World's Largest Yachts

Roman Abramovich's yacht Eclipse has received a huge amount of industry attention, not just for its size but for the celebrity of its owner. Eclipse is the largest and most expensive superyacht ever built. At a reported cost of over £700 million and with a crew of up to 60, it is a giant of the sea. Eclipse is the fourth superyacht comissioned by Abramovich.

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.

Code named as Mipos (short for Mission Possible) during her construction, Al Salamah belongs to Saudi Arabian Defence Minister Prince Sultan bin Abdul Aziz. Kept a great secret, rumours tell that she has over 80 rooms, a helipad, and an indoor swimming pool complete with glass roof. A real working wonder, this yacht was completed in 1999 after only two years.

Built by Fincantieri Yachts and designed by Espen Oeino, the 134 metre Fincantieri was launched in 2010. Key features 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.

Just one 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.

Motor yacht Radiant was originally known by the moniker Darius when she was launched by Lurssen in early 2009 with few details leaked about her bound-to-be superlative amenities. Subtle style emanates from the grey hull and white superstructure of this distinctive vessel whose Tim Heywood design cuts an impressive figure on the water.

Sea Cloud is a 109.50m (359.25ft) sail yacht built by Krupp Germaniawerft and launched in 1931. This luxury vessel's sophisticated exterior design and engineering are the work of Cox & Stevens. Her exterior is styled by the in-house Cox & Stevens team who are also responsible for the entire engineering package. She was last refitted in 1978.

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.

One of the most famous society venues of the mid 20th century, the Christina O was launched in 1943 as a naval vessel by shipyard Canadian Vickers. Converted for Aristotle Onassis in 1954 by HDW, it was a hotbed of celebrity pleasures until Onassis’ death in 1975. Sold in 1998 to Greek shipowner John Paul Papanicolaou, it was then sent to Croatia for an extensive refit in 1999 (-2001), though many original features remain, such as the swimming pool’s copy of a Minoan mosaic from Knossos.

Owned by Limited Brands CEO Les Wexner, Limitless will always remain the largest yacht to fly the American flag after a special act of Congress was made in its honour. The 1997 yacht was at the time, and continues to be, technologically advanced; becoming the first yacht purpose-built for diesel-electric propulsion, and the first to feature Dynamic Positioning technology.

Orca is a 96m motor yacht from Blohm and Voss, and was launched in 2010 . Orca features a futuristic exoskeletal curving superstructure, aggressive lines and innovative glazing. Its enormous entertaining and private spaces will feature bespoke furniture from British firm Silverlining, with each piece handmade by a single craftsman and stamped with their signature silver hallmark.

Subject to a publicity blackout since her launch in July 2006, limited information has been released on this luxury sailing yacht currently owned by media mogul Barry Diller. Equipped with both cruising and racing sails and the latest navigational equipment, EOS can accommodate up to ten guests.

Another yacht owned by Paul Allen, Tatoosh is easily recognisable by her sailboat tenders on one side and custom Hinckley power cruiser on the other, tucked high and outboard. Originally built for mobile phone mogul Craig McCaw in 2000, Allen purchased her in 2001 for a reported $100 million. Spread over five decks, Tatoosh’s observation lounge is claimed to be her highlight.

Dubawi is an 88.30m (289.70ft) luxury Motor yacht which was built in 1989 by Cantiere Navale Ferrari with the interior styling created by Platinum Yachts Exterior design by Platinum Yachts. Dubawi is a steel displacement hull superyacht propelled by 2 MAN Diesel engines which produce a cruise speed of 14 knots.

Based on a design from the classic 1930 motor yacht Corsair IV, this 2007 yacht was built in China for a British owner. Featuring a massive promenade deck with multiple exterior seating and dining areas, Nero also boasts a 5.5 metre side hatch from which to swim and dive.

Formerly named Sun Bay I then Constellation, Lauren L started life as a 100-passenger cruise vessel. She was purchased by Russian oil magnate Mikhail Khodorkovsky to be used, though she never was, as a floating headquarters. The late Andreas Liveras re-named her Lauren L and completely converted her adding a large master suite and spa as well as moving the helicopter pad to the fore deck so that tenders could be stored on the bridge deck aft.

Owned by US venture capitalist Tom Perkins and one of the largest private sailing yachts in the world, Maltese Falcon is a ground-breaking vessel with the ability to shatter speed records. Her three free-standing, rotating carbon fibre masts store fifteen square sails which, when deployed, leave no open gaps enabling each sail plan to work as a single sail. Her luxurious interior is as rich and contemporary as her technology is esoteric and cutting-edge.

Musashi is an aluminium hulled 87.78m (287.99ft) Feadship motor yacht, due to launch in 2011. This luxury vessel's exterior design and engineering are the work of De Voogt. The yacht's interior has been designed by Sinot Yacht Design.

This 84.3 metre luxury yacht was the first superyacht to be completed in Lurssen’s new floating dock at the yard’s Rendsburg facility. Phoenix 2 features exterior and interior design by Andrew Winch Designs.

