giga yacht

Yachting World

• Digital Edition

The world’s biggest yachts – what’s behind the growth of the gigayacht

• Helen Fretter
• March 14, 2017

The last few years have seen launches of some of the world's largest yachts, truly gigayachts. Helen Fretter delves into the world of the gigayacht

Dwarfing not only any other yacht that happened to be on the River Eider, but even the buildings along the foreshore, the monolithic Sailing Yacht A made quite an impression when she was launched from the Nobriskrug yard in Hamburg in the autumn of 2016.

The 142m, eight-deck behemoth is the archetypal ‘gigayacht’, phenomenal not just in her dimensions but also in her radicalism.

The Philippe Starck-designed Sailing Yacht A , with her 20m freeboard, begs the question: is she even a sailing yacht? The last yacht to divide opinion, and attract the shock and awe of the non-sailing public in the same manner was Maltese Falcon , the glossy, experimental megayacht designed for Silicon Valley venture capitalist Tom Perkins.

But the Falcon was launched a decade ago, and Sailing Yacht A is just one of a crop of extraordinary gigayachts, or sailing superyachts of 80, 90 or 100m plus, to touch the water in 2016.

Besides the 142m Sailing Yacht A , another three-masted design was launched from OceanCo this autumn, the 106m  Black Pearl , which looks set to become the largest sailing yacht in the world – for a while at least. Black Pearl represents a modern evolution of the rotating Dynarig pioneered by Maltese Falcon . Meanwhile in the spring, the largest Bermudan rigged yacht ever launched, the 86m ketch Aquijo , powered through sail trials in preparation for a global adventure.

There are more in the pipeline also. Royal Huisman announced this autumn that they had been commissioned to design and build the 86m Project 400 , another three masted design, this one more conventionally rigged. A proposal for the 114m Endurance has just been unveiled, an explorer concept designed to be able to cruise unassisted for three months. There is also the 86m Komorebi , an experimental wingsail-assisted hybrid trimaran design from the French multihull experts VPLP.

Rise and rise of the gigayacht

Why the sudden flurry of these stratospherically ambitious projects? In truth, it is not that sudden – initial pitches for what ultimately became Sailing Yacht A were invited back in 2008, and pre-studies began in 2011. A decade between projects seems rather shorter when design and build takes at least five years – gigayacht owners may be exacting, but they also have to be extraordinarily patient.

The 141m four-masted Dream Symphony is currently in build out of wood in Turkey, and includes vast living accommodation, and a swimming pool that converts to become a helipad platform.

What is remarkable, though, is how rapidly the yachts have grown in size – raising the upper ceiling from 88 to over 140m in a decade. Dutch naval architecture firm Dykstra has been instrumental in many of the world’s most innovative megayachts, including Sailing Yacht A , Black Pearl , and Maltese Falcon .

Managing director Thys Nikkels comments, “Ten years ago a big boat was a very different size than a big boat is now. I can still remember when I started working in ’91 a 40-metre yacht in those days was a big boat. In the mid-90s we started to design the yacht Athena , which we thought was the biggest boat we were ever going to see in our lives, as a sailing yacht she was 80 metres on the water.”

The largest single sloop rigged yacht in the world remains Mirabella V , launched back in 2003 and since renamed (and slightly lengthened during a refit) M5 at just over 77m. Rob Doyle, who worked on the project led by Ron Holland, recalls:

“We started designing her 17 years ago now. We hit a very natural sweet spot with Mirabella and that’s why it has taken so long for other boats to suddenly go over her length and over her rig height.

“ Mirabella still has the highest ‘P’ measurement [distance from boom to top of mast] and the longest boom in the world, though there are taller masts now.

“She set a bar and we didn’t realise we’d actually set it. It came down to a ratio of the rig weight to the draught and the keel weights, and everything else to be able to carry that amount of sail and that ballast to satisfy the rules.

“We pushed technology a lot – about 16 companies went bust over Mirabella  because the jump was so massive. We were jumping from a 64m to a 75m [yacht] and that jump was like learning to fly, then going to the moon!”

Article continues below

Video of Sailing Yacht A, the world’s largest sail-assisted vessel, during early sea trials

This video footage of Sailing Yacht A shows her with her towering free-standing masts and illustrates the jaw-dropping scale of the world’s…

A look on board the extraordinary 86m Aquijo, the world’s largest ketch

The largest Bermudan rigged ketch ever launched, the 86m Aquijo was designed by Bill Tripp and launched last year. The build came…

Ken Freivokh, who was responsible for the radical styling of Maltese Falcon , also points out that after the much publicised launch of the Falcon many buyers did not want to be seen to be emulating Tom Perkins’s unique style, preferring to wait, or opt for a conservative design. After the Falcon , Freivokh’s next radical Dynarig yacht was Black Pearl , which he began work on six years ago. At 106m Black Pearl dwarfs Maltese Falcon , with a 2,700GT volume that puts her just under the key 3,000GT limit.

Surprisingly, Dykstra’s Thys Nikkels says that the Dynarigs being built today are not markedly different to the one developed for Maltese Falcon a decade ago. “In concept it is not very different. In detail there are a number of improvements that have been made.

But Maltese Falcon was – for her time – years far ahead and she proved to be very successful in sail handling and sailing, so there are not many improvements to be done. Nowadays you just have different materials you can use, or different electronics and software systems that you can use for control.”

Maltese Falcon, launched in 2006, pioneered the Dynarig concept utilised on many of the next generation of larger gigayachts.

Sail handling

Meanwhile a decade of development in superyacht rigs and sail systems, means that Aquijo ’s owner could opt for a conventional ketch rig, which can deploy over 3,000m2 of sails in around six minutes.

Sail handling routines are necessarily different – the jib is furled when tacking. “Vitters organised a nice system that keeps just a nice amount of tension on the jib sheets furling in and out so that they are not flailing about,” explains Aquijo ’s designer, Bill Tripp. “So it’s not a dinghy tack, but it is safe and orderly.

“The spinnaker is on a fast furler and furls up in 30 seconds, making gybes less complex. There is the ketch choreography of bringing the main and mizzen in, but the steering is precise and there is no need to put too much sail up for the conditions.”

