fastest mega yacht

Yachting World

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Fastest yacht: The giant record breakers

• Toby Heppell
• October 29, 2021

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Comanche showing off her considerable beam. Photo: Carlo Borlenghi

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mari Cha IV

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Speedboat , Newport Bermuda Race 2010

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Wild Oats XI

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

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

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

Wild Oats XI . Photo: Kurt Arigo / Rolex

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

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

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

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

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

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

ICAP Round Britain and Ireland Race 2010

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

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

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

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

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The 20 Fastest SuperYachts in the World

By Alex Holmes

Updated on August 14, 2023

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

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

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

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

Let’s have a look.

• 20. Cara Montana – 45 knots

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

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

• 19. Alamshar – 45 knots

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

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

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

• 18. Moon Goddess – 45 knots

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

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

• 17. Shergar – 45 knots

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

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

• 16. Seafire – 46 knots

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

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

• 15. Octopussy 007 – 53.2 knots

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

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

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

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

• 14. Daloli – 54 knots

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

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

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

• 13. Why Not U – 55 knots

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

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

• 12. Ermis² – 57 knots

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

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

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

• 11. Chato – 57 knots

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

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

• 10. Azimut Atlantic Challenger – 60 knots

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

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

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

• 9. Jet Ruban Bleu – 60 knots

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

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

• 8. Oci Ciornie – 60 Knots

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

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

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

• 7. Brave Challenger – 60 Knots

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

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

• 6. Kereon – 62.3 Knots

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

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

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

• 5. Gentry Eagle – 63.5 knots

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

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

• 4. Galeocerdo – 65 Knots

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

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

• 3. Destriero – 66 knots

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

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

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

• 2. World Is Not Enough – 67 Knots

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

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

• 1. Foners – 70.1 knots

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

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

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

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

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

About Alex Holmes

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

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

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

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The Top Five Fastest Yachts in the World

By Jenna Mehdi

We took a look at the top five fastest superyachts and luxury yachts on the water today. Ranging from speeds of 62 Knots up to a whopping 70 Knots, these breakneck builds are sure to satisfy the cravings of the most insatiable adrenaline junkies...

1.  World Is Not Enough - Millennium Superyachts - 70 Knots The fastest yacht in the world reaches a record-breaking top speed of around 70 knots. The Milennium 140 World Is Not Enough  has retained the title of the world’s fastest yacht since she was delivered in 2004 to one of the most public superyacht owners in the world, John Staluppi. Incredibly for a superyacht of this size, World Is Not Enough is a fully fledged and outfitted superyacht at 42.4m, complete with advanced audio-visual systems and accommodation for 10 guests in 5 luxurious cabins. 

The superyacht achieves her racing speeds by virtue of an all-aluminium build, V-shaped hull, and two 18VP185 Paxman Diesel engines providing 5300 hp each combined with twin Lycoming TF40 turbine jet engines - able to generate a total power of 20.000 HP. The result is an extremely streamlined, exhilarating and comfortable feel as the yacht cuts through the water, offering minimal noise levels and vibration underway.  

2. Foners - Astilleros Bazan - 70 Knots In joint first place at a similar top speed of roughly 70 knots is the 41.5m Foners (ex Fortuna). Boasting a colourful and intrepid history, Foners was built in 2000 by Spain’s Astilleros Bazan yard for then-Spanish King Juan Carlos I as a gift by businessmen in the Balearic Islands, and has since been renounced by the royal family in a display of austerity. Powered by two 1280 HP MAN engines and three Rolls Royce 6,700 HP gas turbines driving three KaMeWa water jets, Foners was the fastest superyacht in the world upon delivery until World Is Not Enough matched her high-octane abilities in 2004. 

3. Galeocerdo - Wally Yachts - 65 Knots Galeocerdo (118 Wallypower) is the 36m ultra light carbon fiber boat built for Luca Bassani, founder of Italian shipyard Wally Yachts. The fascinating design of the boat, composed of geometric shapes, extensive use of glass, a simple and clean interior layout and sage colours, gives her an impressively futuristic character despite having been delivered in 2002. But this is not the only appeal of the iconic yacht; at top speeds of 65 knots, Galeocerdo can shift from luxury superyacht to speed boat in a matter of moments, with minimal noise or vibrations. Galeocerdo is powered by three DDC TF50 gas Turbines and two Cummins 370 horsepower engines; a combination quite common on smaller warships but not so on super yachts. She can achieve a range of 380 nautical miles while cruising at a speed of 60 knots or 1,500 nautical miles at nine knots.  

