672 Wine Club
- Motorcycles
- Car of the Month
- Destinations
- Men’s Fashion
- Watch Collector
- Art & Collectibles
- Vacation Homes
- Celebrity Homes
- New Construction
- Home Design
- Electronics
- Fine Dining
- Benchmark Wines
- Brian Fox Art
- Chase United
- Disneyland Resort
- Gateway Bronco
- Royal Salute
- Sports & Leisure
- Health & Wellness
- Best of the Best
- The Ultimate Gift Guide
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..
- Share This Article
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 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
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
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
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’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
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
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
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
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
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
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 , 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
Read More On:
- Blohm + Voss
- Dream Machines 2020
More Marine
This Revamped 161-Foot Trinity Superyacht Could Be Yours for $16 Million
Rescuers Find Remaining Missing Aboard the Sunken ‘Bayesian’ Superyacht
Tech Mogul Mike Lynch and 5 Others Are Missing After a Yacht Sinks in Italy
A Fleet of Candela’s Electric Foiling Yachts Is Rolling Out to the Red Sea in 2025
Meet the Wine Club That Thinks Differently.
Receive editor-curated reds from boutique California producers four times a year.
Give the Gift of Luxury
Latest Galleries in Marine
‘La Dea II’ Superyacht in Photos
12 Must-See Yacht Debuts at This Year’s Cannes Fest
More from our brands, what was kamala harris trying to relay with her chloé designer suit at the dnc, diamond sports group reaches deals with nba, nhl, chappell roan blasts stalkers and entitled fans for harassment: ‘i’m allowed to say no to creepy behavior’, christie’s first sale at new asia headquarters led by $35 m. monet, the best yoga mats for any practice, according to instructors.
Luxe Digital
Conscious, elevated living.
- Men's style
- Women's style
- Buying guides
- Stricking superlatives
- Publishing principles
- In the press
JOIN OUR COMMUNITY
Receive our finest finds, exclusive deals, and luxury news to stay in the know.
As Far As You Can Sea: World’s Largest Superyachts
Multimillion-dollar mega yachts.
by Emma Treagus Updated on May 22, 2024
At Luxe Digital, we test and recommend products that we think you will love. If you buy something, we might earn a commission . This supports our team at no extra cost for you.
With onboard swimming pools, cinemas, helicopter landing pads, and spas, the world’s largest superyachts have more facilities than your ‘average’ five-star hotel.
Owned by some of the world’s wealthiest people—along with a few anonymous owners who’d prefer to keep their luxury transport a secret—these mega yachts redefine the word “boat” into something indescribably sleek, stylish, and seriously impressive.
If superyachts are your thing, you’ll want to read on for all the facts and figures on all of the largest yachts in the world.
The 26 largest yachts in the world
26 | 417 feet | |
25 | 436 feet | |
24 | 439 feet | |
23 | 445 feet | |
22 | 446 feet | |
21 | 446 feet | |
20 | 454 feet | |
19 | 457 feet | |
18 | 458 feet | |
17 | 459 feet | |
16 | 460 feet | |
15 | 463 feet | |
14 | 465 feet | |
13 | 469 feet | |
12 | 478 feet | |
11 | 479 feet | |
10 | 480 feet | |
9 | 482 feet | |
8 | 483 feet | |
7 | 508 feet | |
6 | 511 feet | |
5 | 527 feet | |
4 | 531 feet | |
3 | 533 feet | |
2 | 538 feet | |
1 | 590 feet |
Multimillion-dollar mega yachts: Our ranking methodology
A superyacht or mega yacht is typically a motor yacht or sailing yacht with a length of 30 meters (100 feet) or more. For this ranking, we looked at the superyachts and luxury expedition mega yachts that are used privately or made available for charter. We excluded so-called ‘residential superyachts’ (think Njord and The World), which are essentially luxury apartment buildings at sea where people own private residences inside the superyacht rather than the whole yacht. By researching diverse, reliable sources like Wikipedia and the Superyacht Times, we compile a list of the largest yachts in the world.
Curious about other striking superlatives? Check our round-up of the most expensive cars in the world and the most expensive private jets in the world . They are both perfectly good alternatives to owning a yacht. And if you prefer to stay home, we’ve ranked the biggest homes and the most expensive houses in the world to give you some inspiration too.
26. Y721 (aka Koru) | 417 feet—127m
Ever wonder where Jeff Bezos spends his downtime? As of today, we’re predicting it to be on his $500 million superyacht. Y721—nicknamed Koru—is 127m long. And featuring three sky-high slender masts, Koru is said to be the largest sailing yacht in the world .
With dark exteriors and natural wooden decks, Koru is inspired by another one of Bezos’ yachts—the Black Pearl. The clean lines and classically curved bow speak to an understated elegance despite the yacht’s mammoth size. While a long line of portals indicates at least 9 guest cabins. In light of all the secrecy surrounding Koru, we doubt Bezos will ever charter her out, but we can still dream.
LOA: | 417 ft (127 m) |
Builder: | Oceanco |
Country of build: | Netherlands |
Year of build: | 2023 |
Yacht owner: | Jeff Bezos |
Yacht price: | $500 million |
Number of guests: | 18 |
Number of crew: | 40 |
25. Al Mirqab | 436 feet—133m
Adorned with cascading chandeliers and gold accents, Al Mirqab is renowned for its unrivaled interiors. Surrounded by suspended glass artworks, a grand staircase floats throughout the four floors. And inspired by authentic Arabian styles, the magnificent superyacht is reminiscent of a magic carpet ride through the seas .
Built for the former Prime Minister of Qatar, Peterswerft-Kusch spared no expense in delivering Al Mirqab to an impossibly high standard for luxury. The large swimming pool is a standout feature as it opens up into the sea, creating the ultimate playground for adults. Al Mirqab has a capacity for up to 60 guests and is manned by an equal number of crew. Although you have to be invited by the politician himself as Al Mirqab isn’t available for private charter.
LOA: | 436 ft (133m) |
Builder: | Peterswerft – Kusch |
Country of build: | Germany |
Year of build: | 2008 |
Yacht owner: | Hamad bin Jassim bin Jaber Al Than |
Yacht price: | $300 million |
Number of guests: | 60 |
Number of crew: | 60 |
24. Serene | 439 feet—134m
Adeptly named, the magnificent superyacht embodies the serenity of a life at sea. Serene was built in Italy for a Russian owner in 2011. She was leased to Bill Gates for the Summer in 2014 for $5 million per week.
Designed by Reymond Langton, the 134m mega yacht marries elegant sophistication with state-of-the-art technologies. The seven decks leave ample space for guests to soak in scintillating views. While the underwater viewing room—nicknamed the Nemo room—is a permanent gallery of resplendent sealife. The real-life snow room makes up to four inches of snow. And whilst this may seem odd when your billionaire boss asks for snow—you make it snow.
LOA: | 439 ft (134 m) |
Builder: | Fincantieri |
Country of build: | Italy |
Year of build: | 2011 |
Yacht owner: | Kheir Eddine El Jisir |
Yacht price: | $330 million |
Number of guests: | 24 |
Number of crew: | 52 |
23. Crescent | 445 feet – 136 m
Yet another Lurssen masterpiece, Crescent pays homage to classic naval designs with traditional architecture and elegant interiors. Formerly named Project Thunder, she was built in Germany and delivered to Igor Sechin in 2018. The Russian oligarch’s superyacht was seized by Spain after sanctions were placed on Russia in 2022.
Crescent features low bulwarks and full-height windows to maximize the view from the center of the boat. Her distinctive wing station provides unrivaled views for up to 18 guests. But don’t get your hopes up—Crescent is strictly for private use only and isn’t available for charter.
LOA: | 445 feet (135.6 meters) |
Builder: | Lurssen |
Country of build: | Germany |
Year of build: | 2018 |
Yacht owner: | Igor Sechin |
Yacht price: | $600 million |
Number of guests: | 18 |
Number of crew: | 40 |
22. Savarona | 446 feet – 136m
Savarona is the second-largest yacht built by Blohm & Voss and spends most of her time in the Mediterranean. This luxury superyacht is one of the oldest in the market — a perfect fusion of traditional charm and modern facilities.
Previously named Gunes Dil, Savarona was designed by Cox & Stevens, with interior design carefully handled by Donald Starkey. She’s available to charter on a weekly basis and has been refurbished over the years. Back in the day, her cost price was $4 million, and in 1989, she was chartered by Kahraman Sadikoglu, owner of the Turkish Sadikoglu Group, who spent an estimated $50 million on refurbishing her from top to bottom.
LOA: | 446 feet (135.94 meters) |
Builder: | Blohm & Voss |
Country of build: | Germany |
Year of build: | 1931 |
Yacht owner: | Government of Turkey |
Yacht price: | $100 million |
Number of guests: | 34 |
Number of crew: | 48 |
21. Flying Fox | 446 feet – 136m
Flying Fox is known as the most expensive charter yacht in the world , and a week aboard will set you back around $3 million. Chartered by the one and only power couple Beyonce and Jay-Z in 2021, it’s filled to the brim with all of the luxury facilities you could ever possibly want.
The Flying Fox is rumored to be owned by Jeff Bezos, although that’s a claim that’s never been totally certified. She spends most of her time in the Mediterranean, specifically Cannes, Capri, and Sardinia, although she’s recently visited Norway, too. She can accommodate the largest helicopters on the market, and it reportedly took more than 50 meetings with her owner for interior design to be completed.
LOA: | 446 feet (136 meters) |
Builder: | Lurssen |
Country of build: | Germany |
Year of build: | 2019 |
Yacht owner: | Unknown |
Yacht price: | $300 million |
Number of guests: | 22 |
Number of crew: | 54 |
20. Rising Sun | 454 feet – 138m
The Rising Sun’s original owner, Larry Ellison, CEO of Oracle Corporation, sold her in 2010 as he considered her too large. Famously used by David Geffen for self-isolation, Rising Sun has also been a popular hang-out spot for celebrities like Oprah Winfrey and Beatrice, the Princess of York.
She’s a Superyacht with impressive attention to detail like interiors kitted out in teak and onyx and endless features like a full gym, a large wine cellar, a sauna, and a spa. She’s got a full-size basketball court that doubles up as a helicopter landing pad and a private cinema for those long evenings spent at sea.
LOA: | 454 feet (138 meters) |
Builder: | Lurssen |
Country of build: | Germany |
Year of build: | 2004 |
Yacht owner: | David Geffen |
Yacht price: | $400 million |
Number of guests: | 16 |
Number of crew: | 45 |
19. Al Salamah | 457 feet – 139m
Al Salamah is part of the Omani Royal fleet and started her very secretive life in Genoa. Known as the world’s biggest superyacht right up until 2016, she’s a sleek masterpiece of a ship, with a distinctive cream color and beach club design.
Al Salamah does everything in multiples, from the five galleys onboard (the main galley, a bakery, a crew galley, an owner’s diet galley, and an Arab galley), three hospitals (one for the owner, one for guests, and one for the crew) and 2,000 sqm of floor space. She was put on sale briefly for $280 million USD, before being delisted and instead given as a gift to the Crown Prince of Bahrain.
LOA: | 457 feet (139 meters) |
Builder: | Lurssen |
Country of build: | Germany |
Year of build: | 1999 |
Yacht owner: | Crown Prince of Bahrain |
Yacht price: | $280 million |
Number of guests: | 40 |
Number of crew: | 134 |
18. Solaris | 458 feet – 139m
Everything about Solaris was supposed to be kept a secret when she was being built—a secret that didn’t last long when her huge size was spotted undergoing sea trials in the North Sea. One of this Superyacht’s main attractions is her beach club on the top floor: the perfect spot for relaxation during those long days out at sea.
That beach club comes complemented with endless other stylish amenities, like a large helipad, sun deck, and a crane to launch tenders, toys, and subs. Interior design is largely unknown, but, if it’s anything as sleek and white as its exteriors, it’s sure to be impressive.
