best 10 meter yacht

• Apply for Vendor
• Vendors List
• Delivery & Payments

Top 5 Best Yachts From 10 to 12 Meters (33-40 ft) in 2024

Let’s talk about the favorites of 2024 yachts from 10 to 12 meters (33 to 40 feet) in length, and also rate them. A difficult task, since sailboats and motor vessels, monohulls and catamarans all participate in the competition. All have a different purpose, a different level of seaworthiness and comfort on board. But everyone has something that unites them - the recognition of the community of yachtsmen from all over the world, as well as the fact that all participants in the list have prestigious titles and regalia received at the most popular yacht exhibitions of the past few years.

• FOUNTAIN PAJOT ISLA 40

So, the mixed fleet regatta begins, no holds barred, and we will start immediately from the final stage of the race – the top 5 boats. Therefore, even the last ones here are the undisputed leaders among those who did not make it to our final list.

• Brand: Dufour Yachts
• Hull type: Sailing yacht
• Overall length, m: 10.77
• Width, m: 3.8
• Draft, m: 1.9
• Displacement, T: 6.747
• Keel weight, T: 1.86
• Water tanks, l: 180
• Exterior design (Architect): Felci Yacht Design
• Interior design: Felci Yacht Design
• CE Certification: A
• Mainsail type: Fully battened
• Jib type: Furling genoa
• Mainsail area, m²: 33
• Jib area, m²: 25.9
• Engine, HP: 18.8
• Fuel tanks, l: 160

The fifth number in the regatta is occupied by our good friend from the Dufour Yachts family - Dufour 37 monohull sailboat, which became the owner of Boat of the Year 2022 award.

Dynamic lines and excellent sea performance have endowed this boat with a sporty character, despite an increased level of comfort that is not typical of sailboats that are just over 10 meters long. As always, the shipyard responded to the demands of the maritime community, this time for a comfortable racing cruiser with compact dimensions and an affordable price, yet with good seaworthiness.

The shipyard has done its job with flying colours, using its win-win technique: to select the best from previous models and to complement this best with innovations in technology and design.

All the advantages of Dufour's DNA were left intact, but the changes were also significant. This is noticeable immediately from the stern. Here the platform has been reduced to fit the dimensions of the yacht, and it is now less likely to damage the transom due to its weight.

You can now enter the cockpit via two ladders from different sides of the platform, by folding the wings, which can act as additional seats. Between them is a capacious locker, in which you can place a life raft or a rolled-up inflatable dinghy .

The skipper’s position became much more convenient for the skipper at the left helm due to the folding wing. Now you can also sit there resting on your back and legs.

The deck shower, a folding table, as well as the grill (or plancha) with a sink, which everyone loves, remained unchanged in the cockpit, allowing you to cook and dine outdoors. Under the sofas there’s more lockers. One of them will perfectly fit all the equipment for fishing, spearfishing, diving and other water activities.

Full Review Dufour 37 »

Yachtsmen around the world have welcomed the innovative helm station. The double steering wheels remained in the same place, but panels were installed directly on them: here the controls for all the important instruments and equipment of the yacht are displayed - the thruster, autopilot, anchor winch, anchor chain controls, etc.

Some were disappointed that the chartplotter remained in the same place - at the end of the table. But if it is really problematic to see the image on the screen at such a distance on a boat 14 meters long, then the size of the Dufour 37 cockpit eliminates this problem. In addition, there is space left on the panel for additional equipment, and a chartplotter may fit just right.

Winches are very conveniently located - at the helm and at arm's length. Winches for controlling the boom with a sheet are placed on the roof of the saloon. The choice of drive - manual or electric - is left to the buyer of the sailboat.

The built-in fender was replaced by a bulwark, which was noticed and appreciated by all Dufour fans. With this replacement, the architects not only facilitated the maintenance of the boat, but also solved an important design problem - providing additional rigidity to the entire hull.

Comfort in driving and living on board has become the goal of architects and designers. They pushed it as far as possible for a 10-meter boat.

A spacious cockpit, safe decks, a spacious bow create conditions for free movement and control of the boat, relaxation with family or friends, sunbathing, and a platform is great for comfortable launching and swimming.

Increased comfort also includes access to natural light even in rooms that are below deck level, not to mention the saloon. This task is performed by numerous hatches and large windows.

This sailboat continues one of the shipyard's traditions - to allow passengers on their yachts to take on board everything that will provide them with comfort on a cruise. To do this, there are many cabinets, shelves, lockers and compartments.

The saloon offers a beautiful view not only of the sea around the yacht, but also of the sails above it. So, the skipper can continue to drive without interrupting a lunch at the convertible table. And you can cook this lunch in a well-equipped L-shaped galley.

In the toilet room of the saloon there is a washbasin, a toilet bowl, a hand shower and shelves with mirrors.

Despite the small size of a monohull sailboat, you can choose from two cabin options:

• version with two cabins, one of which is a master cabin in the bow of the boat with a full double bed, and the second is a guest cabin in the stern for two berths, the area of which is increased with the help of poufs;
• the three-cabin version includes a master cabin in the same design, as well as two forward cabins with 2 berths each.

Thus, the capacity of the boat is up to 6 people, and if you use a transforming table in the saloon for a bed, then 8 passengers can settle here, although, of course, it will be cramped. The cabins have ample headroom, natural light and plenty of storage space.

You can also choose finishes - designers offer natural mahogany or white oak veneer.

The basic configuration of the Dufour 37 already provides for an installed bowsprit and rollers, which not only give the hull swiftness, but also make it possible to increase the sail area by shifting the center of sail. This allows active use of downwind sails. An automatic jib is also included in the standard sailing equipment, but the genoa is an optional item.

• Overall length, m: 11.88
• Width, m: 3.96
• Draft, m: 1.82
• Keel weight, T: 2.6
• Water tanks, l: 250
• Interior design: Ardizio Design
• Engine, HP: 50
• Fuel tanks, l: 250

Here comes another representative of the Dufour family - the latest racing cruiser produced by the Dufour Yachts shipyard. The Dufour 41 monohull sailboat develops a range of cruising sailboats of various sizes. This model is a little short of 12 meters in total length, but its width is almost 4 meters. It was these dimensions that made it possible to make an unprecedentedly comfortable cruiser out of a 41-foot racer.

To combine these qualities, naval architects used early designs and introduced a number of innovations. The latter include a decrease in the area of the wetted surface of the hull due to the raised stern.

For the same purpose, the capabilities of the bowsprit were used. Moving forward the sail center of the boat allows you to increase the area of sailing rig. The bowsprit and rollers allow you to set sails for downwind, which increases the speed of the boat.

The folding fenders at the entrance to the cockpit remained unchanged, which received general approval from yachtsmen on the previous 37th Dufour model. This ensured the convenience of steering the helm on the port side.

Naval architects remained committed to the single-feathered rudder on the Dufour, which, when brought to both helms, makes it easier to steer the boat by reducing hydrodynamic drag.

Full Review Dufour 41 »

The increase in the size of the boat has affected the level of natural light in the interior due to the increased number of side windows. This has also resulted in a level of comfort that is unbelievable for a 12 m monohull sailboat .

The developers have heard the wishes of yachtsmen, and on the Dufour 41 we see chartplotters located directly on the steering panels, and not on the end of the table. The choice of brand and screen size is up to the buyer.

The location of the winches behind the steering wheels and on the cabin roof has not changed, since it is optimal. The ropes do not get underfoot; an experienced skipper can handle the controls alone.

The very roomy cockpit is designed for 10 people, who will find a place behind two helms and on benches around the table, which, when unfolded, triples in area.

The grill with a sink remained in the same place, so even the skipper can have a bite to eat without looking up from the controls.

For a more substantial meal, you will have to go down to the saloon, where the linear galley is located. This is also an example of what the developers have heard from boaters and their dissatisfaction with the L-shaped galley layout. Few people will not bump into each other here. The rest, while waiting for dinner, will be seated at a large folding table. Ten people can eat here. And the table, if necessary, can be converted into a double bed.

Soft sofas and a bench, natural veneer trim add coziness to the cabin, and it is all filled with natural light that comes through the windows. By the way, the ceiling porthole is also a source of fresh air, as well as an opportunity for the skipper to control the sails without leaving the company of diners.

Thanks to the expanded volumes of the Dufour 41, you can now choose from 4 options for completing the cabins, the diagrams of which are presented below.

In different options, in addition to the number of cabins and beds, you can choose how to dispose of the additional space - leave it for storage or equip a shower room or toilet there.

Due to the increased size of the sailboat, additional lockers are provided in its bow.

It remains to be hoped that the shipyard has forever abandoned the solid side fender, in the 41st it was also replaced with a bulwark, increasing the rigidity of the overall structure of the boat, which improves its maneuverability.

Boat performance is also benefited by the manufacturing technology of Dufour, pioneers in the use of fiberglass for yacht hulls. Now improved technologies are being used to minimize the effect of osmosis - filling sandwiches with special resins under pressure.

