super yacht top speed

The 20 Fastest SuperYachts in the World

By Alex Holmes

Updated on August 14, 2023

Yachts were always associated with leisure, comfort, and luxury, floating gently in a gorgeous location or cruising unhurried to the next, but somewhere along the way, something changed. Yachts started becoming faster and more powerful, and their owners more obsessed with these characteristics than anything else. But that’s the way with every kind of vehicle these days, isn’t it?

Mankind is obsessed with speed. That’s a given. And it applies to everything, including superyachts, which, despite their size, can achieve impressive speeds over water.

Whether that speed is actually needed is debatable, but one can’t ignore that there are quite a few capable yachts out there and that the competition for the fastest superyacht in the world is a fierce one, as in everything that involves the man’s thirst for speed.

The following superyachts manage to blend both the need for speed and the craving for luxury. But these are above everything else, the fastest yachts in the world right now.

Let’s have a look.

• 20. Cara Montana – 45 knots

Cara Montana is a smaller yacht, manufactured in 2019 by a shipyard based in Genoa, called Otam. It’s a gorgeous maritime vehicle which spans only 25.9 meters in length, but is beautiful and powerful enough to impress.

Powered by twin MTU engines, outputting a total of 5,200 hp together, and equipped with twin surface drives, Cara Montana is able to reach a top speed of 45 knots, or just under 52 mph.

• 19. Alamshar – 45 knots

Completed in 2014 after a waiting time of 13 years spent in the manufacturing process, the Alamshar yacht can reach 45 knots, thanks to its twin Rolls-Royce Marine engines and three waterjets.

The naval architecture of the vessel was made by Donald L. Blount & Associates, the exterior design by Pininfarina, and the interior by Redman Whiteley Dixon. The whole project was put together by the Devonport shipyard in Falmouth, United Kingdom.

The Alamshar is 50 meter long, and costed a jaw dropping $200 million, paid by Aga Khan IV, for whom the custom yacht was made.

• 18. Moon Goddess – 45 knots

Another lovely vessel from the superyacht world is the Moon Goddess. It’s on the smaller size, being only 35 meter long, but it’s capable of reaching 45 knots. The ship was built by Danish Yachts, with the naval architecture and exterior designs made by Espen Øino, a superyacht design icon.

The Moon Goddess can take up to six guests in three posh cabins, two twins and one for the owner, plus a crew of five. It’s propelled to a cruise speed of 25 knots, or the maximum of 45, by twin MTU 16V 4000 M90 diesel engines which generate a combined 7,498 hp.

• 17. Shergar – 45 knots

The acclaimed German shipyard Lürssen built Shergar in 1983 to be among the fastest yachts in the world. Decades later, it still holds its own among better and more technological advanced vessels.

Equipped with two MTU 12V 396 TB83 diesel power plants, and two Allison 571-KF gas turbines, the Shergar is capable of cruising at 40 knots and reaching a top speed of 45 knots.

• 16. Seafire – 46 knots

Seafire is a super yacht manufactured by AB Yachts, an Italian shipyard known for some impressive vessels. This one is among their fastest, able to reach a top speed of 46 knots.

The 42 meter super yacht is powered by a setup of three MTU 16V M94 units and three waterjets, giving it the possibility to cruise at an impressive speed of 43 knots, only 3 below its top speed.

• 15. Octopussy 007 – 53.2 knots

Built back in 1988 by the renowned Dutch shipyard Heesen Yachts and carrying a little of James Bond in its name, the Octopussy 007 is a 43.5 meter super yacht that can accommodate up to 10 guests and 7 crew members.

The vessel is powered by three MTU diesel engines that deliver 10,440 hp together, propelling the Octopussy forward at a cruising speed of 25 knots and a top speed of 53.2 knots.

It was on display at multiple boat shows around the world, and it changed owners for the last time in 2021. The naval architecture was done by Mulder Design, the exterior by Gerhard Gilgenast, and the interior by Art Line and Joachim Kinder Yacht Design.

Inside, it comes with 5 posh and extremely comfortable guest cabins, 1 master, 1 twin, and 3 double.

• 14. Daloli – 54 knots

The Daloli, also known as Pandion, built by Heesen Yachts, is a 36.5 vessel that enters the category of super yachts and impresses with a top speed of 54 knots, the equivalent of just over 62 mph.

The ship has a crew capacity of 6 and can host up to 8 passengers. There’s four cabins in total on its three decks, and the sheer beauty of its design can be seen both inside and on the outside.

It’s a real beauty, and a fast one as well.

• 13. Why Not U – 55 knots

Originally named Nobody, the Why Not U was designed in 2001 by Overmarine as a deluxe super yacht that’s capable of getting his 9 guests and 3 crew to their next dream destination with a top speed of 55 knots. The power comes from a setup of Vericor TF40 gas turbine engines.

When it comes to living on it, it offers an impressive range of amenities on its teak decks. There’s several dining spots, entertainment and lounge rooms, sun bathing areas, and plenty more to be had on board of this stunning super yacht.

• 12. Ermis² – 57 knots

The 37.5 meter super yacht Ermis², manufactured from special materials by the New Zealand shipyard McMullen & Wing, is among the fastest vessels out there, capable of a top speed of 57 knots, which is just a little over 65 mph.

The ship came out in 2007, but is still among the most innovative yachts in the world given the mix of composite materials, aerospace grade carbon fiber and titanium for its lightweight body.

That low weight, combined with the 10,944 hp outputted by the three MTU 16V 4000 M90 engines, allow this stunning yacht to reach that max speed of 57 knots.

• 11. Chato – 57 knots

Chato is another small sized and powerful super yacht. It was built in 1986 by Baglietto from aluminium and was equipped with twin MTU 16V 396 TB94 diesel engines, which push it to a cruise speed of 35 knots and a max speed of 57 knots.

Chato is only 25.79 meters long, and that helps with a lower weight and a smaller profile under the surface of the water.

• 10. Azimut Atlantic Challenger – 60 knots

The Azimut Atlantic Challenger strays away from the usual design of luxury yachts, but that only because it was built for a very different purpose, which was to win the Blue Riband award, an unofficial accolade given to a ship for making the fastest transatlantic crossing.

Unfortunately, the Azimut Atlantic Challenger failed to win, but it remained one of the fastest super yachts in the world, currently holding the 10th position, with a top speed of 60 knots.

It was built in 1988 by the Italian shipyard Benetti, with the exterior designed by Pininfarina. It’s a 26.82 meter aluminum monohull vessel and is powered by four CRM diesel engines, capable of outputting a combined 7,400 hp.

• 9. Jet Ruban Bleu – 60 knots

The French built Jet Ruban Bleu is on par with the Azimut Atlantic Challenger and two other super yachts, at least when it comes to the top speed. They can all do 60 knots.

Jet Ruban Bleu is 25 meter long, was designed by Gilles Ollier and Coste Design & Partners and created by Multiplast. It was outfitted with a single MTU engine capable of 3,500 hp alone.

• 8. Oci Ciornie – 60 Knots

Oci Ciornie was a super yacht project that was realized by American shipyard Palmer Johnson, the Dutch Vripack, and the well known naval architect Don Shead in 1998.

The vessel features an aluminum hull, and uses two 1,800 hp MTU 16V 2000 M90 engines, a 4,600 hp AVCO Lycoming gas turbine, plus Arneson surface drives. This combination propels the Oci Ciornie with a top speed of 60 knots.

The ship is able to carry up to eight guests in a master suite, a double cabin, and a twin room. There’s a nice and streamlined deck that features a superb saloon and outside areas for relaxation, while the interior takes inspiration from aircraft designs.

• 7. Brave Challenger – 60 Knots

With the same 60 knot top speed of the above ships, the Brave Challenger is to be lauded, since it’s much older, being built back in 1960. The project was completed by Vosper Ltd in Portsmouth, United Kingdom, with the intention of becoming a Brave Class fast patrol boat. It was only later that the ship was converted for private use.

The Brave Challenger is powered by three Rolls-Royce Proteus gas turbines, which output a total of 13,500 hp, which combined with the only 31 meter length and lower weight, can push the boat to the top speed of 60 knots.

• 6. Kereon – 62.3 Knots

The Italian yard AB Yachts, the one behind Seafire above at number 16, built in 2004 one of the fastest super yachts in the world, the Kereon. It’s capable of hitting a top speed of 62.3 knots, and that thanks to the three CRM diesel engines that produce a good 6,300 hp.

Since the total power is so low in comparison to others on this list, it makes sense that a shorter length of 27 meters and a performant hull design are at play to aid in reaching those speeds.

The ship has a very sporty aesthetic, all metallic silver, and can cruise at 50 knots for about 900 miles.

• 5. Gentry Eagle – 63.5 knots

Gentry Eagle was a special project done by Vosper Thornycroft in 1988 for the legendary Tom Gentry, who achieved almost everything he could achieve in terms of powerboat speed records during his lifetime, including the coveted Blue Riband. The vessel, capable of 63.5 knots, helped him win the Blue Riband in 1989, with a record time of 62 hours and 7 minutes.

Gentry Eagle’s design was done by Grant Robinson and Peter Birkett, with the interior by Robin Rose. In 1992, the ship became a private super yacht.

• 4. Galeocerdo – 65 Knots

Galeocerdo is a very futuristic looking ship, with sleek lines and a hull designed to maintain high speeds in rough sea conditions. It measures 36 meters in length, and is capable of hitting 65 knots.

The vessel was built in 2003 in Italy, by Rodriguez Yachts and is powered by three Vericor TF50 gas turbines, each tied to a Rolls-Royce Kamewa water jet. The total power output rises to a whooping 16,800 hp.

• 3. Destriero – 66 knots

Destriero was launched back in 1991 by the Italian shipyard Fincantieri. It has a length of 68.18 meters and features a design made by Pininfarina and Donald Blount. This ship was again built with the sole purpose of winning the Blue Riband by breaking the old record of crossing the Atlantic.

She did it in 1992, after it crossed the ocean twice without refueling, setting a new record of 58 hours, 34 minutes, and 5 seconds. but the Blue Riband award was denied for her, since it’s awarded only to passenger vessels and not private yachts.

What allowed Destriero to set a new record was the power of 54,000 hp, given by the Codag engine and the three GE Aviation LM1600 gas turbines, pushing the ship to a max speed of 66 knots, or 76 mph.

• 2. World Is Not Enough – 67 Knots

The Dutch superyacht World Is Not Enough, built in 2004 by Millenium Super Yachts, comes second place with a top speed of 67 knots. The vessel is powered by two Paxman diesel engines and two Lycoming gas turbines, which give an output of 20,600 hp, and a good 3800 nautical miles cruising range at a cruising speed of 10 knots.

With its 42.4 meters of luxury and beauty, World Is Not Enough can accommodate up to 10 guests and 7 crew members in five extravagant cabins, offering plenty of comfort and areas for relaxation. The vessel features formal dining spaces, indoor bar, and al fresco dining and lounge areas on all decks, for the ultimate pleasure away from civilization.

• 1. Foners – 70.1 knots

The Foners is currently the fastest super yacht in the world, with a 70.1 knots top speed, keeping the first spot since its delivery back in 2000. The power behind its top speed comes from two MAN engines and three Rolls Royce gas turbines, combining together to output a whooping 21,380 hp.

