

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

Blue | 518 feet, 3 inches

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

Dilbar | 511 feet, 8 inches

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

Al Saïd | 508 feet, 5 inches

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

A+ | 483 feet, 1 inch

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

Prince Abdulaziz | 482 feet, 3 inches

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

OK | 479 feet

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

Opera | 479 feet

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

El Mahrousa | 478 feet, 1 inch

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

Project Luminance | 475 feet, 7 inches

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

A | 468 feet, 5 inches

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

Nord | 466 feet

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

Yas | 462 feet, 6 inches

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

Solaris | 459 feet, 3 inches

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

Ocean Victory | 459 feet, 3 inches

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

Scheherazade | 459 feet, 3 inches

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

Al Salamah | 456 feet

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

Rising Sun | 454 feet, 1 inch

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

Flying Fox | 446 feet, 2 inches

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

Savarona | 446 feet, 2 inches

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

Crescent | 443 feet

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

Serene | 439 feet, 3 inches

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

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