the largest sailboat in the world

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

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

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

• Black Pearl
• Maltese Falcon
• Sea Eagle II

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

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

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

Sailing Yacht A — 142.81M (468.6 Ft.)

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

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

Koru — 127M (416 Ft.)

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

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

Sea Cloud — 109.5M (359 Ft.)

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

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

Black Pearl — 106.7M (350 Ft.)

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

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

Eos — 93M (305 Ft.)

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

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

Athena — 90M (295 Ft.)

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

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

Maltese Falcon — 88M (289 Ft.)

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

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

Aquijo — 85.9M (282 Ft.)

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

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

Sea Eagle II — 81M (266 Ft.)

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

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

M5 — 78.4M (257.2 Ft.)

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

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

Enigma — 74.5M (244 Ft.)

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

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

Badis I — 70M (230 Ft.)

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

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

Vertigo — 67.2M (220 Ft.)

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

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

Hetairos — 66.7M (219 Ft.)

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

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

Adix — 65.5M (215 Ft.)

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

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

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

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

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

Perseus^3 — 60M (197 Ft.)

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

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

Ngoni — 58M (190 Ft.)

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

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

Twizzle — 57.5M (188 Ft.)

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

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

Fleurtje — 57.4M (188 Ft.)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Boat of the Week: Inside the 7-Year Quest to Build ‘Dream Symphony,’ the World’s Largest Sailboat

Dream symphony may be the most amazing boat we'll never see. years after its owner dropped the project, it sits idle in a turkish shipyard., julia zaltzman, julia zaltzman's most recent stories.

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Size matters: If Dream Symphony is ever completed, it would dwarf the 289-foot Maltese Falcon, currently the world’s fourth-largest sailing yacht.

When Dream Symphony was first announced in 2014, the yachting world was all aflutter. At 462 feet in length, it promised to be not only the largest yacht produced in Turkey, but the largest sailing yacht ever built (except for the sail-assisted motoryacht Sailing Yacht A, which is technically more motorsailer than sailboat).

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Even more incredible is that Dream Symphony was to be constructed entirely out of wood. The use of epoxy laminated iroko (African teak) forms an integral part of boatbuilder Dream Ship Victory’s vision to successfully bring laminated wood into modern shipbuilding. The yard has a successful track record. In 2013, it delivered the 212-foot Mikhail S. Vorontsov , built entirely out of laminated mahogany.

At more than double the length, Dream Symphony is a much larger technical challenge. Of course, the biggest challenge since its announcement seven years ago has been finding an owner—or rather a second owner. After the initial brouhaha about the world’s largest sailboat, Dream Symphony went dark.

The sleek, minimalist hull works well with the yacht’s 462-foot length.  Courtesy Ken Freivokh

“The original owner pulled out when the Ukrainian crisis came about,” Dream Symphony ’s designer Ken Freivokh told Robb Report . “The project went on up to a point, a bit slower, but now we’re looking for a new owner.”

Actually, the project has been stalled. Freivokh shared images of a partially built hull inside the shipyard, and he says it has since progressed, but not to the point where it’s anything resembling his majestic renderings. While gigayachts in the motoryacht segment are being ordered and delivered with regularity, the world’s-largest sailing yacht will require a very special owner.

When—or if —the yacht is completed, it will be worth the wait. Dream Symphony reunites the same A-team that conceived the iconic sailing superyachts, the 350-foot Black Pearl and 289-foot Maltese Falcon . The hull design and engineering were completed by Dykstra Naval Architects, while Freivokh was responsible for the interior and exterior.

“Building the largest sailing yacht is what the shipyard owner has always wanted to achieve,” says Freivokh. The shipyard’s preference for wood is based on the material’s renewable and recyclable properties. But the yard’s principals take it a step farther by asserting that wood produces a vessel of “equal or even greater strength” than steel and aluminum.

An early image of Dream Symphony under construction. The build has progressed, but is still waiting for an owner to see it to completion.  Courtesy Ken Freivokh

It has not been smooth sailing, though. When Dream Ship Victory approached RINA to certify construction, the Italian marine agency balked. It had never certified any wooden vessel over 98.4-feet in length. There followed an exacting process managed by Dykstra Naval Architects, involving composite experts Gurit, and exhaustive testing by laboratories at the Delft University of Technology in Holland and Italy’s University of Messina. The results satisfied RINA to certify construction and the build began.

“It’s almost the equivalent of a huge composite build,” said Freivokh. “The epoxy lamination is quite a complex system, but it preserves the wood, which means it should last a long time and behave very predictably.”

The original owner called for elegant use of wood across the interior. “The idea was to express the beauty of wood, so the owner was keen to have a fairly classic interior, and even the exterior is a modern interpretation of a classic,” says Freivokh. “At one point, we considered a contemporary style like Black Pearl , but the owner resisted that in favor of something more traditional, so it stands as a four-masted schooner.”

The four masts tower 229.7 feet above the water, carrying furling staysails on Hoyt booms with a total sail area 54,680 square feet. If built, the boat will also have a diesel-electric propulsion system for a maximum range under power of 5,900 nautical miles. A two-deck atrium with a spiral staircase is twinned with an owner’s duplex apartment spread across two decks. The “convertible conservatory” links the owner’s living quarters with the main lobby via an glass winter garden that opens to the elements. More glass features in the double-height glass swimming pool on the aft deck, with a bottom that rises to serve as a dance floor or helipad. Like motoryachts its size, Dream Symphony was designed with a spa, treatment rooms and gym.

The interior is designed to be classic, rather than contemporary, using mahogany throughout.  Courtesy Ken Freivokh

Freivokh is now working on two other wooden superyachts currently in build at Dream Ship Victory, and is finalizing a 243-foot yacht for Turquoise, another Turkish yard. “Owners who want to build in wood still remain in the minority, but it’s highly personal and some just love the passion of associated with beautiful old classics,” says the designer.

Perhaps. But the new owner has to be willing to take on a much larger technical challenge to claim the title of world’s largest sailboat.

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Despite the pandemic, the superyacht world continues to welcome new entries. These are the world’s biggest yachts by length.

Even in a pandemic, the size of the global superyacht fleet keeps on growing. The top 25 largest yachts in the world now total a combined 11,849 feet, with the smallest yacht on the list,  Maryah , measuring a whopping 410 feet. Built by shipyards all over the world—from the Netherlands to the United Arab Emirates, Italy, Turkey, Greece and the United Kingdom, to name just a few—new launches and refits are delivered each year. The 2021 newcomers hail from Lürssen, Dream Ship Victory and Lloyd Werft. With many new gigayacht builds in the pipeline, the list will be much more competitive in the coming years. Here are the world’s top 25 yachts by size, from  Maryah  to  Azzam.

25. ‘Maryah’ (410 feet, 1 inch), Neorion

Neorion’s  Maryah  Photo: Manuel Hernández LafuenteWATCH

This former Russian research vessel was originally launched by the Szczecinska yard in Poland. In 2010, it underwent a five-year rebuild at the Elefsis yard in Greece. The stodgy research vessel that went in reappeared in 2014 as a thoroughly modern custom-built superyacht. The UK-based  H2 Yacht Design  did both the interior and exterior, incorporating all the luxuries one would expect in a yacht this size. The swimming pool, spa, contemporary decor (including custom furniture, signature joinery, and bespoke details like fixtures and lighting), and generous interior space turned the ugly duckling into a swan.  Maryah , which reaches a top speed of 18 knots powered by a twin azipods propulsion system, has accommodation for 54 guests.

24. ‘Octopus’ (414 feet), Lürssen

Lürssen’s  Octopus  Elizabeth Withe

Originally built by Lürssen for Microsoft cofounder Paul Allen, eight-decked  Octopus  is the world’s largest expedition yacht. Allen kept all the luxurious features of a superyacht, but wanted  Octopus  to be able to set anchor at the ends of the earth for exploration. The Lürssen, delivered in 2003, has storage for two helicopters, seven tenders, a large SUV and an internal dock that extends through the hull holding two submersibles. A glass-bottomed observation lounge makes for spectacular viewing when cruising. The yacht has been involved in multiple exploration discoveries, aided by its onboard dive centre and hyperbaric chamber. Espen Øino drew the exterior, including a full-sized basketball court on the aft deck, while Jonathan Quinn Barnett did the interior. The yacht underwent a refit in 2019. It reaches a top end of 20 knots.

23. ‘Al Mirqab’ (436 feet, 4 inches), Kusch Yachts

Kusch Yachts’ Al Mirqab  Photo: Shutterstock / PitK

Launched in 2008,  Al Mirqab  was built for Qatar’s former prime minister under the supervision of  Kusch Yachts  in the  Peters Werft shipyard  in Wewelsfleth, Germany. The Tim Heywood exterior includes a long, navy-blue hull with a white superstructure. The yacht’s diesel-electric propulsion involves an azimuth pod drive and gives the 436.4-footer a top end of 21 knots. Its interior by Andrew Winch won several awards, with images showing Arabic-influenced motifs on the marble floors of large social areas. The yacht’s centerpiece is a stunning, complicated floating staircase encircled by custom-made glass panels.  Al Mirqab  has staterooms for 36, and crew quarters for 45.

22. ‘Serene’ (439 feet, 3 inches), Fincantieri

Fincantieri’s  Serene  Photo: Nick Wells

Serene  was  Fincantieri ’s launch into the superyacht segment, and what a debut it was. The largest yacht ever launched in Italy when it was delivered in 2011 (surpassed three years later by  Ocean Victory ), the Espen Øino seven-deck design features a long, sleek blue hull, crowned by a white superstructure. The somewhat racy curves serve as a nice counterpart to the more serious-looking sections of the yacht, which include cutouts along the main and upper decks to allow strong visibility from the saloon and staterooms. The curved balconies on three levels are a nice touch that work aesthetically—and practically for better views. The open stern area has a winter garden (enclosed glass house) that allows dining in all seasons.  Serene  also has two helipads and a hangar, a big swimming pool, and a tender garage large enough for a submarine. Pascale Reymond of Reymond Langton Design created the 43,056-square-foot interior for the Russian owner, though its details have remained closely guarded.

21. ‘Crescent’ (443 feet), Lürssen

Lürssen’s  Crescent  Photo: Klaus Jordan

Espen Øino’s dark hull and tiered superstructure was one of the most exciting launches of 2018. Custom-built Project Thunder, as it was called internally at Lürssen, features cut-outs along the hull sides that allow full ocean views from the saloon on the primary deck, as part of  Crescent ’s distinctive curved superstructure. Its most noteworthy feature is the jaw-dropping bank of three-deck-high windows in the center of the yacht. This architectural feature serves as the centerpiece of a very compelling design. The yacht has accommodations for 18 guests in nine staterooms. Little is known about the François Zuretti-designed interior, other than Lürssen describes it as being “traditionally styled.” If it lives up to  Crescent ’s brash exterior, the complete yacht promises to be an entirely groundbreaking design.

