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Top 10 luxury yacht builders 2024

The design and build of a luxury yacht is a truly personal experience. Whether customising a design to be built, or striving to create a completely new concept altogether, superyacht owners will seek to work with a yacht builder that truly understands their vision, and can translate their dream design into a real vessel.

As Royal Huisman proudly states, “If you can dream it, we can build it!”

Those buying a new superyacht will therefore have many questions to ask themselves before settling on a suitable yacht builder and shipyard facility to carry out the project. Thankfully for these prospective owners, there are a number of luxury superyacht builders that have the ability to turn the biggest mega yacht dreams into reality.

Yachting Pages introduces the world’s top luxury yacht builders and their shipyard facilities , identifying some of the best superyachts along the way.

The best luxury superyacht builders in the world

1. lürssen, germany.

Based in Germany, Lürssen is one of the world's leading shipyards for large luxury yacht building, with a focus on excellence in custom-built superyachts. A family-owned shipyard for four generations, it claims the accolade of building the world’s first motor yacht back in 1886.

Responsible for building more than 13,000 vessels since 1875, Lürssen currently has eight shipyard facilities in Northern Germany, each specialising in a specific size of yacht ranging from 60 to 220 metres (197 to 722 feet) in length. Together these facilities offer 1,125,000 metres squared of space for new builds, as well as refit, repair and maintenance services.

Lürssen builds some of the largest luxury yachts in the world, including the iconic Azzam, the world’s current largest superyacht at 180 metres (590 feet) LOA.

2. Fincantieri Yachts, Italy

Fincantieri Yachts specialises in full-custom luxury pleasure yachts over 70 metres (230 feet) with no upper limit to the size or volume that it can produce. The renowned builder currently has a range of concepts and projects, including 70-metre (230-foot) superyacht Blanche.

Having manufactured in excess of 7,000 vessels in its 230-year history, including the 140-metre (459-foot) Ocean Victory, Fincantieri has a network of 18 shipyards across four continents, two design centres and a research centre, making it one of the largest Western shipyards in the world.

3. Benetti, Italy

Founded in 1873 and headquartered in Viareggio, Benetti is the world’s largest builder of superyachts by number built, with a production capacity of 100 units per year.

Most famous for building Sir Philip Green’s 90-metre (295-foot) Lionheart in 2016, 2019 was its breakthrough year with its first 100-metre+ (328-foot+) deliveries of Lana, Luminosity and IJE. This gave Benetti 2 nd , 3 rd and 4 th spots on the Top 10 Largest Superyachts Delivered in 2019 . As of 2024, Luminosity is for sale at €135,000,000 (c. $147,000,000).

4. Feadship, Netherlands

The home of full-custom superyachts, Feadship is one of the few shipyards worldwide that works to create completely custom yachts. It has worked with superyacht owners since the 19 th century to create one-off luxury motor yachts that are truly unique.

Feadship currently has four shipyard facilities in the Netherlands, with expansion underway at its Amsterdam facility in Western Harbour to offer the ability to build motor yachts as long as 160 metres (525 feet). To date, there are over 250 Feadship yachts in navigation, including 99-metre (324-foot) Madame Gu, 99.95-metre (327-foot) Moonrise, 101-metre (333-foot) Symphony, and 110-metre (361-foot) Anna.

5.  Amels, Netherlands

Located in Vlissingen, Amels operates the largest superyacht boatyard in the Netherlands, and is known to be one of the best superyacht builders in the world.

Amels has been operating for over 100 years and offers both Full Custom and Limited Editions, ranging from 55 to 83 metres (180 to 272 feet) LOA. Built on a proven platform and delivered in half the time expected of standard construction superyachts, all 40+ Limited Editions projects have so far been delivered on or ahead of contract, with 74-metre (242-foot) Amels 242 among the most recent to emerge from the yard. With several new projects currently under construction, Amels is likely to be among the top superyacht shipyards for many years to come.

6. Heesen Yachts, Netherlands

Heesen Yachts is known as one of the world’s luxury yacht builders, specialising in custom superyachts in the 30- to 65-metre (98- to 213-foot) range, but with the additional capability of building vessels of 80 metres (262 feet) and above.

With a focus on quality and innovation, Heesen has created many custom yachts with no two yachts the same. Founded in 1978, it was the first Dutch shipyard to employ aluminium for yacht hulls. In its 42 years, it has delivered more than 170 yachts, with aluminium, steel, displacement, semi-displacement and revolutionary fast displacement yachts making up its fleet. Its most famous vessels include the 65-metre (213-foot) Galatica Star, 70-metre (230-foot) Galatica Super Nova and 55-metre (180-foot) Serenity.

7. Nobiskrug, Germany

Having recently celebrated its 115 th anniversary, Nobiskrug began shipbuilding long before the term ‘superyacht’ was even coined. Drawing on its extensive experience in seagoing vessels, the shipyard turned to yacht building in 2000 with the completion of its inaugural superyacht project, the 92-metre (302-foot) Tatoosh. It has since delivered an impressive portfolio of innovative custom-built superyachts, pledging to work on a single project for a single client to build superyachts ready for the 22 nd century. A big statement of intent.

With two facilities in Northern Germany, the boatyard can currently build vessels ranging from 60 to 426 metres (197 to 1398 feet) in length. Over 1000 in-house employees work across the two sites, where they have developed and built numerous award-winning superyachts, including one of the industry’s most talked about vessels, 142-metre (466-foot) Sailing Yacht A.

2023 saw the launch of 70-metre (230-foot) Amoa. Her key numbers include a beam of 12.4 metres, a draft of 3.6 metres, and a volume of 1,900GT.

8. Oceanco, Netherlands

Oceanco specialises in building sophisticated custom yachts ranging from 80 to 140 metres (262 to 459 feet) in length. Offering a highly personal service to clients, Oceanco is positioned with state-of-the-art yacht building facilities in the Netherlands, and a design, sales and marketing office in Monaco.

The builder celebrated its first launch in 1992, and more than 30 years later its portfolio now includes well-known superyachts such as the 95-metre (311-foot) Indian Empress, 82-metre (269-foot) Alfa Nero, 88.5-metre (290-foot) Nirvana and 91.5-metre (300-foot) Equanimity.

9. Perini Navi, Italy

The Perini Navi Group is made up of four independent companies that operate in five specific markets: sailing yachts up to 60 metres (197 feet), large sailing yachts more than 60 metres, racing sailing yachts, fast cruising sailing yachts and Picchiotti motor yachts.

To date, the group has launched 58 sailing yachts and four motor yachts. Its track record for innovative sailing yachts has seen it set the standard for excellence in the sector, launching more yachts over 50 metres (164 feet) than any other builder. It's responsible for the iconic 88-metre (288-foot) three-masted schooner Maltese Falcon, which currently holds the title of the sixth largest sailing yacht in the world, and other award-winning sailing yachts, such as the 73-metre (239-foot) Nautilus, 70-metre (229-foot) Badis I and 64-metre (210-foot) Spirit Of The C’s.

10. Royal Huisman, Netherlands

Established in 1884, Royal Huisman is the only shipyard with two entries in the top 10 largest sailing yachts ever built. The 2020 launch of 81-metre (266-foot) Sea Eagle II was its tenth sailing yacht over 50 metres (164 feet) and its biggest yacht since 90-metre (295-foot) Athena in 2004, which was then the largest sailing yacht in the world. Despite being renowned for its luxury performance sailing yachts, Royal Huisman’s largest delivery in 2024 is expected to be the 65-metre (213-foot) Project 408, which will have a gross tonnage of 451GT.

Discover how to choose your luxury yacht builder   in our helpful guide or you can  search for superyacht shipyards  in our leading superyacht services directory.