Her cruising speed is 12 knots, and allows her to reach a range of 1,800 nautical miles.

But of course speed isn’t everything here, as the eye is impressed a lot when stepping on board. Built by the Spanish shipyard Izar, Foners comes with splendid interiors, formal dining rooms, and plenty of space on the decks for al fresco dining. Its 6 crew and up to 8 guests can be accommodated on board, in luxurious cabins.

These are the fastest super yachts in the world, a competition that keeps on going, dominated for the last two decades by the Spanish vessel Foners.

As technology progresses, it will be interesting to see how it holds up against newer yachts.

About Alex Holmes

With over 10 years of experience in media and publishing, Alex is Luxatic's director of content, overlooking everything related to reviews, special features, buying guides, news briefs and pretty much all the other content that can be found on our website. Learn more about Luxatic's Editorial Process .

2 thoughts on “The 20 Fastest SuperYachts in the World”

Bolide by VICTORY DESIGN is now by far the fastest yacht; speeds up to 76 knots have been recorded by this 80ft full carbon pleasure Yacht, powered by three MAN V12 2000 diesel engines.

Leave a Comment

More from luxatic.

Sailing in Style: The World’s Most Beautiful Yacht Charter Destinations

By Thom Esveld

20 Largest Explorer Yachts in the World

These are The 15 Fastest Planes of All Time

The 15 Biggest Planes in the World

The 15 Best Personal Submarines For Superyacht Owners

By Victor Baker

20 Best Electric Motorboats You Will Surely Love

The 15 Best Small Planes That You Can Buy Right Now

By Adrian Prisca

The Longest & Shortest Runways in the World!

The 10 Longest Range Private Jets in the World in 2023

24 Incredible Celebrity Yachts You Will Surely Love

The 20 Best Airlines in the World Right Now

These Are The 25 Biggest Yachts in the World!

Try now - Live tracking map for yachts and other vessels

Real time world map for tracking yachts and all other vessels like speed boats, cargo or tankers! Tracking yachts and other vessels was never so easy!

The Need for Speed: Exploring the World’s Fastest Superyachts

In the realm of luxury yachts, where luxury knows no bounds, there exists a class of vessels that stands apart – vessels that blend luxurious living with exhilarating speed. Welcome to our exploration of “The Need for Speed: Exploring the World’s Fastest Superyachts.” In this exhilarating journey across the high seas, we unveil the marvels of modern engineering and design, showcasing a selected group of superyachts that defy convention with their remarkable velocity. From cutting-edge propulsion systems to breathtaking top speeds, join us as we delve into the world of high-performance yachting, where luxury knows how to pick up the pace.

Cutting-Edge Propulsion Technologies in World’s Fastest Superyachts

Conventional diesel engines.

Many superyachts, even the fastest ones, are powered by conventional diesel engines. These engines typically run on marine-grade diesel fuel.They use a system of pistons and crankshafts to convert the energy from diesel combustion into mechanical power, which turns the yacht’s propellers. These engines are reliable and fuel-efficient, providing the necessary power for cruising.

Gas Turbine Engines

Some high-performance yachts, especially military and custom-built vessels, use gas turbine engines. These engines are known for their exceptional power-to-weight ratio. They have the ability to provide a high amount of thrust, which results in impressive speeds. Gas turbine engines are often used in combination with other propulsion systems or in hybrid setups for improved efficiency.

Hybrid Propulsion Systems in Fastest Superyachts

In recent years, there has been a trend towards hybrid propulsion systems. They combine traditional diesel engines with electric motors and batteries. These systems offer greater flexibility, allowing yachts to operate in all-electric mode for silent and emission-free cruising at lower speeds, and then switch to diesel power for high-speed operation. Hybrid systems are more environmentally friendly and can improve fuel efficiency.

Waterjet propulsion is a technology commonly used in high-speed yachts. Waterjets draw water into the yacht and expel it at high velocity through a nozzle at the stern. This system provides excellent maneuverability, shallow draft capabilities, and reduced vibration, making it suitable for fast and agile yachts.

Pod propulsion systems, such as those manufactured by companies like Volvo Penta and Caterpillar, involve the use of pods (outdrive units) that are mounted below the yacht’s hull. These pods can rotate, providing thrust in various directions, resulting in increased maneuverability and efficiency. They are often used in combination with diesel engines for both power and control.

Advanced Hull Designs

Beyond propulsion systems, the hull design of a yacht plays a crucial role in achieving high speeds. Yachts with planing hulls are designed to lift out of the water at higher speeds, reducing hydrodynamic drag and allowing for increased velocity.

Crafting the Perfect Propulsion Strategy for Fastest Superyachts

The selection of a propulsion system for a superyacht is a multifaceted decision that hinges on several critical factors, including the vessel’s size, intended purpose, and the preferences of its owner. Each propulsion method comes with its unique set of advantages and trade-offs, making it crucial to tailor the choice to suit the yacht’s specific requirements. Moreover, it’s not uncommon to witness a synergy of multiple propulsion systems within a single yacht, a testament to the industry’s dedication to optimizing both performance and efficiency. The pursuit of the perfect balance between speed, range, maneuverability, and environmental impact underscores the meticulous craftsmanship and innovation inherent in the design and engineering of these high-speed marvels.

If you want to explore other mega yachts  CLICK HERE

Or if you feel lucky and you think that you can find some of these yachts on a map,  CLICK HERE  to visit our Live tracking map for luxury yachts and other vessels.

Related Images:

Share this with your friends:.

• Yacht Tracking Map Find mega yacht
• Fun Map Map The World
• Privacy Policy

• Nautic Shows
• America’s Cup
• Classic Yachts
• Motor Yachts
• Sailing Yachts
• Superyachts
• Yachts News
• Destinations
• Yacht Clubs
• Yacht Club Monaco
• Boat Racing
• Meta Yachts

These boats prove that size doesn’t have to mean slow.

When American businessman John Staluppi embarked on his yachting journey, it was to break records. He wanted his first yacht to be the first boat over 100 feet to exceed 30 knots, or 34.5 mph. He achieved it with the 118-foot  For Your Eyes   Only,  delivered in 1985. It was also the first motoryacht in the US to have a combination of MTU diesel engines with water-jet propulsion.

His second yacht would smash all previous records. Delivered by Heesen in 1988,  Octopussy  fulfilled the Bond enthusiast’s aim to break the then 50-knot barrier with a top end of 53.17 knots (61 mph)—a speed that every other shipyard at the time said couldn’t be done.  Octopussy  immediately entered the record books as the world’s fastest yacht.

“That record was important to me because when you pull into any place there’s always a bigger boat or a prettier boat, but there aren’t many people who can say, ‘Hey, this is the fastest yacht in the world,’” Staluppi told  us .

Heesen’s latest delivery, the 197-foot Ultra G, is one of the Dutch yard’s fastest projects these days, with a propulsion package totaling 22,000 horsepower, including four water jets that deliver a top speed of 37 knots (42.57 mph).

Of course, 43 mph is a paltry number compared to many of the yachts on this list, including the new Bolide 80. That Italian stallion, which will make its debut at the Monaco Yacht Show, runs at a blistering 84 mph. It shows that speed, even in the large motoryacht category, is very much alive.

Here are 13 of the fastest motoryachts, past and present, that have ever been on the water.

Photo : Victory Design

1. Bolide 80 | 84 mph

Victory Marine calls the Bolide 80 its first “Hyper Muscle Yacht,” which will be part of a limited-edition series from 60 to 170 feet. Designer Brunello Acampora and his tema of engineers pulled out all the stops on this 80, creating a full-carbon-fiber boat with more than 6,000 horsepower. The multi-stepped hull helps propel the Bolide to its top speed of 70 knots (84 mph), while accomplishing the seemingly impossible task of burning about half the fuel of a much smaller flybridge motoryacht at lower cruising speeds. The designer took care to give the Bolide a streamlined profile, with aerodynamic shapes to reduce resistance. The interior includes the captain’s cabin, a full-sized galley, open salon, and a forward owner’s area with a bedroom, en suite and wardrobe area. It will make its global debut at the Monaco Yacht Show.

Photo : Wikipedia

2. ‘Foners’ | 80.56 mph

Clocking a thrilling 70.10 knots (80.56 mph), the 136-foot  Foners  has maintained pole position as the world’s fastest superyacht for over 20 years. Powered by two 1,280hp MAN engines coupled to three Rolls-Royce 6,700 hp gas turbines driving three KaMeWa water jets, the all-aluminum boat is less about piercing waves and more about parting the seas. Delivered in 2000 by Spanish shipyard Izar as the King of Spain’s royal yacht, no expense was spared, including a superstructure lined with Aramid fiber for the express purpose of bulletproofing the interior.

Photo : File photo

3. ‘World Is Not Enough’ | 77.1 mph

You need to only look at the 007-inspired name to know that  World Is Not Enough  is another rapid racer commissioned by John Staluppi, this time with an opulent interior designed by his wife Jeanette in partnership with Evan K Marshall. Delivered in 2004 by Millennium Super Yachts, the 139-footer is powered by two Paxman diesel engines and two Lycoming gas turbines to produce a staggering 20,600hp and a breathtaking 67 knots (77.1 mph). When not leaving other boats behind,  World Is Not Enough  has a cruising range of 3800 nautical miles at a comfortable speed of 10 knots.

Photo : File/Rodriguez Yachts

4. ‘Galeocerdo’ | 74.8 mph

Wally founder Luca Bassani designed the 118-foot  Galeocerdo  to maintain speed in rough seas. Launched in 2003 by Rodriquez Yachts, the boat racks up an eye-watering 65 knots (74.8 mph), thanks to its three Vericor TF50 gas turbines, each driving a Rolls-Royce KaMeWa water jet. Another performance-enhancing feature is the lightweight titanium exhaust system designed to resist the extreme temperatures generated by the gas turbines. Wind tunnel tested at the Ferrari facility in Maranello, Italy, the boat generates 16,800hp and a 45-knot (51.8-mph) cruising speed that’s faster than most motoryachts running flat out. It also enjoys a highly futuristic exterior design.

Photo : Italian Sea Group

5. Tecnomar for Lamborghini 63 | 72.5 mph

When Italian supercar brand Lamborghini teamed up with yachting stalwart The Italian Sea Group, the end result had to be style and performance. The Tecnomar for Lamborghini 63 is all about the power of ‘63’. Designed and built to celebrate the year 1963 when Ferruccio Lamborghini founded his car company, the 63-footer delivers a whiplashing top speed of 63 knots (72.5 mph). And naturally, it’s one of just 63 in the series that will ever be made. Built out of carbon fiber, it’s fitted with two MAN V12-2000HP engines. MMA fighter Conor McGregor took delivery of hull number one in 2020, which reportedly cost $4 million.

Photo : Courtesy Baglietto

6. ‘Chato’ | 71.9 mph

Back in the mid-1980s, passionate Baglietto customer and leading US Porsche and VW dealer Baron John von Neumann, commissioned a new 85-ft. speed demon from the Italian builder. The entrepreneur was tired of his 34-knot (39-mph) Baglietto getting creamed from Monaco to St. Tropez by faster cruisers. With a hull design by the legendary Alcide Sculati, the all-aluminum  Chato  came with MTU’s latest 3,480hp V16s coupled to KaMeWa waterjets. Weighing 60 tons, and packing almost 7,000 hp, the military-looking superyacht with its battleship-gray paint and bright-red diagonal hull stripes, hit an astonishing top speed of 62.5 knots (71.9 mph) during sea trials.  Chato  is currently for sale in the South of France for $715,000.