20. ‘Savarona’ (446 feet, 2 inches), Blohm+Voss

Blohm+Voss’s  Savarona  

Launched in 1931,  Savarona  was built for American heiress Emily Roebling Cadwallader. The yacht was eventually acquired by Turkey to be the presidential yacht of Kemal Atatürk, founder of modern Turkey.  Jane’s Fighting Ships  described the yacht in 1949 as “probably the most sumptuously fitted yacht afloat.”  Savarona  was later converted to a training ship for the Turkish Navy and, in 1978, destroyed by fire. The yacht laid in tatters for 10 years. A Turkish businessman spent around $45 million refurbishing  Savarona , commissioning Donald Starkey for the interior and replacing the original steam-turbine engines with modern Caterpillar diesels. The yacht’s interior was refitted again in 2013, once again becoming the official presidential yacht in 2014.  Savarona  features a swimming pool, Turkish bath, 280-foot grand staircase, a movie theater, and a library dedicated to Atatürk.

19: ‘Flying Fox’ (446 feet, 2 inches), Lürssen

Lürssen’s  Flying Fox  Photo: Courtesy of SuperYachtTimes/Youtube

Delivered jointly by Imperial and Lürssen in 2019, 446.2-foot  Flying Fox  is the largest yacht available on the charter market. Key features of the Espen Øino-designed exterior are a curvaceous dove-gray hull and a 3.7-foot swimming pool that runs athwartship on the main aft deck, the largest ever found on board a yacht. A two-decked spa also gives guests access to a cryosauna, hammam and relaxation room with a fold-down balcony at sea level. Packed to the rafters with the latest amenities, the yacht holds a diving center, decompression chamber and two helipads.  Flying Fox  is PYC compliant and can accommodate 25 guests.

18. ‘Rising Sun’ (454 feet, 1 inch), Lürssen

Lürssen’s  Rising Sun  Photo: Courtesy of Lürssen

Designed by the original guru of yacht designers, Jon Bannenberg,  Rising Sun  was built by Lürssen for Oracle CEO Larry Ellison, and is currently owned by billionaire David Geffen. The yacht was delivered in 2004 and last refitted in 2011. Defined by banks of windows across the superstructure,  Rising Sun  has 86,000 square feet of living space in 82 rooms. It can accommodate 18 guests in nine cabins, with the capacity to carry up to 46 crew. The interior by Seccombe Design includes a gym, cinema, and wine cellar. The rear cockpit deck was designed as a basketball court. Geffen received a global media backlash in 2020 for his “tone deaf” social media posts that pictured himself on board his yacht during Covid-19 lockdown.

17. ‘Al Salamah’ (456 feet), Lürssen

Lürssen’s  Al Salamah  Lürssen

When Lürssen launched  Al Salamah  in 1999, it was the third-largest yacht in the world. Its ranking at number 14 shows how much has changed in the last 20 years. Code-named MIPOS, or Mission Possible, the yacht was designed by  Terence Disdale . The large imposing exterior is primarily protected space, with an upper deck exposed to the elements.  Al Salamah  has staterooms for 40 guests, including two owner suites, 11 VIP staterooms, and eight twin cabins. The yacht can carry up to 96 crew and has a top speed of 22 knots.  Al Salamah  was last refitted in 2009.

16. ‘Scheherazade’ (459 feet, 3 inches), Lürssen

Lürssen’s  Scheherazade  Photo: SuperYacht Times/YouTube

The owner of 459.3-feet Lürssen-built  Scheherazade  (formerly known as Project Lightning) finally took delivery of the mega yacht in June 2020 after it was pictured during sea trials in November 2019. What can so far be deciphered from available photography includes two helipads, forward and aft, and a large beach club aft, as well as a reported seven-foot beam. Very few details have yet been released of the highly private vessel, including even the names of designers or naval architects involved with the build.

15: ‘Ocean Victory’ (459 feet, 3 inches), Fincantieri

Fincantieri’s  Ocean Victory  Photo: Trevor Coppock / TheYachtPhoto.com

The largest motoryacht ever built in Italy, Fincantieri’s  Ocean Victory  was delivered to its owner in 2014. The seven-deck exterior by Espen Øino includes two helideck platforms and a hangar belowdecks, as well as exceptional outdoor social areas, and a floodable tender dock.  Ocean Victory  has accommodations for 28 guests as well as quarters for 56 crew.  Ocean Victory  also has six pools, a 3,300-square-foot spa, and an underwater observation room. The interior by Alberto Pinto remains a secret.

14: ‘Solaris’ (459 feet, 3 inches), Lloyd Werft

Solaris  by Lloyd-Werft Courtesy Lloyd Werft

The 476-foot  Solaris  is one of the largest yachts to deliver in 2021, and yet still little is known about it. The highly private, vast explorer is built by German shipyard Lloyd Werft and undertook sea trials in the North Sea. The eight-deck exterior is by Australian designer Marc Newson and features a displacement steel hull with bulbous bow and steel superstructure with teak decks. Reportedly owned by Roman Abramovich, it houses a large helipad, sun deck and spacious beach club aft. Lloyd Werft built the Russian billionaire’s previous explorer yacht  Luna , which he reportedly sold for $360 million to his close friend Farkhad Akhmedov in 2014.

13. ‘Yas’ (462 feet, 6 inches), Abu Dhabi Mar

Abu Dhabi Mar’s  Yas  Photo: Harvey Barrison

As a converted yacht,  Yas  is one of the most interesting vessels on this list. The dolphin-like exterior was originally a former Dutch Navy frigate that launched in 1978 and eventually sold to the navy of the United Arab Emirates, where it was renamed  Al Emirat . The yacht underwent its dramatic conversion in a facility in Abu Dhabi’s main port, emerging as a gleaming superyacht in 2011, with one of the most interesting profiles on the water. It was eventually delivered four years later. The design by the Paris-based Pierrejean Vision, defined by massive glass surfaces, can accommodate 60 guests and 58 crew members. Mated to a steel hull, the superstructure is the largest composite edifice ever built.  Yas  is capable of a 26-knot top speed and was last refitted in 2019.

12. ‘Dream Symphony’ (462 feet, 6 inches), Dream Ship Victory

Dream Symphony  by Dream Ship Victory Courtesy Dream Ship Victory

Sailing yacht  Dream Symphony  is a magnificent 462.7-foot schooner built by the Turkish shipyard Dream Ship Victory. When delivered in 2021, she will become the largest private sailing yacht in the world, knocking current largest sailing yacht,  Black Pearl , off the podium. Featuring naval architecture by Dykstra Naval Architects and an exterior and interior by Ken Freivokh, she reunites the same team who were behind the legendary  Maltese Falcon ’s ground-breaking Falcon dynarig.  Dream  Symphony’s hull is being built in wood – glued and laminated using the latest epoxy and composite techniques. Wood, carbon and stainless-steel run throughout the contemporary interior, while the rig includes Hoyt booms for maximum control.  Dream Symphony  boasts a fully private owner’s duplex, with master suite, salon, and office at main deck level, and a further spa, gym and treatment rooms on the lower deck. A sheltered open deck between the owner’s facilities and the guest deck house can be closed off to bad weather, creating concealed channels for full protection. And when the sun is shining, a double-height glass swimming pool features a rising floor that can doubles up as a touch-and-go helipad or dancefloor.

11. ‘Nord’ (466 feet),  Lürssen

Lürssen’s  Nord  (Project Opus) Photo: SuperYacht Times/Youtube

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

10. ‘A’ (468 feet, 5 inches), Nobiskrug

Nobiskrug Sailing Yacht  A  Photo: Courtesy of Nobiskrug

Delivered in 2017, the futuristic look of sailing yacht  A  includes smooth, silver-metallic surfaces and windows that look nearly invisible, three composite masts that bend slightly, and a deck hidden by high bulwarks. The Philippe Starck-design is a wild fantasy yacht of the future. The 468-foot sailing yacht is a technical victory for German yard  Nobiskrug , which developed composite fashion plates to create the unusual shapes, without any compromises in strength or fluidity. It has the tallest freestanding composite masts on any sailing vessel, a hybrid diesel-electric propulsion system and state-of-the-art navigation systems. The boat also reportedly has an underwater viewing platform in the keel. “Sailing yacht  A  is undoubtedly one of the most visionary projects Nobiskrug has ever been involved in,” said Holger Kahl, the firm’s then managing director. Starck’s interior remains a secret. The yard reports the yacht has a top speed of 21 knots. She remains today the world’s largest sailing yacht three years after her launch.

9. ‘El Mahrousa’ (478 feet, 1 inch), Samuda Brothers

Egypt’s royal yacht,  El Mahrousa  Screengrab

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

8. ‘Prince Abdulaziz’ (482 feet, 3 inches), Helsingør Værft

Helsingør Værft’s  Prince Abdulaziz  Photo: Shutterstock / Artesia Wells

This custom yacht, launched by Helsingør Værft in Denmark in 1984, was most recently refitted in 2005. The 5,200-tonne  Prince Abdulaziz  is one of the Saudi Royal family’s yachts, its first owner being King Fahd. Designed by Maierform, the yacht was the longest and tallest in the world at the time of its launch. At 482.3-feet,  Prince Abdulaziz  held the title for 22 years until  Dubai  launched in 2006. The late David Nightingale Hicks, known for his use of bright colors, was the interior designer. The lobby is said to be a replica of the  Titanic . Last refitted in 2005, it is rumored to be carrying surface-to-air missiles, though that may be an urban legend.

7. ‘A+’ (483 feet, 1 inch), Lürssen

Lürssen’s  A+  Photo: Klaus Jordan

Very little is known about  A+  (formerly  Topaz) , which was launched by Lürssen in 2012, other than it is the fourth-largest yacht ever built by the German shipyard. Tim Heywood Designs did the exterior, which features helipads on the foredeck and amidships on an upper deck. A lower aft deck includes a swimming pool. The German yard has not released any images of the Terence Disdale interior. Reported to be owned by Manchester City Football Club owner Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed al Nahnan – Emirati royalty and deputy prime minister of the UAE –  A+  has a top speed of 22 knots, and can carry 62 guests and up to 79 crew.

