10 best yachts in the world

Best Luxury Yacht Brands: 25 Shipyards Which Build The Best Superyachts

By Brody Patterson

Updated on January 14, 2023

The superyacht industry is a world that offers you luxurious adventures around the globe, from the United States, all the way to the UK, Netherlands, Germany, or the beautiful Italian coast. From the crystal clear waters of the Caribbean to the Mediterranean, these stunning yachts are built by highly skilled professionals, who provide you with nothing but the best craftsmanship.

As a potential yacht owner, you can get inspiration from any of these companies and choose what is best suited to your needs. There is so much to take into consideration, hence we compiled a detailed list of the 25 best yacht building companies in the world to help you out.

For example, you need to figure out first what size yacht you want, as they range from 30-50 feet vessels, all the way to the larger than 260 feet superyachts, and everything in between. Are Eco-friendly details important to you, or is cutting-edge technology and speed an absolute must to you?

We will do our best to cover all these points and more, so let’s start looking at the best yacht brands in the world right now. 

One of the best yacht brands in the 30-50’ range, Wally is an Italian company that specializes in fast motor yachts, but they’re also buiding gorgeous sailing vessels. For those of you who enjoy speed, you will be happy to hear that most of their yachts are made out of angular carbon composite and fiberglass, which enables you to blast through the waves.

Not so much for leisurely cruising, their 36-meter superyacht has luxurious accommodations for up to six guests and six crew members. Its prowess is due to the three Vericor TF50 gas turbines, which have a total power output of 16,800 hp. With its 60 knots top speed, it is one of the fastest yachts in the world.

Founded in 1842 on Lake Iseo of Italy, Riva quickly became a racing yacht legend, and it has upheld its reputation since. One of the best cruising yachts in the world in the 30-50 feet category, Riva offers sleek looks and impressive performance.

Solid stainless steel bow rails, an 800 hp engine, a 13-foot beam, and a 3-foot draft along a non-skid deck make this a very desirable vessel. Customizable to your tastes, you can cruise the waters in style.

Aesthetic appeal along with classic Italian design makes this company one of the most sought after. The Italian shipyard develops innovative solutions like crafting hybrid engines and using nanotechnologies, which make the long-lasting coatings on their vessels have a lower impact on marine life.

Equipped with options such as Twin Gens, Twin Watermakers, Stabilizers, Bow Thrusters and powered by DDEC 12V92’s with Ulstein forward-facing drives, the Grande 35 Metri reaches 25.5-knot max speeds. A stylish, yet competitive yacht.

• 22. Dynamiq

An Italian superyacht brand located on the Tuscan coast, with yachts engineered to the highest standards set by naval architects in the Netherlands. Designed in Monaco, Dynamiq’s vessels will surely meet the needs of the forward thinkers in the yacht building industry. Some of the options available are hybrid technology, with chic and efficient features that are easy to customize.

Ranging from 90 to 165 feet, you can build your own vessel according to your needs. Not only do they look impressive with their cool design, but they also offer you great performance. Impressive specs such as the aluminum hull, with a range that varies from 900nm at 15 knots all the way up to 5000nm at 10 knots and two engines Man at 882 kW.

• 21. Sunreef

Leading the world of catamaran yacht brands, the company produces its signature models, 60 to 100 feet vessels, along with the supreme models and the 150-210 feet power trimarans superyachts. Their shipyard is located in Gdansk, Poland, a seafaring city rich in naval building traditions.

They are also known for building eco-friendly electric engines that are great for the environment with their innovative propulsion solutions. Their sustainable materials feature basalt and linen-based structures in the production of their hulls, superstructures, and yacht manufacturing.

• 20. Ferretti

Another famed Italian shipyard is innovative with its human interface, which makes their vessels super easy to use. Ferretti’s fleet varies from the 500 to the 1000 projects, but they are all designed with your wellbeing and comfort in mind. You can choose from different mood palettes for your interiors, such as classic or contemporary.

Their MTU engine, with a cruising speed of 20 knots and a max speed of 24 knots, along with many other impressive specs, makes this brand an experience that embodies luxurious style and performance in one.

• 19. Fincantieri

Fincantieri has a network of 18 shipyards across four continents, two design centers, and a research center, and throughout their 230-year history they have built more than 7,000 vessels. If that is not impressive enough, they will surely convince you with their luxury yachts, designed to your pleasure.

High-tech, high quality, and high performance – these would be the features they stand for, and their unique designs are complemented by state-of-the-art technology. Aesthetic perfection along with the best technological expertise in the industry will deliver the luxury you crave.

• 18. Nautor’s Swan

A Finnish yacht brand founded by Pekka Koskenkyla back in 1966, they specialize in high-performance sailing yachts . Beautiful wood interiors are their signature touch, and their high-tech amenities are up-to-date in order to keep up with a very competitive industry.

Their fiberglass material has brought them to the top in the racing sailboats category, along with the ingenuity of Sparkman & Stephens. They eventually partnered with German Frers Design, who is responsible for many of their Swan designs.

• 17. Sanlorenzo

Ranked in the top three over 80-feet yachts builders in their category, Sanlorenzo has introduced a variety of new yachts in the last couple of years. Their signature light-blue steel hull is predominant in all their models, such as the SL102 Asymmetric yacht, or their 171-foot custom Seven Sins.

Among other designs worth mentioning are their new additions SX112, 164-foot 500EXP Ocean Dreamwalker lll, or the 210-foot 64Steel. One thing they all have in common is that they cater to the American lifestyle.

• 16. Rossinavi

Rossinavi has worked with some of the world’s best designers available to come up with unique and futuristic designs. Some of their most popular superyachts in the last few years have got to be 160-foot Endeavour ll and the 161-foot Aurora. Achille Salvagni is responsible for both designs, but they are quite different from one another.

The Alfa 50, with its sleek modern look, was designed by Enrico Gobbi. Pininfarina, who has put their signature touch on Ferrari, has unveiled some of Rossinavi’s new concepts, which make them stand out from other brands.

• 15. Baglietto

Another Italian company, they have been around since 1840, when Pietro Baglietto started building wooden fishing ships in his backyard. He expanded his company by manufacturing boats for kings and popes, and in 1906 built his first combustion engine.

Eventually, the company was saved from bankruptcy by the Gavio Group and they got a facelift with the introduction of their new model line, which ranges from 43 to 230 feet yachts. Their Silver Fox, which was launched in 2018, is designed by Francesco Paszkowski and it could easily be considered a true work of art.

• 14. Mangusta

The company is owned by the Balducci family and it was started in 1985. They specialize in luxury sports yachts and voyage superyachts, all of which you can customize to your personal tastes. They have built more than 300 yachts in their 34 year career, and they are still going strong.

The Mangusta Oceano, for example, is one of their long-range yachts with ranges up to 5,000 miles. The Mangusta Maxi Open series offers speed, stability and quietness. And their GranSports is a fast-displacement series that covers long distances.

• 13. Princess Yachts

Established in 1965, this British company has grown into a conglomerate with multiple production sites over the years. They build contemporary yachts in seven classes, ranging from open boats to megayachts. Their flagship Imperial Princess, a 131-foot 40M superyacht, has a large interior and lots of natural light.

It is built on the South Yard, which was formerly a 17th century naval yard. Their R35, one of their most innovative models, is built with a foil system which reduces drag and can revolutionize yachting, and was designed by Pininfarina, the same acclaimed design studio that works with Rossinavi as well.

The crown jewel of the Ferretti group, CRN is famous for their landmark Chopi Chopi, a 262-foot megayacht. The different ranges of the military style 180-foot Atlante, the sleek hull of the 239-foot Yalla, or even the high-tech Cloud 9 yacht show the different customizable possibilities from CRN Yachts.

Ferretti invested lots of money into their Ancona Yard, and their tri-deck motor yacht, as well as the Superconero are just some of the upgraded versions of the staples that brought them on the map in the first place.

• 11. Sunseeker

One of the UK’s most important shipyards, Sunseeker manufactures most of its vessels in Poole, Dorset. Their place in the yachting world is secured with four superyacht models ranging from 116 to 161-foot, and their 76 to 100-foot motor yachts. They also manufacture high performance boats, alongside sports and 52 to 744-foot cruise yachts.

It used to only build out of composite, but has since expanded to aluminum with its 161 Yachts. Their ICON expertise, design and market savvy is keeping them competitive in the yachting world.

• 10. Royal Huisman

One of the oldest shipyards from Holland, they have been around since 1884. They have three large facilities, one in Vollenhove, one in Amsterdam, and a third in Emden, where they can build large yachts up to 266 feet. Their fleet is well known for their sailing superyachts Gliss, Antares and Sea Eagle among many others.

The Ngoni, a 190-foot is built with an eclectic interior, and the 184-foot classic Aquarius are some of their popular models. Project Phi is their newest addition to an already solid fleet and the Apex 850 concept will be probably turned into reality too. 

• 9. Perini Navi

Two yards in Italy and a third in Turkey are the places where the newest additions to their line up are being built right now. Restructuring of the company’s management in 2017 resulted in a major refresh of their fleet too. New lines such as the E-volution Yacht series, the Argonaut, Heritage and Voyager are going to be the new focus for Perini Navi.

Sometimes a change is needed, and their new innovations have proven successful. Their hybrid-powered models such as the Eco-tender are built to keep up with the changes necessary for the environment.

• 8. Nobiskrug

Located in Northern Germany, Nobiskrug operates from two facilities which build vessels ranging from 197 to 1,398 feet. The 115 year old company is a pioneer in the superyacht division with their 2000 Tatoosh model. They employ more than 1,000 professionals who excel in the business.

The 262 foot Artefact was launched only last year, and at 2999 GT it is the largest superyacht by volume in the world. It is also the first in the world to meet IMO Tier lll emissions regulations. In-house production of everything from hull construction to mechanical work makes them one of the most diverse and eco-friendly companies in their category.

• 7. Feadship

The famous Dutch company comprises De Vooght Naval Architects, De Vries and Van Lent family yards, with locations in Amsterdam, Aalsmeer, Kaag, and Makkum. Responsible for dozens of custom launches over the last seven decades, they are considered Holland’s powerhouse.

Symphony, a 333-foot pioneer to cross the 100-meter mark, and the 312-foot Faith has its own helicopter pad with hangar on the foredeck, and on the aft deck a glass floor swimming pool. They are just some of their more famous models, they have many others you can research if interested.

One of the best superyacht builders in the world, this Dutch company is based in Vlissingen. Operating for more than 100 years, they offer the Full Custom and Limited Editions, ranging from 108 to 272 foot LOA. The facilities are used for both military and commercial vessels, and they employ the most skilled workers in the industry.

Their most noteworthy launches in the last couple of years are the 243-foot Universe, the 205-foot Sea & US, along the 189-foot Volpini 2. The potential owners are able to customize both interiors and exteriors according to their taste.

One of the oldest and largest superyacht builders in the world, Benetti has been making custom and semi custom builds since 1875. They currently have 97 yachts under build larger than 78 feet. The Ironman, Metis and Spectre are some of their newest additions. The FB277 351-foot gigayacht is currently being under construction at the Livorno yard.

Their Luminosity is believed to be valued at more than 200 million EUR and became one of the top 10 largest Superyachts delivered in 2019. Pretty amazing!

Founded in 1978, this Dutch superyacht brand specializes in custom-made builds. Therefore, their fleet is limited, so there are three different ways to own a Heesen boat. Through the Pure Custom program the buyer can order a unique individual design and engineering.

The Platform Concept program offers custom exterior design but standard engineering, and the third option is to buy a brand new custom superyacht as soon as it is made available for purchase. The Galactica Super Nova is their largest built at 230 feet, and their Maximus, with an open cockpit and a swimming pool with a waterfall is a special yacht someone will surely enjoy.

A fairly young company, this Dutch company based in Alblasserdam has been around since 1987. They specialize in custom expedition yachts ranging from 262 to 459 feet. The builder launched Project Bravo in 2018, which is a fuel efficient and eco-friendly innovative design. Their green technologies are predominant in their newest addition to their fleet.

Their most famous superyachts are the 311-foot Indian Empress and the 300-foot Equanimity. Their Black Pearl, a 350-foot technically advanced designed sailing superyacht stands on its own.

• 2. Abeking & Rasmussen

Successful in setting new technological standards, this family business is located across the river from Lurssen in Germany. They have been the best in the making of naval vessels since 1917, and they also specialize in coast guard and patrol vessels, as well as custom yachts. German engineering at its best, A & R has been an innovative company who is not scared of change.

They are developing a hybrid fuel cell powered by methanol that emits only clean steam, the first hydrocarbon emission free in the world. The Aviva, a 321-foot flagship has its own paddle-tennis court on the premises.

Lürssen is a family business who believes in producing the best quality yachts in the world. Focused on excellence, this German company is another leader in the luxury yachting world. Their eight shipyards located in the northern part of the country have been responsible for building more than 13.000 vessels since 1875.

They do everything from building new yachts, as well as refitting, repairing and providing maintenance services on the premises. The iconic Azzam, the largest superyacht in the world is 590 feet long , is designed with the best quality woodwork and custom furniture inside a high-tech hull.

One thing is certain if you’re in the market for a luxury yacht, you have so many options available right now. The biggest problem will be choosing only one brand to work with when designing your dream yacht.

We hope you got all the inspiration you needed from our list, so happy sailing.

About Brody Patterson

Brody has worked as a full time staff writer for Luxatic for over five years, covering luxury news, product releases and in-depth reviews, and specializing in verticals on the website alongside the tech & leisure section, as well as men's fashion, watches and travel. Learn more about Luxatic's Editorial Process .