Fountain Pajot Isla 40

• Architect: Berret Racoupeau Yacht Design
• Length overall, m: 11.93
• Beam overall, m: 6.63
• Displacement unloaded, T: 9.5 (approx.)
• Draft, m: 1.21
• Sail area, m²: 59
• Genoa area, m²: 36
• Standard Power, HP: 2 x 20
• Option Power, HP: 2 x 30 HP
• Fresh Water, l: 2 x 265
• Fuel, l: 300

The middle of the list is occupied by a 40-footer from Fountaine Pajot - Isla 40 sailing cruiser. She is a cat that’s far from the average. This model made a splash on the day of the presentation and continued the shipyard's glorious tradition in the production of sought-after cruising 40-foot (12-meter) catamarans, including such bestsellers as the Lucia 40 and Lavezzi 40.

If we compare the new cat with its predecessors, then the continuity is already noticeable from the cockpit. In Isla 40, this area is still considered the largest in terms of area among all the cats of this size. A life raft and a davit occupy their traditional places there.

The dining area is still cozy and comfortable with this L-shaped sofa around the table, a large aft sofa and a comfortable lounger. Almost all the seats have lockers where you can hide all the equipment for fun on the water and underwater.

Full Review Isla 40 »

Transformer table for 10 people or a regular table for 6-8 diners, grill or plancha - this choice is left to the buyer and depends on the purpose for which the yacht is purchased. The catamaran with its comfort is perfect for both family cruising and traveling with friends, as well as for commercial use.

You have to climb several very wide steps to get to the control panel.

The helm is located on the hull of the control station, here, in direct access there are 4 winches, which can be either electric or manual, depending on the wishes of the future owner of the yacht.

On the panel, there are screens of measuring instruments and a radiotelephone, control of some equipment is also displayed here: a thruster, an autopilot. An optional small screen chartplotter is also located next to the helm.

See the roof cutout to the left of the chartplotter? This is done for a better view of the bow of the left float.

But the interior of Isla 40 is completely refurbished. Here the usual location of the skipper's place has been changed, and now it is a loft living room , with the same luxury and comfort. The entire loft is divided into recreation, cooking, dining and work areas.

The large galley includes all the necessary equipment for storing and processing food. In the recreation area there is a large modular soft sofa with pouffes and a low table. It easily transforms into a dining room and then the recreation area also becomes a dining area.

The skylight in the cabin roof can be opened, providing, in addition to natural light, ventilation and the ability to control the sailing equipment of the cat.

There are 4 options offered to the future owner regarding the cabin layouts on the Isla 40: two Maestro and two Quatuor. Their features are shown in the diagrams below.

Maestro versions include a mother cabin for the owner with a private bathroom and 2 double cabins with 1 or 2 bathrooms.

Quatuor version is 4 double cabins with bathroom options - there can be 2 or 4.

For charters you can order an option with a separate cabin for the crew. It will be located in the bow, the entrance is from the deck.

The master cabin contains a real island bed, plenty of storage for clothes, shoes, books and other belongings that will provide the necessary comfort on long passages. All cabins have natural light and the possibility of ventilation.

• Brand: Lagoon
• Hull type: catamaran
• Overall length, m: 11.74
• Width, m: 6.76
• Draft, m: 1.35
• Displacement, t: 10.885
• Air draft, m: 18.4
• Water tanks, l: 300
• Exterior design (architect): VPLP design
• CE Certification: A: 10 - B: 12 - C: 16 - D: 20
• Mainsail type: square top
• Jib type: self-tacking
• Mainsail area, m²: 80
• Jib area, m²: 32
• Code 0 area, m²: 63
• Engine: 2 x 29 HP
• Fuel tanks l: 2 x 200

Sailing catamaran Lagoon 40 is said to be the most comfortable 40-foot double-hull vessel. It is no coincidence that it takes the second place in our list. 40-foot yachts are one of the most competitive sections of the market. Yet the Lagoon company and the VPLP bureau involved in the development coped with the task so successfully that they were able to block the dubious success of the Lagoon 39 and equal the triumph of the Lagoon 42 catamaran. If the latter had not exceeded 12 meters in length, it would have taken this place in the ranking.

Differences from its predecessor are noticeable at first glance: the roof is more inclined towards the deck, and the freeboard has lost its former massiveness due to the portholes built into the hull niche. The yacht not only looks lighter, faster and more modern, it really has become more maneuverable and easy to manage. This is not surprising, since the converted catamaran has become almost a ton lighter than its predecessor.

Of course, not only the efforts of architects, but also technologists, who developed innovative sandwiches made of polyester and balsa to manufacture the cases, affected the "weight loss". But the architects preferred to leave the bottoms of the structures monolithic, and remove some of the modular structures. A careful approach to the selection of equipment also made it possible to free the cat from excess weight, and without any loss of comfort.

The ability to increase the sail area by more than 5 m² also influenced the improvement in maneuverability - this makes a difference on sharp courses.

The shift of the mast towards the stern widens sail’s angle of attack, increasing the response of the catamaran to the actions of the skipper due to increasing the lift and facilitating the control of the sails.

Excellent ergonomics are inherent in all areas of the catamaran, and this commitment of the shipyard architects is evident from the moment you enter the cockpit. From the very transoms to the saloon and beyond, the deck has no ledges or steps. There is no platform, and there is no need for it - the cat has very wide steps of two ladders, along which you can go down to the water.

In place of the platform there are davits for an inflatable motor boat, which can be hung there and transported unassembled. There is also room for a folding bike. Under the sloop there is a niche for a life raft and a pump.

The cockpit accommodates 10 people at the table, if you add additional seats in addition to the sofas, which are located on both sides. The entire cockpit can be protected from sunlight and rain by a bimini, a detail typical of the Lagoon that the designers have kept intact.

From the cockpit and from the deck you can climb to the control station, raised by several very wide steps. The skipper can simultaneously control the catamaran and communicate with family or friends in the cockpit. And those, on demand, can serve a cooling drink to the helmsman.

All running rigging is concentrated at the control post, which is very convenient. But to view the bow on the port side, you will have to get up from the seat.

In the cabin, the windows overlooking the cockpit are shifted, through which cooked dishes can be passed. The saloon's L-shaped galley is thoughtfully equipped with all the essentials and yet is compact.

In front of the cabin there is a navigation table with the appropriate equipment. Sitting in front of it, the skipper can turn to the dining table to take part in a family or friendly feast.

The electrical panel and fuses are located under the skipper's table, which guarantees its safety from accidental presses by passengers during rolling.

There are two opening portholes above the soft sofas in the panoramic windows of the saloon, which provides this area not only with natural light, but also with fresh air.

The upholstery, textiles and accessories are chosen with great taste and at the same time are quite practical for a marine vessel.

The shipyard provides the opportunity to choose from several versions of the cabin configuration:

• The owner's version includes a comfortable master suite fully given over to port float with island bed aft and forward bathroom, work desk, extra sofa and a set of furniture to store clothes and other things, as well as two cabins in the starboard float, each - with a separate toilet room;
• The 4-cabin version has two cabins with shared bathrooms in each float.

In the bow, you can organize an excellent large solarium, if you lay out mats and sun loungers here, using the deck area and two trampolines.

Fountain Pajot MY4.S

• Brand: Fountain Pajot
• Overall length, m: 11
• Width, m: 5.1
• Draft, m: 0.8
• Displacement, t: 13.5
• Water tanks, l: 350
• Exterior design (Architect): Daniel Andrieu
• Interior Design: Pierangelo Andreani Studio
• Engine: YANMAR 2x150 hp
• Optional engine: YANMAR 2x250 hp
• Fuel tanks l: 2x600

The leader of our conditional regatta turned out to be the catamaran MY 4.S - the most inexpensive and compact sea cruiser from the entire line of this brand from Fountaine Pajot. The shipyard launched its production in 2021, meeting the needs of yachtsmen for a motor catamaran of increased comfort at an affordable price. Yes, yes, you understood correctly: this is a motor yacht, and no sails. As we said, we have a mixed fleet regatta without a handicap.

Renowned naval architect Daniel Andrieu has significantly redesigned the previous model MY 37, in particular by removing the flybridge. Some yachtsmen took this with hostility, but a flood of applications poured in from countries where they have to pass under bridges while sailing.

Length of MY 4.S is 11 m (36 ft), draft is 0.8 m, hull made of fiberglass.

Dimensions, excellent sea performance and an unprecedented level of comfort on a vessel of this size make it possible to use a motor catamaran for long passages with all the amenities. Its design, equipment and safety level are designed for long cruising in a close family circle, even with young children or in the company of best friends.

An example of the variability of the layout jumps at you immediately on the approach in the cockpit. The electric platform has several modifications: movable, fixed and with dinghy davits on it. Platform management is both stationary and remote.

The cockpit is covered with natural teak. On the starboard side there you can find a stern shower with hot and cold water. Opposite is a small grill.

The entrance from the platform to the cockpit is blocked by stainless steel gates. The cockpit can be completely covered with an awning with windows.

The table in the cockpit is not stationary, it can be removed and installed if necessary.

The lack of stairs to the missing flybridge allowed to significantly expand the cockpit compared to the already mentioned predecessor. At first glance, just the standard sofas are located here. But these have folding backs, and as a result you get an option of very comfortable beds.

On the port side of the cockpit is the engine compartment with good access and soundproofing, two Yanmar 250 hp engines , a water boiler and an autopilot drive. Further along the deck there is a locker with a life raft for 8 people, a pump and fire extinguishing equipment.

A sliding transparent door leads from the cockpit to the saloon, which unites both areas into a common large space.