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The Top 10 Best Yacht Builders In The World

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

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

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

Usa – best yacht builders.

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

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

Northern Europe – Best Yacht Builders

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

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

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

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

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

Mediterranean – Best Yacht Builders

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

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

UK – Best Yacht Builders

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

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

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The Best Luxury Yacht Builders in the World

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

By Kim Ayling

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

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

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

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

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

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

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feadship.nl

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

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

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

oceancoyacht.com

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

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

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

heesenyachts.com

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

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

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

benettiyachts.it

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

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

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

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

lurssen.com

Royal Huisman

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

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

royalhuisman.com

Damen Yachting

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

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

damenyachting.com

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

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

sanlorenzoyacht.com

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

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

nobiskrug.com

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

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World’s Best Luxury Superyacht Builders, 2020

To begin with, those buying a new superyacht will, therefore, have many questions to ask themselves before settling on a suitable yacht builder and shipyard facility to carry out the build. Thankfully for them, there are a number of luxury superyacht brands that have the ability to turn the biggest megayacht dreams into reality: Elite shipyards with a reputation for excellence.

From Germany to the Netherlands, Italy, and the United States, the superyacht industry employs highly skilled craftsmen and women at shipyards around the globe. The handcrafted vessels can be seen in bodies of water from the Mediterranean to the Bahamas, providing enjoyment for those on board. Here we highlight the best superyacht shipyards in the world.

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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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The Biggest Boat and Yacht Manufacturers Ranked by Revenue per Second

Yachts have long been considered status symbols for the wealthy, famous, and successful. These yachts, especially super yachts, are often meticulously custom-crafted to suit the needs and desires of the buyer. When money is no object, these bespoke beauties are often filled with wonders and luxuries beyond the wildest imaginings, such as helicopter pads, indoor gardens, infinity pools and spas, and even jewel-encrusted hulls. That means that the yacht manufacturers and boat builders that fulfill these commissions are bound to make a pretty penny. Of course, yachts are not the only vessels that command respect (and profit). Fishing boats, speed boats, catamarans, and other watercraft also reel in the big bucks. According to the National Marine Manufacturers Association, annual U.S. sales of boats and marine products totaled $59.3 billion in 2022! To celebrate boats big and small, the team at SI Yachts has charted the biggest yacht manufacturers and the biggest boat manufacturers worldwide based on revenue per second. You could call this the “starboard” of boat and yacht builders!

Who is the largest yacht manufacturer in the world?

What is the biggest yacht company in the world? Based on total annual revenue, the biggest yacht company in the world is Fincantieri, an Italian shipbuilding company. As a yacht manufacturer, Fincantieri specializes in the design and build of mega yachts . They attribute the success as a leading mega yacht manufacturer to four cornerstones: organization of production, ultra-tech know-how, dedicated shipyards, and financial soundness. Famous mega yachts manufactured by Fincantieri include Serene and Ocean Victory . These two fully-custom yachts are among the 15 largest yachts ever build in the world.

Here are the top 10 yacht and boat manufacturers ranked by revenue per second:

• Fincantieri revenue per second - $266.99
• Brunswick Boat Group revenue per second - $202.94
• Lürssen revenue per second - $63.42
• Group Beneteau revenue per second - $61.20
• Azimut Yachts revenue per second - $45.02
• Ferretti Group revenue per second - $38.05
• Malibu Boats revenue per second - $32.98
• Sanlorenzo revenue per second - $29.14
• Yamaha revenue per second - $28.92
• Sea Ray revenue per second - $26.95

What is a mega yacht?

Many of the most successful yacht brands earn their fortunes through the creation and sale of mega yachts . So what makes a yacht a mega yacht? A mega yacht, also known as a super yacht, is generally at least 130 feet long. There is no officially agreed upon conditions a yacht must meet in order to be considered a super yacht, but you will probably know one when you see one!

The first ever mega yacht is often regarded to be El Primero . This steam-powered vessel was built in 1893 and was once considered one of the most luxurious yachts on west coast of the United States. Built by Union Iron Works at a cost of $250,000 dollars (which equates to nearly $9 million in today's money), El Primero is around 120 feet in length and features auxiliary sails in the event of steam engine failure. This impressive vessel has a long, colorful history; four U.S. presidents were entertained by early owners upon her decks and her second owner lost her to her third owner over a poker game. It has since been converted to diesel and is still operational today, residing in the hands of a home builder from Portland, Oregon.

What brands does Group Beneteau own?

Group Beneteau is the fourth most profitable yacht manufacturer to make our most successful yacht and boat builders list. French-originated Group Beneteau has emerged as a worldwide market leader for boats and has gathered many prestigious boat building brands under its gilded wing. Group Beneteau brands include Jeanneau, Prestige, Lagoon, Excess, Delphia, Four Winns, Wellcraft, and Scarab. Each of these iconic boat brands specializes in a unique type of watercraft, positioning Group Beneteau to offer a lucrative fleet of possibilities to boat and yacht buyers. Jeanneau builds powerboats, sailboats, and yachts, Lagoon and Excess build catamarans, Prestige builds luxury yachts, and Scarab, Four Winns, and Wellcraft all specialize in sport fishing boats.

What brands does Ferretti Group own?

Ferretti Group is the sixth most successful yacht builder on our list. Originating in Italy, Ferretti Group has conquered the seven seas and now engages in luxury yacht sales across the globe. Ferretti Group's brand portfolio includes Wally, Pershing, Riva, Custom Line, Itama, and CRN. Each of these esteemed yacht brands specializes in unique qualities a yacht buyer may be seeking. As the oldest shipyard in the world, Riva is renowned for its artistry and craftsmanship. Itama yachts are sporty and elegant, offering an unparalleled sailing experience in the open seas. Custom Line unites cutting-edge technology with an emphasis on the bespoke. Wally is all about performance, comfort, and style.

Looking to be the Captain of Your Own Yacht?

SI Yachts offers an impressive line up of new yachts and used yachts from brands such as Azimut Yachts , Sunseeker Yachts , and so much more.

How Much the Biggest Boat and Yacht Companies Made per Second in 2023

Sources: National Marine Manufacturers Association (https://www.nmma.org/certification/boats/certified-manufacturers)

BOAT International (https://www.boatinternational.com/yachts/news/most-expensive-yacht-sales-2023)

https://boatingindustry.com

Sources: National Marine Manufacturers Association

BOAT International

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

Multimillion-dollar mega yachts.

by Emma Treagus Updated on May 22, 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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These Are the 5 Biggest Superyachts in the World

Yachts, as with most other things connected to the ultrarich—apartments, shopping sprees, bank accounts—are getting bigger. And while price, nautically speaking, usually scales with size, that’s not always the case. So there’s, oddly enough, less overlap between this list and our recent list of the  World’s Most Expensive Superyachts than one might expect.

There are reasons behind this. Interestingly, some of the biggest superyachts in the world have become so stunningly large that they can no longer maintain status as belonging to a single family or dynasty. The largest ones have become condominiums or charterable research vessels—playthings for the ultrawealthy.

Still, superyachts offer a kind of privacy that it is nearly impossible to come by on land. Pencil towers have entrances on public streets and elevators with other residents. Even a castle surrounded by a moat is in view, comparatively. A superyacht, on the other hand, is essentially a private island, an oasis. So as long as the rich keep getting richer, the yachts will keep getting bigger. For now, these are the five biggest superyachts in the world.

5. Eclipse (533 ft)

In 2010, as  Eclipse sailed out of the Hamburg harbor, where it was constructed by notable German shipbuilder Blohm+Voss, it was the world’s largest ship. In the intervening decade or so, it’s slid to the fifth position. Commissioned by Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich—whose ties to Putin have caused him to be sanctioned—it allegedly traded hands last year, though this may be simply a dodge to avoid it being seized. Features of the $600 million Terence Disdale–designed ship include 17 staterooms, a 185-foot deck on the massive primary suite, a gym, a spa, an immense swimming pool, and a half-dozen on-board tenders for shuttling guests in and out of port and excursions. If those don’t suffice, there is also a helicopter pad with room for three choppers.