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Most beautiful superyachts: 10 of the best as chosen by top designers

• Superyachts

What turns a superyacht into a thing of beauty? We asked scores of the world's leading yacht designers to list the 10 most beautiful superyachts ever built...

The only rules were that they couldn’t pick one of their own and they had to be luxury superyachts over 30 metres. With the votes counted, we can now reveal our definitive rundown of the most beautiful yachts in the world.

We’ve even enlisted some of those same designers to explain what makes the final ten yachts so special. Scroll down to see the full top 10 and read more about each model.

10 of the most beautiful superyachts of all time

10. Limitless

James Roy, managing director of BMT Nigel Gee believes her to be one of the most beautiful superyachts in the world and writes:

“One of the earlier breed of superyachts Limitless is in my opinion from a period when the volume of superstructures were not over imposing producing a well balanced yacht. These proportions coupled with the sheer line and well matched angles of bow profile and rake of superstructure ends all work together.”

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Certainly with her dark blue hull and glistening white superstructure she cuts quite a dash and at night her comprehensive array of on deck illumination and underwater lighting make her look nothing short of spectacular proving that yachts can have beauty 24 hours a day.

Year: 1997 – LOA: 96.25m – Builder: Lürssen – Exterior: Jon Bannenburg – Interior: Catroux

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“It’s a great pleasure to pay tribute to an iconic thoroughbred such as Skat , still standing tall on the horizon,” says Tim Saunders of Rainsford Saunders Design. “Despite her military looks, this is a true superyacht, engineered as a ship at heart and built from the keel up, with every square metre fulfilling the owner’s brief. Skat is a unique design but has not broken traditional yachting rules for the sake of it.

She is a superyacht that has been devised to offer the owner a well-considered relationship between external and internal living spaces, and unlike many of her sisters, she doesn’t opt for maximum density. Skat ’s combination of poise, elegance and balance comes from a clever use of straight, angular lines, facetted surfaces and enhanced ship details.

Each component comes together in a harmonious relationship to offer a daring and bold statement that from a distance has the grace and elegance of something far more organic. She is a yacht that catches your eye from all angles.”

Year: 2002 – LOA: 70.7m – Builder: Lürssen – Exterior: Espin Oeino – Interior: Marco Zanini

8. Alfa Nero

“When we first saw Alfa Nero we were impressed by her smooth exterior lines,” say Mareid Moosbrugger and Georg Decker of Egg and Dart Design. “The superstructure is sleek and elegant without any angular or hard corners. We consider her to be one of the most beautiful yachts afloat today, and we can easily understand why our colleagues agree.

“Walking around her at the 2007 Monaco Yacht Show , we felt the three-dimensional use of space was harmonious with the elements, and there was a true balance between the inside and outside areas of the yacht, with the exterior spaces maintaining a close connection with the natural environment of the sea and sky.

“The decks are open and airy, yet there is a feeling of being safely cocooned, and the superb aft deck in particular maintains a feeling of being at one with the ocean, which is emphasised by the huge pool. The yacht impressed us as a gentle giant: on the one hand huge, voluminous and technically advanced; on the other, stylish, glossy and surprisingly cosy.

“The beautiful interior features a timeless but modern design with elements of Art Deco, and everywhere you can see that the smallest details have been attended to. This yacht is a perfect combination of design, functionality and vision, and offers a unique ambience.”

Year: 2007 – LOA: 81.27m – Builder: Oceanco – Exterior: Nuvolari-Lenard – Interior: Alberto Pinto

Designer Reymond Langton says: “At the time of her creation, she was the largest yacht that we had signed and would be the largest the yard had built. The client is a very experienced yacht owner and for him to have put his trust in us when we had nothing of our own in the water at the time was a massive vote of confidence.

“He allowed us to be a little experimental with the design – this was the first large yacht with a plumb bow. It was fantastic to have landed another contract where we were able to design the exterior and interior as it gave us much more control over the whole project, and gave us the scope to really harmonise the spaces.

“It also allowed us to work hand in hand together, which we thoroughly enjoy and believe delivers the best results for the client. We think she stands out because she has a very striking profile that is easily recognisable from a distance.

“She has a lot of presence on the water due to her powerful lines. Anyone who has been on board will tell you that the high-volume interior feels incredibly luxurious.”

Year: 2007 – LOA: 68.0m – Builder: Abeking & Rasmussen – Exterior: Reymond Langton Design – Interior: Reymond Langton Design

6. Carinthia VII

The Austrian supermarket heiress Heidi Horten replaced Carinthia VI (see below) with this very secret yacht rumoured to run at 26 knots. Voting her as his most beautiful yacht, Rupert Mann of Rainsford Mann Design said, “97m is a good length for a designer to work with, as it gives an opportunity to design longitudinally not vertically and therefore create an elegant yacht which appears low and sleek.

“What makes the design of Carinthia VII so successful is the enhancement of this due to the pure and elegant sheer line that draws your eye from the bow to stern so effortlessly. The clever trick of dropping the sheer line one deck down aft, gives it a dynamic and purposeful bow shape forward, as if carving its path with consummate ease.

The horizontal lines of the super structure are equally uncomplicated, in this instance resisting the addition of unnecessary detail such as fashion plates that often complicate a design. Ultimately I think the strength of the design manifests through its simplicity. It is the most successful of designs, which can be called a ‘timeless classic’.

“A design that will be successful in every genre modern or classic and in every decade, that even 7 years later still is relevant and pleasing to the eye. I would suspect it is this timeless styling and the sheer simplicity, coupled with the poise and balance of the whole composition, that is so appealing to so many of us.”

Year: 2002 – LOA: 97m – Builder: Lürssen – Exterior: Tim Heywood – Interior: Tim Heywood

5. Maltese Falcon

The designer Ken Freivoch, responsible for the way this beautiful yacht looks says, “We are delighted that our fellow designers should have included Maltese Falcon within their shortlist. She was designed without any attempt to be ostentatious or to conform to a set style – it was very much a case of “form follows function”, albeit with very careful attention to essential design principles, balanced proportions and uncluttered and purposeful shapes totally derived from the function they are designed to perform.

The yacht is significant in her innovative sailing system, and our studio took this as a clue to develop the design around such technology, with every effort to develop beautiful and unique solutions aimed at highlighting her unique rig. I can only surmise that a reason why she may have been selected by designers is that she is not a “trendy” design, but the result of going back to first principles, coming out with original and unique solutions, and achieve continuity of concept through from the external styling to the interior design.

A case in point would be the design of the “spider” feature at the aft deck – originally the result of a last minute request from the naval architects to achieve optimum separation between the bearings at the mizzen mast, the announcement from Gerry Dijkstra came something like: “Hey Ken, if we had to place the top bearing for the aft mast 1m above the deck, in the middle of the aft deck – would that be a problem?

“Can you come up with a way to do this, which Tom will not object to? We took this as a clue to design an elegant and purposeful set of arches or buttresses to shore up the bearing in question, and at the same time underline what a unique “machine” the Falcon is – express such function very much along the lines of a watchmaker showing the inner workings of a beautifully crafted watch. Maltese Falcon was a great challenge, exactly the type of challenge that our design team relishes.

For us, the thrill, the excitement and the ultimate satisfaction is to come up with totally unique, “out-of-the-box” solutions, and achieve a design which the owner can feel was truly conceived and executed in response to his brief, to his preferences and to the very specific requirements set out for the project.”

Year: 2006 – LOA: 88m – Builder: Perini Navi – Exterior: Gerard Dijstra – Interior: Ken Freivoch

Espen Oenio was at the time of the design working with Martin Francis and describes the commissioning owner – Mexican media magnate Emilio Azcarraga – as a wonderfully charismatic man. He remembers one meeting in particular early on in the project.

They were at the time sitting on board the owner’s then yacht Lady Azteca (now Achilles ), when he laid out what was to become the mission statement for the whole design process. He told the design team: “I am a very private man. I never spend time in port, I am always cruising. But when I do go into port, I want my presence to be felt through my boat.”

James Roy of BMT Nigel Gee is one designer who voted for Enigma . “It was not until I set eyes on her in the flesh at Cowes Week in 1999 that I really came to appreciate her beauty,” he says.

“The reverse sheer, the sweeping aft deck and those iconic windows – they all meld together to produce a yacht that visually works to perfection and is thoroughly striking even today, 18 years after her launch. It’s very different from anything else that is around.”

Theo Werner of Werner Yacht Design is equally enthusiastic. “When the design of this yacht was first published, I was stunned,” he says. “And when the first photographs appeared in the magazines, I was even more stunned.

“She introduced a new way of thinking that even surpassed the designs of Bannenberg, who I admire very much. Eco included many aspects that are foreign to other ships and yachts, yet Martin Francis managed to combine these with everything that make a ship pretty, such as sleekness, the suggestion of a low freeboard a small superstructure.”

She was subsequently sold to Larry Ellison and is now owned by the British businessman Aidan Barclay and his brother.

Year: 1991 – LOA: 74.5m – Builder: Blomhm & Voss – Exterior: Martin Francis – Interior: Francois Zuretti

3. Endeavour

“Endeavour is one of my favourite yachts for a number of reasons,” Ed Dubois told SuperYacht World . “Firstly, she is a J Class yacht – one of only a few ever built. This class epitomised the very peak of yacht design before World War II and remains still, in technical terms, a class apart. These yachts were extreme in every way and demanded technology that was then in its infancy.

“They were superb yachts to sail upwind, but they were also fast reaching and downwind. They demanded a very high level of sailing skill, and indeed a high level of boatbuilding skill.

“ Endeavour , I believe, is the most beautiful of all the Js built. Her purity of line is exquisite and I think the shape of the sheer is slightly better than any of the others including Velsheda (by the same designer).

“Charles Nicholson designed Endeavour in 1933 and she was used to challenge for the America’s Cup in 1934. It was universally acknowledged that she was faster than the defender Rainbow , and she won the first two races, but better sailing by the Americans allowed them to win overall.

“She has captured the imagination of so many people including, happily, Elizabeth Meyer, who acquired the yacht in the seventies and rebuilt her almost from scratch.

“I believe there is some original plate still present but the hull was rebuilt in the UK and then taken to Royal Huisman Shipyard to be fitted out. The interior, by John Munford, is beautiful – obviously not what was fitted originally when she was a pure racing yacht, but Munford created something that is entirely fitting.

“Endeavour is not a practical yacht to own. She can only be sailed in reasonable conditions, she requires a large crew to race her, most of whom by necessity must sleep ashore, and maintaining a yacht of this type, particularly with regard to sails, rigging, etc is not inexpensive. However, for sheer sailing performance, romantic appeal and beauty I believe she is second to none.”

Year: 1934 – LOA: 39.6m – Builder: Camper & Nicholson – Exterior: C & N – Interior: C & N

Designer Tim Heywood says: “When a client gives you carte blanche to create a design, it is a blessing and a curse, if you do not rise to the challenge, you will not gain the approval of your client or, eventually, the respect of your peers.

“ Pelorus was a great project for us and we are extremely pleased with the end result, as was the client. I was able to develop the internal general arrangement plan, the external global styling themes and the practical engineering details to a level I had not achieved before.

The organic curves & forms of the superstructure are echoed in the lines of the hull, tying the two forms together, to produce a harmony that is easy on the eye, was quite unique at the time and, hopefully, will not date.

“The belt line that runs forward from the stern and sweeps down towards the anchor pocket, is inspired by the armour plating of the light cruiser HMS Belfast , which still lives just up stream from our old London studio.

“If I succeeded in creating a yacht that is thought of as attractive, by my brothers in arms of the design world, I am very pleased. Informed comments from professional, talented designers and client, means more than from any other source, especially if they are not negative!

“My partner, Vanessa, came up with our project name, we always give a name to our yachts, rather than a sterile number, and the client liked the name so much that he confirmed Pelorus as the yacht’s eventual name. The yacht has changed hands, but we are very pleased to see that she has retained her original name.”

“If I succeeded in creating a yacht that is thought of as attractive by my brothers-in-arms of the design world, I am very pleased. Informed comment from professional, talented designers and clients means more than from any other source – especially when they are positive!”

Year: 2003 – LOA: 115m – Builder: Lürssen – Exterior: Tim Heywood – Interior: Terrence Disdale

1. Carinthia VI

Dickie Bannenburg of Bannenburg Designs say: “Famously, and perhaps notoriously, Carinthia VI owes her existence to the fact that her elder sibling Carinthia V survived for only a few months before ending her days several fathoms down in Greek waters.

:The unfortunate captain struggled ashore to find a phone to have an awkward phone conversation with Helmut Horten, his Owner. Mr Horten rang my father up almost the following day and told him to start work on her replacement which has now become, in an often over used phrase, a yachting icon.

“She certainly wasn’t an icon when she appeared out of the Lürssen shed for the first time. With dramatic superstructure on a slim frigate-based hull, grilles and that distinctive blue windshield forward of the wheelhouse, my father’s design scared the pants off people and the perception of him hardened amongst conventional designers and naval architects as a dangerous radical. But now her pared down lines and slender masculinity scream good taste, restraint and a sense of suave style that is rarely seen these days.

“Certainly her interior was purposeful, code for slightly austere, and by today’s standards there was not much interior volume for lavish living, not least due to the presence of three mighty MTU diesels. There are no swoops, no complicated fashion plates and absolutely no ability to walk down steps at the transom to a nice bathing platform.

