Largest Sailing Yachts in the World (with Price & Owners)

biggest sailing yacht in world

In this list of the largest sailing yachts in the world, you'll discover the top 20 remarkable ones, from the groundbreaking Sailing Yacht A at 469 feet to Jeff Bezos' massive Y721 (aka Koru) that spans 416 feet. The owners of these magnificent yachts are often influential figures in various industries, such as technology, finance, and real estate.

Sailing Yacht "A", the largest sailing yacht in the world, is owned by Russian billionaire Andrey Melnichenko, who also owns Mikhail S. Vorontsov and Hetairos. Other large sailing yachts are:

  • Black Pearl
  • Maltese Falcon
  • Sea Eagle II

The yachting industry is bound to keep evolving and pushing the limits of what's possible. Who knows, maybe by 2024, the new Somnio "yacht-liner" might redefine our concept of luxury sailing altogether. For now, let's get to know more about these 20 sailing yachts, their prices, and their owners.

  • Sailing Yacht "A", built in 2015, is worth $600 million. It can accommodate 20 guests and 54 crew members.
  • The largest sailing yacht was designed by Philippe Starck and built by the German shipyard Nobiskrug.
  • Andrey Melnichenko is a prominent figure in the worlds of business, yachting, and philanthropy.
  • Top-notch industry players such as Oceanco, Lürssen, Royal Huisman, and Vitters Shipyard are known for their attention to detail and form-function balance, which could potentially increase the yacht's price.

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20 largest sailing yachts, the largest sailing yacht in the world, world's largest yacht is owned by....

Price Owner
$600 million Russian billionaire Andrey Melnichenko
$500-600 million Amazon founder Jeff Bezos
$50-100 million
$200 million Russian billionaire Oleg Burlakov
$150-200 million American fashion designer Diane von Fürstenberg and American businessman Barry Diller
$100 million American billionaire Jim Clark
$100 million Greek socialite Elena Ambrosiadou
$90 million
$100-150 million
$50-60 million American businessman Rodney Lewis
$50-70 million
$30-40 million American billionaire Bill Duker
$100-120 million Norwegian billionaire and entrepreneur Kjell Inge Røkke
$75 million Russian billionaire Andrey Melnichenko
$10-20 million
$100-150 million Russian billionaire Andrey Melnichenko
$50 million
$30-40 million Italian fashion designer Pier Luigi Loro Piana
$30-40 million
$8-10 million

biggest sailing yacht in world

Sailing Yacht A — 142.81M (468.6 Ft.)

You may have heard of Sailing Yacht A, a luxurious superyacht measuring 143 meters in length. Owned by Russian billionaire Andrey Melnichenko, this yacht is famous for its blend of modern design and cutting-edge technology. Its price is estimated to be around $500 million.

Sailing Yacht "A" is unique for its futuristic design, which includes a towering masts that are among the tallest in the world, a curved hull, and a striking all-black exterior. The yacht also features a state-of-the-art hybrid propulsion system that allows it to sail silently and efficiently under wind power, as well as a range of luxurious amenities such as a swimming pool, a helipad, and a spa.

Specification Value
Length 143m (469ft)
Number of Guests 20 guests
Designer Philippe Starck
Price $600 million

Koru — 127M (416 Ft.)

Amazon founder Jeff Bezos owns the breathtaking Oceanco's record-breaking 127-meter sailing yacht, Koru. This sailing giant was built in the Netherlands in 2023.

Koru is unique for its custom design, which was created by the renowned naval architect Ron Holland and features a sleek and modern exterior with clean lines and a metallic silver finish. The yacht also features a range of luxurious amenities, including a beach club, a cinema, and a spa, as well as a hybrid propulsion system that allows for efficient and flexible sailing.

Sea Cloud — 109.5M (359 Ft.)

At 109.52 meters, the elegant Sea Cloud is a breathtaking four-masted sailing ship built in 1931. It operates primarily as a luxurious charter yacht, providing guests with a unique, unforgettable experience.

Sea Cloud is unique for its historic charm and elegance, having been built in 1931 as a private yacht for a wealthy American couple. The yacht has since been restored and converted into a luxury cruise ship, but still retains many of its original features, including a wooden deck, brass fittings, and period furnishings. Sea Cloud also offers a unique sailing experience, with guests able to help hoist the sails and steer the ship.

biggest sailing yacht in world

Black Pearl — 106.7M (350 Ft.)

The eco-friendly Black Pearl, measuring 106.7 meters in length, boasts state-of-the-art DynaRig technology and holds the title of the world's largest sailing yacht, at least, when it comes to sail area.

Black Pearl is unique for its advanced technology and cutting-edge design, including a revolutionary DynaRig sail system that allows for efficient and flexible sailing, as well as a hybrid propulsion system that can switch seamlessly between diesel and electric power. The yacht also features a range of luxurious amenities, including a beach club, a cinema, and a spa.

Eos — 93M (305 Ft.)

The stunning 92.92-meter sailing yacht Eos has a classic design and high-performance capabilities. Owned by American fashion designer Diane von Fürstenberg and American businessman Barry Diller, it is one of the largest private sailing yachts in the world.

Eos is unique for its size and spacious interior, which includes a range of luxurious amenities such as a full-size bar, a cinema, and a spa. The yacht also features a hybrid propulsion system that allows for efficient and flexible sailing, as well as a classic and elegant design with traditional features such as wooden decks and brass fittings.

Athena — 90M (295 Ft.)

Athena, an impressive 90-meter superyacht, includes five en-suite cabins, a gym, and a library. Built by Royal Huisman, this classic schooner combines luxury with deep sea exploration capabilities.

Athena is unique for its classic design and traditional sailing techniques, having been modeled after the famous J-class yachts of the 1930s. The yacht features a wooden hull, a towering mast, and a range of vintage features such as brass fittings and period furnishings. Athena also offers a range of luxurious amenities, including a swimming pool, a gym, and a library.

Maltese Falcon — 88M (289 Ft.)

You'll be amazed by the innovative Maltese Falcon, a 88-meter sailing yacht. It features a revolutionary DynaRig system and is owned by Greek socialite Elena Ambrosiadou.

Maltese Falcon is unique for its innovative DynaRig sail system, which allows for efficient and flexible sailing without the need for traditional sails and rigging. The yacht also features a range of luxurious amenities, including a beach club, a cinema, and a spa, as well as a unique interior design that combines modern and traditional elements.

Aquijo — 85.9M (282 Ft.)

The 85-meter superyacht Aquijo is the perfect example of elegance and high-performance on the water. With an impressive interior, it offers the ultimate sailing experience.

Aquijo is unique for its large size and spacious interior, which includes a main salon with a double-height ceiling, a full-size bar, and a dining area that can seat up to 20 guests. The yacht also features a range of luxurious amenities, including a beach club, a cinema, and a spa, as well as a unique hybrid propulsion system that allows for efficient and flexible sailing.

Sea Eagle II — 81M (266 Ft.)

The 81-meter Sea Eagle II, built by Royal Huisman, features a plumb bow, an exceptional sailing performance, and spacious interiors.

Sea Eagle II is unique for its classic design and traditional sailing techniques, having been modeled after the historic tall ships of the 19th century. The yacht features a wooden hull, a towering mast, and a range of vintage features such as brass fittings and period furnishings. Sea Eagle II also offers a range of luxurious amenities, including a beach club, a cinema, and a spa, as well as a spacious and comfortable interior with a classic and elegant design.

biggest sailing yacht in world

M5 — 78.4M (257.2 Ft.)

