While there is no official definition of a yacht, it can be simply described as a large vessel (with cabins) intended for luxury or pleasure purposes. Any yacht over 40 meters in length is usually identified as a superyacht.
Modern superyachts are designed with the utmost focus on comfort and power. They are required to accommodate various luxurious amenities to cater to the needs of the owner and guests. It includes anything from swimming pools, spas, and entertainment centers to water sports toys and helipads.
While some superyachts are reserved solely for their owners, many are made available through charter companies, allowing them to be rented for private use. The cost of chartering a superyacht ranges from $80,000 to an astonishing $4 million per week.
But which are the most expensive yachts in the world? Who owns them, and what lavish amenities do they boast? Let’s take a closer look.
Did you know?
The global yacht market is projected to surpass $13.29 billion by 2030, with a CAGR of 5.1%. In comparison, the superyacht market is expected to reach $45.1 billion by 2032, growing at a significantly higher CAGR of 11.1%.
Europe leads the luxury yacht market with a commanding 47% share, driven by its strong maritime heritage and well-established infrastructure. Meanwhile, North America contributes nearly 35% of the global superyacht market revenue, with the US leading in new yacht sales.
Table of Contents
12. Pelorus – $300 Million
Pelorus superyacht in Croatia | Image Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons
Launched in 2003
Builder: Lürssen
Current Owner: Samuel Tak Lee
Pelorus is the oldest superyacht on this list and has a rich history. Since its completion in 2003, the vessel has changed hands several times.
Pelorus was initially ordered by a Saudi businessman named Sheikh Abdul Mohsen in 1999. The construction started in the year 2000 and entered service two years later in 2003.
However, the yacht was sold to the Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich within a year of its launch. As a new owner, Roman Abramovich made several modifications to the superyacht, which included adding a second helicopter pad.
In 2011, David Geffen purchased the yacht Pelorus for approximately $300 million. However, he sold it shortly thereafter to Sultan Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan of the United Arab Emirates. The superyacht changed ownership again in 2016. Its current owner is Samuel Tak Lee, a Hong Kong-based real estate billionaire.
Specifications:
At 115 meters in length, Pelorus is perhaps the smallest superyacht on this list, but it is still a gigantic vessel. For perspective, the total length of an entire football field is 110 meters. It has a volume of 5,317 gt. Pelorus has a cruising speed of 14 knots or 26 kph and a reported maximum speed of 20 knots (37 kph).
11. Dubai – $400 Million
An aerial view of Dubai superyacht at Port Rashid in 2008 | Image Courtesy: Imre Solt
Launched in 2006
Builder: Blohm+Voss
Owner: Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum
‘Dubai’ is a superyacht owned by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the ruler of Dubai and the vice president/prime minister of the United Arab Emirates.
Until 2009, it was the largest private superyacht in the world, but was surpassed by Eclipse, Azzam, and Fulk Al Salamah. The yacht is built by Blohm+Voss, a German shipbuilding company best known for producing the German battleship Bismarck during World War II. Blohm+Voss was acquired by the Lürssen shipyard in 2016.
The Dubai superyacht was designed by renowned yacht designer Andrew Winch in collaboration with the interior design firm Platinum Yachts. It features a helipad, two motorboats, water bikes, and even a submersible. Onboard amenities include a spacious dining room, a swimming pool, a private cinema, and a disco, offering a truly luxurious experience at sea.
Specifications:
At 162 meters in length, Dubai ranks as the fourth-largest private superyacht in the world, with a gross tonnage of 13,470 GT. It is powered by four MTU diesel engines, each producing 8,479 horsepower, enabling a top speed of 26 knots (48 km/h) and an impressive range of 8,500 nautical miles (15,700 km). The yacht can accommodate up to 115 guests and is staffed by a crew of 88.
10. Flying Fox – $455 Million
Image Courtesy: Boat International
Launched in 2019
Builder: Lürssen
Owner: Dmitry Kamenshchik
The Flying Fox is a luxury yacht built by Germany’s Lürssen shipyard in 2019. It is perhaps the world’s largest and most expensive yacht available for charter. A week-long vacation on this superyacht would cost you about $3 million.