On the port side is a well-equipped linear galley. For a 37-foot boat, it has a considerable size and a convenient approach for several people at once. Cabin furniture has rounded corners.

Above the galley of MY 4.S are large spacious wardrobes, since its lower part is the ceiling of the owner's cabin.

Between the galley and large soft sofas there is a folding table. Sofas and individual seats are located throughout the starboard side of the saloon. The entire interior is flooded with natural light, which enters through the glazing around the perimeter. This opens up a great view from the cabin.

A large overhead window adds light and space to this rather large cabin.

A control panel is situated in front of the central windows. In front of the helm and the working panel there is a comfortable chair for the navigator and assistant with lifting seats, which allows you to control the yacht both sitting and standing.

The steering wheel itself is more like a car steering wheel, only more powerful. The panel, of course, looks beautiful in this black color, but the prints remain on it quite easily. The panel contains the entire standard set of instruments that controls the yacht's equipment: engines, autopilot, electrics, etc. There is also a marine display that combines a chartplotter and an echo sounder. So, it is a “smart yacht” system by analogy with a “smart home”.

In the cabin there is a USB and AUX connection panel, an HDMI socket block and an electrical equipment control unit.

Motor yacht MY 4.S can be chosen from two options:

• three cabins - the master cabin, which is given over to the entire port float, with a separate bathroom and two full-fledged guest cabins in the starboard float with a large shared bathroom;
• four cabins - two cabins in each float with bathrooms for each pair of cabins.

The master cabin resembles a compact comfortable apartment with a bedroom and a living room (do not forget that we are on a catamaran!) A high ceiling, a comfortable double bed 1.6x2 m with a locker, a panoramic window, shelves - this is how the sleeping area of this “apartment” looks like.

In the living area there is a soft sofa and a wardrobe for outerwear. It also has natural light through the porthole.

At the entrance to the bathroom, you can see cabinets and shelves. The shower and toilet are quite comfortable to use.

The forward guest cabin has a smaller bed but plenty of storage space and natural light through the porthole. The aft cabin has the same size bed as the master cabin.

In addition to a shared bathroom with a shower and toilet, guests in the guest cabins can use a freezer for ice cream or drinks.

The huge space on the foredeck fully compensates for the lack of a flybridge. With plenty of reclining mattresses and loungers and a table with recesses for glasses and bottles, this sunbathing area is a great place to spend time with family or friends.

Under the mattresses there is a large locker, which acts as a chain box and contains a water tank, you can also store a cockpit table here. The perimeter railings are made entirely of 22 mm stainless steel tube, which provides additional safety for the passengers of the motor yacht MY 4.S.

It is an ideal catamaran for family cruising due to its stability, safety and the ability to reach 800-1000 miles at 7-8 knots.

Congratulations, MY 4.S, for winning in our list too, additional to all the international acceptance. And if you got this far through the article, you should congratulate yourself too: you are a real yacht enthusiast - make sure to not miss out on our next top 5 list then.

Fair winds and following seas to you!

No posts found

• Glossary of Nautical Terms
• Law & Rules

• Profile details
• Comparison list
• Gift certificates
• Terms of Use
• Privacy Policy
• Refund Policy
• Tallinn, Ehitajate tee 110
• +37253060890
• Mon-Sun 10.00 - 18.00
• [email protected]
• View on map
• Leave feedback

Yachting World

• Digital Edition

Best luxury yacht: Our pick of the top options

• Toby Hodges
• March 17, 2023

Toby Hodges takes a look at all the nominees and the winner of the best luxury yacht category in the European Yacht of the Year Awards

There are many categories in the European Yacht of the Year awards, from the  best family cruisers  to  performance yachts . But some of the most jaw-dropping options come when it is time to choose the nominees and winner in the best luxury yacht category.

The European Yacht of the Year awards are selected by a broad panel of expert judges from across the globe. These are people who spend their professional lives sailing and comparing yachts, so you can be certain that the yachts which stand out in this field are truly the best of the best on the market.

What constitutes luxury for you? Price, quality of finish, comfort (at sea or at anchor)? The broad selection for this category this year includes two from Group Beneteau which show how appealing space can be today, as well as offerings from more typical premium brands such as Swan and Hallberg-Rassy. Pricing is equally as broad: for the same length, one can cost three times the amount of the other.

A spacious production yacht, a premium bluewater cruiser and a highly customised Italian performance cruiser shows the variety on offer in the 50-60ft+ market, while giving the jury some tricky comparisons to make.

Best luxury yacht

Best luxury yacht winner – oyster 495.

It is hard to imagine that the decor of a yacht can change its look and feel quite this much, yet the layout of this second 495, Eddie Jordan’s dramatic looking Tuga , is in fact identical to the first boat that I spent several days aboard last summer.

At its heart is a wonderfully (Humphreys) designed and engineered luxury bluewater cruiser conceived from the ground up, built in a new dedicated facility to a repeatable quality very few yards are capable of.

The 495 offers consistent passage making speeds in real voluminous comfort – whether enjoyed from the deep cockpit or the best-in-class aft cabin. Deck stowage and mechanical space is also superb.

Then factor in the family appeal of Oyster’s after sales and world rally programme and you start to appreciate the premium world this sub 50-footer gives access to.

The first yacht fully conceived under CEO Richard Hadida’s reign, this is also the smallest completely new Oyster 495 since 2005 – and it’s a triumph. It was our September 2022 cover star in which we featured the full review from our Oyster 495 three day test .

Beneteau Oceanis Yacht 60

The Oceanis Yacht 60 is a very different beast indeed to the 62 it replaces as flagship for the Beneteau range. The yard has learned plenty from the success of the First 53/OY 54 and wanted to create a 60 in this style and with the same deck layout (albeit larger and wider) and ease of circulation.

The construction experience of the smaller model clearly helped too, as this is a whopping five tonnes lighter than the bulky OY62 and with a deeper (2.6m) keel. The telling result is on the water. It feels sporty to helm and we averaged a knot slower than the single figure 6-8 knot windspeeds upwind and matched them reaching with Code 0 and a slight swell.

The vast cockpit works well, sheltered below the semi rigid bimini, it has plentiful lounging space with sailing systems led aft to the twin helms. The interior sees a 3+3 layout, where Beneteau wanted to get rid of the corridor effect of the OY62. The galley is forward to help open out space, while the forward suite with offset berth and headboard aft works well to give space with privacy.

This is an attractive, voluminous yacht that leaves a good overall impression whether under sail, on or below decks.

Ice 62 Targa

It all looks pretty funky below decks on the Ice 62 Targa too, especially if you’re watching the masthead fore and aft cameras (plus bow and prop cam) on central displays mounted in the saloon while you slip out of the dock! The Ice is a seriously impressive, contemporary yacht, one that in looks, performance and execution, won over many of the judges.

The first to launch is a highly customised project for a passionate sailing owner who covers long distances solo – he’d already sailed it 3,000 miles around the Med that autumn. It’s impressively stiff, sails handsomely and, thanks to a telescopic keel, points well. We matched single figure windspeeds, and clocked up to the high 9s in 12 knots wind.

Umberto Felci’s team spent 4,000 hours on the design, providing lots of space and light to the interior and a chillout zone in the semi raised saloon. This was easily the coolest looking yacht, with its aggressive reverse bow, chamfered gunwales and carbon T-top bimini, and all engineered and built to a high standard.

If you enjoyed this….

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

60′ “10-Metre Yacht”

Heyman Yachts

Nothing ordinary

YACHT RACING IN THE EARLY 1900s

Cannot resist a Duesenberg

Sailors are not only rational people but have sentiments, too, and while many are drawn to ultra-light racers on foils, others wouldn’t go to sea in anything less than a heavy pilot cutter. But some sailors feel that the most attractive yachts were built between the wars when the perfect cruiser was at the same time a flush-decked racing yacht. This was in the days when even cars and motor yachts had style and the owner of a major racing yacht in Long Island Sound would go to his office downtown in a Duesenberg or, in summer, in his fast commuter.

In those days, around-the-buoys racing usually took place in those slender, white, gleaming one-off, flush-decked yachts with their billowing cotton sails. The Gold Cup was one of the desired trophies, the racing grounds changing between Hankö, Cowes, Genua and Sandhamn; while the America’s Cup was raced off Newport, Sir Thomas Lipton challenging Mr Vanderbilt.

Shamrock racing against Reliance in 1903 under a previous rule, the Seawanhaka rule

These one-off yachts obviously didn’t just come in any size or shape but were designed to a measurement rule, the idea being to assure that the speed of the yachts would be more or less the same, in spite of different length, sail area, displacement or other characteristics.

In international racing, two rules became dominant in the beginning of 1900:

The  Universal Rule , devised by the great Nathanael Greene Herreshoff of Bristol, Rhode Island in 1905, was used for the the huge America’s Cup contenders, including the J-boats raced in America’s Cup until 1937.

The International Rule was first laid down in 1907 by British and Scandinavian naval architects in collaboration with German and French and produced a number of “Metre” class yachts – the 6-metres, 8-metres, 10-metres and 12-metres were some of the most prominent classes. These yachts were raced in the Olympics and, when the America’s Cup was resumed again after the war, 12-metres replaced J-boats in the 1958 Cup.