Owned by American businessman Rodney Lewis, the 75-meter M5 is a luxurious yacht built by Southern Ocean Marine with impressive sailing capabilities.

M5 is unique for its advanced sail system, which includes a set of high-tech carbon-fiber sails that can be adjusted automatically to optimize performance and efficiency. The yacht also features a range of luxurious amenities, including a beach club, a cinema, and a spa, as well as a sleek and modern interior design with clean lines and contemporary furnishings.

Enigma — 74.5M (244 Ft.)

Enigma, formerly known as Phocea, is a 75-meter sailing yacht known for her sleek profile and extraordinary speed capabilities.

Enigma is unique for its sleek and modern design, which includes a striking silver exterior and a minimalist interior with clean lines and contemporary furnishings. The yacht also features a range of luxurious amenities, including a beach club, a cinema, and a spa, as well as a hybrid propulsion system that allows for efficient and flexible sailing.

Badis I — 70M (230 Ft.)

Badis 1, a 70.8-meter sailing yacht, boasts a stunning aluminum hull, a powerful rig, and a luxurious interior accommodating up to 12 guests.

Badis I is unique for its classic design and traditional sailing techniques, having been modeled after the famous J-class yachts of the 1930s. The yacht features a wooden hull, a towering mast, and a range of vintage features such as brass fittings and period furnishings. Badis I also offers a range of luxurious amenities, including a beach club, a cinema, and a spa, as well as a spacious and comfortable interior with a classic and elegant design.

Vertigo — 67.2M (220 Ft.)

Famed for its contemporary design, Vertigo is a 67-meter sailing yacht built by Alloy Yachts. With impressive features and an award-winning interior, it's a dream come true for sailing enthusiasts.

Vertigo is unique for its striking and modern design, which includes a sleek and minimalist exterior and a spacious and comfortable interior with clean lines and contemporary furnishings. The yacht also features a range of luxurious amenities, including a beach club, a cinema, and a spa, as well as a hybrid propulsion system that allows for efficient and flexible sailing.

Hetairos — 66.7M (219 Ft.)

Hetairos, owned by a Russian billionaire, is a 66.7-meter high-performance sailing yacht. With an advanced composite hull, it promises excellent speed and luxurious amenities.

Hetairos is unique for its advanced composite construction, which makes it one of the fastest and most efficient sailing yachts in the world. The yacht also features a range of luxurious amenities, including a beach club, a cinema, and a spa, as well as a striking black and silver exterior design.

Adix — 65.5M (215 Ft.)

The 65.5-meter three-masted schooner Adix is a beautiful sailing yacht known for its timeless design and quality craftsmanship.

Adix is unique for its classic design and traditional sailing techniques, having been modeled after the historic tall ships of the 19th century. The yacht features a wooden hull, a towering mast, and a range of vintage features such as brass fittings and period furnishings. Adix also offers a range of luxurious amenities, including a beach club, a cinema, and a spa, as well as a spacious and comfortable interior with a classic and elegant design.

biggest sailing yacht in world

Mikhail S. Vorontsov — 63.4M (208 Ft.)

The Mikhail S. Vorontsov is a 64.5-meter sailing yacht with a completely wooden hull, offering a classic and captivating charm.

Mikhail S. Vorontsov is unique for its opulent and extravagant design, which includes a range of luxurious features such as a grand staircase, a full-size ballroom, and a range of ornate decorations and furnishings. The yacht also features a range of modern amenities, including a beach club, a cinema, and a spa, as well as a hybrid propulsion system that allows for efficient and flexible sailing.

Perseus^3 — 60M (197 Ft.)

The high-performance sailing yacht Perseus^3, measuring 60 meters in length, includes a carbon-fiber mast, a powerful regatta rig, and cutting-edge features for the ultimate sailing experience.

Perseus^3 is unique for its advanced sail system, which includes a set of high-tech carbon-fiber sails that can be adjusted automatically to optimize performance and efficiency. The yacht also features a range of luxurious amenities, including a beach club, a cinema, and a spa, as well as a sleek and modern interior design.

Ngoni — 58M (190 Ft.)

Ngoni, a stunning 58-meter sailing yacht built by Royal Huisman, is known for its innovative design and advanced sailing technology.

Ngoni is unique for its unconventional design, which includes a striking black and gold exterior and a minimalist interior with clean lines and contemporary furnishings. The yacht also features a range of luxurious amenities, including a beach club, a cinema, and a spa, as well as a hybrid propulsion system that allows for efficient and flexible sailing.

Twizzle — 57.5M (188 Ft.)

Last but not least, the 57.5-meter sailing yacht Twizzle offers exceptional sailing performance paired with timeless elegance, making for a luxurious experience on the water.

Twizzle is unique for its spacious and comfortable interior, which includes a range of luxurious amenities such as a full-size bar, a cinema, and a spa. The yacht also features a hybrid propulsion system that allows for efficient and flexible sailing, as well as a sleek and modern design with clean lines and contemporary furnishings.

Fleurtje — 57.4M (188 Ft.)

Fleurtje is a classic sailing yacht that was built in 1961 by the Dutch shipyard De Vries Lentsch. The yacht underwent a major refit in 1993, which included the installation of a new engine, a new mast, and a range of modern amenities.

Fleurtje features a classic design with a wooden hull and a traditional rig, which gives it a timeless and elegant appearance. The yacht also features a spacious and comfortable interior with a range of luxurious amenities, including a full-size bar, a cinema, and a spa. It is also known for its impressive sailing performance, with a top speed of 12 knots under sail and a range of advanced technologies that allow for efficient and flexible sailing.

Is Sailing Yacht "A", which is 143 meters long, 24.88 meters wide, has a draft of 8 meters, and weighs 1428 tons. It can accommodate 20 guests, and has 54 crew members.

Length Beam (Width) Draft Weight
143m (469ft) 24.88m (81'7") 8m (26'3") 1428 tons
127m (416ft) 9.3m (30'6") 3.8m (12'6") 300 tons
109.5m (359ft) 14m (46') 5.2m (17'1") 220 tons
106.7m (350ft) 15m (49'3") 8m (26'3") 2900 tons
93m (305ft) 13.5m (44'3") 7.5m (24'7") 1500 tons
90m (295ft) 12.2m (40') 5.8m (19') 525 tons
88m (289ft) 12.6m (41'4") 6m (19'8") 1200 tons
85.9m (282ft) 17.68m (58') 7.85m (25'9") 855 tons
81m (266ft) 10.6m (34'9") 5.6m (18'4") 460 tons
78.4m (257.2ft) 9.5m (31'2") 4.9m (16'1") 170 tons
74.5m (244ft) 10.8m (35'5") 5.5m (18') 1050 tons
70m (230ft) 7.9m (26') 4.8m (15'9") 175 tons
67.2m (220ft) 7.9m (26') 4.5m (14'9") 837 tons
66.7m (219ft) 10.8m (35'5") 7.5m (24'7") 240 tons
65.5m (215ft) 8.5m (27'11") 4.8m (15'9") 236 tons
63.4m (208ft) 12.2m (40') 6.1m (20') 1050 tons
60m (197ft) 12.8m (42') 12.3m (40'4") 469 tons
58m (190ft) 9.5m (31'2") 5.5m (18') 287 tons
57.5m (188ft) 11.2m (36'9") 5.5m (18') 270 tons
57.4m (188ft) 9.5m (31') 4.3m (14.1') 316 tons

The crew sizes, and operating costs of these yachts can vary widely depending on a number of factors, including the size and complexity of the yacht, the level of luxury and amenities onboard, and the location and frequency of use.

