The superyacht that runs on clean energy 1:14
(CNN) -
Does size really matter?
When it comes to superyachts, the answer seems to be a resounding yes.
The title of the largest yacht in the world belonged, for almost a century, to the ship El Mahrousa.
But, in recent years, the title has changed hands much more frequently as more and more large yachts enter the scene.
Although the demand for large yachts has not stopped growing in recent decades, sales have skyrocketed significantly since 2019 due to the growing number of billionaires emerging, as well as the impact of the pandemic.
"The market tells us that shipyards are building bigger and bigger ships to build bigger and bigger yachts," explains yacht designer Oliver Stirling of Stirling & Co.
advertising
"And with the wealth of high-net-worth individuals increasing, the demand for large yachts is always going to increase."
"The pandemic has also illustrated that commercial cruises may or may not be desirable for vacations, leisure destinations."
Many of the largest yachts on the water were built by the German shipyard Lurssen, which has eight shipyards in northern Germany.
"Over the years we have been fortunate to be able to accommodate, due to the infrastructure capabilities that we have, that occasional demand that has come from a fairly large yacht," Michael Breman, Lurssen sales director, tells CNN Travel.
"Every large yacht seen leaving our yard is the result of very careful and thorough discussion with designers, owners and consultants to ensure that it reflects the wishes of the individual [owner]."
The yacht that currently holds the title of "largest in the world" measures 180 meters, and a 183-meter ship is scheduled to be delivered in 2024, but over the years several superyacht concepts have emerged, some of them which are in the early stages of development.
Although Stirling stresses that there will come a time when superyachts "will not be able to grow any further", he believes it is only a matter of time before a superyacht over 200 meters in length becomes a reality.
"Someone will want to build the first motor yacht of more than 200 meters and I am sure that will follow the trend," he adds.
From privately owned megayachts to charter yachts to vessels still under construction, we take a look at 10 of the largest superyachts in the world.
Azzam
At 180 meters, the Azzam is currently the largest superyacht in the world.
Jaume Sellart / EPA / Shutterstock
It has held the record for the world's largest privately owned superyacht since 2013, but this 180-meter vessel was originally going to be 35 meters shorter.
Built by Lurssen under the guidance of engineer Mubarak Saad al Ahbabi, Azzam, which cost about $ 600 million to build, was lengthened during the optimization process.
With space to accommodate up to 36 guests and at least 80 crew members, it is equipped with an onboard gym and a golf training room.
The superyacht's exterior lines are the work of Nauta Design, and studio founder Mario Pedol says that viewers often comment that it appears much smaller from a distance.
Unlike other boats of similar size, the Azzam is as fast as it is large, reaching speeds of up to 31.5 knots.
Eclipse
The Eclipse measures 162.5 meters and it is estimated that its construction cost about US $ 1.2 billion.
Levent Kisi / Anadolu / Getty Images
At the time of the launch of the Eclipse at the Blohm + Voss shipyard in Hamburg in 2010, it was the largest private yacht in the world.
But the 162.5-meter vessel was overshadowed by the Azzam a few years later, while the delivery of the 164-meter Fulk Al Salamah in 2016 dropped it even further in the ranking of the largest yachts.
Nonetheless, the Eclipse remains one of the largest and most impressive superyachts to ever cross the waters.
Owned by Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich, the Eclipse is powered by four MTU diesel engines and has a top speed of 25 knots and a cruising speed of 22 knots.
Equipped with 18 guest cabins and two helipads, the ship can accommodate up to 36 guests and 66 crew members at a time.
Among its most outstanding features are a 16-meter pool that transforms into a dance floor and a wood-burning brazier.
Dilbar
The 156 meter long Dilbar is the world's largest yacht by volume, with a gross tonnage of some 16,000 Moorson tonnes.
Klaus jordan
The Dilbar may not be the longest yacht in the world, but she is certainly the largest by interior volume, with a gross tonnage of just under 16,000 Moorson tonnes.