Waiting for the morning breeze, Stockholm Olympics 1912

Sans Atout, 1912

I don’t have much of a personal bond with Metre Yachts even though it seems to run in the family. In the 1912 Olympics in Stockholm, Bengt Heyman won a silver medal in his 8-metre ‘ Sans Atout ‘, designed by Norwegian Johan Anker.

Another and very close relative, my grandfather Hugo Heyman, bought the 6-metre ‘ Borgila ‘ in 1925. Borgila was designed by Charles Nicholson and built in 1924 at Ängholmens Varv for a consortium at the Royal Yachting Club in Gothenburg, GKSS.  Borgila  was first owned by shipowner and Naval Minister Dan Broström but was bought by grandfather Hugo H after Mr Broström suddenly died in 1925, only 55 years of age. 

Hugo Heyman

Both Mr Broström and grandfather were active members of GKSS but the two gentlemen knew each other from business as well, because Hugo Heyman was one of the driving forces in the development of Götaverken, the great ship yard in Gothenburg. Dan Broström was the biggest shareholder of the yard  and his shipping company Broströms ordered most of its ships from Götaverken .

Let’s not try to wind the world back to those days but it seems the world was smaller then, and Sweden was perhaps a bit bigger. Götaverken was the world’s largest shipyard in the 1930s and Hugo Heyman was later CEO of the yard, after the war.

Borgila, 1924

Anyway, grandfather Hugo Heyman kept the 6-metre Borgila  until the late 1940s.

Like most 6-metres, Borgila  was probably fine for taking the family out on a sunny Sunday but very very wet in a blow. My father who was a keen sailor described her as a torpedo with sails, running right through the short, choppy waves in the Kattegat.

I was born a little too late to remember her. But nothing of all this has anything much to do with the following design, anyway:

______________________________

A 10-METRE CLASSIC

(however not a racing yacht, and not according to the international rule), design study for a yacht of an era when times were not necessarily better, and boats were not necessarily inferior.

This design study was made in 1998, inspired by sailing clients and boat builders talking dreamingly about long, sleek yachts of the past. Being asked for my opinion of such yachts I would usually take time to explain why boats of more moderate proportions make more sense. Still, things are never that simple and the perfect yacht does not come in one shape only.

The merits of a narrow yacht with long overhangs can not be understood if it is simply compared to other yachts of the same overall length. Yachts of this kind should instead be compared to others of the same displacement or waterline length. This design is 60’ long, has the interior of a 50’+ Classic and sails like a sub-50’ modern cruiser-racer but with more easy, predictable handling qualities.

Racing in 10-metre yachts would certainly be an overwhelming experience. And if built on similar hulls, keels and rigs and with equal distribution of weights they can certainly be raced against each other. But the real beauty is that they would be equally suited for just ghosting along without much fuzz an afternoon when you simply cannot resist the breeze .

The main differences between this design and an old-time 10-metre are in the hull shape and materials, and these differences are so great that the two basic types of boat will show vastly different characteristics:

Hull building techniques including cored laminates with multidirectional rovings on PVC closed-cell foam core or, for a one-off hull, strip-planked red cedar. Whatever technique chosen, it will produce a hull with a quality, strength, stiffness, impact resistance, sound insulation, thermal insulation and low weight that simply was not conceivable in the old days. In addition, bulkheads and other large panels should be cored in order to bring unnecessary weight down. And a more modern rig and sails, with a carbon fibre mast in particular, will improve the yacht’s stability and motion in a seaway.

Looking back at this design now in 2016, almost 20 years later, there are a number of details I stumble upon. In order to preserve her standing headroom without making her unduly high, I think she ought to be a little longer overall, which would also allow her superstructure to be made a little lower. Apart from that I feel her counter stern should be longer, and her bow shape needs more character. My tastes appear to have changed over the years but she was also nothing but a quick draft when I made the design. I think, today, I would have made her between 64 and 68 feet.

In all, despite any rational objections one might have against classic yachts of her kind with slender hull shapes, flush decks and long overhangs, this design should prove functional and very rewarding to sail. And, given some work, she could also be made beautiful to behold.

A yacht of this kind could be built by any skilled European or North American yard but, because of the character of the design, it only makes sense to go for the best finished, highest quality product.

SPECIFICATIONS

Dimensions: L.O.A. 18,30 m   60,0’ L.W.L. 13,10 m   43,0’ Beam, maximum 3,78 m   12,4’ Beam, waterline 3,28 m   10,8’ Draft 2,48 m   8,1’ Displacement 17000 kg   37500 lbs Ballast 7200 kg 16000 lbs Sail area (100% fore triangle) 145 m_ 1560 sq.ft.

Ratios: D / L 214 SA / D 22 SA / WA 2,7

• << Yacht design

• Pontoon Boats
• Personal Watercraft
• nauticalknowhow
• Nautical Knots
• Tools and Calculators

Best Yachts – Top 15 Picks for 2024

Carver 52 Command Bridge

Hatteras M75 Panacera

Sabre 58 Salon Express

What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you think of a yacht? Probably those huge luxury cruisers reserved for the high society folks, right? Well, that’s true, but those are a special group of ships referred to as luxury yachts.

The questions you need to be asking are – What is a yacht? At what point is a yacht regarded as a ship? And, what exactly makes a yacht a yacht? Here’s a little boating lesson for you.

A yacht is any fast cruising watercraft used for pleasure or sport. Yachts can be classified into cruisers, superyachts, and mega yachts. The difference between them all boils down to their respective sizes.

Luxury vessels that are less than 12 meters long fall in the class of cabin cruiser yachts – or simply, cruisers. Those that measure more than 24 meters are classified as superyachts. Anything that’s 50+ meters long is a mega yacht. Anything larger than a mega yacht is generally referred to as a ship and generally describes a working vessel as opposed to something recreational.

So, as you can see, you don’t necessarily have to be swimming in a ton of money to become a yacht owner. The only difference will be in the size of the craft you get. Clear enough?

Without further ado, here are the 15 best yachts, as well as a few useful tips on how to choose the best one.

Top on our list of best yachts is the Carver 52 Command Bridge. Its unique design, spacious salon, expansive foredeck seating area, and well-thought-out amenities make this one the best yachts bar-none.

It comes with a master head, a spacious stall shower, and a full-beam master stateroom that even has its own private entrance. It doesn’t get any better than that.

 Carver  →

● Designed for long-range cruising ● Ample living space ● Comes with loads of convenience amenities

● Not ideal for use in icy waters

The Hatteras M75 Panacera yacht is the perfect embodiment of superior craftsmanship and timeless elegance. One look at it, and you can tell that it was built with impeccable attention to detail.

Everything from the galley layout and the open-concept deckhouse salon to the 360-degree panoramic windows and state-of-the-art amenities adds a completely new dimension to luxury yachting.

 Hatteras  →

● Ample space ● Exquisite interiors and exteriors ● Fully-customizable

● High maintenance

Yachts don’t exactly come cheap. So, the term “budget” yacht might be a bit of a stretch when referring to the price. Nonetheless, if you’re shopping for a watercraft that delivers excellent value for money, the Sabre 58 Salon Express is a great option to consider.

It has an open yacht design that seamlessly merges the interior with the exterior and has large windows that flood the interior spaces with lots of natural light. The Sabre also has three en-suite cabins, abundant storage, and several other great features that make it stand out from other boats in its class.

 Sabre Yachts  →

● Great value for money ● Spacious interior ● Ample storage

● Not ideal for use in the high seas

Tiara Yachts 53 Coupe

The Tiara Yachts 53 Coupe is the perfect family watercraft. It is designed for indoor and outdoor living. The bridge deck space and salon offer breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views of the ocean. It also has comfortable living quarters below deck that are guaranteed to give the entire family an exceptional cruising experience.

 Tiara  →

● Great for making memories ● Comfortable living quarters ● Offers panoramic views all round

● High maintenance costs

The 60 Cantius from Cruiser was built for long-distance passages. It has spacious living quarters both above and below deck, as well as lots of comfort and convenience amenities that allow you to spend extended periods out on the water.

You’ll particularly enjoy the retractable sunroof that allows you to bask in the sun while enjoying breathtaking panoramic ocean views as you cruise along.

 Cruisers Yachts  →

● Ideal for long-distance passages ● Beautiful, elegant design ● Spacious living areas above and below deck

● Pricier than other boats in its class

93 Motor Yacht

If you’re looking for a watercraft that can go the distance, it doesn’t get any better than the 93 Motor Yacht from Viking Yachts. First impressions: It is gorgeous.

Its beauty isn’t skin-deep either. The 93MY was built to navigate the rough, choppy waters of the high seas, making it the perfect vessel for anyone who wants to go on an ocean-crossing adventure of a lifetime.

 Viking Yachts  →

● Stunning exterior and interior design ● Built to navigate rough water conditions ● It is pretty massive

● Requires a small crew to operate it

Jeanneau NC 37

The Jeanneau NC 37 is an excellent beginner boat. Its fluid layout and ergonomic design make movement in this yacht a breeze. It comes with large panoramic windows with an open sunroof that bathe the living space in lots of natural light.

There’s an owner’s cabin, as well as a guest cabin that both offer ample standing headroom. Its well-proportioned interior alongside the multitude of comfort and convenience amenities it comes with makes it one of the best beginner yachts in the market today.