4. Fulk Al Salamah (538 ft)

Like many superyachts, ownership and much else about Fulk Al Salamah —Ship of Peace—is unclear. It is suspected that it belongs to the Omani royal family, a part of their fleet of extortionately expensive conveyances. Built by Mariotti in Genoa in 2016 and designed by local team Studio de Jorio, it contains a beach club (a swim platform, often with a pool and lounge area), beauty salon, and a sizable helicopter deck, though it’s unclear if this deck has room for more choppers than the Eclipse, despite its additional five feet of overall length.

3. Azzam (597 ft)

Azzam holds the title of largest privately owned superyacht, a position it has maintained since it was completed at a cost of $600 million by Lürssen Yachts in Lemwerder, Germany, ten years ago. Designed by Nauta of Milan with interiors by French decorator Christophe Leoni, the ship is reportedly owned by a member of the royal family of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed al-Nayah. Prominent features include Empire-style furnishings and interiors, and a pair of massive diesel engines coupled with a pair of gas turbines, allowing high-speed travel and an immense range between refuelings. The Sheikh must be somewhat paranoid—or have good reason to fear attack—because the yacht also includes a high tech security system including a missile system and bulletproof master suite.

2. REV Ocean (600 ft)

The acronym in this giant yacht’s title stands for Research and Expedition Vessel, and this $350 million ship is outfitted to do just that. Groups that charter it head out to sea and use its state of the art scientific equipment to dive into trenches in its transparent-domed submersibles, arrange whale pod viewings in its helicopters, conduct seabed mapping and coring with its sonar and drilling systems, view documentaries in its 35-person theater, and even listen in on or record the conversations of ocean mammals with its underwater hydrophone. Funded by the Norwegian billionaire Kjell Inge Røkke, designed in Norway by Espen Øino, and built by Norwegian constructor Vard, it is slated to be completed in 2024. Over 100 groups applied for the maiden voyage, with preference given for scientific research and conservation missions—54 scientists can be accommodated onboard. Though it seems that private charters with the proper scientific supervision may also be allowed. Any profits made by chartering are returned to the funder’s One Healthy Ocean initiative.

1. Somnio (728ft)

Referred to as the world’s first yacht liner, this floating giant—the name is Latin for dream—combines features of a superyacht, a cruise ship, and a condominium. Under construction by the Norwegian ship-building company Vard, with an expected completion date in the middle of 2024, the $600 million project will feature 39 private residences designed by Winch and Tilberg, both of Sweden. Each will include bespoke features including a gym, kitchen, library, and indoor and outdoor dining areas. Of course, apartments, which start in the eight-figure range, are available by invite only. Both the owners list and the planned route at sea are closely guarded secrets.

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Top 49 Largest Yachts in the World – 2023

These are the biggest yachts in the world with a combined length of 20,343 feet.

The largest yacht in the world measures an incredible 590 feet!

Built by world-renowned shipyards  Lürssen , Blohm+Voss , Oceanco and Lloyd Werft , to name just a few – new yachts are built every year with increasing magnitude.

With the likes of  Amadea  coming in at #49 and working down to  Azzam  at #1, these yachts are a sight to behold. 

Length : 106.10 m (348.1 ft)  |   Year : 2017

Measuring in at a length of 348.1 ft Amadea was built by Lurssen Shipyard and launched in 2016.

Her modern exterior was by  Espen Oeinio  while Zuretti Interior was responsible for her gorgeous interior. 

Amenities that are of note include a double-height atrium, a 10-metre infinite pool, a 12-metre D-value helipad, a cinema and a spa area.

She also has a winter garden, coupled with the owner’s deck. 

Length : 106.50 m (349.41 ft)  |   Year : 2017

As the name suggests, this magnificent superyacht truly is a Dream .

Launched in 1997 this rare gem belongs to Greek billionaire, George Prokopiou. 

Some of her most noteworthy features include a sundeck, a swimming pool, a spa and a comprehensive gym. 

Her exterior was designed in a way to accommodate large groups of guests and to equally provide spacious outdoor lounges on the main deck aft.

47. Black Pearl

Length : 106.7 m (350 ft) |   Year : 2017

Black Pearl is one of two ‘sailing’ yachts on the world’s biggest yachts list.

She measures a length of 350 ft and was built in 2017 by well-known Oceanco. 

She features a 3-mast Dynarig system (masts free stand with the yards rigidly attached to the masts).

When the sails are adjusted the whole mast rotates in place and there aren’t any gaps between the sail resulting in twice the efficiency of a square rig. 

Length : 107 m (351 ft) |   Year : 2020

Lana is without a doubt one of the most luxurious yachts in the world.

Built by Benetti Shipyard and delivered in 2020 this 107-metre-long beauty was also designed by the Benetti Design Team.

Some of her most notable features include a cinema room, a large pool, impressive outdoor salons, a plethora of water toys and tenders, a beach club with folding terraces and a massage room.

She also boasts a centralized audio-video system catering to all areas onboard. 

45. Andromeda

Length : 107.40 m (351 ft)  |   Year : 2016

Andromeda is a stunning yacht that was launched in 2016 and measures a length of 107.4 metres making her 43rd on this list. 

The exterior of this vessel was designed by Oscar Mike, with her interior designed by well-known H2 Yacht Design. 

Andromeda includes a swimming pool, a helicopter deck with a garage, a spa and a large selection of tenders.

Andromeda has an amazing sea-keeping ability and her combination of ultimate luxury and expedition-style cruising makes her a sight to behold.

44. Luminosity

Length : 107.60 m (353 ft ) |   Year : 2020

Luminosity was built by Benetti Shipyard in 2020 and measures a length of 108 metres.

Her stunning exterior was designed by Reymond Langton Design Ltd, whereas her interior was the responsibility of Zaniz Interiors. 

Luminosity boasts many luxurious facilities.

Those worthy of note are: a beach club with a counter-flowing swimming pool, a gym, a plunge pool, a massage room, a bar, as well as several lounging and dining areas. 

She was designed to allow unmatched natural lights through her windows and in addition to this she has a glass elevator that offers access to all her decks. 

Length : 108 m (354 ft)  |   Year : 2019

Belonging to James Packer, Ije is a 108-meter yacht that was built by Benetti Shipyard and delivered in 2019.

She is a rare beauty when it comes to yachts of this size with her exterior designed by RWD. 

Ije has many wonderful features including a main desk aft swimming pool, an indoor cinema, an observation deck, several dining and sunbathing spots as well as an extensive collection of water toys. 

42. Bravo Eugenia

Length : 109 m (358 ft)  |   Year : 2018

Coming in at 40th on this list is Bravo Eugenia . The sleek exterior of this 109-meter vessel was beautifully designed by the well-known Nuvolari Lenard. 

Bravo Eugenia is able to comfortably accommodate up to 44 passengers, 14 of which are guests and the other 30 crew. 

She has many great guest facilities such as a beach club, a spa massage room with a sauna, a steam room, a plunge pool and a rain shower. 

41. Radiant

Length : 110 m (361 ft)  |   Year : 2009

Launched in 2009 by German shipyard Lurssen, Radiant is a 110-meter-long superyacht.

Radiant is owned by Emirati billionaire, Abdulla al Futtaim. 

Radiant was designed by Tim Heywood and her slender interior was designed by well renowned Terence Disdale.

She comes equipped with a helipad, a gymnasium, a cinema and a spa. 