“But all the better for it. Life on board was, I understand, conducted with a certain Austrian precision and Carinthia ’s elegant and taut exterior, with deep blue paintwork and her gold coachwork stripe cut an unmistakeable dash in the harbours of the Cote d’Azur as she still does today.

“My father was very proud of her. Of course I’m even more proud that his design of almost forty years ago has such an enduring impact.”

Year: 2003 – LOA: 115m – Builder: Lürssen – Exterior: Bannenberg – Interior: Bannenberg

First published in the January 2015 issue of Superyacht World.

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Top 10 Luxury Yachts in the World

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Ever dreamed of sailing to your favourite travel destinations on the most impressive luxury yachts in the world?

Imagine waking up to a breathtaking orange sunrise over the most beautiful yacht in the world . On board the best luxury yachts in the world, you’ll start your day with a restorative head massage. This is followed by a helicopter ride to a secluded island for lunch, a swim in fragrant indigo waters, and finally, cap the day off with a meal of local cuisine cooked exactly to your taste .

Well, bespoke indulgence might not be so out-of-reach after all — at least for a week! At Borrow A Boat, you can rent a luxury yacht in the Mediterranean for you and your group, and no, it won’t cost you $5 million to $500 million . If you’re curious, just fill out a request form with a few of your preferences and we’ll whip up a few options for you to flirt with.  If you don’t know yet which boat is right for you , we support you to make a suitable decision.

For a little inspiration, check out our list of the top 10 best luxury yachts in the world:

10. luxury yacht christina o (market price: $32.4 million).

She may not be THE most expensive yacht in the world, but she’s certainly one of the most notable ones.

In 1954, Greek shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis took Christina O, a former Canadian naval frigate, and turned her into a playground for the rich and famous . John F. Kennedy, Winston Churchill, Liz Taylor, Marilyn Monroe and many more have since set sail on the Christina O.

This superyacht:

• can accommodate 34 guests;
• boasts a massage room;
• a beauty salon;
• a sports lounge;
• a glamorous dining room; and
• a deck that turns into a dance floor.

This luxurious yacht certainly combines glamour, history and elegance. She might be out of reach for you to set sail, but you can still admire her from a distance.

9. Luxury Yacht Lady Moura (Market price: $210 million)

The Lady Moura:

• Was built in 1990 for Saudi Arabian businessman Nasser Al-Rashid.
• The yacht’s name is carved from 24-carat gold lettering:
• Onboard this 344-foot yacht you find a pool, a helicopter, and a 75-foot dining room table.

But the most outstanding aspect of the Lady Moura is its private extendable beach: a sand-covered hydraulic platform that extends out from the side of the yacht down by the waterline, and comes fully equipped with palm trees, beach chairs, and real sand.

8. Luxury Yacht Dilbar (Market price: $256 million)

The Dilbar:

• said to be one of the world’s largest boats at 360-feet long and 50-feet high.
• was built in 2008 and owned by Russian oligarch Alisher Usmanov.

With swimming pools, a helipad and enormous multi-layered decks that can host 20 people on each , the Dilbar is the one luxury yacht for Usmanov to cruise around his many private islands. If you already own a bunch of private islands, you might as well top that with one of the largest yachts in the world.

7. Luxury Yacht Al Said (Market price: $300 million)

The Al Said houses a concert hall big enough to accommodate a 50-piece orchestra — that’s how big we’re talking. This huge luxury yacht can host up to 70 guests and a crew of 154.

The Al Said:

• was built by Lürssen Yachts in 2008 .
• is owned by Qaboos Bin Said Al Said, the Sultan of Orman.
• can move at up to 22 knots and at the time of her launch was considered the world’s most powerful superyacht.

6. Luxury Motor Yacht A (Market price: $323 million)

Motor Yacht A :

• is 390-feet-long.
• is one of the most unusual-looking luxury yachts on the list, but the Russian billionaire, Andrey Melnichenko, certainly likes this style.
• it’s got a helicopter pad, three pools (one with a glass bottom that sits over the disco hall), a silver-plated staircase and a 30-foot speedboat.

The interior of Motor Yacht A covers:

• over 24,000 square feet;
• the master suite a whopping 2,583; and
• houses a disco hall and six guest suites that can be converted into four large staterooms thanks to the yacht’s moving walls.

But, believe it or not, Motor Yacht A wasn’t quite lavish enough for the Russian billionaire, so he upgraded to something even more enormous, which you’ll discover below. If you’re already a billionaire, you need to own the top of the tops in terms of yachts.

5. Luxury Yacht Dubai (Market price: $350 million)

• has been owned by the Sheikh of Dubai since 2006, but was originally commissioned 10 years earlier as the Golden Star by Prince Jefri Bolkiah of Brunei.

Guests aboard the Dubai will find:

• a glass staircase;
• a swimming pool;
• a helipad; and
• several jacuzzis.

The decadent interior is full of mosaics and bold colors, while the spacious deck areas create a large social area and lounge, and numerous VIP and guest suites. The Dubai can host a whopping 115 guests and is currently the world’s third-largest yacht. She definitely deserves it’s spot on the list of the world’s most luxury yachts.

4. Luxury Sailing Yacht A (Market price: $400 million)

Here we are. The latest and greatest edition to the superyacht world. Not to be confused with Motor Yacht A, Sailing Yacht A is something of an upgrade for Russian billionaire Andrey Melnichenko .

Considered the world’s largest sailing yacht :

• at 468 feet in length and with ship masts nearing 300-feet high.
• has eight floors and an underwater observation room.
• can hold a crew of 54 attending just 20 guests.
• can also reach a maximum speed of 24 miles per hour, even with a steel hull and a teak-finish deck. It’s one serious yacht.

3. Top 3 of the world’s most luxurious yachts: Azzam (Market price: $650 million)

• is another superyacht creation by the people of Lürssen Yachts , who claimed it was “the most complex and challenging yacht that has ever been built.”
• at $650 million and 590-feet long, the Azzam is said to be the largest private yacht in the world.
• can reach speeds of up to 30 knots and boasts incredibly luxurious interiors designed by French interior decorator Christophe Leoni.

2. Luxury Yacht Streets of Monaco (Market price: $1.1 billion)

This yacht design has got to be one of the most absurd and unnecessary luxury items we’ve ever seen. But, hey — it’s not our $1.1 billion. As you might have guessed, Streets of Monaco is a floating replica of the city of Monaco. In the picture above you can certainly recognise the capital of the Monegasse.

Luxury Yacht Streets of Monaco :

• was designed by Yacht Island Design of Derbyshire County in England, and is still waiting to be funded by a billionaire owner.
• at 500-foot superyacht features the famous Monte Carlo Casino and racetrack, as well as Hotel de Paris, Cafe de Paris, La Rascasse and the Loews Hotel.
• hosts just seven guest suites onboard, all with private reception rooms, bathrooms, dressing rooms and balconies.

The main suite is the size of a luxury penthouse, taking up three floors and 4,800 square feet. Streets of Monaco has swimming pools, tennis courts, a mini waterfall, a cafe-bar with underwater views, a helipad and submarines.

1. The top of the luxury yachts in the world: Eclipse (Market price: $1.2 billion)

That’s right — the yacht of yet another Russian billionaire. Roman Abramovich is the proud owner of the Eclipse, which was created by Blohm and Voss of Hamburg and measures 536-feet in length.

What the yacht Eclipse has to offer:

• disco hall;
• two helipads;
• 24 guest cabins;
• 70 crew members;
• two swimming pools;
• a mini-submarine;
• several jacuzzis;
• three launch boats; and
• is believed to have several secret exits (one might only wonder what they are used for).

The master suite is 5,000 square feet big, features bulletproof windows, and includes a private garden. This yacht even has an anti-paparazzi laser shield sweeping the surrounding areas!

Find out how the rich and famous spend their sailing holidays on their chosen superyachts.

By the way, if you’ve somehow come into a load of cash and are interested in building a superyacht of your own, you can turn to some of the best luxury yacht brands out there who task themselves with the challenge of building high-quality superyachts on a regular basis.

Big players in the superyacht game hank to their tedious dedication to quality and personalized design.

• Blohm+Voss;
• Bertram Yachts;
• Benetti Yachts; and
• Riva Yachts.

If you cannot afford to buy a luxurious yacht, you could go on a sailing trip for a week and rent of our luxurious boats instead.

What Documents Do I Need to Charter a Boat?

British virgin islands route: a 7-day boat trip in the bvi, 2 thoughts on “top 10 luxury yachts in the world”.

I love spending time on yachts during the summer, but I will probably never have the opportunity of being on one of these ten yachts. However, I would definitely choose to take a ride on the Streets of Monaco if I had the chance. I would spend my time swimming, playing tennis and, of course, taking a ride in the submarine.

These boats are beautiful, not to mention they’re massive! Holy cow, they’re very expensive too. Which is funny, because my boss would like to rent one and take all the employees on a cruise. I’d like to know how much they’re to rent.

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Where To Spot The Largest Top 100 Superyachts in the World

By Frances Flannagan

Ranging between 90 and 180.6 metres, the world’s Top 100 superyachts undoubtedly require the largest and most premium marinas to anchor, as well as those on board desiring the most luxurious destinations. We take a look at three of the prime locations to spot the world’s largest and most breathtaking vessels, each featuring a state-of-the-art marina to accompany the world-class destination.

Barcelona 

Marina Port Vell is one of the Mediterranean's most premium marinas, located in the heat of the thriving city of Barcelona. This marina has 60 berths that can accommodate superyachts up to 190m in length, making it the prime destination for attracting the largest superyachts in the world. Impressively, Marina Port Vell can even accommodate 180.6m AZZAM, the largest superyacht in the world. 

Alongside staggering berths, the marina offers world-class facilities, a variety of activities and bespoke services 24 hours a day within the unique location of the European city. This means that superyacht owners can not only enjoy the impeccable maritime services offered at the marina, but can also explore the city’s breathtaking landscapes, vibrant culture and world-renowned dining scene. 

Marina Port Vell offers a plethora of unparalleled opportunities for superyacht owners, guests, captains and crew. Not only located in the spectacular city of Barcelona, the marina is also a celebrated location in itself: it has previously hosted the MYBA Charter Show and is set to be the preferred marina for the 37th Americas Cup, as well as being the premium venue of choice for many quality brands, including Maserati, Aston Martin and Montblanc.  

The home of unprecedented glamour and luxury, it is only fitting that some of the world’s biggest and best superyachts can often be spotted in the exquisite location of Dubai. Dubai Harbour Marina is the country’s newest and most impressive marina, able to accommodate yachts up to a staggering 160m and therefore the perfect location for Top 100 superyachts.

Dubai features a range of activities for superyacht travellers, including everything from luxury shopping opportunities, premium hospitality, the cultural allure of the historical quarter as well as the pristine white sand beaches and emerald waters. This makes it a world-class destination for superyachts beyond marina facilities, and therefore a popular choice for the world's largest vessels as those on board can soak up the variety of exciting offerings.

Dubai Harbour also enables direct access into the open waters of the Arabian Gulf with no air draft limits, perfect for Top 100 superyachts. Dubai is also home to the most advanced cruise terminal and the largest marina in the region. 

Cairns, Australia

Considered the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, Cairns is a stunning superyacht destination that combines the world’s most exquisite natural beauty with unmatched luxury. Cairns Marlin Marina makes it an even more popular location for Top 100 superyachts, not only because of its location, but due to its ability to berth vessels up to 140m in length. 

The marina is located just a short walk away from the tropical swimming lagoon, a series of five-star hotels, and exceptional shopping and dining prospects; showcasing Cairns to be a hot spot for luxury travel. Furthermore, alongside being positioned in a tranquil oasis, it is also in close proximity to the city’s vibrant nightlife scene, meaning that superyacht owners can make the most of blissful travel as well as bustling city life. 

With 84 of the Top 100 vessels having an LOA of 140 metres or less, Cairns Marlin Marina is a perfect place to spot some of the world’s largest vessels. 

There are a number of notable Top 100 destinations that don't have marinas able to accommodate these megayachts, but still attract the largest vessels from all over the world. The Caribbean is a superyacht hotspot, St Barths and St Vincent & The Grenadines in particular offering the most stunning selection of blissful beaches and clear waters for a relaxation retreat like no other. 

The Meditteranean sees many superyachts gather in Gibraltar, a European haven with beautiful landscapes and a wealth of culture, as well as Monaco: a location of the utmost luxury, and arguably, one of the most famous hubs for yachts.

"Marina Port Vell boasts a unique position at the heart of this bustling, cosmopolitan city of limitless possibilities." Marina Port Vell

"Marina Port Vell boasts a unique position at the heart of this bustling, cosmopolitan city of limitless possibilities."

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The 10 Biggest Superyachts in the World

The yachting world is set for a shake-up with a revolutionary new vessel primed to steal the top spot.

By Emma Al-Mousawi

Superyachts represent the very pinnacle of luxury travel but they can vary in size dramatically; from those at the smaller end of the spectrum measuring under 100 ft to gargantuan 500-ft+ custom-built creations that command price tags in the hundreds of millions(or even billions). Here at Elite Traveler, we have been exploring the latter as we take a look at the 10 biggest superyachts in the world.

[See more: The Best Luxury Yacht Builders in the World]

El Mahrousa

Builder: Samuda Brothers Year of build: 1865 LOA: 478.1 ft Number of guests: U nknown Number of crew: 160

The oldest by over 100 years to make our list of the biggest superyachts in the world, Egypt’s presidential yacht El Mahrousa is an enormous floating piece of history. Nearly four decades older than the Titanic , she set sail on her first voyage just as President Lincoln was beginning his second term in office. 