 Jeanneau  →

● Ample living space and storage ● Great value for money ● Open ergonomic layout

● Not ideal for ocean crossing

Regal 36 XO

If you’re looking for a yacht that combines both comfort and functionality, the Regal 36 XO delivers on both fronts. This beauty is powered by two outboard engines and offers multi-bow seating that also doubles up as casting decks.

It has a spacious cabin, open-air salon, seamless galley that integrates the aft seating area with the roomy saloon, and a windshield walk-through that provides easy access to the bow.

 Regal  →

● Versatile ● Spacious interiors and exteriors ● Fully-customizable

Back Cove 390

If you thought yachts were reserved for ocean-use only, that couldn’t be further from the truth. There are several models specially designed for lakes. The Back Cove 390 yacht is the perfect example.

Its smaller size makes it ideal for lake cruising. It has a fully-enclosed helm, as well as an owner and guest cabin below-deck, making it perfect for overnight stay.

 Back Cove Yachts  →

● Perfect size for lakes ● Ideal for entertaining ● Delivers optimal handling and maneuverability

● May not be ideal for a long extended stay

Formula 45 Yacht

The Formula 45 Yacht is the perfect liveaboard watercraft. It has all the comfort and convenience amenities you would expect to find in any standard land-based home. It is spacious with a well-thought-out practical layout that makes movement on the yacht easy. It has enough room to comfortably accommodate a small family of four.

 Formula  →

● Best yacht for the money ● Spacious interior ● Comes with lots of convenience amenities

Ocean Alexander 36L

If you’re thinking of venturing out into the rough seas, you’re going to need a yacht that can hold its own in the sloppiest of weather conditions. The Ocean Alexander 36L is built to do just that.

Beyond its stunning exterior and interiors, this yacht’s overall rugged construction is focused on giving passengers the smoothest ride possible regardless of the water conditions outside. Its deep V-hull design and its 324,500 lbs. displacement capacity are largely responsible for the exceptional stability it displays when cruising through the high seas.

 Ocean Alexander  →

● Exceptionally stable ● Packed with loads of comfort and convenience amenities ● Expansive interior and exterior

● Needs a crew to run it

Westport 112 Motor Yacht

As far as luxury yachts go, the Westport 112 Motor Yacht is in a class of its own. This 111 ft. 8 in. long watercraft is built to deliver extraordinary performance inside and out.

It has four en-suite staterooms that sleep eight individuals and can accommodate up to five crew members, including the captain. The interior oozes luxury, sophistication, and a timeless elegance that’s hard to come by these days.

 Westport Yachts  →

● Spacious indoor and outdoor living areas ● Exquisite interiors ● Suitable for cruising the high seas

● Expensive

Beneteau Oceanis 60

The Beneteau Oceanis 60 is by far the best sailing yacht we’ve come across. It is built on a hull that guarantees safety and unmatched performance at every turn.

This luxury sailing yacht has a unique deck plan that allows for single-handed maneuvering across the water. The glossy woodwork, cozy upholstery, and the spacious living quarters below-deck make it the perfect sailing yacht for your ocean getaway.

 Beneteau  →

● Exceptional fuel economy ● Spacious living areas ● Ideal for single-handed sailing

● May not be as fast as other non-sailboat yachts

Having a crew is great and all, but it’s also nice to have a yacht that you can operate on your own for that measure of added privacy when you need it. The Antares 9 is the perfect owner operator yacht.

It is modern, stylish, and compact, allowing you to run it on your own and discreetly slip away from the hustle and bustle of day-to-day life anytime you need to.

● Elegant design ● Can be operated solo ● Comfortable and safe navigation

● Not ideal for the rough, choppy waters of the high seas

Prestige 690

Let’s get to what yachts are best known for – hosting memorable parties. The Prestige 690 has everything you need to keep the party going all day and all night.

Its open design layout and its expansive deck make it the perfect yacht for entertaining. The elegant, timeless design of its exterior, alongside the breathtaking finishing, are just a few of the 690’s attributes that add to its appeal.

 Prestige  →

● Massive open deck ● Comes with lots of comfort and convenience features ● Sleeps up to 10 people

How to Choose the Best Yachts – Buyer’s Guide

A yacht is a pretty big purchase. So, you need to know what to look for when choosing the right one for your needs. Here are a couple of pointers that might come in handy.

Type of Yacht

The type of yacht you buy depends in large part on your intended use for it. Most yachts tend to fall into one of three categories – For water sports like wakeboarding , fishing motor yachts, or the overnight cruising variety. Once you know what kind of recreational activities you plan on engaging in, that should help narrow down your choices.

Next, you need to consider what size of yacht you should get. Do you have a young family that you intend to expand in the coming years? Do you plan to use the vessel for day cruising, or do you intend to spend a couple of nights on board from time to time?

Will the yacht be just for you and your significant other, or do you plan to frequently entertain several guests on board? This will advise whether you should buy a cabin cruiser yacht, a superyacht, or a mega yacht.

In a perfect world, you would have all the money you need to buy any kind of watercraft you want. Sadly, that’s not the reality we live in. Keep in mind that yachts don’t exactly come cheap. So, even if you’re planning to purchase a small yacht, you’ll still need to spend quite a bit of cash to get it.

The best thing to do would be to set a budget and compare the different models on offer from different manufacturers . Aside from the boat’s purchase price, you also need to think about the costs associated with owning a yacht. These include insurance, repairs, maintenance, cleaning, and the vessel’s general servicing.

Figure out what kind of comfort and convenience features are a must-have for you. How many cabins should it have? Do you need it to have a summer grill up top? Or will the one in the mini kitchen below-deck suffice? Ensure that the yacht you get has all the amenities you need.

Last but not least, before you sign any purchase contract, ensure that you schedule a sea trial with the dealer. That way, you get a true feel for the boat before you buy it.

Look Before You Leap

If you’re in the market for a shiny new yacht, any of the 15 vessels we’ve detailed in this guide will make an excellent choice. Do your homework beforehand, and make sure your desired craft has all the features and amenities you seek.

Use the tips we’ve outlined in this guide to help you choose the best yachts from all the different options that are hot on the market right now. Happy yachting!

In the meantime, if you’re looking for the best aluminum fishing boat , we’ve got you covered. Check out our review for our top picks.

About Chris

Outdoors, I’m in my element, especially in the water. I know the importance of being geared up for anything. I do the deep digital dive, researching gear, boats and knowhow and love keeping my readership at the helm of their passions.

Categories : Yachts

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

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

More in Yachts

Lonian Yacht: An Insider's Guide

A Closer Look at the Madsummer Yacht

Your Insider’s Look at Steve Jobs’ Yacht Venus

Your Insider’s Guide to the Aviva Yacht

The People’s Poncho Review and Ratings 

Oru Lake Kayak Review

What Is A Gunwale?

131 of the Best Hawaiian Boat Names

167 Patriotic Boat Names

About boatsafe.

Established in 1998, BoatSafe is your independent guide into the world of boating, fishing, and watersports. We provide expert insights and detailed guides to help you find products tailored to your needs and budget.

Contact Boatsafe

• Address: 4021 West Walnut Street. Rogers, AR 72756
• Phone:  (479)339-4795
• Email: [email protected]

Site Navigation

• How We Test
• Corrections Policy
• Privacy Policy
• Terms & Conditions
• Editorial Policy
• Affiliate Disclosure

Our Reviews

All content is © Copyright 2024. All rights reserved.

• Frank Magazine
• Denison History
• Virtual Tours
• Alaskan Yachts
• Azimut Yachts
• Back Cove Yachts
• Beneteau Yachts
• Benetti Superyachts
• Bertram Yachts
• Boston Whaler
• Broward Yachts
• Buddy Davis Sportfish
• Burger Yachts
• Cabo Yachts
• Carver Motoryachts
• Center Console
• Chris-Craft Yachts
• Cruisers Yachts
• DeFever Trawlers
• Dufour Sailboats
• Fairline Yachts
• Feadship Yachts
• Ferretti Yachts
• Formula Yachts
• Fountaine Pajot Cats
• Grady-White
• Grand Banks Trawlers
• Hargrave Yachts
• Hatteras Yachts
• Hinckley Picnic Boats
• Horizon Yachts
• Hydra-Sports
• Intrepid Boats
• Jarrett Bay Sportfish
• Jeanneau Yachts
• Kadey-Krogen Trawlers
• Lazzara Yachts
• Luhrs Sportfish
• Marlow Yachts
• Maritimo Yachts
• Marquis Yachts
• McKinna Motoryachts
• Meridian Yachts
• Midnight Express
• Mochi Craft
• Neptunus Motoryachts
• Nordhavn Trawlers
• Nordic Tugs
• Ocean Alexander Yachts
• Offshore Yachts
• Oyster Sailing Yachts
• Pacific Mariner Yachts
• Palmer Johnson Yachts
• Pershing Yachts
• Prestige Yachts
• Princess Yachts
• Pursuit Yachts
• Riva Yachts
• Riviera Yachts
• Sabre Downeast
• San Lorenzo Yachts
• Sea Ray Boats
• SeaVee Central Consoles
• Selene Trawlers
• Scout Yachts
• Sunseeker Yachts
• Tiara Yachts
• Trinity Superyachts
• Viking Yachts
• Westport Yachts

Top 10 Largest Yachts In The World 2021

Discover the world’s biggest superyachts..