The biggest Feadship ever launched, Ecstasea is part of the Abramovich fleet enjoying a place of prestige as his smallest but fastest yacht, able to hit 35 knots due to her possession of the largest fixed KaMeWa water jet ever made. Ecstasea’s Eurocopter is housed in a garage beneath the foredeck with a second helicopter pad on the bridge deck aft. A ‘beachside chic’ Terence Disdale interior makes this super yacht one of a kind.

Seven Seas is a 85.95m (281.99ft) motor yacht, custom built in 2010 by Oceanco. Nuvolari & Lenard is responsible for her beautiful exterior and interior design. Seven Seas has a steel hull and aluminium superstructure with a beam of 14.02m (46ft) and a 3.96m (12.99ft) draft.

Sunrays, previously Project Y705, is an 85.47m luxury yacht built by Oceanco. Her exteriors are designed by Björn Johansson Design and interiors are by Terence Disdale Design. Based on the proven technical Oceanco Y700 platform, she is a custom made yacht that has been built with the extensive involvement of her owners.

Sistership to Delma, both of which were constructed for the late Greek billionaire Andreas Liveras who owned a large fleet of super yachts charted under his Liveras Yachts management. Luxurious, popular and extremely successful as a charter vessel, Alysia boasts, among other amenities, a large Jacuzzi, two outside bars, a cinema and a fast speed boat made specifically for diving away from the yacht.

Pacific is a 85.20m motor yacht, custom built in 2010 by Lurssen Yachts. The yacht's interior has been designed by German Frers and has exterior styling by Bannenberg & Rowell Design. Pacific has a steel hull with a aluminium superstructure with a beam of 16m).

Valerie (formerly Firebird) is a 84m superyacht, custom built in 2011 by Lurssen Yachts. The yacht's interior has been designed by Reymond Langton Design and has exterior styling by Espen Oeino.

With her distinctive deep burgundy hull, this highly secretive super yacht is an elegant and exotic affair. Her title was constructed from the first names of Prince Khalid bin Sultan bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud’s only daughter. Constructed in Devon, the interior of this 5-deck vessel borrows design elements from the grand hotels of Italy while her glass-topped atrium and upper deck garden-style dining room are marvels of beautiful engineering.

This incredible superyacht owned by a prominent Greek businessman boasts a wealth of innovative amenities. Chief among them is the Nuvolari-designed aft deck ‘beach club’ which features an immense glass-ended pool whose floor can be partially or fully raised, transforming it into a dance floor or helipad. A pop-art inspired Albert Pinto interior sets off the staircase wrapped around a glass lift shaft, while the two open-air spa pools, massage room and gymnasium add to the understated elegance of this luxurious vessel.

Starting life as a Canadian ice-breaker called the Narwhal, this hard-working super yacht was put up for sale in 2002 by the Canadian authorities and purchased by US entrepreneur Arnie Gemino. Transforming stoic Narwhal into the flamboyant Bart Roberts was a 60-week process, but the finished product is unforgettable: a crossed swords design decorates her funnel, two halves of a cannon decorate the saloon fireplace and a 400-gallon piranha tank acts as a scenic separator between the saloon and formal dining room. As elegant and well-groomed as her namesake, the Bart Roberts is a bounty beyond compare.

The largest of a rare three-vessel fleet and owned by Prince Khaled bin Sultan, an avid oceanographer, this luxurious super yacht offers outstanding facilities and superb opportunities for ocean adventure. One unique amenity is the live coral reef aquarium that nearly fills an entire wall of her sumptuously designed dining saloon, while another is the seaplane Golden Eye, which is carried on her support vessel, Golden Shadow, allowing for easy access. The swift sportfisher Golden Ospray completes this trifecta of exciting, indulgent marine experiences.

Owned by the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Hamid bin Khalifa Al-Thani, this elegant super yacht is an identical sistership to Constellation, also owned by the Qatari royal family. With a sumptuous owner’s suite, four VIP suites and six guest cabins, Stargate is a regal luxury retreat amidst the denizen of mega yachts in this royal fleet.

Built in 1930 for Mr.Algar of the Packard Car Company who died shortly before delivery, this elegant super yacht was then purchased by EF McCann, son-in law of FW Woolworth who named her Chalena. Commandeered to be a patrol gunboat in World War II as the USS Beaumont, she was later bought and rebuilt for John Paul Getty Junior in 1993. Re-named Talitha G after his wife, she remains in the Getty family and is occasionally chartered, though she is being prepared for refurbishment by Bannenberg Design.

Named after the original home of the Saudi family and the capital of the first Saudi dynasty, it should come as no surprise that Al Diriyah is owned by former Saudi Arabian oil minister Sheikh Ahmed Yamani. Before this, she changed hands several times, starting life as a Japanese National Bulk Carrier called Danginn then being sold to Charles Revlon and re-named Ultima II. Before her final sale to Sheikh Ahmed Yamani, she was passed on to two more owners, one who named her Serendipity and the other who named her Massarrah.