The security specifications of Radiant are known to be the highest ever conceived for a superyacht. 

40. Al Raya

Length : 110 m (361 ft)  |   Year : 2008

Launched in 2008 in Germany, Al Raya was carefully built by Lurssen Shipyard.

Her exterior design was the work of  Tim Heywood  and the interior was designed by  Alberto Pinto . 

Al Raya was built with steel and aluminium and its major features include a large pool, a cinema, a sauna/steam room, a massage room and even a hospital. 

Length : 110 m (361 ft)  |   Year : 2018

Anna is a 110-meter long superyacht with a steel hull and aluminium superstructure that was designed by Michael Leach Design.

She was launched in 2018 and she is the largest yacht ever built by Feadship. 

This magnificent vessel belongs to Dmitry Rybolovlev, a Russian businessman who is renowned for becoming the president of Monaco’s football club AS Monaco.

Length : 110 m (361 ft) |   Year : 2017

Kaos is a 110-meter yacht that has the capacity to accommodate up to 31 guests and a crew of 45.

She is powered by MTU engines which gives her the power needed to reach speeds up to 18.5 knots.  

She comes equipped with a large swimming pool, a helicopter deck and fuel facilities, a large elevator, a steam room, a gym and a large beach club.

Length : 111.50 m (366 ft) |   Year : 2019

Formerly known as Lady Gulya, Alaiya is a stunning yacht that was launched in 2019.

She measures a length of 111.5 meters and was specially built by Lurssen Shipyard. 

Lady Gulya has 29 cabins which give her the capacity to comfortably accommodate 18 guests and 38 crew members. 

The interior and exterior of this massive yacht were designed by the reputable Winch Design.

Some of the most notable features include Two helicopter pads, a resort-inspired spa, a massive swimming pool as well as palatial staircases that are only seen in palaces.

36. Le Grand Bleu

Length : 113 m (371 ft) |   Year : 2000

Le Grand Bleu was built by Bremer Bulkan Shipyard in 2000 and she measures a length of 112 metres.

It is estimated that she has a worth of approximately US $150,000,000.  

Built with a steel hull and an aluminium superstructure she can reach speeds up to 17 knots. 

Le Grand Bleu has the space to comfortably accommodate up to 55 people at a time (35 of which are crew, 20 of which are guests).

35. Pelorus

Length : 115 m (377 ft) |   Year : 2003

Pelorus measures a length of 114.5 metres and was launched in 2003 by well known Lurssen shipyard. 

Her unique design was the work of Tim Heywood and the interior was the work of Terence Disdale.

This gorgeous vessel has the space to accommodate 18 people and a crew of 41 spread across 20 cabins.

Pelorus can reach speeds up to 20 knots.

Length : 115 m (377 ft)  |   Year : 2010

Built in 2010 by Lloyd Werft, Luna is well known as the world’s biggest expedition yacht.

With a length of 115 metres and a top speed of 22.5 knots, Luna can comfortably accommodate 18 guests spread across 9 rooms.

Previously owned by Russian billionaire Abramovich, she was sold for approximately $300,000,000 in 2014 to Akhmedov (an Azerbaijani born billionaire).

Length : 115.1 m (377 ft)  |   Year : 2021

The AHPO yacht is a spectacular new superyacht built by  Lurssen  and delivered in 2021.

The popular Italian designer  Nuvolari Lenard  styles the exterior and interior of this beauty.

Accommodating up to 16 guests in 8 cabins the superyacht includes a variety of facilities including a dancefloor, movie theatre, beach club, gym and spa.

 Owned by the Jamaican billionaire Michael Lee-Chin, the yacht can be chartered for approximately $2,720,000 per week, when available.

32. Navtilvs

Length : 115.76 m (380 ft) |   Year : 1973 |  ShipSpotting.com © Nektarios Papadakis Navtilvs is a motor yacht measuring a length of 115.7 metres.

She was built by Hellenic Shipyards in Greece back in 1973 making her one of the oldest yachts on this list.  She has a beam of 14.4 metres, a draft of 4.29 metres and a whopping volume of 3,156 GT. 

31. Atlantis II

Length : 115.82 m (381 ft) |   Year : 1980

Atlantis II is a 116-meter-long yacht launched in 1981 by the Hellenic shipyard.

It is estimated that she is worth approximately US $100,000,000. 

Designed by Caeser Pinnau she has the space to accommodate 26 guests across 13 cabins as well as a crew of 17 in 8 cabins.

Atlantis II is powered by Pielstick engines, resulting in the power to reach speeds up to 14 knots.

30. Ulysses

Length : 116 m (381 ft)  |   Year : 2008

Ulysses is a 116.1-meter long yacht that was built in Norway in 2018 and is the flagship of Kleven.

She is powered by Caterpillar engines which gives her the ability to reach speeds of 12 knots. 

She has a total of 39 cabins which can accommodate 30 guests and 48 crew members.

Her gross tonnage is a whopping 6862 GT and she has a beam length of 18 metres. 

Length : 116.41 m (382 ft)  |   Year : 2008

Turama is a powerful welded steel vessel with a length of just under 117 metres.

She was built by Finnish shipyard Rauma and features an extensive teak decking which offers ample space to accommodate her guests. 

Originally built as a cruise ship she was converted into the luxury megayacht she is today. 

28. Motor Yacht A

Length : 119 m (390 ft)  |   Year : 2008

Coming in this list in 27th position, Motor Yacht A is a glamorous yacht designed by Philippe Starck and launched in 2008.

Built by the world-renowned Blohm + Voss shipyard, she measures a length of 119 metres. 

Russian entrepreneur Andrey Melnichenko is the owner of this vessel and it is believed the name “A” was used in order to make the vessel appear first on shipping registers.

27. Alexander

Length : 122 m (400 ft)  |   Year :1966|  ShipSpotting.com © fabianv Alexander is a luxury yacht with an elegant design that was built back in 1966 by Lubecker Flender Werke in Germany.

She features a steel hull and measures just under 122 metres with the ability to accommodate 80 guests.  She was previously known as Regina Maris – a passenger vessel that was then converted into a megayacht between the years 1985 and 1987. 

26. Al-Lusail

Length : 123 m (404 ft)  |   Year : 2017

Al Lusail is a gorgeous 123-meter long vessel that was built by Lurssen in 2017 and her unique design makes her stand out from afar. 

Owned by the Emir of Qatar – Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani she can accommodate 36 guests and a crew of 56 at a time. 

She features her very own gym, an elevator to service all the decks, a swimming pool, a tender garage and a movie theatre. 

25. Golden Odyssey

Length : 123.20 m (404 ft)  |   Year : 2015

Golden Odyssey is a 123 m (404 ft) long superyacht which means it is one of the top 49 longest superyachts in the world. 

She was launched in 2015 and was built by the famous ‘Lurssen shipyard’.

The lucky owner of this magnificent vessel is Prince Khaled Bin Sultan.

Golden Odyssey can accommodate 32 guests in 16 cabins as well as a crew of 60 in 30 cabins.

She was designed by Martin Francis Design with Alberto Pinto designing her interior.

Length : 124.40 m (408 ft)  |   Year : 2010

Katara , also known as Project Crystal is a 124-metre yacht that was built by Lurssen Shipyard in Bremen, Germany.

She is one of the world’s largest yachts with a helipad and a plethora of tenders. 

She flies a Qatari flag and her home port is Doha which gives support to the belief that her name is an interpretation of the word ‘festivity’.

It was planned by Espen Oeino International which is also responsible for the planning of over 50 other well-known super yachts.

Length : 125 m (410 ft)  |   Year : 1991

Initially intended for use as a Russian research vessel, Maryah was built in Poland in the 1990s before later being acquired by Sheikh Tahnoon.

