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The top 25 largest yachts in the world

Every year, shipyards from around the world push the boundaries of superyacht design to deliver bigger and better yachts. The Samuda-built El Mahrousa may have carried the title unchallenged for a remarkable 119 years, but in the 21st century, she has descended down the pecking order to make room for even larger and longer yachts. German shipyard Lürssen currently holds a near monopoly in the construction of supersized superyachts, having delivered 13 of the world’s top 25. But the list is ever-changing with the 158 metre Blue breaking into the top five in 2022. These yachts, all measuring over 100 metres, are impressive not only for their hull length but for what they carry above and below deck. From submarines and helicopters to swimming pools , cinemas and science labs, the onboard features of these superyachts show them to be truly ground-breaking pieces of engineering. Read on to discover our official list of the largest, privately owned yachts in the world.

1. Azzam | 180.6m

In October 2013, Lürssen delivered the largest privately owned superyacht in the world in the form Azzam . Originally, she was designed to be 145 metres, but in the process of optimisation grew to 180 metres. Other stunning facts about Azzam’s impressive design include her staggering 13,000 GT and accommodation for 36 guests and as many as 80 crew members. The behemoth was reportedly built for Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed al-Nahyan of Abu Dhabi’s royal family, for use as a dayboat to reach his favourite diving grounds. The main saloon alone encompasses nearly 522m² and has a relaxed French Empire style and mother of pearl finishes, designed by Christophe Leoni . On board features include a gym, pool and a special ‘golf training room’.

Exteriors have been penned by Nauta Yacht Design , and the technical engineering was directed by Mubarak Saad al Ahbabi for the owner. The yacht has an impressive speed for her size owing to her innovative water-jet propulsion system (two fixed jets, two directional), which catapults her along at a staggering 31.5-plus knots. At 17.5 metres longer than Roman Abramovich’s Eclipse , this boat takes the prestigious title of the world’s largest yacht. The all-white superyacht has held her title unchallenged for nearly seven years, but this reign will come to an end with the expected delivery of 183 metre REV .

• Builder: Lurssen
• Country of build: Germany
• Delivery year: 2013
• Length Overall: 180.61 m
• Gross Tonnage 13136 t

More about this yacht

More stories, 2. eclipse | 162.5m.

After five years of intensive design, development and construction, Eclipse left the Blohm + Voss yard in December 2010. She carried the title of world’s largest superyacht for just three years before being usurped by Azzam . Managed by Blue Ocean Yacht Management, Eclipse features a diesel-electric propulsion system with generators powering rotating Azipod drives, dramatic exterior styling and a stunning interior design by London-based Terence Disdale Design , which has been responsible for all aspects of aesthetic design and layout, including the superstructure design, deck layouts, interior design and construction supervision. Eclipse was voted Motor Yacht of the Year at the World Superyacht Awards in 2011 and Motor Yacht of the Decade at the 10th World Superyacht Awards in 2015.

Her accommodation includes an owner’s deck of 56 metres in length and facilities for up to 92 crew. Her interior boasts hundreds of custom finishes exclusively developed especially for this project, while her deck areas include a 16 metre swimming pool which can be transformed into a dance floor. The yacht can also accommodate three helicopters, one on each of the two helipads and the third in a storage hangar below the fore deck.

• Builder: Blohm & Voss
• Delivery year: 2010
• Length Overall: 162.5 m
• Gross Tonnage 13564 t

3. Dubai | 162m

Dubai was originally commissioned by Prince Jefri of Brunei with exterior styling and interior design by Andrew Winch . The Blohm & Voss project was suspended in 1998 with just the bare hull and partially complete superstructure. It was eventually sold to the Dubai government, and responsibility passed to Kostis Antonopoulos of Platinum Yachts , which prepared a new in-house interior design completed in 2006.

The aptly named Dubai is the royal yacht of Sheik Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum of Dubai. The accommodation, styled by Nakheel Interiors , is designed for 24 guests and comprises an owner’s suite, five VIP suites and six guest suites, all with open balconies. Special features include a 21.3m-wide atrium, a swimming pool, barbecue area, cinema, disco, a landing platform for a Blackhawk helicopter, a gymnasium, and a garage for the yacht’s submarine and a vast array of water toys. Full certification was obtained from Lloyds Register of Shipping in October 2006 and she has since made several voyages. She can reach a maximum speed of 25 knots.