Aquijo master cabin

The forces generated on yachts such as Aquijo may be enormous – mast compression can reach around 580 tons – but are no longer beyond the realms of riggers’ experience. “When we started building boats like Saudade [the 2009 45m Wally], 14 tonnes was a very big load. Once we understood racing these boats, and understood they were controllable, you can take another step.

“We were delighted when sailing Aquijo upwind in a lot of breeze that the load on the mainsheet was showing around 12 tonnes. It’s 2:1 so that’s 24 tonnes. I’m not saying that’s not a massive load, but it’s similar to what we have on Saudade ’s big sheet 1:1, and we have years of experience with handling that.” Custom built 40 ton carbon and alloy winches help manage the sheet loads.

Tripp notes that a Dynarig was never considered as an option. “What you’re really asking is do you want the ease of sailing or do you want to be able to access something exciting? And we wanted both of them.

“Sailors tend to like the more fundamental experiences, and when the technology allows them to access those more fundamental experiences, well that’s a great joy.”

Aquijo is the world’s largest ketch, with a mainsail that can be furled or unfurled in around four seconds

Finding the limit

Just how big can a sailing yacht go? Five years ago plans were unveiled for a 101m sloop, with a single 125m carbon mast, which raised a few eyebrows and discussions over whether it might be possible. Malcolm McKeon worked on the proposal and says that it was the cost, rather than technical limitations, which put the brakes on the project.

“It was an evolving process. The owner has a 50m-plus sailing superyacht, and he wanted a new yacht big enough that he could put a reasonably sized chase boat on board. He wanted an explorer type sailboat that he could go to the Pacific on, and carry all his toys with him, and not have to have a support boat.

“The design started at 65 or 70m and it just grew and grew and grew until it got to 100m, and then it basically just got too expensive.

Recent sail trials on Sailing Yacht A saw the 1,464m2 mainsail unfurled from the 27.5m carbon U-shaped boom. Incredibly she is designed to heel up to a maximum angle of 12 degrees under full sail.

“The big problem with the large sail boats is the mast price goes up by a bigger proportion to everything else so the rig price becomes a much bigger percentage of the overall build. Technically it can all be done, it’s just the value of that part becomes a much more significant part and sometimes more difficult for an owner to accept.

“If somebody came to me and said they wanted to build a boat with a 200m mast I would think well, is that really possible? Certainly rigs up to 100m and a bit more I think are possible today, but where we’re going to go after that I don’t know.”

Rob Doyle points out that sailing superyacht owners pay around a 30 per cent premium over opting for a motoryacht, yet the boats lose around a third of the equivalent interior volume. However, for him the biggest limitations are the humans onboard.

“I think we are coming to a stage where we need a new type of rig, to be honest, to be able to safely deploy these sails without killing people. I think we are getting very close to where the metal meets the flesh at the deck level where the people and the guests are hanging around.”

With the ever-increasing winch and line speeds needed to handle the huge loads, serious hand and limb injuries can happen in the blink of an eye. “There is a moral hazard there that keeps playing on my mind,” says Doyle. “We are building very dangerous machines and we have to be very careful of people.”

The newly announced Endurance concept design is a 114m four-masted explorer design with a 6,000 mile range under power.

More prosaically, the bigger your gigayacht, the bigger the challenge of just getting on and off it. “Once you are getting to a stage where you can’t get into anchorages you are in constant fear of drifting – even putting down an anchor you need a huge amount of space around you.

“So then you anchor further out into the slop and the big waves, so the owners find it difficult to get on and off the boat, and suddenly other problems can overwhelm the project,” Doyle points out. One increasingly popular solution to that particular problem is a luxury landing craft.

Too big for the Panama Canal

It might seem counter-intuitive, but it is Aquijo ’s owner’s focus on the sailing experience that has enabled the designers of the 86m ketch to push the size limits of a traditionally rigged yacht.

“ Aquijo is a sophisticated machine and brings most aspects of a 1,600GT motor yacht with her,” comments designer Bill Tripp. “But she does not aspire to helicopters or submarines, the feeling of the boat is one of use. She is for getting out there, and for going out sailing. In Greece this summer, she would go out for an afternoon of sailing in 35 knot Meltemi because it is so much fun to sail at 20 knots, as if on rails.

“We have always done sailboats that can get under the Panama Canal bridge, and the biggest we were happy to do and put under the bridge was really 46m because after that we didn’t have big enough sails for the boat.

“Then five years ago we launched A Better Place , and the owner said ‘I’ll go around, I don’t want to limit my boat because of the bridges.’ With Aquijo they said, we want to go to these places anyway, so let’s get the best sailboat we can. So suddenly, instead of having this 63m limit on the rig, that all opened up and we could start doing a sailing boat that had a gross tonnage like some of the bigger motoryachts.

“I think we’re going to see more of that. You can look at the Strait of Magellan [an alternative route to rounding Cape Horn ], as a place that’s a really long way away or a place you really want to go.”

The three-masted Black Pearl  has an angular ‘Pacman’ bow with a wave-piercing reverse sheer lower section, and extended traditional foredeck above

The wish list

Russian billionaire Andrey Melnichenko is keeping his Sailing Yacht A tightly wrapped under non-disclosure agreements, but a few intriguing details have been released, including magnifying windows which appear larger inside than outside, and a gimballed crow’s nest, accessible by lift, 60m high in the curved mast.

An observation pod embedded in the keel with foot-thick glass gives a mesmerising – and frankly terrifying-sounding – view of the propellers, and there’s a three-man submarine.

Gigayacht designers have come up with some imaginative solutions to meet owners’ foibles and demands. Drawings for the 101m sloop incorporated an entirely retractable hardtop to the flybridge to give the owner his requested uninterrupted view of the sails and sky.

Plans for the Japanese-influenced Komorebi design feature a live tree on the aft deck. Watersports toys are old news – now tender garages are specified to house motorbikes, amphibious quad bikes, even custom-built marinised supercars.

On Aquijo , the headline feature is the ‘beach club’ on the lower deck. “For a sailing boat it is a huge area, they have a sauna, hamman [Turkish Bath], a rainfall shower, a relaxing area, this huge whirlpool in the middle, a little pantry, and enough space for gym equipment around the pool,” explains interior designer Robert Voges.

Beach club on Aquijo.