This spectacular vessel is a result of collective design work from interior designer Mark Berryman and renowned superyacht architect Espen Oeino. Apart from the Flying Fox, Mr. Oeino is known for his work on other superyachts such as Silver Fast and Octopus (owned by Microsoft’s co-founder, Paul Allen).
Like most modern superyachts, the Flying Fox is primarily centered around wellness and watersports themes. Its exceptional tender garage carries nearly every water sports equipment from hoverboards and seabobs to windsurfs and flying boards. Moreover, it also carries a personal submarine that can be launched using a crane.
Often regarded as a ‘floating resort,’ the superyacht has guest suites, a two-level saloon space, a specialized gym, multiple fireplaces, and lots of greenery.
One of the most impressive features of the yacht is its 12-meter-long pool on the deck. The pool has a floor that can change height, massage jets on one side, and swim jets on the other. The yacht also has a cryosauna, which gives a refreshing feeling similar to the boost you get after a good workout.
Because of how large and luxurious the Flying Fox is, many people thought it belonged to Jeff Bezos. But in 2022, it was revealed that the real owner is a Russian billionaire named Dmitry Kamenshchik.
Specifications:
The Flying Fox measures 136 meters in length and 9,022 gt in internal volume. It has a beam of 22.5 meters and a draft of 5.1 meters. It is currently the 22nd largest yacht in the world by length.
It requires a crew of 55 (including four chefs) to serve a maximum of 25 guests at a time. While the Flying Fox is privately owned, it’s managed mostly by superyacht brokerage house Imperial Yachts.
9. Nord – $500 Million
Nord Superyacht
Launched In: 2021
Builder: Lürssen
Owner: Alexey Mordashov
Nord is a massive superyacht built by German shipbuilding company Lürssen in 2021. It was initially named OPUS. According to Forbes, the yacht is currently valued at $500 million. Its annual operating expenses are estimated to be between $40 and $50 million.
The yacht’s construction was done under the supervision of Moran Yacht, a private yacht dealership based in Florida. Both its interior and exterior designs were carried out by an Italian naval design firm, Nuvolari & Lenard.
The superyacht is fitted with state-of-the-art zero-speed stabilizers that reduce roll while being anchored or not underway. It features amenities such as a swimming pool, spa, a tender garage, and two helicopter landing pads, one on the top deck and another on the bow.
Nord is owned by Russian billionaire Alexei Mordashov, the chairman and majority shareholder of the biggest steel and mining company in Russia – Severstal.
Specifications
At 142 meters in length, Nord is one of the largest superyachts in the world. It has a volume of 10,154 gross tonnage or gt. It can accommodate a maximum of 36 guests at a time. The vessel is powered by four MTU engines and has a cruising speed of 15 knots or 28 kph.
8. A+ (formerly Topaz) – $527 Million
A+ superyacht at the port of Gibraltar | Image Courtesy: Moshi Anahory/Wikimedia Commons
Launched in 2012
Builder: Lürssen
Owner: Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan
The next in the line of most expensive superyachts is called A+. It was built by Germany’s Lürssen yachts for about $527 million. The yacht was initially named ‘Topaz’ and is currently owned by Mansour bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the Deputy Prime Minister of the UAE.
The exterior of the ship was designed by renowned yacht designer Tim Heywood. For interior design and decorations, Lürssen hired Terence Disdale, a UK-based specialist design firm that has worked on several superyachts, including Pelorus, Tatoosh, and Ecstasea.
In 2020, A+ was embroiled in a global scandal after reports surfaced that it was partially financed by embezzled funds from Malaysia’s 1MDB sovereign wealth fund.
Specifications:
At 147 meters, A+ is currently the world’s tenth-largest yacht by length. It measures 11,589 gt in volume. The main structure of the vessel is made of aluminum. It has eight decks, three swimming pools, two helicopter landing pads, a jacuzzi, and a theater, among other amenities.
The A+ yacht runs on two Pielstick diesel engines made in France, and each engine produces 7,990 horsepower. It can cruise comfortably at 22.9 knots and reach a top speed of over 25 knots.