Built by the now-defunct London shipyard Samuda Brothers, El Mahrousa was designed by the most celebrated master-shipwright of the day, Sir Oliver Lang. Commissioned by Khedive Ismail, Egypt’s Ottoman governor, she went on to play a central role in many of Egypt’s defining moments including the opening of the Suez Canal as well as ferrying three of the country’s rulers to exile, including the last king of Egypt. 

She has had numerous modifications over the years, growing 57 ft in length since she first left the Thameside dockyard in 1865.  Today, she is the world’s oldest active superyacht and was the first to pass through the new Suez Canal extension in 2015.

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Prince abdulaziz.

Prince Abdulaziz is one of the yachts owned by the Saudi royal family / ©Shutterstock

Builder: Helsingor Vaerf Year of build: 1984 LOA: 482.4 ft Number of guests: 64 Number of crew: 65

At 482.4 ft Prince Abdulaziz is the largest yacht built in the 20th century and is thought to be one of the last yachts built by the historic Danish shipyard, Helsingor Vaerf, which closed its doors for the last time shortly after she was completed. 

Commissioned by the Saudi royal family, Prince Abdulaziz has certainly stood the test of time, with regular sightings on the Mediterranean. Her original interiors were by iconic British interior designer David Hicks, famed for his use of color and pattern. Since then she has received fairly regular refits, with the most recent thought to have been in 2018. 

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[See also: How to Charter a Superyacht]

A+ was originally named Topaz and is the first of four Lürssen-built yachts to make our list of the biggest superyachts in the world / ©Lürssen

Builder: Lürssen Year of build: 2012 LOA: 483.1 ft Number of guests: 62 Number of crew: 79

Built by famed yacht builder Lürssen at their Bremen shipyard, A+ , originally known as Topaz, is thought to have cost in excess of $500m. 

Not much is known about A+, and her owner has never been officially confirmed but she is widely believed to belong to Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahnan, the deputy prime minister of the UAE and the owner of  Manchester City Football Club.

Her exterior was designed by multi-award-winning designer Tim Heywood, and features two helipads, while her interior was placed in the hands of sought-after yacht interior designer Terence Disdale and includes 26 luxurious cabins. 

[See more: Lürssen Reveals Climate-Neutral Yacht Concept]

Custom-designed superyacht Al Said was allegedly named ‘Project Sunflower’ when it was under construction/ ©Klaus Jordan

Builder: Lürssen Year of build: 2008 LOA: 508.6 ft Number of guests: unknown Number of crew: unknown

Commissioned by the late Sultan Qaboos Bin Said of Oman, the Al Said first set sail in 2008 and like many royal yachts, her details are held under lock and key.

We do know however that her exterior was designed by the famed naval architect, Espen Øino – the man behind many of the world’s most famous superyachts – while her interiors were created by the respected British design studio, Redman Whiteley Dixon.

The interior of the ship has never been photographed which has led to much speculation of what lies inside. As well as accommodation for up to 74 guests, she is rumored to include a mini-concert hall capable of accommodating a full chamber orchestra.

Dilbar has one of the biggest swimming pools ever installed on a superyacht /®Kyle Conlin

Builder: Lürssen Year of build: 2016 LOA: 511.10 ft Number of guests: 36 Number of crew: 96

When Dilbar was built in 2016, she was the world’s largest yacht in terms of gross tonnage, at 15,917 GT and the team at   Lürssen described her as “ one of the most complex and challenging yachts ever built, in terms of both dimensions and technology.” 

Owned by Uzbek-born investor Alisher Usmanov s he wowed the judges at the prestigious World Superyacht Awards in 2017 to scoop the top prize of  ‘World Superyacht of the Year’. Her ivory exterior was custom-designed by Espen Øino, while her interior was the work of celebrated design studio, Winch Design. She boasts an 82 foot swimming pool, making it one of the largest to ever be installed on a superyacht, as well as two helipads.

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

Dubai serves Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum / ©Shutterstock

Builder: Platinum Yachts  Year of build: 2006 LOA: 531.5 ft Number of guests: 24 Number of crew: 88

Originally commissioned by a member of Brunei’s royal family as a joint project between shipbuilders Blohm+Voss and Lürssen, the build was halted in 1998. The structure was subsequently bought by the Dubai government and the build continued under the exclusive Dubai-based shipyard Platinum Yachts. Today it serves as the royal yacht of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai’s ruler. 

Designed by Winch Design , she spans over seven flowing decks and features an atrium nearly 70 ft in size. 11  luxurious guest suites have the benefit of their own private balconies while other features onboard include a swimming pool, a cinema and a disco.

Jetting off on an air excursion is easy as Dubai is equipped with a helipad for a Blackhawk helicopter while the yacht’s submarine and vast selection of water toys are housed in the yacht’s garage. 

[See also: These are the Yacht Interior Designers to Know]

Both the exterior and interior of Eclipse were designed by Terence Disdale / ©Shutterstock

Builder: Blohm+Voss Year of build: 2010 LOA: 533.1 ft Number of guests: 36 Number of crew: 70

The fourth-largest ship on our list of the biggest superyachts in the world is Eclipse. The German-built vessel   was voted ‘Motor Yacht of the Year’ at the World Superyacht Awards in 2011 and both her exterior and interior designed by the acclaimed Terence Disdale.

Owned by Russian businessman Roman Abramovich, the estimated $1bn+ superyacht was reported to have undergone a refit in 2015 and is packed with tenders and toys including two helipads, three launch boats and a mini leisure submarine. 

Her custom-designed interior includes a 183.7-ft deck and an expansive swimming pool which can convert into a raised dance floor. She also has her own missile defense system, a feature that appears to be increasing in popularity amongst the owners of the world’s biggest superyachts. 

Fulk Al Salamah

Very little detail has ever been released about the Fulk Al Salamah / ©Shutterstock

Builder: Mariotti Year of build: 2016 LOA: 538.1 ft Number of guests: unknown Number of crew: unknown

Very little detail has ever been released about the Fulk Al Salamah, which t ranslates into English as ‘ship of peace’.  Built for the Omani royal family by ultra-luxury shipbuilder Mariotti in its Genoa shipyard, her lack of outdoor entertaining space has led to unconfirmed reports that she is in fact a support vessel, used to shadow the late Sultan of Oman’s Al Said superyacht .

While it isn’t the longest superyacht in the world , when it comes to actual volume, the Fulk Al Salamah is thought to outsize both Azzam and REV (below), with an estimated total gross tonnage upwards of 20,000 GT (REV is 17,440 GT and Azzam 13,136 GT).

Azzam has held the title of world’s longest superyacht since 2013/ ©Klaus Jordan

Builder: Lürssen Year of build: 2013 LOA: 590.6 ft Number of guests: 36 Number of crew: 80

Thought to have cost well in excess of $500m, Azzam has held the title of world’s longest superyacht since 2013 however her reign is about to draw to a close thanks to the next superyacht on our list, REV . 

Owned by Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nayan, President of the United Arab Emirates and Emir of Abu Dhabi, Azzam’s sophisticated exterior was designed by Italian studio Nauta Design.  Much of the yacht’s interiors –  which were created by French designer Christophe Leoni – remain shrouded in mystery but Leoni describes the aesthetic as: “sophisticated, with luxurious decor inspired by the Empire style of the early 19th century”.

Azzam has every nifty feature you could wish for including a helipad, gym, pool and even a golf training room so guests can practice their swing onboard. Like Eclipse, she also boasts her own missile defense system. Despite her stature, she can lay claim to being one of the world’s fastest superyachts with a top speed of 33 knots. 

[See more: Top 10 Explorer Yachts in the World]

REV was designed by Espen Øino / ©REV Ocean

Builder: VARD Year of build: Due 2023 LOA: 600  ft Number of guests: 36 Number of crew: 54

Currently still in build, REV is set to steal the crown from Azzam to become the biggest superyacht in the world once she is delivered. But this is no normal superyacht. Funded by Norwegian business-man Kjell Inge Røkke, REV is a totally unique, state-of-the-art research and expedition vessel with one ambition: to make the ocean healthy again.

Designed by Espen Øino , the vessel is creating a huge amount of excitement within the industry due to the technological advances she is set to offer including cutting-edge marine science facilities. The super-sized vessel is equipped with the very latest observation and mapping equipment for conducting research encapsulating the entire marine ecosystem. One of many exciting features is the 25-ft moon pool in the hull, designed to lower scientific tools and submersibles into the ocean’s depths, including a three-passenger submarine. 

REV is expected to be available to charter for one-third of the year, which will include both conventional charters as well as on a single cabin basis to accompany experts on expeditions. 

[See also: How Much Does it Actually Cost to Charter a Yacht?]

Emma Al-Mousawi

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The Top 10 Best Yacht Builders In The World

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

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

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

Usa – best yacht builders.

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

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

Northern Europe – Best Yacht Builders

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

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

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

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

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

Mediterranean – Best Yacht Builders

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

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

UK – Best Yacht Builders

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

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

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From Epic Sailing Vessels to Rugged Explorers: The 10 Best Superyachts That Will Launch This Year

Beyond size, this year's launches are unusually diverse, including motoryachts, sailing vessels, explorers and even a giant sportsfisherman., julia zaltzman, julia zaltzman's most recent stories.

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With a combined length of 2,929 feet, the world’s top 10 superyachts scheduled for delivery this year are moving away from the idea that yachting is about whose boat is bigger. The trend is now more about mission than size. This year’s launches will be wide ranging, from motoryachts to sailing vessels, explorers and even a giant sportfish.

The list includes offerings from German shipyard Lürssen , which has two 400-foot-plus yachts ready to splash this year, with noteworthy deliveries from other shipyards in Germany, Italy, and the Netherlands showcasing different definitions of design, power and performance.

Here are the yachts we can’t wait to see.

‘Koru’ (564 feet) Oceanco

Jeff Bezos’ first yacht, Koru , was spotted last week on sea trials. The Amazon founder chose to make a bold design statement by commissioning the world’s largest sailing yacht, not to mention the longest pleasure vessel, motor or sail, ever from The Netherlands. Built by Oceanco, the titanic sailing machine is an incredible 3300 GT, powered by kinetic energy generated by the sails. Besides its massive length, its classic canoe stern, a double-deck wooden coach house and navy hull with a red stripe differentiate Koru from any other vessel on the water. The project remains hush-hush. Even the designers remain a secret.

‘Liva’ (387 feet, 1 inch) Abeking & Rasmussen

Launched late last year and scheduled to be delivered in early 2023, Liva is the largest yacht built by Abeking to date, overtaking the German shipyard’s previous flagship Aviva by 65 feet. The French studio Joseph Dirand Architecture was commissioned to pen both the exterior and interior, which is reported to include a semi-submerged underwater observation room on the lower deck, a supersized pool, helipad, spa with sauna and beauty salon, and a lower-deck beach club.

‘Alchemy’ (216 feet, 5 inches) Rossinavi

Commissioned by a private American client, the 216-foot multi-deck motoryacht Alchemy is one of three yachts to be launched by Italian shipyard Rossinavi in 2023. Exterior design is by Philippe Briand, with interior styling by Enrico Gobbi’s Team for Design. Little information has yet to be revealed, though it’s visible from images that the custom yacht features an axe bow, drop-down side terraces at the stern and large floor-to-ceiling windows that afford views from all levels.

Project Jag (400 feet) Lürssen

The 400-foot displacement motoryacht known only as “Project Jag” is reported to be the owner’s third Lürssen. His most recent is Kismet . It is set for delivery in late 2023. Capable of sleeping 20 guests and 40 crew, the gigayacht is equipped with a helipad, spa, swimming pool, two cinemas, gym and storage for a sub. Italian design firm Nuvolari Lenard designed the steel yacht’s exterior, while UK studio Reymond Langton has crafted what is rumored to be a “bespoke homage to the owner’s lifestyle”—whatever that means.

Project Luminance (426 feet, 5 inches) Lürssen

Project Luminance is a 426.5-foot motor yacht that Lürssen claims will be one of the largest and most technologically advanced boats in the world. It’s also the largest yacht due to deliver in 2023. Construction began in 2018, yet few details have been revealed. What we do know is that the seventh-largest project to ever come out of the German shipyard to date features state-of-the-art propulsion systems, advanced navigation and communication systems, as well as next-generation entertainment.

‘T52’ (170 feet) Baglietto

The first model in Baglietto’s T52 line, which splashed in February 2023, features sleek lines and aerodynamic grills penned by Francesco Paszkowski Design. Power comes from a diesel-electric-hybrid propulsion system. The yacht celebrates outdoor space, including a large multi-level beach club at the stern with a fold-down transom, oversized sunbeds and a swimming pool with a floor that rises flush with the deck. Sliding windows on the upper deck convert space into an open-air sky lounge and a 78-foot sundeck with a glass-encased hot tub.

Project 406 (170 feet, 6 inches) Royal Huisman

The Dutch shipyard Royal Huisman made its name building some of the world’s largest sailing yachts, including 296-foot Athena , but now it’s hitting the record books again with the impending launch of Project 406 , the world’s largest sportsfisherman. Naval architecture, exterior and interior are by Dutch studio Vripack. The firm gave the six-decked aluminum yacht a towering profile promising spectacular front-row views of the big game fishing action. The team balanced its height by a long bow, high bulwarks and uncluttered fishing cockpit.