• Builder: Platinum
• Country of build: United Arab Emirates
• Delivery year: 2006
• Length Overall: 162 m
• Gross Tonnage 12488 t

4. Blue | 158m

Taking her place at number four in the list of the world’s longest yachts, Lürssen’s Blue is so voluminous that she beats all the longer boats in terms of gross tonnage. Built for a Middle Eastern owner, she is exceeded for internal space only by those behemoths Dilbar (15,917GT) and Al Said (15,850GT). Terence Disdale has penned classic exterior lines with a sharply raked bow and gentle curves to the deep overhangs of the decks. The main helipad is positioned on the bow, with a smaller one aft. Other exterior features include a pool under cover on the main deck aft, a bathing platform at the stern and twin balconies flanking the owner’s cabin forward. Blue ’s interior is designed to be timeless and rich in “feminine elegance”, a deliberate contrast to the exterior. 

Blue is equipped with a diesel-electric hybrid propulsion system that was developed in-house. An electric Azimuth pod drive can manoeuvre the boat alone or in conjunction with the twin propeller shafts. To reduce noise, vibration and NOx levels, Blue has a state-of-the-art exhaust treatment system. The boat is also equipped with new membrane technology that means her treated waste water achieves drinking water quality.

• Delivery year: 2022
• Length Overall: 160.6 m
• Beam: 22.5 m
• Gross Tonnage 14785 t

5. Dilbar | 156m

With a total interior volume of over 15,000 GT, Dilbar is the largest yacht in the world by gross tonnage, if not by length. She was built in steel and aluminium by Lürssen to a design by Espen Øino . In 2016, she was delivered in the Mediterranean for her owner, the Uzbekistani billionaire Alisher Usmanov. She replaced Usmanov’s previous yacht of the same name, which has since been renamed Ona . She is usually spotted cruising around the South of France, northern Spain and sometimes Cyprus.

Record-breaking features on board this SOLAS-class superyacht include her 180 cubic metre swimming pool and her 30,000KW electric diesel power plant. Her interiors, styled by Winch Design, can accommodate up to 24 guests served by nearly 100 crew members. She also has two helipads, 3,800 square metres of living space amd an expansive garden complete with a specially developed variety of grass that tolerates salt air, according to its creator Axel Massmann. Dilbar has a single colour for her exterior, a buttery cream shade, that makes her instantly recognisable at sea and can reach a top speed of 21 knots.

• Delivery year: 2016
• Length Overall: 156 m
• Beam: 23.5 m
• Gross Tonnage 15917 t

6. Al Said | 155m

This Lloyd’s-classed vessel, known as Project Sunflower during construction, was delivered by Lürssen’s Vegesack yard to her owner, Sultan Qaboos bin Said Al Said of Oman, in March 2008. Measuring an impressive 155 metres, Al Said is the principle vessel of the Oman Royal Yacht Squadron. Designed by Espen Øino with the looks of a classic cruise liner, she sails under the Omani flag and her home port is Muttrah Harbour in Muscat. 

This Germanischer Lloyd-classed, 15,850GT yacht can reach a top speed of 25 knots and is reported to have a crew capacity of 150. Her panelled interiors, designed in a traditional style by Jonathan Quinn Barnett , offers huge entertaining spaces and accommodation for 65 guests. Her pièce de résistance is the on-board concert hall that can accommodate a 50-strong orchestra, but across her six decks she also has a helipad and a cinema.

• Delivery year: 2008
• Length Overall: 155 m
• Gross Tonnage 15850 t

7. El Mahrousa | 150.6m

El Mahrousa was first delivered by the Samuda Brothers shipyard in 1865. She held on to the title of longest yacht in the world for over a century before finally being usurped by the delivery of Prince Abdulaziz in the 1980s. She was originally built for the Ottoman governor of Egypt, Khedive Ismail, receive visiting dignitaries. and was present at the opening ceremony of the Suez Canal in 1869, when she was used to receive visiting dignitaries. She was lengthened by 12.1 metres in 1872, when her paddle wheels were removed, and by a further 5.2 metres in 1905. Her last major rebuild was in 1950.

Significant moments in her lifetime include her participation in 1976 as the Egyptian representative at the Bicentennial Fleet Review in New York harbour. She slipped into disrepair after this while being used as a museum ship. In 1992, a major effort was put into making her seaworthy enough to travel to Italy for the Christopher Columbus Fleet Review. She now serves as the Egyptian Presidential Yacht but is seldom seen in public. She is usually berthed in Alexandria, where she is cared for by the Egyptian Navy, which lists her as a training ship. Powered by three Parsons steam turbines, she can achieve a top speed of 16 knots.