7. Serene -$550 Million
Superyacht Serene at Fort St. Angelo, Malta | Image Courtesy: Nick Wells
Launched in 2011
Builder: Fincantieri
Owner: Mohammed bin Salman
Serene is currently the fifth most expensive yacht in the world. It was built by Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri initially for Russian billionaire Yuri Shefler, who made his wealth through his alcoholic beverage empire.
Serene’s interior design and decoration were carried out by Reymond Langton Design, an independent design studio specializing in luxury yachts. The estimated manufacturing cost of the yacht is around $330 million.
After its completion in 2011, Serene was among the ten largest private yachts in the world. However, it is currently ranked 21st. It has a bunch of ultra-luxurious amenities, including a large seawater pool, spa, a nightclub, a full-scale library, and a helipad. There is also an underwater viewing room.
Yuri Shefler sold the superyacht to Saudi crown prince Mohammed bin Salman for about $550 million in 2014. A few months before this transaction, Serene was rented by Bill Gates for a fee of $5 million a week.
In 2019, a report stated that Salvator Mundi, the world’s most expensive painting, was stored inside the yacht. However, it was never confirmed.
Salvator Mundi is one of the most iconic paintings made by Leonardo da Vinci. It was sold for a whopping $450 million ($497 million adjusted value) at Christie’s auction house in November 2017.
Specifications and features:
The superyacht has a moderately large internal volume of 8,230 gt and a total length of 134 meters. Instead of a single large propeller, it is fitted with two controllable pitch propellers. Serene has a total of seven decks with 12 guest cabins and 30 crew cabins.
6. Sailing Yacht A – $578 Million
Sailing Yacht A in Kieler Förde, Germany | Image Courtesy: KarleHorn & Waldi
Launched in: 2015
Builder: Nobiskrug
(Former) Owner: Andrey Melnichenko
A sailing yacht is different from a regular motor yacht because it mainly uses sails to move. “A” or Sailing Yacht A is actually a motor yacht that also uses sails for extra power. It has a hybrid engine system and three tall masts. It’s the biggest sailing yacht in the world.
Sailing Yacht A was designed by famous French industrial architect Philippe Starck, who has also worked with big names like Adidas and Hilton International, along with various private clients. The yacht is owned by Russian billionaire Andrey Melnichenko.
Specifications:
With a gross tonnage of 12,558 gt and a length of 142.81 meters, the sailing yacht A is perhaps the largest yacht of its type. The beam and draft lengths are 24.8 meters and 8 meters, respectively.
The yacht has an underwater observation pod with glass that’s 30 cm thick. It cruises at a speed of 16 knots (about 39 km/h) and can travel up to 9,890 km without needing to refuel.
5. Solaris – $600 Million
Superyacht Solaris | Image Courtesy: Superyacht Times
Launched in 2021
Builder: Lloyd Werft
Owner: Roman Abramovich
Solaris is a giant superyacht owned by Roman Abramovich. It is perhaps the most expensive yacht in his possession. At a length of 138 meters, Solaris is a smaller but more expensive and luxurious yacht than Eclipse.
The superyacht features amenities including a Jacuzzi, sauna, a gym, an entertainment center, an office, and custom-built lounge areas. It also carries several high-speed jet skis and even a submersible for adventurous guests who want to explore the ocean.
Apart from the luxuries, Solaris has some of the most impressive and up-to-date security features to prevent any crisis situation. It is fitted with bulletproof windows, armored cabins, and a radar-controlled missile detection system. The yacht also has ice-breaking capability.
Specifications:
The overall internal volume of Solaris is about 11,000 gt. It has a total of eight decks with a capacity of 36 guests and 60 crew members onboard.
Solaris is powered by two high-tech marine propulsion units called Azipod, which consist of an electric motor driving a fixed pitch propeller. It is mounted on a steerable pod that allows the vessel to be more maneuverable.
Interestingly, Solaris was built by Lloyd Werft, a German shipyard that went bankrupt in 2022.
4. Azzam – $605 Million
Azzam superyacht at Port of Cadiz Bay, Spain | Image Courtesy: Javier Virués Ortega
Launched in: 2013
Builder: Lürssen Yachts
Owner: Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE (Until his death in May 2022)
Azzam (Arabic word for ‘Resolute’) is a luxury superyacht built by German yacht maker Lürssen. The construction of the yacht was personally ordered by Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the former president of the United Arab Emirates.