‘Black Shark’ (252 feet, 6 inches) Nobiskrug

Black Shark first began construction in 2019, but all work ceased when Nobiskrug later filed for insolvency. In March 2022, following the German shipyard’s acquisition by entrepreneur Lars Windhorst, work on Black Shark recommenced, with delivery set for 2023. The 252-foot boat, designed by Winch Design, gets its name from its predatory profile and mast shaped like a dorsal fin. A reverse bow, black matte hull and metallic silver superstructure will also help to enhance the marine connection.

‘Ultra G’ (196 feet, 8 inches) Heesen

Heesen is renowned for building fast boats, so it’s no surprise that Ultra G , equipped with a propulsion package totaling 22,000 horsepower, with four water jets and a top speed of 37 knots. The Dutch yard hailed this as its most powerful project to date. The motoryacht was commissioned by an avid sportfisherman, with a fighting chair and storage for 40 rods. Entertainment was also a big mandate for the design, stretching from Samsung’s “The Wall” screen, an infinity pool, and a dedicated self-cleaning “dog park” for furry guests.

‘Maverick’ (145 feet, 3 inches) Cantiere delle Marche

Maverick is the first Flexplorer 142 to soon be delivered by Cantiere delle Marche (CdM), bought by a young German who is a keen sailor and serial owner of both sailing boats and motoryachts. The owner’s itinerary will see him cruising the Mediterranean, before heading to the Northern latitudes to cross the Northwest Passage and put Hydro Tec’s bold exterior design and running surface to the test. Key features include a custom-built A-frame crane that sits flush on the deck when not in use, collapsible bulwarks that fold-down to reveal a 1,450-square-foot beach club, and an infinity pool at the transom.

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15 of the best boats to look out for at this year’s Boat Shows

• Toby Hodges
• September 5, 2024

As summer draws to a close we pick some of the most interesting boats set to be launched during this year's boat show season

The northern hemisphere summer is drawing to a close and for sailors this means that boat show season is upon us. With dozens of world premieres among the line-up at Cannes, Genoa and Southampton Boat Shows, here’s our pick of the most interesting new yachts on display in 2024.

Best boats in 2024’s Boat Shows

At Cannes Yachting Festival

In a departure from Ice’s long-standing relationship with Felci design, this stunning Italian offering, with crisp and minimalistic styling, is the result of a collaboration between Micheletti & Partners, who were responsible for interior and exterior styling, and Farr Yacht Design. Construction is of infused hybrid carbon sandwich for the hull and full carbon for the deck. Spars are also of carbon, with EC6 carbon standing rigging.

The deck layout, including a pair of electric winches ahead of each helm station, is designed to enable the boat to be handled by a single watch keeper.

Yet this is a beautifully spacious yacht with three or four cabin layouts that offer plenty of privacy, plus generous saloon and galley areas. Ice founder Marco Malgara is particularly excited about this one and you can expect a delicious helming experience.

Wauquiez 55

The first new launch from this renowned French yard for six years is a centre cockpit yacht aimed at the premium end of the market and packed with excellent ideas. Below decks the boat has a number of surprises, including the owner’s aft cabin with extensive windows onto the bathing platform and its own aft entrance. This creates a space with an entirely different feel to that of any other production yacht of a similar size.

The Lombard-designed hull shape aims to maximise stability, while the reverse sheer is an intrinsically stiff shape that improves performance and comfort by reducing weight in the ends of the boat. Options include three rigs, two keels, and two interior layouts.

Contest 63CS

This family owned Dutch yard has produced some of the very best semi-custom large cruising yachts, with sparkling sailing performance and a very high build quality. The latest model is a powerful and spacious centre cockpit sloop with sleek lines by naval architects Judel/Vrolijk, plus interior styling by superyacht stars Wetzels Brown Partners.

It’s intended as a boat that can be sailed by family and friends, but also has an option to accommodate crew if necessary. Sail handling systems are set up for simplicity and ease of handling, with a choice of in-boom or in-mast mainsail reefing and the option of a self-tacking inner jib. All lines are led aft and can be controlled from the pedestals immediately forward of the helm stations. Below decks a large number of variations are possible, including a four-cabin family layout, or three cabins plus crew quarters.

At Genoa Boat show

The latest in this range of sleek performance cruisers looks like the ideal way for the Aquileia yard to celebrate its 50th anniversary.

It’s another Javier Soto Acebal design with twin rudders and a hydrodynamically efficient hull shape, with a chine forward and lots of flare above the waterline aft. We featured it in more detail in our May issue noting that the key differences over the seven-year-old 55 are the longitudinal tender garage and ability to offer three heads with separate shower compartments.

Adi Design was responsible for the interior that has provision for an optional en suite crew cabin. Extensive glazing at the aft end of the coachroof helps to flood the aft cabins with natural light and improve ventilation in these areas.

Two performance Grand Soleils

At Cannes Yachting Festival At Genoa Boat show

The Grand Soleil 52 Performance is the latest collaboration between naval architect Matteo Polli and Nauta Design, who were responsible for exterior styling, interiors and layouts. The result is an elegant and stunning yacht with a high stability, high performance hull shape.

The yard says it’s ‘intended for competent, passionate and very demanding owners who do not want to compromise on performance and comfort’. As with other models in the range it’s available in both Performance and Race versions, with the former optimised for sporty, yet comfortable, cruising.

The Grand Soleil 65 Performance follows in the wake of the Long Cruise version – which was our cover model and for which we did a full review last month – based on the same hull, but with a streamlined deckhouse and sportier styling. The concept was curated and finessed by Italian racer Franco Corazza, who has a dozen national championship wins, plus European and world titles.

Performance targets match those of the earlier Grand Soleil 72, with the mast positioned well aft to maximise the size of the foretriangle and therefore also reaching and downwind sails. This helps to create a sail plan with a relatively low centre of effort that reduces heel angles.

The yard has made further steps toward sustainability, including the use where appropriate of linen fibres, bio resins and water-based paints.

Hanse 360 and 590

At Cannes Yachting Festival At Southampton Boat Show At Genoa Boat show

These two models fill out Hanse’s acclaimed new Berret-Racoupeau-designed range that launched with the Hanse 460 in 2021. All five models to date feature very spacious accommodation, combined with surprisingly quick and civilised sailing performance.

Like her larger stablemates the 360 offers accommodation volumes that are not normally associated with a yacht of this size, including a large forward owner’s cabin with a peninsula bed. In all 12 layout options are offered in two or three cabin formats with either one or two heads.

The deck layout is ergonomic under sail, yet the cockpit is also designed for outdoor living, with a large table, big fold-down platform aft and an optional barbecue for cooking outside.

The 590 is the yard’s new flagship and a replacement for the long running and successful 588, with a lot more volume, giving room for a very spacious owners cabin. Hanse says the optional hard top is the largest in its class and there’s a large 3.1m dinghy garage with electric launching system.

Lagoon 43 and 60

Lagoon celebrates 40 years in business this year, over which time it has built over 7,000 yachts. The Lagoon 43 is a replacement for one of the most important models in the range, the Lagoon 42, which has sold more than 1,000 units and is claimed to be the most popular cruising catamaran ever produced. No pressure then!

It’s a semi flybridge model with a forward cockpit and is available in three cabin/three heads and four cabin/four head layouts. All the cabins are larger than those of the earlier boat, with bigger beds, while the saloon and cockpit areas can be configured for dining for up to 12 people. Other new features include doors in the topsides aft to allow easy access to the cockpit from a pontoon.

The full flybridge Lagoon 60 offers palatial accommodation on a near superyacht scale. It’s available in four cabin/galley below and five cabin/galley up arrangements, plus optional crew cabins forward in each hull. As reported in April, the aft cockpit can be fully opened out onto the water, including hull sides that hinge down, creating an area even wider than the yacht’s 32ft beam allows.

It is offered with Lagoon’s innovative new furling boom system, a project the company has worked on for many years to help ease sail handling.

Rapido 53XS

This Morrelli & Melvin design is a long-awaited development of the Rapido 50 ultra-fast cruising trimaran. It retains the original shape below the waterline, while additional topsides flare and a much wider coachroof create significant additional accommodation in a three-cabin layout.

At the same time, the central daggerboard of the original design is replaced by C-foils in each ama. This improves visibility from the saloon, as well as contributing to more internal space.

Despite the extra accommodation volume and complexity, displacement is only 800kg more than the Rapido 50, so performance is not compromised. The owner of the first boat to be launched, for example, expects to complete Atlantic crossings in less than 10 days.

Xquisite Sixty Solar Sail

At Annapolis Boat Show

This X60, the first of three new and very modern catamaran models launching this year from Xquisite Yachts, splashed in Cape Town earlier this summer and is due to debut at the Annapolis Boat Show in October.

It features a phenomenal 44kW lithium ion battery bank, 6kW of solar panels and 10kW of inverters for extended periods of silent running, including the ability to power many domestic style luxuries. It’s designed to be managed solo from a single helm position and features a carbon boom with furling main and retractable bimini.

The power cat version is coming to Europe this autumn and CEO Tamas Hamor says it is fitted with the most advanced hybrid propulsion system currently available on the market, which makes it capable of reaching 24 knots or providing transoceanic range at 8 knots.

At Hiswa in Water Show

This will be the first year exhibiting at Cannes for the recently formed Dutch brand Vaan, which builds contemporary cruising catamarans from circular materials, including hulls from recylced aluminium. The new 49ft R5 model won’t quite be ready in time to get to the Med – however it will be at the HISWA show and we hope to seatrial it this autumn.

The second model of the smaller R4, which is finished in bare aluminium, will instead be presented in Cannes, before it heads over to America.

This very lightweight all carbon multihull was designed from the outset as a fast cruising catamaran for world cruising with a family. This approach freed designers VPLP from many of the considerations that are necessary for the dual purpose boats that are popular in this part of the market and combine cruising with competitive racing with a large crew on board. The result is a stunningly simple, but very spacious and comfortable, high-end yacht that can be sailed by a lone watch keeper, yet can hit speeds of 25 knots when cruising. The first example is already afloat and the second is currently in build. Guide price €7,000,000. bernardgallay.com

Seawind 1170 & 1370

We have featured both of these performance cruising catamarans in detail over the last couple of years in these pages and were hoping they’d be at Cannes last year, but have yet to see them in person. Hopefully this autumn will provide the chance as they are both due to be making their European debuts at Cannes. The Australian firm, which builds in Vietnam, now has a new site in Turkey. Both boats look like really smart, feature-rich designs that offer comparatively speedy passagemaking for their size and plenty of practical thinking. The 1170 starts at US$510,000 ex VAT. seawindcats.com

This French brand has always pushed the boundaries of both internal and external space available on cruising multihulls. As a result the concept, which was first unveiled only 10 years ago, has been much emulated by other brands. The new 5.8, a full flybridge, is the largest yet and a new flagship for the range, with tangibly more volume and deck area than the older Bali 5.4.

This translates to a palatial owners suite, along with even larger galley and saloon/cockpit areas. Layouts include a private crew cabin on owner’s versions, or six cabin/six head options on charter models.

Huge tankage, plus refrigeration of up to 634 litres, make long periods of autonomy possible, even with lots of people on board.

Sunbeam 29.1

This lightweight performance centreboarder was conceived as the ultimate weekender, with a powerful yet easily handled rig.

Key aims were to combine style and flexibility with comfort both above and below decks. The interior is therefore configured to be equally as suitable for the needs of several people on an extended day trip as for a relaxed weekend on board.

Swallow BayCruiser 21

At Southampton Boat Show At Boot Düsseldorf

Many owners of yachts based in sunny or tropical climes also hanker after a more simple vessel in which to get afloat in home waters. This Welsh-built compact trailer-sailer is intended to set new standards in versatility and ease of use. An all-up weight of only 600kg means it’s a easily towed with a medium size car, while carbon spars make for quick and easy rigging, even when single-handed.

Yet this is also a boat with a two-berth cabin and space for six people in the cockpit. Draught with the keel up is only 25cm, while 400kg of water ballast helps to increase stability when the breeze increases and makes the boat self-righting in a knockdown. A proper smart yacht!

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Best Fishing Spots Around San Antonio

Table of Contents

Last Updated on September 6, 2024 by Boatsetter Team

San Antonio, known for its rich history and vibrant culture, also offers exceptional fishing opportunities for anglers of all skill levels. The city and its surrounding areas boast a variety of lakes, rivers, and streams teeming with diverse fish species. From urban fishing spots to expansive reservoirs, San Antonio provides year-round angling adventures. Whether you’re targeting largemouth bass, catfish, or sunfish, the best fishing lakes around San Antonio offer scenic beauty and the chance to reel in some impressive catches.

Explore fishing boat rentals in San Antonio

Calaveras Lake

Located 20 minutes from downtown San Antonio is Calaveras Lake, a massive power plant reservoir renowned for its excellent fishing opportunities. Book a fishing boat during the months of March to August for the best time of year to catch red drum (redfish). While here, you will also find healthy populations of largemouth bass, channel catfish, and hybrid striped bass.

Explore fishing boat rentals around Calaveras Lake

Braunig Lake

Nearby Calaveras Lake is Braunig Lake, another power plant reservoir particularly famous for its red drum fishing, with some specimens reaching over 30 pounds. Book a fishing boat rental with a local expert who can show you this lake’s secrets and have a productive fishing trip.

Explore fishing boat rentals around Braunig Lake

Medina Lake

Medina Lake is a massive fishing lake with the most stunning scenic views of Texas Hill Country. This lake is a favorite among bass anglers, with both largemouth and smallmouth bass available. The lake’s rocky shorelines and submerged structures provide excellent habitat for these game fish. Crappie and catfish are also abundant, offering diverse fishing opportunities. The lake’s size and varied underwater terrain make it ideal for boat fishing, with several marinas and boat ramps available for easy access.