• Builder: Samuda
• Country of build: United Kingdom
• Delivery year: 1865
• Length Overall: 150.57 m
• Beam: 12.98 m
• Gross Tonnage 4560 t

8. A+ | 147.3m

Formerly known as Topaz , the Tim Heywood -designed A+ was launched by Lürssen in 2012 and uniquely features Heywood’s signature illuminated on her superstructure. Although she flies a Cayman flag, her owner is a member of the UAE elite – reportedly Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed al-Nahyan, who also owns the UK’s Manchester City football club.

Having previously been chartered twice by Hollywood actor Leonardo DiCaprio, the 147.25 metre superyacht features a helicopter landing pad located at the bow and her interiors have been designed by Terence Disdale – but not much else is known about this superyacht, as many of her details are still shrouded in secrecy.

• Delivery year: 2012
• Length Overall: 147.25 m
• Beam: 21.5 m
• Gross Tonnage 12532 t

9. Prince Abdulaziz | 147m

The 5,200-tonne Prince Abdulaziz was delivered by Danish shipyard Helsingor Vaerft in 1984 to her first owner, King Fahd of Saudi Arabia. Since then, she has continued to serve the Saudi royal family and is berthed beside the king’s palace in Jeddah. She has been refitted three times; in 1987, 1996 and in 2005.

Prince Abdulaziz was built at a reported cost of $184m to a design by Maierform . Her interior, designed by the late David Hicks , blends ancient and modern. One notable feature is the large lobby, said to be designed to mimic that of the Titanic . She includes a hospital, a mosque and a cinema, and there are also rumours of surface-to-air missiles and an underwater surveillance system on board. The mega yacht can accommodate as many as 64 guests and is manned by a crew of 65.

• Builder: Helsingor Vaerft
• Country of build: Denmark
• Delivery year: 1984
• Length Overall: 147.01 m
• Beam: 18.3 m
• Gross Tonnage 8233 t

10. Opera | 146.4m

Reportedly built for a senior Emirati royal, Opera 's size and gross tonnage catapult her directly into the ranks of the world's 10 biggest private yachts. The 146.4-metre yacht certainly has some of the hallmarks of a Middle Eastern boat, with deep overhangs between decks and lots of enclosed deck space hinting at use in an aggressive climate. Pictures taken during a maiden voyage from Bremen to Portsmouth last summer showed lots of floor-to-ceiling glass across six guest decks, as well as two helicopter landing spots and a beach club whose twin staircases must climb two decks to reach a 10-metre, stone-lined pool aft of the main deck. The pool rises to form a dance floor.

Lürssen has kept the project shrouded in secrecy, but designer Terence Disdale confirmed that interior facilities include a cinema and an extensive spa and wellness centre, plus other features that are being kept under wraps. He also mentioned an upper lounge with a 110-inch television and bay windows.

• Delivery year: 2023
• Length Overall: 146.35 m
• Gross Tonnage 12518 t

11. OK | 146m

This unusual vessel spent decades plying the seas as a float-on yacht carrier for DYT Yacht Transport with the unglamorous moniker Super Servant 3 – and it is this carrying ability that caught the owner’s eye.

40 years after its original launch by Japan’s Oshima Shipbuilding , the yacht emerged from a root-and-branch refit at Karmarine in Turkey. The exterior has been smartened up, with a new matt-black paint job, gold-tinted glazing, teak decking at the bow, stern and sides and an expanse of artificial grass on the submersible aft deck – an idea of the owner’s, to enliven the guest cabins’ view. There are reports that this space doubles as a tennis court and, at 32 metres by 100 metres, there would certainly be the room for it.

With a strengthened hull, the boat’s original role as a yacht carrier has been enhanced. Pumping ballast into tanks under the aft deck allows the platform to lower so that the owner’s 46-metre ketch can be floated aboard and secured. There’s also a 40-tonne crane for positioning other toys – reportedly up to 70 of them, from launches and cars to a seaplane.

Under the direction of Bozca Design , Karmarine has stripped out and rebuilt the accommodation area at the front of the yacht. There are cabins for up to 20 guests, a glazed sundeck spa pool, a "botanical" garden and an outdoor cinema. The lift between decks runs through a glass tower outside the superstructure. 