The superyacht is a remarkable piece of engineering in more than one way. It took Lürssen about three years to complete Azzam’s construction after an entire year of design work. The vessel has a shallow draft of 4.3 meters. It is currently the longest motor yacht in service.
The total manufacturing cost of Azzam is estimated to be around $600 million, making it one of the world’s most expensive private yachts.
After the death of Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan in May 2022, it was reported that Azzam was listed for charter.
Specifications:
Azzam’s recorded length is 179.9 m, which is about 17 m more than Eclipse’s. It is powered by two diesel engines and two gas turbines, each producing 23,500 hp.
3. Eclipse – $700 Million
Eclipse superyacht in Gibraltar | Image Courtesy: Gibraltar Yachting
Launched in 2009
Builder: Blohm+Voss
Owner: Roman Abramovich
The Eclipse is a colossal superyacht owned by Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich. One of the wealthiest individuals in Russia, Abramovich amassed his fortune through the steel industry and a diverse portfolio of investments.
When Eclipse was launched in 2009, it was the world’s largest private yacht. However, it has been overtaken in size by Fulk Al Salamah and Azzam.
Eclipse was built by Blohm+Voss, three years after the Dubai superyacht, in 2009. Its estimated cost is around €340 million. It accommodates about a dozen luxurious guest cabins, two helipads, an entertainment hall, and a mini-submarine that can submerge up to 50 meters below the surface.
While it is clear that Eclipse is no ordinary superyacht, what makes it truly stand out from the rest is its military-style missile defense system that detects and fires missiles at possible threats.
The yacht also features an ‘anti-photo shield’ for enhanced privacy. When activated, the shield detects a CCD sensor (closed-coupled device) and fires a shot of laser in its direction to destroy any photographs. However, the effectiveness of such technology remains debatable.
Specifications:
The Eclipse is 162.5 meters long and has a volume of 13,000 gross tons. It is 22 meters wide and goes 5.9 meters deep into the water. The yacht runs on four MTU diesel engines and can reach a top speed of 22 knots, which is about 40.7 km/h.
2. Dilbar – $800 Million
Dilbar at Port Hercules, Monaco in 2017 | Image Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons
Launched in: 2015
Builder: Lürssen
(Former) Owner: Alisher Usmanov
With a price tag of nearly $800 million, Dilbar is currently the second-most expensive yacht in the world. It was built by Lürssen Yachts for Russian billionaire Alisher Usmanov. He named the yacht after his mother.
Usmanov is one of the richest Russian oligarchs, who made his wealth through steel, telecom, and investments after the fall of the Soviet Union.
Dilbar isn’t just any large yacht. It’s currently the third-largest motor yacht in the world by gross tonnage and the sixth longest overall. It’s also the third-longest yacht ever built by Lürssen. Along with many other luxury features, Dilbar has two helipads and a massive indoor pool.
According to the US Department of the Treasury, Dilbar was valued between $600 million and $735 million in 2022. Maintaining this massive yacht costs around $60 million each year.
Dilbar superyacht was among the many private assets owned by Russian billionaires that were seized by foreign governments in 2022. The yacht was impounded by the German authorities at Hamburg port in April 2022.
Specifications:
At 15,917 gt, Dilbar is the second largest private yacht in the world by gross tonnage after Fulk Al Salamah, owned by the Omani Royal Family.
The superyacht is 156 meters long — much longer than a football field, which is about 110 meters (or 360 feet). It is 24 meters wide and has a draft of 6.1 meters. Dilbar can cruise at 18 knots (around 33 km/h) and reach a top speed of 22.5 knots (about 41.7 km/h).
1. History Supreme – $4.8 Billion
Launched in 2011
Designer: Stuart Hughes
At $4.8 billion, History Supreme is the most expensive superyacht ever made. Like any other superyacht, History Supreme has private cabins, a swimming pool, and other luxury amenities. At 30 meters, it is also significantly smaller than other superyachts on this list. However, it is way more expensive.
Its extremely high value comes from the massive amount of gold and other precious metals used in its design. The yacht contains over 100,000 kilograms of gold and platinum, covering it from top to bottom. Even the base of the yacht is coated with a thin layer of gold.