Number of Guests Crew Size Operating Costs
20 guests 54 people $20 million or more
10 guests 36 people $10-20 million
64 guests 60 people $5-10 million
12 guests 35 people $10-15 million
16 guests 21 people $5-10 million
10 guests 20 people $5-10 million
12 guests 18 people $5-10 million
12 guests 17 people $5-10 million
12 guests 14 people $5-10 million
10 guests 11 people $2-4 million
12 guests 20 people $5-10 million
8 guests 16 people $3-5 million
12 guests 12 people $2-4 million
10 guests 18 people $5-10 million
8 guests 16 people $1-2 million
12 guests 10 people $5-10 million
12 guests 12 people $3-5 million
8 guests 13 people $3-5 million
8 guests 14 people $3-5 million
12 guests 15 people $1 million or more

Russian billionaire Andrey Melnichenko. Melnichenko is known for his extravagant lifestyle and his love of luxury yachts. He is the owner of the largest and iconic Sailing Yacht "A", which is considered one of the most expensive and technologically advanced yachts ever built. He is also the owner of the motor yacht "A", which was built by the same shipyard as Sailing Yacht "A" and features a similarly striking design.

Melnichenko was born on March 8, 1972, in Gomel, Belarus. In addition to his business and yachting interests, Melnichenko is also a philanthropist who supports a range of charitable causes through his Andrey & Aleksandra Melnichenko Foundation. The foundation focuses on supporting education, science, and culture, and has provided funding for a range of projects in Russia and around the world.

Melnichenko is one of the wealthiest people in Russia, with a net worth of over $18 billion, according to Forbes. He made his fortune in the energy and chemical industries, having founded the fertilizer producer EuroChem and the coal producer SUEK. He is also a major shareholder in the power company Siberian Generating Company and the pipe producer TMK.

Designer Builder Year Modification
Philippe Starck Nobiskrug 2015
Ron Holland Design Bilgin Yachts 1990 Refitted in 2015
Cox & Stevens Krupp Germaniawerft 1931 Restored in 1978 and 1995
Ken Freivokh Design Oceanco 2018 Converted from a commercial vessel to a luxury yacht in 2016-2018
Bill Langan and François Catroux Lürssen 2006 Refitted in 2011-2012
Pieter Beeldsnijder and Rebecca Bradley Royal Huisman 2004 Refitted in 2011
Ken Freivokh Design and Gerard Dijkstra & Partners Perini Navi 2006 Refitted in 2015-2016
Bill Tripp and Dölker + Voges Oceanco and Vitters Shipyard 2016
Dykstra Naval Architects and Mark Whiteley Design Royal Huisman 2020
Ron Holland Vitters Shipyard 2004 Refitted in 2016-2017
Michel Bigoin DCAN 1976 Refitted in 1999-2000
Pieter Beeldsnijder and Dick Young Designs Royal Huisman 1985 Refitted in 2017
Philippe Briand and Christian Liaigre Alloy Yachts 2011
Dykstra Naval Architects and Reichel/Pugh Yacht Design Baltic Yachts 2011 Refitted in 2018-2019
Arthur Holgate and John G. Alden Astilleros de Mallorca 1984 Refitted in 2012-2013
Ken Freivokh Design Dream Ship Victory 2013
Ron Holland Design and Perini Navi Perini Navi 2015
Dubois Naval Architects and Rick Baker Ltd Royal Huisman 2017
Dubois Naval Architects and Redman Whiteley Dixon Royal Huisman 2010 Refitted in 2015
De Vries Lentsch De Vries Lentsch 1961 Refitted in 1993

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The 25 Largest Yachts in the World

The list runs from lürssen's 592-foot 'azzam' to fincantieri 439-foot 'serene,' with a fascinating group of bespoke vessels in between..

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Top 25 Superyachts Now

The new arrivals in 2024 knock the mighty 436.4-foot  Al Mirqab   and  Koru , Jeff Bezos’s sailing yacht, off the list. The “smallest” yacht— Serene —measures a whopping 439.3 feet. A raft of behemoths didn’t make it, including Feadship’s 290-foot Project 821 that is launching this year, the largest build from the Dutch shipyard to date.

Two of Lürssen’s 2024 deliveries also fell short, including Project Deep Blue and Project JassJ. That said, the German yard remains top of the leader board with the immoveable 592.6-foot  Azzam . It also claims 13 of the 25 world’s largest yachts, two of which are new entries.

The list is interesting because most were built in the last 15 years, but there are several historical yachts, including  Savarona , launched in 1931, and  El Mahrousa , launched in 1865, that withstand the test of time. Others like  Yas  and  OK are conversions from other types of vessels. The inimitable  A  is a one-of-a-kind, never-to-be-repeated sailing superyacht.

Here are the world’s top 25 yachts by length.

Azzam | 592 feet, 6 inches

Lürssen Azzam

Lürssen could never really boast about Azzam after its launch in 2013 because of the owner’s penchant for privacy, though it did describe the interior by Christophe Leoni, which features a 95-foot-long main salon, as “inspired by the Empire style of the early 19th century.” Owner Mubarak Saad al Ahbabi directed a team of designers and engineers who started with the bare concept, worked through the technical challenges of what might be the most complex superyacht ever, and finished with an unusually large vessel that can top the 30-knot mark when operating in “sprint mode”. Its gas turbines, connected to water jets, also give it the ability to operate at high speed in shallow waters. Nauta Yacht’s exterior features a long, sleek forward area, with well-proportioned tiers moving up to the skydeck. It took an impressive six million man-hours—or four years including engineering—to build.  Azzam  accommodates up to 36 guests, and a crew of 80.

Fulk Al Salamah | 538 feet, 1 inch

"Fulk Al Salamah," Mariotti Yachts

Little information has been released about the world’s second-longest superyacht, the custom-built Fulk Al Salamah , and it has been shrouded in mystery since it was first announced in 2014. Even the overall length of 538.1 feet has been estimated from AIS data. However, the imposing vessel, built and delivered by Italian builder Mariotti Yachts in their Genoa shipyard in 2016, is believed to be owned by Sultan Haitham bin Tariq of Oman. Last refit in 2021, the yacht has an exterior design by Studio de Jorio, and it is considered by some to resemble more of a support vessel than a superyacht. Nonetheless, aerial photography shows an impressively large helideck, raked masts, and a bathing platform.

Eclipse | 533 feet, 1 inch

Superyacht Eclipse

The 533.1-foot stately  Eclipse , one of two yachts on this list owned by sanctioned billionaire Roman Abramovich, took five years to design and build. When it left the Blohm+Voss shipyard in Hamburg in 2010, it was the world’s largest yacht. The interior has 17 staterooms and a palatial primary suite, with the capacity to carry 85 crew. Both the interior and exterior are designed by Terence Disdale. A proportional profile is defined by tiered decks that sweep upward and bend ever so slightly at the aft ends. Eclipse  has a 185-foot-long owner’s deck, the capacity to hold three helicopters, a sophisticated stabilization system, six tenders, and an enormous spa, gym and beach club, not to mention one of the largest swimming pools on any superyacht. Hybrid diesel-electric engines are connected to Azipod drives that give Eclipse a top-end speed of 21 knots, with a range of 6,000 nautical miles.