Breaking records is cool. Especially when it has to do with building the biggest, longest, tallest, largest superyachts in the world. Technically speaking, each of those superlatives has its own category when it comes to shipbuilding. Number 2 on this list is *technically* bigger than number 1, which is longer. And one of the yachts on this list holds the title of oldest while also being one of the largest. It gets confusing, but when you’re building boats for people who want to break records, it matters.

Think you’ve seen a big superyacht? Think again. Here are the 10 largest yachts in the world for 2021. When yachts get this big, it can be difficult to discern a cruise ship from a superyacht.

10. SAILING YACHT A | 142 Meter (468 Foot) Nobiskrug 2017

Zoom into the future — SAILING YACHT A is the largest private sail-assisted motor yacht in the world. At 468 feet and built by Nobiskrug in 2017. She’s an advanced superyacht with unique features such as an underwater observation pod, a hybrid diesel-electric propulsion system, and state-of-the-art navigation systems.

The luxury sailing yacht’s three masts are the tallest and the most highly loaded freestanding composite structures in the world. The nearly invisible windows give this yacht a futuristic look offering no peep into the interior, which is still a mystery. SAILING YACHT A is owned by Russian billionaire Andrey Melnichenko.

9. EL MAHROUSA | 145 Meter (478 Foot) Samuda Brothers 1865

Fresh out of the history and record books is EL MAHROUSA, a 478-foot Samuda Brothers yacht launched in 1865 (erm, yeah you read that right). This yacht was built for the Ottoman governor of Egypt and even made an appearance at the opening of the Suez Canal in 1869 (thankfully it never got stuck in the canal).

Of course, she underwent plenty of refits over the years, including the replacement of its paddle wheel engines by turbine-driven propellers in 1905. It also had a telegraph installed in 1912. EL MAHROUSA was also lengthened by 40 feet in 1872 and another 17 feet in 1905. The yacht is currently in the care of the Egyptian Navy and occasionally used as the Presidential Yacht. It is the oldest active superyacht in the world and the ninth largest one.

8. PRINCE ABDULAZIZ | 147 Meter (482 Foot) Helsingor Vaerft 1984

PRINCE ABDULAZIZ is a 147- meter motor yacht built by Helsingor Vaerft and delivered in 1984. For many years, it was the world’s largest yacht in terms of length and height. It’s one of the royal yachts of the Saudi royal family, originally owned by King Fahd. Although its interior was designed by the late David Nightingale Hicks, you’re not going to find any pictures of it. All we know is that it’s as luxurious as the TITANIC.

7. A+ | 147 Meter (482 Foot) Lürssen 2012

The seventh-largest yacht in the world is A+ (formally known as TOPAZ) at 147 meters long. With her gross tonnage of 12,532 GT, A+ is also one of the world’s largest superyachts in terms of volume. This 2012 Lürssen superyacht is reportedly owned by Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, owner of Manchester City Football Club and Emirate royalty.

This 8 deck vessel features 2 helipads, a gym, 2 Jacuzzis, a movie theatre, and a conference room. While not much is revealed about the Terence Disdale styled interior, A+ can accommodate up to 62 guests in 26 cabins, along with 79 crew members.

6. AL SAID | 155 Meter (508 Foot) Lürrsen 2007

At 509 feet long, AL SAID is the sixth-largest superyacht in the world. It was launched by Lürssen in 2007 and resembles a classic cruise liner. At its widest point, the ship measures nearly 79 feet across. It is owned by the Sultan of Oman and can supposedly accommodate 70 guests and up to 154 professional crewmembers. The vessel features 6 decks and a concert hall big enough for a 50 piece orchestra.

5. DILBAR | 156 Meter (511 Foot) Lürrsen 2016

DILBAR is a 156-meter superyacht built by Lürssen in 2016. Her exterior was designed by Espen Øino, who created a classic profile with a light ivory hull. Her interior design is said to be decorated in rare and exclusive luxury materials by Winch Design, but additional details and photos are not made public.

At 15,917 tons and 156-meters long, Lürssen announced that DILBAR is one of the most complex and challenging yachts ever built, in terms of dimensions and technology. Her features include a 25-meter swimming pool (the largest ever installed on a yacht) and 2 helipads. It’s owned by one of Russia’s richest men , Alisher Usmanov.

4. DUBAI | 162 Meter (532 Foot) Platinum Yachts 2006

Make room for DUBAI , a 161-meter yacht with a nonlinear build history. This superyacht was originally a joint project between Blohm+Voss and Lürssen in 1998. But the project was halted with a skeletal superstructure.

The hull was sold to the government of Dubai, and the project began again under the direction of the new owner, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum (ruler of Dubai), and Platinum Yachts. The yacht was finished in 2006. Some of its stand-out features include 7 decks, helipad, submarine garage, nightclub, cinema, and 70-foot-wide atrium. DUBAI can accommodate 24 guests.

3. ECLIPSE | 162 Meter (531 Foot) Blohm+Voss 2010

By the time it left the Blohm+Voss German shipyard in 2010, ECLIPSE was the largest superyacht in the world. Today, it’s been knocked down a few pegs at 162 meters in length. It’s owned by Russian businessman, Roman Abramovich. ECLIPSE boasts 18 staterooms and can accommodate 36 guests.

At the time of its launch, it hosted the largest swimming pool (with adjustable depth to become a dance floor) onboard a yacht at 16 meters long. This luxury yacht has interesting features including a missile detection system (you know, just in case), bulletproof windows (again, just in case), a submarine, three helicopters, six tenders, spa, gym, and beach club. It’s currently valued at $1.2 billion and considered the world’s most expensive yacht .

2. FULK AL SALAMAH | 164 Meter (538 Foot) Mariotti 2016

FULK AL SALAMAH , translated to Ship of Peace, is a 164-meter Mariotti mega yacht built in 2016. This monster of a yacht is believed to be owned by the Omani royal family. Although, not the longest yacht, she is the biggest in terms of volume at 22,000 gross tonnage. The exterior design is by Studio de Jorio and resembles more of a cruise ship than a private superyacht. Not many details are revealed about FULK AL SALAMAH as this project and delivery has been kept under wraps from its beginning.

1. AZZAM | 180 Meter (590 Foot) Lürssen 2013

At a whopping 180 meters in length, AZZAM is the longest private yacht in the world. This superyacht was launched in 2013 by Lürssen Yachts, and currently owned by Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Abu Dhabi. It cost more than $600 million to build.

AZZAM has a beam of 20.8 meters (68 feet) and an unusually shallow draft of 4.3 meters (14 feet). Exterior designer, Nauta Design created this vessel to be sleek and timeless while appearing smaller than her size. The 9,000kW MTU engines give her a speed of 18 knots over long distances, with a top speed of 33 knots.

As the longest private yacht in the world, AZZAM can accommodate 36 guests and up to 80 crew. The interior style is largely a secret, but it’s rumored that some of the wood furniture onboard is intricately veneered with mother of pearl marquetry. Other onboard features include a gym, pool, and golf training room.

While these top 10 largest yachts in the world may seem out of reach, let’s bring it down to earth and explore Denison’s featured listings . You’ll find yachts from 10 feet to 174 feet , all different brands, models, lengths, heights, volume, age… you get the point. Contact a Denison yacht broker to find your perfectly sized yacht.

Speak With A Superyacht Specialist:

Latest news.

NEWS | March 4, 2024

135 baglietto 1999 sold by riccardo solci [blue ice].

135 Baglietto 1999 Sold by Riccardo Solci [BLUE ICE] BLUE ICE, an 135′ Baglietto built in 1999, was sold by Riccardo Solci, who introduced the Buyer. Frank Grzeszczak with FGI Yacht Group represented the Seller. BLUE ICE underwent refits in 2016 and 2021, which included a comprehensive paint job

NEWS | March 1, 2024

Dreaming of the med: summer yacht charter vacations.

Dreaming of the Med: Summer Yacht Charter Vacations Book a luxury yacht charter in the Mediterranean for your European escape this summer. A yacht charter offers an unforgettable vacation. The first step to booking a luxury yacht charter is to contact a charter specialist who can help you

NEWS | February 28, 2024

British virgin islands home: halo over oil nut bay.

British Virgin Islands Home: Halo Over Oil Nut Bay A hilltop home in the British Virgin Islands overlooks both the Atlantic and the Caribbean. Words by J. Michael Welton. Photography courtesy of Oil Nut Bay. In the early 2000s, David V. Johnson, flush with success from 40 years of

• THE PRINCESS PASSPORT
• Email Newsletter
• Yacht Walkthroughs
• Destinations
• Electronics
• Best Marine Electronics & Technology
• Boating Safety

The Power Catamaran Compilation

• By Yachting Staff
• Updated: December 21, 2018

Power Catamarans have been growing leaps and bounds in popularity, and, in lengths and widths. And for good reason. These cruise-centric yachts offer homelike livability for avid travelers, are fuel efficient and are fairly intuitive to run. Power cats are popular in the bareboat charter market too, for these very reasons.

Here, we take a look at 12 catamarans ranging from a cruising-couple-size 36-footer to a 78-footer for friends, family and some more friends. And there are myriad power options: outboards, diesel inboards, hybrid or even all-solar power.