Voges says the trickiest element on the yacht was the flawless high shine steel mast claddings which run through the interior. “It is like a piece of art. The mast was going through the main saloon and guest corridor, and we didn’t want to hide it. So we decided to make a feature out of it with seamless stainless steel cladding with integrated LED strip lights from top to bottom over two decks.”

One of the most radical projects in progress is the 141m Dream Symphony , a four-masted design currently in build in Turkey. Originally slated for launch this year, the project is progressing slowly – in part due to the fact the yacht is constructed of wood. Her design includes a large aft deck swimming pool that transforms into a raised helipad area.

This is the type of concept which seemed fantastical just a few years ago, but is now reality in the motoryachts world where designs like the 81m Alfa Nero have deployed it successfully.

“It’s a good solution because you usually have to drop down all the stanchions and any elements that are higher than the helipad itself, whereas if you lift the helipad you don’t have to lower the other elements,” explains Dream Symphony designer Ken Freivokh.

The 141m four-masted Dream Symphony

“The brief did not call for a resident helicopter that would have its own hanger – it’s just a ‘touch and go’. You don’t want to set aside space for a helicopter permanently that’s almost never there, so if you have a reasonably sized swimming pool why not use the base of a pool to just receive the helicopter, and then once the helicopter flies away you can put it back to normal operations?” Why not indeed?

No matter how grandiose your ideas, however, not even the vast volumes of a gigayacht can be entirely filled with art galleries and Reiki studios. Robert Voges explains that, like any other ship, “We have to start with all the emergency exits, the corridors, staircases . . . and from there we can work with the other areas which are left over.”

Ken Freivokh estimates that at least 20 per cent of the interior space has to be allocated to the back-of-house systems required to maintain the equivalent of a small hotel – air conditioning, waste, media, and other unglamorous elements behind the touch-screen luxury.

Edge of reason

At 12,700 GT, Sailing Yacht A has the vastest volume of all. But can she be called a sailing yacht? She carries three of the world’s largest carbon rigs – curved, unstayed, capable of rotating a maximum of 70 degrees – featuring in-boom furling that can deploy 3,747 square metres of sail area (67 per cent more than Maltese Falcon ) from a finger tip command. And yet she cannot help but look implausible.

The hull has a maximum beam of 24.8m and includes 24 shell doors.

No matter how innovative the technology on board, or how vast the expense, the elements will not bend to the will of man or millionaire. Various estimates have put her cost at $400-500million, or in the region of £320 to £400 million – to put those sort of figures in context, the bill for the London Olympics Aquatics centre came in at under £300m.

Sailing Yacht A will be ‘sail-assisted’, not wind-powered. Confounding, aggressive in her styling, she’s a yacht that has attracted scathing opinions as often as wide-eyed wonder. But what is the point of creating a gigayacht that doesn’t?

“It is a creative process with the owner,” comments Aquijo ’s designer Bill Tripp, “They have this idea that they can make something that speaks to them. They don’t write symphonies, and they’re not great painters or sculptors, but on the other hand money is vital energy, and they can create these things that wouldn’t exist otherwise.

“It’s great when someone says, ‘Life’s short, I’m just going to do this.’”

MEGA YACHT, SUPER YACHT OR GIGA YACHT? WHAT TO CALL THE WORLD'S LARGEST YACHTS

There is no looking away when a large luxury yacht sails into view. the biggest super yachts in the world will always mesmerize and intrigue us, whether we are gazing at them from land or sea. but what to call these most expensive super yachts in the world there are no solid definitions when it comes to deciding if a boat is a super yacht, a mega yacht, or a giga yacht. or is that big boat just a yacht there is some general consensus on terminology, however, and several factors come into play when attempting to define the largest yachts in the world:.

IN THE TIME BEFORE SUPER YACHTS

Maritime history places private yachting in existence as early as the 1600s. At that time, boats began to be used occasionally as recreational vessels, rather than just as work boats. Later, private citizens, not just royalty, eventually began to own their own boats. These were separated from functional craft and the word "yacht" came into play.

LENGTHS OF A SUPER YACHT, MEGA YACHT, AND GIGA YACHT

A boom in large yacht construction blossomed around the time of the Industrial Revolution in the United States. As this era of wealth grew for family names such as Carnegie, Rockefeller, Morgan, and Vanderbilt, so did interest in the luxuriousness of these yachts, which they often saw as an extension of their family mansions. Since these boat owners were seldom mariners themselves, they hired crew to help run these vessels. The largest of these large boats of the time were considered yachts.

The length overall of a boat - for both powerboats and sailboats - is the first clue to how it is named in the yacht-industry nomenclature. Many maritime businesses will use the term super yacht for vessels at least 80 feet (24 meters) in length, while some consider super yachts to be a minimum of 100 feet in length (30 meters).

Many people use the terms super yacht and mega yacht interchangeably, while others believe a mega yacht starts at 200 feet (60 meters). There is also some consensus that an extremely high level of service from the onboard crew can bump a superyacht into the megayacht realm.

But as the largest of the yachts continue to grow in length, even the term mega yacht seems insufficient. Faster than the largest yacht in the world can be crowned, plans are already drawn up to exceed its length.

Should the largest, nearly 600-foot-long yacht fall into the same naming category as the 200-foot yacht? Probably not. For this reason, many more in the maritime industry will put the largest of the large luxury yachts into the giga yacht group. Similarly, the immense vessels that are still in the idea/discussion phase are called giga yacht concepts.

MEGA YACHT REGIONS

There are informal regional trends when it comes to naming the largest of the super-, mega-, and giga yachts. Although English is the primary language in much of North America and Europe, English can seem like two different languages when comparing London with New York. This is also true with yacht terminology.

Often the European yachting industry uses the term superyacht (or super yacht) while the United States more frequently uses the term megayacht (or mega yacht). As the yacht industry continues to grow, the use of super to describe a large, luxury yacht seems to be more predominant worldwide.

SUPER YACHT LEGALESE

Another factor that helps define boats is the legal aspect as described by several maritime groups. Whether the boat in question is the smallest rowboat, dinghy, or tender, or the biggest boat in the world, international and local regulations hold a few clues.

One international governing body is the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) based in the United Kingdom. This British agency legislates and guides the maritime industry with national and international support and has been a leader in internationally recognized definitions.

According to the MCA's Large Commercial Yacht Code's definition, "Large means 24 meters and over in load line length and the Code of Practice applies to yachts which are in commercial use for sport or pleasure, do not carry cargo, and do not carry more than 12 passengers."