6. ‘Al Saïd’ (508 feet, 5 inches), Lürssen

Lürssen’s  Al Saïd  Courtesy of Shutterstock

Another 500-plus-foot yacht from Lürssen, the original Project Sunflower gained its official name of  Al Saïd  following its launch in 2016. Espen Øino’s exterior is akin to a classic cruise liner, complete with the twin exhaust stacks in the center of the superstructure. Owned by the Sultan of Oman, six-decked  Al Saïd  can carry 154 crew and, according to some sources, 70 guests. Lürssen says  Al Saïd  has a top speed of 22 knots. The London-based Redman Whiteley Dixon studio designed the interior, which includes a concert hall that can hold a 50-piece orchestra.

5. ‘Dilbar’ (511 feet, 8 inches), Lürssen

Lürssen’s  Dilbar  Photo: Josep Baresic

The 2016 launch of  Dilbar  gave Lürssen the distinction of not only building the longest yacht ever ( Azzam ), but also the largest in terms of volume. Espen Øino designed the exterior, creating a full-bodied superstructure of long, flowing decks, along with two helicopter pads.  Dilbar  also has an 82-foot swimming pool that can hold an incredible 6357-cubic-feet of water, and according to Lürssen, is the world’s longest on a yacht. The interior by Winch Design is defined by its “rare and exclusive luxury materials,” says the builder, declining to go into detail. Lürssen added that the world’s largest motor yacht was one of the most complex and challenging yachts ever built, because of its dimensions and technology. Despite  Dilbar ’s volume, the designers did a masterful job making the yacht look relatively svelte, with no obvious bulges along the length of the light ivory and bronze-accented hull. In June 2020, Dilbar returned to Lürssen for a significant refit, the details of which are yet to be revealed.

4. ‘Dubai’ (531 feet, 5 inches), Platinum Yachts

Sheikh Al Maktoum’s yacht,  Dubai  Bigstock

This Andrew Winch design was originally commissioned for Prince Jefri Bolkiah of Brunei as a joint project between Blohm+Voss and Lürssen, before it was halted in 1998 with just a bare hull and skeletal superstructure. The hull was sold to the government of Dubai, and, under the direction of the country’s ruler, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, work on the 531.5-footer began again, though this time by Platinum Yachts.  Dubai  delivered in 2006 and is now the sheikh’s royal yacht, with accommodations for 24 guests and quarters for 88 crew. The seven-decked yacht has an impressive 70-foot-wide atrium, landing pad for a Black Hawk helicopter, submarine garage, disco, and cinema. Full certification was obtained from Lloyd’s Register in October 2006, and it can reach a top speed of 26 knots.

3. ‘Eclipse’ (533 feet, 1 inch), Blohm+Voss

Blohm+Voss’s  Eclipse  Photo: Shutterstock / R_Pilguj

Stately  Eclipse , the 533.1-foot yacht delivered to billionaire Roman Abramovich, took five years to design and build. When it left the Blohm+Voss shipyard in Hamburg in 2010, it was the world’s largest yacht. The interior has 17 staterooms and a palatial master suite, with the capacity to carry 85 crew. Both the interior and exterior are designed by Terence Disdale. A proportional profile is defined by tiered decks that sweep upward and bend ever so slightly at the aft ends.  Eclipse  has a 185-foot-long owner’s deck and, at the time of its launch, the largest swimming pool on any superyacht (the bottom raises and converts to a dance floor). Other features reflecting its stature: the capacity to hold three helicopters, including one in its belowdecks hangar, a sophisticated stabilization system, six tenders, and an enormous spa, gym, and beach club. Hybrid diesel-electric engines are connected to Azipod drives that give  Eclipse  a top-end speed of 21 knots, with a range of 6,000 nautical miles.

2. ‘Fulk Al Salamah’ (538 feet, 1 inch), Mariotti Yachts

Mariotti Yachts’  Fulk Al Salamah  Screengrab

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

1: ‘Azzam’ (592 feet, 6 inches), Lürssen

Lürssen’s  Azzam  Screengrab

It’s not surprising that the world’s longest yacht hails from a shipyard with 13 out of the 25 top builds in the superyacht arena. Unfortunately,  Lürssen  could never really boast about  Azzam  after its launch in 2013 because of the owner’s penchant for privacy. Mubarak Saad al Ahbabi directed a team of designers and engineers who started with the bare concept, worked through the technical challenges of what might be the most complex superyacht ever, and finished with an unusually large vessel that can top the 30-knot mark. Nauta Yacht’s exterior features a long, sleek forward area, with well-proportioned tiers moving up to the skydeck. Lürssen describes the interior by Christophe Leoni as “sophisticated, with luxurious decor inspired by the Empire style of the early 19th century.” Its gas turbines, connected to water jets, push  Azzam  to more than 30 knots, giving it the ability to operate at high speed in shallow waters. She also boasts an impressive build time for a yacht of her size, with construction taking only three years after one year of engineering.  Azzam  was last refit in 2020 at MB92 in Barcelona.

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These are the Top 10 Largest Sailing Yachts in the World

By Thom Esveld

Updated on December 3, 2021

In the world of the rich and famous, large, expensive, luxury and yacht are common words which often come together to form what’s probably one of the biggest dreams rich people have: to spend much of their leisure time away at sea on a luxurious superyacht.

Modern or classic looking, with white sails, sleek lines and superb interiors, the yachting world has plenty of options to offer. For some though, a yacht is not really a yacht if it’s not one built for sailing, raising its sails into the winds and thrusting towards the infinite blue horizon.

Now, we’ve done some digging into the sailing realm and came up with the top 10 largest sailing yachts in the world right now:

• 10. Atlantic (69.2 meters)

Now long gone, the original 69.24 meter long Atlantic was designed by William Gardner and built back in 1903 by Townsend & Downey in Shooter Island, New York.

The actual one is only a replica of the original, build by following the drawings of the first shooner, found in various archives across the United States. One of them, the MIT Museum in Massachusetts, had digitized them with the help of Doug Peterson, a consulting naval architect who has guaranteed the authenticity of the lines and flotation.

• 9. Badis (70 meters)

Once known as Sybaris, the 70 meter long Badis is one of the largest yachts build by the Italian naval company Perini Navi in the latest years. The yacht was finished in 2016, with Phillipe Briand as a consultant for the naval architecture, PH Design shaping the stunning wood veneer interior, and the exterior designed by Perini Navi.

Badis has room for a total of 12 guests, offering a master suite and five double rooms, complete with en-suite bathrooms and entertainment centers.

• 8. Enigma (75 meters)

Enigma is a 75 meter long single handed race yacht, designed specifically for participating in the Observer Single-Handed Trans-Atlantic Race. It was previously called Phocea and managed to cross the Atlantic in 1976, after which it was converted to a cruise ship by the French shipyard DCAN.

Over two decades later, it had a major interior and exterior overhaul at the Lürssen shipyard in Germany and was sold in 2010 to its present owners. Enigma now has a master suite, a VIP room, two double and two twin cabins and room for 12 guests and 23 crew members.

• 7. M5 (77.5 meters)

M5 is a 77.5 meter yacht designed by Ron Holland Design and built by Vosper Thornycroft in the United Kingdom. The vessel underwent some exterior and interior modifications. The stern section was redesigned and extended by 3 meters.

The yacht got a side boarding platform as well and the interior was also refitted to change the looks and style of the main and lower decks. The main deck is going to look completely different once all the joinery will be replaced.

• 6. Aquijo (86 meters)

Aquijo is an 86 meter long Dutch sailing yacht designed by Bill Trip’ and constructed by Vitters and Oceanco. It was launched in 2015 and at once became the largest ketch-rigged sailing yacht in the world, with its mainmast rising to 88.4 meters above the sea level.

• 5. Maltese Falcon (88 meters)

The Maltese Falcon with its 88 meters is one of the most recognized and appreciated yachts of all time. The reason for that is its revolutionary DynaRig, an automated square rigged sail plan, with three carbon fiber rotating masts rising high into the sky, and holding the 15 square sails which amount to no less than 25,800 sq ft of canvas.

The system delivers outstanding performances, with hard to match speed and maneuverability. Constructed by Perini Navi, the Maltese Falcon was purchased in August 2009 by the current owner and is often seen competing in superyacht regattas.

• 4. Athena (90 meters)

Athena is a 90 meter long super sailing yacht constructed by the Dutch Royal Huisman shipyard back in 2004. The exterior design was conceived by Pieter Beeldsnijder Design, the naval architecture by Dykstra & Partners and the interior was envisioned by Rebecca Bradley Interior Design.

The performances of this super yacht, a match to its name, Athena, make it one of the fastest sailing superyachts, reaching a top speed of 19 knots. Its length makes it also one of the largest sailing yachts launched after the 1930’s.

• 3. EOS (93 meters)

EOS is a 1500 GRT three masted schooner with a length of 93 meters, placing it on the third place in our list of the 10 largest sailing yachts in the world right now. It was launched in 2006 by Lürssen, but there’s not much to know about it ever since due to its owners big love for privacy, making it one of the most private vessels on the seas.

• 2. Black Pearl (106 meters)

The Black Pearl is considered by many to be the largest sailing yacht in the world so far. It’s a 106 meter long vessel made to cross any ocean by harnessing the power of wind alone. It was built by the Oceanco shipyard in the Netherlands and got to meet its owner in 2018.

The Black Pearl features a modern and complex energy generation system and a top notch DynaRig setup made by Dykstra Naval Architects, making it one of the most advanced yachts of its kind. The overall design was made by its owner in close collaboration with a distinguished design team.

• 1. Sailing Yacht A (142.8 meters)

Number one on our list is the impressive Sailing Yacht A, a controversial vessel in this category due to its combination of sail power and motor yachting, many people disregarding it when it comes to talking about pure sailing yachts. The official category it comes into is sail-assisted motor yacht, making the best of the two worlds.

In our opinion though, its 142.8 meters length and its grand 100 meter high carbon fiber masts make it fit enough for the first place as the largest sailing yacht in the world. Sailing Yacht A was constructed by Nobiskrug and delivered to its owner in 2017.

About Thom Esveld

Thom has over 7 years of experience writing content about subjects such as travel, cars, motorcycles, tech & gadgets, and his newly discovered passion, watches. He’s in love with two wheeled machines and the freedom and the thrills that motorcycle travel provides. Learn more about Luxatic's Editorial Process .

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As Far As You Can Sea: World’s Largest Superyachts

Multimillion-dollar mega yachts.

by Emma Treagus Updated on May 22, 2024

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With onboard swimming pools, cinemas, helicopter landing pads, and spas, the world’s largest superyachts have more facilities than your ‘average’ five-star hotel.

Owned by some of the world’s wealthiest people—along with a few anonymous owners who’d prefer to keep their luxury transport a secret—these mega yachts redefine the word “boat” into something indescribably sleek, stylish, and seriously impressive. 