Dubai | 531 feet, 5 inches

DUBAI UAE - DEC 16: Dubai - yacht of the Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum the ruler of the Emirate of Dubai. December 16 2014 in Dubai UAE

Even at 531.5 feet, Dubai ’s all-white Winch-designed exterior belies the dramatic and vibrant interior within. Colorful mosaic floors, a spiraling glass staircase, 70-foot-wide atrium, and bursts of red, blue, and green create a carnival of scene. Originally commissioned for Prince Jefri Bolkiah of Brunei as a joint project between Blohm+Voss and Lürssen . Known as “Panhandle,” the project was halted in 1998 with just a bare hull and skeletal superstructure. The hull was sold to the government of Dubai, and, under the direction of the country’s ruler, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, work on the 531.5-footer began again, though this time by Platinum Yachts. Dubai delivered in 2006 and is now the sheikh’s royal yacht, with accommodations for 24 guests and quarters for 88 crew. The SOLAS-certified seven-decked yacht has a landing pad for a Black Hawk helicopter, submarine garage, disco and cinema, and can reach a top speed of 26 knots. There’s also a waterfall that cascades from the yacht’s pool, located aft of the main deck. The yacht’s range of 8,500 nm at 25 knots gives it the potential to cruise around the world in record time.

Blue | 518 feet, 3 inches

Lürssen Superyacht Blue

Lürssen’s newest entry on the list, Blue , which delivered to its Middle Eastern owner in July 2022, may rank at number five out of the world’s largest yachts, but its diesel-electric hybrid propulsion system goes a long way to minimize emissions. The yacht also features an electric Azimuth pod drive that can be used independently or in conjunction with the twin propeller shafts. There is a waste-water treatment system and an advanced exhaust treatment system to help reduce NOx levels, as well as cut down on vibration and noise pollution. Interior and exterior design is by Terence Disdale, Blue is defined in profile by a raked bow with a helipad, an aft deck pool, and twin balconies forward either side of the owner’s full-beam suite. There is a second, smaller helipad aft. The British designer has reportedly penned a feminine and elegant interior, though no images have yet been released.

Dilbar | 511 feet, 8 inches

Espen Øino Dilbar yacht

The 2016 launch of Dilbar gave Lürssen the distinction of not only building the longest yacht ever ( Azzam ), but also the largest in terms of volume. Espen Øino designed the exterior, creating a full-bodied superstructure of long, flowing decks, along with two helicopter pads,two helicopter pads, one of which has a hangar with an H175 helicopter always on standby.  Dilbar  also has an oversized garden and an 82-foot swimming pool that can hold an incredible 6,357-cubic-feet of water and according to Lürssen, is the world’s longest on a yacht. The interior by  Winch Design  is defined by its “rare and exclusive luxury materials,” says the builder, declining to go into detail. Despite  Dilbar ’s volume, the designers did a masterful job making the yacht look relatively svelte. In June 2020, Dilbar returned to Lürssen for a significant refit, where the yacht remains following U.S. sanctions placed on the owner, Russian billionaire Alisher Usmanov, in 2022. The yacht’s value is estimated to be $600 million.

Al Saïd | 508 feet, 5 inches

Al Said measures 508'5" and was built by Lurssen Yachts

Another 500-plus-foot yacht from Lürssen, the original Project Sunflower gained its official name of Al Saïd following its launch in 2016. Espen Øino’s exterior is akin to a classic cruise liner, complete with the twin-exhaust stacks in the center of the superstructure. Owned by the Sultan of Oman, the yacht was listed for the sale for the first time in April 2022 for an undisclosed sum, but a buyer has yet to be confirmed. The six-decked  Al Saïd  can carry 154 crew and an estimated 70 guests across 26 suites. Lürssen reports a top speed of 22 knots. The London-based Redman Whiteley Dixon studio designed the interior, which includes a concert hall that can hold a 50-piece orchestra, a private cinema for 50 people; you’ll also find a medical room and dental care on board.

A+ | 483 feet, 1 inch

Lürssen Topaz largest yachts in the world

Very little is known about A+ (formerly Topaz) , which was launched by Lürssen in 2012. Tim Heywood Designs did the exterior, which features helipads on the foredeck and amidships on an upper deck. A lower aft deck includes a swimming pool. The German yard has not released any images of the Terence Disdale interior. Reported to be owned by Manchester City Football Club owner Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed al Nahyan—Emirati royalty and deputy prime minister of the UAE— A+  is equipped with a 40-foot Vikal catamaran beachlander and is powered by six Wärtsilä engines to reach a top speed of 22 knots. It can carry 62 guests and up to 79 crew and was last refit in 2022.

Prince Abdulaziz | 482 feet, 3 inches

Prince Abdulaziz

The 5,200-tonne Prince Abdulaziz is one of the Saudi Royal family’s yachts, its first owner being King Fahd. Designed by Maierform, the yacht was the longest and tallest in the world at the time of its launch, a title the 482.3-foot  Prince Abdulaziz  held for 22 years until  Dubai  launched in 2006. The late David Nightingale Hicks, known for his use of bright colors, was the interior designer. The lobby is said to be a replica of the Titanic . The yacht is also rumored to be carrying surface-to-air missiles, though that may be an urban legend. Launched by Helsingør Værft in Denmark in 1984, it was last refit in 2023.

OK | 479 feet

Ohima Shipbuilding's OK

Originally built by Japan’s Oshima Shipbuilding in 1982, the semisubmersible heavy lift ship was used for decades by DYT Yacht Transport as float-on yacht carrier. In 2022, the vessel underwent a private conversion at Karmarine shipyard in Turkey, turning it into a luxury, though highly unusual, yacht named OK . Modifications include a matte-black paint job, gold-tinted glazing, and teak decking. The vessel’s 328-foot submersible aft deck—a feature that first attracted her new owner, who uses OK to transport their 150-foot ketch—is now covered in a carpet of artificial grass. A 40-tonne crane allows for the safe and easy launch and retrieval of a vast range of toys, including a seaplane. The interior by Bozca Design is reported to include accommodation for 20 guests, a botanical garden, and a crazy Willy Wonka–inspired glass elevator that operates outside of the yacht’s superstructure.

Opera | 479 feet

Lürssen Yacht Opera

Very little is known about Lürssen’s mysterious superyacht Opera , though it’s thought to be a rebuild of Project Sassi, which was destroyed in a fire in 2018 at the German shipyard. Now four feet longer than the first iteration, the superyacht became the 11th largest yacht in the world when it delivered to its patient owner in 2023. Exterior and interior designed by Terence Disdale, Opera has a whopping 66-foot beam and an interior volume exceeding 10,000GT. No interior images have been released yet, though judging by its two swimming pools, one with a lifting floor, and two helipads—one on the bow and one on the upper aft deck—it seems no expense has been spared.