LOA: | 461 feet (140 meters) |
Builder: | Lloyd Werft |
Country of build: | Germany |
Year of build: | 2021 |
Yacht owner: | Roman Abramovich |
Yacht price: | $600 million |
Number of guests: | 36 |
Number of crew: | 60 |
17. Scheherazade | 459 feet – 140m
Two helicopter landing pads, two outdoor Jacuzzis, and two outdoor fire pits: Scheherazade doesn’t hold back with not only the essentials but also the luxuries. Previously named Lightning, “Scheherazade” is mostly associated with a female character in the Middle Eastern folk tales in the series One Thousand and One Nights.
Not much is known about this superyacht, and even her birth and building process were referred to under a codename: Project Lightning. No one involved in her creation, even Lurssen, has revealed anything about her interiors or her owner. All that’s really known is that she sailed from Germany to Norway initially after completion.
LOA: | 459 feet (140 meters) |
Builder: | Lurssen |
Country of build: | Germany |
Year of build: | 2020 |
Yacht owner: | Unknown |
Yacht price: | $700 million |
Number of guests: | 18 |
Number of crew: | 40 |
16. Ocean Victory | 460 feet – 140m
Ocean Victory has traveled all over the world, from Europe to Southeast Asia and back again. Owned by Russian billionaire Viktor Rashnikov, she’s the upgraded vessel to follow his purchase of the 76-meter Ebony Shine.
She’s one designed with pure luxury in mind, from the six individual swimming pools onboard to the 300-square meter spa area. She’s beautiful both inside and out, with a unique concept designed by Espen Oeino and interior designer Alberto Pinto. The largest superyacht ever built in Italy, Ocean Victory shows some of the finest in the world when it comes to premium quality adventures at sea.
LOA: | 460 feet (140 meters) |
Builder: | Fincantieri |
Country of build: | Italy |
Year of build: | 2014 |
Yacht owner: | Viktor Rashnikov |
Yacht price: | $300 million |
Number of guests: | 28 |
Number of crew: | 56 |
15. Yas | 463 feet – 141m
Yas is known best for its seamless and rather unusual design — one that’s a little different from most superyachts out there. The owner of Yas wanted a yacht that lived up to his own heritage; one with a backbone reminiscent of the navy and with abstract lines throughout.
He chose an existing boat in Abu Dhabi, which was deconstructed within the region before being shipped off and renovated into the wonder that it is today. The Yas yacht was originally a Dutch navy frigate, which you’d never guess from strolling around onboard today.
LOA: | 463 feet (141 meters) |
Builder: | Koninklijke Schelde |
Country of build: | The Netherlands |
Year of build: | 1981 |
Yacht owner: | Hamdan bin Zayed al Nahyan |
Yacht price: | $180 million |
Number of guests: | 60 |
Number of crew: | 56 |
14. Nord | 465 feet – 142m
Nord’s distinctive bow design has never been seen before on a yacht. That’s one of the first things you’ll notice about her. The next thing you’ll notice is her unusual design, which verges on battle-esque and has been called “ a warship wearing a tuxedo ” by Dan Lenard of the Italian design studio Nuvolari-Lenard.
She’s one of the best superyachts out there for fun, with a sports and diving center on the lower deck, a swimming pool higher up, overlooking the ocean, and a fleet of tenders. She was designed for global exploration: a yacht that will calmly cruise her way all across the world.
LOA: | 465 feet (142 meters) |
Builder: | Lurssen |
Country of build: | Germany |
Year of build: | 2020 |
Yacht owner: | Alexei Mordashov |
Yacht price: | $500 million |
Number of guests: | 24 |
Number of crew: | 40 |
13. Sailing Yacht A | 469 feet—142.8m
Challenging the status quo and pushing design boundaries, Sailing Yacht A is an enigma. The sail-assisted superyacht was built in Germany and delivered to Russian tycoon Andrey Melnichenko in 2017. However, she was seized by the Italian police force, Guardia di Finanza, in 2022 after sanctions were placed on Russian businessmen following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Distinguished by soaring rotating carbon fiber masts, Nobiskrug’s hybrid approach to superyachts makes Sailing Yacht A more eco-conscious than other luxury yachts of her size. The u nderwater viewing pod molded into the keel speaks to her unrivaled innovation. And many balconies are enclosed by some of the largest pieces of curved glass ever made.
LOA: | 469 ft (142.8m) |
Builder: | Nobiskrug |
Country of build: | Germany |
Year of build: | 2017 |
Yacht owner: | Andrey Melnichenko |
Yacht price: | $600 million |
Number of guests: | 20 |
Number of crew: | 54 |
12. El Mahrousa | 478 feet – 146m
El Mahrousa had a few different names in her time, ranging from the translated “The Protected” to El Horreya, which in Arabic translates to “Freedom.” It’s not surprising that she’s had more than one name when you take into account her age. As the oldest superyacht in the world, she’s undergone a lot of restoration over time, including multiple lengthenings and faster engines.
She was renamed back to El Mahrousa in 2000 and gained even more recognition for being the first ship to cross the new Suez Canal extension in 2015. Back in her original days, she was built on the River Thames and took her first trip in 1867.
LOA: | 478 feet (146 meters) |
Builder: | Samuda Brothers |
Country of build: | England |
Year of build: | 1863 |
Yacht owner: | Egypt’s presidential yacht |
Yacht price: | Unknown |
Number of guests: | Unknown |
Number of crew: | 160 |
11. OK | 479 feet—146m
Delivered in Japan in 1982, OK is one of the largest and most unique superyachts in the world. Sprawling over 479 feet, the water giant is engineered to submerge almost seventy percent. This is accredited to the work done by Karmarine Shipyard. While the majority of the vessel was built by Oshima Shipping, it was privately converted to a semi-submersible yacht in Turkey.
The superlative finishing on OK superyacht was designed by Timur Bozca, winner of the Younger Designer of the Year award in 2015. The blueprint being as many games as possible. The extraordinary vessel has the uncanny ability to hold over seventy toys, including a sailing yacht, a sea plane, tenders, buggies and even a tennis court.
LOA: | 479 ft (146 m) |
Builder: | Oshima Shipbuilding |
Country of build: | Japan |
Year of build: | 1982 |
Yacht owner: | Unknown |
Yacht price: | $40 million |
Number of guests: | 20 |
Number of crew: | 24 |
10. Opera | 480 feet—146.4m
Like many of the most majestic water titans, Opera was delivered by Lurssen in Germany and built for Abu Dhabi royalty. This time, the owner is Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, son of the founder of the United Arab Emirates. And while it may not be quite as astronomical as Lurssen’s previous builds—Azzam, Blue and Dilbar—the streamlined vessel is equally impressive onboard.
The three-story superyacht proves large enough for a pair of helipads and two swimming pools, amongst many other toys, while simultaneously making room for up to 48 guests and 80 crew members. When it comes to the interior, details are sparse, but we do know that it was designed by Terence Disdale, a London firm renowned for creating bespoke luxury spaces.
LOA: | 480 ft (146.4 m) |
Builder: | Lurssen |
Country of build: | Germany |
Year of build: | 2023 |
Yacht owner: | Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan |
Yacht price: | $450 million |
Number of guests: | 48 |
Number of crew: | 80 |
9. Prince Abdulaziz | 482 feet – 147m
The Prince Abdulaziz’s yacht was ordered by King Fahd, who named her after his son Prince Abdul Aziz. Now, she’s owned by his brother, Abdullah. Just one of the yachts owned by the Saudi royal family, she’s spotted frequently throughout Europe, especially in Cannes, where the royal family owns a property.
She’s been redecorated once — in 2007 — in a project that took 15 months to complete, without even taking into account the rest of the ship’s upkeep. The Prince Abdulaziz is known for its combination of bold colors and fusion of traditional and modern design, thanks to its influence from the late David Hicks.
LOA: | 482 feet (147.01 meters) |
Builder: | Helsingor Vaerft |
Country of build: | Denmark |
Year of build: | 1984 |
Yacht owner: | Prince Abdul Aziz bin Fahd |
Yacht price: | $100 million |
Number of guests: | 64 |
Number of crew: | 65 |
8. A+ | 483 feet – 147m
What do you do when the name “A” is already taken for your superyacht? Choose the next closest thing: A+. Previously named Topaz, this superyacht was the world’s fourth-largest luxury yacht when she was built, before being stripped of that particular title only a few years later.
Nevertheless, she’s a seriously impressive superyacht, with endless facilities like a large jacuzzi, double helicopter landing pads, a swimming pool with a swimming platform and underwater lights, as well as a fitness hall, cinema, and a large conference room. She’s also well equipped with water toys, like jet skis, inflatable boats, a catamaran, and even a mini-submarine.
LOA: | 483.1 feet (147.25 meters) |
Builder: | Lurssen |
Country of build: | Germany |
Year of build: | 2012 |
Yacht owner: | Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahya |
Yacht price: | $527 million |
Number of guests: | 62 |
Number of crew: | 79 |
7. Al Said | 508 feet – 155m
Another Superyacht built, shrouded in secrecy, Al-Said was referred to as “Project Sunflower” the entire time she was being created, right up until she was delivered to her owner in 2008. Not much is known about Al Said, from her movements through to her amenities — although she is known to have a huge concert room with space for a full 50-person orchestra.
Currently, she’s flying the flag of Oman and has spent a lot of time in its surrounding waters. Her interior was styled by British designer design house RWD, with exterior design being credited to Espen Oeino. When she was delivered to the Sultan of Oman, she replaced a previous ship of a smaller size.
LOA: | 508 feet (155 meters) |
Builder: | Lurssen |
Country of build: | Germany |
Year of build: | 2008 |
Yacht owner: | Sultan of Oman |
Yacht price: | $600 million |
Number of guests: | 65 |
Number of crew: | 140 |
6. Dilbar | 511 feet – 156m
Dilbar, or Project Omar, as it was originally known as, is another superyacht designed with the help of exterior expert Espen Oeino, but with interiors strikingly designed by Andrew Winch. Dilbar is famously known as the world’s largest yacht by gross tonnage (interior volume) but as the fifth-longest superyacht in the world.
She’s home to a spa pool and beach club, as well as a large private cinema, spacious cabins set high on the main deck, a spacious dining room, and a salon with its own piano. She’s just as classy and beautiful on the inside as she is on the outside.
LOA: | 511 feet (156 meters) |
Builder: | Lurssen |
Country of build: | Germany |
Year of build: | 2015 |
Yacht owner: | Alisher Usmanov |
Yacht price: | $256 million |
Number of guests: | 40 |
Number of crew: | 80 |
5. Blue | 527 feet—160.6m
Sunday blues simply cease to exist on one of the world’s most extravagant superyachts. The elegant behemoth was built for member of the ruling family of Abu Dhabi and billionaire, Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan in 2022. Valued at over $600 million, Blue is one of the most expensive superyachts in the world. And with a strong emphasis on the environment, this superyacht is also one of the most sustainable.
Blue strives to be as environmentally friendly as possible. She is equipped with a highly efficient Diesel-Electric Hybrid Propulsion Concept developed by Lürssen’s own engineering specialists. And the wastewater treatment plant allows water to be disposed of in drinking water quality.
LOA: | 527 ft (160.6m) |
Builder: | Lurssen |
Country of build: | Germany |
Year of build: | 2022 |
Yacht owner: | Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan |
Yacht price: | $600 million |
Number of guests: | 48 |
Number of crew: | 80 |
4. Dubai | 531 feet – 162m
Dubai had multiple names in the planning stages—including Panhandle, Platinum, and Golden Star. Owned by the ruler of Dubai, it was aptly named after its home country and comes with all of the luxurious amenities you’d expect from such a name.
The Dubai comes complete with a huge swimming pool and two jacuzzis. Further down, you’ll find a large dining room with striking blue and burgundy decor and space for up to 90 guests. Dubai usually spends her time moored at Sheikh Mohammed’s private island in front of his summer palace in Dubai. She’s basically the definition of a floating palace.
LOA: | 531 feet (162 meters) |
Builder: | Blohm + Voss and Lurssen |
Country of build: | Germany |
Year of build: | 1998 |
Yacht owner: | Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum |
Yacht price: | $400 million |
Number of guests: | 115 |
Number of crew: | 88 |
3. Eclipse | 533 feet – 162.5m
It took around five years for Eclipse to be built from start to finish. While she was always designed to be a huge, luxurious Superyacht, the focus was more on decking it out appropriately rather than breaking any records. An award-winning superyacht, she’s incredibly spacious, with endless rooms to explore and a sleek, neutral color palette running through.