Photo : Palmer Johnson

7. ‘Oci Ciornie’ | 69.04 mph

Oci Ciornie’s Vripack-designed interior may take inspiration from aircraft designs, but it’s the boat’s naval architecture by Don Shead and the combination of two 1,800hp MTU 16V 2000 M90 engines, a 4,600 hp AVCO Lycoming gas turbine and Arneson surface drives that put it on this list. Delivered in 1998 by Palmer Johnson with an aluminum hull, the 82-foot boat thrusts through water at 60 knots (69.04 mph), giving all eight guests the waterborne ride of their lives.

Photo : Courtesy Fincantieri

8. ‘Destriero’ | 68 mph

The numbers almost defy logic. With a length of 224 feet, the all-aluminum superyacht  Destriero  is massive. Now add a trio of GE Aviation LM1600 gas turbines totaling an insane 60,000 hp and the incredulity only increases. Flat out,  Destriero  could scythe through waves at a staggering 59 knots, or 68 mph. Back in 1992, just one year after its launch, the Fincantieri-built rocketship showed its chops by challenging the famous Blue Riband trans-Atlantic speed record. Averaging 53.09 knots for the 3,106 nautical-mile run,  Destriero  shattered the record, only to be denied the trophy for being classed as a private yacht and not a commercial passenger vessel. Sadly, today the iconic yacht lies largely abandoned at one of Lurssen’s yards in Germany, awaiting rescue.

Photo : McMullen & Wing

9. ‘Ermis²’ | 65.59 mph

Some yachts feature slippery hull designs, others are propelled by rockets, but the McMullen & Wing-built  Ermis²  is one of the fastest yachts on the superyacht circuit thanks to its lightweight materials. Built from a combination of carbon/epoxy, aerospace grade carbon fiber and titanium, the 123-foot boat taps out at 57 knots (65.59 mph.) Delivered in 2007, its 10,944 horsepower comes from three MTU 16V 4000 M90 engines. Designed inside and out by Rob Humphreys, its classic looks disguise the speed demon within.

Photo : Overmarine

10. ‘Why Not U’ | 63.3 mph

Why Not U  is a yacht that comfortably cruises at 47 knots (54.1 mph)—a speed most owners only dream of reaching. When time is of the essence, the boat cranks up its Vericor TF40 gas turbine engines to max out at 55 knots (63.3 mph). Delivered by Overmarine in 2001,  Why Not U ’s 4.3-foot draft makes it well suited for cruising shallow waters, while its sunbathing areas allow guests to catch some rays traveling at the speed of light.

Photo : File Photo

11. ‘Alamshar’ | 52 mph

Alamshar  is another custom collaboration between Donald Blount and Pininfarina commissioned by Aga Khan IV, this time with interiors by Redman Whiteley Dixon. It was reportedly built for an estimated $200 million at the Devonport shipyard in Falmouth, United Kingdom, and took 13 years to complete. When it was eventually delivered in 2014, Alamshar’s top speed of 45 knots (51.78 mph), generated by twin Rolls-Royce Marine engines and three waterjets, seemed worth the wait.

Photo : Camper & NIcholsons

12. ‘Moon Goddess’ | 51.78 mph

Exterior designed by Espen Øino with an interior by Franco Zuretti, the all-aluminum Moon Goddess is a 115-foot yacht with a turquoise hull that matches the color of its oversized leather sunpads. When cruising at 30 knots (34.52 mph) or tearing up the oceans at 45 knots (51.78 mph), most other boats just catch a glimpse of sea spray that the planing yacht leaves in its wake. It’s powered by twin MTU 16V 4000 M90 diesel engines with twin water jets, which generate a combined 7,498 hp.

Photo : Courtesy Lurssen

13. ‘Azzam’ | 35.7 mph

At a staggering 590 feet bow-to-stern, the Lurssen-built  Azzam  earns the title of world’s longest privately owned gigayacht. But with its remarkable-for-the-size top speed of 31 knots (35.7 mph), it’s also the fastest. Twin 12,000hp MTU V20 turbo-diesels do the day-to-day powering at up to 18 knots (20.7 mph). But crank up the twin GE LM2500 gas turbines, coupled to four Wartsila waterjets, and there’s a staggering 94,000hp on tap. Of course, like  Azzam ‘s original owner, it helps if you own a few oil wells: At max speed, the yacht reportedly burns 13 tons of fuel an hour. Launched in 2013 at a reported cost of some $600 million,  Azzam  accommodates 30 guests pampered by up to 80 crew.

• superyachts

RELATED ARTICLES

Mirarri enata luxury yacht: a bold move in futuristic vessel design, isa launches project unica 40m – the epitome of contemporary trends, azimut gets even more grande with the unveiling of the project of grande 44m, the new fleet flagship, zeelander yachts reveals stylish interior to keenly awaited new flagship yacht zeelander 8, damen yachting launches second yacht support 53, conrad shipyard launches extra time.

Subscribe to our newsletter

To be updated with all the latest news, offers and special announcements.

LATEST ARTICLES

Editor picks, nautic magazine and duward watches announce prestigious collaboration: introducing the aquastar summer sailing 2024 bcn edition, canadian beau lake introduces the tahoe ’14 and lugano ’14 electric runabouts, underwater adventure and exploration with deepflight’s super falcon 3s, popular posts, mirabaud sailing video of the century: celebrating 2 decades of passion, young designer of the year 2022: ioana valentina corcodel reveals 65m ophelia concept, the nacra15 world championships open in la grande motte, france, popular category.

• Regatta 852
• America's Cup 502
• Motor Yachts 264
• Boating 220
• Sailing 192
• Superyachts 191
• Yachts News 174
• Sailing Yachts 167

Fastest yacht: The giant record breakers

• Toby Heppell
• October 29, 2021

Skorpios is the latest in a long list of giant monohulls designed with a view to becoming the fastest yacht on the planet. We take a look at some of her predecessors

Every so often the yacht racing world sees an ambitious owner with pockets deep enough to want to step things up a gear and produce a new record-smashing fastest yacht.

The latest of these to hit the water is the jaw-dropping ClubSwan 125 Skorpios built for its Russian owner, Dmitry Rybolovlev. Almost everything about this new monster yacht is bigger, stronger, faster and higher tech than any boat which came before it.

Pretty much any metric you care to look at on Skorpios is mind-boggling. The five-spreader Southern Spars mast stands at 175 feet tall, and she can carry 11,324 square feet of sail upwind, and 21,108 square feet downwind.

Enough sail? Skorpios off the Dorset coast. The ClubSwan 125 is named after owner Rybolovlev’s famous Greek island, where Jackie Kennedy married Aristotle Onassis. Photo: Mark Lloyd / Lloyd Images

Skorpios has been built with the express brief to break offshore records as the world’s fastest yacht. Her recent win in the 2021 Fastnet Race – only weeks after hitting the water for the first time – shows she certainly has what it takes to take line honours in big races.

And the numbers Skorpios has shown while racing initially seem to indicate that it is really only a matter of time until she starts claiming some of the biggest records on offer in the sailing world.

But Skorpios is only the latest in a long line of new yachts built with the express purpose of winning line honours and taking records, each bigger, faster and more technologically advanced than that which came before.

The current transatlantic record holder, Comanche , is probably the yacht that most readily springs to mind when we’re looking at the development path for Skorpios .

Before Skorpios , Comanche was the most recent, highly ambitious racing yacht on the planet. She was built with one thing in mind and one thing only, to break ocean records and win line honours in some of the world’s most famous races.

Comanche showing off her considerable beam. Photo: Carlo Borlenghi

“The design office were told specifically by me that if this boat wasn’t the worst rated boat in history they have failed,” stated the owner Jim Clark on Maxi, Comanche ’s launch, reaffirming the aim of the boat to break records and win line honours without any consideration for handicap wins.

Comanche was something of a revelation when she was first launched. Over the years boats had been carrying more beam (width) towards the transom to create more power – at the expense of outright light weather, upwind and VMG running performance.

Comanche took this line of thought to the extreme with what seemed an impossibly wide stern, which led to the boat being nicknamed the aircraft carrier.

Although Skorpios is technically beamier than Comanche (8.75m vs 7.85m) the ClubSwan’s hull shape has a more modest beam-to-length ratio, and far greater internal volume and higher freeboard, all products of the project starting out with some focus on cruising in addition to outright performance.

But despite a slightly less powerful hull shape compared to Comanche , when you look at the rig, you see that this will likely be overcome by sheer grunt in terms of sail area. Skorpios ’ mainsail alone is 7,093 square feet, compared to Comanche ’s 4,413 square feet.

Comanche was, indeed is, a yacht that pushed technology to the absolute limit and when she was launched her extreme design caused quite a stir.

She is still considered one of the fastest yachts on the face of the earth and, in addition to her transatlantic record, Comanche also holds the monohull 24 hour sailing record at an impressive 618.01nm (averaging 25.75 knots) in a 24 hour period.

These two records will almost certainly be two of the key prize scalps Skorpios will be hoping to take.

Mari Cha IV

Although for many Comanche is the most obvious boat to which Skorpios can be compared, arguably a closer comparison could be that of Mari Cha IV , particularly when you consider length and ambition to break oceanic records.

The 140ft Mari Cha IV was launched in 2003, at this size both Mari Cha IV and (140ft) Skorpios face a similar problem, there are several top races that have an upper LOA limit of 100ft – neither could take part in the Sydney Hobart race for example.

Mari-Cha IV held the Atlantic record for 12 years. Photo: Thierry Martinez

In 2003, Mari-Cha IV set a new west-east transatlantic record with a total time of 6 days, 17 hours. During the run, she also set a new 24 hour monohull distance record of 525.5 nautical miles . This record stood until Comanche snatched the crown in 2016.

Due to her size and the sail area needed to power the giant, Mari Cha IV was built as a two-masted schooner. This meant that each mast could be smaller – within the bounds of the technology available at the time.

The twin rig on Mari Cha IV also meant each of the sails could be smaller than would be needed on a single masted yacht, reducing loads and enabling the boat to be sailed without resorting to powered winches.

That Skorpios is a single masted 140 footer demonstrates two things. The ClubSwan 125 shows the advances in technology with a single 175ft mast now being much more easily managed and understood – thanks, in no small part to advancements in load sensing technology which have filtered down from the America’s Cup and high tech offshore yachts such as the Ultime trimaran and IMOCA 60 fleets.

However, sail handling for sails of the size needed on Skorpios is still an issue and the ClubSwan 125 still needs powered winches, which will put her out of contention for a number of records that require exclusively human power.

In 2008, Speedboat was launched . The Juan Kouyoumdjian -designed 100ft Maxi was a yacht designed to produce blistering speeds and was built with the express purpose of ocean record breaking.

Speedboat , Newport Bermuda Race 2010

The yacht was built by Mick Cookson at Cookson Boats in New Zealand and her radical underwater features, including an incredibly flat run aft were all features that would later be included in the design of Comanche – features that demonstrate a yacht built for record breaking as they offer serious compromises in lighter winds.

