Ever since its inception, yacht building has been a popular pastime amongst the rich and powerful, from ancient kings to modern megastars. The act of owning and piloting a luxurious vessel around the world’s most coveted seas has been associated for centuries with a particular type of status and lifestyle.
This is no less the case today where thanks to innovative technology and engineering advancements, the size of luxury yachts has grown to unprecedented levels. The world’s largest yachts are now over 200 meters long and tower amongst their peers like modern-day titans.
In this article, we’ll explore some of the world’s largest yachts, reaching surreal sizes and pampered with amenities fit for modern-day kings.
The Top 10 Largest Yachts in the World
- Azzam – 180 m
The Azzam is the grandest of all yachts and stands proudly at the top of the list. Although her exact build cost was never published, many estimates show it cost well over 600 million. Her luxurious onboard amenities include a swimming pool, helipads, elevators, private garages, hot tubs, and a discothèque.
- Eclipse – 162.5 m
Eclipse was delivered in 2010 and is owned by the famous businessman Roman Abramovich. Besides her many luxurious amenities, Eclipse is also well-known to have an anti-missile defense system and submarine launchers, both of which have made her famous as a floating fortress.
- Dubai – 162 m
This is one of the most iconic superyachts built in the past decades and proudly displays one of the most opulent and flamboyant designs ever seen. Built for the ruler of Dubai, this mighty vessel was made in 2006 and was the largest yacht in the world for many years.
- Dilbar – 156 m
Dilbar is the largest motor yacht in the world and currently owned by the Russian billionaire Alisher Usmanov. Although she cannot sail, Dilbar has its own open-air cinema, submarine and some of the most luxurious interiors ever seen.
- Al Said – 155m
The Al Said is owned by the Sultan of Oman and was built in 2008. Although no specifics about her interiors have been revealed, it’s believed she houses a 1,800-square-metre concert hall, where she can accommodate up to a 50 piece orchestra.
- Serene – 134.5 m
This vessel is owned by the Russian vodka tycoon Yuri Scheffler and was the biggest yacht in the world when she debuted in 2011. Her gigantic interiors boast of a lavish spa, a helipad, an area with retractable roof, and even a submarine.
- Rising Sun – 138 m
The Rising Sun was launched in 2004 and is owned by the famous American producer, David Geffen. This yacht is 173 meters long and was said to have cost Geffen over $200 million.
- Dubai – 162 m
Built for the ruler of Dubai, this is the most iconic superyacht built in the past couple of years. Dubai proudly displays opulent and flamboyant design and amenities.
- Lady Moura – 145 m
With a now iconic Arabian design, Lady Moura was launched in 1990 for the businessman Nasser Al-Rashid. Notable features include a pool covered with retractable roof and the sand-colored hull with large gold lettering of its name.
- El Horriya – 135 m
El Horriya is a traditional sailing yacht with its hull built in 1882, although major updates have been done throughout the years. The current owner is the Egyptian President, Hosni Mubarak, who uses it as a presidential yacht.
Types of Luxury Yachts
There are currently three main types of luxury yachts – motor yachts, sailing yachts, and catamaran yachts. Let’s take a closer look of each of them:
Motor Yachts
Motor yachts are the most common type and most of the world’s largest yachts are motor yachts. Motor yachts typically rely on onboard engines for propulsion and come with a large variety of features, from helipads to on-board pools and spas.
Sailing Yachts
Sailing yachts are favored amongst luxury and sailing enthusiasts the world over. These depend on the power of wind for propulsion and come with a wide array of features, from large main salons and staterooms, to modern navigational equipment and more.
Catamaran Yachts
Catamaran yachts are the latest trend in luxury yachting. Combining the best of both worlds, these consist of two hulls connected by a deck and offer stable and comfortable cruising, enhanced stability, and significantly lower fuel consumption.
Essential Amenities for Luxury Yachts
For some of the world’s wealthiest yacht owners, the amenities onboard their vessels can become almost as important as the yacht itself. These range from the luxurious to the ridiculous and can include state-of-the-art navigation and security systems, helipads or hangars, swimming pools, jacuzzis, exotic cars, submarines and more.
From ancient kings to modern megastars, it’s clear that for centuries, owning and piloting a luxurious yacht around the world’s most coveted seas has been associated with a particular type of status and lifestyle. Moreover, thanks to improved technology and engineering advancements, the size of these luxury vessels has grown exponentially as seen with the top 10 largest yachts in the world discussed in this article.
It is no secret that the wealthiest of individuals have gone to great extents to equip their yachts with the most luxurious of amenities, whilst still factoring in construction costs, so much so that these vessels can resemble modern-day titans.
At the end of the day, for those who can afford such extravagance, the sky’s the limit when it comes to creating their ideal yacht, complete with whatever amenities and features they desire.