The Eclipse’s owner, Roman Abramovich, was more focused on facilities: he wanted more than one helicopter pad and a large swimming pool, too. Other than that, designer Terry Disdale had free reign for the rest of the superyacht. It’s just as much a clean piece of architectural styling as it is a stunning experience on deck.
LOA: | 533 feet (162.5 meters) |
Builder: | Blohm + Voss |
Country of build: | Germany |
Year of build: | 2009 |
Yacht owner: | Roman Abramovich |
Yacht price: | $500 million |
Number of guests: | 30 |
Number of crew: | 70 |
2. Fulk Al Salamah | 538 feet – 164m
Fulk Al Salamah translates to “Ship of Peace” and that’s something that sounds like a given when you’ve taken a look at this superyacht’s incredible layout. Developed under the codename Project Saffron, Fulk Al Salamah is more of a support vessel than she is a typical superyacht.
While she might still come complete with all of the necessities for a particularly relaxing voyage, she’s more so known for being a transport ship for the Royal Navy of Oman. She’s also used as a sort of friendship boat — pun intended — and is often sailed across the world with the intention of strengthening ties with the Sultanate. In some ports, influential people are welcomed onboard.
LOA: | 538 feet (164 meters) |
Builder: | Mariotti |
Country of build: | Italy |
Year of build: | 2016 |
Yacht owner: | Sultan Haitham bin Tariq |
Yacht price: | $500 million |
Number of guests: | 40 |
Number of crew: | 100 |
1. Azzam | 590 feet – 181m
Most superyachts in the top 10 category have a few mere inches between sizes, but the Azzam shoots far ahead with a large amount of extra length. The largest superyacht in the world, she was never designed to win the title — rather just to be a sleek and elegant vessel. Azzam was crafted backward, with the plans for her interior confirmed long before her exterior was fully signed off.
Her length only came to be as such to incorporate everything required for the interiors, which added an extra 35 meters to her overall size. She’s also designed to look smaller than she actually is, with a blend of indoor and outdoor living. It took more than 4,000 people to build Azzam , clocking up six million man-hours over a period of four years.
LOA: | 590 feet (180.6 meters) |
Builder: | Lurssen |
Country of build: | Germany |
Year of build: | 2013 |
Yacht owner: | Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan |
Yacht price: | $600 million |
Number of guests: | 36 |
Number of crew: | 60 |
The largest yachts in the world: Conclusion
The largest yachts in the world are:
- Azzam—590 feet
- Fulk Al Salamah—538 feet
- Eclipse—533 feet
- Dubai—531 feet
- Blue—527 feet
- Dilbar—511 feet
- Al Said —508 feet
- A+—483 feet
- Prince Abdulaziz—482 feet
- Opera—480 feet
- OK—479 feet
- El Mahrousa—478 feet
- Sailing Yacht A—469 feet
- Nord—465 feet
- Yas—463 feet
- Ocean Victory—460 feet
- Scheherazade —459 feet
- Solaris—458 feet
- Al Salamah—457 feet
- Rising Sun—454 feet
- Flying Fox—446 feet
- Savarona—446 feet
- Crescent—445 feet
- Serene —439 feet
- Al Mirqab—436 feet
- Y721 (aka Koru)—417 feet
The most expensive yacht in the world
The fact that the History Supreme, the world’s most expensive superyacht, comes coated in gold, is only part of the reason for its high cost. A superyacht with a real-life Midas touch, it was sold to an anonymous Malaysian businessman for $4.8 billion.
Robert Kuok, the richest Malaysian businessman, is the rumored owner of History Supreme, but no one has confirmed for sure. The History Supreme also comes with plenty of other impressive touches: a master bedroom decked out in platinum, a wall feature made from meteoric stone, and a genuine T-Rex dinosaur bone, to add to the list.
She took three years to build from scratch and comes with 10,000 kilograms of solid gold and platinum. Other seriously luxe features are her 68 kilograms 24-carat gold Aquavista Panoramic Wall Aquarium and a liquor bottle adorned with a rare 18.5-carat diamond . The base of the vessel comes wrapped in gold, too.
Frequently asked questions about the world’s largest yachts
The largest yachts in the world are owned by Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Sultan Haitham bin Tariq, Roman Abramovich, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and Alisher Usmanov. Our guide tells you more about all the biggest yachts in the world .
At 417 feet (127 m), Amazon founder Jeff Bezos’ sailing yacht, Koru (formerly Project Y721), is one of the world’s largest yachts.
The 181-m (590 ft) Azzam is the world’s longest yacht in length, but the 156-m Dilbar has a much larger internal volume (measured in Gross Tons) at 15,917 GT (Gross Tons) versus 13,136 GT for Azzam. As such, Dilbar is the world’s largest yacht in volume. Read our full guide to discover the largest yachts in the world .
The biggest yacht in the world is the Azzam , which has an estimated cost of $600 million. She’s owned by Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan and is not currently for sale.
In terms of the number of megayachts, the largest superyacht-owning country is the United States. Nationality-wise, beyond American, an increasing percentage of superyacht owners are Turkish, Greek, Emirati, German, Australian and Dutch.
About the author
Emma Treagus
Women’s fashion & travel editor.
A former fashion assistant and budding entrepreneur who calls the world her home, Emma writes many of Luxe Digital’s women’s style and travel stories, drawing on her passion and experience for slow fashion alongside an appreciation for current trends. When she’s not getting her way with words, you’ll find her exploring a new city (at quite a walking pace)—locating the nearest sushi restaurant or devouring a book on the beach.
Learn more about Emma Treagus
The 15 Most Popular Luxury Brands Online
Luxe Digital Titans—Personal luxury goods edition.
Randolph Sunglasses Review: From Fighter Jets to Fashion-Forward
Standing Tall: Oakywood Adjustable Desk Doesn’t Sit Still
Best Italian Car Brands: Power, Passion And Perfection
Mejuri Jewelry Review: Stylish, Stackable, Sustainable
Hot Off The Grill: Three Cuts Steakhouse Dubai Review
The 7 Best Sneakers For Men: Master The Casual Look
Sun, Sand, and Splendor: The Most Exclusive Private Members’ Clubs In Miami
Amberjack Slip-On Review: All-Day Comfort In Every Step
Homes Of The Rich: The Most Expensive Houses In The World
Proudly inspiring millions of readers like you .
Your Conscious,
Elevated Life
Starts Here.
- Striking superlatives
Tech magnate missing after luxury superyacht sinks off Sicily in 'violent storm'
A British tech magnate and several other people are missing after a luxury superyacht sank near Sicily’s main city, Palermo, during a violent storm, Italian officials and sources familiar with the matter told CNBC . At least one person was killed.
Mike Lynch, who was regularly described in U.K. media as “Britain’s Bill Gates,” was not among those rescued, said the sources, who asked not to be named because of the sensitivity of the situation. They added that Angela Bacares, Lynch’s wife, had been plucked from the waters off the Italian island.
Lynch was among six people who were unaccounted for, The Associated Press quoted Salvo Cocina of Sicily’s civil protection agency as saying. “They were in the wrong place at the wrong time,” he said. Cocina also confirmed that Bacares had survived.
Italy's coast guard said in a statement that the 184-foot sailboat, named the Bayesian, sank “due to a violent storm” off Palermo at around 5 a.m. local time (11 p.m. ET) with 22 people on board. Fifteen people were rescued, and six passengers were missing, it said.
American, British and Canadian citizens were among the missing, the statement said. The coast guard said in later statement that the ship’s cook had died. It did not give the cook's nationality.
Karsten Borner, the captain of a ship that rescued the survivors, told reporters that there was a “strong hurricane gust, and we had to start the engine to keep the ship in an angled position,” according to Reuters.
He added that they had “watched the ship behind us not to touch them and we managed to keep the ship in position.” After the storm was over, he said, “we noticed that the ship behind us was gone.”
“Fifteen people inside. Four people were injured, three heavily injured, and we brought them to our ship, he said. “Then we communicated with the coast guard, and after some time, the coast guard came and later picked up injured people.”
One of the survivors, identified as Charlotte Emsley, 35, told the Italian news agency ANSA that she had momentarily lost hold of her 1-year-old daughter, Sofia, in the water but managed to retrieve her and hold her up over the waves until a lifeboat inflated and they were pulled to safety.
“I immediately hugged her again amid the fury of the waves. I held her tight, close to me, while the sea was stormy,” she said. “Many were screaming. Luckily, the lifeboat inflated, and 11 of us managed to get on it.”
The City Council of Bagheria said in a statement that a child of that age was being treated at a children’s hospital. It said that seven adults were taken to the emergency room but that “it seems that none are in serious conditions.”
Lynch, 59, the missing tech entrepreneur, founded the enterprise software firm Autonomy and became the target of a protracted legal battle with Hewlett-Packard after the U.S. tech giant accused him of inflating the company’s value in an $11 billion sale. Extradited from Britain to the U.S. last year to stand trial, he was acquitted of fraud after a three-month trial.
Italy’s national fire department said in a statement that “divers, a motorboat and a helicopter” had been deployed to help with the search. The wreck was at a depth of around 165 feet, the statement said.
Divers from the Sicilian city of Sassri and Naples, a city on the Italian mainland , were “arriving on site to search inside the sunken vessel,” it said.
Built by Italian shipbuilder Perini in 2008, the U.K.-registered Bayesian has an aluminum hull and can carry 12 guests and a crew of up to 10, according to online specialist yacht sites. Online sites list the luxury vessel for charter for up to 195,000 euros (about $215,000) a week, the AP reported.
The boat left the Sicilian port of Milazzo on Wednesday and was last tracked east of Palermo on Sunday evening, with a navigation status of “at anchor,” according to the vessel tracking app Vesselfinder.
Fabio La Bianca, 40, took a picture of the boat at around 10 p.m. local time Sunday shortly after he closed his bar in nearby Santa Flavia. “Absurd tragedy tonight. I am lost for words,” he said Monday on Facebook.
Matteo Moschella is a London-based reporter for NBC News' Social Newsgathering team.
Henry Austin is a senior editor for NBC News Digital based in London.
The global authority in superyachting
- NEWSLETTERS
- Yachts Home
The Superyacht Directory
- Yacht Reports
- Brokerage News
- The largest yachts in the world
- The Register
- Yacht Advice
- Yacht Design
- 12m to 24m yachts
- Monaco Yacht Show
- Builder Directory
- Designer Directory
- Interior Design Directory
- Naval Architect Directory
- Yachts for sale home
- Motor yachts
- Sailing yachts
- Explorer yachts
- Classic yachts
- Sale Broker Directory
- Charter Home
- Yachts for Charter
- Charter Destinations
- Charter Broker Directory
- Destinations Home
- Mediterranean
- South Pacific
- Rest of the World
- Boat Life Home
- Owners' Experiences
- Conservation and Philanthropy
- Interiors Suppliers
- Owners' Club
- Captains' Club
- BOAT Showcase
- Boat Presents
- Events Home
- World Superyacht Awards
- Superyacht Design Festival
- Design and Innovation Awards
- Young Designer of the Year Award
- Artistry and Craft Awards
- Explorer Yachts Summit
- Ocean Talks
- The Ocean Awards
- BOAT Connect
- Between the bays
- Golf Invitational
- BOATPro Home
- Superyacht Insight
- Global Order Book
- Premium Content
- Product Features
- Testimonials
- Pricing Plan
- Tenders & Equipment
The Superyacht Directory is the world’s largest database of private luxury yachts, with over 12,000 megayachts listed. It’s the most authoritative place to find everything you need to know about superyachts – including new builds, historic vessels and the most famous boats of all time.
You can filter your Superyacht Directory search results by a number of specifications including speed, length and year of build, or select the builder, exterior designer or interior designer to narrow your search. With the Superyacht Directory, you can be as precise as you like, with options to filter by engine power, draught or displacement, propulsion system or hull material and more. You can use the Superyacht Directory to search by yacht type, breaking down your results into motor yachts, sailing yachts, explorer yachts or classic yachts.