Explore fishing boat rentals around Medina Lake

Mitchell Lake

Mitchell Lake, a 600-acre aquatic park south of San Antonio, offers a unique urban fishing experience. This shallow lake is a haven for bird watchers and anglers alike. The lake’s abundant vegetation and shallow waters create an ideal environment for largemouth bass, crappie, and various sunfish species. Shore fishing is popular at Mitchell Lake, with several fishing piers and shoreline access points available. The lake’s status as a wildlife refuge means a peaceful fishing experience, away from the noise of motorboats and jet skis.

Explore fishing boat rentals around Mitchell Lake

Canyon Lake

About an hour’s drive from San Antonio, Canyon Lake is a 8,230-acre reservoir known for its clear, deep waters and excellent fishing opportunities. The lake is particularly famous for its striped bass fishing, with some specimens reaching over 30 pounds. Canyon Lake also offers great fishing for largemouth and guadalupe bass, a species native to Texas. The lake’s clear waters make it ideal for sight fishing in the shallows, while its deeper sections provide exciting challenges for experienced anglers. If you’re a novice angler looking to try your hand at Canyon Lake, we recommend booking a fishing boat with a local expert.

Explore fishing boat rentals around Canyon Lake

From the unique fisheries of Calaveras and Braunig Lakes to the more stunning setting of Medina and Canyon Lakes, there’s something for every type of angler. Urban fishing spots like Mitchell Lake provide convenient options for quick fishing trips, while larger reservoirs offer full-day adventures. With year-round fishing opportunities and a variety of species to target, the best fishing lakes around San Antonio promise exciting angling experiences for locals and visitors alike. Remember to check local regulations and consider fishing boat rentals in San Antonio to fully explore these fantastic waters.

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Four Victims on Mike Lynch Yacht Died of Suffocation, Autopsies Suggest

FILE PHOTO: Rescue personnel operate on boats on the sea near the scene where a luxury yacht sank, off the coast of Porticello, near the Sicilian city of Palermo, Italy, August 20, 2024. REUTERS/Guglielmo Mangiapane/File Photo

PALERMO (Reuters) -Initial examinations of four of the people killed when British tech tycoon Mike Lynch's family yacht sank off Sicily last month indicated they had died of suffocation as oxygen ran out on the stricken vessel, judicial sources said on Thursday.

Lynch, his daughter Hannah, an onboard cook and four guests died when the Bayesian, a British flagged 56-metre (184-feet) superyacht, sank during a severe and sudden weather event off the port of Porticello, near Palermo, on Aug. 19.

First results from autopsies on four of the victims - Morgan Stanley International chairman Jonathan Bloomer, his wife Judy, lawyer Chris Morvillo and his wife Neda - suggested that they died from suffocation, having been trapped on the ship.

More forensic tests were ordered, with results expected in the coming weeks, the sources said.

The autopsies on cook Recaldo Thomas and Mike Lynch were expected to be conducted on Friday, with Hannah Lynch due to follow on Saturday.

The bodies of the dead, except for the cook, were found in the cabins on the left-hand side of the boat, where the passengers may have tried to search for remaining bubbles of air, the head of Palermo's Fire Brigade said last month.

James Cutfield, the ship captain, and crew members Tim Parker Eaton and Matthew Griffiths have been placed under investigation by the Italian authorities for potential manslaughter and shipwreck.

Being investigated does not imply guilt and does not mean formal charges will follow.

Griffiths, who was on watch duty on the night of the disaster, has told investigators that the crew members did everything they could to save those on board the Bayesian, according to comments reported by Italian news agency Ansa last week.

The sinking has puzzled naval experts, who said a vessel like the Bayesian, built by Perini, a high-end yacht manufacturer owned by The Italian Sea Group, should have withstood the storm and, in any case, should not have sunk as quickly as it did.

(Reporting by Wladimir PantaleoneWriting by Keith WeirEditing by Alvise Armellini, Angus MacSwan, Peter Graff)

Copyright 2024 Thomson Reuters .

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The winners of the World Superyacht Awards 2023

The winners of the 2023 World Superyacht Awards have now been revealed. From the newly crowned Motor Yacht of the Year to the prestigious Voyager's Award, scroll down to find out which yachts scooped this year's coveted Neptunes...

Motor Yacht of the Year - Kenshō Sailing Yacht of the Year - Alea Rebuilt Yachts - Marala Refitted Yachts - Athos Sailing Yachts, 30m to 49.9m - Sørvind Sailing Yachts, 50m and above - Alea Semi-Displacement or Planing Motor Yachts, 30m to 34.9m - Blue Jeans Semi-Displacement or Planing Motor Yachts, 35m to 41.9m - Rush Semi-Displacement or Planing Motor Yachts, 42m and above - Callisto Displacement Motor Yachts 499GT and below, 30m to 39.9m - Unknown Displacement Motor Yachts 499GT and below, 40m to 44.9m - Acala Displacement Motor Yachts 499GT and below, 45m and above - Ocean Z Displacement Motor Yachts, 500GT to 1,499GT - Come Together Displacement Motor Yachts, 1,500GT and above - Kenshō Voyager’s Award - V6 Legacy Award - Rahmi M.Koç Judges' Special Award - Shinkai Judges' Special Award - Coral Ocean Judges' Special Award - Nebula 

MOTOR YACHT OF THE YEAR: KENSHŌ

Length 74.85m Builder Admiral - The Italian Sea Group S.p.A Naval architect The Italian Sea Group S.p.A/Azure Yacht Design & Naval Architecture Exterior designers Azure Yacht Design & Naval Architecture / archineers.berlin Interior designer Jouin Manku

In selecting the winner of the coveted Motor Yacht of the Year award, our judges were faced with the unenviable task of choosing a single yacht from among the eight individual winners of the Semi-Displacement and Displacement Motor Yacht classes. Making this choice is not just a matter of choosing the largest yacht, nor the yacht that won its class by the greatest margin, as the judges are also required to consider how each of these vessels might have advanced the design, construction and appearance of future generations of yachts. After lengthy debate, the secret ballot revealed Kenshō – Japanese for “seeing one’s true nature” - to be the winner by a healthy margin, and while many factors influenced this decision, it was her owner-driven attributes that tipped the scales. In his bid to create a vessel that stood out from the crowd, the owner visited around 100 of the world’s landmark yachts, listing attributes that he particularly admired. High deckheads, calming room volumes, minimal side decks, and no main saloon were high on the resulting list presented to his designers, Netherlands-based Azure, and Germany-based archineers.berlin, who took on responsibility for naval architecture and exterior design. Parisian design studio Jouin Manku, meanwhile, created her stunning interior from a palette of soft natural tones in leather, teak, metal and glass. Added to her more visual attributes, Kenshō ’s diesel-electric propulsion system with twin Veth azimuth drives, driven by Danfoss electric motors that draw their exact power needs from five variable-speed generators, was the icing on the cake for this splendid yacht, which certainly stands out from the crowd while reflecting the “true nature” of her owner.

SAILING YACHT OF THE YEAR: ALEA

Length 56m Builder Vitters   Naval architect Germán Mani Frers Exterior designer Germán Mani Frers Interior designer m2atelier

The title of Sailing Yacht of the Year is awarded to the yacht that is considered by the judges to be the most notable of the class winners in two sailing yacht categories. Selecting the winner is not a matter of merely choosing the yacht that won its class by the greatest margin, as the judges are required to consider all the other elements that led to their being chosen as class winners. Both yachts were conceived as fast cruisers and, as both their owners invested a great deal of thought and experience into their designs, choosing the winner was a difficult task for the judges. Following lengthy discussion they decided that the Frers-designed 56-metre Alea , built to impeccable standards by Vitters, should receive this prestigious award. As is usual, their decision was based on a wide-ranging study encompassing all aspects of this yacht in relation to her owner’s specific requests. In Alea ’s case, her owner wished to circumnavigate the world in speed and comfort, and to fulfil this ambition Frers created a powerful, sleek hull form with a distinctive reverse bow to increase waterline length and speed, that would sail with comfortably low angles of heel. Other important needs were for safely uncluttered decks, 360-degree views in the communal living areas and a sizeable beach club, all of which were admirably incorporated into Alea ’s sleek and attractive profile. The judges particularly admired the manner in which the floor of the deck saloon and the adjoining cockpit are on the same level, set just over a metre below deck level to lower the profile of the deckhouse, while also offering the cockpit significant protection from wind and weather.

REBUILT YACHTS: MARALA

Length 58.8m Original builder Camper & Nicholsons Shipyard Pendennis Naval architect Charles E Nicholson Exterior designer Charles E Nicholson Interior designer Muza Lab

First, a word of explanation about this class: all yachts are entered into the Refit/Rebuild category, and the jury, having reviewed the photographs and read the statements submitted with each entry, decide whether the degree of work justifies it as a refit or a rebuild. If a meaningful amount of metal has been replaced, along with significant renewal of the interior and in technical areas, this generally leads to the yacht being placed in the Rebuild class. Of the yachts having undergone such extensive work, the jury unanimously decided that the standout winner was Marala , a classic motor yacht built by Camper & Nicholsons in 1931 and which has had just four owners during her 92-year lifespan. She had been rebuilt over two and a half years at Pendennis Shipyard in Falmouth, where the emphasis was on stripping back the additions made during her lifetime to reinvigorate her original spirit. The owner’s cabin is a nod to his admiration for the liner Normandie , while others pay homage to the Palace of Savoy and Japanese-influenced art deco, while another adds a sophisticated salute to the vessel’s days in military service. To quote her interior designers: “We knew we already had a diamond – it has been a case of polishing it to reveal its brilliance.” The rebuild saw the replacement of more than 100 tonnes of steel, predominantly in the hull, which was left unfaired to provide an authentic appearance. Stability was improved, all services including HVAC, piping, ducting and cabling were replaced, main engines and auxiliary generators were fully rebuilt and her emergency generator was replaced with a battery system. The judges felt that a yachting treasure had been saved by a meticulous period-conscious rebuild and this made her a worthy winner.

REFITTED YACHTS: ATHOS

Length 63.25m Original builder Holland Jachtbouw Shipyard Huisfit Naval architect Hoek Design Naval Architects Exterior designer Hoek Design Naval Architects Interior designers Hoek Design Naval Architects

As mentioned on the previous page, for this class, all yachts are entered into the Refit/Rebuild category, and having reviewed the photographs and read the statements submitted with each entry, the jury decides whether the degree of work justifies it being a refit or a rebuild. In general terms, if the work is commensurate with a five- to 10-year refit, without significant metal being cut, the yacht is usually judged in the Refit category. Among the many interesting entries, it was the 63.25-metre schooner Athos that caught the judges’ eyes. In choosing the ideal yacht for a world cruise, her owner had been drawn by the yacht’s elegant lines, the excellent “close to the water” sailing experience that she provides, and the fact that she had originally been designed with all the necessary attributes for a circumnavigation. This led to the owner taking the extraordinary step of chartering the vessel for a year in order to “get the feel of her” before committing to purchase, a time in which he defined the necessary works to fully customise her for his circumnavigation. Following her acquisition, Athos was placed in the hands of Royal Huisman’s Huisfit yard in Amsterdam – the home of her now-defunct original builders, Holland Jachtbouw – for almost a year under the design supervision of Andre Hoek, her original naval architect. Among the mass of work carried out, her stern was slightly extended to provide the owner with a larger cockpit adjoining his cabin, and the navigation station repositioned to a new deckhouse just aft of the foremast. She was also given new booms, new sails and lightweight carbon-fibre rigging. The quality and practicality of the work so impressed the judges that they had little hesitation in selecting her as the winner.

SAILING YACHTS, 30M TO 49.9M: SØRVIND

Length 34.59m Builder Southern Wind Shipyard Naval architect Farr Yacht Design Exterior designer Nauta Design Interior designer Nauta Design

Two yachts were built in the qualifying period for this class. One was designed to provide its owner with a combination of seagoing comfort and excellent sailing performance, and the other a classic-inspired bluewater cruiser. A closer examination of specifications, photographs and plans was followed by further discussion that focused the spotlight on the 34.59-metre Sørvind , a yacht that was beautifully constructed and multifunctional. The secret ballot that followed confirmed that this yacht, built in Cape Town, South Africa by Southern Wind to a design by naval architects Farr Yacht Design, with exterior and interior design by the Milan-based Nauta Design, took the prize. The owner, a keen sailor from a young age, told us in his statement submitted for the judges’ dossier, that he had wanted a “high-performance yacht for fast and comfortable sailing that embodies a ‘Nordic Cool’ spirit, while also designed for success on the charter market”, and the judges felt that he had received exactly this. In creating Sørvind , her builders had optimised this, their fifth SW105 model, developing a special assembly process between her full-carbon hull, deck and bulkheads, while her environmentally friendly synthetic teak decks were paired with titanium stanchions to reduce her weight to an impressive 69,500kg, thus giving her the ability to sail in the lightest of wind conditions. The judges also considered that her bright and light Scandi-style interior decoration combined with a highly practical GA plan – which places the master cabin and a double forward of the saloon, and two twin cabins and the crew accommodation, navigation and technical areas aft - perfectly met her owner’s needs. 