MEGA YACHT CREW

The presence of hired crew onboard definitely lends itself to referring to a boat as a yacht. As soon as captain, engineer, purser, deckhand, bosun, stewardess, stew, and chef are in uniform and on duty to serve the owner, the tendency is to use the term yacht in any form, whether a super yacht, a mega yacht, or a giga yacht.

So, with no "official" rules in play, you can use your own judgement and preference when calling a vessel, a boat, a yacht, a super yacht, a mega yacht, or a giga yacht.

SIGN UP FOR EMAIL UPDATES

More From Forbes

Uptated: 354-foot-long benetti ‘gigayacht’ tops the top 11 list of largest superyachts that will be at 2021 monaco yacht show.

• Share to Facebook
• Share to Twitter
• Share to Linkedin

The 354-foot-long Benetti "Gigayacht" IJE will be the largest yacht on display at the 2021 Monaco ... [+] Yacht Show

The world may not have returned to “normal” yet. In fact, things may never go back to the way “normal” was before the global pandemic changed almost every aspect of our lives. And while the sheer human toll we’ve all experienced thanks to Covid19 has been profound, I’m also grateful to be reminded how special life, and the planet, and specifically, the world’s oceans are every time I’m out on the water —from the smallest rowboats to the largest superyachts —as part of my job. 

Kismet is one of the the largest superyachts that's scheduled to appear at the 2021 Monaco Yacht ... [+] Show.

And honestly, I’m not surprised that demand for all boats—ranging from cutting edge electric powerboats to the largest superyachts —has increased so much since Covid19 hit either. Not only do boats (of all sizes) provide the best way to social distance safely with friends and family. Boats (of all sizes) also provide a direct link to the fun, relaxation and healing power of nature and ocean that we all longed for during months off lock down.

Demand for yachts has never been greater prior to the 2021 Monaco Yacht Show

But now that the start of Monaco Yacht Show is almost here (after being canceled last year due to Covid19), and potential buyers and charterers are finally going to be able to see (and go aboard) some of the largest and most exclusive superyachts in the world like we used to before Covid19 struck, some “normal” may be returning. 

Gmail And YouTube Hackers Bypass Google s 2FA Account Security

Apple confirms innovative iphone 16 pro upgrade, it s going to zero legendary billionaire predicts rapid cataclysmic u s dollar collapse and a 5 trillion post halving bitcoin price boom.

So, if you’ve been looking forward to the return of the “normal” gathering of 200-to-300-foot long private yachts that usually happens every September at the Monaco Yacht Show, you’re in luck. And here’s a preview of the Top 11 largest superyachts that will be on display in Monaco from September 22-25.

The people in this shot show just how big a 350-foot-long super yacht is.

The 354-foot-long “gigayacht” IJE is the flagship of the Benetti fleet and the largest yacht that will be at the 2021 Monaco Yacht Show. It appears at the show in collaboration with  Burgess , offers guests unmatched luxury on five decks.

IJE underway

UK-based design firm  RWD  developed the exterior design and decor that includes everything from the heated swimming pool on the main deck to the collection of water toys and tenders that can be deployed. Meanwhile, the interiors were designed by the Benetti Interior Style Department. Stay tuned for much more.

The top deck of the 311-foot long Kismet features a retractable fireplace.

With a past charter guest list that includes Beyonce and Jay-Z and other A-listers, the 311-foot-long KISMET has superyacht star power to burn. It was built by Lurssen and offers prospective buyers the ability to accommodate 16 guests in eight staterooms, with the master stateroom featuring a private deck complete with a hot tub and access to the yacht’s helipad. It also features a large sundeck complete with a swimming pool, full-service spa, and a one-of-a-kind retractable outdoor fireplace.

The 308-foot-long Feadship superyacht VIVA will be one of the largest new builds at the 2021 Monaco ... [+] Yacht Show.

VIVA is a brand-new 308-foot long custom Feadship that was designed to take advantage of an advanced hybrid propulsion system to be extremely ecologically friendly. It also features massive windows in the exterior design by Feadship Studio De Voogt and Azure that also play a key role in the open beach-house-style interior by Peter Marino Architects.

Tatoosh at anchor.

The 303-foot-long TATOOSH was built by Nobiskrug , launched in 2000, refitted in 2021 and is one of the world’s most recognizable yachts. It also boasts 5 decks and an impressive archive of voyages and features. And it’s for sale .

Victorious is a new explorer yacht that will debut at the Monaco Yacht Show

VICTORIOUS is a new 285-foot-long explorer yacht that’s sure to draw a crowd at this year’s show. In addition to numerous entertainment spaces, the sun deck has a gentlemen's club with fireplace, wine cellar, humidor, and lounge. The upper deck features indoor and outdoor dining and forward observation lounge, along with a cinema and children's playroom.  And of course, the stand-out feature is a huge beach club with pool, two lounge and bar areas, gym that all explorers crave.

C2's ability to accommodate over 30 guests makes it one of the more unique super yachts at this ... [+] year's Monaco Yacht Show.

The 280-foot-long C2 has had an extensive refit that combined with the yacht’s unique 15 cabin accommodation plan (sleeps up to  31 guests ) makes it one of the rarer yachts on the market today

Silver Yachts' BOLD is sure to get attention at this years Monaco Yacht Show

The helipad and vast main deck of the 279-foot-long BOLD is only one of the distinctive features of this unique yacht. It also features a spacious owner’s deck with winter garden and the large upper deck with semi enclosed dining. The sun deck jacuzzi, sheltered from the wind by glass paneling is another popular spot. So is heli-hanger gym and yoga room. 

Tatiana is the flagship of the Bilgin Yachts fleet.

The 262-foot-long TATIANA was built by Bilgin Yachts in Turkey and is scheduled to make her world debut at the upcoming Monaco Yacht Show. Her exterior lines and naval architecture were designed by Unique Yacht Design and interiors by H2 Yacht Design.

Artefact underway in the Caribbean

ARTEFACT was not only designed and built to minimize emissions and the impact to the environment. The 262-foot-long yacht also showcases innovative power generation technologies, digital power management, and digital automation in a striking design.