Yacht search
Popular yachts, the fastest yachts in the world, the longest superyachts in the world, from our partners, sponsored listings.
- Frank Magazine
- Denison History
- Virtual Tours
- Alaskan Yachts
- Azimut Yachts
- Back Cove Yachts
- Beneteau Yachts
- Benetti Superyachts
- Bertram Yachts
- Boston Whaler
- Broward Yachts
- Buddy Davis Sportfish
- Burger Yachts
- Cabo Yachts
- Carver Motoryachts
- Center Console
- Chris-Craft Yachts
- Cruisers Yachts
- DeFever Trawlers
- Dufour Sailboats
- Fairline Yachts
- Feadship Yachts
- Ferretti Yachts
- Formula Yachts
- Fountaine Pajot Cats
- Grady-White
- Grand Banks Trawlers
- Hargrave Yachts
- Hatteras Yachts
- Hinckley Picnic Boats
- Horizon Yachts
- Hydra-Sports
- Intrepid Boats
- Jarrett Bay Sportfish
- Jeanneau Yachts
- Kadey-Krogen Trawlers
- Lazzara Yachts
- Lekker Boats
- Luhrs Sportfish
- Marlow Yachts
- Maritimo Yachts
- Marquis Yachts
- McKinna Motoryachts
- Meridian Yachts
- Midnight Express
- Mochi Craft
- Neptunus Motoryachts
- Nordhavn Trawlers
- Nordic Tugs
- Ocean Alexander Yachts
- Offshore Yachts
- Oyster Sailing Yachts
- Pacific Mariner Yachts
- Palmer Johnson Yachts
- Pershing Yachts
- Prestige Yachts
- Princess Yachts
- Pursuit Yachts
- Riva Yachts
- Riviera Yachts
- Sabre Downeast
- San Lorenzo Yachts
- Sea Ray Boats
- SeaVee Central Consoles
- Selene Trawlers
- Scout Yachts
- Sunseeker Yachts
- Tiara Yachts
- Trinity Superyachts
- Viking Yachts
- Westport Yachts
Top 10 Superyacht Marinas in the United States
Best marinas to dock your boat..
Marine, marina, harbor, yacht club, port — not exactly synonyms, but close. A marina provides safe dockage for vessels of all sizes, often offering supplies, repair, and other facilities to those who rent a slip. A quick (but unreliable) Google search told us that there at about 12,000 marinas in the United States.
Whether that’s true or not, that’s a lot to sift through. But we did it — we found the top 10 superyacht marinas in the U.S.
1. Yacht Haven Grande | Miami, Florida
“Welcome to Miami” is the vibe when you step off the yacht and into Yacht Haven Grande by Island Gardens. This marina is nothing short of flash and accommodates some of the largest superyachts in the world.
This Miami marina was specifically designed to host mega yachts reaching 500+ feet in length, plus accommodation for smaller tenders. Onsite amenities include a luxury lounge, conference room, mail and package delivery, concierge service, BBQ area for crew, and water taxi to select Miami waterfronts. Yacht Haven Grande is a true marina destination, and one of the finest in the world.
Bonus: Denison’s Miami office is nearby to help you with your new yacht search.
Max boat length: 500+ feet
2. Gurney’s Star Island Marina | Montauk, New York
All the way at the End of the World (as Montauk, NY is so often referred to), is Gurney’s Star Island Marina . It’s part of a larger resort and therefore offers plenty of amenities for boat owners who book a slip. Despite a sense of exclusivity, Gurney’s Star Island Marina does not require a membership.
The marina can accommodate yachts up to 220 feet with a maximum draft of 12 feet. Boat guests have full access to Gurney’s Star Island facilities and amenities, including laundry services, a private beach, a fitness center, heated pools, tennis courts, and waterfront dining options. It’s a welcome land excursion for yacht charters in New England .
Max boat length: 220 feet
3. Bahia Mar Yachting Center | Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Smack dab in the heart of Fort Lauderdale is the Bahia Mar Resort and Yachting Center (also home to the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show ). It’s all about the amenities when you dock at Bahia Mar, which includes access to a swimming pool, fitness center, entertainment concierge, diving and sailing tours, and dining options. Oh, and the beach is right across the street.
The marina is separated into the South Basin and the North Basin, with the resort, parking, shops, and restaurants conveniently in the middle. Bahia Mar holds 250 slips and can accommodate vessels up to 300 feet in length. Facilities include fueling, free WiFi, cable television, and pump out. Best to book ahead of time — about 90% of the slips are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Stop by Denison’s Fort Lauderdale office to speak with a superyacht specialist.
Max boat length: 300 feet
4. Safe Harbor Charleston City | Charleston, South Carolina
Safe Harbor has locations all over the west and east coasts, but its marina in Charleston , South Carolina is one of the best superyacht marinas in the United States. It’s home to the Mega Dock (dun, dun duunn), which hosts some of the most prestigious yachts in the world.
Charleston is a premier boating destination , and the marina’s state-of-the-art facilities and southern hospitality are a welcome respite after a big day on the water. Yachts that book a slip at Safe Harbor receive complimentary wifi, shore power hookups, freshwater hookups, and cable TV hookups. They also have a full marine service, fuel dock, and waterfront restaurant. While membership is not required to dock at this marina, you can become a member of Safe Harbor to gain access to an entire network of premium locations, amenities, and events.
Stop by Denison’s Charleston office to learn more about yachts for sale.
Max boat length: 455 feet
5. Marina del Rey Marina | Los Angeles, California
Marina del Rey hosts one of the largest marinas in the U.S. It can accommodate vessels up to 150 feet in length and up to 5,000 yachts year-round. Californians do things big — the marina has hotel rooms, restaurants, a Denison office , a movie theater, paddleboard rentals, and a shopping center (among other amenities ). It’s a short drive to/from Santa Monica for the beach or LAX to catch a flight. When you book a slip at Marina del Rey Marina, you’ll get security, fresh water, power, ice delivery, wash and fold delivery, and dockside shuttle service.
Max boat length: 150 feet
6. Farley State Marina | Atlantic City, New Jersey
Dock the yacht and head for the slots. Farley State Marina is part of the Golden Nugget Casino in Atlantic City. This protected marina offers 630 floating slips and dockage for vessels up to 300 feet in length. When you rent a boat slip at Farley State, you get exclusive resort amenities including access to the H20 Rooftop Pool and Bar. Spend a day on the water then enjoy the award-winning restaurants, shows, casino games, and nightlife at the Golden Nugget.
7. Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina | San Diego, California
The Marriott Marquis and Marina in San Deigo offers a prime waterfront location for your yacht or boat. The Marina District is ideally located downtown with easy access to catch a Padres game, tour the USS Midway Museum, or bar hop in the Gaslamp Quarter.
This 450-slip marina accommodates vessels from 25 to 125 feet. Because this marina is part of the Marriott, guests can order room service to their boat, gain access to the pool, or use the fitness center. Say hello to the Denison San Diego team while you’re there.
Max boat length: 125 feet
8. DiMillo’s Marina | Portland, Maine
In the heart of Portland’s Old Port is DiMillo’s Marina , an iconic neighborhood staple. It’s a two-minute walk to Portland’s historic downtown area with plenty of bars and restaurants, plus provision and marine services. DiMillos offers summer, winter, year-round, and transient dockage with amenities such as a gated facility, wifi, electricity, sewer, and fuel.
Max boat length: 250 feet
9. Stock Island Yacht Club And Marina | Key West, Florida
Stock Island Marina is one of the best marinas in the Florida Keys. It provides guests with excellent amenities including a waterfront pool, waterfront restaurant, event space, and fitness center; the unrivaled location is an ideal haven for boating, sailing, scuba diving, and sportfishing. Stock Island Marina can accommodate vessels up to 101 feet, with a max draft of 7 feet. By land, it’s about four miles from Key West International Airport and 10 minutes from the bars and restaurants on Duval Street.
Max boat length: 101 feet
10. Tidewater Yacht Marina | Portsmouth, Virginia
At mile marker zero on the Intercoastal Waterway is Tidewater Yacht Marina in Portsmouth, Virginia. It’s the halfway point between Florida and New York, a perfect pit stop for yachts traveling up and down the east coast. Tidewater Yacht Marina offers 300 slips — transient slips can accommodate boats as small as 20′ to yachts over 150’ in length. The marina offers restrooms, showers, laundry, and free wifi for guests.
Speak With A Superyacht Specialist:
Latest news.
NEWS | August 23, 2024
Cocktails & canapés at 37th america’s cup [s/y seaquell].
Cocktails & Canapés at 37th America’s Cup [S/Y SEAQUELL] Thursday, August 29th | 19:00-21:00 Denison Yachting cordially invites you to an evening of cocktails and canapés aboard the Sailing Yacht SEAQUELL during the 37th America’s Cup Round Robins at Port Forum. Enjoy a relaxed gathering on board, set against
Newport International Boat Show [Brokerage Boats On Display]
Newport International Boat Show [Brokerage Boats On Display] Thursday-Sunday | September 12-15, 2024 Denison invites you to view a number of available brokerage boats at the 2024 Newport International Boat Show. The Newport International Boat Show, set for September 12-15, 2024, in Newport, Rhode Island, is one of
NEWS | August 19, 2024
85′ azimut 2006 sold by florent moranzoni [eva].
85′ Azimut 2006 Sold by Florent Moranzoni [EVA] EVA, an 85′ (26.82m) Azimut built in 2006, was sold by Florent Moranzoni, who represented the Seller. Special thanks to James von Eiberg of Bluebnc, who represented the Buyer. EVA can accommodate ten guests in four comfortable cabins, including a
Advertisement
Supported by
Lynch Yacht Sinking Off Sicily Proves as Baffling as It Is Tragic
As bodies were recovered, the authorities and experts wondered how a $40 million, stable and secure vessel could have sunk so quickly.
- Share full article
By Emma Bubola and Michael J. de la Merced
Emma Bubola reported from Porticello, Italy, and Michael J. de la Merced from London.
Two months after being cleared in a bruising legal battle over fraud charges, the British tech mogul Mike Lynch celebrated his freedom with a cruise. He invited his family, friends and part of his legal team on board his luxury sailing yacht, a majestic 180-foot vessel named Bayesian after the mathematical theorem around which he had built his empire.
On Sunday night, after a tour of the Gulf of Naples, including Capri, and volcanic islands in the Eolian archipelago, the boat anchored half a mile off the Sicilian coast in Porticello, Italy. It chose a stretch of water favored by the Phoenicians thousands of years ago for its protection from the mistral wind and, in more recent times, by the yachts of tech billionaires. The boat was lit “like a Christmas tree,” local residents said, standing out against the full moon.
But about 4 a.m., calamity unfolded. A violent and fast storm hit the area with some of the strongest winds locals said they had ever felt. Fabio Cefalù, a fisherman, said he saw a flare pierce the darkness shortly after 4.
Minutes later, the yacht was underwater. Only dozens of cushions from the boat’s deck and a gigantic radar from its mast floated on the surface of the sea, fishermen said.
In all, 22 people were on board, 15 of whom were rescued. Six bodies — five passengers and the ship’s cook — had been recovered by Thursday afternoon, including that of Mr. Lynch, an Italian government official said, adding that the search was continuing for his daughter.
It was a tragic and mystifying turn of events for Mr. Lynch, 59, who had spent years seeking to clear his name and was finally inaugurating a new chapter in his life. Experts wondered how a $40 million yacht, so robust and stable could have been sunk by a storm near a port within minutes.
“It drives me insane,” said Giovanni Costantino, the chief executive of the Italian Sea Group, which in 2022 bought the company, Perini, that made the Bayesian. “Following all the proper procedures, that boat is unsinkable.”
The aura of misfortune only deepened when it emerged that Stephen Chamberlain, 52, a former vice president of finance for Mr. Lynch’s former company and a co-defendant in the fraud case, was killed two days earlier, when he was hit by a car while jogging near his house in England.
Since June, the two men had been in a jubilant mood. A jury in San Francisco had acquitted both on fraud charges that could have sent them to prison for two decades. There were hugs and tears, and they and their legal teams went for a celebratory dinner party at a restaurant in the city, said Gary S. Lincenberg, a lawyer for Mr. Chamberlain.
