Introduction
Super yachts are the epitome of luxury on the high seas, offering unparalleled comfort and opulence to their owners and guests. From onboard cinemas and spas to swimming pools and helipads, these vessels spare no expense when it comes to amenities and design. And with prices often reaching into the hundreds of millions of dollars, they are also some of the most expensive items on the planet.
Some of the world’s most expensive super yachts are owned by billionaires and members of royalty, who spare no expense in their pursuit of luxury and comfort. These yachts are often equipped with the latest technology and design features, and are staffed by crews of dozens of people who are dedicated to ensuring the comfort and enjoyment of their guests.
In this article, we will take a look at some of the world’s most expensive super yachts, from the towering Azzam to the sleek Eclipse. Whether you are a fan of luxury yachts or simply fascinated by the world of the ultra-rich, these vessels are sure to leave you in awe.
The ultimate pinnacle of luxury, pleasure and design, the superyacht represents one of the world’s most extravagant hobbies. One of the most expensive assets available for purchase, a symbol of status, taste and power and a vessel of joy and pleasure, superyachts constitute a significant share in the boat-building industry. Valued at hundreds and millions of dollars and with running costs of up to millions of dollars as well, superyachts provide the highest standard of living with state-of-the-art facilities. Below, let’s take a look at some of the world’s most breathtaking and expensive superyachts.
Octopus – $ 200 million
Built in 2003 and measuring 126 meters, Octopus was previously owned by Microsoft’s co-founder Paul Allen. Upon his death, the ownership of the superyacht went to his sister, Jody Allen. Allen now regularly lends Octopus for exploration and scientific research projects. This megayacht has 2 helicopters as well as 2 submarines! One of the submarines is even remote controlled and can reach shocking depths. Octopus was built in 2003 by the German shipbuilders Lürssen Werft in Bremen and Howaldtswerke-Deutsche Werft in Kiel. The exteriors of the yacht were designed by Espen Øino, while the interiors were designed by Jonathan Quinn Barnett of Seattle.
Lady Moura – $ 210 million
Owned by Saudi businessman Nasser Al-Rashid, believe it or not, this yacht actually has its name imprinted in 24-carat gold! Lady Moura has a full crew numbering at around 80 people and even has a hospital on board, as well as a beach on the deck made from real sand. It has a length of 105 meters. Lady Moura was built by German shipbuilder Blohm+Voss in Hamburg. The yacht was designed by Luigi Sturchio of Diana Yacht Design while the architectural and lighting design was done by Maurizio Rossi.
Al Mirqab – $ 250 million
Owned by the former Prime Minister of Qatar Hamad bin Jassim bin Jaber Al Thani, Al Mirqab measures at 133 meters. It has 10 separate luxurious guest cabins and comes with a crew of 55 personnel. This megayacht boasts a bar, swimming pool, a movie theatre, and helipad among many other state-of-the-art facilities. Al Mirqab was built by Peters Schiffbau Wewelsfleth of Germany. The exteriors of the yacht were designed by Tim Heywood, while the interiors were designed by London-based Winch Design.
Dilbar – $ 256 million
Dilbar is owned by the Russian billionaire Alisher Usmanov. The superyacht was named for Usmanov’s deceased mother and designed to provide a top-notch VIP service. Measuring at 156 meters, the yacht comes with a crew of 80 personnel and can accommodate up to 40 guests at once. Dilbar was built by German shipbuilder Lürssen Werft of Bremen. The exteriors of the yacht were designed by Espen Øino while the interiors were designed by Winch Design. Albeit not the longest yacht in the world, this superyacht is considered one of the largest by volume.
Al Said – $ 300 million
Owned by Sultan Qaboos of Oman, Al Said is the world’s second-heaviest yacht by displacement (15.850 tons), third-most powerful (16,500 kW), and fifth-longest (155 meters). As a result of its size, the cabins on this yacht are truly huge and the vessel also reportedly has a concert hall that can house a 50-piece orchestra. Al Said was built by German shipbuilder Lürssen Werft of Bremen. The yacht was ordered in 2006, launched in 2007 and delivered to the owners in 2008.
