World's Largest Yachts 2010

Like most royal superyachts, little is known about Al Said, the giant mega yacht formerly codenamed "Project Sunflower". Delivered to the Sultan of Oman in 2008 as a replacement for a smaller mega yacht with the same name. At a stunning 155m, Al Said consists of six large decks and features striking exterior and interior design by Espen Oeino International, the same company that designed the stunning 127m mega yacht Octopus. According to reports, Al Said is said to accommodate as many as 70 guests and 154 professional crew, as well as featuring a concert room capable of accommodating a 50 piece orchestra.

This Egyptian presidential yacht is not only one of the world’s largest but also one of the oldest. Built in 1865 in London, the yacht was intended for the King of Egypt. Originally named Mahroussa, El Horriya was extended in 1872 and again in 1905.  Nowadays she is berthed in Alexandria and is listed as a training ship by the Egyptian Navy.

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.

Owned by the Emir of Qatar, this diesel-electric powered yacht was constructed as a successor to the owner’s 95 metre Oceanco yacht. Launched in 2008, Al Mirqab was once known as Project May, and while little technical information is known, the yacht has the incredible combined power output of 140,000kw

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.

Launched in 2009, superyacht LUNA was jointly built by the Lloydwerft and Stahlbau Nord Shipyards. The 115m explorer motor yacht is designed for long range expeditions in the world’s most unexplored and remote areas.

Originally code named Project Opal, this megayacht was delivered from its German shipyard and naval architect Lürssen six weeks ahead of schedule and touted as a ‘green engine concept’. Owned by Russian entrepreneur Alisher Usmanov, who named the sleek megayacht after his mother, Dilbar is the first yacht in the world with a particle filter on the main engine exhausts.

A mega yacht of many titles, Loaloat Al Behar was given its present name when the new 155m megayacht of owner Sultan Qaboos of Oman was completed, taking on the former name of Al Said. Due to this demotion, Loaloat Al Behar has ceased to be part of the Omani Royal Squadron and now functions solely as a privately owned yacht.