SAILING YACHTS, 50M AND ABOVE: ALEA

Length 56m Builder Vitters Naval architect Germán Mani Frers Exterior designer Germán Mani Frers Interior designer m2atelier

The larger Sailing Yacht class contained just one vessel whose size was such that the judges considered it to be difficult, if not unfair, to compare it with the two significantly smaller sailing yachts, whose similar size suggested that they should be judged in a class of their own. It might seem that classes with just one yacht entered hardly require a judging process but, to ensure that unworthy yachts are not celebrated, precedent requires the judges to decide - based on their past experience - whether the vessel in question, in this case the 56-metre Alea built by Vitters is of sufficient quality to win its class against similar-sized winners in former years. Following a thorough review of the material submitted in support of Alea ’s entry, the judges unanimously approved that she should be awarded a Neptune. Alea is a long-range bluewater cruising sloop conceived for an owner who had requested a light displacement vessel that would perform well in both low and high winds. An extensive engineering study in conjunction with Frers Design led to an aluminium-hulled yacht whose lifting keel reduces her draught from 6.95 metres to 3.5 metres, thus allowing access to shallower harbours. On deck, she is clean and hazard free, with all sheets and halyards led below to captive winches, and her otherwise flush layout is broken only by a low deckhouse and coachroof-shaded cockpit amidships, and a raised entry to the crew and navigation areas aft. Her interior is a picture of comfortable minimalist elegance, the deck saloon giving access forward to the master and two guest cabins, while three further guest cabins and the crew areas open aft. Beautifully built in every respect, she is a most worthy winner.

JUDGES’ COMMENDATION: MELODY

Length 41.5m Builder Ridas Yacht Naval architect Olivier F. van Meer Exterior designer Olivier F. van Meer Interior designer Olivier F. van Meer

For 20 years, the owner of Melody had dreamed of building a state-of-the-art sailing yacht in which to make a safe and comfortable round-the-world voyage. When he came across the Zaca series of classically inspired designs created by renowned Dutch naval architect Olivier van Meer, he knew his search was over. This led to the commissioning of the Zaca 115 design which, built by Ridas Yacht & Composites in Estonia, became the 41.5-metre ketch Melody . Ridas had made its name in the construction of much smaller, composite vessels of extremely high quality, so the request to build an aluminium-hulled sailing superyacht of this size classed to Lloyd’s +100A1 presented the yard’s 25-strong workforce with a real test, but they rose to this challenge. The judges were impressed with the high quality of construction and finish, along with the sophisticated onboard technical systems, such as the Böning monitoring equipment that makes it possible to remotely monitor all of the yacht’s technical aspects. The judges found it difficult to compare this classic vessel with her more modern rival in the class, but were so impressed with her builder’s achievement that they voted to award a Judges’ Commendation.

SEMI-DISPLACEMENT OR PLANING MOTOR YACHTS, 30M TO 34.9M: BLUE JEANS

Length 33.74m Builder Van der Valk Shipyard Naval architect Diana Yacht Design Exterior designer Guido de Groot Design Interior designer Guido de Groot Design

All five yachts in this class were of very similar size, and while this made detailed comparison easier, the unvarying high quality of the entries and their disparate characteristics still made the task of choosing the winner difficult for the judges. The nominees’ performances ranged from an extremely fast 51 knots to a more sedate 26 knots, while advanced composites vied with aluminium and GRP for hull material, and water-jet propulsion jousted with conventional propellers. During discussion it was the less extreme vessels that drew the attention of the majority of the judges, with the fully customised 33.74-metre Blue Jeans , built by Van der Valk Shipyard, being the focus of much of their attention. Their admiration of this vessel was confirmed after the secret ballot, which she won by a significant margin. The judges admired her striking appearance, her comfortable cruising speed of 25 knots, her spacious maintenance-friendly engine room, high- quality build and her optimum layout. The owner had asked Van der Valk for a fast vessel with a high level of seaworthiness, stability and manoeuvrability and challenged the yard to surprise him with what they could do. To meet the owner’s performance needs, naval architects Diana Yacht Design drew a semi-displacement hull with large propellers positioned in tunnels to increase efficiency and decrease draught. Her interior by Guido de Groot Design, who also drew her exterior lines, was laid out in the classic manner with the master cabin well aft on the lower deck where movement is at a minimum, and a formal dining room forward on the main deck. Blue Jeans , the judges considered, is a very pleasant all-rounder that certainly met the owner’s challenge.

SEMI-DISPLACEMENT OR PLANING MOTOR YACHTS, 35M TO 41.9M: RUSH

Length 41.7m Builder Baglietto Naval architect Baglietto Exterior designer Francesco Paszkowski Design Interior designers Francesco Paszkowski Design in collaboration with Margherita Casprini

Comprising four similar-sized vessels that were otherwise quite different in their construction materials and performance, this was a tough class for the judges. Their discussion was long and wide-ranging, and after every aspect of the yachts had been considered in detail there was no clear consensus of which might come out on top. But even though the results revealed that the voting was indeed close, the outcome of the secret ballot was clear in that the aluminium-hulled 41.7-metre Rush , with naval architecture and build by Baglietto and exterior styling and interior design from the board of Francesco Paszkowski, the latter in collaboration with Margherita Casprini, led the field. She was the largest and also the fastest yacht in this class, topping out at 29 knots powered by three MTU 1,939kW diesels; the flank engines driving fixed-pitch propellers, while the central unit powering a Voith Linear Jet drive. At her fast cruising speed of 24 knots, her 43,090 litres of fuel provides a range of 980 nautical miles, which increases to an admirable 2,800 nautical miles at her 12-knot economical cruising speed. Her elegantly aggressive exterior line reveals a classic raised pilothouse design with spacious deck areas aloft, forward and aft. These are complemented by a fold-down stern platform that opens to reveal a compact beach club that gives access forward to an athwartships tender garage. Inside, the brief called for a traditionally laid-out interior, well illuminated by natural light, offering a “welcoming and sober style”. This was achieved by Paszkowski and Casprini with predominantly grey hues and a small palette of materials that create a sense of harmony throughout the vessel. Fast, stylish and fully featured, she is a worthy winner.

SEMI-DISPLACEMENT OR PLANING MOTOR YACHTS, 42M AND ABOVE: CALLISTO

Length 42.5m Builder Feadship Naval architect Feadship De Voogt Naval Architects Exterior designer Studio De Voogt I nterior designer Sinot Yacht Architecture & Design

Four finalists were lined up to compete in this, the largest of the semi-displacement and planing classes. Our judges, having thoroughly examined the material provided in the dossier, voted that Callisto , a 42.5-metre, full-custom, fast-displacement design built by Feadship, was the winner by a close margin. The owners of Callisto , who also own a much-loved 65-metre Feadship of the same name that launched in 2006, wished to downsize and focus their future cruising on the Mediterranean, where a smaller vessel would allow access to more ports and anchorages. They also wanted a good turn of speed to dart between these, as well as comfortable navigation at lower speeds, so a fast displacement vessel that could replicate as many of the things they loved about their former yacht was the obvious choice. The larger Callisto had classic Feadship lines and a hint of these were retained in the new yacht, while giving her a more modern edge and personality, an example of which is seen in her near-vertical bow. After studying two versions – a raised pilothouse and a three-deck configuration – the owners opted for the three-decker, further requesting that it should be “light, liveable and summery”. Interior designer Sinot achieved this with a background of brushed and bleached oak that was combined with cinnamon oak detailing and pale marble to create the crisp, clean beach house look that was admired by the judges. The panel felt that the combination of good looks, the highest standards of construction and the very evident satisfaction of the owners with their new Callisto , were very compelling reasons to award her the coveted Neptune.

DISPLACEMENT MOTOR YACHTS 499GT AND BELOW, 30M TO 39.9M: UNKNOWN

Length 34.36m Builder Benetti Naval architects P.L. Ausonio Naval Architecture and Benetti R&D Dept. Exterior designer RWD Interior designer bonetti/kozerski architecture

After the judges had completed their detailed discussion of the five yachts in this class, the ballot made it clear that one yacht stood out from the crowd. The subsequent voting confirmed the supremacy of the 34.36-metre Benetti Oasis, Unknown , with exterior design by UK-based RWD and interiors by the New York architectural firm bonetti/kozerski, the same team that created the larger 40-metre Oasis design. The first thing that drew the judges’ attention were the deck spaces, in particular the aft deck, whose intimate connection with the water has created a huge and open beach club over two decks, centred on a glass-backed pool that sits astride the two levels. The judges also admired the open beach sensation created by the fold-down bulwarks to port and starboard, as well as the ideally positioned sunbathing area surrounding the pool, and the ability to unite all of this with the dining room through its wide semicircular doors. No other yacht, the judges felt, could match this highly desirable deck. Further large deck areas that offer comfortable seating and sunbathing are also to be found at the bows, on the bridge deck aft and on the sundeck, where alfresco dining is on offer. This is, in the judges’ opinion, a yacht that makes an excellent connection with the ocean and the open air. Inside, Unknown displays a natural, refined and tranquil style that perfectly matches her sporty exterior spaces, while huge windows again provide a close connection to her surroundings. The judges felt that this was a well-built, groundbreaking yacht that fits such extraordinary features into its compact size that it is very deserving of a Neptune.

DISPLACEMENT MOTOR YACHTS 499GT AND BELOW, 40M TO 44.9M: ACALA

Length 42.9m Builder Cantiere Delle Marche Naval architect Hydro Tec Exterior designer Horacio Bozzo Design Interior designer Simon Hamui Design Studio

This year, none of the classes provided easy decisions for the judges, but this was possibly the toughest even though it contained five significant yachts – all of which had been visited by judges – of a size, volume and performance that made them very comparable. The discussion that followed was lengthy and detailed but two yachts, the 44.27-metre Conrad Ace and the 42.9-metre Cantiere Delle Marche Acala , seemed to command most attention. This was confirmed by the result of the secret ballot, when Acala came out top and Ace second with near-identical scores. Acala is the second yacht of this name for this owner, whose family had used their first vessel, a smaller Darwin 102 delivered by Cantiere Delle Marche in 2015, to visit and dive in the remote islands and archipelagos of the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. This, his second yacht of the same name, was devised to provide additional comfort while using their extensive knowledge to customise it to their exact needs. Working with designer and naval architect Horacio Bozzo and interior designer Simon Hamui, they defined and designed every aspect of their new yacht and spent almost a year working on its technical aspects. In the owner’s own words: “The shipyard has outdone itself – the build was smooth and totally under control, and the quality of construction is impeccable.” The judges admired Acala ’s rugged good looks, her well-sized engines that provide a top speed of 15.3 knots and a 7,506-nautical- mile range at 10 knots, excellent crew areas, a superb diving store and her elegant and modern interior. Their summary was that this is a true explorer yacht, well conceived and built, that perfectly met all of her owner’s needs. As such, she is an extremely deserving winner.

JUDGES’ COMMENDATION: ACE

Length 44.27m Builder Conrad Shipyard Naval architect Diana Yacht Design Exterior designer Reymond Langton Design Interior designer m2atelier

During their visits to Ace , our judges admired many aspects of this Conrad C144s design first seen in her near sistership, the smaller 40-metre Viatoris , also penned by Diana Yacht Design and Reymond Langton Design. Appealingly attractive and built to a commendably high standard, she was commented on favourably by the judges on the generous size and practicality of her well-laid-out deck spaces, while admiring her interior design, created by Marco Bonelli and Marijana Radovic’s m2atelier. They also thought highly of her convivial crew facilities and working areas, as well as her engineering and technical areas. Her owner came across Viatoris , the near-sistership to Ace , during the 2018 Cannes and Monaco yacht shows, and after spending a good deal of time aboard, sea-trialling her and discussing a few changes – notably his request for a slightly larger vessel with a vertical bow rather than the raked bow of Viatoris – the deal was signed and Ace started her voyage to reality. In view of the extreme closeness of the results of this class, together with their admiration for the product of this up-and-coming Polish superyacht yard, the judges decided to award Ace – an enviable all-rounder yacht – with a Judges’ Commendation.

DISPLACEMENT MOTOR YACHTS 499GT AND BELOW, 45M AND ABOVE: OCEAN Z

Length 49.9m Builder Heesen Yachts Naval architect Heesen Yachts Exterior designer Clifford Denn Design Interior designer Reymond Langton Design

Having reviewed all the yachts in this class in some detail, the judges’ secret ballot clearly showed the 49.9-metre Heesen Ocean Z to be the clear winner. Her American owners had purchased their first yacht, a 32.9-metre, during the Covid-19 pandemic, a time when they had made a great deal of use of her. Having uncovered a new-found passion for the yachting lifestyle, they decided to invest in a new vessel more tailored to their lifestyle. Their research drew them to a semi-displacement yacht under construction at Heesen, but she swiftly came under offer and they lost her. On reflection, however, this was a serendipitous moment as it caused them to reassess exactly what they wanted. Comfort and good seakeeping came at the top of their list, so when another in-build Heesen of similar size and appearance became available – this time built from steel with a full-displacement hull form offering the comfort that they now sought – it was seen as fate, and a contract was signed. Ocean Z is the third vessel in Heesen’s 50-metre series - true bluewater vessels offering a top speed of 15 knots and a range of 3,800 nautical miles at 13 knots - which feature a purposeful exterior design by Clifford Denn. Ocean Z ’s interior, by Reymond Langton Design, although already underway, was customised to the owners’ need for clean and simple lines, bright open spaces and subtle contrasts of light and shade that were admired by the judges. This, combined with the yacht’s attractive lines, excellent deck spaces and Heesen’s high quality of construction and engineering, tipped the judges’ balance in favour of this very competent yacht.