The sea excursion was meant as a thank-you by Mr. Lynch to those who had helped him in his legal travails. Among the guests was Christopher J. Morvillo, 59, a scion of a prominent New York family of lawyers who had represented Mr. Lynch for 12 years. He and his wife, Neda, 57, were among the missing.
So, too, was Jonathan Bloomer, 70, a veteran British insurance executive who chaired Morgan Stanley International and the insurer Hiscox.
The body of the ship’s cook, Recaldo Thomas, was recovered. All the other crew members survived. Among them was Leo Eppel, 19, of South Africa, who was on his first yacht voyage working as a deck steward, said a friend, who asked not to be identified.
Since the sinking, the recovery effort and investigation have turned the tiny port town of Porticello, a quiet enclave where older men sit bare-chested on balconies, into what feels like the set of a movie.
Helicopters have flown overhead. Ambulances have sped by with the sirens blaring. The Coast Guard has patrolled the waters off shore, within sight of a cordoned-off dock that had been turned into an emergency headquarters.
On Wednesday afternoon, a church bell tolled after the first body bag was loaded into an ambulance, a crowd watching in silence.
The survivors were sheltering in a sprawling resort near Porticello, with a view of the shipwreck spot, and had so far declined to comment.
Attilio Di Diodato, director of the Italian Air Force’s Center for Aerospace Meteorology and Climatology, said that the yacht had most likely been hit by a fierce “down burst” — when air generated within a thunderstorm descends rapidly — or by a waterspout , similar to a tornado over water.
He added that his agency had put out rough-sea warnings the previous evening, alerting sailors about storms and strong winds. Locals said the winds “felt like an earthquake.”
Mr. Costantino, the boat executive, said the yacht had been specifically designed for having a tall mast — the second-tallest aluminum mast in the world. He said the Bayesian was an extremely safe and secure boat that could list even to 75 degrees without capsizing.
But he said that if some of the hatches on the side and in the stern, or some of the deck doors, had been open, the boat could have taken on water and sunk. Standard procedure in such storms, he said, is to switch on the engine, lift the anchor and turn the boat into the wind, lowering the keel for extra stability, closing doors and gathering the guests in the main hall inside the deck.
12 guests occupied the yacht’s six cabins. There were also 10 crew members.
Open hatches, doors and cabin windows could have let in water during a storm, according to the manufacturer.
Open hatches, doors and
cabin windows could
have let in water
during a storm,
according to the
manufacturer.
Source: Superyacht Times, YachtCharterFleet, MarineTraffic
By Veronica Penney
The New York Times attempted to reach the captain, James Cutfield, who had survived, for comment through social media, his brother and the management company of the yacht (which did not hire the crew), but did not make contact.
So far none of the surviving crew members have made a public statement about what happened that night.
Fabio Genco, the director of Palermo’s emergency services, who treated some of the survivors, said that the victims had recounted feeling as if the boat was being lifted, then suddenly dropped, with objects from the cabins falling on them.
The Italian Coast Guard said it had deployed a remotely operated vehicle that can prowl underwater for up to seven hours at a depth of more than 980 feet and record videos and images that they hoped would help them reconstruct the dynamics of the sinking. Such devices were used during the search and rescue operations of the Titan vessel that is believed to have imploded last summer near the wreckage of the Titanic.
After rescuers broke inside the yacht, they struggled to navigate the ropes and many pieces of furniture cluttering the vessel, said Luca Cari, a spokesman for Italy’s national firefighter corps.
Finally, as of Thursday morning, they had managed to retrieve all but one of the missing bodies, and hopes of finding the missing person alive were thin. “Can a human being be underwater for two days?” Mr. Cari asked.
What was certain was that Mr. Lynch’s death was yet another cruel twist of fate for a man who had spent years seeking to clear his name.
He earned a fortune in technology and was nicknamed Britain’s Bill Gates. But for more than a decade, he had been treated as anything but a respected tech leader.
He was accused by Hewlett-Packard, the American technological pioneer that had bought his software company, Autonomy, for $11 billion, of misleading it about his company’s worth. (Hewlett-Packard wrote down the value of the transaction by about $8.8 billion, and critics called it one of the worst deals of all time .) He had been increasingly shunned by the British establishment that he sought to break into after growing up working-class outside London.
He was extradited to San Francisco to face criminal charges, and confined to house arrest and 24-hour surveillance on his dime. In a townhouse in the Pacific Heights neighborhood — with security people he jokingly told associates were his “roommates” — he spent his mornings talking with researchers whom he funded personally on new applications for artificial intelligence. Afterward, he devoted hours to discussing legal strategy with his team.
Despite his persistent claims of innocence, even those close to Mr. Lynch had believed his odds of victory were slim. Autonomy’s chief financial officer, Sushovan Hussain, was convicted in 2018 of similar fraud charges and spent five years in prison.
During Mr. Lynch’s house arrest, his brother and mother died. His wife, Angela Bacares, frequently flew over from England, and she became a constant presence in the San Francisco courtroom during the trial.
After he was finally acquitted, Mr. Lynch had his eye on the future. “I am looking forward to returning to the U.K. and getting back to what I love most: my family and innovating in my field,” he said.
Elisabetta Povoledo contributed reporting from Pallanza, Italy.
Emma Bubola is a Times reporter based in Rome. More about Emma Bubola
Michael J. de la Merced has covered global business and finance news for The Times since 2006. More about Michael J. de la Merced
- Skip to main content
- Keyboard shortcuts for audio player
Divers find 5 bodies during search of yacht wreckage off Sicily
The Associated Press
Italian firefighter divers bring ashore in a green bag the body of one of the victims of the U.K.-flag vessel Bayesian on Wednesday. The luxury sail yacht was hit by a violent sudden storm and sunk early Monday, while at anchor off the Sicilian village of Porticello near Palermo, in southern Italy. Salvatore Cavalli/AP hide caption
PORTICELLO, Sicily — Divers searching the wreck of a superyacht that sank off Sicily found the bodies of five passengers Wednesday and searched for one more as questions intensified about why the vessel sank so quickly when a nearby sailboat remained largely unscathed.
Rescue crews unloaded three body bags from rescue vessels that pulled into port at Porticello. Salvatore Cocina, head of the Sicily civil protection agency, said two other bodies had also been found in the wreckage for a total of five.
Who are Mike Lynch and the other people missing after a yacht sank in Sicily?
The discovery made clear the operation to search the hull on the seabed 50 meters (164 feet) underwater had quickly turned into a recovery one, not a rescue, given the amount of time that had passed and that no signs of life had emerged over three days of searching, maritime experts said.
The Bayesian, a 56-meter (184-foot) British-flagged yacht, went down in a storm early Monday as it was moored about a kilometer (a half-mile) offshore. Civil protection officials said they believed the ship was struck by a tornado over the water, known as a waterspout, and sank quickly.
Fifteen people escaped in a lifeboat and were rescued by a nearby sailboat. One body was recovered Monday — that of the ship’s chef, Recaldo Thomas, of Antigua.
Thomas was born in Canada, according to his cousin David Isaac, but would visit his parents’ homeland of Antigua as a child, moving permanently to the tiny eastern Caribbean island in his early 20s. Italian officials previously listed Antigua as the nationality of someone on board.
The fate of six missing passengers had driven the search effort, including British tech magnate Mike Lynch , his 18-year-old daughter and associates who had successfully defended him in a recent U.S. federal fraud trial.
Lynch’s spokesperson did not respond to a request for comment Wednesday.
Emergency services at the scene of the search for a missing boat, in Porticello, southern Italy, on Tuesday. Salvatore Cavalli/AP hide caption
What caused the ship to sink so quickly?
Meanwhile, investigators from the Termini Imerese Public Prosecutor’s Office were acquiring evidence for their criminal investigation, which they opened immediately after the tragedy even though no formal suspects have been publicly identified.
Questions abound about what caused the superyacht, built in 2008 by Italian shipyard Perini Navi, to sink so quickly, when the nearby Sir Robert Baden Powell sailboat was largely spared and managed to rescue the survivors.
Was it merely the case of a freak waterspout that knocked the ship to its side and allowed water to pour in through open hatches? What was the position of the keel, which on a large sailboat such as the Bayesian might have been retractable, to allow it to enter shallower ports?
“There’s a lot of uncertainty as to whether it had a lifting keel and whether it might have been up,” said Jean-Baptiste Souppez, a fellow of the Royal Institute of Naval Architects and the editor of the Journal of Sailing Technology. “But if it had, then that would reduce the amount of stability that the vessel had, and therefore made it easier for it to roll over on its side,” he said in an interview.
The captain of the Sir Robert Baden Powell sailboat, which came to the Bayesian’s rescue, said his craft had sustained minimal damage — the frame of a sun awning broke — even with winds that he estimated reached 12 on the Beaufort wind scale, which is the highest, hurricane-strength force on the scale.
He said he had remained anchored with his engines running to try to maintain the ship’s position as the storm, which was forecast, rolled in.
Search teams scour waters along Italy’s southwestern shore, where a luxury yacht sank
“Another possibility is to heave anchor before the storm and to run downwind at open sea,” Karsten Bornersaid in a text message. But he said that might not have been a viable option for the Bayesian, given its trademark 75-meter (246-foot) tall mast.
“If there was a stability problem, caused by the extremely tall mast, it would not have been better at open sea,” he said.
Yachts like the Bayesian are required to have watertight, sub-compartments that are specifically designed to prevent a rapid, catastrophic sinking even when some parts fill with water.
“So for the vessel to sink, especially this fast, you are really looking at taking water on board very quickly, but also in a number of locations along the length of the vessel, which again indicates that it might have been rolled over on its side,” Souppez said.
Italian coast guard and fire rescue divers continued the underwater search in dangerous and time-consuming conditions. Because of the wreck’s depth, which requires special precautions, divers working in tag teams could only spend about 12 minutes at a time searching.
The limited dive time is designed in part to avoid decompression sickness, also known as the “bends,” which can occur when divers stay underwater for long periods and ascend too quickly, allowing nitrogen gas dissolved in the blood to form bubbles.
“The longer you stay, the slower your ascent has to be,” said Simon Rogerson, the editor of SCUBA magazine. He said the tight turnaround time suggests the operation's managers are trying to limit the risks and recovery time after each dive.
“It sounds like they’re operating essentially on no decompression or very tight decompression, or they’re being extremely conservative,” he said.
Additionally, the divers were working in extremely tight spaces, with debris floating around them, limited visibility and oxygen tanks on their backs.
Search resumes for British tech magnate and 5 others after yacht sinks off Sicily
“We are trying to advance in tight spaces, but any single thing slows us down,” said Luca Cari, spokesman for the fire rescue service. “An electric panel could set us back for five hours. These aren’t normal conditions. We’re at the limit of possibility.”
“It’s not a question of entering the cabin to inspect it,” he added. “They’ve arrived at the level of the cabins, but it’s not like you can open the door,” he said.
The Italian coast guard said they had reinforced their dive teams and were using underwater remote-controlled robots, which can stay out for six or seven hours at a time and record the surroundings.
The lack of any signs of life and the recovery of bodies led outside experts to conclude that the search was now a recovery effort and investigation to determine how the tragedy had unfolded.
“I think the fact that there’s been quite a lot of diving presence around the vessel and that they haven’t been able to pick up any signs of life inside the vessel, is, is unfortunately, not a particularly good sign,” said Souppez.
Five bodies found inside superyacht that sank off Sicily
P ORTICELLO, Sicily — Divers recovered four bodies Wednesday from inside a superyacht that sank in a sudden storm off Sicily , Salvatore Cocina, director of the island's Civil Protection Agency, confirmed to NBC News.
Cocina later confirmed to Sky News that a fifth body had been found and was being brought to shore. One passenger remains missing.
The identities of the bodies were not immediately released. Their recovery follows a dayslong search in the deep waters off the Italian coast where British tech tycoon Mike Lynch and several others were believed to be trapped in the hull. Fifteen of the 22 people aboard survived.
The rest had been missing since early Monday, when the Bayesian was caught in the storm while anchored off the coast of Porticello, a village near the Sicilian capital city of Palermo.
The body of the the ship’s cook, identified as Canadian-Antiguan national Recaldo Thomas, was recovered Monday.
