World's Largest Yachts 2010 (Predicted)

This magnificent yacht was originally commissioned by Prince Jefri Bolkiah of Brunei. Construction was suspended in 1998 and the vessel left unfinished until HH Sheik Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum secured the rumoured $300 million project. Platinum Yachts took the mega yacht to completion and in 2006 launched Dubai – the world’s largest private yacht.

As one of the yachts of the Saudi Royal Family, Prince Abdulaziz is used to conduct official business as well as for pleasure. The largest yacht built in the 20th century, the interior alone took 15 months to complete. Originally built for the late King Fahd of Saudi Arabia who named the yacht after his son, it is now owned by his brother Addullah.

Built by Abu Dhabi MAR with exterior design by Pierrejean, Swift is one of the biggest and most luxurious superyachts in the world. At 141 metres, she offers accommodation for up to 60 guests and up to 56 crew members. She has an astonishing range of 5000nm.

Jointly owned by Oracle founder Larry Ellison and media bigwig David Geffen, Rising Sun is rumoured to have been commissioned by Ellison specifically to be larger than Paul Allen’s Octopus. This 2004 yacht is spread over five decks and is equipped with everything from Jacuzzi bathrooms and wine cellars to a top deck basketball court.

Built by Fincantieri Yachts and designed by Espen Oeino, the 134 metre Fincantieri is due to launch in 2010. Key features will include, among others, two helicopter landing platforms, storage for a large submarine able to reach a depth of more than 100 metres, an indoor sea water pool that can be also used for tender docking and 2,700 square metres of luxury interior space designed by Pascale Reymond of Reymond Langton Design.

With a permanent berth in the International Yacht Club Marina in Antibes, this giant is owned by Microsoft Co-Founder Paul Allen. With a full-time crew of 60 including former Navy Seals, maintenance and salaries on the ship cost a rumoured $200 million. Octopus is well-known for hosting famous faces onboard its well-equipped decks, serviced only by world leaders in their fields.

Originally purchased by Greek shipping tycoon, the late John S. Latsis, and converted from passenger vessel into a sleek mega yacht by Hapaq-Lloyd in 1985 (-1987). Alexander remains in the Latsis family, headed by Spiro Latsis, and boasts a wealth of amenities such as a disco bar, 27-seat cinema and beauty salon as well as a wide range of tenders.

Built in 1990 by Finnish shipyard Rauma as a passenger vessel, this 43 cabin megayacht was converted by the Latsis family’s SETE Yachts in 2003 (-2004) to function as a charter vessel, and is classed to Lloyd’s highest standard with full SOLAS certification. Remaining in the ownership of the Latsis family, this mammoth yacht boasts a heli pad, sauna, disco, mini hospital and much more.

Originally named Atlantis, this sister ship to Atlantis II was given to the late King Fahd by Stavros Niarchos. Due to the crossover between state and private funds among the Saudi Arabian government, it is unclear whether the Issham Al-Baher is a state-funded vessel. Currently undergoing an extensive refit in Greece, it remains in the possession of the Saudi royal family.

The largest of Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich’s completed yachts, Pelorus was originally commissioned for a Saudi entrepreneur. With a ‘beach-side villa’ inspired interior and a ‘Lips-stick’ system allowing precision manoeuvring from a single joystick, Pelorus is a study in limitless cruising possibilities in a relaxed and stylish environment.