In many respects Speedboat was the first to take the wide flat hull concept and transplant it wholesale into a 100ft Maxi.

Speedboat was also the first Maxi to have a deck-stepped rig, which was produced by Southern Spars, and she has plenty of other radical features.

To an extent Speedboat was built as a scaled up version of the Volvo 70 ’s which had been impressing in the Volvo Ocean Race . As such it is hardly a surprise the boat was the product of Kouyoumdjian’s design house, as he had created several of the fastest Volvo 70s then racing.

Unfortunately Speedboat arrived at the very start of the financial crisis and she only sailed in a number of events before she was mothballed and eventually sold.

She went through a couple of incarnations before being purchased by George David and was sailed as Rambler 100 during which time she dramatically lost her keel and capsized while competing in the Fastnet Race .

For his part David would go on to commission Kouyoumdjian to draw Rambler 88 , an impressive bit of kit in its own right and aimed at winning line honours and races outright in an 88ft package.

Wild Oats XI

No list of record breakers and record holders would be complete without a mention of Wild Oats XI , the 100 ft Maxi belonging to the Oatley family, which has won the Sydney Hobart no less than seven times.

Wild Oats XI ( WOXI for short) was actually launched back in 2005 and is a prime example of what can be done to a yacht to keep her on pace with current trends and developments.

In 2009 she was lengthened at bow and stern from 98ft to 100ft. In 2011 her forward balanced spade canard was removed and twin daggerboards were added amidships. In 2012 she received a bow centreboard as well as caudal fin winglets on her torpedo bulb.

Wild Oats XI . Photo: Kurt Arigo / Rolex

In 2013 she was equipped with a Dynamic Stability System (DSS) foil, which is a retractable horizontal foil deployed on the leeward side of the boat.

In 2015 her stern was shortened by 2m and her 12m forward sections were replaced by a 14m longer, sleeker bow, keeping her midship sections unmodified and in effect moving her entire existing sailplan aft by 2m, a trend which had been seen in many of the newer maxis to be produced since.

The various appendages which have been added and removed over the years have lent the yacht the affectionate nickname the ‘Swiss army knife’.

By today’s standards WOXI remains a very skinny boat in the Maxi world – she and almost-sistership at the time of launch, Alfa Romeo II both had a max beam of a little over 5m.

Wild Oats XI remains a potent race boat and particularly for races like the Sydney Hobart, her relatively narrow beam gives her an edge in light winds, VMG running and beating, all of which mean she is still very hard to beat over a race with mixed conditions – if ultimately working against her should she ever look to set oceanic records.

Leopard 3 ( ICAP Leopard as she was launched) hit the water in 2007 for serial Maxi owner, Mike Slade. The Farr design had a number of unique features at the time of launch, which made her one of the most impressive superyachts on the circuit.

ICAP Round Britain and Ireland Race 2010

Leopard ’s mast was a towering 154ft and she could set a total downwind sail area of 17,265 sq ft. At the time this was a vast amount of sail – though Skorpios ’ 21,108 sq ft is something of a stark comparison.

Leopard is capable of speeds of over 35 knots. But her similarities to Skorpios actually centre around the plans the British boat had from the start to enable cruising and racing in a little more comfort.

Leopard featured a luxurious removable interior, which could be removed for racing and refitted for cruising or for charter – for which she had also been specifically designed and built.

Although Skorpios does not go quite as far as a fully removable interior, there is, at least, a nod to comfort in her design when compared to the out and out racer that is Comanche .

If you enjoyed this….

Yachting World is the world’s leading magazine for bluewater cruisers and offshore sailors. Every month we have inspirational adventures and practical features to help you realise your sailing dreams. Build your knowledge with a subscription delivered to your door. See our latest offers and save at least 30% off the cover price.

The 10 Fastest Superyachts in the World

Yachts used to be all about leisurely cruising surrounded by luxury, but somewhere along the way power and performance came into the equation as well. Coupled with cutting edge technology and the demand that yachts meet increasingly high standards, the superyacht was was born. The top vessels in this class not only look amazing, but can cruise faster than 50 knots.

Here are 10 of the fastest superyachts in the world.

1. Moon Goddess – 53 knots

Moon Goddess is a 35 meter motor yacht that was built by shipbuilder Danish Yachts in 2006. Its engineering and gorgeous exterior are the work of yacht designer Espen Oeino. It has three luxurious cabins — two twin cabins and one owner’s cabin — that can accommodate six guests. There’s also room for a crew of five on this superyacht, which can reach top speeds of 53 knots.

2. Daloli – 54 knots

Heesen Yachts’ Daloli, also referred to as Pandion, has a cruise speed of 37 knots and a top speed of 54 knots, making it one of the fastest superyachts in the world. The 36.5 meter vessel can host up to 8 passengers and a crew of 6 in four cabins. Daloli has three decks and its interior looks as stunning as its exterior.

3. Why Not – 55 knots

Why Not, which was originally called Nobody, has a name that doesn’t quite match its lavish features. Designed by Overmarine in 2001, this yacht accommodates up to 3 crew members and 9 passengers. Vericor TF40 gas turbine engines allow Why Not to reach a top speed of 55 knots, while teak decks and a planing hull give it a distinctive profile. Multiple dining, entertainment, lounging, and sun bathing areas ensure that anyone who steps aboard this superyacht will be thoroughly entertained and enveloped in luxury.

4. Ermis² – 57 knots

Ermis² reaches a top speed of 57 knots and is among the fastest yachts built by McMullen & Wing. The high speed composite motor yacht is comprised of aerospace grade carbon fiber and titanium to create a body that’s light, yet very powerful. It’s over 37.5 meter long, has four fabulous cabins, and accommodates eight guests and a crew of four. The price tag for Ermis² tops $14.3 million.

5. Brave Challenger – 60 knots

One of the fastest superyachts in the world is also one with a very interesting history. Brave Challenger was crafted by UK based Vosper Thornycroft in 1960, and the custom vessel has been turning heads since it first set sail. Originally dubbed Mercury, Brave Challenger is over 31 meters long and reaches a top speed of 60 knots — considering the size of this yacht, that’s quite impressive. Three GM diesel engines and triple screw propellers provide its speed.

Brave Challenger hosts a crew of up to six members and ten guests. It’s a boat that’s built for entertaining and enjoying the water and has been going strong for decades. That Brave Challenger has been in commission for over 55 years and still holds a top spot in the yachting world is a testament to its fine craftsmanship and engineering. Inside, this yacht has a gorgeous vintage feel. Rich oak, luxurious fabrics, and smooth charm all combine to create a retreat that’s truly timeless.

6. Galeocerdo – 60 knots

Galeocerdo is one of the more unique looking superyachts in existence, and it’s also quite speedy. At first glance, you may think it belongs in a sci-fi or action movie — this boat is very distinctive and has a futuristic profile. Sharp lines, stark angles, and an imposing stature give Galeocerdo a presence that’s not easy to miss.

This nearly 36 meter vessel reaches a top speed of 60 knots and was built in 2003 by Wally Yachts. Its power is courtesy of two Cummins diesel engines, and it’s made of super light carbon fiber. When it’s time to cruise, Galeocerdo glides along the water at 9 knots and has plenty of amenities onboard to give passengers a comfortable, pleasurable experience. Galeocerdo is available for charter and has been around the world. Its price tag tops $33 million.

7. Gentry Eagle – 63 knots

The 34.11 meter Gentry Eagle is a superyacht with plenty of power, speed, and style. It hosts up to six passengers and a crew of four members and was built by Vosper Thornycroft in 1988. Back then, it was named 2768 — “Gentry Eagle” is definitely a more fitting name.

In 1992, the vessel was retrofitted and made into a yacht that’s not only a great performer but a beautiful sight inside and out. Its sizeable flybridge, aerodynamic components, and luxurious features have given the Gentry Eagle its sterling reputation as an example of superb shipbuilding.

8. Foners – 68 knots

Foners was formerly known as Fortuna, and was first used as the royal yacht of the King of Spain in 2000. Spanish shipbuilder Astilleros Bazan custom made the vessel and outfitted it with incredible amenities, as well as Aramid fiber lining to make it bulletproof. Inside, Foners has a huge salon with luxury seating, handcrafted tables, a large screen television, formal dining area, and plenty of entertainment areas.

There are four cabins aboard Foners that host up to eight guests. The two twin suites are quite spacious, and the VIP stateroom is the epitome of sophisticated. The grandest of all the cabins is the master suite, which is insanely beautiful — after all, this superyacht was created for royalty.

As gorgeous as its interior and exterior are, Foners was engineered first and foremost to have great power. It has two MAN engines that provide 1,280 hp and three Rolls Royce gas turbines to give it a top speed of 68 knots. Foners was put on sale in mid-2014 for over $9 million.

9. Alamshar – 68 knots

Alamshar is one of the top two superyachts in terms of speed, but it also took a very long time to build. After 13 years in the making, Alamshar was finally completed in 2014. Pininfarina, Redman Whiteley Dixon, and Donald L. Blount and Associates collaborated to design the striking vessel, which reaches top speeds of 68 knots. Alamshar was custom built for Aga Khan IV and cost a staggering $200 million.

10. World is Not Enough – 70 knots

With a name like “World is Not Enough”, it’s only right that this superyacht is the fastest on the planet. The Millennium 140 vessel is 42 meters long and races at 70 knots. Of course, it’s also ultra-luxe inside and no detail or expense was spared to design and built it.

Garrett by trade is a personal finance freelance writer and journalist. With over 10 years experience he's covered businesses, CEOs, and investments. However he does like to take on other topics involving some of his personal interests like automobiles, future technologies, and anything else that could change the world.

Similar Posts

A Detailed Look at Tankoa Yachts Built Suerte 69m Superyacht

Tankoa Yachts officially presented its superyacht Suerte at the Monaco Yacht Show in 2015. She was built in 2015 by Tankoa Yachts of Genoa, Italy and is the very first delivery made by Tankoa as…

The Finest Yacht Designs by Laura Sessa Romboli

Laura Sessa Romboli is a well-known award-winning Italian interior designer for some of the world’s largest and most expensive luxury yachts. She has become quite famous for designing yachts like Madame Kate and Chopi Chopi,…

Alen Yacht: Making a Name For Themselves

Alen Yacht is a Turkish company known for the quality and innovative design of its yachts, with 20 years of experience in yacht design and construction. Today, they combine traditional craftsmanship with new technology to…

The Five Finest Vanquish Yachts of All-Time

Vanquish Yachts is a relatively new company to the marine world. They began business in 2012 and have since created some of the very best yachts on the market. They create comfort and sophistication for…

A Closer Look at the 153-Foot MC155 Trimaran

In 2018, Mark Evans, the CEO of McConaghy Boats, told Aero Yacht that he loves challenges and creating something he can be proud of is the best part of his job. By then, the project…

Scintilla: A New 393-Foot Hybrid Explorer Yacht

No one can tell for sure when the first hybrid yacht was unveiled. While some say it is 2008’s Ethereal, others believe it is 2015’s Savannah. It does not matter because engineers have continued making…

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

SUPERYACHTS

…And the Fastest Superyacht of 2024 is…

Launched 2023, last year  Bolide 80 broke the 23 year old speed record for Superyachts in her very first attempt.