On Wednesday, NBC News witnessed what appeared to be at least three body bags being lifted from fire department boats after they pulled into port at Porticello. It was unclear whose bodies they were. Some were later transferred to ambulances and driven away from the dock.
Lynch’s 18-year-old daughter, Hannah; Morgan Stanley International Chairman Jonathan Bloomer and his wife Judy; and Clifford Chance lawyer Chris Morvillo and his wife Neda, are also missing.
The Bayesian is owned by a firm linked to Lynch’s wife, Angela Bacares, who was among the survivors rescued by a nearby vessel after getting into a lifeboat.
Built by Italian shipbuilder Perini Navi in 2008, the U.K.-registered yacht could carry 12 guests and a crew of up to 10, according to online specialist boating sites. Its nearly 250-foot mast is the tallest aluminum sailing mast in the world, according to CharterWorld Luxury Yacht Charters.
Regularly described in U.K. media as “Britain’s Bill Gates,” Lynch was acquitted of fraud by a San Francisco jury earlier this year, stemming from the 2011 sale of his software company Autonomy to Hewlett-Packard for $11 billion.
The Mediterranean sailing vacation was designed to be a celebration for Lynch, who brought Bloomer, who testified in his defense, and Morvillo, one of his U.S. lawyers, on the trip.
Lynch's co-defendant Stephen Chamberlain was not aboard the Bayesian, but in what appears to be a tragic coincidence, a car struck and killed Chamberlain on Saturday as he was jogging in a village about 68 miles north of London, local police said.
Claudio Lavanga and Claudia Rizzo reported from Porticello. Henry Austin reported from London.
This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
Find anything, super fast.
- Destinations
- Documentaries
Due to be launched in 2024, Vard's SOMNIO is set to be the largest superyacht in the world and the first ever 'yacht-liner'. With a LOA of 222m and a gross tonnage of 33,500, she is an unprecedented feat of design and engineering set to change the course of ultra-luxury travel. Winch Design and Tillberg Design are responsible for her interior and exterior design, a layout which features 39 exquisite high-end apartments offering the perfect combination of the superyacht lifestyle and premium hotel service. Amenities onboard will be aplenty, notably a 10,000 bottle capacity wine cellar and tasting rooms, a plethora of restraurants and bars, and a beach club with top-tier water sports offerings.
- Lurssen Yachts
On the 5th April 2013 Lürssen, the leading shipyard for large luxury yacht building, launched the 180m yacht AZZAM - the largest motor yacht in the world. The sleek and elegant superyacht features exterior design by Nauta Design.
Fulk Al Salamah
- Mariotti Yachts
This 164-metre (538ft) superyacht was built in Italy by Mariotti Yachts and now sits in the Omani capital as part of the royal fleet. The Italian built superyacht is currently the second largest privately owned yacht in the world, after Lurssen's Azzam.
- Blohm + Voss
Roman Abramovich's yacht Eclipse has received a huge amount of industry attention, not just for its size but for the celebrity of its owner. Eclipse is the largest and most expensive superyacht ever built. When initially ordered she was estimated to cost approximately £330million, by the time she was delivered however, her overall costs were closer to the £1billion mark due to the extra luxury fittings and security measures required by her owner. With a crew of up to 60, Eclipse is a giant of the sea. She was the fourth superyacht comissioned by Abramovich.
- Platinum Yachts
This magnificent yacht was originally commissioned by Prince Jefri Bolkiah of Brunei. Construction was suspended in 1998 and the vessel left unfinished until HH Sheik Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum secured the rumoured $300 million project. Platinum Yachts took the mega yacht to completion and in 2006 launched Dubai to become the world’s largest private yacht. Today however, Dubai is the second largest privately owned yacht in the world.
Launched in February 2022, Project Blue is Lurssen's latest secretive yacht project. With little revealed about her specifications and designers, her expansive size was confirmed by the German shipyard following her launch: an incredible 160m. Project Blue will be Lurssen's second-largest superyacht, and is due to be delivered in 2023. She was recently spotted in Bremerhaven, Germany, making her way out to sea for her maiden sea trial. She is expected to have a beam of 21m, and a gross tonnage of 15,320 GT. Her other specifications are currently unknown.
Originally known as Project Omar, the 156 metre superyacht Dilbar was launched in 2016 after over 4 years of construction. A favourite with yachtspotters worldwide, Dilbar is considered the largest superyacht in the world by volume.
Like most royal superyachts, little is known about Al Said, a giant mega yacht formerly codenamed "Project Sunflower". She was delivered to the Sultan of Oman in 2008 as a replacement for a smaller mega yacht of the same name. At a stunning 155m, Al Said consists of six large decks and features striking exterior and interior design by Espen Oeino International, the same company that designed the stunning 127m mega yacht Octopus. According to reports, Al Said is said to accommodate as many as 70 guests and 154 professional crew, as well as featuring a concert room capable of accommodating a 50 piece orchestra.
When construction of A+ (formerly named Topaz) first began she was forecast to be the 4th largest yacht in the world and to measure approximately 147m (482’3’’ft). Having left her floating shed at the Lürssen shipyard located in Bremen, Germany, she is now ready to claim that mantle and undergo the final phases of construction.
Prince Abdulaziz
- Helsingor Vaerft
As one of the yachts of the Saudi Royal Family, Prince Abdulaziz is used to conduct official business as well as for pleasure. The largest yacht built in the 20th century, the interior alone took 15 months to complete. Originally built for the late King Fahd of Saudi Arabia who named the yacht after his son, it is now owned by his brother Abddullah.
Very little is known about Lurssen's mysterious superyacht OPERA. At 146m, the superyacht will be the sixth largest yacht Lurssen has built at the time of her launch in September 2022. OPERA was first spotted in May 2021 when she transported to the yard's Bremen outfitting facilities in Germany.
El Mahrousa
- Samuda Bros.
This Egyptian presidential yacht is not only one of the world’s largest but also one of the oldest. Built in 1865 in London, the yacht was intended for the King of Egypt. Originally named Mahroussa, El Horriya was extended in 1872 and again in 1905. Nowadays she is berthed in Alexandria and is listed as a training ship by the Egyptian Navy.
Developed by German shipyard Lürssen, construction of Project Luminance is underway at their facilities near Lemwerder. Due to enter the esteemed list of the Top 10 largest superyachts in the world, information about the 145m superyacht is limited at this moment in time. Lürssen are world-famous for their incredible innovations and their capacity to build extremely large mega yachts filled with numerous features. Photos that have been captured of the boat indicate that she will have considerable deck space with plenty of room left over indoors to be packed out with luxury.
SAILING YACHT A
Sailing Yacht A is a highly unique vessel, with an LOA of 142.81m. She is one of the world’s largest and the most advanced superyachts with a number of unique features, including an underwater observation pod, hybrid diesel-electric propulsion system and premium navigation systems. Her three masts are the tallest and most highly loaded freestanding composite structures in the world. Her futuristic design was created by Philippe Starck, her smooth silver-metallic surfaces challenging the expectations of conventional aesthetics.
As one of the most well-known builders of Top 100 yachts, Lurssen's NORD (formerly Opus and Redwood) has been highly anticipated as one of the largest ever to launch from the German yard. Also the largest project set to launch in 2020, at 142m, she will accommodate up to 36 guests in 20 cabins and was designed by Nuvolari Lenard.
- ADMShipyards
The 141m superyacht Swift141, now christened 'Yas', was successfully launched by ADMShipyards in November 2011; entering the record books as both the largest launch of 2011 and most significant superyacht in recent history. ADMShipyards, members of Privinvest, has proudly announced the launch of their first superyacht. At 141 meters, this stunning private yacht ranks as the sixth largest superyacht in the world.
- Lloyd Werft
Project Solaris is the revolutionary explorer yacht built by German masters of engineering Lloyd Werft. Topping off the yard's record for ultra large luxury yacht build, Project Solaris is an estimated 139m+ explorer yacht at the German giant's shed.
Scheherezade
As with most yachts in construction at Lurssen, little is known about this 140m project. We do not yet know the designer or architect, but she has been spotted moving around the build-hall. Her sightings have lead yacht spotters on the docks of the yard to aptly name her 'Project Lightning.' We hope to see her launch towards the end of 2019.
Ocean Victory
- Fincantieri Yachts
The largest yacht ever built in Italy and one of the ten largest in the world, Fincantieri has announced the successful delivery of Project Victory - a 140 metre superyacht launched in 2014 - under the official name of Ocean Victory.
Code named as Mipos (short for Mission Possible) during her construction, Al Salamah belongs to Saudi Arabian Defence Minister Prince Sultan bin Abdul Aziz. Kept a great secret, rumours tell that she has over 80 rooms, a helipad, and an indoor swimming pool complete with glass roof. A real working wonder, this yacht was completed in 1999 after only two years.
Super and mega yacht charter
Charter details
Yacht specification
Haven't found what you are looking for? Send us a request and we'll find you a perfect yacht!
Elite yachts
Mega yachts
Sailing yachts
ISA 50m LIBERTY
2011/2022 | from €275,000 per week
Julia 50m Heesen (ex Sairu, Lady Li)
2015 | from €260,000 per week
Icon RAGNAR 68m
2012/2020 | from €448,000 per week
Golden Yachts O'PTASIA
2018 | from €800,000 per week
Rossinavi ENDEAVOUR 2
2017 | from €275,000 per week
Damen 77m LA DATCHA
2020 | from €900,000 per week
Palmer Johnson PJ 48 KHALILAH
2015 | from €255,000 per week
Mulder CALYPSO I
2019 | from €130,000 per week
Golden Yachts O'MATHILDE
2018 | from €220,000 per week
Admiral GECO 55m
2020 | from €268,000 per week
Admiral QUINTA ESSENTIA 55M
2016 | from €280,000 per week
Golden Yachts O'PARI 94.60m
2020 | from €1,000,000 per week
Mega yachts charter
Chartering a mega yacht means renting a yacht with a hull of decent size - normally more than 50 m - and built to be best of the best. Most of the mega yacht built today are available for charter. With Arcon Yachts you can spend your vacations on the most prestigious yachts built around the world.
When we speak of the mega yachts for charter it's clear that the yacht is made to the highest standarts. Interiors are designed by a renown studio which means they are luxurious and exquisite. And the general arrangement is more than just logic and comfortable. Not only the owners but all the guests can have some privacy for themselves. There might be ten or more of crew onboard but the zones where they operate and you live are set apart so no one is disturbing.
Mega yacht charters are very useful if you trying to find out what kind of yacht you want to build, buy and own. Let's say super yacht rental is nearly the only way to figure out what is important onboard and which type of the super yacht is spacious enough, fast enough, designed to the client's taste.
Mega yacht charter is better to be organized beforehand as the more time company that organizes the charter has the better for your vacations. Plus legendary mega yachts are quiet popular in charter.
- Today's news
- Reviews and deals
- Climate change
- 2024 election
- Fall allergies
- Health news
- Mental health
- Sexual health
- Family health
- So mini ways
- Unapologetically
- Buying guides
Entertainment
- How to Watch
- My Portfolio
- Latest News
- Stock Market
- Biden Economy
- Stocks: Most Actives
- Stocks: Gainers
- Stocks: Losers
- Trending Tickers
- World Indices
- US Treasury Bonds Rates
- Top Mutual Funds
- Options: Highest Open Interest
- Options: Highest Implied Volatility
- Basic Materials
- Communication Services
- Consumer Cyclical
- Consumer Defensive
- Financial Services
- Industrials
- Real Estate
- Stock Comparison
- Advanced Chart
- Currency Converter
- Credit Cards
- Balance Transfer Cards
- Cash-back Cards
- Rewards Cards
- Travel Cards
- Credit Card Offers
- Best Free Checking
- Student Loans
- Personal Loans
- Car insurance
- Mortgage Refinancing
- Mortgage Calculator
- Morning Brief
- Market Domination
- Market Domination Overtime
- Asking for a Trend
- Opening Bid
- Stocks in Translation
- Lead This Way
- Good Buy or Goodbye?