• Builder: Oshima Shipbuilding
• Country of build: Japan
• Delivery year: 1982
• Length Overall: 146 m
• Beam: 32.01 m
• Gross Tonnage 11296 t

12. Sailing Yacht A | 142.8m

This Philippe Starck -designed vessel is the second superyacht commissioned by Russian businessman Andrey Melnichenko, after his first Motor Yacht A . She was built in Germany by the Nobiskrug yard and delivered in February 2017.

A sail-assisted yacht like no other, Sailing Yacht A comprises eight decks, and her rotating curved carbon fibre masts tower to 100 metres. She is made to set 3,747 square metres of sail and is manned by crew of 54. She sports an underwater viewing pod (moulded into the keel) and balconies enclosed by the largest pieces of curved glass ever. There are 24 shell doors in her hull, and she has a diesel-electric power plant controlled by computer. Records claimed by the Starck superyacht include the world's tallest carbon masts, with the tallest standing at 100 metres above sea level.

• Builder: Nobiskrug
• Delivery year: 2017
• Length Overall: 142.81 m
• Beam: 24.88 m
• Gross Tonnage 12700 t

13. Nord | 142m

Nord started life as Project Redwood, then Opus. Everyone involved in her design and build has remained tight-lipped about the details, but build manager Rob Moran shared some exclusive insight with BOAT International .

First up, she has an Ice Class hull for real exploration. Her aluminium superstructure runs to four decks, contained within the dramatic sweep of a black-painted arch – a key part of the vision of designers Nuvolari Lenard . Not one but two helipads are in evidence, while a vast beach club and tender garage gives  "space to store a plethora of toys including 16 tenders, a submarine and an ROV", according to Moran. The largest tender reportedly measures 15 metres, and there is a watersports and dive centre on the lower deck. Nord has a generous touch-and-go helipad at its heavily flared aircraft carrier bow, but there is also a much bigger space aft up on the bridge deck that offers landing, parking and bunkering for the owner’s helicopter, as well as an entire hangar for protection during longer passages. 

Also visible to onlookers was the exceptional 25-metre-long swimming pool on the main deck aft, plus a spa pool on the upper deck. Her interior is reported to include a gym, spa, sauna and a whole deck devoted to the owner.

• Delivery year: 2021
• Length Overall: 141.6 m
• Beam: 19.5 m
• Gross Tonnage 10154 t

14. Yas | 141m

Delivered in 1978 by De Schelde as a navy frigate, Yas was rebuilt in 2013 by Abu Dhabi MAR. Previously known under the project name Swift 141, she was completely modified with new machinery and electronic systems and outfitted with a luxurious interior. It has been suggested that her owner is a member of the Emirati royal family.

She has been designed inside and out by Pierrejean Design Studio of Paris . The unique superstructure of Yas is built in advanced composites and glass and was supposedly inspired by the profile shape of a dolphin. She is reportedly able to accommodate 60 guests and 56 crew, and on-board features include a heli-pad and al fresco dining spaces aft, and a Jacuzzi on her top deck. Her beach club Jacuzzi is complemented by a waterfall feature and a spiral staircase connects her the multiple decks. Powered by twin MTU diesels, Yas has a top speed of 26 knots.

• Builder: De Schelde
• Country of build: Netherlands
• Length Overall: 141 m
• Beam: 14.6 m
• Gross Tonnage 5002 t

15. Ocean Victory | 140m

Ocean Victory was completed at Fincantieri’s Muggiano yard in Italy after launching in April 2014. This seven-deck yacht is based on a design by Espen Øino and her interior is by Alberto Pinto and Laura Sessa . She has internal seawater dockage for a 14-metre tender and six pools of up to 8 metres in length. There’s a certified helideck and a hangar to store the aircraft, while inside Ocean Victory boasts an underwater observation room and more than 300 square metres of spa facilities. She is SOLAS-classed and is the largest yacht ever built in Italy. 

In 2016, the superyacht world was shocked and saddened to hear of the death of one of Ocean Victory’ s crew members, who suffered critical leg injuries while setting the anchor off the coast of Mu Ko Similan National Park in Thailand. Little else is known about this top-secret yacht, which is kept much under wraps and away from prying eyes.

• Builder: Fincantieri
• Country of build: Italy
• Delivery year: 2014
• Length Overall: 140 m
• Gross Tonnage 8506 t

16. Scheherazade | 140m

Another titan by Lürssen , Scheherazade carries the same name as the enigmatic story-teller of the Middle Eastern epic One Thousand and One nights . She hit the water in July 2019 and offers phenomenal volumes at 10,167 GT. Her Espen Øino exterior features a four-deck aluminium superstructure with elegant tapering roofs and an eclectic range of coloured LED exterior lighting. She also has two large helipads – one at the bow and one on the upper deck – plus a prominent beach club aft. 

