As the middle-size market continues to struggle, megayachts have had yet another explosive year, pushing new limits for the industry and leading some yards to thrive. The world now has 53 yachts over 100 meters, more than double the amount in the fleet 10 years ago. Whilst the Middle East and Russia have remained active in the range, the addition of buyers from the US to the megayacht range has led the space to new heights.
Yacht Harbour looks at the largest yachts delivered in 2019 and what you need to know about them.
#1 Flying Fox
Length: 136m
Yard: Lurssen
The largest yacht delivered by Lurssen this year, Flying Fox also became the most massive yacht to enter the charter market. Stretching across 136 meters, the yacht’s exterior was designed by Espen Oeino, often involved with large Lurssen builds. Onboard, Flying Fox features 11 cabins with sea view terraces, a 400 square meter spa spread over 2 floors, a 12-meter long swimming pool, a dive center and 2 helipads, all serviced by a crew of 24.
#2 TIS
Length: 109m
Yard: Lurssen
The largest yacht ever displayed at the Monaco Yacht Show, Tis wowed prospective buyers with her one of a kind interior inspired by Parisian palaces and designed by Andrew Winch. The 109-meter long Lurssen was put on the market shortly prior to her delivery and is currently looking for a new owner at a $250 million price tag.
Meanwhile Tis is available for charter at $2.2 million per week. On top of the helipads, swimming pool, spa, gym and luxurious staterooms, arguably one of the most unique amenities onboard is a main salon spread across 2 levels with a grand staircase.
#3 IJE
Length: 108m
Yard: Benetti
A transformational build for Benetti, the Italian yacht manufacturing behemoth, IJE became 1 of 3 yachts over 100 meters built by the yard in 2019. Delivered to Australian billionaire James Packer, the yacht became his latest flagship following Arctic P. Crafted in traditional Benetti style on the exterior, not much is known about the yacht’s interior.
IJE and its new generation of Benettis did however put the yard into the competition for more 100-meter plus new builds as an increasing number of yards begins to compete for the segment.
#4 Lana
Length: 107m
Yard: Benetti
The first mega Benetti to be delivered, the 107-meter was built as hull FB 277 and was since named Lana. With its construction overseen by Imperial Yachts, online commentary has been speculating its owner to be from Russia.
Little is known about the ship, other than its distinctive exterior look. At the time of her launch, it was teased the yacht would later be made available for charter, in what is a growing trend among megayachts.
#5 Zoza
Length: 105m
Yard: Benetti
Rounding up the ranks of the 50 largest yachts in the world, Zoza was launched in 2019 for a Middle Eastern owner according to social media. Primarily differentiating itself from other megayachts with tall panoramic windows, the yacht is likely to remain private and off the charter market.
#6 Madsummer
Length: 95 meters
Yard: Lurssen
Built by the German shipyard Lurssen, in what has proven to be their size range with the highest resale value thanks to strong demand on the buy size, Madsummer was delivered earlier this year.
Indicative of the growing influence of American influence in the size range, Madsummer was built for experienced yacht owner Jeffrey Soffer active in Florida real estate.
#7 Lady S
Length: 93m
Yard: Feadship
A surprising player in the megayacht sector is LVMH. Following their purchase of the Feadship Royal Van Lent yard nearly a decade ago have grown their influence over the space and maintained Feadship’s reputation in the megayacht sector.
Built for Washington Redskins owner Daniel Snyder, Lady S was designed by Michael Leach. Perhaps the most innovative feature onboard the American billionaire’s yacht is an IMAX cinema.
#8 DreAMBoat
Length: 90m
Yard: Oceanco
In the fight for supremacy over the megayacht market a rapidly gaining player has become the Dutch-based Oceanco, whose most recent megayacht became DreAMBoat following hallmark projects like Jubilee and Black Pearl.
Another example of Americans’ increasing presence, the 90-meter was built for Home Depot co-founder Arthur M. Blank. The capitalization in the yacht’s name being a clever play on the billionaire’s initials AMB.
#9 Bold
Length: 85m
Yard: Silver Yachts
One of the most unusual yachts on the water, its story begins with a bet to build fast, long yachts in Australia, which Guido Krass made when setting up Hanseatic Marine. Since renamed to Silver Yachts and now owned by a Chinese aluminium producer, the yard has built 5 yachts, the latest of which is Bold.
It’s most unusual feature is the vast lounge deck with full panoramic windows overlooking a large helipad aft of the main deck. Stretching over 85-meters the yacht is the reflection of a growing desire to explore from a new generation of owners.
#10 Excellence
Length: 80m
Yard: Abeking & Rasmussen
Built for serial yacht owner Herb Chambers, the 80-meter yacht becomes his latest flagship built by German yard Abeking & Rasmussen and 3rd new build with that particular yard. Created with an instantly recognisable look, the yacht is now available for charter.
Amongst her key features is a 3-storey tall atrium with panoramic windows. Chambers’ previous yachts were also named Excellence and proved to be successful charter vessels. His former flagship, Excellence V was sold in May asking €69.5 million. His prior 78-meter Abeking&Rasmussen was however sold to a Russian billionaire even prior to her delivery, now known as Eminence.