She was sent to Greece and rebuilt in 2014 by Elefsis Shipyard. 

She measures in at a length of 125 metres and can reach a top speed of 18 knots.

Maryah’s large interior can accommodate up to 54 guests.

22. Octopus

Length : 126 m (413 ft)  |   Year : 2003

Built-in 2003 this 126m long beauty belongs to American business magnate, Paul Allen.

Powered by Mercedes Diesel engines she can reach a speed of 20 knots while hosting 26 guests.

Octopus is home to a large helicopter hangar on the main deck which are home to two helicopters.

She also has a glass-bottom pool and a 10-person submarine which floats into Octopus through a large hatch.

She also has a music recording studio, a cinema, a gym and a medical centre.

21. Al Mirqab

Length : 133 m (436 ft)  |   Year : 2008

Al Mirqab , the 133m Super Yacht wonder can be seen in the footage arriving in Gibraltar.

Built in 2008 she is comprised of a whopping 38 cabins. 25 of which are for the crew, and the remaining 13 for guests.

With a volume of 9,604, she is one of the largest superyachts in the world and is owned by Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim bin Jaber Al Thani.

With a net worth of over $1 Billion, he was the Prime Minister of Qatar from 2007 to 2013.

Length : 134 m (440 ft)  |   Year : 2011

Serene was launched in 2011 and measures an impressive 134 metres.

She was built by Fincantieri – one of the world’s largest shipbuilding groups.

She was designed by Espen Oeino with the interior designed by Raymond Langton Design.

She has the capacity to accommodate 24 people and a crew of 52.

Powered by MTU engines she can reach speeds of up to 18 knots.

19. Crescent

Length : 135.50 m (445 ft)  |   Year : 2018

Crescent is a Super Yacht built in 2019 by famous shipyard Lurssen.

She is the 17th longest superyacht measuring a length of 135 metres. 

Powered by MTU engines it is estimated her top speed is 20 knots with a cruise speed of 12 knots.

Her large size has the room to accommodate 18 guests with a crew of up to 40.

Crescent features a retractable helicopter hangar and a large pool which is rumoured to have a glass bottom.

18. Savarona

Length : 136 m (446 ft)  |   Year : 1931

Savarona was built by Blohm + Voss in 1931 for Emily Roebling Cadwalader, the granddaughter of the Brooklyn Bridge engineer.

At the time she cost around $4 million which is over $80 million in today’s value. 

She was the largest superyacht in the world when she was first launched and now she sits in 17th position.

17. Flying Fox

Length : 136 m (446 ft)  |   Year : 2019

The breathtaking and unprecedented outside plan praised by her pigeon dark frame planned by winning designer Espen Øino makes Flying Fox an astounding vessel. 

At 136-meter length, her 22.5m wide shaft guarantees an open living space along with an extraordinary plan on both outside and inside. 

Her rich, contemporary inside plan from Mark Berryman offers 11 lodges for 25 visitors all with private ocean see patios.

16. Rising Sun

Length : 138 m (453 ft)  |   Year : 2004

The Rising sun yacht is a 138-meter-long superyacht built by famous shipyard Lurssen in 2004.

It has a steel hull and aluminium superstructure. 

Powered by 4 MTU engines she can reach a top speed of 28 knots.

She is currently the 6th largest yacht in the world and was holidayed on by Oprah Winfrey in the summer of 2013.

15. Al Salamah

Length : 139 m (456 ft)  |   Year : 1999 Al Salamah is a motor yacht which belonged to the former Saudi Arabian Crown Prince and was put for sale for $280,000 in 2013.  It was later given to Bahraini Crown Prince, Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa as a gift.

Construction began by HDW in Kiel, Germany and was finished by Lurssen. 

14. Solaris

Length : 139.7 m (458.4 ft)  |   Year : 2021

Solaris was newly launched in 2021 by Werft and belongs to Roman Abramovich who also owns the second-largest yacht in the world, Eclipse.

 She has a volume of just over eleven thousand tonnes and it is estimated that she can accommodate up to 36 guests and a crew of 60.

13. Ocean Victory

Length : 140 m (459 ft)  |   Year : 2014

Ocean Victory is a 140-metre super yacht that was built by Italian shipbuilding company Fincantieri in 2014.

As of 2021, she is the 13th longest superyacht.

Ocean Victory was designed by Espen Oeino with the interior designed by Alberto Pinto.

She has the capacity to accommodate 84 people with 28 being guests and a crew of 56.

Powered by Wärtsila MTU engines she can reach speeds of up to 19 knots.

Length : 141 m (463 ft)  |   Year : 2012

Measuring in at a length of 141m Yas was originally a Dutch navy frigate.

The original steel superstructure was replaced with a new superstructure of composite materials in 2013.

She is one of the largest superyachts in the world.

Due to the size of the structure, the interior decks, support and shell were built in sections in order to facilitate shipping and assembly.

She can accommodate up to 60 guests with a crew of up to 56 at disposal.

Length : 142 m (466 ft)  |   Year : 2021

Nord was launched in 2019 and strikes an imposing 142m in length.

She was built by Lurssen shipyard which is at the top of the game when it comes to Yachts of this magnitude.

 Lurssen was responsible for the naval architecture while the styling for both the exterior and interior design came from Nuvolari Lenard, a multi-award-winning studio.

Nord can accommodate up to 36 people over the 20-suite layout.

10. Sailing Yacht A

Length : 142.95 m (469 ft)  |   Year : 2017

Sailing Yacht A was built in 2017 and measures a length of 143 metres long.

She has a beam of 25m and 8 decks. 

She is the world’s largest sailing-assisted motor yacht in the world.

Powered by MTU engines and with the sails as assistance, she can reach a top speed of 21 knots.

She features a 1-foot thick glass underwater observation area.

9. El Mahroussa

Length : 145.72 m (478 ft)  |   Year :1965 |  ShipSpotting.com © Walter Maifarth El Mahroussa currently serves as Egypt’s presidential yacht previously being the country’s royal yacht.

She was built by the British shipbuilding firm Samuda Brothers.  She is the oldest active superyacht having undergone a number of alterations during its years of service. 

8. Prince Abdulaziz

Length : 147 m (482 ft)  |   Year : 1984

Measuring an empowering 147 metres, Prince Abdulaziz was built in 1984 and was once the biggest yacht in the world. 

Due to many new yacht builds she now is the 7th biggest yacht. 

Her large size allows her to accommodate 64 guests and 65 crew members at any given time.

Prince Abdulaziz yacht was built in Denmark by Helsingor Vaerft after being ordered by King Fahd who named her after his son Prince Abdul Aziz.

Length : 147 m (482 ft)  |   Year : 2012

Launched in 2012 A+ measures in at a whopping 147 metres making her the 6th largest yacht in the world. 

She was built by the famous boat yard Lurssen in Bremen, Germany. 

She has twin Pielstick diesel engines with enough power to reach a cruising speed of 22.9 knots and a top speed in excess of 25.5 knots.

Among her features, she has zero-speed stabilisers, a helicopter landing pad, a swimming pool, a gym, a cinema and a tender garage.

Her lighting system pictured above also lights underwater.

Length : 155 m (509 ft)  |   Year : 2007 |  ShipSpotting.com © Vincent Thépaut Al Said is a 155-meter superyacht owned by the Sultan of Oman.

Construction was ordered in 2006 through the Lurssen shipyard and was launched in September 2007.  At the time of her launch, she was the world’s second-biggest yacht but since then she has been pushed back into the fifth position. 

Length : 156 m (512 ft)  |   Year : 2016

Dilbar is a 156-meter-long super yacht that was launched in 2016.

She was built by Lurssen shipyard which is at the top of the game when it comes to Yachts of this magnitude. 

She was designed by Espen Oeino with the interior designed by Andrew Winch Design.