4. Gentry Eagle - Vosper Thornycroft - 63 Knots Gentry Eagle was delivered in 1988 by Vosper Thornycroft, built for American racer Tom Gentry in an attempt to break the record for fastest Atlantic crossing (held at the time by Virgin’s Richard Branson). The 35.6m yacht was damaged on the first crossing, and returned a year later to steal Branson’s title, making a journey time of just over 62 hours. Revamped in perfume mogul Thierry Mugler’s Couture Collection a few years ago, Gentry Eagle retains a timeless and iconic appeal for its proud history, iconic design and lightning speeds. The speedy superyacht is powered by two Lycoming TF40 Engines reaching a combined horsepower of almost 24,000. 

5. Kereon - AB Yachts - 62.3 Knots Kereon, the 27m luxury yacht delivered in 2005 by AB Yachts in Italy to industry acclaim. A masterpiece of Italian craftsmanship and performance, Kereon’ s streamlined profile is made up of carbon and kevlar allowing for a lightweight and high-speed structure. Not much is known about Kereon , other than that she is powered by twin 20KW Kohler engines and accommodates for six guests comfortably in three staterooms.   

Superyacht aficionados and lovers of fast yachts in 2020 may notice that the heyday for high speed luxury yacht deliveries seemed to reach its peak in the early to mid noughties. Is fast yacht build a thing of the past? And if not, who will be next to break the long-held record?

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

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

Cutting-Edge Propulsion Technologies in World’s Fastest Superyachts

Conventional diesel engines.

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

Gas Turbine Engines

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

Hybrid Propulsion Systems in Fastest Superyachts

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

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

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

Advanced Hull Designs

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

Crafting the Perfect Propulsion Strategy for Fastest Superyachts

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

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This New Superyacht Will Be One of the World’s Fastest

By Katherine McLaughlin

Depending on who you ask, bigger may not always mean better, but in the world of superyacht designs , it does usually mean slower. However, this may soon change with Vanquish’s VQ115 Veloce , which the company has promised will be one of the fastest superyachts in the world more than 30 meters (about 98.5 feet) long.  

The VQ115 is designed for entertaining. 

Commissioned from the Dutch luxury yacht company by a repeat client, the VQ115 reaches an impressive 51 knots, which is a little under 59 miles per hour, and spans 35 meters or 114.8 feet. The 32-seat, three-deck powerboat is set to be delivered to its owner in North America later this year. 

To power the nearly 100-ton boat, Vanquish plans to install three MTU Rolls-Royce 2600s engines that surface drives will back up. When running on the two engines, the vessel will have upwards of a 500-nautical-mile range in addition to an extra fuel tank, which can be used for cruising at 15 knots. 

The yacht has a spacious saloon that leads to an outdoor deck.

A jacuzzi makes it easy to enjoy the water without getting into the ocean. 

The Vanquish team tapped the expertise of Studio Delta, a naval architecture firm, to design the yacht’s hull to minimize drag and increase efficiency when pacing at top speeds. The rest of the exterior, designed by Guido de Groot, is similarly sleek and modern and made from aluminum. 

On board, there will be no shortage of entertainment options. Two smaller Vanquish watercrafts, the VQ16 and VQ11, will respectively be housed on a tender bay and second starboard garage. A live bait tank, bar, saltwater jacuzzi, office space, cinema room, and multiple outdoor lounging and dining area are also part of the design. 

Cabin space was less of a priority as the client wanted more room for socialization. 