- Financial Freestyle
- Capitol Gains
- Fantasy football
- Pro Pick 'Em
- College Pick 'Em
- Fantasy baseball
- Fantasy hockey
- Fantasy basketball
- Download the app
- Daily fantasy
- Scores and schedules
- GameChannel
- World Baseball Classic
- Premier League
- CONCACAF League
- Champions League
- Motorsports
- Horse racing
- Newsletters
New on Yahoo
- Privacy Dashboard
Yahoo Finance
Billionaire bill ackman has an idea for getting the ultrawealthy to finally pay a fair share of taxes.
Acknowledging the growing number of Americans fed up with yawning income inequality, billionaire investor Bill Ackman has come up with a way to get the ultrawealthy to pay their fair share.
The founder of Pershing Square Capital Management suggested on Thursday a tailored approach to ensure people like Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos shoulder more of the burden, arguing against the blunt instrument of a proposed federal tax levied on unrealized capital gains .
In order to avoid endangering America’s entrepreneurial spirit, Ackman argued, the wealthy should be taxed on the basis of how much they borrow against stock in their own companies, closing arguably the most controversial loophole in the tax code.
“If you have $10 billion of stock in a company you founded,” he wrote on social media, “loans secured by the stock should be taxable as if you sold a like amount of stock.”
The way to fix this problem is to make borrowing an amount in excess of your basis in a stock taxable. In other words, if you have $10 billion of stock in a company you founded with zero basis, loans secured by the stock should be taxable as if you sold a like amount of stock.… https://t.co/uOcfYYfAAP — Bill Ackman (@BillAckman) August 21, 2024
Ackman’s suggestion comes after Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris lent her support to a Biden administration plan to tax unrealized capital gains for those households whose net worth is a minimum of $100 million . The tax has met with fierce opposition from the likes of venture capitalists including Marc Andreessen , who believe it will smother the incentive for the innovation founders of tech startups provide.
How would Ackman’s idea work?
Under Ackman’s proposal, those risking their fortune would only be taxed if they encumbered their businesses with personal debt above and beyond what they put into it.
Let’s apply that to a practical example. Elon Musk is currently locked in a legal battle with investors to retain his 2018 pay package , which grants him the right to purchase nearly 304 million shares of Tesla at $23.34 each, a steep 89% discount to the current price.
Were he to win in Delaware court , he could, in theory, exercise the options by paying $7.1 billion, then turn around and immediately sell them for $64 billion (minus whatever the resulting drop in price would be with such a large sale). The difference he would then pocket, roughly $57 billion, would be taxable as a capital gain.
But what if he just wanted to free up a little cash to buy a megayacht like his rival, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos? Or a small island like his friend Larry Ellison? Under Ackman’s plan, he would be free to borrow against his shares up to the amount he invested to acquire them under the plan, but anything on top of that would be taxable.
If he then ever paid off that loan—unencumbering the underlying shares in the process—that money would be off-limits for the government going forward. That way, were Musk to actually liquidate that stock in the future, Uncle Sam could not tax it twice, first as an unrealized and then once again as a realized capital gain.
Pandemic-era asset price inflation a boon for the ultrawealthy
Much like the subprime crisis triggered banker-bashing, the outbreak of COVID has made billionaire-bashing fashionable and, crucially, very popular politically. Even JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon has dabbled in it.
During the pandemic, governments around the world unleashed a tsunami of fiscal and monetary stimulus. Much of that translated into inflation in the price of assets. In 2020, the value of Tesla stock alone soared 10-fold, catapulting Elon Musk’s already sizable wealth into the stratosphere.
“The pandemic—full of sorrow and disruption for most of humanity—has been one of the best times in recorded history for the billionaire class,” Oxfam concluded afterward.
In June 2021, a ProPublica investigation revealed some of the world’s richest Americans often paid little to no tax. Instead they pay for everything by tapping loans backed by their equity much like a homeowner would extract value from their house, by borrowing against its rising value.
Musk has borrowed against $50 billion worth of Tesla stock
Musk is a perfect example of someone who profited from unrealized capital gains. He hasn’t earned a salary in years: His entire pay package requires him to meet milestone targets in order to unlock tranches of stock options. No salary means no income tax. (He did pay a windfall tax in late 2021, which he claimed was the most in U.S. history after converting some of his stock options.)
Tesla’s annual proxy statement filed in April indicated he has borrowed against 238.4 million shares as of March 31, worth a collective $50 billion at the current price. And that’s just Tesla—who knows if he has done the same with his privately owned companies like SpaceX .
Weeks after ProPublica’s revelations sent “ shock waves through Washington ,” Senate Finance Committee chair Ron Wyden, a Democrat, proposed in October 2021 the first federal tax on unrealized capital gains . But the idea was still considered too radical at the time. It was also heavily opposed by Musk , who warned it would interfere with his plans to expand civilization to Mars .
In April, Biden adopted the “ sea change ” approach, and November’s federal elections will likely determine its fate. If the idea lacks enough support, there’s always Ackman’s proposal.
Musk couldn’t be reached by Fortune for comment.
This story was originally featured on Fortune.com
- Search Please fill out this field.
- Manage Your Subscription
- Give a Gift Subscription
- Newsletters
- Sweepstakes
- Human Interest
- Real People
- Real People Tragedy
Yacht Sank in Sicily Due to ‘Endless Chain of Errors,' Ship Maker's Owner Speculates: ‘Everything Was Predictable’
"A series of activities should have been done to avoid finding oneself in that situation," argues Giovanni Costantino, who owns the firm that built the vessel in 2008
- Giovanni Costantino — who is the CEO of The Italian Sea Group, the company that now owns Perini Navi, which built the Bayesian in 2008 — blames an "endless chain of errors" for the luxury yacht’s sinking on Monday, Aug. 19
- "Everything was predictable. I have the weather charts in front of me here," Constantino told Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera of the storm the boat was caught in
- "An unsinkable ship but from the crew an endless chain of errors," the CEO claimed to the outlet
The sinking of the luxury Bayesian yacht off the coast of Sicily this week resulted from an "endless chain of errors" by the crew, the ship maker's CEO is speculating.
"This episode sounds like an unbelievable story, both technically and as a fact," Giovanni Costantino — who leads The Italian Sea Group, the company that now owns Perini Navi, which built the Bayesian in 2008 — said, according to CNN .
While speaking to Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera , Costantino said he believes those on board should not have been in their cabins, as he claims they were, when the Bayesian sank in the early hours of Monday, Aug. 19.
Many details of why the yacht went into the water so quickly remain unclear and it's not yet known what the passengers and crew were doing before tragedy struck.
PERINI NAVI PRESS OFFICE/HANDOUT/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock
The 183-foot British vessel sank around 5 a.m. local time on Monday after a "violent storm" while near Porticello, the Italian coast guard said in a statement that was previously obtained by PEOPLE.
"Everything that has been done reveals a very long sum of errors. The people should not have been in the cabins, the boat should not have been at anchor. And then why didn't the crew know about the incoming disturbance?" Costantino said in his interview, translated from Italian.
"The passengers reported an absurd thing, namely that the storm came unexpected, suddenly. It's not true. Everything was predictable. I have the weather charts in front of me here. Nothing came suddenly ... Ask yourself, why was no fisherman from Porticello out that night? A fisherman reads the weather conditions and a ship doesn't? The disturbance was fully readable in all the weather charts. One could not not know," he argued.
"An unsinkable ship but from the crew an endless chain of errors," the CEO asserted.
The coast guard has said 22 people were aboard the Bayesian when it sank — 12 passengers and 10 crew — and that 15 of those were subsequently rescued.
The body of the yacht's chef, Recaldo Thomas, was recovered nearby.
ALBERTO PIZZOLI/AFP via Getty
Costantino's comments came as it was reported that five bodies had been found in the search for the missing six people as of Wednesday, Aug. 21, a source close to the rescue operations confirmed to PEOPLE. Authorities have said that their work is ongoing.
An Italian government official, Massimo Mariani, reportedly named one of the dead as British tech tycoon Mike Lynch . The other bodies have not yet been publicly identified by authorities.
Lynch was celebrating with family and friends on the yacht following his acquittal in a fraud trial in June, PEOPLE previously reported.
Costantino offered his view of how the tragedy could have been avoided: "To begin with, in a weather alert situation it was inappropriate to have, as I read, a party. Not that evening. The hull and deck needed to be secured by closing all doors and hatches, after putting the guests at the ship's meeting point as per emergency procedure. Then start the engines and pull up the anchor or release it automatically, put the bow to the wind and lower the keel.
"The next morning they would have departed with zero damage."
Jonathan Brady/PA Images via Getty
When discussing whether the crew were at fault, Costantino reiterated to the Italian outlet that he believes "errors were made."
"A series of activities should have been done to avoid finding oneself in that situation," he said. "I as the ship's captain would have moved, but even if for some reason I had to stay there, I would have managed those weather conditions which then, let's face it, weren't so crazy."
Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
Costantino contended that there would have been "a zero risk if the correct maneuvers had been made and if situations that compromised the ship's stability had not occurred," adding to the newspaper that reports that the boat went down in seconds is "nonsense." He believes the yacht would have "went down" after water "started to enter" within "six minutes."
The remaining missing Bayesian passengers are Lynch's daughter Hannah as well as Chairman of Morgan Stanley International Jonathan Bloomer, his wife, Judy , and New York City-based lawyer Christopher Morvillo and his wife, Neda , sources have said.
Lynch's wife, Angela Bacares, was among those rescued, PEOPLE previously reported.
Related Articles
- NEW! Club Spec Classes
- Starting Line School
- Time Trials
- Road Racing
- Race Experience
- Teen Driving Program
- eMotorsports
- Hoosier Shop Manual Series
- Runoffs OnDemand
- SCCAGear.com
- Merchandise
- Why become a member?
- Find Your Region
- Mission, Vision & Values
- About Our Partners
- Partner Perks
- Staff & Board of Directors
- Career Opportunities
- National Convention
- Hall of Fame & Awards
- General Downloads
- SCCA Foundation
- Women on Track
- Brands & Trademarks
- Logos & Graphic Standards
- Member Benefits
- Find Events
This Flash Prize Just Made the SCCA Foundation’s Monaco Grand Prix Megayacht Sweepstakes Even Sweeter
- August 19, 2024 14:00
- Categories:
- Manage Content Notifications
One of SCCA Foundation’s biggest sweepstakes is taking place right now. The Monaco Grand Prix Elite Megayacht 2025 Sweepstakes, which kicked off this summer and runs through Nov. 30, 2024, is for a bucket-list experience every motorsport fan would drool over, with the grand prize winner and a guest heading to the 2025 Monaco Grand Prix F1 race. But thanks to this limited-time-offer flash prize, things just got sweeter.
Before we get to the flash prize, let’s run through the basics.
The Monaco Grand Prix Elite Megayacht 2025 Sweepstakes package includes a three night/four day stay at a boutique luxury hotel in Nice Old Town during the May 2025 Monaco Grand Prix, plus superyacht hospitality access for two guests on all three days of the Grand Prix (practice, qualifying, and race days). Time on the yacht includes luxury breakfast, buffet lunch, a champagne reception, plus beer, wine, spirits, champagne, and soft drinks all day via waitress service. There’s also guest DJs, live music performances, on board TV screens, an F1 celebrity guest speaker, an F1 wristband for Monaco access, and $2,000 to apply toward additional travel expenses, such as airfare.
Note that the sweepstakes does not include grandstand tickets. Instead, you’ll be watching the 2025 Monaco Grand Prix in luxury from the deck of the superyacht Titania. Life can be rough.
Here’s the Flash Prize
SCCA Foundation sweepstakes often include limited-time flash prizes, and this one is a 3D model of the F1 Circuit de Monaco.
Measuring approximately 7” x 7” x 1.4” tall, this 3D model artwork is an accurate, to-scale art piece printed using matte white biodegradable PLA. The famous Monaco harbor is a brilliant blue gloss acrylic providing an eye-catching contrast.
Each piece of art in the print-scape collection comes with a midnight black frame crafted from acrylic for the optimum blend of lightness and durability, providing a modern look and pristine shine. Multiple hanging points on the reverse allow for a seamless wall display, while a folding strut offers that same flexibility for standing on a table, shelf, or mantlepiece. It also comes equipped with a removable spacer that offers the choice of two display depth positions.