El Mahrousa | 478 feet, 1 inch

"El Mahrousa" Yacht, Samuda Brothers

El Mahrousa , which means “The Protected” in Arabic, is currently Egypt’s presidential yacht, though the 478.1-footer has a separate history as that country’s royal yacht. The London-based Samuda Brothers began the build in 1863, and it was launched in 1865. The world’s oldest superyacht—and formerly the world’s biggest—was originally built for the Ottoman governor of Egypt, Khedive Ismail, and later carried three Egyptian kings into exile. The yacht was also at the opening of the Suez Canal in 1869. It features external design by the British naval architect Sir Oliver Lang and has had multiple modifications over the years, including a lengthening by 40 feet in 1872 and another 17 feet in 1905. During the second refit, the owners replaced its paddle-wheel engines with turbine-driven propellers. The yacht, in care of the Egyptian Navy, occasionally goes to sea for a day or two. In 2015, it was used to inaugurate the new Suez Canal.

Project Luminance | 475 feet, 7 inches

Superyacht Lumaniance

Delivered in 2024, Project Luminance (the real name is yet to be confirmed) is Lürssen’s newest entry on the list. Exterior designed by Espen Øino, the yacht has a raked bow, a contrasting paint job in a dark blue hull and silver superstructure and a whopping 8,999 gross tons of interior volume. Few details are yet known about the gigayacht owned by Ukrainian mining and financial services mogul Rinat Akhmetov, including the interior by Francois Zuretti, but aerial shots reveal twin helicopter pads—one on the foredeck and another high up aft—a large beach club, and an infinity pool, with a private spa pool area on the foredeck.

A | 468 feet, 5 inches

Nobiskrug sailing yacht A.

Undoubtedly one of the most visionary projects ever delivered by German shipyard Nobiskrug, the Philippe Starck-designed A is a wild fantasy of the future. Delivered in 2017, the futuristic look of  sailing yacht  A includes smooth, silver-metallic surfaces and windows that look nearly invisible, a 26-foot draft, three composite masts that bend slightly, and a deck hidden by high bulwarks. The Philippe Starck–design is a wild fantasy yacht of the future. The 468-foot sailing yacht is a technical victory for Nobiskrug , which developed composite fashion plates to create the unusual shapes without compromising any strength or fluidity. It has the tallest freestanding composite masts on any sailing vessel, a diesel-electric propulsion system, and state-of-the-art navigation systems. The boat also reportedly has an underwater viewing platform in the keel. Starck’s traditional interior features dark wood, copper accents, and cozy patterned carpets. The split-deck main salon is divided into zoned seating areas with integrated bookshelves. A remains today the world’s largest sailing yacht six years after its launch, though many argue it is better defined as a sail-assisted yacht.

Nord | 466 feet

Lürssen OPUS Launch

Nord was announced in 2015 but didn’t hit the water until its 2020 sea trials in the Baltic Sea. The 466-foot yacht features interior design by Italian studio Nuvolari Lenard and was Lürssen’s first yacht launched from its floating shed at its facility in Vegasack. Boasting top-tier amenities, the yacht includes a sports and diving center on the lower deck, multiple tenders ranging in size up to 50 feet and a large swimming pool. The two helipads support the yacht’s long-range cruising capabilities for autonomous exploration, and a retractable hangar means a helicopter can slide neatly into the superstructure for storage when not in use. A generous 20 staterooms accommodate 36 guests across six decks, while a sleek aft-sloping superstructure gives Nord an individual profile on the water.

Yas | 462 feet, 6 inches

Superyacht Yas in Barcelona

As a converted yacht, Yas is one of the most interesting vessels on this list. The dolphin-like exterior was originally a former Dutch Navy frigate that launched in 1978 and eventually sold to the navy of the United Arab Emirates, where it was renamed Al Emirat . The yacht underwent its dramatic conversion in a facility in Abu Dhabi’s main port, emerging as a gleaming superyacht in 2011, with one of the most interesting profiles on the water. It was eventually delivered four years later. Reportedly owned by Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed al Nahyan, half-brother of the president of the UAE, Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the design by Paris-based Pierrejean Vision is defined by massive glass surfaces. Yas can accommodate 60 guests and 58 crew members. Mated to a steel hull, the superstructure is the largest composite edifice ever built.

Solaris | 459 feet, 3 inches

Russian oligarchs yachts continued to be seized

Owned by Russian businessman Roman Abramovich, the 476-foot  Solaris  was one of the largest yachts to deliver in 2021. Last refit in 2022 at MB92 in Barcelona, the vast, highly private explorer is built by German shipyard Lloyd Werft and features a displacement steel hull with bulbous bow and steel superstructure with teak decks. The eight-deck exterior by Australian designer Marc Newson houses a large helipad, sundeck, spacious beach club aft and 21,527 square feet of glass, the largest panes to ever be built into a yacht. Lloyd Werft also built the Russian billionaire’s previous explorer yacht Luna , which he reportedly sold for $360 million to his close friend Farkhad Akhmedov in 2014.

Ocean Victory | 459 feet, 3 inches

Fincantieri Yachts’ 459-foot Ocean Victory Photo by Trevor Coppock / TheYachtPhoto.com

The largest motoryacht ever built in Italy, Fincantieri’s Ocean Victory is owned by Russian billionaire Viktor Rashnikov, who was sanctioned in 2022. The seven-deck exterior by Espen Øino includes two helideck platforms and a hangar belowdecks, as well as exceptional outdoor social areas and a floodable tender dock. Ocean Victory has accommodations for 28 guests as well as quarters for 56 crew. The interior by Alberto Pinto remains a secret, aside from the yacht’s six pools, a 3,300-square-foot spa, and an underwater observation room.

Scheherazade | 459 feet, 3 inches

Russian oligarchs yachts continued to be seized

The 459.3-foot, Lürssen-built Scheherazade (formerly known as Project Lightning) was delivered in June 2020, with exterior design by Espen Øino and interior design by Francois Zuretti. Two helipads, forward and aft, and a large beach club aft are visible from aerial photographs, but aside from the yacht’s reported seven-foot beam, 40 crew and unique drone-crashing system for privacy, further details have not yet been released. The reason may lie with the yacht’s unofficial owner, believed to be Russian president Vladimir Putin. In May 2022, Italian authorities froze Scheherazade in the port of Marina di Carrara following an investigation conducted by Italian financial police who found the ship’s beneficial owner had “significant economic and business ties” to high-ranking Russian government officials, though the results of the investigation to date remain inconclusive.

Al Salamah | 456 feet

Lürssen Al Salamah gigayacht

When Lürssen launched Al Salamah in 1999, it was the third-largest yacht in the world. Its number 20 ranking shows how much has changed in the last 20 years. Code-named MIPOS, or Mission Possible, the yacht was designed by Terence Disdale . Originally owned by Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz, the yacht was put up for sale for $280 million in in 2013 before it was reportedly given to Bahraini Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa as a gift. The large imposing exterior is primarily protected space, with an upper deck exposed to the elements. Al Salamah has staterooms for 40 guests, including two owner suites, 11 VIP staterooms, and eight twin cabins. The yacht can carry up to 96 crew and has a top speed of 22 knots. Al Salamah was last refitted in 2009.