Despite its monstrous size, the VQ115 notably lacks cabin space—there are only three sleeping rooms. However, this isn’t an oversight, rather the client’s specific desire for a vessel designed for entertaining and interaction. At its size, the superyacht is sure to deliver on that front in a large way. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Photo : Victory Design

1. Bolide 80 | 84 mph

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

Photo : Wikipedia

2. ‘Foners’ | 80.56 mph

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

Photo : File photo

3. ‘World Is Not Enough’ | 77.1 mph

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

Photo : File/Rodriguez Yachts

4. ‘Galeocerdo’ | 74.8 mph

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

Photo : Italian Sea Group

5. Tecnomar for Lamborghini 63 | 72.5 mph

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

Photo : Courtesy Baglietto

6. ‘Chato’ | 71.9 mph

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

Photo : Palmer Johnson

7. ‘Oci Ciornie’ | 69.04 mph

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

Photo : Courtesy Fincantieri

8. ‘Destriero’ | 68 mph

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

Photo : McMullen & Wing

9. ‘Ermis²’ | 65.59 mph

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

Photo : Overmarine

10. ‘Why Not U’ | 63.3 mph

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

Photo : File Photo

11. ‘Alamshar’ | 52 mph

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

Photo : Camper & NIcholsons

12. ‘Moon Goddess’ | 51.78 mph

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

Photo : Courtesy Lurssen

13. ‘Azzam’ | 35.7 mph

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

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Built by Dutch yard Feadship , M/Y Ecstasea is one of the fastest superyachts in the world.

She is unconventional and remarkable. Her initial owner wanted a fast yacht. Very fast. And Feadship delivered. Ecstasea can reach a top speed of 30 knots, and cruises at 25 knots.

To reach this speeds she needed a high bow and an impressive power plant.

Power is provided by no less than four diesel engines MTU 16V4000 M70, each delivering 3,111 hp. Also, for extra power, the captain can rely on a gas turbine that can deliver more that 30.000 hp. Total power is 46,843 hp.

M/Y Ecstasea was built for the Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich and sold to another owner in 2009 for an undisclosed sum.

The launch of the remarkable motoryacht Ecstasea represented a number of milestones in the evolution of the superyacht industry. This space has been optimized to incorporate an extensive selection of cutting edge facilities. Ecstasea's exterior is distinguished by a powerful and modern signature, with a high bow for cutting through the waves. The challenge of matching the hull form required for 30-plus knots with a sleek look appropriate for a yacht of this speed has been successfully met.

The helicopter hangar in the bow is completely hidden, without a hint of the horizontal sliding hatches either technically or in terms of style. With a seam in the centerline of the boat, the hatch slides open in two halves to port and starboard.

The 86m superyacht can accommodate 14 guests in seven double cabins. Interior design is by Terence Disdale while the exterior design is by De Voogt.

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The 10 Fastest Superyachts in the World

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

Here are 10 of the fastest superyachts in the world.

1. Moon Goddess - 53 knots

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

2. Daloli - 54 knots

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

3. Why Not - 55 knots

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

4. Ermis² - 57 knots

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

5. Brave Challenger - 60 knots

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

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

6. Galeocerdo - 60 knots

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

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

7. Gentry Eagle - 63 knots

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

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

8. Foners - 68 knots

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

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

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

9. Alamshar - 68 knots

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

10. World is Not Enough - 70 knots

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

Written by  Garrett Parker

Related articles, a closer look at david and victoria beckham's yacht seafair.

The Top 20 Celebrity Yachts in The World

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A closer look at tankoa's t500 tethys, a closer look at x-yachts new x49e electric sailing boat, check out camper and nicholsons international's 120 ft tecnomar superyacht "lucy", sirena's new fully customizable 78-foot yacht, what boat characteristics make it a yacht.

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World's largest superyacht is now also the fastest.

Building the largest superyacht in the world apparently wasn't enough for the owner of Azzam. They also wanted the fastest.

Yachting executives say that Azzam, the largest yacht in the world at 590 feet, recently went through its first set of sea trials in the North Sea. The boat hit a staggering 31.5 knots, or about 37 miles per hour. At that speed it's believed to be the fastest yacht longer than 300 feet.

And that's not even top speed. Engineers say Azzam—with 94,000 horsepower driving giant water jets instead of propellers—can go even faster in deeper water. The 31.5 knot speed was recorded in water only about 60 feet deep.

"It can easily do more than 32 knots in deeper water," said one executive close to the project.

Azzam was officially launched in April but won't be delivered to its owner until sometime this fall since it still needs to undergo further tests and finish work. The yacht, which cost more than $600 million to build, is believed to be owned by the royal family of the United Arab Emirates.