If superyachts are your thing, you’ll want to read on for all the facts and figures on all of the largest yachts in the world.

The 26 largest yachts in the world

Multimillion-dollar mega yachts: Our ranking methodology

A superyacht or mega yacht is typically a motor yacht or sailing yacht with a length of 30 meters (100 feet) or more. For this ranking, we looked at the superyachts and luxury expedition mega yachts that are used privately or made available for charter. We excluded so-called ‘residential superyachts’ (think Njord and The World), which are essentially luxury apartment buildings at sea where people own private residences inside the superyacht rather than the whole yacht. By researching diverse, reliable sources like Wikipedia and the Superyacht Times, we compile a list of the largest yachts in the world.

Curious about other striking superlatives? Check our round-up of the most expensive cars in the world and the most expensive private jets in the world . They are both perfectly good alternatives to owning a yacht. And if you prefer to stay home, we’ve ranked the biggest homes and the most expensive houses in the world to give you some inspiration too.

26. Y721 (aka Koru) | 417 feet—127m

Ever wonder where Jeff Bezos spends his downtime? As of today, we’re predicting it to be on his $500 million superyacht. Y721—nicknamed Koru—is 127m long. And featuring three sky-high slender masts, Koru is said to be the largest sailing yacht in the world . 

With dark exteriors and natural wooden decks, Koru is inspired by another one of Bezos’ yachts—the Black Pearl. The clean lines and classically curved bow speak to an understated elegance despite the yacht’s mammoth size. While a long line of portals indicates at least 9 guest cabins. In light of all the secrecy surrounding Koru, we doubt Bezos will ever charter her out, but we can still dream.

25. Al Mirqab | 436 feet—133m

Adorned with cascading chandeliers and gold accents, Al Mirqab is renowned for its unrivaled interiors. Surrounded by suspended glass artworks, a grand staircase floats throughout the four floors. And inspired by authentic Arabian styles, the magnificent superyacht is reminiscent of a magic carpet ride through the seas . 

Built for the former Prime Minister of Qatar, Peterswerft-Kusch spared no expense in delivering Al Mirqab to an impossibly high standard for luxury. The large swimming pool is a standout feature as it opens up into the sea, creating the ultimate playground for adults. Al Mirqab has a capacity for up to 60 guests and is manned by an equal number of crew. Although you have to be invited by the politician himself as Al Mirqab isn’t available for private charter.

24. Serene | 439 feet—134m

Adeptly named, the magnificent superyacht embodies the serenity of a life at sea. Serene was built in Italy for a Russian owner in 2011. She was leased to Bill Gates for the Summer in 2014 for $5 million per week. 

Designed by Reymond Langton, the 134m mega yacht marries elegant sophistication with state-of-the-art technologies. The seven decks leave ample space for guests to soak in scintillating views. While the underwater viewing room—nicknamed the Nemo room—is a permanent gallery of resplendent sealife. The real-life snow room makes up to four inches of snow. And whilst this may seem odd when your billionaire boss asks for snow—you make it snow.

23. Crescent | 445 feet – 136 m

Yet another Lurssen masterpiece, Crescent pays homage to classic naval designs with traditional architecture and elegant interiors. Formerly named Project Thunder, she was built in Germany and delivered to Igor Sechin in 2018. The Russian oligarch’s superyacht was seized by Spain after sanctions were placed on Russia in 2022. 

Crescent features low bulwarks and full-height windows to maximize the view from the center of the boat. Her distinctive wing station provides unrivaled views for up to 18 guests. But don’t get your hopes up—Crescent is strictly for private use only and isn’t available for charter. 

22. Savarona | 446 feet – 136m

Savarona is the second-largest yacht built by Blohm & Voss and spends most of her time in the Mediterranean. This luxury superyacht is one of the oldest in the market — a perfect fusion of traditional charm and modern facilities. 

Previously named Gunes Dil, Savarona was designed by Cox & Stevens, with interior design carefully handled by Donald Starkey. She’s available to charter on a weekly basis and has been refurbished over the years. Back in the day, her cost price was $4 million, and in 1989, she was chartered by Kahraman Sadikoglu, owner of the Turkish Sadikoglu Group, who spent an estimated $50 million on refurbishing her from top to bottom.

21. Flying Fox | 446 feet – 136m

Flying Fox is known as the most expensive charter yacht in the world , and a week aboard will set you back around $3 million. Chartered by the one and only power couple Beyonce and Jay-Z in 2021, it’s filled to the brim with all of the luxury facilities you could ever possibly want. 

The Flying Fox is rumored to be owned by Jeff Bezos, although that’s a claim that’s never been totally certified. She spends most of her time in the Mediterranean, specifically Cannes, Capri, and Sardinia, although she’s recently visited Norway, too. She can accommodate the largest helicopters on the market, and it reportedly took more than 50 meetings with her owner for interior design to be completed.

20. Rising Sun | 454 feet – 138m

The Rising Sun’s original owner, Larry Ellison, CEO of Oracle Corporation, sold her in 2010 as he considered her too large. Famously used by David Geffen for self-isolation, Rising Sun has also been a popular hang-out spot for celebrities like Oprah Winfrey and Beatrice, the Princess of York. 

She’s a Superyacht with impressive attention to detail like interiors kitted out in teak and onyx and endless features like a full gym, a large wine cellar, a sauna, and a spa. She’s got a full-size basketball court that doubles up as a helicopter landing pad and a private cinema for those long evenings spent at sea.

19. Al Salamah | 457 feet – 139m

Al Salamah is part of the Omani Royal fleet and started her very secretive life in Genoa. Known as the world’s biggest superyacht right up until 2016, she’s a sleek masterpiece of a ship, with a distinctive cream color and beach club design. 

Al Salamah does everything in multiples, from the five galleys onboard (the main galley, a bakery, a crew galley, an owner’s diet galley, and an Arab galley), three hospitals (one for the owner, one for guests, and one for the crew) and 2,000 sqm of floor space. She was put on sale briefly for $280 million USD, before being delisted and instead given as a gift to the Crown Prince of Bahrain. 

18. Solaris | 458 feet – 139m

Everything about Solaris was supposed to be kept a secret when she was being built—a secret that didn’t last long when her huge size was spotted undergoing sea trials in the North Sea. One of this Superyacht’s main attractions is her beach club on the top floor: the perfect spot for relaxation during those long days out at sea. 

That beach club comes complemented with endless other stylish amenities, like a large helipad, sun deck, and a crane to launch tenders, toys, and subs. Interior design is largely unknown, but, if it’s anything as sleek and white as its exteriors, it’s sure to be impressive.

17. Scheherazade | 459 feet – 140m

Two helicopter landing pads, two outdoor Jacuzzis, and two outdoor fire pits: Scheherazade doesn’t hold back with not only the essentials but also the luxuries. Previously named Lightning, “Scheherazade” is mostly associated with a female character in the Middle Eastern folk tales in the series One Thousand and One Nights. 

Not much is known about this superyacht, and even her birth and building process were referred to under a codename: Project Lightning. No one involved in her creation, even Lurssen, has revealed anything about her interiors or her owner. All that’s really known is that she sailed from Germany to Norway initially after completion. 

16. Ocean Victory | 460 feet – 140m

Ocean Victory has traveled all over the world, from Europe to Southeast Asia and back again. Owned by Russian billionaire Viktor Rashnikov, she’s the upgraded vessel to follow his purchase of the 76-meter Ebony Shine. 

She’s one designed with pure luxury in mind, from the six individual swimming pools onboard to the 300-square meter spa area. She’s beautiful both inside and out, with a unique concept designed by Espen Oeino and interior designer Alberto Pinto. The largest superyacht ever built in Italy, Ocean Victory shows some of the finest in the world when it comes to premium quality adventures at sea.

15. Yas | 463 feet – 141m

Yas is known best for its seamless and rather unusual design — one that’s a little different from most superyachts out there. The owner of Yas wanted a yacht that lived up to his own heritage; one with a backbone reminiscent of the navy and with abstract lines throughout. 

He chose an existing boat in Abu Dhabi, which was deconstructed within the region before being shipped off and renovated into the wonder that it is today. The Yas yacht was originally a Dutch navy frigate, which you’d never guess from strolling around onboard today.

14. Nord | 465 feet – 142m

Nord’s distinctive bow design has never been seen before on a yacht. That’s one of the first things you’ll notice about her. The next thing you’ll notice is her unusual design, which verges on battle-esque and has been called “ a warship wearing a tuxedo ” by Dan Lenard of the Italian design studio Nuvolari-Lenard. 

She’s one of the best superyachts out there for fun, with a sports and diving center on the lower deck, a swimming pool higher up, overlooking the ocean, and a fleet of tenders. She was designed for global exploration: a yacht that will calmly cruise her way all across the world.

13. Sailing Yacht A | 469 feet—142.8m

Challenging the status quo and pushing design boundaries, Sailing Yacht A is an enigma. The sail-assisted superyacht was built in Germany and delivered to Russian tycoon Andrey Melnichenko in 2017. However, she was seized by the Italian police force, Guardia di Finanza, in 2022 after sanctions were placed on Russian businessmen following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. 

Distinguished by soaring rotating carbon fiber masts, Nobiskrug’s hybrid approach to superyachts makes Sailing Yacht A more eco-conscious than other luxury yachts of her size. The u nderwater viewing pod molded into the keel speaks to her unrivaled innovation. And many balconies are enclosed by some of the largest pieces of curved glass ever made. 

12. El Mahrousa | 478 feet – 146m

El Mahrousa had a few different names in her time, ranging from the translated “The Protected” to El Horreya, which in Arabic translates to “Freedom.” It’s not surprising that she’s had more than one name when you take into account her age. As the oldest superyacht in the world, she’s undergone a lot of restoration over time, including multiple lengthenings and faster engines. 

She was renamed back to El Mahrousa in 2000 and gained even more recognition for being the first ship to cross the new Suez Canal extension in 2015. Back in her original days, she was built on the River Thames and took her first trip in 1867.

11. OK | 479 feet—146m

Delivered in Japan in 1982, OK is one of the largest and most unique superyachts in the world. Sprawling over 479 feet, the water giant is engineered to submerge almost seventy percent. This is accredited to the work done by Karmarine Shipyard. While the majority of the vessel was built by Oshima Shipping, it was privately converted to a semi-submersible yacht in Turkey. 

The superlative finishing on OK superyacht was designed by Timur Bozca, winner of the Younger Designer of the Year award in 2015. The blueprint being as many games as possible. The extraordinary vessel has the uncanny ability to hold over seventy toys, including a sailing yacht, a sea plane, tenders, buggies and even a tennis court.