The highly customized PLVS VLTRA superyacht at anchor

Built under the supervision of the Moran Yacht & Ship new construction team and delivered to her owner in 2016, PLVS VLTRA is one of the more distinctive Limited Edition Amels 242s built to date. Though PLVS VLTRA shares some design principles with her sisters, her fully customized interior by Winch Design and an exterior by Tim Heywood stands out from the crowd.

The 230-foot long Polaris is an Italian expedition yacht

Rossinavi’s new 230-foot-long explorer yacht POLARIS was designed and built to navigate in extreme ice conditions, including the polar regions. But let’s be clear, Polaris was also developed with an emphasis on the “yachting lifestyle.” As a result, this yacht’s owner will be able to move from the warm waters of the Caribbean to the cold conditions of Antarctica in  Italian style . Bellissimo.

• Editorial Standards
• Reprints & Permissions

• Impressions

The world´s longest yacht, at 180.65 meters, with a top speed of over 30 knots, Azzam is a truly extraordinary luxury gigayacht. Her outstanding characteristics even include her exceptionally short building time of less than three years from keel laying to delivery, in 2013. Engineer and principal designer Mubarak Saad al Ahbabi set out to build a large yacht with an innovative and timeless design that would be able to travel at high speed in warm and shallow waters. The bold and elegant exterior by Nauta Yachts incorporates many elements of visionary modern design. Renowned French designer Christophe Leoni conceived a sophisticated interior with luxurious décor inspired by the Empire style of the early 19th century.

Do you wish to talk about yacht design?

We would love to hear from you

Find anything, super fast.

• Destinations
• Documentaries

Benetti's 108m Giga Yacht IJE Listed for Sale with Burgess

By Freya Cottrell

With a week to go until the opening of the Monaco Yacht Show, Burgess has announced its appointment as Central Agent for the sale of the spectacular 108m giga yacht IJE. IJE is the largest yacht confirmed for the 2021 Monaco Yacht Show. 

Built as the ultimate world-cruising family yacht, IJE was launched in 2019 as a custom superyacht built by Bennetti at its Livorno shipyard in the north-west of Italy. With a range of 6,500 nautical miles at cruising speed, this 108m giga yacht has true world cruising credentials with the added comfort and luxury of being designed to accommodate family.

Her timeless sculptural exterior was devised by the talented and sought after designers of RWD, the boundary pushing British yacht design studio. Her interior, designed by Benett and decorated by RWD, incorporates a relaxed beach-house style to add to the family ambience of the giga yacht.

At 108m, IJE is the longest yacht ever to be delivered from the Italian shipbuilders and thus it is unsurprising that Benetti has dedicated her the flagship of its enviable custom built fleet.

IJE was delivered in 2019 to a very experienced yacht owner, and this is the first time she has been on the market since her delivery. Her key features include: accommodation for 22 guests across eleven cabins and a private owner’s deck. Full height sliding glass walls in both the main deck and bridge deck saloons so as to connect guests to their ocean surroundings and magnify the beach-house interior theme. Plus a generous onboard swimming pool, dedicated gym, cinema and nightclub. 

IJE will be in attendance at the Monaco Yacht Show 2021. Serious clients in the market for a yacht of this calibre can contact Burgess to pre-book a viewing.

"Burgess is delighted to announce its appointment as Central Agent for the sale of the magnificent 108m IJE [...] As the longest yacht ever delivered by Benetti she is the flagship of their enviable custom built fleet" Burgess

"Burgess is delighted to announce its appointment as Central Agent for the sale of the magnificent 108m IJE [...] As the longest yacht ever delivered by Benetti she is the flagship of their enviable custom built fleet"

More news About…

Companies linked to this story, yachts in this story, more news from ..., industry news.

Yachting Pleasure INTERNATIONAL

“LUMINOSITY” THE HYBRID GIGA YACHT

BENETTI INTRODUCES FB272 M/Y “LUMINOSITY”, THE HYBRID GIGA YACHT THAT REDEFINES OCEAN-BASED LEISURE

Palace of glass

Benetti FB272 M/Y “Luminosity” is a moving palace of glass with unparalleled views of every changing landscape. The Giga yacht spectacular exterior design exterior design is a collaboration between Zaniz Jakubowski, Andrew Langton and Giorgio M. Cassetta, while her interiors are entirely the work of Zaniz Jakubowski.

With over 800 square meters of exterior glass wrapping around the main decks, “ Luminosity ” has become a record breaker for Benetti . 3-meter-high windows are entirely uninterrupted by structure, giving a floating appearance. A straight bow offers brilliant seakeeping credentials, while a huge forward deck area brings guests a thrilling vantage point from which to cruise and relax. From here, the main deck is a step lower, offering further dining and social spaces, sheltered and shaded by the graceful overhang of the beautifully styled superstructure. Above this is the wheelhouse and above again is a secluded, private deck leading towards the certified helipad capable of accepting a Bell 429 helicopter. It’s worth noting the space and flexibility of this deck currently set up to accommodate two cars including a Rolls Royce Phantom , as well as a 24’ sailboat and two motor bikes. At the stern of the yacht, the individual decks step up in perfectly balanced overhangs, each one offering a different configuration of seating and relaxation areas.

Cutting-edge technology

The Generation/Propulsion Package is obtained by six generators of approximately 1,000 KW each. The electricity produced by those generators is managed electronically, by a sophisticated fully integrated power management system, to feed the consumption of the services on board and the electric motors of two Azipods of 2,200 KW each. The spare electricity is also used to charge 36 tons of batteries which are sufficient to run the vessel for 12 hours without generator power – a huge convenience when at anchor with no shore power.

This propulsion package is the state-of-the-art of technology today, made by top names such as Caterpillar , Seastema, ABB, under the coordination of Benetti Technical Department. The advantage of this system is a vibration-free navigation in total silence: with such stable and soundless cruising, guests might hardly realize they are underway.

The air conditioning system and chiller units – which is supplied by H&H – are one of the biggest ever installed inside a yacht of this size with a total cooling capacity of approximately 3,000 KW. The yacht is equipped with a waste heat recovery system that is capable to feed the yacht and save electrical power in line with the latest green environment requirements.

“Luminosity” also features an advanced Lutron domotics system with approximately 500 kilometres of cable run across her hull and superstructure.