( Read More: Owning a Yacht, One Share at a Time)

Representatives for Lurssen, the company that built Azzam, declined any comment about the boat.

Azzam is nearly 30 percent faster than similarly sized yachts. Eclipse, the second-largest yacht at 536 feet, hits a top speed of about 22 knots. Rising Sun, the 453 foot megayacht built for Larry Ellison and now owned by David Geffen, hits top speeds of about 28 knots.

(Read More: The Booming Business of Shipping Yachts )

There are smaller yachts that are faster, of course. A yacht called The World is Not Enough, a 140-footer built by the serial yacht builder John Staluppi, hit a top speed of 70 knots. But it's one-fourth the size of Azzam.

Fortuna, the yacht built for King Juan Carlos of Spain, hit 68 knots.

No descriptions or images of Azzam's interior are available, though we know it's in the hands of French interior designer Christophe Leoni, who's using a "turn-of-the-century Empire style."

—By CNBC's Robert Frank. Follow him on Twitter @robtfrank .

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Licence to thrill: John Staluppi's fastest superyachts

The world is not enough.

Launched in 2004 by Neptunus – Millennium , a Dutch shipyard part-owned by Staluppi, the 42 metre The World Is Not Enough can achieve around 67 knots. “Sportfishing boats had started doing 42 knots, 44 knots, and some of the smaller boats did 80km/h [50mph],” says Staluppi. “We would go by those boats, I would have a cocktail in my hand and give the people a ‘how you doing?’ Nobody could believe it.”

When Staluppi heard that the Aga Khan was planning to build a yacht capable of 65 knots, he commissioned Norship to build him a lightning-fast 36.6m model. The Aga Khan’s boat achieved a respectable 57 knots but Staluppi’s new toy Moonraker , which hit the water in 1992, reached 66.7 knots. She was the second boat in Staluppi’s long-term relationship with Mulder Design .

Having got a taste for speed, Staluppi dialled it up with 40.25m Octopussy , launched in 1988 by Heesen . He asked Frans Heesen for the fastest yacht in the world. He recalls that he told the yard owner: “The boat has to do over 50 knots. If it does under 50 knots I don’t have to take the boat. If the boat does 51 knots or more, for every knot over 51 knots we would pay a $200,000 [£262,000] bonus.” It did 53 knots.

For Your Eyes Only

John Staluppi’s first superyacht, now Blue Oceans , was a 36 metre launched in 1985 by US yard Denison. He wanted something racier than the yachts he had seen while cruising in his earlier, smaller fishing boats. “I wanted to build the first boat over 100ft [30.5m] that would go over 30 knots,” he said. “The Bond name came because the concept seemed to match the crazy gadgets, planes, boats and cars of the films.”

Staluppi has moved away from speed for speed’s sake, but he is still very keen on getting the most out of his machines. “She’s done 21.5 knots, which is pretty impressive for a yacht of her size,” he says about the 2018 launched 69 metre Spectre . The yacht is the newest addition to the growing family of boats bearing a James Bond name and John and Jeanette Staluppi’s special touch.

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Ten Of The Fastest Super Yachts On The Water In 2020

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

Top Speed: 52 knots

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

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

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

Top Speed: 53 knots

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

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

Top Speed: 55 knots

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

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

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

Top Speed: 57 knots

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

Top Speed: 60 knots

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

Gentry Eagle

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

Wally Power 118

Top speed: 65 knots.

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

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

World is not Enough

Top speed: 67 knots.

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

Top Speed: 70.1 knots

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

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World’s Fastest Mega Yacht

The World’s fastest yacht is a great title to hold. After all, Superyachts, and especially Mega yachts are all about Excess. Whose yacht is better than everyone else’s

Let’s make something clear

The title, “World’s fastest yacht” can be held by a number of yachts and the overall fastest is much, much quicker than this one. But, there is a difference between a yacht, Superyacht, and a Mega Yacht. For the sake of this article we are talking about the world’s fastest yacht in “Mega Yacht” terms i.e. over 100m in length .

Launched by Lurssen in 2013 and measuring 180m, M/Y Azzam was, at the time the largest yacht in the world. She was only beaten by the as yet unfinished REV Ocean last year when she was launched measuring 182.9m. So, Azzam is no longer officially the largest but she is definitely, for her size at least, the fastest.