10. Opera | 480 feet—146.4m 

Like many of the most majestic water titans, Opera was delivered by Lurssen in Germany and built for Abu Dhabi royalty. This time, the owner is Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, son of the founder of the United Arab Emirates. And while it may not be quite as astronomical as Lurssen’s previous builds—Azzam, Blue and Dilbar—the streamlined vessel is equally impressive onboard. 

The three-story superyacht proves large enough for a pair of helipads and two swimming pools, amongst many other toys, while simultaneously making room for up to 48 guests and 80 crew members. When it comes to the interior, details are sparse, but we do know that it was designed by Terence Disdale, a London firm renowned for creating bespoke luxury spaces. 

9. Prince Abdulaziz | 482 feet – 147m

The Prince Abdulaziz’s yacht was ordered by King Fahd, who named her after his son Prince Abdul Aziz. Now, she’s owned by his brother, Abdullah. Just one of the yachts owned by the Saudi royal family, she’s spotted frequently throughout Europe, especially in Cannes, where the royal family owns a property. 

She’s been redecorated once — in 2007 — in a project that took 15 months to complete, without even taking into account the rest of the ship’s upkeep. The Prince Abdulaziz is known for its combination of bold colors and fusion of traditional and modern design, thanks to its influence from the late David Hicks.

8. A+ | 483 feet – 147m

What do you do when the name “A” is already taken for your superyacht? Choose the next closest thing: A+. Previously named Topaz, this superyacht was the world’s fourth-largest luxury yacht when she was built, before being stripped of that particular title only a few years later. 

Nevertheless, she’s a seriously impressive superyacht, with endless facilities like a large jacuzzi, double helicopter landing pads, a swimming pool with a swimming platform and underwater lights, as well as a fitness hall, cinema, and a large conference room. She’s also well equipped with water toys, like jet skis, inflatable boats, a catamaran, and even a mini-submarine.

7. Al Said | 508 feet – 155m

Another Superyacht built, shrouded in secrecy, Al-Said was referred to as “Project Sunflower” the entire time she was being created, right up until she was delivered to her owner in 2008. Not much is known about Al Said, from her movements through to her amenities — although she is known to have a huge concert room with space for a full 50-person orchestra. 

Currently, she’s flying the flag of Oman and has spent a lot of time in its surrounding waters. Her interior was styled by British designer design house RWD, with exterior design being credited to Espen Oeino. When she was delivered to the Sultan of Oman, she replaced a previous ship of a smaller size. 

6. Dilbar | 511 feet – 156m

Dilbar, or Project Omar, as it was originally known as, is another superyacht designed with the help of exterior expert Espen Oeino, but with interiors strikingly designed by Andrew Winch. Dilbar is famously known as the world’s largest yacht by gross tonnage (interior volume) but as the fifth-longest superyacht in the world. 

She’s home to a spa pool and beach club, as well as a large private cinema, spacious cabins set high on the main deck, a spacious dining room, and a salon with its own piano. She’s just as classy and beautiful on the inside as she is on the outside.

5. Blue | 527 feet—160.6m

Sunday blues simply cease to exist on one of the world’s most extravagant superyachts. The elegant behemoth was built for member of the ruling family of Abu Dhabi and billionaire, Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan in 2022. Valued at over $600 million, Blue is one of the most expensive superyachts in the world. And with a strong emphasis on the environment, this superyacht is also one of the most sustainable. 

Blue strives to be as environmentally friendly as possible. She is equipped with a highly efficient Diesel-Electric Hybrid Propulsion Concept developed by Lürssen’s own engineering specialists. And the wastewater treatment plant allows water to be disposed of in drinking water quality.

4. Dubai | 531 feet – 162m

Dubai had multiple names in the planning stages—including Panhandle, Platinum, and Golden Star. Owned by the ruler of Dubai, it was aptly named after its home country and comes with all of the luxurious amenities you’d expect from such a name. 

The Dubai comes complete with a huge swimming pool and two jacuzzis. Further down, you’ll find a large dining room with striking blue and burgundy decor and space for up to 90 guests. Dubai usually spends her time moored at Sheikh Mohammed’s private island in front of his summer palace in Dubai. She’s basically the definition of a floating palace.

3. Eclipse | 533 feet – 162.5m

It took around five years for Eclipse to be built from start to finish. While she was always designed to be a huge, luxurious Superyacht, the focus was more on decking it out appropriately rather than breaking any records. An award-winning superyacht, she’s incredibly spacious, with endless rooms to explore and a sleek, neutral color palette running through. 

The Eclipse’s owner, Roman Abramovich, was more focused on facilities: he wanted more than one helicopter pad and a large swimming pool, too. Other than that, designer Terry Disdale had free reign for the rest of the superyacht. It’s just as much a clean piece of architectural styling as it is a stunning experience on deck.

2. Fulk Al Salamah | 538 feet – 164m

Fulk Al Salamah translates to “Ship of Peace” and that’s something that sounds like a given when you’ve taken a look at this superyacht’s incredible layout. Developed under the codename Project Saffron, Fulk Al Salamah is more of a support vessel than she is a typical superyacht. 

While she might still come complete with all of the necessities for a particularly relaxing voyage, she’s more so known for being a transport ship for the Royal Navy of Oman. She’s also used as a sort of friendship boat — pun intended — and is often sailed across the world with the intention of strengthening ties with the Sultanate. In some ports, influential people are welcomed onboard.

1. Azzam | 590 feet – 181m

Most superyachts in the top 10 category have a few mere inches between sizes, but the Azzam shoots far ahead with a large amount of extra length. The largest superyacht in the world, she was never designed to win the title — rather just to be a sleek and elegant vessel. Azzam was crafted backward, with the plans for her interior confirmed long before her exterior was fully signed off. 

Her length only came to be as such to incorporate everything required for the interiors, which added an extra 35 meters to her overall size. She’s also designed to look smaller than she actually is, with a blend of indoor and outdoor living. It took more than 4,000 people to build Azzam , clocking up six million man-hours over a period of four years.

The largest yachts in the world: Conclusion

The largest yachts in the world are:

• Azzam—590 feet
• Fulk Al Salamah—538 feet
• Eclipse—533 feet
• Dubai—531 feet
• Blue—527 feet
• Dilbar—511 feet
• Al Said —508 feet
• A+—483 feet
• Prince Abdulaziz—482 feet
• Opera—480 feet
• OK—479 feet
• El Mahrousa—478 feet
• Sailing Yacht A—469 feet
• Nord—465 feet
• Yas—463 feet
• Ocean Victory—460 feet
• Scheherazade —459 feet
• Solaris—458 feet
• Al Salamah—457 feet
• Rising Sun—454 feet
• Flying Fox—446 feet
• Savarona—446 feet
• Crescent—445 feet
• Serene —439 feet
• Al Mirqab—436 feet
• Y721 (aka Koru)—417 feet

The most expensive yacht in the world

The fact that the History Supreme, the world’s most expensive superyacht, comes coated in gold, is only part of the reason for its high cost. A superyacht with a real-life Midas touch, it was sold to an anonymous Malaysian businessman for $4.8 billion. 

Robert Kuok, the richest Malaysian businessman, is the rumored owner of History Supreme, but no one has confirmed for sure. The History Supreme also comes with plenty of other impressive touches: a master bedroom decked out in platinum, a wall feature made from meteoric stone, and a genuine T-Rex dinosaur bone, to add to the list. 

She took three years to build from scratch and comes with 10,000 kilograms of solid gold and platinum. Other seriously luxe features are her 68 kilograms 24-carat gold Aquavista Panoramic Wall Aquarium and a liquor bottle adorned with a rare 18.5-carat diamond . The base of the vessel comes wrapped in gold, too.

Frequently asked questions about the world’s largest yachts

The largest yachts in the world are owned by Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Sultan Haitham bin Tariq, Roman Abramovich, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and Alisher Usmanov. Our guide tells you more about all the biggest yachts in the world .

At 417 feet (127 m), Amazon founder Jeff Bezos’ sailing yacht, Koru (formerly Project Y721), is one of the world’s largest yachts.

The 181-m (590 ft) Azzam is the world’s longest yacht in length, but the 156-m Dilbar has a much larger internal volume (measured in Gross Tons) at 15,917 GT (Gross Tons) versus 13,136 GT for Azzam. As such, Dilbar is the world’s largest yacht in volume. Read our full guide to discover the largest yachts in the world .

The biggest yacht in the world is the Azzam , which has an estimated cost of $600 million. She’s owned by Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan and is not currently for sale.

In terms of the number of megayachts, the largest superyacht-owning country is the United States. Nationality-wise, beyond American, an increasing percentage of superyacht owners are Turkish, Greek, Emirati, German, Australian and Dutch.

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Top 10 Biggest Sailing Yachts In The World

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

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

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

1. Sailing Yacht A | 142.8m

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

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

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

2. Sea Cloud | 109.5m

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

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

3. Black Pearl | 106.7m

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

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

4. EOS | 92.92m

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

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

5. Athena | 90m

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

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

6. Maltese Falcon | 88m

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

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

7. Aquijo | 86m

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

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

8. Sea Eagle II | 81m

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

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

9. M5 | 77.6m

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

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

10. Badis I | 70m

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

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

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10 largest sailing ships in the world

The world's largest sailing ships have captivated mankind for centuries, being symbols of elegance, adventure and freedom on the high seas. As engineering and technology have advanced, sailing ships have grown in size and magnificence, reaching new dimensions in the world of sailing. In this list we present the great sailing ships that sail the planet today.

Sailing Yacht A

This impressive sailing yacht has a length of 142.81 meters. As such, it holds the title of the largest sailing yacht in the world. This one was built in Germany in 2015 and features an innovative and luxurious design. It has three masts in which the tallest mast reaches 100 meters.

It is a sailing yacht, and the sails unfurl from the masts at the push of a button.

It is worth between 400 and 500 million euros.

Jeff Bezos' 500 million superyacht is 127 meters long. It has three masts that reach up to 70 meters in height, making it the largest sailing vessel in the world.

It is one of the newest, having been delivered to the CEO of Amazon earlier this year.

It has a capacity of 18 guests and 40 crew members.

Sea Cloud Spirit

Its 125.7 meters in length and 17.20 meters in beam make it the second largest sailing yacht on the planet. Sea Cloud was designed by Cox & Stevens and built many years ago in Kiel, Germany. The sails (over 4,000 square meters) can be seen on any of her three masts, the tallest of which is 60m high. The yacht was rebuilt in 1978 by new German owners.

On board there is room for more than fifty passengers, in addition to the 85 crew members.

The ship is owned by a German luxury cruising company that owns the 1931 Sea Cloud and the 1999 Sea Cloud II.