Symphony of light

The defining characteristic of FB272’s interiors are the huge 3-meter-high windows flooding spaces with light and providing a seamless connection with the outside world. A magnificent skylight at Sun Deck level fills the yacht with a longitudinal axis of light, cascading down the 18-meter staircase that passes through five of the yacht’s 6 decks, its polished steel and toughened glass giving the structure a sculptural yet floating appearance. Within the sumptuously proportioned interior, an incredible variety of glazed surfaces creates a constant impression of shifting light, which enters the yacht from all angles. The materials and colors used in fabric, furnishings and fittings offer a continuity between indoor and outdoor spaces. On the Bridge Deck, a VIP Stateroom and lounge stretches out onto a spacious aft deck harmoniously connecting through 9-meter-wide sliding windows. Clad in Malachite green paired with Lapis Lazuli blue and Belgian black marbles, this cabin has its own chic identity illuminated by a 3-meter-wide white onyx moon.

The Owner’s Deck, one below the bridge deck, encapsulated in the 3-meter high windows, so iconic in this yacht, is defined by ever-changing views. Down a corridor decorated by ten different types of marble, the stateroom itself is punctuated by granite details, with the Owner’s bed able to lift electrically by 80cm enabling an opportune position for the views. Behind the headboard, what appears as another splendid view is in fact a virtual window, channeling the wonderful sights that are visible from the bow of the yacht through a hidden camera. A vast walk-in wardrobe leads to a private massage room, and an ensuite bathroom. This deck hosts 3 further guest staterooms and a private study for the Owner with ensuite bathroom and a separate office for a PA.

A spacious and inviting lounge area on the Main Deck seduces guests with its unique design elements all conceived to enhance guest relaxation. Beyond this are 3 exquisite staterooms, each one differing in its design and materials. Gold leaf riffs with brushed cement, while onyx and ceramic carved by water jets combine in a virtuoso feat of elaborate design. Further forward a large galley fitted with state-of-the-art equipment is befitting for the demands of the world’s top chefs.

Also on this deck, towards the bow, is the enormous tender bay designed to accommodate custom built tenders and toys, including a 40’ Limousine Tender, a 40’ Landing craft, and an additional 40’ luxury tender – all custom built for the yacht.

On the Lower Deck, a glorious lobby leads to the stairwell and elevator, beyond which are 4 sumptuous guest staterooms. Spending much of their time on this deck, guests will enjoy the yacht’s in-house spa and private luxury health club, complete with elegant sauna and Turkish bath. With shell doors open, the spa space and fully equipped gymnasium sits right on the water with guests refreshed by the breeze. On this deck, the jaw-dropping 30-meter-square swimming pool is a delight for guests, further surprising them with its transformation into a dance floor by raising the level of the pool bottom. With plenty of bar space and ample social seating groups, this entertainment area will be the envy of all who cast eyes on it.

The Crew Quarters can accommodatea crew of 37 along with their own galley and large mess. Built to Passenger Yacht Code (PYC) Classification, it is a point of pride for Benetti that the shipyard can create such spacious accommodation for the hardworking crew with comfortable cabins and large berths. To further ensure safety on board, Benetti designers had to divide the entire crew quarters into vertical sections and ensure that each one had a dedicated staircase for emergency escape.

Natural connection

Another truly unique and visually dazzling aspect of “Luminosity” are the visual artworks that bring the natural rhythms and energy of the organic world into the heart of the yacht’s interior. One such feat is the visual panel of 370-sq meters that stretches along the height of the main lobby stairwell. Depicting a moving forest, these images gently sway as guests pass, bringing a dynamic and unexpected vibrancy to the space. More interactive technology in the main lounge area comes in the form of 264 white magnolia flowers sculpted in Corian resin on the aft wall. In a charming visual greeting, they open and close at varying speeds as a person passes by.

Art on the sea

“Luminosity” embraces art in an extraordinary way. Beauty in its purest form blends with comfort and onboard needs. Every single detail tells a story. Every creation evokes masterpieces of artists who have left a mark on the history of art. Endless details catch the eye without having to compete for the attention. Damien Hirst’s famous coloured circles find new expression on the French limestone floor in the Main Deck Lobby. As for Man Ray, an extraordinary eye-shaped construction at the base of the 18-meter-high stairwell winks at his magnificent work. The hymn to life of Matisse’s collages inspires the intriguing shapes throughout the yacht’s Main Saloon and Lounge. Among them, a sinuous configuration of hand-forged steel polished to a mirror that encloses a thousand Bohemian crystal bulbs illuminates the main lounge.

Other enchanting stories adorn this space: the beginning of Melville’s Moby Dick is gently engraved on the crafted pillars. The adventures of the world’s great sea faring explorers enrich the refined Portuguese Majolica tiles by Boca do Lobo on the cabinetry. An ensemble of highly polished concave and convex dishes flood the Master Deck Office with light. A great tribute to the Indian sculptor Anish Kapoor. Another eyecatcher on this deck is the Master Stateroom full custom Culligan hydromassage, crafted from one single block of the same marble used by Michelangelo to sculpt his outstanding David in Florence. The changing lunar phases in a single piece of Iranian onyx cut with surgical precision. A dreamy Moon Light shines upon the Upper Deck VIP suite.

First-class entertainment

The yacht has two 3,5-meter dishes to receive signals anywhere in the world, and fibre optic cables to distribute it throughout the vessel. Where fibre optic cables are not appropriate to use, another cable called Cat 8 is employed – a cutting edge super-fast connection never used on a yacht of this size before. Two racks on board the yacht house servers for films and music, and a total of 74 top of the range televisions (70 tv + 4 cinema projectors) are distributed throughout “ Luminosity ” as well 10 intelligent mirrors on board including touch screen with multimedia and internet connection. 5G cables throughout the yacht ensure that systems are future proofed.

Safety first

Built to comply with the PYC Code,safety has been of huge importance in the creation on “Luminosity”. The most stringent requirements to use fire-proof and fire-retardant materials of a particularly high quality throughout. A sophisticated medical centre can cater for unexpected illness and injury offering guests peace of mind.

BENETTI FB272 M/Y “LUMINOSITY” TECHNICAL DATA  

More Stories

PRESTIGE DEBUTS

First Pershing GTX80

Sunreef Yachts Eco

• Boats for Sale

Gigayacht for sale (power)

What is a Gigayacht?