This print-scape is a must-have piece for any Formula 1 fan.
This flash prize is available for those who purchase sweepstakes tickets from now until Labor Day
And bonus to this bonus: By using the link below, you’ll get into the flash prize drawing AND get 35% bonus sweepstakes entries.
Sweepstakes Tickets
About SCCA Foundation
A 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization, SCCA Foundation’s mission is to support the Sports Car Club of America® by providing inclusive opportunities for motorsports competition, safety, education, and historical preservation.
Proceeds from donations and sweepstakes support the SCCA Foundation’s participation in the Tire Rack Street Survival program (offering life-saving advanced training for teen drivers), SCCA Women on Track (empowering women in motorsports), American veterans engaging in motorsports activities through SCCA events, and more. The Foundation also preserves the history of American Motorsports through the SCCA Archives housed at the International Motor Racing Research Center in Watkins Glen, NY.
Learn more about the SCCA Foundation by visiting its website .
SCCA Foundation & Tire Rack Steet Survival: Keeping Teens Safe on the Road
Region Development Grant Deadline Less than a Month Away
Ad Driscoll’s Donation Wins Silver Medallion Sweepstakes
Super Cool Summer School: Tire Rack Street Survival
Winning This Sweepstakes Puts You at the Monaco Grand Prix, and That’s Only the Beginning
Official SCCA Partners:
SCCA Subsidiaries: SCCAFoundation.org | SCCAProRacing.com | SCCA-e.com
SCCA Affiliate Sites: FRAmericas.com | F4USChampionship.com | GoTransAm.com
Connect with us!
VIP Mega-Yacht Destination Flisvos Marina to participate in Moscow Boat Show 2013
- Inspiration
Related News
Popular news this week, popular news this month, latest news.
- Yacht Charter & Superyacht News >
Written by Zuzana Bednarova
Situated in the popular Mediterranean yacht charter location – Greece , the fabulous VIP mega-yacht destination, Flisvos Marina , will be present at this year’s Moscow Boat Show for the very first time.
Flisvos Marina situated in the beautiful summer yacht charter destination - Greece
Only 6 km from the centre of Athens, in Paleo Faliro, Flisvos Marina is Greece’s first exclusive superyacht marina to offer large-scale mooring capacity to mega-yacht owners from Greece and abroad.
Flisvos Marina features 303 berths, more than half of which accommodate luxury yachts of over 35 meters.
Aerial View of Flisvos Marina
These extensive berthing capacities were recently complemented by additional land and high-end commercial properties and facilities for yacht owners and visitors alike.
VIP Mega-Yacht Destination Flisvos Marina after sunset
Flisvos Marina, apart from its permanent VIP clientele, whose marina selection criteria are quality of services, safety of human life and property, fineness of infrastructure and environmental consciousness, every summer becomes the starting point of transit yachts cruising the Aegean and the Mediterranean .
Please contact CharterWorld - the luxury yacht charter specialist - for more on superyacht news item "VIP Mega-Yacht Destination Flisvos Marina to participate in Moscow Boat Show 2013".
- Charity & Fund Raising
- CharterWorld News
- Classic Yachts
- Coronavirus
- Cruise Ship
- Ecological Yachts
- Expedition Yachts
- Expert Broker Advice
- Feature Superyachts
- Interior Design
- Legal & VAT Yacht Issues
- Luxury Catamarans
- Luxury Gulet
- Luxury Phinisi
- Luxury Trimarans
- Luxury Yacht Design
- Luxury Yachts
- Marinas & Harbours
- Marine Ecology
- Marine Electronics
- Marine Equipment
- Mega Yachts
- Modern Yachts
- Motor Yachts
- New Launch Yachts
- New To Charter
- Open Style Sports Yachts
- Private Jets
- Sailing Yachts
- Social Media
- Sports Yachts
- Superyacht Crew
- Superyacht Photographers
- Superyacht Products & Supplies
- Superyacht Refits
- Superyacht Reviews
- Superyachts
- Uncategorized
- Yacht Builders
- Yacht Charter
- Yacht Charter Destinations
- Yacht Charter Picks
- Yacht Charter Specials
- Yacht Delivered to Owner
- Yacht Designers
- Yacht Events & Boat Shows
- Yacht Fashion
- Yacht Industry News
- Yacht Photos
- Yacht Racing
- Yacht Racing & Regattas
- Yacht Safety Equipment
- Yacht Support Vessels
- Yacht Tenders
- Yacht Videos
- Yachting Associations
- Yachting Awards
- Yachting Business
- Yachts For Charter
- Yachts For Sale
Quick Enquiry
Superyacht news:.
Email Your Yachting News to: news @ charterworld.com
IMAGES
COMMENTS
Al Said - 509 FT. (155M) Prince Abdul Aziz - 482 FT. (147M) El Mahrousa - 475 FT. (145M) First, let's take a look at the new king - now the largest motor yacht in the world: 1. SOMNIO- 728 FT. (222M) Somnio will be the world's first 'yacht-liner'. Image credit: Winch Design. Due for launch in mid-2024, Somnio is expected to ...
Mega Yacht listed for sale on YachtWorld offers a diverse price range, from $85,674 on the more reasonably-priced side to a stunning $108,056,743 for the most extravagant models available. It is important to take into consideration the expenses associated with ownership when evaluating your budget and the listed price of a yacht available for sale.
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 ...
Read on to discover our official list of the largest, privately owned yachts in the world. 1. Azzam | 180.6m. In October 2013, Lürssen delivered the largest privately owned superyacht in the world in the form Azzam. Originally, she was designed to be 145 metres, but in the process of optimisation grew to 180 metres.
The Top 100. A comprehensive and accurate list of the largest luxury yachts set to launch in 2024. A live list of the Top 100 largest superyachts in the world as it currently stands. The Top 100 luxury yachts launched in 2023 who defined the last year in large yachting. Has your yacht ever been in the Top 100? Search any yacht to view its ranking.
The 181-m (590 ft) Azzam is the world's longest yacht in length, but the 156-m Dilbar has a much larger internal volume (measured in Gross Tons) at 15,917 GT (Gross Tons) versus 13,136 GT for Azzam. As such, Dilbar is the world's largest yacht in volume. Read our full guide to discover the largest yachts in the world.
Superyachts or mega yachts are vessels of at least 79 feet (24 meters) or above in length. A luxury yacht refers to the world's finest luxury yachts that fit into these size categories with special attention to bespoke designs and amenities. A giga yacht is usually a minimum of 220ft, are usually custom designed and include very bespoke ...
Rank06. Dilbar. Lurssen Yachts. 2016. Originally known as Project Omar, the 156 metre superyacht Dilbar was launched in 2016 after over 4 years of construction. A favourite with yachtspotters worldwide, Dilbar is considered the largest superyacht in the world by volume. LENGTH. 156.0m. TYPE.
Built by Italian shipbuilder Perini in 2008, the U.K.-registered Bayesian has an aluminum hull and can carry 12 guests and a crew of up to 10, according to online specialist yacht sites.
Guests have free reign over a 30-square-metre spa, cinema and a pool deck complete with a teppanyaki galley, sushi bar and a large swimming pool. Other highlights include a library and an elevator accessing all decks. Yersin is asking €59,000,000 with Fraser. Discover the 10 biggest yachts in the world for sale, including Pelorus, Phoenix II ...
The answer is quite straightforward. The terms superyacht, megayacht, and gigayacht are used by boat builders and yacht brokers to classify luxury vessels by their length. Although often used interchangeably, each term typically applies to a certain size range. Below is a rough guideline of the generally accepted industry standards for these terms.
The Superyacht Directory. The Superyacht Directory is the world's largest database of private luxury yachts, with over 12,000 megayachts listed. It's the most authoritative place to find everything you need to know about superyachts - including new builds, historic vessels and the most famous boats of all time.
This Miami marina was specifically designed to host mega yachts reaching 500+ feet in length, plus accommodation for smaller tenders. Onsite amenities include a luxury lounge, conference room, mail and package delivery, concierge service, BBQ area for crew, and water taxi to select Miami waterfronts. Yacht Haven Grande is a true marina ...
One man has died and six people are missing after a luxury yacht sank in freak weather conditions off the coast of Sicily. The 56m British-flagged Bayesian was carrying 22 people - 12 passengers ...
As bodies were recovered, the authorities and experts wondered how a $40 million, stable and secure vessel could have sunk so quickly. By Emma Bubola and Michael J. de la Merced Emma Bubola ...
Check our list of 10 of the world's largest Mega Yachts For sale. Top 5 Largest Superyachts in the World. Let's dive into the top 5 largest superyachts in the world by length, showcasing the epitome of luxury and extravagance. 1. Azzam. The title of the largest superyacht by length goes to Azzam, measuring a staggering 180 meters (590ft).
The luxury sail yacht was hit by a violent sudden storm and sunk early Monday, while at anchor off the Sicilian village of Porticello near Palermo, in southern Italy. Salvatore Cavalli/AP hide caption
Built by Italian shipbuilder Perini Navi in 2008, the U.K.-registered yacht could carry 12 guests and a crew of up to 10, according to online specialist boating sites. Its nearly 250-foot mast is ...
2024. Due to be launched in 2024, Vard's SOMNIO is set to be the largest superyacht in the world and the first ever 'yacht-liner'. With a LOA of 222m and a gross tonnage of 33,500, she is an unprecedented feat of design and engineering set to change the course of ultra-luxury travel. Winch Design and Tillberg Design are responsible for her ...
Anna (No. 1007) is the largest yacht Feadship has built, topping the 333-foot (101.5-meter) Symphony in 2015. Feadship Anna is also the second-largest yacht built in the Netherlands, after the 361-foot (110-meter) Oceanco Jubilee.Naval architecture for Anna is by Feadship De Voogt, and interior and exterior styling are by Michael Leach Design. With a steel hull and aluminum superstructure, she ...
Yachts can be pretty cool, but how about kicking things up a notch with the megayacht? Typically, a megayacht is at least 130 feet long but can be as big as ...
The Value of the SuperYacht Amaryllis. Reflecting the intricate design, luxury amenities, and superior performance, the Amaryllis yacht is valued at approximately $120 million. The annual running costs are estimated around $12 million. However, the price of a yacht can significantly vary based on numerous factors, including size, age, luxury ...
Mega Yacht boats pricing. Mega Yacht boats for sale on YachtWorld are listed for a variety of prices from £86,092 on the relatively moderate end up to £108,338,020 for the exclusive custom-built yachts. Keep in mind the cost of ownership when considering your budget and the listing price of a yacht for sale.
Mega yacht charter is better to be organized beforehand as the more time company that organizes the charter has the better for your vacations. Plus legendary mega yachts are quiet popular in charter. Rent a super yacht for a price from €30,000 per week. The charter of large yachts on the Arcon Yachts website: 105 offers.
Mega Yachts for sale on Boat Trader are offered at a swath of prices from a reasonable $85,980 on the most reasonably-priced watercraft all the way up to $35,840,000 for the more costly models. Models with the greatest power can take motors up to a tremendous 10,308 horsepower, while more economic utility models may have as modest as 385 ...
Find Mega Yacht for sale in United States. Offering the best selection of boats to choose from.
Entrepreneurs like Elon Musk pay too little tax. But a levy on unrealized capital gains for those with $100 million in the bank risks stifling innovation.
The luxury yacht that sank off the coast of Sicily this week was the result of an "endless chain of errors," Giovanni Costantino — who is the CEO of The Italian Sea Group, the company that now ...
One of SCCA Foundation's biggest sweepstakes is taking place right now. The Monaco Grand Prix Elite Megayacht 2025 Sweepstakes, which kicked off this summer and runs through Nov. 30, 2024, is for a bucket-list experience every motorsport fan would drool over, with the grand prize winner and a guest heading to the 2025 Monaco Grand Prix F1 race.
Only 6 km from the centre of Athens, in Paleo Faliro, Flisvos Marina is Greece's first exclusive superyacht marina to offer large-scale mooring capacity to mega-yacht owners from Greece and abroad. Flisvos Marina features 303 berths, more than half of which accommodate luxury yachts of over 35 meters.