Rising Sun | 454 feet, 1 inch

Lürssen Rising Sun superyacht

Designed by the original guru of yacht designers, Jon Bannenberg, Rising Sun was built by Lürssen for Oracle CEO Larry Ellison and is currently owned by billionaire David Geffen, who reportedly paid $590 million for the yacht. The yacht comes with a gym, a grand piano, multiple swimming pools, a beauty salon, and a spa with a sauna. Delivered in 2004 and last refit in 2022, the yacht’s exterior is defined by banks of windows across the superstructure. Rising Sun has 86,000 square feet of living space in 82 rooms. It can accommodate 18 guests in nine cabins, with the capacity to carry up to 46 crew. The interior by Seccombe Design includes a gym, cinema, and wine cellar, and the rear cockpit deck was designed as a basketball court. Geffen received global media backlash in 2020 for his “tone deaf” social-media posts that pictured himself on board his yacht during Covid-19 lockdown.

Flying Fox | 446 feet, 2 inches

Lürssen's Flying Fox superyacht.

The 446.2-foot  Flying Fox is arguably the most high-profile yacht on this list, primarily for being the largest yacht available on the charter market. In 2022, it was also singled out as “blocked property” by U.S. authorities in 2022 due to its previous management Imperials Yachts, which was on the US sanctions list. The yacht’s owner, however, Russian billionaire Dmitry Kamenshchik, is not sanctioned, so the yacht was turned over to him and returned to charter in 2024. Key features of the Espen Øino-designed exterior are a curvaceous dove-gray hull and a 3.7-foot swimming pool that runs athwartship on the main aft deck, the largest ever found on board a yacht. A two-decked spa also gives guests access to a cryosauna, hammam, and relaxation room with a fold-down balcony at sea level. Packed to the rafters with the latest amenities, the yacht holds a diving center, a decompression chamber, and two helipads. Flying Fox is PYC compliant and can accommodate 25 guests.

Savarona | 446 feet, 2 inches

Savarona superyacht 25 top yachgts

Launched in 1931, and by far the largest and fastest private yacht of her day, Savarona was built for American heiress Emily Roebling Cadwalader and is easily identified by its two mustard-colored funnels. The yacht was eventually acquired by Turkey to be the presidential yacht of Kemal Atatürk, founder of modern Turkey. Jane’s Fighting Ships described the yacht in 1949 as “probably the most sumptuously fitted yacht afloat.”  Savarona was later converted to a training ship for the Turkish Navy and, in 1978, destroyed by fire. The yacht laid in tatters for 10 years. A Turkish businessman spent around $45 million refurbishing Savarona , commissioning Donald Starkey for the interior and replacing the original steam-turbine engines with modern Caterpillar diesels. Savarona became Turkey’s official presidential yacht again in 2014, accommodating up to 34 guests in 17 suites and carrying up to 48 crew. Amenities include a swimming pool, a Turkish bath, a 280-foot grand staircase, a movie theater and a library dedicated to Atatürk.

Crescent | 443 feet

Lürssen Crescent superyacht Larry Ellison

Last refit in 2021, Espen Øino’s dark hull and tiered superstructure was one of the most exciting launches of 2018. Called Project Thunder internally at Lürssen, the custom-built yacht features cutouts along the hull sides that allow full ocean views from the saloon on the primary deck, as part of Crescent ’s distinctive curved superstructure. Its most noteworthy feature is the jaw-dropping bank of three-deck-high windows in the center of the yacht. This architectural feature serves as the centerpiece of a very compelling design. The yacht has accommodations for 18 guests in nine staterooms. Little is known about the François Zuretti-designed interior, other than Lürssen describing it as being “traditionally styled.” If it lives up to Crescent ’s brash exterior, the complete yacht promises to be an entirely groundbreaking design. In March 2022, Crescent was detained by Spain as property of Rosneft CEO Igor Sechin, who is sanctioned in connection with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Serene | 439 feet, 3 inches

Fincantieri Serene superyacht

Serene  is the yacht that launched Fincantieri into the superyacht segment, and what a debut it was. The largest yacht ever launched in Italy when it was delivered in 2011 (surpassed three years later by Ocean Victory ), the Espen Øino seven-deck design features a long, sleek blue hull crowned by a white superstructure. Pascale Reymond of Reymond Langton Design created the 43,056-square-foot interior for a Russian owner, which includes a double height atrium with a piano lounge at the top and a vast open-plan main salon below. Sunken LEDs and bright pink and purple neon lights create a modern party vibe in the social areas, which contrast with the elaborate yet more traditional guest suites. A spiral staircase with intricate metal banisters soars through the heart of the yacht. The open stern area has a winter garden (enclosed glasshouse) that allows dining in all seasons. Serene also has two helipads and a hangar, a big swimming pool, and a tender garage large enough for a submarine.

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biggest sailing yacht in world

MARVELLOUS M5

On board m5 , the largest single-masted sailing yacht in the world, a massive sailing yacht refit for an aviator with a need for speed - marilyn mower discovers a project that combines pragmatism and ambition in perfect measure that came to create m5 ..

M5

BRADLEY WENTZEL

At 75 metres, Rod Lewis initially dismissed Mirabella V (now M5 ) as too much boat. A dozen years ago, the Texan owner was looking to build a composite sailing yacht of around 60 metres and had been developing ideas with naval architect Ron Holland . As Lewis had already chartered 64-metre Felicita West , Holland suggested he refine his wish list by looking at two more of his designs – the 2004 Mirabella V and the recently launched 56-metre Salute – and maybe even purchase one as an interim yacht.

Mirabella V was a bigger boat than he was looking for, but when he learned just how few builders would even discuss a 60-metre-plus composite sailing yacht, he took another look. While it needed modifications, he knew the boat’s owner, Joe Vittoria, and in 2011 negotiated a deal, renaming the yacht M5 . Although he’s a serial sportfisher owner, this was a big step for someone whose previous sailing boat ownership consisted of a Sunfish and a Prindle Cat. Lewis, son of a US Air Force pilot, is better known as a collector of vintage warbirds, which at last count numbered 35.

“His first love is flying,” according to M5 ’s co-captain Don Anderson. “He finds a lot of similarities between sailing and flying.”

“I’ve got a need for speed. I’ve had M5 ’s helm at 22 knots; that’s my fastest. It’s kind of like flying on water”

biggest sailing yacht in world

“That’s true,” says Lewis. He flies everything from helicopters to float planes to multi-engine jets to get from his home base in San Antonio to his work in south Texas. “I’m probably flying a helicopter three days a week and a plane five.” He’s also rated to fly almost every kind of Second World War aircraft, plus more modern fighter jets and trainers, and he flies them all regularly, including a CF-5D Freedom Fighter that approaches Mach 1.3. 

“I’ve got a need for speed,” Lewis offers. “I’ve had M5 ’s helm at 22 knots; that’s my fastest. It’s kind of like flying on water.”

In the energy business where he made his fortune, Lewis is known as a “wildcatter”, someone who sinks oil or gas wells on speculation, often armed with only geology reports and a hunch. It’s fascinating, then, to hear of the measured approach he took to M5 by sailing the boat with his family for a year while learning about her pros and cons. A first refit accomplished between 2013 and 2014 at Pendennis saw major modifications including a stern extension, repowering, switching to Carbo-Link carbon fibre and titanium rigging for the world’s tallest mast (saving nearly 18 tonnes aloft), cutting the bulb off the keel to reduce weight below, adding a bimini top and gutting the interior, replacing it with one designed by RWD . These were overseen by Holland and his former employee Rob Doyle , who had established his own studio in Ireland after Holland relocated to Canada.