With its unusual quadruple steam expansion engine and rich history of Jazz-age glamour, Delphine is the most luxurious, and only surviving, steam-powered super yacht available for charter. Originally owned by automobile mogul Horace Dodge and named after his daughter, she was then requisitioned for patrol in World War II like most vessels her size. Finally purchased by Belgian Ineke Bruynhooge, Delphine has been extensively restored after a serious fire sank, and nearly destroyed her.

Purportedly built for Prince Salaman of Saudi Arabia or his brother, this magnificent super yacht turns heads wherever she goes. Boasting panoramic lounges both fore and aft, Tueq’s recent refit has added four extra cabins, extensive teak decking and an additional 7 metres among other things. Considered one of the quietest motor yachts ever sailed, Tueq is one of the highest quality super yachts within the industry in every aspect.

Originally built for US entrepreneur Herb Chambers, the then titled Excellence IV was sold to an unknown buyer in late 2007, when she was close to completion. This intriguingly contrived 5-deck beauty boasts a stunning indoor/outdoor dining room, circular elevator and a clever launching system for casting the vessels dinghies out to sea, along with the standard luxury amenities of a cinema, Jacuzzi and six indulgent state rooms split over the main and lower decks.

With the distinctive old-world styling that was fashionable for yachts in the 19th century, the royal yacht Dannebrog is a graceful, elegant super yacht. Launched in 1931 for King Christian X of Denmark, she remains in service and is manned by officers, sergeants and enlisted able-seamen hand-picked from the Royal Navy and could be used as a hospital ship during emergency alerts or war.

Reportedly owned by Prince Mohammed bin Fahd of Saudi Arabia and largely touted as one of the most majestic super yachts around, Montkaj enjoys a global notoriety. Most often seen cruising the Côte d’Azur, she is a quintessential Disdale design with her harmonious line and form along with forward clamshell doors for tender storage. Spectacular details make Montkaj unforgettable: a masterful centre stairway, aft lighting that illuminates the night sky and an owner’s suite said to extend over two decks in the forward part of the yacht.

This proud, purposeful super yacht started life as a salvage tug name Simson, towing some of the largest oil installations ever built. She is now the world’s pre-eminent exploration yacht owned by Peter Lewis, former CEO of Progressive Insurance Corp., whose massive fuel tanks allow her to circumnavigate the world without stopping to refuel. With a giant communications tower rising far above the upper deck, Lone Ranger also boasts a gym, Jacuzzi, swimming pool and a mass of boats primed for exploration: two forty footers onboard, a trimaran yacht, a launch and a 450 HP Delta rib tender.

Once code named The President in honour of its owner, this elegant super yacht was acquired and refitted for President Carlos P. Garcia of the Philippines in 1959. Once able to house nearly 400 guests, Ang Pangulo remains in the possession of the Philippine government but has been put up for sale by President Arroyo in order to address the tax deficit.

Originally called La Belle Simone when she was owned by US developer William Levitt, Lady Sarya is an unconventional yacht, not least because of its two aft funnels positioned on either side of the swimming pool. Her owner’s suite has a hull door leading directly to the water while one of her tenders is an elegant Venetian taxi, adding to the overall atmosphere of luxury and indulgence. Currently owned by Saudi oil minister Sheikh Ahmed Yamani, he gave the vessel her present name.

The first yacht of Feadship’s ‘XL Series’ to be launched, as well as one of the company’s largest, this classic super yacht boasts huge dimensions. Accommodating 14 guests within six cabins and an owner’s suite composed of a bedroom, two bathrooms, two dressing rooms and a separate office, Ocean Victory offers a luxurious and comfortable atmosphere. Her outside decks can seat thirty-two and offer a large beach platform at the stern, while the three tenders and jet-skis are stored in a gigantic lazarette.

Currently for sale, Boadicea has been owned by Australian media magnate Reg Grundy since her launch in 1999. Spread over five decks, she boasts a panoramic lounge opening into a private deck where there is a genuine grass lawn to cater for the owners’ pets.

As the world’s largest sloop as well as being one of the most advanced sailing superyachts afloat, it’s hard for owner Joe Vittoria to not let it go to his head. Possessing the world’s tallest carbon-fibre masts, the modern, clean line of this super yacht remains the same from stem to stern. Primarily used as a charter vessel, Mirabella V accommodates 14 in six double cabins and a luxurious full-beam master suite all with exquisite details such as a wooden map panels by Viscount Linley while also possessing a premier gymnasium and sauna.

Having hosted such guests as Prince Charles, Leander G is owned by businessman Sir Donald Gosling who took over the final stages of the build after her intended owner fell ill. Originally built to become Katalina III, the 1992 Leander G is available for charter and can accommodate up to 12 guests.

Sporting an interior which was artfully designed by Evan Marshall, this vessel’s massive size in lineal feet, expansive 12.4m(40’9”) beam and six deck volume allows her to, by nature, represent the most fine aspects of superyachting. Shefeatures a main deck with a luxurious aft entertaining area, huge salon, dining area, full width master stateroom, office and study as well as His & Hers en-suite with wardrobes. New Horizon's lower deck includes a further six guest staterooms all en-suite, eight crew cabins plus captain’s cabin also en-suite and a vast lazarette.