While the deck, a large dining area, and railings are coated with gold, the main cabin is covered with platinum. It is also reported that a real dinosaur bone from T Rex is placed on a cabin wall.
History Supreme is designed by Stuart Hughes, a British luxury goods designer widely known for his extravagant use of gold and diamonds on electronic gadgets, luxury cars, and other luxury items. According to reports, the superyacht is owned by Malaysian businessman and billionaire Robert Kuok.
Other Expensive Yachts Valued Below $300 Million
13. Al Mirqab – $250 to $300 Million
Al Mirqab at the port of Monaco | Image Courtesy: Piponwa/Wikimedia Commons
Launched in 2008
Owner: Hamad bin Jassim bin Jaber Al Thani
Al Mirqab, initially known as ‘Project May,’ is a superyacht owned by Qatari politician Hamad bin Jassim bin Jaber Al Thani. It is currently valued between $250 and $300 million.
The vessel is constructed by a small German shipyard, Peters Werft, and is designed by a pair of renowned yacht designers – Andrew Winch and Tim Heywood.
Al Mirqab has two VIP or owner suites and 10 additional suites for guests. It can serve up to 24 guests at a time. The amenities include a jacuzzi, a swimming pool, and a helipad.
- Length: 133 meters
- Volume: 9,518 gt
- Cruising Speed: 21 knots (38.8 km/h)
14. Ocean Victory – $295 Million
Superyacht Ocean Victory near the island of Langkawi, Malaysia | Image Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons
Launched in 2014
Owner: Victor Rashnikov
At the time of its launch in 2014, Ocean Victory was one of the ten largest superyachts in the world. It is built by Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri and designed by naval architect and designer Espen Oeino.
The superyacht has seven decks, a large tender garage, multiple pools, and a helipad. It can accommodate a maximum of 36 guests at a time. According to Forbes, it is owned by Russian billionaire Victor Rashnikov and is valued at $295 million.
- Length: 140 meters
- Volume: 8,506 gt
- Cruising Speed: 18 knots (33.4 km/h)
15. Octopus – $240 Million
Octopus superyacht | Image Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons
Launched in 2003
Owner: Paul Allen (Until his death in 2018)
The Octopus superyacht was built by Lürssen Yachts for Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen in 2003. It was the largest yacht at the time of its launch. Unlike most private superyachts, Octopus has been mostly loaned out for scientific research and exploration purposes.
The superyacht has a total of eight decks with 13 guest suites and a private owner’s deck. Amenities include a gym, a spa, an entertainment center, and a basketball court. Moreover, it has not one but two helipads.
‘Octopus’ was designed by Espen Oeino and Seattle-based interior designer Jonathan Quinn Barnett. During its construction, Paul Allen asked the designers to build a vessel capable of conducting long expeditions and even rescue operations on top of having leisure amenities onboard.
It is equipped with two mini-submarines and a remotely operated underwater vehicle, or ROV, for underwater research and rescue operations.
In December 2018, the yacht underwent an overhaul at Blohm+Voss shipyard for over seven months. In 2021, the yacht was reported to have been bought by an anonymous buyer for £200 million.
- Length: 126 meters
- Volume: 9,932 gt
- Maximum Speed: 19 knots (35 km/h)
More To Know
How Long Does It Take to Build a Superyacht?
The construction of a superyacht is usually done in four phases – planning or design, engineering, superstructure construction, and outfitting.
It takes about three to four years to build an entire custom superyacht. While it takes less time to construct a vessel on a pre-developed platform with standard elements, building a customized superyacht that caters to all your requirements takes more time. You also have to consider unexpected delays.
The design or planning is the most critical phase in a superyacht construction. Considering the budget and specific requirements, the entire process could take between nine months and a year.
The Current International Market for Luxury Superyachts
The yacht industry is on the rise, and the demand for luxury superyachts has exploded in the last few years during soaring stock markets and crypto gains. Most of the demand is from the United States.
According to Boat International’s Global Order Book, as of 2025, at least 691 yachts are being built or ordered worldwide. Many of these are semi-custom yachts that are smaller than most of the superyachts on this list. Also, about one-third of these orders are expedition superyachts designed to travel through ice and other remote areas of the world.
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