M5

M5 ’s latest refit, begun in 2019 and completed in the spring of 2020, involved nearly two years in patient planning, according to Anderson. Two of the big-ticket items were changing the hull and superstructure colour and replacing the fabric and stainless steel biminis with composite structures. The other major work would be five-year survey items, reinforcing the mast, increasing the brute force of the bow thruster and solving a problem that arose because of slashing a 60-tonne chunk of lead ballast off M5 ’s keel in 2013.

“When we cut the trailing bulb off the keel [because the lighter rig required less ballast for a safe righting moment], it changed the pivot point on the lifting mechanism,” says Doyle. This imbalance caused the 96-tonne keel to scrape along the forward edge of the keel box. “It was [like] screaming cats for 11 minutes and the keel box is right next to the owner’s bed.”  

“After the last refit, it was practically a brand new boat and I appreciated that. But it still wasn’t the boat I wanted. It needed to be tweaked”

M5 interior

“It wasn’t just the noise,” says Anderson. “The whole boat was doing the Watusi as the keel would bind and then release over and over.” The issue wasn’t discovered until M5 relaunched at Pendennis and underwent sailing trials. By that time, winter was closing in and there wasn’t time to study and re-engineer the situation without losing another season. With the new rig and overall stability a success, it was deemed safe to defer rebalancing the keel. Lewis and his crew went out and sailed the boat hard, including a lap around the globe, and raced in the 2015 St Barths Bucket Regatta.

“We had put fibre optic sensors in the mast, and we realised the column was getting a lot of pressure at the spreaders and was in need of extra carbon fibre strengthening at these points,” says co-captain Ryan Bergman. 

M5 interior

The interior has an on-trend high-contrast scheme forged of old and new pieces, new stone and a nod to art deco in the hardware

Anderson adds: “We began planning a refit in conjunction with the next big survey and began interviewing yards at METS [Marine Equipment Trade Show] in 2017.” After much research, NCA in Italy’s Carrara region was selected as the yard. Marine Results, a British firm that’s been involved with the yacht’s mast and rigging since day one, would supervise pulling, ultrasounding and repairing the mast on location. 

The work list increased as Lewis discussed the project with the yard. For one thing, when he bought Mirabella V , there were no biminis or awnings in the flybridge. “Our owner likes to sail the boat and he discovered how hot the sun can be when sailing downwind with no shade,” Bergman says. The 2013 solution was to erect a frame and cover it in canvas.

M5 interior desk and chair

The stairs to the guest accommodation (top left) divide the starboard side dining table and bar (bottom left) from the saloon. With her 14.8m beam the main deck living spaces are anything but crowded

“After the last refit, it was practically a brand new boat and I appreciated that. But it still wasn’t the boat I wanted. It needed to be tweaked. One of my main issues was the flying bridge,” says Lewis. “I wanted it to fit the boat. And I wanted more than three feet [one metre] of shade from the arch. The canvas top we had added worked, but I didn’t like it. I wanted a modern-looking boat. I wanted something high tech and lighter than those two-and-a-half-inch [6.4-centimetre] stainless steel tubes.” He also wanted modifications to the helm stations, especially adding a fourth monitor screen to each side and finding some way of shading the screens and the helmsman.

The captains introduced BM Composites, one of the largest carbon-fibre fabricators in Palma, whose work they had seen on other yachts. Commercial manager Luke Hendy picks up the tale. “Usually, people come to us with the design and we model, engineer and build it. We needed a design and I reached out to Adriana Monk, an independent designer I knew from building her components on several Wallys,” he says. Monk, an American who now works in France, had been an automotive designer well versed in aerodynamic shapes before turning her hand to yachts.

During planning, the interior was just going to be refreshed, replacing like for like, but “what-ifs” took hold and RWD was asked to update some materials and the colour palette of the soft goods

biggest sailing yacht in world

BRADLEY WENTZEL New overheads and floors and an updated colour scheme have refreshed the owner’s office and library

Monk developed three helm concept directions for the owner before meeting on the boat in Charleston, South Carolina, in October 2018. Since she identified three function areas of the deck – sun area forward, bar and dining in the centre and helms aft – she and Hendy realised the top would be better in three specialised sections. “I started by looking at legs for the structure. Using carbon fibre would mean we could minimise the size of the supports and a sunroof at the dining table would allow guests to look up and see the sails. I don’t like a bunch of spotlights, so we concentrated on indirect lighting in the structure. The geometry of the lines of the mainsheet to the traveller were my inspiration and designing the helms and the hardtop together would result in features that looked like they belonged together in the boat,” Monk says.

Solving the keel noise, meanwhile, took on an exhaustive engineering approach in which the owner was fully engaged, according to Doyle. “We looked at five options from adding a second lifting ram to straighten the travel angle to a totally new keel with its own box, but that would have involved massive disassembly of the owner’s stateroom. In the end, the best solution was the easiest one: we removed the keel, cut it in half, moved the lifting pin forward 375 to 400 millimetres and closed it back up. It was so simple that we almost ignored it. This also gave us the chance to replace all the keel bolts and locking pins. Its shape and 96-tonne weight remain unchanged. The boat is better than new. This is the boat living up to her potential.” 

M5 interior bar area

Top left: the dramatic new bar top was cut from a slab of precious red jasper, a stone revered by Norse warriors and Ancient Egyptians for its strength and healing properties. The red jasper tones, along with grey, gave RWD the direction of the colour scheme for new soft goods

As to the new hull colour, “The owner had seen a grey motor yacht he liked and his sportfishing boat is grey, so we zeroed in on that,” says Anderson. “The last refit saw the boot stripe painted dark blue and the crew kept a careful eye on it watching for signs of print-through in the sun. Doyle had models painted with various colour combinations while NCA made up a number of one-square-metre fibreglass panels painted in various shades to be tested for heat generation and how the substrate reacted.”

A metallic grey from AkzoNobel tested the best for heat reflectivity, with a lighter colour in the same range selected for the superstructure and the whole thing given a clear coat. “It looks sleeker now and faster,” says Lewis. 

During planning, the interior was just going to be refreshed, replacing like for like, with new overheads, new floors and new marble countertops, but as these things often do, “what-ifs” took hold and RWD, which was working on a refit of Lewis’s sportfisher in Seattle, was asked to provide direction and update some materials and the colour palette of the soft goods. The latter was inspired by a spectacular piece of ancient Egyptian red jasper belonging to one of Lewis’s friends, a marble expert who lives in Rome. He offered it to Lewis if there was a way to use it on M5 and they decided it would make a fantastic bar top.

“I don’t think there’s a lot more that I could do to the boat”

The master suite

BRADLEY WENTZEL The main deck master suite is reached via a gallery corridor that separates the suite from the owner’s office

“There were eight pieces to be cut from the block to assemble into a bar top. Nobody in Carrara would cut it as jasper is the hardest stone; everyone said it would ruin their tools, or it was irreplaceable and they didn’t want to risk cracking it,” says Giulio Pennacchio, who manages NCA’s team. “All these enormous things went smoothly and here was a bar top about to ruin the job!” In desperation he stopped looking for stone cutters and started looking for sculptors, finding an artist in Forte dei Marmi to do the work. “It took 75 days to cut the stone. It is a job made with soul.” 

“I don’t think there’s a lot more that I could do to the boat,” says Lewis, now nine years into its ownership. “We sail it a lot. Many of my trips are just five days, but I crossed the Pacific and Indian Oceans; those were 28 days each. This time I will be on the boat for 45 days. It feels good to do something wind powered; I make my money out of the natural-gas business, but I like the idea of my boat being powered by the wind.” 