There is very little information regarding her interior by François Zuretti , but if the work of the French design house on 106-metre Amadea is anything to go by, it is imperious and sophisticated. With the owner known to be a Middle Eastern billionaire, this yacht is designed with warmer climates in mind. Temperatures in excess of 45 degrees Celsius are quite normal in the region during the summer months, so Scheherazade has relatively little exterior space for a yacht of this size. There is limited covered deck space at the aft end of the main and upper decks, but it is well enclosed by glass sides for cooling. Even the sundeck is completely shaded by a hardtop, which all helps to give her an astonishing internal volume.

• Delivery year: 2020
• Beam: 23.3 m
• Gross Tonnage 10167 t

17. Solaris | 140M

The 140-metre expedition yacht Solaris was launched in the city of Bremerhaven in February 2021 as the flagship model of German shipyard Lloyd Werft . She is the debut project of Australian designer Marc Newson , who has given her a dramatic grey and white superstructure which features a unique fashion plate which wraps around the mast and connects both sides of the hull. Spanning eight decks in total, Solaris has been constructed in aluminium and steel and offers a 26-metre beam. Little information has been shared about her interiors, but her exterior is equipped with a large helipad, a sun deck and a spacious beach club aft.

Turning to the technical elements, Solaris is reportedly outfitted with a power and energy management system from ABB and features two Azipods powered by nine megawatts – the most powerful propulsion system of its kind to ever be installed on a yacht. She runs on a total of eight MTU diesel engines, providing 19,040hp. Little else is known about the superyacht, on which construction first began in 2018.

• Builder: Lloyd Werft
• Length Overall: 139.7 m
• Gross Tonnage 11247 t

18. Al Salamah | 139.3m

Built by the consortium of Howaldtswerke Deutsche Werft (HDW) in Kiel and the Lürssen shipyard in Germany, Al Salamah is often referred to as "Mipos", the code name used during the construction of this most secret of yachts. Mipos was short for "Mission Possible" – a statement proved correct by her delivery in 1999.

She has a length of 139.3 metres, a massive beam of 23.5 metres, and is reported to have a top speed of 21.5 knots. Both the interior design and the exterior styling are by the London-based Terence Disdale Design . Al Salamah was owned by the late Sultan bin Abdulaziz of Saudi Arabia, who also owned 147 metre Prince Abdulaziz . She was refitted by Lürssen in 2007 and is rumoured to carry a hospital room with an underwater treadmill for physical therapy on board.

• Delivery year: 1999
• Length Overall: 139.29 m
• Gross Tonnage 12234 t

19. Luminance | 138.8m

Espen Øino is repsonsible for this giant yacht's crisp exterior lines. Despite a traditional raked bow, she looks bang up to date with a gleaming hull and superstructure that counterpoise dark blue and silver to create a masculine look. Øino has played with the profile of the overhangs to give the illusion of reverse sheer amidships. The effect is especially striking when viewing the yacht from beam-on. Her twin helicopter pads – one on the foredeck and another high up aft – will make her capable of ambitious explorer programmes. She also boasts a large beach club and an infinity pool, with a private spa pool area on the foredeck of what may be an owner's deck.

Luminance was expected in 2023, but delivery has fallen back a fraction. It is a mammoth project, whose true length has only just been confirmed at 138.8 metres. Her Ukranian owner, mining and financial services mogul Rinat Akhmetov, told The New York Times last year that he was mulling the boat's sale following Russia's invasion of his homeland, but it's not known whether he followed through.

• Delivery year: 2024
• Length Overall: 138.8 m
• Gross Tonnage 8999 t

20. Rising Sun | 138m

Rising Sun was built for Larry Ellison, co-founder and CEO of Oracle. She's the last yacht that ever came from designer Jon Bannenberg’s drawing board, with interiors styled by   Laura Seccombe . Rising Sun ’s naval architecture experimented with an extensive use of structural glass for a clean and stripped-down profile.

In 2006, Ellison sold half ownership to media mogul David Geffen, who bought the remaining half in 2010. Rising Sun is reported to have cost more than $290,000,000 and was extended by 18 metres in-build to ensure she was larger than the 126.2-metre Octopus , belonging to Microsoft’s co-founder, Paul Allen. Her 8,000 square metres of living space can accommodate 45 crew members, and includes a wine cellar and basketball court, plus accommodation for 16. One of her tenders, a catamaran, carries the yacht’s 4x4 vehicle ashore.