Using 6000 HP and reaching incredible 76 knots (140.7 km/h) Bolide 80 is now the fastest Superyacht on the planet.

Also, don’t miss out on the World’s Top 25 Longest and Largest ( by volume)  Superyachts.

Build by Bolide Yachts

User rating, rate + see all specifications.

Build by Izar

World is not Enough

Build by millennium superyachts.

Build by Wally

Build by AB Yachts

Build by McMullen & Wing

Oci Ciornie

Build by palmer johnson.

Build by Sunseeker

Build by Pershing

Build by Overmarine

Build by Azimut

Low profile, build by baia, build by vector marine.

Dangerous But Fun III

Build by Heesen

World of superyachts, we're here to help.

Don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We will gladly help and answer all your questions.

Over 1 million astonishing Superyacht specifications, deckplans, engines, tenders and much more.

Join us at the forefront of Superyachts and information from the World’s Top Echelon Marine Industry.

• Ten Fastest Super Yachts

Ten Fastest Super Yachts

As materials get lighter and technology improves, so boats get faster. Here are 10 of the fastest in the world.

10. Sun Ark

Another performance yacht from Heesen, Sun Ark (originally Bonita) was also designed by Frank Mulder and launched in 1995. The 36.7 meter vessel can reach speeds of 54 knots using its triple waterjets. She is equipped with an ultra-modern stabilization system that reduces roll motion and results in a much smoother cruising experience than some of the other super-fast yachts. She also has bow thrusters to make her more maneuverable at low speeds. She has accommodation for 8 guests in 4 suites and 5 crew members.

Originally named AA Absolute, she was built in 1995 by Heesen Yachts in Holland, for the Sultan of Brunei and was designed by Frank Mulder. Her maximum speed is 54 knots with a cruising speed of 30 knots. The 36.58 m yacht had a total refurbishment in 2007 and another refit in 2012. She can accommodate up to 9 guests with 7 crew in her spacious and luxurious interior.

The flagship of the Mangusta 108 series built by Overmarine and designed by Andrea Bacigalupo and Stefano Righini, Nobody was launched in 2001. She was powered by two Lycoming gas turbines combined with waterjets, which generate 8,770hp and give her a top speed of 55 knots which has been compared with the sound of an aircraft taking off. The 33.5 m vessel has luxurious accommodation for 9 guests and 5 crew.

This ultra-lightweight, high speed yacht was built in 2007 by the New Zealand shipyard McMullen & Wing, constructed in carbon-fibre using the Vacuum Infusion Process and was built to withstand the high loadings of up to 2.2G while travelling at her maximum speed of 57 knots and cruising at 30 knots. Measuring 37.8 m, she is powered by triple waterjet propulsion and can accommodate eight guests. Every component of the yacht was critically analysed to save weight, with titanium used where possible for deck fittings and hand rails and light weight veneered foam panels for interior joinery. It was the state of the art vessel at that time, with impressive navigation and communication systems and an interior that was both streamlined and bright, with the use of lighter woods and yellow, tan and blue leather. She was the winner of the “Best Power Yacht, 24-40 m” category at the 2008 International Superyacht Society Design and Leadership Awards.

6. Brave Challenger

This 31m yacht was originally named Mercury and was built in 1958 by Vosper for the Greek shipping tycoon Stavros Niarchos. She was launched in 1960 with the potential for a maximum speed of 60 knots and an exhilarating cruising speed of 44 knots, making her the fastest yacht in the world at that time. She has three gas turbines combined with surface drives generating 13,620hp and also two conventional engines which give her easier manoeuvrability at low speeds. She has accommodation for 10 passengers and 6 crew. Her classic lines with mahogany /aluminium frames and predominantly aluminium superstructure have evolved during a series of refits.

5. 118 Wally Power

Probably the most distinctive and one of the fastest motor yachts in the world, Wally Power is a 36m luxury craft with a maximum speed of 60 knots. Powered by three gas turbine engines producing 17,000hp, its striking vertical bow and narrow, angular hull, help it to cut through the water with incredible stability and control. She actually went through water tank and wind tunnel testing at a Ferrari facility in Maranello, Italy. Constructed and owned by the Kondakji family, the deck, cockpit, navigation, dining and saloon areas have been designed as one continuous element and there is a 360-degree view from the dining area. The boat’s finish is metallic dark green, which changes reflections and colour depending on the light and the landscape. It is easy to see why she won the Millennium Yacht Design Award for the “Layout of the Third Millennium” and is worth a cool $33 million.

4. Gentry Eagle

Designed and built in 1988 by the late Tom Gentry, who set nearly every powerboat record in existence, the 34.1m, 11,500 hp Gentry Eagle set a record time of 62 hours and 7 minutes in 1989, to cross the Atlantic, winning the coveted Blue Riband. Her top speed in racing configuration was a staggering 69.6 knots. She was relaunched as a high class motor-yacht in 1992 by adding lavish features without losing out on her power. She is now capable of speeds of over 63 knots and her sleek, streamlined exterior and luxurious interior, would not be out of place in a James Bond film. The helm boasts seven black leather Recaro racing seats and a spiral staircase leads below deck to 2 formal staterooms with 2 full baths. The décor includes exotic hardwoods and custom burnished straw wall coverings.

3. Alamshar (Or is it?)

Built by Devonport (now managed by Babcock Marine), in the UK and measuring 50m, she was developed to incorporate the very latest gas turbines, a unique propulsion system which has so far not been used on any other yachts. She was built under a veil of secrecy specifically to break the speed record. The 6 gas turbines and 3 water jets were supposed to give her the capability of speeds up to 65 knots. That was the plan; but on taking delivery of the boat, its billionaire owner, the Aga Khan, expressed massive disappointment in the boat. Named after one of the owner’s racehorses, the Alamshar only managed an undistinguished 30 knots in its sea trials off Plymouth, which could lead to a major legal battle against the dockyard that built her. This was not the only problem the builders have faced; last year the turbine blades in three of its engines, burnt out.

Built at the Izar shipyard for King Juan Carlos of Spain and previously known as Fortuna, she held the title of the fastest yacht in the world in 2000, when she reached a speed of 68 knots. She has a length of 41.5 m and is propelled by three Rolls Royce gas turbines and two MAN diesel engines. Eight guests can be accommodated in a four stateroom layout including a luxurious master suite. The interior is in gloss sycamore wood with stitched tan leather detailing and equipped with a 46 inch television/entertainment center and a formal dining area. For anyone out there with a few million euros to spare she is for sale at the present time at a price that has been reduced from 10 million euros to 8.25 million. She is bullet proof too!

1. World is not Enough

The only yacht to have reached a speed of 70 knots, with a cruising speed of 50 knots, she was built in 2004 by Millennium Super Yachts, a company set up in 1998 and aiming to build the fastest and most beautiful yachts in the world. She is the brainchild of John Staluppi and John Rosatti and is driven by two Paxman diesel engines and two Lycoming gas turbines, incorporating triple waterjets, which can produce 20,600 hp. With a length of 42.4 m, one would expect her to be stripped-down in order to achieve her speed; the typical speed of a boat of her size being between 20 – 25 knots. Her interior is equally impressive, accommodating 10 guests in luxurious comfort, including an in-deck pool and state of the art audio-visual system. The aluminium superstructure gives an aerodynamic shape and stability even at top speeds, with minimum noise level or vibration and a shape that will cut through the water effortlessly, even in the roughest conditions.

Some of these iconic superyachts are actually available to charter if money is no object and you fancy the combined thrills of speed and luxury living.

Author – Dee White

Share this article

You might like.

Sign up to our newsletter

By submitting this form, you agree to our Privacy & Cookie Policy

Change units of measure

This feature requires cookies to be enabled on your browser.

Show price in:

Show lengths, beam and draft in:

Show displacement or weight in:

Show capacity or volume in:

Show speed in:

Show distance in:

How Fast Is A Yacht? 3 Types Checked (With 9 Examples)

Different types of boats require various speeds for maneuvering in various water types and for doing diverse activities.

Depending on what you want to do with your vessel, you might need it to travel at a certain speed.

How Fast Are Yachts?

Yachts differ in speeds depending on the type of boat, with mega-yachts and ocean sport boats being the fastest (at over 30 MPH), cruisers, and deck boats falling second (at an average speed of 23 MPH), then pontoons, and sailboats averaging 10 MPH.

Here’s everything you should know about how fast yachts can go:

Table of Contents

First, How do we Define a “Yacht”?

First, let’s make sure we are talking about the same thing. After all, different types of boats sail at different speeds.

Yachts are boats (sail or power) used for racing, cruising, or just for pleasure.

It is a general term, which makes the question, “What is the average speed of a yacht?” a complicated one to answer.

Yachts can range in length between mini yachts, measured at 23 feet (seven meters), to superyachts, which are at least 78 feet long.

Before covering how fast each type of yacht can travel, here is a quick and dirty list of yachts that this article will cover:

• Has a single deck above the hull with below-deck living quarters. They are normally sleek and sporty.
• Control station, seating, and lounge space.
• It is a large, recreational, and motor-powered boat with multiple decks and a larger interior main deck than a flybridge.
• A yacht that has an enclosed living space and that is longer than 80 feet.
• A yacht that is built and used for fishing. Normally has a large cockpit to store fishing essentials. It is often faster than regular motor-yachts to get to the fishing grounds and back quickly.
• Pontoon boats lie flat on the water, balancing on two (or three) aluminum tubes, instead of having a V-shaped hull like deck boats. This makes them more stable for entertaining large groups of people.
• Primarily uses sails for propulsion instead of a motor (though most have a motor for back-up or to assist with the sails). Most are used for sport, but there are quite a few leisure sailing boat clubs and organizations these days.

The yachts that fall into categories 1 – 6 are motorized but are all smaller than superyachts.

For the rest of the article, the term “motorized yachts” or “powerboats” will refer to one of these.

How Fast Does my Yacht Need to be?

The answer to this question depends on what you want to do with your yacht.

If you’re a fisherman that needs to only troll through calm waters, it might be best if your boat travels with a top speed of around 15 MPH.

But if you’re looking to hit the open waters and speed around with the wind in your hair, you might want something a bit faster than that.

While you’re shopping for boats, and considering the top speeds for each type, ask yourself:

• What activities will you be doing on your boat?
• What sort of waters will I be traveling on?
• What activities will I be doing, which will utilize its top speed?

How Does the Speed of a Boat Affect its Fuel Consumption?

This depends on the type of boat you use. For ease of reference, the Formula 240 Bowrider speedboat (a 24-foot motorboat) is a good example of an average boat.

When cruising at 7 MPH, it consumes approximately three gallons an hour. When you double the speed, it consumes double the fuel (seven gallons an hour at 15 MPH). At 30 MPH, it will use about 11 gallons.

A general rule of thumb is that mid-range speed will offer the best fuel efficiency.

There is no need to merely putter around the water to save money.

How Fast Should I Go on a Yacht?

Unfortunately, there aren’t any speed limit signs out in the open water. Because of that, sailors and boaters have to calculate the speed limit depending on at least three different factors: the time of day, the type of boat, and the type of waterway.

The speed limit for boats is rarely a specific numerical figure. Instead, look for safety concerns, warning signs (like “No Wake Zones”), and rules often posted on the docks.