She has the capacity to accommodate 36 people and a crew of 84.

Powered by Wärtsila diesel-electric engines she can reach speeds up to 22.5 knots.

Length : 160 m (524 ft)  |   Year : 2022

The Blue superyacht , a breathtaking 160-meter vessel designed by Terence Disdale and built by Lürssen, redefines luxury yachting by combining unparalleled opulence with a strong commitment to environmental sustainability.

As the fourth-largest yacht in the world, Blue boasts state-of-the-art diesel-electric hybrid propulsion, advanced wastewater treatment technology, and an array of lavish amenities, setting a new benchmark for innovation, elegance, and eco-friendly practices within the luxury yachting industry.

Length : 162 m (531 ft)  |   Year : 2006

Measuring a length of 162m Dubai is the world’s third-biggest yacht, built by Platinum Yachts.

She is owned by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum – the ruler of Dubai who has a Net Worth of $5 billion. 

It was the biggest yacht in the world from 2006 to 2009 however it was replaced by Eclipse and Azzam.

Dubai has four MTU diesel engines which can accelerate it up to a speed of 26 knots.

Length : 162.50 m (533 ft)  |   Year : 2010

Measuring a whopping length of 162 metres, Eclipse is the second biggest yacht in the world. 

Built-in 2010 by Blohm and Voss she was the largest until April 2013 when Azzam was launched.

Although she is known as the $1.5 billion yacht, Eclipse’s actual cost price was around $700 million. 

She is owned by Russian billionaire Roman Arkadyevich Abramovich who is known to be one of the world’s wealthiest people having sold his oil company for $13 billion.

He also owns a second superyacht, Solaris.

1. Biggest Yacht In The World – Azzam

Length : 179.7 m (590 ft)  |   Year : 2013

Azzam is the largest yacht in the world measuring a whopping 180 metres.

Built by Lurssen she is estimated to have cost $600 Million. 

Powered by MTU engines she can reach a speed of 31 knots which is achievable by her shallow draft relative to her size.

Due to her large size, Azzam can comfortably accommodate 36 guests and has a crew of 60.

CLEARWATER, Fla.--( BUSINESS WIRE )--MarineMax, Inc. (NYSE: HZO), the world’s largest recreational boat, yacht and superyacht services company, today announced that Steven English, President of the Company’s IGY Marinas subsidiary (IGY), has been named Chief Executive Officer of IGY.

“ Steve’s extensive international experience, proven industry leadership, and deep understanding of IGY’s portfolio make him the ideal person to lead IGY into its next chapter of growth and innovation,” stated Brett McGill, Chief Executive Officer and President of MarineMax. “ Since joining IGY in 2007 he has contributed significantly to its success, helping extend our global reach to 23 marinas across 13 countries. Among his key accomplishments, Steve has spearheaded IGY’s expansion into key markets such as the Cote d’Azur and the Middle East, grown our IGY Trident Program, and advanced IGY’s strategic alliances and brand worldwide.”

“ Over my long association with IGY, I have had the privilege of working with a talented team dedicated to enhancing IGY’s position as the global leader in the marina industry and delivering exceptional value to our clients and partners around the world,” Mr. English said. “ As CEO, I look forward to building on our success through new projects, such as IGY Savannah Harbor Marina in the United States and Sindalah Island Marina, a new luxury destination in Saudi Arabia. These and other exciting initiatives embody the next phase of IGY’s innovation and growth, and I’m thrilled to be leading that effort for MarineMax.”

Mr. English was previously a Managing Director at Island Capital Group, where he served in senior asset management, principal investment and special situations roles. He commenced his career in management consulting and has led teams that closed in excess of $10 billion of transactions. He graduated from The American University and received a Master of Business Administration jointly from HEC School of Management Paris, New York University, and the London School of Economics & Political Science.

About MarineMax

As the world’s largest lifestyle retailer of recreational boats and yachts, as well as yacht concierge and superyacht services, MarineMax (NYSE: HZO) is United by Water. We have over 125 locations worldwide, including over 75 dealerships and 65 marina and storage facilities. Our integrated business includes IGY Marinas, which operates luxury marinas in yachting and sport fishing destinations around the world; Fraser Yachts Group and Northrop & Johnson, leading superyacht brokerage and luxury yacht services companies; Cruisers Yachts, one of the world’s premier manufacturers of premium sport yachts and motor yachts; and Intrepid Powerboats, a premier manufacturer of powerboats. To enhance and simplify the customer experience, we provide financing and insurance services as well as leading digital technology products that connect boaters to a network of preferred marinas, dealers, and marine professionals through Boatyard and Boatzon. In addition, we operate MarineMax Vacations in Tortola, British Virgin Islands, which offers our charter vacation guests the luxury boating adventures of a lifetime. Land comprises 29% of the earth’s surface. We’re focused on the other 71%. Learn more at www.marinemax.com .

Forward-Looking Statement

Certain statements in this press release are forward-looking as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements include IGY’s next chapter of growth and innovation and IGY’s success through new projects. These statements are based on current expectations, forecasts, risks, uncertainties, and assumptions that may cause actual results to differ materially from expectations as of the date of this release. These risks, assumptions, and uncertainties include those factors identified in the Company’s Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2023 and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Mike McLamb Chief Financial Officer MarineMax 727-531-1700

Scott Solomon Sharon Merrill Advisors (857) 383-2409 [email protected]

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What we know about the Hezbollah pager explosions

Thousands of people have been injured in Lebanon, after pagers used by the armed group Hezbollah to communicate dramatically exploded almost simultaneously across the country on Tuesday.

At least nine people were killed and some 2,800 injured, many of them seriously.

It is unclear how the attack - which looks to have been highly sophisticated - occurred, though Hezbollah has blamed its adversary Israel. Israeli officials have so far declined to comment.

Here is what we know so far.

When and where did it happen?

The blasts began in Lebanon's capital Beirut and several other areas of the country at about 15:45 local time (13:45 BST) on Tuesday.

Witnesses reported seeing smoke coming from people's pockets, before seeing small explosions that sounded like fireworks and gunshots.

In one clip, CCTV footage appeared to show an explosion in a man’s trouser pocket as he stood at a shop till.

Explosions continued for around an hour after the initial blasts, the Reuters news agency reported.

Soon after, scores of people began arriving at hospitals across Lebanon, with witnesses reporting scenes of mass confusion.

Pager explosions will devastate Hezbollah's morale and manpower

How did the pagers explode.

Analysts have been quick to express shock at the scale of Tuesday's attack - saying Hezbollah prides itself on its security measures.

Some suggested a hack may have caused the pager batteries to overheat, causing the devices to explode. Such an act would be unprecedented.

But many experts say that is unlikely, with footage of the explosions inconsistent with the batteries overheating.

Some analysts say instead that some sort of supply chain attack, which involved the pagers being tampered with during their manufacture or in transit, was more likely.

Supply chain attacks are a growing concern in the cyber security world with many high-profile incidents recently caused by hackers gaining access to products whilst they are in development.

But these attacks are normally contained to software. Hardware supply chain attacks are far rarer as they involve getting hands on to the device.

If this was indeed a supply chain attack it would have involved a huge operation to secretly tamper with the pagers in some way.

A former British Army munitions expert, who asked not to be named, told the BBC the devices could have been packed with between 10 to 20 grams each of military-grade high explosive, hidden inside a fake electronic component.

This, said the expert, would have been armed by a signal, something called an alphanumeric text message.

What is known about the victims?

A source close to Hezbollah told AFP that two of those killed were the sons of two Hezbollah MPs. They also said the daughter of a Hezbollah member was killed.

Among the injured was Iran's ambassador to Lebanon, Mojtaba Amani. Reports in Iranian media said his injuries were minor.

Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah was not hurt in the explosions, Reuters reported quoting a source.

Lebanese Public Health Minister Firass Abiad said damage to the hands and face made up the majority of injuries.

Speaking to the BBC's Newshour programme, he said: "Most of the injuries appear to be to the face and especially to the eyes and also the hand with some amputations, whether it's in the hands or the fingers, and some of them have injuries to their flank."

He added: "The vast majority of the people who are presenting to the emergency rooms are in civilian clothes, so it's very difficult to discern whether they belong to a certain entity like Hezbollah or others...

"But we are seeing among them people who are old or people who are very young, like the child who unfortunately died... and there are some of them who are healthcare workers," the minister said.

Outside of Lebanon, 14 people were injured in similar blasts in neighbouring Syria, according to UK-based campaign group the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

Who is responsible?

So far, nobody has claimed responsibility - though Lebanon's prime minister and Hezbollah have blamed Israel.

Prime Minister Najib Mikati said the explosions represented a “serious violation of Lebanese sovereignty and a crime by all standards”.

In its statement accusing Israel of being behind the attacks, Hezbollah said it held the country "fully responsible for this criminal aggression that also targeted civilians".

"This treacherous and criminal enemy will certainly receive its just punishment for this sinful aggression, whether it expects it or not," it added.

Israeli officials have not commented on the allegations, but most analysts agree that it seems likely it is behind the attack.

Prof Simon Mabon, chair in International Relations at Lancaster University, told the BBC: "We know that Israel has a precedent of using technology to track its target" - but he called the scale of this attack "unprecedented".

Lina Khatib, from the UK-based Chatham House, said the attack suggested that Israel has "deeply" infiltrated Hezbollah's "communications network".

Why does Hezbollah use pagers?

Hezbollah has relied heavily on pagers as a low-tech means of communications to try to evade location-tracking by Israel.

A pager is a wireless telecommunications device that receives and displays alphanumeric or voice messages.

Mobile phones have long since been abandoned as simply too vulnerable, as Israel’s assassination of the Hamas bomb-maker Yahya Ayyash demonstrated as long ago as 1996, when his phone exploded in his hand.

But one Hezbollah operative told the AP news agency that the pagers were a new brand that the group had not used before.

Emily Harding, an ex-analyst with the CIA, said the security breach was deeply embarrassing to Hezbollah.

"A breach of this magnitude is not only physically harmful, but will also make them question their entire security apparatus," she told the BBC.

"I would expect to see them conduct an intensive internal investigation that will distract them from a potential fight with Israel."

Will the Hezbollah-Israel conflict escalate?

Hezbollah is allied with Israel's arch-nemesis in the region, Iran. The group is part of Tehran's Axis of Resistance and has been engaged in a low-level war with Israel for months, frequently exchanging rocket and missile fire across Israel's northern border. Entire communities have been displaced from both sides.

The blasts came just hours after Israel's security cabinet made the safe return of residents to the north of the country an official war goal.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told a visiting US official that Israel would "do what is necessary to ensure its security".

Earlier on Monday, Israel's domestic security agency said it had thwarted a Hezbollah attempt to assassinate a former official.

Despite the ongoing tensions, observers say that until now both sides have aimed to contain hostilities without crossing the line into full-scale war. But there are fears that the situation could spiral out of control, with Hezbollah already threatening to respond to Tuesday's explosions.

Additional reporting by Frances Mao

Hezbollah blames Israel after pager explosions kill nine in Lebanon

What is hezbollah and why is it fighting with israel, israel sets new war goal of returning residents to the north.

Bayesian yacht sinking: Divers race to rescue Mike Lynch’s hard drive from boat’s safe on ocean floor

LIVE – Updated at 16:45

Divers are racing to retrieve Mike Lynch’s personal hard drives locked in a safe on the ocean floor, according to reports.

Italian newspaper la Repubblica reported that the tech billionaire, whose clients included MI5, the NSA and the Israeli secret service, didn’t trust confidential documents on the cloud and kept two encrypted hard drives in a safe which now lies 49 metres below sea level.

Investigators from Palermo said that no personal effects of the seven victims and 15 survivors have been recovered so far and that surveillance on the sailing ship continues 24 hours a day. They say the only hard drives brought to the surface are those of the ship.

An investigation into manslaughter is set to continue after specialist divers recovered video equipment that could explain how it sank.

Italian prosecutors will continue their probe after a source told Reuters Navy divers recovered parts of the deck , computer material, video surveillance systems, hard drives and various other equipment.

The electronic devices have been sent to specialised labs outside of Sicily to check their condition and possibly recover data, the source added.

Italian navy recover video equipment

• Two encrypted hard drives of Mike Lynch remain 49m underwater locked in safe - report

Professor fears more deaths by ‘medicanes’ after Bayesian tragedy

Mike lynch’s yacht was ‘unsinkable’, says boss of company who built boat, seven key unanswered questions around the sinking of the bayesian, darktrace to be taken over after mike lynch’s death.

Darktrace shares are set to stop trading publicly at the end of September, after the company set a timetable for its blockbuster private equity takeover to be completed.

The private equity group Thoma Bravo struck an almost 5.31 billion dollar (£4.3 billion) deal to buy Darktrace in April.

Darktrace AI interrupts in-progress cyber-attacks in seconds, including ransomware, email phishing, and threats to cloud environments.

It marks one of the biggest take-private deals for a London-listed company in recent years, and will see Darktrace leave the FTSE 100 on October 1.

Poppy Gustafsson helped to set up the Cambridge-based company in 2013 alongside Autonomy founder Mike Lynch.

Mr Lynch, and his daughter Hannah, were among seven people to die after the Bayesian superyacht sank off the coast of Sicily last month.

Bodies flown back to UK on private planes - report

The bodies of Mike Lynch, his daughter Hannah, 18, and the other victims of the Bayesian disaster have been flown back to their families after their post-mortems, according to reports.

They were repatriated on private planes, with their private funerals expected to be held over the coming days, Italian media reports.

The British tech tycoon ’s boat had been moored near the port of Porticello on 19 August when it sank during the early hours of the morning . It is now lying 50m below the surface.

Among those killed were Mr Lynch and his 18-year-old daughter Hannah, who had been due to begin studying at Oxford University in September, as well as four other family friends and associates .

Jonathan Bloomer, the international chairman of Morgan Stanley Bank; his wife Judith, a psychotherapist; Christopher Morvillo, a US lawyer; and his wife Neda, a jewellery designer also died in the sinking.

Also killed was the yacht’s chef, Recaldo Thomas, whose body was recovered floating near the wreckage.

Four victims found with carbon dioxide in lungs

Tech billionaire Mike Lynch, his daughter Hannah, 18, and five other people died when the Bayesian went down in a downburst, which is similar to a small tornado.

Chef Recaldo Thomas, Jonathan Bloomer, the Morgan Stanley International bank chairman, his wife Judy, and Chris Morvillo, a Clifford Chance lawyer, and his wife Neda, were the other victims of the August 19 tragedy.

Four of the victims are feared to have suffocated to death in air bubbles that filled with carbon dioxide, according to their autopsies raising the frightening possibility that they may have been conscious after the yacht sank, according to Italian news outlet La Republica.

Fifteen people, including Angela Bacares, Lynch’s wife, survived when they were rescued by a nearby yacht.

Giovanni Costantino, the chief executive of the Italian Sea Group, said there are no flaws with the design and construction of the Bayesian and it is “one of the safest boats in the world”.

The Bayesian, a 184-ft superyacht carrying 22 passengers and crew, was anchored off the port of Porticello, near Palermo, when it disappeared beneath the waves in a matter of minutes after a freak tornado struck.

“The ship sank because it took on water, from where investigators will have to say,” Mr Costantino told television news programme TG1.