#11 Dragon
Length: 80m
Yard: Columbus
Whilst Dutch, German and Italian yards have been competing for the megayacht market, Palumbo Superyachts, an Italian company, has been quietly amassing a leadership position in refits and expanding into new builds acquiring ISA Yachts and now managing to deliver an 80-meter yacht through their Columbus brand.
Dragon becomes the largest yacht built by Palumbo Superyachts. With all of the amenities one would expect of a yacht this size like a 7-meter swimming pool, beach club and vast staterooms, the yacht is a clear statement to the Italian group’s expansion on the scene.
Project Arwen is the latest masterpiece from Dörries Yachts, boasting an extravagant 114-meter length and an awe-inspiring 20-meter hydraulic swimming pool.This superyacht, commissioned by an American technology billionaire, epitomizes international collaboration. Designed by U.S. firm Píndaros, with contributions from French studio Champeau Wilde and British designer Andy Waugh, and naval architecture led by Dutch outfit Azure, Project Arwen is a testament to top-tier German engineering, constructed at Dörries' facilities in Bremerhaven, Germany.Project Arwen's centerpiece is undoubtedly its extraordinary infinity pool, spanning most of the aft deck. Encased in glass, the pool offers uninterrupted ocean views. Remarkably, a 13-meter section can be raised hydraulically, expanding the deck space. Dörries describes this innovation as a versatile leisure and entertainment area, redefining luxury at sea.Beyond its stunning pool, Arwen impresses with a staggering interior volume of 4,950 gross tonnes (GT). Guests are welcomed by a grand multi-level spiral staircase leading to a vast living area covering over 1,400 square meters. The main saloon, featuring lofty 6-meter ceilings and lavish seating, epitomizes opulence.Dubbed a "haven of entertainment" by Dörries, Arwen offers multiple dining areas, indoor and outdoor bars, and relaxation spaces. Its amenities include a helipad for an H135 chopper, cinema, beach club, hair and beauty salon, and a wellness area featuring a gym, spa, and sauna.Accommodation is equally luxurious, comprising five en suite cabins and a VIP suite for guests. The owner's deck boasts a sprawling 288-square-meter suite with an exquisite en suite, dressing room, and terrace, offering direct access to a foredeck lounge and dining area – a true sanctuary of sophistication and style.Credits: Dörries Yachts
April 24, 2024
Pershing's flagship, the Pershing 140, has made its grand entrance into the waters at the Super Yacht Yard in Ancona. Combining almost four decades of design expertise with a quest for performance, the fourth hull was launched on April 20th.Spanning two main decks and a spacious sun deck, the Pershing 140 boasts an exterior design characterized by sleek lines, embodying Pershing's signature sporty personality. Noteworthy features like the side wings integrated into the superstructure and innovative design elements distinguish the Pershing 140 as a sought-after model in the market.The raised main deck offers direct access to the sun deck and houses a customized helm station with light grey tones complementing the exterior aluminum color. A convenient day head aft with outdoor access adds to the deck's functionality. Inside, the lounge features a discreetly placed bar cabinet adorned with special turquoise lacquering, adding a touch of uniqueness.The owner has personalized the interior with nature-themed decorative panels in the lobby and lounge, accentuated by three-dimensional fabrics in contrasting shades. Below deck, four guest cabins await, while the master suite on the main deck boasts neutral tones and sophisticated interior decor.Designed by architect Fulvio De Simoni and crafted in collaboration with Ferretti Group’s Strategic Product Committee, Pershing 140 represents the brand's first model built at the Super Yacht Yard in Ancona. Powered by four MTU 16 V 2000 M96L engines, each generating 2,600 hp, the Pershing 140 achieves impressive performance figures, reaching a top speed of 36 knots and a cruising speed of 30 knots.The Ferretti Group, led by Chief Executive Officer Alberto Galassi, is now one of the world’s leaders in the construction and sale of luxury yachts and pleasure vessels, with a unique portfolio of brands: Ferretti Yachts, Riva, Pershing, Itama, Mochi Craft, CRN, Custom Line and Wally.Credit: Ferretti Group
April 24, 2024
Southern Wind has delivered the SW96 Liberty after successful sea trials. The latest addition to its fleet designed by Farr Yacht Design and Nauta Design, Liberty emphasizes racing while maintaining luxury. The owner, a European yachtsman on his second Southern Wind Yacht, expressed his satisfaction after his first sailing experience in Cape Town. Built with a foam core and infused carbon skins, Liberty boasts a lightship displacement of 62 tonnes, ensuring excellent speed even in light air. Her Hall Spars high-modulus carbon mast and boom, along with EC6+ carbon rigging, enhance her performance further.Featuring full water lines and a lifting keel, Liberty is easy to control in various conditions. Her raised saloon layout and panoramic windows provide ample light, complemented by the largest hull portlights in the series. The deck showcases the latest Southern Wind “Twin Fold” transom.With three guest cabins and a spacious owner's suite, Liberty offers comfort alongside exhilarating performance.Now SW96 Liberty embarks on her 7500 mile Maiden Voyage from Cape Town to the Mediterreanean Sea.Southern Wind is a boutique bluewater sailing yacht shipyard founded in Cape Town in 1991. Since its foundation, SWS has specialized in the production of semi-custom high-performance superyachts.Credits: Southern Wind