Some Stats:

Beam: 20.8m

Draft: 4.3m

Propulsion: 2 x 9000 KW MTU Diesel engines + Two Gas turbines. Total power = 97,000hp

Fuel consumption (top speed): 13 tonnes = 15,294 litres per hour

Azzam was not built to be the World’s fastest yacht, or indeed the world’s largest yacht either. She was originally designed to be 145m but in the process of “optimisation” she grew.

During sea trials in the North Sea she reached 32 knots. She can reach a max speed of 33 knots. That’s quick for any yacht, but a 180m one! Can you imagine?

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Boat of the Week: This 171-Foot Super-Luxe Sportfishing Yacht Is the Largest in the World

The epic vessel is a super fast "battlewagon" designed to chase marlin, swordfish and sailfish. it's also decidedly lavish., howard walker, howard walker's most recent stories.

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To hook the world’s biggest fighting fish, in the words of Chief Brody in the classic 1975 movie Jaws , “You’re going to need a bigger boat.”

Privately owned fishing boats won’t come any bigger than this astonishing 171-foot super-luxury sportfisherman, set to claim the title of “World’s Largest Sportfish Superyacht.”

Designed by Dutch naval architects Vripack , and soon to start construction at the Royal Huisman yard in the Netherlands, Project 406 as it’s currently codenamed, will be a fast “battlewagon,” designed to chase marlin, swordfish and sailfish to the ends of the earth. “Project 406 is a sportfishing machine on steroids,” Vripack co-creative director Bart M. Bouwhuis told Robb Report . “It has the proportions of a typical American sportfishing yacht, with a long, flaring bow and open foredeck, and raked-back superstructure. It’s just bigger in every way.”

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Like every sportfishing boat, the focus is the cockpit, with a fighting chair in the center and multiple rocket launchers. The decks above are for ringside views of the action.  Courtesy Vripack

Bouwhuis is quick to point out “this is a sportfisher first, and superyacht second. While she will have the luxury of a true superyacht, she’ll set a new benchmark in the world of big-game fishing boats.”

Renderings from Vripack show a towering, six-deck fishing machine with the sleek proportions of smaller battlewagons from American builders like Viking, Hatteras and Jarrett Bay.

To shave weight, the hull and superstructure will be made of Alustar aluminum, a super-strong, high-tensile alloy. Bouwhuis won’t reveal the yacht’s power, though the word “huge” comes out in the conversation. “You can’t fool nature if you want a 171-foot boat to go this fast,” he says. “It will have significant horsepower.”

Designer Vripack kept the proportions similar to traditional American sportfishing designs, though those smaller battlewagons don’t have six decks.  Courtesy Vripack

The yacht has been commissioned by an experienced owner who is passionate about big-game fishing. “There are yachts out there that label themselves ‘sportfishermen,’ but they tend to be big motoryachts with a small fishing cockpit on back. Project 406 stays true to the traditional proportions.”

That means an oversized stern cockpit that’s low to the water, with a classic varnished-wood fighting chair takes center stage. Each of the decks above it will face the stern to give guests a front-row view of the sportfishing action below. For thrill-seekers, the very top deck, high above the flybridge hardtop, will provide stunning 360-degree views of the water. Perfect for spotting leaping marlin.

When the fish aren’t biting, Project 406 will offer guests plenty of places to kick back and relax. On the bow is an expansive, sunken sun-lounging area with oversize pads and sofas. The yacht’s fourth-level sky lounge will serve as an extraordinary “theater” for watching big-game fish leap out of the water. At night, it will have the relaxed ambience and stunning views of a boutique hotel penthouse.

When not in sportfishing mode, the outer decks can be used for socializing, especially the open area in the bow.  Courtesy Vripack

“It has been a steep learning curve for the whole Vripack team, discovering what makes a great sportfishing boat and understanding what kind of features are needed—from the rods, to the baitwells, the icemakers and fish boxes,” says Bouwhuis. “But it has definitely been an exciting challenge.”

It’s hard to understand the unbridled passion for fishing, especially when discussing the world’s largest sportfishing boat.  But actor Lee Marvin summed up the feeling nicely: “I only make movies to finance my fishing.”

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