Black Pearl

With a length of 106.7 meters, the Black Pearl is one of the largest sailing yachts in the world and technologically is among the most advanced in the world. It was built in 2016 and stands out for its elegant design and hybrid propulsion system. Regarding the masts, like the other two sailboats it has three.

These masts are self-rotating to adjust the sails that reach 75 meters in height, with 2,877 square meters of sail area.

As a curiosity, it is said that this sailboat can cross the Atlantic with only 20 liters of fuel, a sailing milestone. Another differential feature would be the material of the sails, the fabric is made of dracon and flexible solar panels have been added to generate energy on board to feed the electrical system.

This sailing yacht, which until 2017 was the second largest in the world, is 93 meters lon g. It was launched in 2006 and is characterized by its elegant design and extensive on-board amenities. The Eos, like all these large sailing yachts, has three masts in addition to an engine that allows it to sail at a maximum speed of 16 knots.

This 90-meter-long sailing yacht is known for its impressive three-masted rig (the largest mast reaches about 60m in height) and its classic styling. It was built in 2004 and acquired for a price of around 100 million euros. IT offers a high level of comfort and luxury and its beautiful design has won several awards , such as best sailing yacht (over 40 meters) in 2004 and best sailing yacht interiors in 2005.

Maltese Falcon

With a length of 88 meters, the Maltese Falcon is famous for its innovative system of rotating masts , which house fifteen sails for a total sail area of 2,400 square meters. It was launched in 2006 and is one of the world's largest, most recognizable and distinctive sailing yachts in existence. This sailing yacht was subsequently acquired for an approximate amount in excess of 85 million euros.

This 85.9 meter long, 14.50 beam sailing yacht combines elegance and luxury with high performance. It was built in 2016 and stands out for its modern design and spacious entertainment areas. With capacity for 12 guests and 17 crew , this is a sailboat that you can currently rent with an approximate price of five hundred thousand euros per week.

At 70 meters in length, the Sybaris is one of the great luxury sailing yachts that combines elegant design with exceptional performance. It was launched in 2016 and boasts a wide variety of high-end features and amenities.

A year later, in 2017, it was awarded as the best sailboat of the year at the World Superyacht Awards.

It has a 72m carbon Rondal main deck and a 62m mine setting a total of 3,000 square meters of sail.

This 67.2-meter sailing yacht stands out for its contemporary design and focus on sustainability. It was built in 2011 by New Zealand shipyard Alloy Yachts in a record 29 months. Unlike many luxury sailing yachts on this list, Vertigo has two masts, but can sail faster than many in its class , specifically 20 knots. It has a luxurious interior and offers an exceptional sailing experience.

In conclusion, the 10 largest sailing ships in the world represent a perfect combination of engineering, beauty and maritime prowess . These impressive vessels have taken sailing to a new level, defying expectations and leaving an indelible mark on maritime history.

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World’s largest sailing yacht ‘Black Pearl’ arrives in the Mediterranean

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By Oliver Pearson   27 March 2018

Delivered on Friday 16 March, the 107m/350ft sailing yacht ‘Black Pearl’ from Oceanco arrived in the Mediterranean earlier today.

Currently holding the title of world’s largest sailing superyaht, Black Pearl looked triumphant as she made her way to the Mediterranean today.

The result of a fascinating design phase, Black Pearl began life as a concept drawn up by Ken Freivokh in 2010. Codenamed Nautilus, the concept utilised the DynaRig technology engineered by Dykstra Naval Architects and made famous by the 88m/289ft sailing yacht ‘Maltese Falcon’  built by Perini Navi.

In 2012, the Dutch shipyard Oceanco were selected as the builders, bringing in Italian designers Nuvolari Lenard who made a series of changes to the exterior and interior styling to transform her into the sailing yacht we see today.

With such incredible designers playing vital roles in her design, it is unsurprising that Black Pearl has emerged with a unique identity that can be heralded as a landmark moment in the history of sailing yachts.

Indeed, her sleek black-painted steel hull is completed by the huge logo emblazoned on her central mast, making her unlike any other superyacht out on the water right now.

Due to the highly secretive nature of her development phases, there are currently no published images of her interior spaces. It has been confirmed, however, that the collaborative design continued inside and Ken Freivokh, Nuvolari Lenard and Villate Design each had a hand in shaping the look and feel of the social and guest spaces.

As the world’s largest sailing yacht, Black Pearl is sure to cause a sensation in the Mediterranean

Demonstrated by the above images, the DynaRig clearly possesses the same kind of power and performance of the legendary Maltese Falcon. A technology which was dreamed up in the 1960s, it wasn’t until the 21st century that advanced building techniques made it possible to implement the DynaRig on board superyachts.

Greatly improving the efficiency and precision of a vessel, the technology allows a single person to control the angle of the sails by rotating the freestanding masts. Forming a single panel when angled together, the sails ultimately enhance the overall capabilities of the yacht.

What truly distinguishes Black Pearl from her the Perini Navi icon is the unusual reverse bow that was born out of the original concepts and the talents at Oceanco.

Altogether, Black Pearl is truly deserving of her status as a new born legend, and her significance is sure to be felt for many more years to come.

Whilst S/Y Black Pearl will not be available for charter, you can view and compare all Oceanco yachts available to charter .

World's largest modern sailing yachts for charter

88m Perini Navi 2006 / 2023

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The Biggest Boats in the World

16th jan 2023 by samantha wilson.

Boats are a fascinating and centuries-old invention. From the smallest RIBs  and Jon boats to the very largest superyachts and cruise ships, the spectrum is one of the most diverse of any industry on the planet. While you ponder your next boat, or get to grips with the mechanics, repair and upkeep , spare a moment to think about the innovation that goes into some of the biggest boats to grace our oceans. These true behemoths are astounding feats of engineering and innovation. From river steamboats to superyachts and cruise ships.

Here are some of the largest ships in the world in 2024

The largest cruise ship: symphony of the seas, the largest ocean liner: rms queen mary 2, the largest sailing yacht: the golden horizon, the largest motor superyacht: azzam, the largest sailing superyacht: sailing yacht a, the largest explorer yacht: rev ocean, the largest supertanker: hmm algeciras, the largest paddlewheel steamboat: the american queen.

Cruise liners just keep getting bigger and bigger, and the gargantuan Symphony of the Seas, the 25th ship in the Royal Caribbean fleet, stands as the biggest cruise ship in the world. She set sail on her maiden voyage on 23rd March 2018 and is today based out of Port Miami, Florida. Her jaw-dropping statistics include a length of 362 metres, which can accommodate 5,518 passengers and 2,100 crew. Her 18 decks are home to 23 restaurants as well as 25 pools, whirlpools, FlowRider surf simulators and waterslides. 

Built as the world’s largest ocean liner, the RMS Queen Mary 2 was launched in 2004 and completed her maiden voyage in tandem with the now decommissioned RMS Queen Elizabeth 2 (QE2). With a length of 345 metres, and an interior designed with classic elegance, the Queen Mary 2 harks back to a time when cross-Atlantic travel was all ocean-going. Differently to a cruise ship, an ocean liner is designed to transport passengers and the Queen Mary 2 is currently the only such ship operating between Southampton and New York. 

Before the invention of the engine, boats had relied on the power of the wind for centuries, and great galleons once explored the far corners of our earth. Today, most sailing ships are dwarfed by the superyachts and cruise liners which surround them, but there are some which are truly vast. The 162 metre, five-masted Golden Horizon is the world’s largest sailing-vessel and an almost perfect replica of the France II, which was built in 1913. There is a staggering 6,000 square metres of sail on the modern-day passenger ship, which can accommodate 300 passengers and 140 crew. With swimming pools, a gym, spa, and restaurants it is a truly impressive floating masterpiece. 

It took more than 4,000 people over four years to build the sleek, elegant 180 metre long Azzam, the largest superyacht in the world – a title it has held since it was launched in 2013. Azzam  is also one of the fastest yachts on the planet with a top speed of 33 knots thanks to her two conventional diesel engines and efficient two 9,000kW MTU engines – which are so quiet that the chandelier in the main salon doesn’t even make a tinkle underway. Accommodating 36 guests and 80 crew she is an understated yet sublimely beautiful vessel. 

Shrouded in mystery, Sailing Yacht A is the largest private sailing superyacht on the planet at an incredible 142 metres long. She was built in 2017 by Nobiskrug shipbuilders for Russian billionaire Andrey Melnichenko and features state-of-the-art design as well as a hybrid diesel-electric propulsion system and navigation systems. Her design is futuristic, with almost invisible windows ensuring not a glimpse can be had of her no-doubt magnificent interior. 

REV Ocean is so innovative that she has created her very own class of yacht. While she is often described as a superyacht, her function isn’t for leisure or recreation. Built by Norwegian billionaire Kjell Inge Røkke, REV Ocean is truly revolutionary as her purpose is to cruise the world’s oceans, from the tropics to the polar regions, gathering vital scientific data to be used to create a healthier planet. She is equipped with state-of-the-art scientific equipment and on-board laboratories, a moon pool, research hangar, and accommodation for 90 people – mainly scientists - on board at any time. While the 183-metre-long vessel can be chartered, all profits go back into the ship’s research and conservation projects which focus on climate change, plastic pollution, and unsustainable fishing. 

Measuring a mammoth 400 metres long and 61 metres wide, the HMM Algeciras is the current biggest cargo ship in the world. It is the first of a fleet of 12 identical vessels to be built for HMM, and will ply the route between China and Europe. Known as Megamax-24 container vessels, the number 24 refers to the amount of containers that can be placed across the width of the ship. There can then be 12 towering layers stacked above the deck and another 12 beneath the deck. HMM Algeciras made her maiden voyage in 2020, dwarfing other tankers as she made stops in the Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, and the UK before returning to Asia. 

Plying the waters of the great Mississippi River, the American Queen is the largest paddle wheel steamboat in existence. She is adorned with antiques and a décor of Victorian charm, and has 222 elegant staterooms which can accommodate 436 passengers. She was built in 1995 and is 127 metres long, and in addition to facilities such as a pool, gym and spa, the opulent riverboat she has a library dedicated to the famous writer Mark Twain. The American Queen cruises along the mighty Mississippi past great southern cities such as New Orleans and Memphis as it takes in America’s heartland. 

Discover boats big and small on Rightboat.com. With thousands of boats for sale across the world, and a team of helpful, friendly experts to guide you along the way, you can be sure to find the perfect boat to suit you. 

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Written By: Samantha Wilson

Samantha Wilson has spent her entire life on and around boats, from tiny sailing dinghies all the way up to superyachts. She writes for many boating and yachting publications, top charter agencies, and some of the largest travel businesses in the industry, combining her knowledge and passion of boating, travel and writing to create topical, useful and engaging content.