Fountaine Pajot MY44

The Fountaine Pajot MY44 , a creation of Italian architect Pierangelo Andreani and French designer Daniel Andrieu, has a main deck that’s open from the aft-deck seating all the way forward to the starboard helm station. The sense of spaciousness is significant, for several reasons. First, four glass panels aft can all slide to port, creating an indoor-outdoor space with the aft deck and salon. In the salon, 32-inch-high windows extend for 12 feet down the sides of the yacht, with three sections per side, bringing in natural light along with the three forward panes that comprise the windshield. Finally, 6-foot-6-inch headroom provides vertical clearance, with a 21-foot-7-inch beam that adds interior roominess while keeping the yacht stable.

Read more: Fountaine Pajot MY44

Silent-Yachts 55

The ideas about which solar panels, electric motors, inverters and the like to use — and more importantly, Michael Köhler says, how to configure them — became the basis for the brand Silent-Yachts. The company offers 55-, 64- and 79-foot catamarans that run on solar-electric propulsion. The Silent 55 premiered this fall, and the 64 is sold out for the next two years, Köhler says.

Read more: Silent 55

Horizon PC74

As founder and director of The Powercat Company, a Horizon Power Catamarans distributor, Stuart Hegerstrom had long believed that catamaran builders needed to design their yachts to more stylish standards.

“The boats were very boxy,” he says, based on his years of experience with cats in the charter market. He and his partner, Richard Ford, asked Horizon to produce models that had high-end finishes and looked good inside and out.

The Horizon team brought in mega-yacht designer JC Espinosa to work with its own craftsmen. The result aboard the Horizon PC74 is a catamaran with exterior styling, layout and functionality that should appeal to private and charter owners alike.

Read more: Horizon PC74

The Aquila 36 is a departure from her sisterships in that she is an outboard-powered, express-cruiser-style catamaran, but she also adheres to MarineMax’s philosophies.

With a single main living level from bow to stern and a beam of 14 feet 7 inches, the Aquila 36 is like a bowrider on steroids. She has seating that can handle 20 adults for outings and barbecues, and there are two staterooms below, one in each hull, for family weekending. The staterooms have nearly queen-size berths, en suite heads, stowage and 6-foot-6-inch headroom.

Read more: Aquila 36

Lagoon Seventy 8 Powercat

Lagoon is a division of Groupe Beneteau, the world’s largest builder of sailing yachts, and the Lagoon Seventy 8 Powercat is a developmental sistership of its Seventy 7 super sailing cat. The Seventy series yachts are built at Construction Navale Bordeaux in France, which had to add a new yard to construct these catamarans because they require separate stern molds for the power and sail versions.

Read more: Lagoon Seventy 8 Powercat

Horizon PC60

To understand the Horizon PC60 power catamaran , you need to put aside preconceived notions about midsize yacht amenities. For example, main-deck master suites are the province of yachts over 100 feet length overall. Incorrect. This 60-footer has an elegant and spacious owner’s stateroom on the same level as the salon. If you want a 14-foot center console tender on a 60-foot yacht, you have to tow it. Wrong again. On the PC60, you hoist it onto the upper deck, no problem.

Read more: Horizon PC60

40 Open Sunreef Power

Sunreef is known for pushing the boundaries of catamaran design, incorporating four adjustable hydrofoils into a twin-hulled speedboat.

The Polish builder is one of several European builders (including Evo, Fjord, Wider and Wally) transforming the open ­day-boat category with creative designs. ­Beyond its hydrofoils, the 40 Open Sunreef Power ‘s cockpit has side “wings” along the aft gunwales that fold out at anchor, widening the beam from 17 feet to 22 feet 9 inches.

Read more: 40 Open Sunreef Power

Sunreef 50 Amber Limited Edition

Sunreef Yachts introduced its 50 Amber Limited Edition , with plans to launch just 10 hulls of the exclusive design.

The Sunreef 50 Amber Limited Edition will have a carbon fiber mast and boom, four layout options and numerous amber-colored elements, including the hull.

Read more: Sunreef 50 Amber Limited Edition

Lagoon 630 Motor Yacht

Fitted with the optional twin 300-horsepower Volvo Penta D4 diesels, the Lagoon 630 MY burns only 1.64 gph total at 6 knots, giving a theoretical range of 2,952 nautical miles with standard tankage of 793 gallons. Hull No. 1 had an optional 502-gallon tank, giving it transatlantic range.

Luxury, stability and economy are all hallmarks of Lagoon’s return to luxury motor yachts. If you can take a ride, it will be worth your time.

Read more: Lagoon 630 Motor Yacht

Fountaine Pajot MY 37

The Fountaine Pajot MY 37 easily accommodates the seafaring family with three- and four-stateroom options. In the three-cabin version, called ­Maestro, you’ll find an owner’s suite in the portside hull with a queen-size berth and en suite head. Two double-berth cabins and one more head are available for the kids. If your brood is bigger, the Quator setup features four double cabins with two heads.

The 37 is a traveler and can be powered with twin 150 hp or 220 hp Volvo Penta diesels. Top speed with the smaller engines is 17 knots, while it’s 20 knots with the bigger power plants. Interestingly, at 7 knots, the fuel consumption is the same, with either set of motors offering voyagers a 1 ,000-nm range.

Read more: Fountaine Pajot MY 37

Solarwave 64

Many yachts boast eco chops because they have a handful of solar panels that power the microwave or navigation lights. The Solarwave 64 , launched last summer, has the potential to run on sunshine alone. The vessel’s 42 solar panels generate 15 kW that are stored in batteries weighing about 1,300 pounds. They connect to electric motors.

Read more: Solarwave 64

Glider SS18

This British builder says it strives for design innovation and the Glider SS18 displays that DNA, the result of 8 years of research and development. She has a head-turning, catamaran hull form constructed from aluminum and composite materials. She is 60 feet LOA with a 17-foot beam, and has a relatively shallow 1-foot draft. Powered by quad Yamaha 300 hp outboards, she can reportedly reach 50 knots, and with her Stability Control System (SCS), should give a smooth ride while doing it.

Read more: Glider SS18

• More: aquila , Aquila Boats , Express and Flybridge Cruisers , Fountain Pajot , Glider Yachts , Horizon Power Catamarans , Lagoon , Power Catamarans , Silent-Yachts , Sunreef , Yachts
• More Yachts

Magnum 63 Is Painstakingly Restored

Heesen Yachts Announces Sale of 50m Project Jade

Cheetah Marine’s Power Play RIB

CRN Releases “Comfortably Numb” Details

Johnson 80 For Sale

For Sale: Outer Reef Yachts 700 LRMY

Onboard Ambience with Prebit’s Thoa Lamp

• Digital Edition
• Customer Service
• Privacy Policy
• Terms of Use
• Email Newsletters
• Cruising World
• Florida Travel + Life
• Sailing World
• Salt Water Sportsman
• Sport Fishing
• Wakeboarding

Many products featured on this site were editorially chosen. Yachting may receive financial compensation for products purchased through this site.

Copyright © 2024 Yachting. A Bonnier LLC Company . All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited.

TOP 2019: here are 7 unmissable boats from 9 to 10 meters

• September 12, 2019
• No Comments

IL REGALO PERFETTO!

Regala o regalati un abbonamento a Barche a Motore cartaceo + digitale e a soli 39 euro l’anno hai la rivista a casa e in più la leggi su PC, smartphone e tablet. Con un mare di vantaggi.

• Cannes 2019 , TOP 2019

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Sei già abbonato?

• Leggi qui la tua rivista dal tuo pc! >>
• Rinnova il tuo abbonamento >>
• Ripristina la password del tuo account >>

Iscriviti alla nostra Newsletter

Entra nel Club del Giornale della Vela

Le barche a motore, le sue storie, dal piccolo open ai motoryacht. Iscriviti ora alla nostra newsletter gratuita e ricevere ogni settimana le migliori news selezionate dalla redazione. Inserisci la tua mail qui sotto, accetta la Privacy Policy e clicca sul bottone “iscrivimi”.

Può interessarti anche

Women moving boating. The story of three top managers – EP.1

Women entrepreneurs, managers, captains of industry. They are the ladies of boating, Italian and international. Starting today, in several installments, we will tell you their stories. Women in charge of boating Valuable stories, because the boating world has traditionally been

A.I. on board! This software moors the boat for you

A.I. (Artificial intelligence) lands in the nautical world, with the project signed Brunswick Corporation and Apex.Ai. The U.S. group, which includes-among others-the electronics manufacturer brand Navico, the engine manufacturer Mercury Marine, and the Boston Whaler shipyard, unveiled in Miami the

This is how the presidential yacht that once belonged to Ciampi and Napolitano is reborn

Argo (24.36 m x 5.5 m), also known as MEN 209 was built for the Navy in the 1970s, and was also the Italian presidential yacht of Ciampi and Napolitano. In 2020 it all seemed to be over and from

Three boats from Ferrari! Speed on water according to Maranello

Over the years, the prestigious Maranello-based company has woven close connections with the nautical world, contributing to the development of three masterpiece boats that still represent a model of engineering, performance and pure Italian style. Competitive sportsmanship, strictly Made in

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

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

The Top 10 Best Yacht Builders In The World

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

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

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

Usa – best yacht builders.