He suggested that the sinking was down to a series of human errors.

The CEO said that had the crew shut all doors and hatches, turned on the engine, lifted the anchor, lowered the keel and turned the yacht to face the wind, they would have suffered “zero damage”.

He added that data showed it took 16 minutes from when the wind began for it to sink.

Cartoisio said the tragedy will be even more painful if the sinking was caused by “behaviours that were not aligned to the responsibilities that everyone needs to take in shipping”.

Bodies of Mike Lynch and daughter Hannah flown back to families after Bayesian superyacht sinking

The bodies of those who died after the billionaire Mike Lynch’s Bayesian superyacht sunk off the coast of Sicily have been flown back to their families by private jet.

Italian publication Giornale di Sicilia reported post-mortem examinations were completed at a Palermo hospital and the bodies have now been returned.

My colleague Tom Watling reports:

Bodies of Mike Lynch and daughter flown back to UK after Bayesian tragedy

Captain gives his account of tragic sinking

Captain James Cutfield previously gave his terrifying account before invoking his right to remain silent.

According to Correire, he told prosecutors: “Seaman Griffiths came to wake me up and told me that there were 20 knots of wind.

“I looked at the instruments and indeed that was the case. I went out immediately and asked them to warn everyone because I didn’t like the situation.”

He said the Bayesian tilted 45 degrees “and remained like that for a bit and then suddenly fell to the right.

“We were catapulted into the sea”.

Seaman Matthew Griffiths, 22, said: “We somehow climbed back up to the bridge and tried to form a human chain to save those who managed to reach that gap from the accommodation deck ... they were struggling on the walls because the boat was lying in the water.

“The first in the chain was the captain who stretched down. He helped everyone, the ladies, the mother with the little girl ... But we were sinking and unfortunately some didn’t make it .”

Mr Griffiths joins fellow Brit Tim Parker-Eaton, 56, and Kiwi skipper James Cutfield, 51, on the official list of those being formally investigated for shipwreck and multiple manslaughter.

Being investigated does not equate to being charged and is a procedural step.

Professor Yoav Yair, Dean of the School of Sustainability at Reichman University in Israel, told the Mirror that storms dubbed ‘medicanes’ - Mediterranean hurricanes - could cause similar sinkings like the Bayesian superyacht.

He said: “It is not a matter of if this (the Bayesian disaster) will happen again, but rather it’s when and where.

“In the last couple of years we have seen medicanes - which are a new phenomena. These are hurricane-like storms that pack a lot of energy, and create flash flooding, torrential rains, lightning, hail and severe sustained winds. The 2023 “Daniel” medicane destroyed Libya and caused over 30,000 deaths there.

“The sea surface temperature has risen globally and in the Med as well, charging the atmosphere with increased fluxes of water vapor, which means a higher potential for massive storms.”

With the Bayesian lying on her side 50 metres underneath the now gentle waters of the Mediterranean, mystery still surrounds how the 56-metre superyacht, sank in the typhoon off the port of Porticello.

Remotely controlled underwater vehicles and cave divers are looking to raise the yacht , which experts will examine in the coming days.

The key unanswered questions around the tragic sinking of the Bayesian

Italian Navy divers have recovered video surveillance equipment from the wreckage of billionaire Mike Lynch’s Bayesian superyacht that could explain how it sank.

The British tech tycoon’s boat had been moored near the port of Porticello on 19 August when it sank during the early hours of the morning. It is now lying 50m below the surface.

Among those killed were Mr Lynch and his 18-year-old daughter Hannah, who had been due to begin studying at Oxford University in September, as well as four other family friends and associates.

Divers hunting for clues on how Mike Lynch’s superyacht sank make discovery

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The Library Of Congress Is A Training Data Playground For AI Companies

With archives hosting about 180 million works, the world’s largest library is drawing interest from ai startups looking to train their large language models on content that won’t get them sued., by rashi shrivastava , forbes staff.

B lack and white portraits of Rosa Parks, letters penned by Thomas Jefferson and The Giant Bible of Mainz, a 15th century manuscript known to be one of the last handwritten Bibles in Europe. These are among the 180 million items including books, manuscripts, maps and audio recordings housed within the Library of Congress.

Every year hundreds of thousands of visitors walk through the library’s high-ceiling pillared halls, passing beneath Renaissance-style domes, embellished with murals and mosaics. But of late, the more than 200-year-old library has attracted a new type of patron: AI companies that are eager to access the library’s digital archives — and the 185 petabytes of data stored within it — to develop and train their most advanced AI models.

“We know that we have a large amount of digital material that large language model companies are very interested in,” Judith Conklin, chief information officer at the Library of Congress (LOC) told Forbes . “It's extraordinarily popular.”

The upsurge in interest in the library’s data is also reflected in the numbers. The congress.gov site, which is managed by the LOC and hosts data about bills, statutes and laws, gets anywhere between 20 million to 40 million monthly hits on its API, an interface that allows programmers to download the library’s data in a machine-readable format. Conklin said the traffic to the congress.gov API has consistently grown since it became available in September 2022 . The library’s API now gets about a million visits every month.

The library’s digital archives host an abundance of rare, original and authoritative information. It’s also diverse; the collections feature content in more than 400 languages spanning art, music and most disciplines. But what makes this data especially appealing to AI developers is that these works are in the public domain and not copyrighted or otherwise restricted. While a growing group of artists and organizations are locking up their data to prevent AI companies from scraping it, the Library of Congress has made its data reserves freely available to anyone who wants it.

For AI companies that have already mined the entirety of the internet , scraping everything from YouTube videos to copyrighted books, to train their models, the Library is one of the few remaining “free” resources. Otherwise, they must strike licensing deals with publishers or use AI-generated “synthetic data” which can be problematic, leading to degraded responses from the model.

The only caveat: people who want access to the Library’s data must collect it via the API, a portal through which anyone, from a genealogist to an AI researcher, can download data. But they are prohibited from scraping content directly from the site, a common practice among AI companies and one that Conklin said has become a real “hurdle” for the library because it slows public access to its archives.

“There are others who want our data to train their own models but they want it fast and so they just scrape our websites,” she said. “If they're hurting the performance of our websites, we have to manually slow them down.”

The hunt for data is just one part of the story. Companies like OpenAI, Amazon and Microsoft are also courting the world’s largest library as a customer . They claim AI models can help librarians and subject matter specialists with tasks like navigating catalogs, searching records and summarizing long documents. This is certainly possible, but there are some rough edges that need to be ironed out first. Natalie Smith, the LOC’s director of digital strategy, told Forbes that AI models, trained on contemporary data, sometimes struggle with historical accuracy — identifying a person holding a book as someone holding a cell phone, for example. “There is an overwhelming bias towards today's times and so they often apply modern concepts to historical documents,” Smith said.

Beyond this is the risk of hallucination and propagating inaccurate information based on the works in the world’s largest library. In March, the Congressional Research Service, a research institute that is part of the LOC, announced that it is developing AI models to write bill summaries in the hopes that the tool could help clear off a backlog of thousands of pending reports. But in tests, the model repeatedly hallucinated. It listed the District of Columbia as a U.S. state in a bill that outlined the definition of a “state” and incorrectly claimed that students from Taiwan and Hong Kong would be impacted in a bill that prohibited student visas for specific Chinese citizens.

While it’s carefully considering how to use AI tools internally, the Library wants to make more of its unrestricted data available to the world. In the coming years, it plans to digitize more of its special collections, a boon for the public. That AI companies will also make use of it is inevitable.

“Libraries and federal agencies have been the backbone of data that has spurred the economy in so many different ways,” Smith said. “Wie often say you wouldn't really have had an Uber without having geospatial data that came from a federal agency.”

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