More from: Samantha Wilson

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The largest sailing cargo ship in existence is on its maiden voyage across the Atlantic Ocean, demonstrating a carbon footprint 10 times smaller than that of a container ship

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The cargo sailing ship Anemos is crossing the Atlantic Ocean

Ronan Gladu/TOWT

The world’s largest sailing cargo ship is making its maiden voyage across the Atlantic Ocean. It left a port in France in early August, and it is on track to deliver 1000 tonnes of cognac and champagne to New York City by 3 September. Its shipments have a carbon footprint one tenth that of a standard container ship.

“For centuries we knew wind was abundant [over] the deep sea, and we had the pilot charts,” says Guillaume Le Grand , CEO of TOWT, the French company that commissioned…

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REV Ocean: Inside the build of the world's largest ocean research explorer

REV Ocean, the most-talked-about boat in recent years, is preparing to make its debut. Charlotte Hogarth-Jones explores the revolutionary 183-metre explorer yacht. 

To describe the 183-metre behemoth, conceived in 2016 by Norwegian billionaire Kjell Inge Røkke, as a “superyacht” doesn’t feel right. It is, quite simply, a different beast entirely – as these amazing pictures reveal.

When  BOAT International  first previewed her back in 2018 , work on this extraordinary expedition vessel – with its state-of-the-art scientific equipment and onboard labs, moon pool, research hangar, and room for 90 people on board at any one time – was just beginning. Today, she’s on the water, and not too far from setting off on her maiden voyage.

No one has ever attempted to make a vessel like this before, so the whole process of construction is a big experiment of sorts,” explains Nina Jensen, REV Ocean ’s CEO. (“REV” is short for Research and Expedition Vessel.) “We have an on-site team at the shipyard in Brattvag, Norway, overseeing the construction process, and we have a management team organising the science, operations, communications and chartering from the main office in Oslo. It’s a huge learning curve for all of us but we have a very talented team with diverse experience, so we are all stretching our brains to keep on top of any issues.”

Of course, there has been one big, unforeseeable issue during the building of REV – Covid-19. Norway, where the yacht was transported after its hull and superstructure were completed in Romania, operated a strict lockdown during this time, and only Norwegian residents were allowed in and out of the country, which added a layer of complications. 

“The pandemic had ripple effects throughout all REV Ocean partners and suppliers,” explains Lawrence Hislop, REV Ocean’s communication director, and timescales have had to be adjusted because of this. Construction was thankfully able to continue in the spring, but not at full capacity. “The on-site team coped extremely well under the circumstances,” Hislop says. In any event, he notes stoically, it was somewhat anticipated that building the mighty REV Ocean was going to have its challenges.

The overall scale, ambition and uniqueness of the build has been an equal factor, and it’s hard not to marvel at the sheer scale of the project. Right now, for example, there are 10,000 lights, lamps and spotlights on the build, and there will be an additional 5,500 metres of LED strips upon completion. There are 1,000,000 metres of cable on board, and more than 400 Wi-Fi spots. You get the idea. The emphasis now is on fine-tuning, calibrating and testing all the scientific equipment on board while the final pieces of the puzzle are slotted into place. 

Make no mistake, there might be swanky luxury cabins for charter guests, and she might be considered the largest superyacht in the world, but REV Ocean’s core mission is, and always will be, saving the ocean. Any profit generated from projects on board will immediately be reinvested into the group’s work for a healthier planet, and it is research and conservation that takes priority. Professionals from all over the world have been united by her, all driven by the desire to affect real, lasting change.

Unsurprisingly, there’s an eager crowd lobbying to spend time on board – from marine research centres and universities to film companies. The REV team received around 100 proposals for places on the vessel’s first voyage, all aligning with the key areas that REV Ocean will be focusing on: finding solutions to climate change, plastic pollution and unsustainable fishing. 

So, where will the lucky selection go? REV Ocean will be launched in Oslo, and the intention for the first year is to go from Pole to Pole and test the full range of the vessel’s capabilities, onboard equipment and facilities in the widest range of ocean conditions. Throughout the year, scientific organisations, media outlets, government institutions, philanthropists and paying guests will gain access to the vessel and allow for a full evaluation of the yacht’s three modes of operations: research, expedition and charter.

REV Ocean’s research capabilities include seabed mapping, seabed coring (a technique for collecting core samples of the seabed sub-strata sediments), surveys using the remotely-operated vehicle and submarine, and sampling the water column in the twilight zone between 200 metres and 1,000 metres, where sea life with remarkable adaptations to the dimly lit waters thrive.

There’s no doubt that the scientific possibilities opened up by REV Ocean are truly thrilling, but perhaps equally exciting is the fact that a number of private charter guests will also be able to join upcoming missions. “It’s still early days in terms of specific bookings, but there has been tremendous interest and enthusiasm to participate in some kind of ‘yachting with purpose’,” explains Sarah Fraser, yacht relations manager at REV Ocean. “There is a new breed of charterer: one who has an enquiring mind, a sense of adventure and the inspiration to make the ocean a better place.”

Those who do join will have ample opportunity to get involved in the action. Guests will be taught how to operate the hydrophone to record the calls of humpback whales, and will have the chance to co-pilot the onboard ROV and submersible to search the seabed for rare and undiscovered marine biology and never-before-seen hydrothermal vents. 

There’s also sonar equipment with which to discover geologic features and find new species. Coincidentally, the submersible is the deepest diving (2,300 metres) manned vehicle with a fully transparent acrylic sphere, and is one of a kind.

A core team of scientists on the vessel will also offer inspiring talks, and the 35-person cinema will have a giant screen for viewing live activity from the submarine, or for watching films at the guests’ request. Meanwhile, the sonar systems will be continuously mapping the bottom of the ocean, and guests will be able to have these visuals live-streamed to their cabins or watch activity on any of the large screens in the common areas. 

Of course, like any charter yacht worth its salt there will be toys, but they will be eco-friendly and wind- and electric-powered, in keeping with the yacht’s mission, while all other products on board will be focused towards sustainability. “I am hoping that we can really influence the yacht industry in a very positive way, as people start to realise that it is possible to build an elegant and comfortable vessel sustainably, and with a purpose,” says Jensen.

“I’m inspired by the yachting industry’s recent efforts; it feels that there is a willingness to change, to upgrade build and operational practices and to invest in being part of the solution we so desperately need. “

But”, she continues, “we need to accelerate these ambitions.” Surely, there can be no bigger inspiration for those who are dragging their heels, than the mighty REV Ocean herself…

IN FOCUS: REV OCEAN

Construction of 182.9m REV Ocean began in 2018 in Tulcea, Romania, before the completed hull and superstructure were moved to Norway for the final construction phases in 2019. When delivered in 2022, the vessel will become the world’s largest superyacht. It can accommodate 90 people for 114 days to the polar regions – for longer trips extra stores can be provided in reefer containers on deck at 20 additional days per container fully loaded. The ratio of scientists/crew will differ depending on the mode she is travelling in, and she will be available for charter up to one third of the ship time per year. Here are some of REV Ocean’s standout numbers:

LOA:  182.9M 

Beam:  22m 

Gross tonnage:  17,440gt 

Draught (full load):  5.5m 

Max speed:  17.8 knots 

Range:  21,120nm at 11 knots

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

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First impressions: Is Royal Caribbean's new Utopia of the Seas the best Oasis Class cruise ship ever?

Editor's Note

Ladies and gentlemen, has Royal Caribbean done it again? Has the line's sixth Oasis Class ship , Utopia of the Seas, somehow managed to be even more innovative than its five predecessors? It didn't seem possible to me, given that I have a soft spot for the original two ships in the class, so I went into a recent Utopia sailing a bit skeptical. I emerged a convert.

The ship debuted as the second-largest cruise ship in the world (a tad bigger than its Oasis Class siblings but smaller than its gigantic sister ship, Icon of the Seas). Royal Caribbean has also dubbed it the "world's biggest weekend," thanks to its short itineraries — three- and four-night Bahamas and Caribbean voyages. This is the first time the cruise line has dedicated a brand-new ship solely to short sailings , which means Royal Caribbean has found plenty of ways for cruisers to soak up as much fun as they can in what little time they have on board.

But what's really underneath all of those superlatives? Here, I'll break down why I think Utopia of the Seas is Royal Caribbean 's best Oasis Class ship yet and what you can expect if you decide to sail.

For more cruise guides, news and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

Understanding the Oasis Class

The lead-up to Utopia of the Seas' debut was somewhat overshadowed by the rollout of fleetmate Icon of the Seas in early 2024, but the Oasis Class ships were the original trendsetters.

When the first one, Oasis of the Seas, set sail 15 years ago, it was the largest cruise ship in the world . It was nearly 45% bigger than the next-largest ship in the fleet, Freedom of the Seas, in terms of tonnage and 46% larger in terms of maximum passenger capacity. It also introduced the cruise industry to a groundbreaking neighborhood concept, which grouped popular themed offerings together in different areas and helped to control passenger flow. (Since then, other lines — including Carnival Cruise Line and MSC Cruises — have developed their own versions.)

Within those neighborhoods, the class also delivered other industry firsts, including the first carousel, AquaTheater (a performance space featuring a pool for high-diving) and zip line at sea in and above the open-air Boardwalk neighborhood, as well as thousands of live plants tended by a resident gardener in the Central Park neighborhood . Both of these neighborhoods incorporate a central area of activity surrounded above by interior-facing ocean-view and balcony cabins — an idea pioneered on Voyager of the Seas in 1999 on the Royal Promenade , a mall-like indoor thoroughfare that has carried through to the line's newest vessels.

"This class of ship for Royal Caribbean has been a true game changer," said Michael Bayley, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean, during a media briefing on Utopia when asked about the evolution of the Oasis Class and why it remains so popular.

"It just consistently delivers every single time, and it ages so well," Bayley said. "We've invested in these ships, and we continue to invest .... just before the pandemic, we put almost a quarter of a billion dollars into one of the Oasis Class ships just to bring it up to speed. The reason why it works so well is size and neighborhoods. ... It's the space and the fact that the neighborhoods have been able to pull people together into spaces that they really enjoy."

In other words, Royal Caribbean struck gold with this type of ship.

Why is Utopia of the Seas the best Oasis Class ship yet?

Fun new twists.

Although the Oasis Class is still evolving after 15 years, Utopia of the Seas remains largely unchanged from the original Oasis of the Seas prototype. Royal Caribbean has taken passenger favorites from the first few Oasis Class vessels and carried them through, or removed concepts that have run their course and added some fun new ones in their place, on Utopia of the Seas.