Dubai – $ 350 million
Measuring at 162 meters, Dubai is the world’s third longest yacht. This megayacht is owned by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and ruler of the Emirate of Dubai. With a total of seven decks, this vessel boasts tons of state-of-the-art facilities like swimming pools, hot tubs and a helipad. The yacht was originally intended for Prince Jefri Bolkiah of Brunei as a project of Blohm+Voss and Lürssen Werft.
Motor Yacht A – $ 400 million
One of the most unusual and unique luxurious motor yachts in the world, Motor Yacht A is owned by Russian billionaire and industrialist Andrey Melnichenko. This megayacht is 119 meters long and can accommodate 14 guests with a crew of 42. Motor Yacht A was designed by famous French designer Philippe Starck and engineered by naval architect Martin Francis. She was built by German shipbuilder Blohm+Voss at the Howaldtswerke-Deutsche Werft deepwater facility in Kiel.
Sailing Yacht A – $ 500 million
Sailing Yacht A is one of a kind with its hi-tech construction. Owned by the Russian industrialist Andrey Melnichenko, the rotating masts of this superyacht are 100 meters tall and the yacht itself is 143 meters long. This is the world’s largest sailing yacht. Considered one of the world’s most unique yachts by many, the construction of this vessel required complex processes and cutting-edge technology. The interiors and exteriors of the yacht were designed by French designer Philippe Starck while the yacht itself was built by German shipbuilder Nobiskrug in Kiel.
The yacht has extraordinary masts and sails. Freestanding rotating masts were made by Magma Structures of Portsmouth, fully automated carbon fiber/taffeta full roach sails were made by Doyle Sailmakers USA and the furling booms were built by Future Fibres of Valencia.
Serene – $ 560 million
Serene is a 133.9-meter long yacht worth approximately $ 560 million. This superyacht was built for Russian tycoon Yuri Shefler, and American billionaire and Microsoft’s co-founder Bill Gates also leased the yacht in 2014 for $ 5 million per week. While vacationing in southern France, Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman of Saudi Arabia bought the yacht for approximately $ 560 million. Serene was built by Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri and the interiors were designed by Reymond Langton Design.
Rising Sun – $ 590 million
Initially built in 2004 for Larry Ellison, Founder and Executive Chairman of Oracle Corporation, Rising Sun is currently owned by producer and film studio executive David Geffen. Rising Sun is one of the world’s largest yachts measuring at 138 meters. This vessel was designed by British-Australian yacht designer Jon Bannenberg and was built by German shipbuilder Lürssen Werft in Bremen.
Azzam – $ 650 million
Currently the world’s longest superyacht, Azzam has a length of 180 meters. Azzam reportedly belongs to the President of the United Arab Emirates, Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan. This superyacht has a submarine and missile defense system for extremely advanced security. And although this is the largest yacht in the world, Azzam makes no sacrifices on the speed front either and is able to go as fast as 56 km/h. Azzam was built by German shipbuilder Lürssen Werft in Bremen. The exteriors were designed by Nauta Yachts and the interiors were designed by Christophe Leoni. This megayacht was built in three years, a record-breaking construction time.
Eclipse – $ 1.9 billion
Valued at 1.9 billion dollars and measuring 162 meters, Eclipse is both the world’s second-largest and second most expensive yacht. Owned by Russian billionaire Roman Abramovic, the yacht has 2 helipads, 2 swimming pools, 3 landing pads and even a mini-submarine. This ultra-luxury yacht houses a missile defense system for high-end security. Eclipse even has a state-of-the-art system that can block cameras from taking pictures of it. The vessel has 24 guest cabins and is served by a crew sized at 70 personnel. Eclipse was built by German shipbuilder Blohm+Voss of Hamburg, while exteriors and interiors were designed by British designers Terence Disdale.