Named after the owner's late mother, Uzbek-born billionaire Alisher Usmanov, the 156-meter ship was designed by naval architect Espen Oino and delivered by Lurssen in 2016.
Constructed with a steel hull and aluminum superstructure, Dilbar can reach a top speed of around 22.5 knots and features a 25-meter pool, the largest ever installed on a superyacht.
With space for up to 24 guests and about 100 crew members, there is also a spacious garden on board, along with two helipads.
The superyacht is fitted with a diesel-electric hybrid propulsion system, which helps reduce its emissions and provides a top speed of 22.5 knots.
"One of the things that we've seen happen, and customers are very sensitive to the issue, is looking for more ways how we can improve the sustainability of the product that we make," says Breman.
"Not only in the manufacturing process and in the things that are used for the boat, but also in its operation."
“We hope that in the next 10 to 15 years we can deliver an emission-free yacht.
We see it as a positive step ”.
This $ 80 million superyacht concept has a "huge hole"
The Mahrousa
The Mahrousa held the title of the world's largest yacht for more than 100 years.
David Degner / Getty Images
At 145.72 meters, the Egyptian presidential yacht was launched in 1865 by the Samuda Brothers shipyard.
Although it lost the title of the world's largest yacht to Prince Abdulaziz, at 147 meters, in the 1980s, and has been descending the list ever since, the Mahrousa remains an important vessel in the nautical world by its rich history.
Designed by British naval architect Oliver Lang, who also devised Queen Victoria's Victoria & Albert II steam yacht, The Mahrousa was originally built for the Jedive Ismail, the Ottoman governor of Egypt.
The five-story yacht became the first ship to cross the Suez Canal in 1869 and later became a naval training ship for the Egyptian government.
Powered by three Parsons steam turbines, it is the oldest active superyacht in the world and can reach a top speed of 16 knots.
Flying fox
The Flying Fox, measuring 136 meters, is the largest yacht available for charter.
Credit: Klaus Jordan
The Flying Fox, another boat built by Lurssen, measures 136 meters and is the largest charter boat in the world.
This means that you don't need to be invited by the owner to experience what it feels like to be on board, but those who want to charter the luxurious superyacht for a week have to shell out a minimum of 3 million euros (US $ 3.5 million). for the privilege.
However, the price doesn't seem to put any of its fans off.
In fact, a spokesperson for Imperial Yachts, the yacht brokerage that runs Flying Fox and also oversaw its construction, tells CNN Travel that interest has intensified in the last year, making the minimum period rental is extended to more than seven days.
Comprised of six decks, the Flying Fox can accommodate up to 36 guests by day and 25 by night, who will be able to take advantage of its state-of-the-art dive center, as well as its 400-square-meter spa, equipped with a cryotherapy sauna.
"In the last 10 to 15 years we have seen development in areas such as spas and fitness that have moved from the domestic or urban lifestyle to the boat lifestyle," says Breman.
"Some of the spas that we have put on the ships have been exceptional."
Celebrity couple Beyonce and Jay Z were spotted aboard the superyacht, which has a top speed of 20 knots and a cruising speed of 15 knots, earlier this year.
Sailing Yacht A
This 143 meter sailing motor yacht was designed by Philippe Starck.
Nobiskrug
Sailing Yacht A is one of prolific designer Philippe Starck's most important superyachts and its construction is said to have exceeded US $ 400 million.
Delivered by the German shipyard Nobiskrug, the 143-meter-long sailing yacht is powered by two engines, providing a top speed of 21 knots.
With eight decks, this futuristic vessel can accommodate up to 14 guests and 37 crew members.
Although details about its facilities have been kept secret, there are rumors that Sailing Yacht A is equipped with a glass observation capsule, as well as a helipad and submarine.
"Born of the owner's desire to 'push the boundaries of engineering and challenge the industry status quo,' the Sailing Yacht A is without a doubt one of the most visionary projects Nobiskrug has ever been involved in," said Holger Kahl, then Chairman of Nobiskrug, at the time of its launch in 2017.