DISPLACEMENT MOTOR YACHTS, 500GT TO 1,499GT: COME TOGETHER

Length 60m Builder Amels Naval architect Damen Yachting Exterior designer Espen Øino International Interior designer Winch Design

This was another class in which the high quality of the contestants – all built by notable shipyards – made it difficult for the judges to decide a winner. Each yacht certainly displayed some enviable attributes, but the voting revealed that Come Together , the first vessel in the Amels 60-metre semi-custom series designed by Damen Yachting, with exterior design by Espen Øino and her interior by Winch Design, narrowly topped the secret ballot. But this was not an easy victory as she was chased hard by the 54.9-metre Feadship Shinkai and the 60-metre Heesen Lusine . The owner’s brief for Come Together was clear. Limiting the carbon footprint came top of the list, followed by the need for a stable, seaworthy platform for comfortable cruising. When focusing on the design detail, he requested an expansive sundeck and the ability to touch and go in a helicopter. In terms of the interior, the request was for an atmosphere in which he could entertain and unwind with family and friends. Winch Design met this with a relaxed and natural theme that gives a subtly masculine feel to its tactile and architectural form. This, in the judges’ view, blended well with Espen Øino’s pleasingly angular and geometric exterior. Among other admirable layout features, the judges were also influenced by the yacht’s amazingly spacious sundeck, where the central portion could be blocked by sliding- glass doors to prevent the unpleasant wind tunnel effect that can spoil open-air gatherings. The yacht’s hybrid-propulsion technology was also admired, enabling the yacht to up anchor and slow cruise without starting the engines and disturbing guests. This, the judges concluded, was a well-conceived yacht and a deserved winner.

JUDGES’ COMMENDATION: LUSINE

Length 60m   Builder Heesen Yachts   Naval architects Van Oossanen Naval Architects /Heesen Yachts   Exterior designer Omega Architects Interior designer Sinot Yacht Architecture & Design

Having produced few fully customised vessels in recent years, Heesen is today best known for its range of high-quality semi-custom yachts built as speculative projects. But the company shines when commissioned for a fully customised vessel such as the 60-metre Lusine . Developed from a concept design, her elegant exterior features a touch-and-go helipad that can also be used as a sports deck, a private owner’s deck, guest areas on both the fore and aft of the main deck and a large bathing platform. Set within a practical GA, her sophisticated interior reveals an exquisite display of opulence that reinvents the understated glamour of the art deco period. Its star attraction, perhaps, is the games table inset with a slice of genuine lunar rock in a nod to the yacht’s name, which is Armenian for the word “Moon”. Provided with a fast-displacement hull form by naval architects Van Oossanen, Lusine has a top speed of 15.5 knots and a 4,500-nautical-mile range at 13 knots. She is tailored to the needs of an experienced client, and the judges felt that this was a special yacht which, in view of the closeness of the scoring, should be awarded a Judges’ Commendation.

DISPLACEMENT MOTOR YACHTS, 1,500GT AND ABOVE: KENSHŌ

Length 74.85m Builder Admiral - The Italian Sea Group S.p.A Naval architects The Italian Sea Group S.p.A/ Azure Yacht Design & Naval Architecture Exterior designers Azure Yacht Design & Naval Architecture/ archineers.berlin Interior designer Jouin Manku

This was yet another class in which all the competitors are superb yachts, but a winner had to be chosen. After long deliberation, the secret ballot revealed that the 74.85-metre Kenshō , built by Admiral, a brand of The Italian Sea Group, who also acted as naval architects in conjunction with Azure Yacht Design & Naval Architecture, had triumphed. Azure also created the yacht’s exterior design with multi-disciplined architectural and engineering consulting company archineers.berlin. The yacht’s German owner wanted an “out of the ordinary superyacht to travel the world with family and guests”, and he presented an extremely concise list of demands for the designers to make reality. First of all he wanted to prioritise his interior design requirements over the yacht’s technical needs in creating a design with a high ratio of living areas to technical spaces. This living area could be spread over four decks, and should offer generous room heights of 2.7 metres on the main and upper decks, while incorporating highly glazed, forward-facing living rooms above the wheelhouse. Additionally, there should be generous outdoor living areas, especially on the lower deck aft, which should be dedicated to a large and comfortable beach club. Add in the need for optimal circulation routes, two pools, a four-deck lift, helicopter pad, excellent storage for a nine-metre tender and toys, and spacious crew areas. Such unique demands gave the design team food for thought, but they achieved the owner’s wishes. Despite the jury not being unanimously drawn to her exterior styling, the admirable manner in which the other requests were met by her builders and designers led to her being declared an exemplary winner of this competitive class.

JUDGES’ COMMENDATION: JUICE

Length 71.1m   Builder Feadship   Naval architect Feadship De Voogt Naval Architects Exterior designer RWD   Interior designer Peter Marino

The owner’s previous vessel had been the first Feadship F45, used for family and friends in which he had cruised for ten years before returning to Feadship in search of a larger vessel. This new yacht was to feature a private owner’s deck, and was to exhibit the highest quality construction while emanating an air of refined elegance and timeless modernity. The result was the 71.1-metre Juice , featuring naval architecture by De Voogt, exterior design by RWD, and interior design by Peter Marino. The judges were impressed by her sleek exterior lines, together with impressive detailing such as that seen in the “pencil line” shadows that draw the eye forward and aft from the hull’s tear-shaped windows. They also applauded the manner in which the exterior staircases giving access to the upper decks are separated from the superstructure to let more light in the interior. The fact that the owner spent hours perfecting the interior with Marino, even personally selecting individual pieces of veneer for the stairwells, is a testimony to his involvement in the creation of his perfect yacht. The judges agreed that such superb build quality and attention to detail should be rewarded with a Commendation.

JUDGES’ SPECIAL AWARDS: SHINKAI

Length 54.9m Builder Feadship Naval architects Feadship De Voogt Naval Architects /Vitruvius Exterior designer Vitruvius Yachts

Many superyachts are classed by their builders as “expedition yachts”, but when put under scrutiny few actually meet the specific needs of a vessel designed to explore the oceans from tropics to high latitudes. But the 54.9-metre De Vries-built Feadship Shinkai , featuring naval architecture by Vitruvius and de Voogt, is a true go-anywhere vessel. Her experienced owner’s second explorer yacht, she is a development of his first Vitruvius-designed vessel that has, where necessary, refined and amplified aspects of his earlier yacht in which he twice circumnavigated the globe. Shinkai ’s worldwide cruising grounds include polar and uncharted regions, as well as the depths of the ocean, and this led to the need for ice classification, FLIR night-vision cameras and the installation of forward-looking 3D sonar and seafloor-charting equipment to assist navigation in uncharted waters. Shinkai ’s permanently embarked U-Boat Worx submarine gives the ability to descend to between 300 and 480 metres, while she also carries a full range of tenders, including an eight-metre limousine and a six-metre SOLAS tender. For land exploration, there is a six-person SUV housed in a weatherproof garage. As many of the areas that this yacht will visit are environmentally sensitive, Shinkai has SCR units to remove harmful emissions from her exhausts, state-of-the-art black/grey water systems, plus garbage compaction and freezing systems. Add to this a range of 6,200 nautical miles at 12 knots, an interior perfectly suited to the owner’s needs, and the legendary build quality of the de Vries shipyard, and the result is an extraordinarily capable explorer that so impressed the judges that it was unanimously decided to present her with a Neptune to denote a Judges’ Special Award.

JUDGES’ SPECIAL AWARDS: CORAL OCEAN

Length 72.54m Original builder Lürssen Refit Ahoy Club Naval architect H2 Yacht Design Exterior designer H2 Yacht Design Interior designer ibL / Sabrina Monte-Carlo

When the majority of judges seriously admire a narrowly second-placed yacht, they usually discuss the presentation of either a Judges’ Commendation or Judges’ Special Award. Such discussions are commonplace in the Refit and Rebuild Class, where comparing differing yachts can be problematic. Such was the case this year, when the upgrades to both Athos and Coral Ocean were much admired by the judges. While the refit of winner Athos had completely updated her, any changes would take an expert eye to spot, while the changes to Coral Ocean are more obvious. The owner’s aim was to allow charterers to fall in love with every space, particularly the deck spaces that urgently needed upgrading. Additionally, he felt it essential that all six guest cabins should offer equal facilities to charterers. The sundeck was reimagined, with a new central deckhouse containing a TV lounge, dining area and bar, all lit through a sunroof and glazed doors that access open decks fore and aft. Forward is a glass-sided spa pool, while aft is a sunbathing and observation deck. This new area, in conjunction with the upgraded cabins and the sensitive approach to the refit, was considered to be worthy of a Judges’ Special Award.

JUDGES’ SPECIAL AWARDS: NEBULA

Length 68.2m Builder Astilleros Armon Naval architect Incat Crowther Exterior designer Schwalgien Yacht Design Interior designer Schwalgien Yacht Design

Nebula was the sole support vessel delivered in the qualifying year for these awards, and given the unfairness of judging a work vessel against superyachts of similar size, the judges decided that she should be judged in a Support Vessel class of her own and only awarded a Neptune if she came up to the highest standards of past winners. Even the briefest look at this yacht’s dossier assured the judges that this was a very special craft. Built in Spain by Astilleros Armon with naval architecture by Incat Crowther and interior design by Schwalgien Yacht Design, this 68.2-metre aluminium catamaran came about from an owner’s requirement to safely land his H145 helicopter on its certified landing zone, support it with refuelling facilities and a workshop, and store it securely in a weatherproof garage without folding its blades. While guests previously landed on the foredeck of the mothership adjacent to the owner’s suite, they now land more safely on Nebula ’s helipad and transfer on a 12-metre custom-built catamaran tender. Nebula also carries a 10-metre Scorpion RIB as well as a seven-metre Pascoe RIB. The vessel is provided with guest accommodation, guest deck areas and a lounge, should there be delays between landing and transfer, as well as a hospital cabin, waste treatment facilities, storerooms, and a sizeable laundry to support the mothership. Apart from these, and her 15-metre by 12-metre helicopter hangar, her size allows for excellent crew facilities that include a crew gymnasium, yoga and sunbathing area on the sundeck. With a top speed of 21 knots and an 8,900-nautical-mile-plus range, Nebula is an extraordinary vessel, and a well-deserved winner of this special Neptune.

VOYAGER’S AWARD: V6

Length 48.5m Builder G&K Yachting SA

Significant cruises are rarely impulsive, while some take years to plan, so the impact of Covid-19-related restrictions still cause a major impact on Voyager’s Award entries. Last year saw two entries, both made on impulse when their respective owners foresaw a need to isolate themselves. This year there was just one, and while remaining travel uncertainties meant that this entry was not as far-ranging as most in the past, the jury nevertheless considered it to be highly significant in terms of the amazing experience had by all those on board 48.5-metre expedition yacht V6 . She logged 14,500 nautical miles during her summer 2022 cruise, starting in San Diego, transiting the Panama Canal to the Los Roques archipelago off the Venezuelan coast, then returning through the canal and north to British Columbia and Alaska, before closing the loop at San Diego. While the judges considered the distance covered to be a feat in itself, Voyager’s Award rules require the owner, or a guest nominated by the owner, to be aboard for the majority of the cruise. This condition was not met during the lengthy transits, so the judges decided to consider the element from Seattle to Anchorage as a stand-alone voyage – a cruise that met the needs of the award and with a scope equal to that of former winners. The adventure started on leaving Seattle, with orca and bald eagle sightings, scenic fjords, rides in historic float planes, and trips to the whirlpools of Arran Rapids and the all-but-abandoned town of Ocean Falls. The Alaska leg added canoeing, fishing, otter-, bear- and moose-spotting and beach barbecues into the mix. This was a well-documented cruise, spectacularly illustrated with remarkable photography.

LEGACY AWARD: RAHMI M. KOÇ

Mention the name Rahmi M. Koç to a group of international businessmen and they will instantly link it to his family business, Koç Holding A.S., a Fortune 500 company with a turnover of $52 billion, that is responsible for seven per cent of Turkey’s exports. Rahmi Koç has dedicated his life to this company, eventually taking over from his father, Vehbi Koç, as chairman of the board in 1984, a post he held until his retirement in 2003. The company’s achievements have been legendary – forging international manufacturing partnerships with global brands such as Ford, Fiat, Peugeot and Siemens, but also in setting up or acquiring wholly owned companies in fields as diverse as household goods, medical products, hotels, marinas and banking.

Despite his involvement with this huge group of companies, Rahmi Koç always found time for his particular passion – boats. A keen yachtsman since his childhood holidays, which, in his own words, were spent “mucking around in boats” on the Bosphorus, he grew up to become an avid collector of vessels both large and small, powered by steam, sail and diesel. He accumulated so many that he doesn’t know the exact number, but many can be found in perfect working condition in Istanbul’s superb Rahmi M. Koç Museum. Vessels such as the 1907 steam-tug Gonca , and the William Fife-designed 12 Metre Lady Edith launched in 1925, have been saved for posterity and are open for public viewing, which is a legacy in itself, but Rahmi still asserts that his first “real” boat was Nazenin , a 19-metre Francis Jones design which he built in Turkey in 1977 and still owns. Then came Nazenin II , an Alden 23-metre, and then Nazenin III , another Alden ketch, but this time 33 metres LOA. Having crossed the Atlantic, he then set his sights on a circumnavigation and his extensive experience was poured into the fourth Nazenin , a 35-metre designed by Sparkman & Stephens and built by Palmer Johnson, in which he took two years to circle the globe. His current flagship is Nazenin V , a Sparkman & Stephens-designed 52-metre built at RMK, his own shipyard in Istanbul.

Tonight, we celebrate this remarkable life in business, philanthropy and boats with the presentation of a well-deserved Legacy Award.

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