A Gigayacht is a type of vessel that is larger and more luxurious than a traditional Super or Megayacht. Gigayachts are some of the biggest private yachts in the world. They are typically more than 300 feet long and may have more than one engine, allowing them to handle larger waves and travel further for more extended periods of time. Gigayachts provide the amenities of a luxury cruise liner in an exclusive setting, often featuring several decks with designer furnishings, large luxury suites or cabins, gourmet dining, hot tubs, and much more. Depending on the size and type, a Gigayacht may offer increased safety features and better stability when travelling on the open water.

Which manufacturers build gigayacht power boats?

Manufacturers that produce gigayacht power boats include Sunreef Yachts , Riviera and Majesty Yachts .

Sign up to our newsletter

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

Change units of measure

This feature requires cookies to be enabled on your browser.

Show price in:

Show lengths, beam and draft in:

Show displacement or weight in:

Show capacity or volume in:

Show speed in:

Show distance in:

You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser or activate Google Chrome Frame to improve your experience.

• Link to search page
• US: +1 (561) 833 4462
• US: +1 (206) 209-1920
• MC: +377 99 90 74 63

Mega Yachts for Sale Worldwide

A mega yacht is generally understood to be a large superyacht that represents the absolute pinnacle of luxury yachting. View all mega yachts for sale worldwide here , including images and full specifications.

Exact definitions of mega yachts vary tremendously, although some believe that around 200 feet to be the starting size for a mega yacht for sale. Here in the United States however, the words ‘mega yacht’ is often used interchangeably with the words ‘super yacht’, which is used to refer to any privately owned-yacht over 80 feet in length.

Cinemas, helipads, spas, gyms and private owner’s decks with balconies are often standard fixtures on the larger mega yachts for sale – like the photos here show of yacht for sale NATITA – due to their luxury of size.

The biggest mega yachts will extend to basketball courts, large swimming pools, magnificent beach clubs and float-in tender garages to house sailboats, high-speed chase boats and even submarines.

One of the most famous features of a mega yacht was the (reported) missile shield on Roman Abramovich’s yacht Eclipse, which held the title of the largest private yacht on earth at 522 feet until it was ‘eclipsed’ by Azzam, a Lurssen mega yacht measuring in at a staggering 590 feet.

The palatial accommodations on board a mega yacht are superb for entertaining groups and hosting extended families. Mega yachts generally carry large crews to offer a simply spectacular level of service, with guest-to-crew ratios only dreamt of in elite hotels.

Because mega yachts over 200 foot are such extraordinary machines, there are a limited number of them afloat, although as the race for the biggest boat continues between the oligarchs we can expect this number to grow.

As of October 2015, there were only 200 yachts in the world larger than 213 foot. Given their rarity and ultimate exclusivity, the opportunity of purchasing a large mega yacht for sale does not appear often.

It’s useful, however, to know that the term ‘mega yacht’ is not a universally- recognized term and its exact meaning is debated, although it has gained common currency in the United States and in mainstream media around the world.

As mentioned, in the United States you will often find the words ‘mega yacht for sale’ being used interchangeably with the words ‘super yacht for sale’, yet in European yachting circles, the word super yacht is generally still preferred.  ‘Giga yacht’, meanwhile, is a relatively new word on the scene, often used to describe yachts over 100 meters, or 328 feet – but let’s not muddy the waters any further!

Regardless of what you call it, a mega yacht for sale is an investment offering an almost unbelievable level of luxury, performance and glamorous fun.

For further information about any of the mega yachts we have for sale, contact the team by email , by this sales inquiry form or by calling one of our yacht brokerage offices worldwide.

• Vessel Reviews
• Passenger Vessel World
• Offshore World
• Tug and Salvage World
• Maritime Security World
• Specialised Fields
• Marine Projects World
• Small Craft World
• Tanker World
• Dry Cargo World
• Boxship World
• Aquaculture World
• Trawling World
• Longlining World
• Seining World
• Potting World
• Other Fishing Methods
• Regulation & Enforcement
• Feature Weeks
• Classifieds
• Book Reviews

VESSEL REVIEW | Sinichka – Electric commuter boats designed for Russia’s Moskva River

A series of three new electric monohull commuter ferries have already begun operational sailings on the Moskva River in the Russian capital Moscow.

Built by Russian shipyard Emperium, sister vessels Sinichka , Filka , and Presnya – all named after rivers in Moscow – are being operated by the Moscow Department of Transport and Road Infrastructure Development (Moscow Deptrans). They are the first units of a planned fleet of 20 vessels that will serve the capital city and other nearby communities. The new ferry system will be the water transport system to be operated on the Moskva River in 16 years.

Each vessel has a welded aluminium hull, an LOA of 21 metres, a beam of 6.2 metres, a draught of only 1.4 metres, a displacement of 40 tonnes, and capacity for 80 passengers plus two crewmembers. Seating is available for 42 passengers on each ferry, and the main cabins are also fitted with USB charging ports, wifi connectivity, tables, toilets, and space for bicycles and scooters. The cabin layout can be rearranged to allow the operator to adjust the distances between the seats and to install armrests of varying widths.

An open upper deck is also accessible to passengers and is the only area on each ferry where smoking is allowed.

The ferries are all of modular construction with each ferry’s wheelhouse, main cabin, and other structural elements being built as complete, separate components. This enables the ferries to be easily dismantled for transport to anywhere in Russia by rail and then quickly re-assembled within seven days.

The ferries are also ice-capable. Recently completed operational trials on the Moskva showed that the vessels can also easily navigate under mild winter conditions with broken surface ice, though year-round operations are planned for the entire fleet.

The ferries are each fitted with 500kWh lithium iron phosphate battery packs that supply power to two 134kW motors. This configuration can deliver a maximum speed of 11.8 knots, a cruising speed of just under 10 knots, and a range of 150 kilometres.

Emperium said the transfer of rotation of electric motors to the propeller is carried out by direct drive. As a propulsion installation, a pulling rotary propeller-steering column with double screws is used. The installation of double pulling screws, with similar power, allows an operator to increase the efficiency of the propulsion system to deliver a slightly higher speed or to reduce energy consumption. This arrangement also provides the ferries with enhanced manoeuvrability necessary for navigating in close quarters.

The batteries themselves have projected service lives of 10 to 12 years and are fitted with safety features such as built-in fire extinguishers and gas vents. Quick-disconnect features allow the batteries to be easily removed for replacement or maintenance.