Check out this superyacht with a luxury hotel design 1:03
Dubai
The Dubai has a length of 162 meters and a gross tonnage of 12,488.
Ross Land / DAGOC / Getty Images
The largest yacht in the world by volume at the time of its construction, the Dubai was originally commissioned by Prince Jefri Bolkiah of Brunei.
However, the ambitious project, which has a gross tonnage of 12,488, would go through several hands during the construction process before it reached the hands of the current owner, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum of Dubai.
The 162-meter superyacht designed by Andrew Winch of Winch Design was built by Platinum Yachts in Dubai (where else?) At an estimated cost of US $ 400 million.
On board, the Dubai houses everything from a nightclub to a cinema, to a submarine and a lobster tank on its eight decks, and is powered by four MTU-20V diesel engines that can reach a top speed of at least 25 knots.
Nord
The Nord has been described as "a warship in a tuxedo".
Tom vanoossanen
Delivered by Lurssen in 2021, the Nord is one of the newest, and largest, superyachts on the water.
Formerly known as Project Opus, the 142-meter superyacht, with a steel hull and aluminum superstructure, was devised by the Italian design studio Nuvolari Lenard.
"The Nord was designed with one idea in mind: it should provoke strong emotions in all observers, not only because of its size, but because of the design itself. No one should be indifferent," said Dan Lennard of Nuvolari-Lenard in a statement. , before describing the ship as "a tuxedo-clad warship."
"Whether you like the design or not, it should catch your eye. The Nord is a serious ship first and foremost, but it also transcends the traditional language of yacht design."
Powered by four engines, the Nord has a top speed of about 20 knots and a volume of 10,154 gross tons.
It has six decks and can accommodate up to 36 guests in its 20 cabins, with amenities such as a beach club, as well as a spa and two helipads on board.
REV
Representation of the expedition vessel REV, 183 meters, whose delivery is scheduled for 2024.
REV Ocean
Developed by REV (Research Expedition Vessel) Ocean, a non-profit organization created by Norwegian billionaire Kjell Inge Rokke, REV is a totally different superyacht.
The 183-meter expedition vessel being built at the Norwegian shipyard VARD is scheduled for delivery in 2024.
Designed by naval architect Espen Oino, the REV will be powered by ultra-quiet hybrid propulsion and will have a top speed of 17 knots.
After its launch it will technically take over from the Azzam as the largest superyacht in the world.
However, there has been much debate about whether the REV can be classified as a superyacht, given that its main purpose is to study the world's oceans, although it will be available for charter for recreational purposes and for expeditions.
With space for 28 guests in its 18 cabins, the ship is built with a steel hull and aluminum superstructure and has a gross tonnage of 17,440.
Y910 Project
Representation of the Y910 Project, 120 meters long, partially completed and currently up for auction.
Stirling & Co.
Unlike many of the other superyachts featured, Project Y910 is still under construction.
But the 120-meter conversion project, which is currently up for auction, could join the ranks of the world's largest superyachts in the next two years if it finds a buyer soon.
Originally built by the Polish shipyard Stocznia Gdynia, it was launched as a 90-meter passenger ship named Vladimir Chivilikhin in 1990, and served as a commercial vessel for almost a decade before being refurbished and expanded.
However, the project was suspended and remains unfinished.
The Y910 project was put up for sale as a conversion project earlier this year, with an asking price of € 25 million, and is now auctioned online through Concierge Auctions, in association with Boathouse Auctions.
Although yachts of this size typically take around five years to build, the Y910 project is already partially completed, which means that the process will likely be much shorter.
"It's an incredible boat in terms of what it could offer a potential owner," Stirling, who has been involved in designing the project for more than 20 years, tells CNN Travel.
"It is designed to be an explorer type yacht. It can go anywhere, be it the polar regions, the Pacific or the Mediterranean. To as many adventure places as you want to go."
The boat has received great interest from bidders during the auction, which ends on November 23, and, as no reserves have been established, it is set to become the largest yacht ever sold at auction.
"It would be great to see it complete," adds Stirling.
Super yacht