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

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

Northern Europe – Best Yacht Builders

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

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

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

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

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

Mediterranean – Best Yacht Builders

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

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

UK – Best Yacht Builders

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

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

The global authority in superyachting

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

Top 10 largest explorer yachts in the world

Helipads. Dive centres. Ice-breaking hulls. Submersibles. What makes an explorer yacht? True to their name, explorer yachts are well equipped to take on adventurous journeys to the most far-flung places in the world. Equipped with a long-range and vast storage capacity for food, fuel and water to enable weeks at sea, expedition yachts are increasingly popular with owners wanting to leave behind the popular Mediterranean and Caribbean cruising grounds for more challenging adventures. We round up the top 10 largest explorer yachts in the world, starting with a new entry from German shipyard Lürssen...

Solaris | 139.7m

One of the most memorable launches of 2021, the 139.7 metre super explorer yacht Solaris travelled to the top of this coveted list of expedition yachts when she hit the water last year. The highly secretive project is built by Lloyd Werft , which also delivered the 115m explorer Luna in 2010, the fourth largest explorer yacht in the world. Spread across an impressive eight decks, Solaris was designed by Australian designer Marc Newson and hit the water for the first time at the German yard in February 2021. While nothing has been made public about the project, images of the superyacht show a large helipad, sun deck and spacious beach club aft.

• Builder: Lloyd Werft
• Country of build: Germany
• Delivery year: 2021
• Length Overall: 139.7 m
• Gross Tonnage 11247 t

More about this yacht

More stories, octopus | 126.18m.

Originally built yacht for the late Paul Allen, one of the founders of Microsoft, Octopus  is one of the most famous explorer yachts in the world. The yacht has the capacity for two helicopters at the same time, with landing pads on the aft deck and foredeck. The helipad on the aft deck also has a hangar to store the helicopter away in big seas.

Octopus also has an internal dock, which is perfect for storing the toys that every explorer yacht should have. When the dock is filled with water a 20 metre submarine and a tender of similar size are able to float in and out of their chocks. Once they are secure the water is pumped out before the yacht gets underway.

Paul Allen and the crew of Octopus used the yacht as part of an eight year search for a sunken ship. In 2015, they discovered the long-lost wreck of Japanese ship Musashi , which sunk during the Second World War.

• Builder: Lurssen
• Delivery year: 2003
• Length Overall: 126.2 m
• Beam: 21.01 m
• Gross Tonnage 9932 t

Yachts for charter

Ulysses | 116.15m.

After four years in construction, Ulysses first hit the water in summer 2018. The explorer yacht is almost 10 metres longer than her predecessor, the 107 metre Andromeda (formerly Ulysses ), which was commissioned by the same owner, New Zealand's richest man Graeme Hart. Kleven finished the yacht's technical build in Norway in December 2016, after which Ulysses was sent to Bremerhaven for interior and external completion under the project management of Dörries Maritime.

Ulysses is equipped with a heli-hangar on the top deck, a Bell 429 helicopter, and a fleet of high-speed and day-cruising tenders including a 21 metre Princess 68 stowed inside the well deck. Inside, her huge 18 metre beam is able to accommodate up to 66 guests.

• Builder: Kleven
• Country of build: Norway
• Delivery year: 2018
• Length Overall: 116.15 m
• Gross Tonnage 6862 t

Luna | 115m

Delivered in 2010, Luna  was built for Roman Abramovich as an upgraded replacement for his former exploration yacht Le Grand Bleu .

The yacht was later sold to Roman Abramovich's close friend, Farkhad Akhmedov in April 2014. The new owner sent her to the yard in Germany for an extensive 14-month refit costing €50 million and including around 130 jobs. Sporting exterior design by Frank Neubelt, Luna is famous for a low aft deck that sacrificed interior volume in favour of more space for sunbathing. The swimming pool takes centre stage and made headlines for being the largest ever seen on a superyacht at the time of delivery. Elsewhere, the yacht features two tender garages, a gym and an expansive beach club wrapping around a spa, with a steam bath, plunge pool and sauna. Two helipads sit on the upper deck while the entire lower deck is dedicated to the crew. Luna is ice-classed and built to the highest possible standards, allowing her to travel to the far reaches of the world's oceans.

• Delivery year: 2010
• Length Overall: 115 m
• Gross Tonnage 5655 t

Le Grand Bleu | 112.8m

Le Grand Bleu was built for US telecommunications tycoon John McCaw who subsequently sold the yacht to the Russian businessman Roman Abramovich who had Le Grand Bleu refitted to his own specifications. The main addition was the 4.8 metre swim platform. Le Grand Bleu is now reportedly owned by Ambramovich's friend and business associate Eugene Shvidler.

The yacht has many features that make her ideal for exploration, including a large tender garage with storage for two sports boats as well as a landing craft capable of carrying a 4x4 Land Rover for excursions ashore. Le Grand Bleu even has a 22 metre sailing yacht and a 21 metre Sunseeker motor yacht stored on the aft deck. The yacht is operated by a massive crew of 65 staff.

• Builder: Bremer Vulkan
• Delivery year: 2000
• Length Overall: 112.8 m
• Beam: 17.68 m
• Gross Tonnage 5496 t

Andromeda | 107.40m

First commissioned by New Zealand businessman Graeme Hart as Ulysses , Andromeda is now reportedly owned by Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg . A capable explorer yacht ready for any conditions, Andromeda was built at Kleven Verft, a Norwegian company known for building offshore commercial vessels.  Specially designed to have a long-range,  Andromeda  is capable of carrying 36 guests to the furthest corners of the world’s oceans and is equipped with an extensive inventory of toys and tenders, including six motorbikes, two ATVs, a helicopter, a twin-hulled 50-knot support boat, a Sealegs amphibious RIB and full-on landing craft. Guests each get very generous quarters, spread across three decks, with the choicest digs being the two VIPs on the boat deck, each with its own private superyacht balcony .

• Delivery year: 2016
• Length Overall: 107.4 m
• Gross Tonnage 5937 t

Tranquility | 91.5m

The 91.5m explorer yacht Tranquility was the first yacht built to PYC standard when it was first delivered in 2014 by Dutch yard Oceanco originally called Equanimity. Since then, the yacht has enjoyed a colourful reputation, after being seized by Indonesian authorities at the request of the US Department of Justice in 2018 . The yacht hit the headlines again in 2019 as the renamed Tranquility when it played host to Kylie Jenner, who celebrated her 22nd birthday on board . However, one thing has remained constant. Tranquility has remained among the top 10 largest explorer yachts in the world since being it was first delivered in 2014. Spanning five decks, Tranquility is packed with premium superyacht features, including a foredeck helipad, spa and wellness area and 20 metre swimming pool. The tender garage houses two 10.5 metre Hodgson tenders – one sport and one limousine that can carry up to 12 guests and two crew each. Tranquility is well equipped for adventure with a range of water toys including Jet Skis, Wave Runners, SeaBobs and an electric surfboard.

• Builder: Oceanco
• Country of build: Netherlands
• Delivery year: 2014
• Length Overall: 91.5 m
• Beam: 14.6 m
• Gross Tonnage 2999 t

Voyager | 91.4m

The 91.4 metre explorer yacht Voyager is not only one of the largest explorer yachts in the world, but one of the most adventurous . The yacht travelled more than 27,000 nautical miles in 2020, exploring a selection of far-flung locations such as South Africa, Madagascar and Antarctica. The explorer entered this list in 2019, when it completed a three-year conversion from a supply ship into an explorer yacht. The yacht was first built by Swiftships in 1997 as Candy Trader with an initial length of 63 metres. It was later renamed HOS Trader in 2003 and used as an offshore supply ship. Now, the yacht features five decks and a crew of 70. Other features include multiple galleys, pantries and media rooms and a standout deep dive centre – one of the primary purposes of the yacht.

• Builder: Swiftships
• Country of build: United States of America
• Delivery year: 1997
• Length Overall: 91.4 m
• Gross Tonnage 1194 t

Ice | 90.1m

One of the most iconic yachts in the world , Ice  was sold to Suleiman Kerimov following delivery and is more than just imposing and stylish. Ice is also environmentally friendly, extremely quiet and free from vibration thanks to two Azipod units powered by up to eight Deutz generating sets. This provides household power and doesn't sacrifice performance, with the yacht still capable of reaching 18.6 knots.

One of the world's largest explorer yachts, Ice has an arsenal of toys and sailing dinghies as well as a helipad for the Eurocopter EC135 helicopter. A range of 6,000 nautical miles means she can travel anywhere in the world.

• Delivery year: 2005
• Length Overall: 90.1 m
• Gross Tonnage 3268 t

Olivia O | 88.5m

Like many explorers on this list, the 88m Olivia O was built by a yard better known for its commercial vessels. The yacht was delivered by Ulstein Verft in 2020 and designed by legendary superyacht designer Espen Øino . Characterised by a striking reverse bow and explorer profile, Olivia O is believed to be the first time Ulstein’s trademarked X-Bow has appeared on a yacht. The feature pierces smaller waves and reduces pitching and roll in high seas. With a reported gross tonnage of just under 5000GT, Olivia O has plenty of room down below, including accommodation spread over five decks for a total of 20 guests in eight cabins, including Pullman beds. Olivia O also carries a full-time crew of 30. The interior, which was designed by Droulers , is “orientally themed”, specifically around Japan. Other features include a gym, cinema room, large swimming pool and helipad.

• Builder: Ulstein Verft
• Delivery year: 2020
• Length Overall: 88.5 m
• Beam: 16.3 m
• Gross Tonnage 4989 t

Sponsored listings