The highlight of the new additions is a meal at the Royal Railway — Utopia Station . It's an immersive train-themed dinner theater restaurant that makes you feel like you're actually in a dining car with scenery passing by via LED "windows." Live actors carry out their antics around you, complete with sound effects and "butt-kickers," which jolt your seat to make it feel like you're really on a train. The experience has a capacity of just 96 passengers per night with a price — $75 per person — that's just as expensive as the venue is exclusive. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to snag a reservation during my sailing, but I was able to tour one of the train cars, and it does truly suspend reality.

The next major addition is the Pesky Parrot, a tiki bar along the Royal Promenade. It's home to Brian, a drunk animatronic parrot who hadn't yet arrived at his perch on my voyage. (I'm told he's already made his debut, though.) Don't know which of the tropically themed drinks to order? Roll the bar's cylindrical accordion-style menu to help you figure it out.

Pesky Parrot replaces the Bionic Bar , a gimmicky bar found on other Royal Caribbean vessels, featuring robotic arms messily mixing up cocktails that passengers order via tablets. Trust me: The results at Pesky Parrot are much tastier, immensely more personable and far less sticky than their robot-crafted counterparts.

Spare Tire is a food truck-style concept on the pool deck that offers a walk-up counter with reheated frozen items like cheese and pepperoni tortilla roll-ups, ranchero beef and cheese tortilla roll-ups, chipotle chicken sandwiches, Mediterranean veggie wraps and fried raspberry cheesecake pockets. Although the food is tasty (and free), I was disappointed that the truck's items were probably some of the least homemade on the ship.

Other new additions to Utopia of the Seas include an extra-fee shave ice stand at the back of the ship near the FlowRider surf simulator ; a two-deck Giovanni's Italian specialty restaurant, which replaces molecular gastronomy restaurant Wonderland and offers great views over the Boardwalk neighborhood; bright, airy and spacious Solarium Suites located above the ship's adults-only Solarium area; and Omakase, an exclusive six-seat, eight-course Asian dining experience that costs $129 per person.

What all of this means is that passengers are able to experience the best of what other Oasis Class ships have to offer, as well as some new additions that make Utopia of the Seas feel even more fresh and exclusive.

Short itineraries on a brand-new ship

Utopia of the Seas sails only short itineraries, so it offers a low-commitment entry point for people who want to try cruising but worry they might not like it. Because it's a new ship, it also gives those people a chance to try something modern and splashy, rather than settling for older hardware.

"The percentage of new-to-cruise that will sail on Utopia is fantastic," Bayley said. "It's a short product, so people don't have to commit so much time and money to a longer experience. It's a much easier weekend break. It's no big deal to really hop on Utopia on a Friday and be in the office Monday morning."

For me, a three-night sailing was just long enough to whet my appetite for more. Utopia of the Seas is crammed with so many activities, amenities and places to chill that you'd be hard-pressed to see and do everything during a voyage twice as long as the ones the ship offers. If other passengers are anything like me, they'll be back, which is exactly Royal Caribbean's goal.

Utopia is also currently the only Oasis Class vessel that sails short cruises out of Port Canaveral in Cape Canaveral, Florida — about an hour from Orlando. Voyages on Utopia of the Seas allow travelers to better utilize their limited vacation time by combining a cruise with visits to Florida beaches, the Kennedy Space Center, Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, SeaWorld and other nearby attractions.

"One of the reasons we put this brand-new Oasis Class [ship] into this market is that we really expect to see a certain amount of demand coming from tourists who are going in [to Orlando], either for ... Disney or Universal," Bayley said. "They can also package themselves a vacation, which includes a three-night, four-night [cruise] to Perfect Day."

More parties and live music than ever before

With Utopia of the Seas sailing short cruises, Royal Caribbean's entertainment team has had to reconfigure some of its offerings. The ship combines three new shows with energetic live music and more parties than any of the line's other vessels to date. The changes speak to what passengers want on shorter voyages — more partying and less sitting in one spot for large chunks of time. It all ties back into the long-weekend theme and the line's goal of helping passengers maximize their vacation time.

"Utopia is a taste of what, possibly, you could experience on maybe a longer itinerary," said Allison Rider-Davidoiu, Royal Caribbean's director of headliner entertainment, live music and enrichment, during an interview on board. "It was really important to ... go in a little bit of a different direction and have one party after the other to where you don't ever stop."

In fact, parties are so important on board that the ship employs a dedicated party squad, a new addition to Royal Caribbean's entertainment team. The goal of the squad members is to keep passengers engaged. There's also an entire team of hired "party influencers" who are simply meant to "keep the vibe going and look cool," according to Rider-Davidoiu.

In addition to the usual outdoor sailaway soiree, red-themed nightclub party and music-forward "street parties" along the Royal Promenade, some of the key celebrations on Utopia of the Seas include Senses, a pool deck party where cruisers will find house music and sunset scenes on the big screen; ReZolution, where passengers wear white and become living art through a series of high-tech projections; and Plunge, a daytime pool party with surprise giveaways, music and water guns that shoot Champagne.

Catering to adults who want to cut loose and relive their college days, Silent Toga is a silent disco where crew members hand out togas and show passengers how to wear them, and the Royal Kappa Chi afterparty is the place to find games of beer pong, Flip Cup and Quarters backed by the skills of one of three resident DJs. On my sailing, the latter shindig didn't end until 4 a.m.

Music is also a big focus on Utopia, with many passengers choosing their favorite live performers and returning to the same venues night after night to enjoy their performances.

"We've noticed guests on three- and four-day cruises, many times — as incredible as our shows are — they'd much rather gravitate toward live music," Rider-Davidoiu said. "So we put a lot of focus on getting the best bands and the best talent."

But that doesn't mean the ship's shows aren't phenomenal. In fact, that's far from the case.

Bridging the gap between party and production show is "The Effectors Homecoming Parade," a hybrid that takes place along the Royal Promenade. The large cast features six main characters: superheroes Pixel, Reverb, Lume and Captain Viz, as well as villains Crash and Burn. This latest installment of "The Effectors" trilogy of original shows — with the first two appearing on a small number of other vessels in the fleet — is a street party-style celebration of Crash's defeat.

"All In" is the main production show in the theater on each sailing. Royal Caribbean has pulled out the stops with high-tech lighting and sound, interesting props, jaw-dropping acrobatics and creatively timed LED screen animations. It also leans heavily on the massively talented cast of singers and dancers who perform hits from Bruno Mars, Camila Cabello, Gloria Estefan, the White Stripes, the Eurythmics and more.

Most impressive, though, are Utopia's high-dive and acrobatics show "Aqua80Too," held at the ship's aft-facing AquaTheater, and the "Youtopia Ice Spectacular," held in the ship's ice rink where professional figure skaters perform to well-known tunes in colorful costumes amid a series of fun projections. If you have to choose, these two are the ones to see during your sailing.

Bottom line

There often isn't much that differentiates new ships in a particular class from their predecessors, but that's not the case with Utopia of the Seas.

Its short itineraries make the ship a superb pick for weekend warriors or travelers with little vacation time, as well as anyone who's curious about cruising but who isn't ready to commit to an entire week on board. The vessel is also a great option for active travelers who enjoy live music and parties, and for fans of large ships who want a mix of tried-and-true favorites and the latest bells and whistles.

Find out more about Royal Caribbean:

• The ultimate guide to Royal Caribbean cruises
• Royal Caribbean cruise ship classes explained
• Royal Caribbean cruise ships by size
• Royal Caribbean cruise ships by age
• All you need to know about Royal Caribbean cabins and suites
• Royal Caribbean food
• Royal Caribbean drink packages
• Where you can cruise with Royal Caribbean
• How to find the best Royal Caribbean ship for you
• Royal Caribbean's Crown & Anchor Society loyalty program
• How to pack for a Royal Caribbean cruise

Royal Caribbean officially owns the world's largest cruise ship

Icon of the seas sets sail from portmiami on jan. 27, 2024, by monica galarza • published november 29, 2023 • updated on november 29, 2023 at 8:27 am.

It's official: Royal Caribbean is the owner of the largest cruise ship in the world.

The company accepted the delivery of the Icon of the Seas on Monday during a momentous ceremony in Turku, Finland.

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With 20-decks, the Icon of the Seas comes in at 250,800 tons and will be more than 6% bigger, about 10 feet longer, than the Wonder of the Seas, a news release by Royal Caribbean said.

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The ship, which took 900 days to build, is set to set sail from PortMiami on Jan. 27, 2024.

Not only will the ship have eight different neighborhoods for travelers to explore , but the 7,600 passengers allowed onboard will also have seven pools, six record-breaking waterslides and about 40 bar and dining options to choose from.

“We are celebrating more than a new ship; it’s also the celebration of the culmination of more than 50 years of innovation and dreaming at Royal Caribbean to create the ultimate vacation experience,” said Jason Liberty, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean Group.

The Icon of the Seas has all the bases covered no matter what type of vacation you are looking to have.

For the adventure-seekers, Thrill Island will feature Category 6, the world’s largest waterpark at sea.

This neighborhood will also have a ropes course and thrill ride, a FlowRider wave simulator and a mini golf course.

If you are looking to relax, Chill Island has four of the seven pools and an adults-only area.

The company added that the Icon of the Seas is also the cruise line’s first ship that can be powered by liquefied natural gas, a transitional fuel.

The dual-fuel engines will work alongside a lineup of energy efficiency initiatives and industry-leading environmental programs on board, like the first waste-to-energy plant at sea. 

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Largest wooden sailing ship ever

The largest wooden sailing ship ever built was the Wyoming , a six-masted schooner constructed by Percy & Small in the port town of Bath in Maine, USA. Launched on 15 December 1909, the Wyoming was 140 m (450 ft) long, 15.3 m (50 ft) on the beam, and had a gross tonnage of 3,730.

Wyoming was designed to cheaply haul cargo up and down the eastern seaboard of the United States and Canada. It was constructed at a cost of $175,000 (equivalent to around $5.5 million in 2022), and featured a hull built from yellow pine and a small steam engine which allowed her rigging to be operated by a crew of just 11.

Although impressive, the Wyoming was not a successful design. Soon after she began sea trials, crews reported that the long ship flexed and twisted in rough conditions (a phenomenon known as "Hogging"), buckling deck planking and causing leaks. Despite several rounds of structural reinforcement, this problem did not go away, and the ship had to run its bilge pumps continuously to counteract her tendency to take on water.

Wyoming was lost with all hands during a nor'easter on 11 March 1924. She foundered in the Nantucket Sound, and sank off Monomoy Island.

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