Watch out for “No Wake Zones,” which can cost a hefty fine if you are caught in violation and can be dangerous to people, animals, and property in the area. Most speedboats and other motorboats can cause a wake in as little as 5 MPH.

If you are close to a river, shore, or populated areas, you have to tread on the side of caution. However, once you are out in open water (like the ocean or a large lake with no one around), you can test out your boat’s top speed.

Make certain that you can:

• See an open pathway of water.
• See no obstacles (people, vehicles, animals, jetsam, or debris)
• Have observed the rules posted at the dock or pier

What are the Top 10 Fastest Yachts on the Market Today?

This list will consist of a variety of motorized yachts, powerboats, and superyachts.

Superyachts are so big; they need a more powerful engine.

For example, the Astro by Baia Yachts uses triple 2,430hp MTU engines and can put out 7 290 hp at its max.

It can go about 57 MPH or 50 knots! And that’s not even fast enough for our top ten list!

10) “The Chato” (built by Baglietto)

The Chato is an 84.61-foot yacht with accommodations for up to six people.

It is an all-aluminum speed demon with two MTU diesel engines, which propel it forward at a whopping 65.59 mph.

9) “Ermis 2 ” (by McMullen & Wing)

The Ermis is a 123.23-foot yacht made of carbon-fiber to make it both light and sleek.

The triple waterjets (MTU 16V 4000 M90 series) push it forward with 11,000 hp, making it fly across the water at a top speed of 63.29 mph.

8) “Black Bullet” (by Otam)

The Black Bullet is an 83.7-foot yacht, is the fastest yacht in the Otam 80 series.

It can accommodate two crew and six guests and moves quickly with four diesel engines.

How quick? 66.7 mph quick.

7) “Oci Ciornie” (by Palmer Johnson)

The Oci Ciornie is an 82-foot yacht that uses a 4,600 horsepower AVCO Lycoming gas turbines, an Arneson surface drives, and twin 1,800 horsepower MTU 16V 2000 M90 engines to propel it forward to 69 mph.

Vroom, vroom.

6) “The Brave Challenger” (by Vosper)

This yacht tops out at 69 mph because of her three gas turbine engines. Together, they generate about 13,620 horsepower. In addition to that, she also has two conventional engines to help her move around the water a little easier when she needs to cruise at a slower speed.

Originally named Mercury, she was built for Stavros Niarchos, a Greek shipping tycoon.

5) “Kereon” (the second boat on our list by AB Yachts)

The Kereon is an 88.6-foot yacht that can top out at 71 mph because of its three diesel engines. She has three 2,250 horsepower CRM diesel engines that were designed by Angelo Arnaboldi, a naval architect.

The Kereon can accommodate six guests in three cabins. She also has a massive fuel tank, which can hold 3170 gallons of fuel. That means she can go approximately 900 nautical miles on one tank of fuel.

4) “Gentry Eagle” (by Vosper Thornycroft)

The Gentry Eagle is a 111.88-foot yacht built for and by Tom Gentry (who worked with Vosper Thornycroft). If his name sounds familiar to you, it’s probably because he set almost every powerboat speed record today. He won the Blue Riband (the award for the fastest passage across the Atlantic) with a record time of 62 hours and seven minutes. The Gentry Eagle beat Richard Branson’s record by 23%.

Talk about fast.

It tops out at 73.64 mph.

3) “Galeocerdo” (by Rodriquez)

The Galeocerdo is a 118.1-foot yacht powered by three Vericor TF50 gas turbines (which drive three Rolls-Royce Kamewa water jets).

The Galeocerdo tops out at 74 mph.

2) “The World Is Not Enough” (by Millenium Super Yachts)

This yacht is a 138.45-foot yacht that can accommodate 10 guests and can go 77.1 mph.

It is propelled by two Lycoming gas turbines and two Paxman diesel engines.

1) “Foners” (by Izar)

The Foners is a 136.15-foot yacht made specifically for King Juan Carlos of Spain’s royal yacht. It was also built for speed with two 1,280 horsepower MAN engines.

But that’s not all, and it also has three Rolls Royce 6,700 horsepower gas turbines that drive three Kamewa water jets.

How fast does it go? It tops out at 80.5 mph!

What’s the Fastest Motorized Yacht in the World?

The record for the fastest boat was set at 317.6 MPH .

Ken Warby was using a speedboat (powered by a jet engine instead of a regular boat motor) called the “Spirit of Australia.”

This was not included on the fastest yacht list because of its unique circumstances.

Final Thoughts:

Choosing the right yacht for you and your needs is a big decision. Make sure you know what you will do with your boat before you buy a boat strictly built for speed.

The bragging rights in owning a boat that can go 80 mph on the water is great.

But if you are only going to use it for trolling or fishing, it would be a waste on your pocketbook and for the boat.

Click to share...

• Marine Engineering
• Yacht Services
• Yacht Surveys
• Yacht Electrician
• Megger Testing
• Marina Electrical Services
• Industrial Electrical
• Commercial Electrical
• Residential Building Electrical
• LED Lighting
• Industrial Lighting
• Electric Vehicle Charging Stations
• Sales & Parts
• Service Request
• Sales Request

• Privacy Policy
• Terms & Conditions
• RH Marine Group

Ten Of The Fastest Super Yachts On The Water In 2020

While most yachts are known for their luxurious features, large size, and even their famous owners, most people don’t equate these mega machines with speed on the water.

Top Speed: 52 knots

The first yacht on our list is the Mamimo II which clocks in at a blazing 52 knots. This ship was launched in 2007 and is the first model in the Magnum 80 series.

Built by Florida-based Magnum Marine, this yacht’s exterior was designed by automotive design house Pininfarina. Capable of reaching speeds as fast as 52 knots thanks to a powerful pair of MTU diesel engines, this yacht is no slouch on the open water.

Measuring in at 24 meters, this stunning open yacht can accommodate up to six guests in luxury.

Top Speed: 53 knots

Built by Italian shipbuilder AB Yachts in 2014, Swift is one of the world’s fastest superyachts clocking in with a top speed of 53 knots.  This ship was built as part of the AB116 series designed by Marco Arnaboldi and is the largest of four models.

The Swift has three 2,400hp MTU 16V 2000 M94 diesel engines and a maximum horsepower of 7200hp. Measuring in at 36 meters, you can comfortably cruise the ocean in luxury with guests.

Top Speed: 55 knots

Azzam was built by world-renowned yacht builder Pershing in 2005. One of 10 hulls from their popular Pershing 115 series, this 35-meter yacht can reach top speeds of 55 knots. While other ships in the series can only reach a top speed of 40 knots, Azzam is fitted with a Vericor gas turbine and a central booster which generates an additional 5100hp for the ship.  This gives it a max horsepower of 12,500hp.

Built in 2007 by McMullen & Wing, Ermis2 was designed for fast and efficient travel. Ermis2 has three MTU 16V 4000 M90 engines giving her a combined 10,944hp and a top speed of 55 knots.

With a maximum cruising range of 3500.0nm and a cruising speed of 45 kn, this ship was built with both luxury and functionality in mind. Measuring in at 37 meters, she can comfortably sleep up to 8 guests and 4 crew members.

Top Speed: 57 knots

Chato is an all-aluminum yacht that was built in 1986 by Italian yard Baglietto. Clocking in at a top speed of 57 knots, this speed machine has been one of the fastest yachts in the world for more than three decades. Chato features twin MTU 16V 396 TB94 units so it can cruise comfortably at 35 knots and hit 57 knots flat out. Measuring in at 25 meters, it can comfortably accommodate up to six guests.

Top Speed: 60 knots

Almashar was custom built in 2008 by Devonport Yachts in the United Kingdom. Powered by a water jet propulsion system and 6 gas turbine engines, this motor yacht can reach top speeds of 60 knots.  Measuring in at 50 meters in length, this ship can comfortably fit up to 12 guests and crew.

Gentry Eagle

Gentry Eagle was launched in 1988 by Vosper Thornycroft in Portsmouth, United Kingdom. Built of aluminum and teak, this ship has a cruising speed of 45 knots and a top speed of 63 knots making it one of the fastest ships on the water. On the smaller size of the yacht spectrum, this ship is only about 12 meters in length and can comfortably house 6 guests and 4 crew members.

Wally Power 118

Top speed: 65 knots.

Wallypower 118 is a luxury motor yacht built in 2002 by Rodriquez Intermarine.  Featuring a three waterjet and twin screw propulsion system, she can reach a top speed of 65 knots. In addition, Wally Power 118 can achieve a range of 380 nautical miles at 60 knots or 1500 nautical miles at 9 knots.

Powered by three DDC TF50 gas turbines and two Cummins 370 horsepower engines; this superyacht has the type of power that is typically found on smaller warships. It is also one of the most luxurious vessels on the water, this yacht measures in at 36 meters and can accommodate up to six guests cruising and sleeping.

World is not Enough

Top speed: 67 knots.

Built in 2004 by Millennium Super Yachts in the Netherlands, World is not Enough is currently the second-fastest yacht in the world. Designed by Dutch naval architect Frank Mulder, World Is Not Enough is one of the very few yachts to have broken the 65 knot threshold. Powered by two Paxman diesel engines and two Lycoming gas turbines, producing a staggering 20,600hp. Measuring in at just over 42 meters in length, this superyacht can comfortably accommodate 10 guests in ultra-luxury.

Top Speed: 70.1 knots

Built in 2000 by Allisteros Bazan yard in Spain, Foners is currently the fastest yacht in the world. Topping out with a max speed of 70.1 knots, Foners is propelled by two 1,280hp MAN engines and three Rolls Royce 6,700hp gas turbines driving three Kamewa water jets. Foners is also the royal yacht for King Juan Carlos of Spain. Measuring in at 41.5 meters, this ship can cruise up to 1,800 nautical miles when running at 12 knots.

Recent Posts

We are a Marine Electrical Service Company servicing mostly in the Large Mega Yacht Industry and Marine Land Installations (marinas, resorts, apartments, docks, etc). We have mobile Technicians who cover the tri county area (Broward, Palm Beach and Dade) in their fleet of vehicles.

• Marine Electrical
• Land Division
• ShipServ Ship Supply

Our Services

• Fluorescent To LED Conversion
• All Land Services
• All Marine Services

Sales & Support

• Sales Request Form

Our Location

Tess Electrical LLC

• Subscribe Now
• Digital Editions

6 of the fastest boats you can buy right now

• Top stories

Serial boat owner and adrenaline junkie Elliott Maurice picks out 6 of the fastest boats available on the market…

A rarefied segment of the boating industry is dedicated to creating some of the fastest boats in the world. They’re the Bugatti Chirons and Koenigseggs of the seas. Builders of these boats work to extreme tolerances, using exotic materials and construction methods usually found in the aviation industry.

Of course, at this level, low volume production and the aforementioned construction methods combine to create an exclusive product with an even more exclusive price tag. These super high-performance boats will be hugely impractical for most purposes, when compared to a typical leisure vessel, and the skipper will need significant ability to get the most out of it.

In reality any boat capable of speeds more than 60 knots (69mph) is very fast indeed. Given the hugely changeable nature of water compared to tarmac, this is akin to driving a car at around 120mph.