This feature is taken from the November 2020 issue of BOAT International. Get this magazine sent straight to your door, or subscribe and never miss an issue.

biggest sailing yacht in world

All of the teak decks received new grey caulking to match the yacht’s new exterior paint scheme Three new carbon-fibre hardtops support the division of various functions of the spacious flying bridge M5 ’s stern was lengthened in the 2013 refit to accommodate a carbon fibre float plane

The keel was removed, altered and replaced without dismantling the adjacent owner’s suite or office The dramatic red jasper bar top was the colour cue for refreshing the interior decor

Increasing hydraulic power and modifying the housing allowed a big boost in thruster force without having to alter hull structure The Hinckley tender was repainted to match the mothership

THE LONGEST YARD

Finding a refit yard for M5 ’s recent refit was no easy task. They sought a location with the potential for minimal weather delays and where they could both haul the boat and pull the mast. For a 78-metre boat with an 89-metre mast, options are limited – laying out M5 ’s mast requires space the length of a football field. 

By the spring of 2018 the captains had whittled down the candidates, eliminating Palma because although it has a large skilled workforce and yards that could pull the mast, it had no facility to haul the boat. A relative unknown in Carrara, Italy, ticked all the boxes and after extensive investigation – the owner’s team visited the yard three times and the yard’s team visited the boat in the Bahamas to view the work list in person – they contracted with NCA, part of The Italian Sea Group and a sister company to Admiral Tecnomar. Its slipway and haul-out space are where Admiral builds yachts up to 85 metres. “Fortunately, it is not so hard to find cranes near Carrara,” quips Giulio Pennacchio who manages NCA’s team. By having M5 arrive in April, the yachts that had been hauled and serviced over the winter had been relaunched and there was prime space available to lay out the 27 tonnes of mast and rigging.

“They answered every question – I felt like it was a good risk going with them. I guess I probably doubled or tripled the work list as we went along and I grew more comfortable,” says Lewis.

TROUBLE AT THE TOP

“They sent pictures of everything on the flybridge and nothing looked like it was in keeping with the rest of this modern yacht,” says Adriana Monk, who was engaged by carbon fibre fabricator BM Composites to design the remodelling of the space. “The helm stations were dated and I could see what they were saying about the layout being awkward. I felt it was important to see the boat in person and take my own measurements and photos for 3D modelling. Then they pointed up at the bimini and asked Luke [Hendy, BM Composites commercial manager] and me if we could make something nice to replace this and add some wings over the helms.

Because the canvas awning fitted within the curved shape of the arch supporting the domes, it didn’t fully cover the helmsman or the monitors. “Captain Bergman was fundamental to our understanding of what they needed to make it a better environment,” says Hendy. The new consoles and the hardtops were made of carbon fibre in precise female moulds; 3D scans of existing structures were essential because measurements did not match original engineering drawings.

All pieces were constructed and finished off-site so that they could be brought to the boat for installation at just the right time, not delaying painting or re-caulking the decks. For the helm coverage, Monk and Hendy finetuned a motorised sliding section for sun and rain protection with 3D Tech, based in Palma. At the touch of a button, two angled sections slide out on each side and forward, providing 400 millimetres more coverage.

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The top 10 largest sailing yachts in the world have a combined length of 944.5 meters.

These include the Sea Cloud, which is almost a century old, and the much anticipated Oceanco’s 127m Project Y721 set to launch in 2022.

Read on for our list of the world’s top 10 largest and biggest yachts.

1. Sailing Yacht A | 142.8m

Sailing Yacht A Blohm VOSS FV

Sailing Yacht A tops this list, measuring in at 142.8m. At 12,558GT, it is also the heaviest sailing yacht on our list, measuring 5 times more than the second-largest sailing yacht.

Sailing Yacht A, built by  Nobiskrug  in 2017, blends impressive sailing and motor yacht designs into a highly innovative vessel.

The boat features three 100m freestanding masts higher than London’s Big Ben, making her an eye-catching vessel. 

2. Sea Cloud | 109.5m

Sea Cloud has sailed the high seas since 1931. The 2532 GT vessel was built for Edward F Hutton and heiress Marjorie Merriweather Post by German shipbuilder Friedrich Krupp.

The 109.5m sailing yacht has interchanged ownership several times and was rebuilt in 1978 by new German owners. The vessel is available for charter to provide guests with a luxury sailing experience. 

3. Black Pearl | 106.7m

black pearl yacht

Black Pearl was designed to cross oceans with just the power of the sail. The vessel is 106m in length and is striking with her black sails, weighing in at 2,864 GT.

She was delivered in 2018 and built by  Oceanco . The vessel features an advanced solar system. She also has a high-tech DynaRig setup by Dykstra Naval Architects .

4. EOS | 92.92m

EOS was built for American media and movie mogul Barry Diller under a shroud of secrecy. The three-masted Bermuda rigged schooner was launched by  Lürssen  Yachts in Germany in 2006 and refitted at Dutch Royal Huisman Shipyard in 2011.

Since her launch, she has remained one of the most private vessels in the world. EOS weighs in at 1500 GT.

5. Athena | 90m

Athena was delivered in 2004 by Royal Huisman Shipyard. The 1103 GT vessel is unique, with its advanced engineering and spacious interior that is uniquely sized for a sailing yacht.

She features naval architecture by Dykstra Naval Architects and Pieter Beeldsnijder Design. The 90m Athena was built for US software developer Jim Clark.

6. Maltese Falcon | 88m

MALTESE FALCON Yacht

The Maltese Falcon is one of the most photographed yachts of all time. The 88m yacht has an advanced automated square-rigged DynaRig and three rotating carbon fiber masts.

The 15 square sails hold 25,800 feet of canvas, giving her unprecedented performance, speed, and maneuverability. The yacht was built by renowned sailing yacht builder  Perini Navi . 

7. Aquijo | 86m

 Aquijo is an 86m sailing yacht built by Vitters Shipyard and Oceanco and launched in 2016. She is the largest ketch-rigged sailing yacht in the world, with her main mast reaching 88.4m into the air.

She displaces 1538 GT. Her exterior design and naval architecture were designed by Tripp Design Naval Architects . 

8. Sea Eagle II | 81m

Sea Eagle II was delivered in 2020 from Royal Huisman. The impressive sailing yacht is the shipyard’s largest by volume, displacing 1150 GT.

The three-masted schooner has a carbon Panamax rigging by Rondal and was built in collaboration with designer Mark Whiteley and Dykstra Naval Architects. She is also the world’s largest aluminum sailing yacht.

9. M5 | 77.6m

M5 was launched as Mirabella V in 2004 and delivered to American yachtsman Joe Vittoria. M5 is still the largest sloop in the world to this day.

The impressive yacht was built by Vesper Thorneycroft in England and has undergone several refits. In 2013, she was refitted by Pendennis and extended by 3.2m. She was refitted again in 2019.

10. Badis I | 70m

Badis I was built by Perini Navi and delivered under the name Sybaris in 2016. Philipe Briand consulted with the famous shipbuilder on naval architecture.

PH Design contributed her wooden veneer interior, accommodating 12 guests. Badis I is one of the largest yachts Perini Navi has delivered from their Italian shipyard.

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