April 23, 2024
Yonca Shipyard, a renowned builder of state-of-the-art composite vessels with a strong presence in the defense sector, has announced the launch of Mishi Yachts, a new brand targeting the sailing superyacht market.With a sprawling facility covering 44,000 square meters, half of which is under cover, Yonca Shipyard is equipped to construct vessels up to 160 ft in length and weighing over 400 tonnes. The yard's cutting-edge construction capabilities enable the production of up to 20 naval and leisure yachts annually.While excelling in various materials, Yonca's expertise lies in high-speed composite vessels, renowned for their robustness, seaworthiness, and impressive top speeds ranging from 40 to 80 knots.Şakir YılmaztürkChairman and founder, Şakir Yılmaztürk, expressed the shipyard's enthusiasm for venturing into the leisure marine sector. "Yonca Shipyard is esteemed in the defense industry and has served as the builder behind other esteemed yachting brands," said Yılmaztürk. "With 36 years of honed skills and capabilities, we are delighted to introduce Mishi Yachts, focusing on luxury sailing superyachts."Mishi Yachts' debut offerings include designs for an 88 ft and a 102 ft luxury sailing yacht, embodying the expertise and craftsmanship synonymous with Yonca Shipyard. The yard collaborates with renowned naval architects and designers to ensure superior performance and enduring quality.Yonca's proficiency in complex mold design and flawless composite work positions it as a leader in the industry. From CNC milling to vacuum infusion, the yard's meticulous approach ensures impeccable standards in fiberglass construction. Additionally, its finishing capabilities, including woodworking and stainless steel fabrication, further attest to its commitment to excellence.Mishi Yachts management board: Şakir Yılmaztürk, Erdem Yılmaztür and Didem Yılmaztürk Ulusoy"We are driven by the same passion and dedication that fueled our inception in 1986," stated Yılmaztürk. "Our reputation for composite craftsmanship and engineering excellence positions us to seize opportunities in the superyacht market. We look forward to delivering exceptional vessels that embody the essence of Mishi Yachts."Founded in 1986, Yonca Shipyard aimed to lead in fast boat design and advanced composites. Despite doubts, handcrafted boats reflected our vision. Now an industrial-scale enterprise, the shipyard produces cutting-edge pleasure, commercial, and naval craft. Yonca Shipyard delivered more than 180 ships and boats, specializing in fast interceptor craft and patrol boats for defense and law enforcement agencies.Credits: Pozitif Studio/Yonca Shipyard
April 23, 2024
On April 22nd, the Boatbuilding Technology Centre, the House of Swan in Pietarsaari, Finland, witnessed the launch of the first unit of the Swan 88 featuring hybrid electric propulsion. The Swan 88 is a groundbreaking model, meticulously developed to offer a hybrid electric propulsion option in collaboration with Torqeedo. This innovative project continues the successful partnership with German Frers for Naval Architecture, Misa Poggi for Interior Design, and Lucio Micheletti, Micheletti + Partners, for the exterior styling.A defining feature of this new project is the coachroof's shape, inspired by the wind, boasting essential and dynamic lines. The transom beckons to the 'Beach Club' swim platform. With a focus on space, functional quality, and on-board comfort, both indoors and outdoors, the Swan 88 is designed to impress. Natural light floods in from the stunning 'atrium' companionway, coachroof, and hull windows, providing a bright interior ambiance.The Swan 88 offers Owners a super-smart opportunity to reduce running costs through chartering. This performance maxi design ingeniously complies with the critical 24-meter load line length rule for light MCA charter regulations. Nautor Swan's decision to develop this vessel aims to offer a true performance superyacht based on an efficient platform, minimizing management costs, and simplifying the charter certification process.Dedicated cruising appendages include a moderate draught fin T-keel of 4 meters and twin rudders, providing advantages such as reduced draught, enhanced safety, and excellent sailing balance. The hull and deck boast full carbon fiber epoxy construction, utilizing Sprint® lamination technology and the yard's advanced carbon mold technology."The Swan 88 marks an important milestone for the shipyard's production. It's the first hybrid propulsion yacht, showcasing our constant collaboration with Torqeedo and contributing to the study and development of similar features across the entire range, not just maxi yachts," says Giovanni Pomati, Nautor Group CEO. "This significant new model, of which we will launch the second unit in a few days, epitomizes Swan's 360-degree essence, the DNA that has made our boats recognizable worldwide for 58 years, and we are immensely proud of it."The Swan 88 will make its global debut at the Cannes Yachting Festival from September 10-15 and the Monaco Yacht Show from September 25-28.Nautor Swan was founded in 1966 in Pietarsaari, Finland. The builder entered the superyacht market in 1999. Since then, the yard has continued building high-performance sailing yachts in three different lines; ClubSwan, Swan Yachts and Maxi Swan Yachts. Credits: Nautor Swan
April 23, 2024