Most of the fastest boats use race-derived hulls with roots dating back to the 1980s when the ‘Go-Fast boat’ became synonymous with the glamor and excesses of the time. TV shows like Miami Vice , with Don Johnson catching drug dealers in his iconic Wellcraft 39 Scarab , helped make these boats extremely popular.

In reality, high performance offshore boats of this type were extensively used by cartels to run drugs into Miami, with the DEA commissioning a fleet of Blue Thunder powercats to help combat the problem.

Fast forward to today, some of the fastest boats are capable of exceeding 180mph with specialist engines and are in fact faster than the boats in Class 1 Offshore racing, where horsepower is limited to twin 1,100hp.

This list is by no means exhaustive – there are also a number of phenomenal offerings out there from legendary builders like Nortech, Sunsation, Donzi and Fountain.

6 of the fastest boats you can buy

Goldfish 46 Bullet

World’s fastest RIB

Top speed: 85 knots (99 mph) Price: $1.2million

Starting with one of the most revered names in the world of performance RIBs, Norwegian yard Goldfish Boats build exceptionally capable open water powerboats. They are also the fastest Ridged Inflatable Boats on the market today.

The 46 Bullet is the fastest of them all – with triple 500hp V10 Mercury outboards 85 knots is achievable. Around $1.2 million will put you in the driving seat of this exquisitely built boat with a carbon superstructure, state of the art electronics and custom racing seating for six.

Perfectly capable of cruising for hours in excess of 60 knots in challenging conditions, the Goldfish is capable of holding its own in rough water against almost any offshore powerboat challenger.

Article continues below…

Fastest boat: The current holder and contenders for the world water-speed record

Mystic M5200 yacht tour: On board the 70-knot, 2,400hp Bentley GT of the seas

Outerlimits SV50

World’s fastest production monohull

Top speed: 156 knots (180 mph) Price: $900,000

At 50ft 1in LOA and only 9ft in the beam, this rocket ship is a pure raceboat in design, with five steps in the hull and staggered engines to keep the driver as close to the centerline as possible.

At the 2023 Lake of the Ozarks shootout an SV50 with enclosed cockpit and twin 2,000hp engines ran 180.47 mph on a 1km run making it the fastest production monohull on the water.

More impressive is that a standard boat with twin Mercury Racing 1,350/1,550hp can easily top 140mph. However, this is a boat requiring an exceptional skill to drive, with handling characteristics as aggressive as its outright speed suggests. Starting at around $900,000 the SV50 is the ultimate in its class.

MTI Pleasure 52

Top speed: 156 knots (180mph) Price: $2 million

Another brand known for its offshore race winning boats, MTI produces nothing but high-performance boats. From its V series center consoles to its outboard -powered cats, this semi-custom builder doesn’t make a boat that does less than 80mph.

The 52 Pleasure is the fastest of the breed, with a full race version available using the same hull. With twin 1,750hp Mercury racing engines, this boat can achieve over 180mph.

With full custom options, MTI have even built a Lamborghini-inspired 48 footer to match the owner’s Lamborghini Aventador. Fitted with Aventador style tail lights and dashboard, the boat even had a matching covered starter button.

Needless to say, all this glamour doesn’t come cheap. You can expect a starting price of around $2 million for this level of exotica.

Cigarette 515

The most legendary go-fast boat

Top speed: 113 knots (130mph) Price: $2.2 million

No go-fast boat comes with as much pedigree as the Cigarette. Founded by the legendary Don Aronow, Cigarette Boats dominated offshore racing worldwide for over a decade, so much so that the brand name has become synonymous with offshore racers.

Still built in Florida, the brand has development ties with Mercedes AMG and Mercury Racing alike. As the largest high-performance boat in the range, the 515 offers peerless attention to detail and quality alike.

It is not the fastest production monohull, with a top speed of just over 130mph achievable with twin staggered 1,350/1,550hp Mercury Racing engines. It is, however, the best riding and one of the most capable offshore powerboats for handling rough water.

Its carbon fiber, vacuum bagged construction helps to justify its $2.2 million starting price and above all, it is the ultimate Cigarette boat.

Photo: Tom Leigh

Mystic C4000

Top speed: 108 knots (125mph) Price: $699,000

Mystics founder John Cosker is responsible for some of the fastest offshore raceboats in the world. Throttling his American Ethanol 50ft Catamaran, he hit 204mph this year setting the record on the Lake of the Ozarks sprint course.

Mystic will custom build a race winning boat for you on request, however Mystic now has a range of three high performance center consoles, with the C4000 outboard cat being the fastest production boat in the range, equipped with twin 500hp Mercury Racing outboards.

The C4000 will top 125mph and cruise in the upper 80s. With a bias on cruising comfort, the C4000 is a tuned down version of the Mystic race boat, with the tunnel compression reduced to hold the boat down rather than create the less controllable lift of the 180mph capable race hull.

The engines are also mounted on hydraulic jack plates to further trim the hull and keep the boat glued down in rough water. At just under 44ft the luxuriously appointed Mystic C4000 can offer performance akin to a light aircraft over distance – think Miami to Bimini in under an hour in the right conditions.

The Mystic is designed to run at speed confidently by most owners without the extreme characteristics of boats at this performance level. Options like a full cockpit sunshade, premium stereo and open transom make the C4000 as comfortable for lounging at a sandbar as it is running at blistering speed in open ocean.

Midnight Express 43 Open

The fastest center console boat

Top speed: 78 knots (90mph) Price: $1million

The center console market has exploded over the past few years, with a ceneter console now available for almost any boating application. The high-performance end of the spectrum has a handful of sublime builders.

However, the fastest arguably goes to Midnight Express 43, when running 5x 500hp V10 outboards. Capable of over 90mph, the 43 can also accommodate up to 20 people in comfort and 9 people at speed in luxurious quilted ultra leather bolster seats.

So good is the hull on the Midnight Express that Miami-Dade County DEA used the 39ft version as its high speed response boats. With its all-carbon superstructure and air-conditioned helm, the 43 is an extremely desirable boat, and over 100 units of this $1 million dollar boat have been sold to date.

Pearl 82 tour: Must-see £6M ‘mini superyacht’

Sunseeker ocean 156 tour: compact superyacht that’ll blow your mind, azimut 62 fly first look: seting new standards for outdoor entertaining, latest videos, princess s65 sea trial and tour: £2m sportsfly ticks all the boxes, watch: beneteau swift trawler 54 sea trial – £1.4m cruiser is the ultimate home, watch: parker sorrento sea trial: 50-knot cruiser with a killer aft cabin.

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

Feadship announces 75m superyacht concept powered entirely by fuel cells

Dutch yard Feadship has announced a new, 75-metre concept known as C, with full details to be revealed at this year's Monaco Yacht Show . The superyacht has been designed by Studio de Voogt to commemorate Feadship's 75th Diamond Anniversary.

C is inspired by the design of a diamond and how its facets reflect and magnify light, which manifests in the use of glazing to "draw light deep into the yacht's interior". Her hull shape and fully electric propulsion system marks an evolution from the shipyard's concept Breathe, revealed in 2010 and the award-winning Savannah . 

This concept is predicted to be "30 per cent more efficient than a typical 75-metre yacht" with dual shafts, propellers, and rudders, according to Feadship. The yacht will also follow on from Feadship's ground-breaking Project 821 by drawing 100 per cent of her power needs from fuel cells directly running on methanol and complimented by lithium-metal batteries.

Other "innovations" on board C are the partially enclosed lower deck sea lounge, to be used at anchor or underway, a beach club with sea-level dining, a duplex owner’s suite and an articulating crow’s nest rising from a private observation deck. A pair of infinity-edge hexagonal pools match the shapes of various seating areas and the atrium. 

The new concept also follows on from an earlier concept, Pure, and the recently-delivered Ulysses with a fully digital command centre and navigation hub that includes "the latest in intelligent situational awareness technology with cameras and data fusion".

The yacht is expected to reach a top speed of 17 knots and a cruising speed of 14 knots. Additional power for the hotel load will be generated passively by two pairs of wave-actuated fins that fold out from the hull aft of the anchors.

For those attending the Monaco Yacht Show, visit Stand DS103 to say hello to the BOAT International team.

Sign up to BOAT Briefing email

Latest news, brokerage headlines and yacht exclusives, every weekday

By signing up for BOAT newsletters, you agree to our Terms of Use and our Privacy Policy .

Similar yachts for sale

More stories, most popular, from our partners, sponsored listings.

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
• Disneyland Resort
• Ka La’I Wakiki Beach
• Kalamazoo Grill
• Raffles Hotels & Resorts
• Tributary Idaho
• Sports & Leisure
• Health & Wellness
• Best of the Best
• The Ultimate Gift Guide

11 Tenders That Might Be Even More Fun Than Your Superyacht

These tenders range from a classic wooden aquarama to limousine models to advanced electric hydro-foilers., julia zaltzman, julia zaltzman's most recent stories.

• These Charter Yachts Let You Tag Hammerhead Sharks and Count Spirit Bears for Research
• These Luxe Villas Are the Place to Stay in This Retro-Chic Enclave on the Tuscan Coast
• The 7 Most Exciting New Superyacht Marinas in the World
• Share This Article

About 60 tenders of all stripes and sizes were on display at last month’s Monaco Yacht Show , from Novamarine’s Black Shiver 160, stretching 56 feet in length (too large for most superyachts to carry on board) to the small 26-foot Lanéva Dayboat, built for performance with a responsive, electric drivetrain.

These days, most superyachts over 120 feet carry at least two tenders on board. Twenty years ago, when the average superyacht size was closer to 80 feet, that would’ve meant a RIB for the crew and a Boston Whaler for guests. Today, it’s not uncommon for gigayachts over 250 feet to have much larger, elaborate limousine tenders with a roof that slides over the cabin, an open sports tender for convenience, and even a Zodiac for heading into remote regions.

The 303-foot Tatoosh , built by Nobiskrug in 2000, was among the first yachts with a deck that carries two 39-foot tenders: a Hinckley motoryacht and a Frers daysailer. It also holds three other tenders, a safety boat and four Sea-Doos. Meanwhile, the 296-foot classic yacht Nero , also on display last month at the Monaco show, brings glamor to any occasion with its custom-built wooden Corsair tender. At the futuristic end, America’s Cup Emirates Team New Zealand last year launched a hydrogen-fuel-celled tender, Chase 0 , to show that emissions-free hydrogen fuel cells could be a viable alternative to fossil fuels.

“Many superyacht owners and project managers are looking to tender manufacturers to bridge the gap between performance and ocean preservation,” Mark Pascoe, founder of Falcon Tenders, told Robb Report, noting the company uses the latest hybrid and electric propulsion in its tenders.  Sustainability is indeed a big theme for tender manufacturers, and many new electric runabout builders are out to convince yacht owners that they can offer the same performance and comfort as a conventional tender, but without the emissions.

In the end, however, there are really just two types of tenders: Those designed to fit into a yacht’s garage, or those that serve as shuttles from the owner’s home port to the mothership.

That means styles and sizes are very much up to the owners. Here are 10 of our favorites, from the Tyde electric hydro-foiler to Riva’s iconic mahogany Aquarama.