Some of our readers have expressed disquiet at our publication of reviews and articles describing new vessels from Russia. We at Baird Maritime can understand and sympathise with those views. However, despite the behaviour of the country’s leaders, we believe that the maritime world needs to learn of the latest developments in vessel design and construction there.

Click here to read other news stories, features, opinion articles, and vessel reviews as part of this month’s Passenger Vessel Week.

Related Posts

Baird Maritime

Tags: Emperium Filka Moscow Moscow Department of Transport and Road Infrastructure Development Moskva River Presnya Russia Sinichka WBW newbuild

• Previous VESSEL REVIEW | Ferry Rokko – Second 194m Ro-Pax for Miyazaki Car Ferry
• Next Brighton man to be charged for illegal abalone haul

Baird Maritime , launched in 1978, is one of the world's premier maritime publishing houses.

The company produces the leading maritime new portal BairdMaritime.com , home of the world famous Work Boat World, Fishing Boat World, Ship World, Ausmarine, and Commercial Mariner sub-sites, and the industry-leading ship brokerage platforms WorkBoatWorld.com and ShipWorld.com .

Contact us: [email protected]

© Copyright - Baird Maritime

• Terms & Conditions
• Advertise with Baird Maritime
• Submit News/Leads

• Guided tour

River Cruise on Luxurious Radisson Boat

• Description
• Choose date

Equipped with ice-breaking technology, these huge fancy yachts are the only river cruisers running all year around. The round trip journey takes two and a half hours and floats past all the big sights like the White House, Novodevichy monastery and the Kremlin. There’s a large open air observation deck up top, while the main body of the ship houses a restaurant with a dance floor for a romantic post dinner dance. For a particularly romantic experience take one of the evening boats and admire the bright lights of the city skyline at night.

The most relaxing and picturesque tour that Moscow can offer: a great way to see the city center and its main attractions. This is a perfect alternative to exploring the city by car, if you only have time to do sightseeing during weekday rush hours.

Your English-speaking guide is eager to share every bit of their knowledge about the surrounding landscape, the architecture and historical details.

We conduct Moscow river tour on Radisson Flotilla boats all year around!  It’s warm inside during winter months, while there’s air conditioning during hot summer days. You may also treat yourself to drinks, lunch or dinner on board (drinks and food are not included in tour price).

The cost of an excursion with a personal guide for 1 person

Quay at Radisson Collection Hotel

Government Headquarters ("the White House")

Kievsky Railway Central

Novodevichy Convent

Luzhniki Stadium

Academy of Sciences

Monument to Peter I

Cathedral of Christ the Saviour

Moscow Kremlin

St.Basil's Cathedral

Novospassky Monastery

U-turn and back to Quay at Radisson Royal Hotel

Choose your dates

Who's going.

• Excursion River Cruise on Luxurious Radisson Boat
• Date and time:
• Who's going:

See photo of the meeting point

The Latest Gigayacht from Lürssen Splashed This Week

The 364-foot tis has an elegant, lithe profile—especially for such a huge yacht., geri ward's most recent stories.

• From a Hybrid Gigayacht to a Go-Fast Tender, Here Are the Best Vessels of the Year
• How Ferraris and Lamborghinis Inspired This New Line of Italian Yachts
• Inside the 161-Foot Italian Superyacht Designed for a Multi-Generational Family
• Share This Article

Tis is a very small name for what turns out to be a very, very large yacht. The 364-footer was launched by Lürssen Yachts on Monday, as part of the multiyear build process. The German builder expects to start sea trials in October and eventually deliver the yacht to its owner at an unspecified point over the winter.

The Winch Design is long, lithe, classic, and simple-looking in an elegant way, especially for a gigayacht of its substantial length. Winch did a masterful job of keeping the profile balanced and seemingly low to the water. He did this partly by giving the upper decks plenty of exterior space, fore and aft, so the yacht does not look dense, like many stacked, wedding-cake yacht designs. The navy-blue hull also has an unusually long foredeck compared to most contemporary gigayachts, so the profile once again seems slender, rather than heavy. The stern also ends relatively close to the water, with a soft tumblehome design that is more common on 30-foot motor yachts.

Related Stories

• We Went to America’s Biggest Aviation Expo. Here’s What We Saw.
• Tesla Plans to Lay Off Over 10% of Its Workforce
• This Sporty New 140-Foot Superyacht Rocks the Same Metallic Paint as Your Supercar

Lürssen Yachts Tis.  Photo: Klaus Jordan

The decks flow upward in a nice proportional stairstep pattern at the stern, while the curves in front soften the profile. The tasteful cutouts along the shearline fuse the deck and superstructure aesthetically, giving Tis a distinctive profile that nobody will ever mistake for another yacht of its stature.

Lürssen remains mum about the interior or any other significant details of Tis , as the builder often does with its new launches, but it’s clear that the yacht’s 55-foot beam and banks of windows across all decks create abundant, light-filled interior spaces. The exterior spaces are likewise plentiful on the top three decks.

This newest launch from Lürssen will fall in the top 35 of the world’s largest yachts. To gain a sense of perspective, look for people standing on the decks. They appear like small dots, which shows just how large Tis really is.

Read More On:

• Winch Design

More Marine

Forget F1. A-Lister’s Are Getting Into the SailGP Racing Game.

This Luxe 157-Foot Catamaran Lets You Explore the Galápagos With a Personal Butler

This New 79-Foot Sailing Catamaran Is Like a Pied-à-Terre for the High Seas

You Can Now Play Padel Ball on the Deck of Your Superyacht

Culinary Masters 2024

MAY 17 - 19 Join us for extraordinary meals from the nation’s brightest culinary minds.

Give the Gift of Luxury

Latest Galleries in Marine

Meet ‘Sarastar,’ the 197-Foot Superyacht With the Wildest Interior on the High Seas

Hermes Catamaran in Photos

More from our brands, maria grazia chiuri’s dior new york, caitlin clark’s olympic bid to be treated fairly, team usa ceo says, harbourview equity partners invests in ‘the long game’ producer mucho mas media: ‘this audience is under-penetrated,’ says ceo, curator adriano pedrosa kicks off venice biennale with star-studded dinner: in pictures, the best running water bottles according to marathoners.