Hodgdon Limousine

Heading for a shipyard in Northern Europe to be paired with a superyacht, Hodgdon’s new Limousine has accommodations for up 15, with both forward and aft outside seating areas, a wetbar, climate-controlled interior and a T-top that lowers for when the tender is stowed in the yacht’s garage. It also has gyro stabilizers to minimize motion sickness. The Michael Peters’ design looks more like a Downeast express cruiser than a traditional limo. The deep-V hull is fast and designed for stability in rough water, while the twin Volvo D4-320 engines deliver speed when necessary. The Maine shipyard’s dedication to quality is seen throughout the yacht, including the stainless on the exterior and custom upholstery inside. Even the Hodgdon signature flush anchor is custom fabricated.

Compass Limousine for Oceanco ‘H3’

Custom-built for the 344-foot Oceanco H3 (ex-Al Mirqab and listed among the 25 largest yachts in the world) this 36-foot limousine bears subtle styling characteristics taken from the mothership’s exterior design, including the window shape and hard-top detailing. The cabin features custom leather seating, stainless-steel trim, leather paneling, and a geometric teak floor. There is also an integrated AV system, ambient lighting and forward-facing cameras that display the tender’s journey on twin screens. Access to the cabin is through sliding glass doors fore and aft, while an electric sliding-glass roof opens the interior to the outdoors.

Falcon Project KD

Making its world debut in Monaco last month was Project KD from British builder Falcon Tenders . The custom 32-foot limousine tender was commissioned by the owner of a 210-foot Sanlorenzo yacht due to deliver next year. The fully finished exterior has fiber-optic light lines by Fibr8, powered by lasers to evenly emit light over long distances. The interior design remains under wraps until the unveiling next year. But if Falcon’s recent tenders, the Miss Wonderly and Miss Le Blanc, are anything to go by, the quality of build as well as features like the leather upholstery with its intricate hand-stitched seams, will make Project KD a tender worth waiting to see.

Brabus Shadow 300

Available in two models—a Cross-Bow or Cross-Top—the Brabus Shadow 300 is designed with powerboat enthusiasts in mind. Agile and easy to handle, the 25-foot sportster makes a good superyacht tender. The top speed of 50 knots, thanks to a Mercury 300R V8 racing engine, assures swift passage from the yacht to port. It’s also a great boat for watersports since it’s fitted with a pole for water-skiing, inflatable towing and wakeboarding. Not big enough? Its 38-foot Shadow 900 Black Ops Boat certainly provides a larger and very different look. 

J-Craft Torpedo ‘BaBeBi’

Turning heads at both Cannes and Monaco this year was J-Craft’s 42-foot Torpedo BaBeBi . The Swedish builder’s first Torpedo with a metallic-colored hull sports a beautiful brass and off-white interior enhanced by diamond stitching. It’s twinned with serious functionality, capable of sailing in open water and certified to withstand 13-foot waves. Taking over 9,000 man-hours to build and fitted with two Volvo Penta IPS 650s, BaBeBi delivers a top speed of 47 knots. Equipped with lithium batteries for a full day on the water with the engines off, it has a 280-nautical mile range, a convertible open cockpit with two sundecks, and sleeps up to four guests for weekend retreats.

Cockwells ‘Titian ‘Tender

The custom 34-foot Titian tender built by U.K.-based Cockwells is equipped with old-school features like specially cast stainless-steel fittings on the exterior and a Corian and copper galley belowdecks. Its advanced electronics include a virtual anchor and touchscreen digital switching system. Powered by a highly maneuverable twin jet drive, the Titian played a starring role in fashion brand Michael Kors’s 2022 advertising campaign called ‘The Thrill of the Chase’, which saw Bella Hadid aboard the tender on London’s River Thames with Alton Mason in hot pursuit. Finished to superyacht quality standards, Titian won the “Pre-1980s” category of the Concours d’Elégance at last year’s Cannes Yachting Festival. Cockwells also has other mutliple designs under its sleeve. It recently showed a 39-foot hydrofoil limousine that can theoretically cruise at 40 knots. 

Riva Aquarama

No tender round-up is complete without mentioning the Riva Aquarama —the most famous of all Carlo Riva’s designs. The Italian builder’s iconic luxury wooden runabout saw a limited run of 281 Aquarama Normals and Supers between 1962 and 1972, when Riva still owned the shipyard, and then 277 more, called the Special, were built in the next two decades. The Aquarama’s speed, grace, and craftsmanship make it a much-desired primary boat, not to mention the world’s most stylish tender. Prices for historically correct can range between $400,000 and $800,000, but much will depend on the actual model and number within the series.

Williams DieselJet 565

Williams is one of the perennial names in RIB tenders, with multiple yacht builders designing their garages around specific models. The DieselJet 565 has several advantages over competitors. First, it’s a jet drive so driving is reliable and maneuverability is excellent. Secondly, it runs on diesel, the preferred fuel for many owners who don’t want to carry the more flammable gasoline on the yacht if they don’t have to. Finally, this nine-passenger design should be able to carry owners and guests in one trip, two in a pinch. Williams paid attention to the details that matter, like ergonomic seating, decent storage, grab rails, and even an optional plate on the yacht’s stern that illuminates the name of the mothership. 

Lanéva Dayboat

The Lanéva all-electric dayboat is equipped with a lithium polymer battery designed for military operations, while the two axial-flow motors are used in aviation. It has a wood structure, a deck comprised of sustainable flax and volcanic fibers, a cork floor and a 100 percent recyclable leatherette upholstery. Sporting a cobalt-blue hull, the 26-foot boat brings performance to electric tender design.

The Tyde Icon is a wild-looking 43-footer, a wedge-shaped electric boat that foils to 30 knots. It’s definitely not designed to be loaded into a superyacht garage. But it can make a head-turning tender between an owner’s home and the mothership. Designed in collaboration with BMW, the yacht has large windows for vewing the water as well as lounge chairs across the enclosed cabin. A pair of 100 kW electric motors convert the 240 kWh of energy supplied by six batteries from the BMW i3 for a range of more than 50 nautical miles at a cruising speed of 24 knots.

Sacs Rebel 47

The Sacs Rebel 47 is a great example of a large rigid-hulled inflatable that can serve as both a tender and primary day boat for the owner. It has multiple seating areas across the exterior and a generous cabin below-decks for cooking or taking a nap. The boat’s offshore hull is designed to run at speed in rough water, and of course, the inflatable collar adds an element of buoyancy to the design. With two 440 hp Volvo D6 sterndrives, the boat has a top end of 38 knots. But with three Yamaha 425 hp XTO outboards, that jumps to 50 knots. 

Read More On:

More marine.

Forget Diesel. The World’s Largest Sportfishing Yacht Will Run on Vegetable Oil.

A Frothy Genoa International Boat Show Proves the Yachting World Is Alive and Kicking

This New 223-Foot Superyact Has 4 Decks, 3 Pools, and One Giant Cinema

Baltic Yachts Just Unveiled Its First Catamaran, a Sleek 107-Foot Multihull

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

Livia Superyacht in Photos

Football Season Is Here: The 7 Best Stadiums for ‘Sailgating’ Around the U.S.

More from our brands, from stylist to designer: sarah solis unveils galerie solis, melding european elegance with california vibes, pac-12 sues mountain west over ‘poaching penalty’, former mtv, discovery exec sean atkins named president/coo at dhar mann studios, which has also signed with caa, unesco warns against the looting and trafficking of artifacts from sudan, the best yoga mats for any practice, according to instructors.

• Heesen movies

Heesen reveals ambitious new 62-metre superyacht project at Monaco Yacht Show – Monte-Carlo

World-renowned Dutch superyacht builder Heesen Yachts debuted a daring new Steel FDHF 62-metre superyacht – codenamed Project Monte-Carlo , at their kick-off press conference at the Hotel Hermitage in Monaco.

One of the shipyard’s most ambitious projects to date, the yacht’s design by British studio Harrison Eidsgaard has been tailored to meet the requirements of modern owners who want to spend increased periods of time on board.

The four-deck yacht will be one of the yard’s largest yachts by volume ever built in Oss. Heesen’s CEO , Niels Vaessen, explained that the design is a direct response to trends they are currently seeing in the market. “It is unusual for us to build a four-decker, but we have had a few requests for such a boat from former clients, so it made sense to create one. We are addressing a key market of owners that are looking to maximise space and experience on board to share with family and friends.”

The luxury of privacy Optimising the increased space afforded by the four-deck design, Project Monte-Carlo will have an entire deck dedicated to the owners. Catering to a trend post-pandemic of owners spending periods of time working on board, the area incorporates both a lavish master suite and a spacious office area.

Designer Peder Eidsgaard highlighted that the owner’s deck offers supreme privacy and could be utilised in different ways depending on their reference.

“It is a very open master suite, with the bathtub, shower and office all interconnected,” he said. “The benefit of this arrangement is that an incoming owner can easily toy with the space devoted to each area. The potential is huge; you expand the master suite to include a private foredeck with its own sundeck, jacuzzi and a fold-down balcony to starboard. From his/her office, the owner can walk straight out onto the balcony and take a seat.”

The guest accommodation will be split across the main and lower decks. Eidsgaard’s design proposes a mix of up to five lavish VIP cabins and comfortable doubles.

Connected to the sea Project Monte-Carlo has also been created to allow owners and guests to feel a constant connection to the water. The design includes a large 23-square-metre pool, with glass sides giving the impression that you are swimming in the sea and fold-down wings on the aft deck that allow you to sit right over the water.

Other key spaces include a ‘beach lounge’ on the main deck, where low-slung sofas offer an informal dining area for up to 14 guests, with sliding doors again connecting the yacht to its surroundings. There is also a firepit observation lounge under the mast, an outdoor kitchen, and a semi-open sky lounge seating area, including a hidden pop-up TV for movie nights.

Holistic living Wellness is also of increasing importance to owners, and therefore, the design allows for a dedicated centre on the lower deck.  Provisional designs for this space include a large gym, sauna, hammam and massage or beauty room.

The yacht’s beach club is also ideal for launching water toys, and its impressive storage will ensure that Project Monte-Carlo can be equipped with the latest toys available, including e-foils, wave runners and a diving kit. Additionally, the yacht has storage for two tenders, which are used for easy excursions back to the shore.

Sustainable planning Along with the rest of the superyacht community, Heesen is committed to a more sustainable future. In line with this and Heesen’s BlueNautech strategy , the boat is technically enabled for serial hybrid propulsion, with space for a large battery bank. It also has a methanol-ready tank layout for future conversion to hydrogen combustion or even a fuel cell. The fast displacement hull form is optimised for 12-knot cruising, but the power train can manage up to 16 knots.

“We see that our owners are increasingly interested in minimising their environmental impact,” added Peter Van Der Zanden, Heesen’s General Manager for Design & Development. “By planning the yacht around tried-and-tested green solutions, we are helping them make good decisions that don’t add much time and cost to the build.”

Related News

Heesen yachts at the monaco yacht show: showcasing....

Heesen Yachts Appoints Hisham Abushakra as their Agent...

WE’LL KEEP YOU UP TO DATE

T. +31 6 11 49 96 00

• Privacy Overview
• Strictly Necessary Cookies
• Analytical Cookies
• Cookie Policy

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.

Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings.

If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again.

This website uses Google Analytics to collect anonymous information such as the number of visitors to the site, and the most popular pages.

Keeping this cookie enabled helps us to improve our website.

Please enable Strictly Necessary Cookies first so that we can save your preferences!

More information about our Cookie Policy