• Delivery year: 2004
• Length Overall: 138.01 m
• Gross Tonnage 7600 t

21. Flying Fox | 136m

Formerly Project Shu, PYC-compliant Flying Fox was built by Lürssen for a serial charter yacht owner and completed her sea trials off the coast of Germany in May 2019. The 136-metre, six-deck yacht towers 32 metres above the waterline – as tall as three London buses balanced end on end. Her elegant, well-balanced profile by Espen Øino conceals an extraordinarily voluminous interior by Mark Berryman , including a double-height atrium that forms the main deck lobby. There are 11 cabins for 36 guests, all with private sea-view terraces, and expansive outdoor living spaces, such as a 12-metre swimming pool transversing the main deck aft, swim platforms and two helipads. The 400-square-metre spa is the stand-out feature. It has heated limestone floors, a Hammam, massage and beauty treatment rooms and the first cryosauna ever installed on a yacht, with a main chamber that reaches a chilly -110C. There’s also an on-board hospital.

One of the most expensive superyachts in the world available for charter , Flying Fox is crewed by an experienced team of 54. She boasts a toybox stuffed with jet skis and other Seabobs, hoverboards, room for a submarine and and nine different tenders. Plus, she even has her own dive centre and kite surf store on board.

• Delivery year: 2019
• Length Overall: 136 m
• Beam: 20.5 m
• Gross Tonnage 9100 t

Yachts for charter

22. savarona | 135.9m.

Built by Blohm + Voss for American bridge cable heiress Emily Roebling Cadwalader in 1931, Savarona was sold in 1938 to the Turkish government and became the presidential yacht of Kemal Atatürk. In 1989, Kahraman Sadikoglu obtained a 50-year lease and, with investors, spent $35,000,000 on the refit of this classic superyacht, including a library suite dedicated to the memory of Atatürk and furnished with his personal artefacts. In 2010, after an alleged scandal, the Turkish government cancelled the lease and resumed ownership. In 2014, she was refurbished and now serves as the state yacht of Turkey. 

Savarona was, for a time, offered on the market for superyacht charters around Istanbul, although she is no longer available to the public. Key features onboard this superyacht include a marble-finished Turkish hammam bath that spans the entire 16-metre beam, a swimming pool, a gold-trimmed grand staircase and a private cinema. She is named after a type of black swan found in the Indian Ocean region.

• Delivery year: 1931
• Length Overall: 135.94 m
• Beam: 16.12 m
• Gross Tonnage 4701 t

23. Crescent | 135.5m

Crescent , formerly Project Thunder, has what the yard called a "traditionally-styled" interior by Zuretti , exterior design by Espen Øino and naval architecture by Lürssen . Øino went to great lengths to maximise what he calls the "vision lines" from the interior and the decks – especially from the centreline, which on such a beamy boat is a long way from the sides – by having full height windows and keeping the bulwarks as low as possible.

She has a steel hull and aluminium superstructure and was built to DNV GL standards. Her striking black hull is matched with a silver superstructure that has distinctive wing stations amidships. Just forward of the wing stations are three-deck windows, providing spectacular views for her 18-strong guest list.

• Delivery year: 2018
• Length Overall: 135.5 m
• Gross Tonnage 9194 t

24. Serene | 133.9m

Built for a Russian owner, Serene was the first superyacht delivered by Italian yard Fincantieri . She can accommodate up to 24 guests and 52 crew, and boasts 4,500 square metres of interior space designed by Reymond Langton .

Serene has seven decks, two helipads and a hangar, carries a custom submarine certified to 100m depth and has underwater viewing ports in her Nemo room. A "snow room" can make up to four inches of snow, while the impressive spiral staircase rises through six decks and is lit by a large skylight. Serene won Best Motor Yacht of 3,000GT and Above at the 2012 World Superyacht Awards. Powered by a diesel engine, Serene can reach a top speed of 20 knots and has a maximum cruising range of 6000 nautical miles.

• Delivery year: 2011
• Length Overall: 133.9 m
• Beam: 18.6 m
• Gross Tonnage 8231 t

25. Al Mirqab | 133m

Al Mirqab was built by Peterswerft - Kusch for Hamad bin Jassim bin Jaber Al Thani – the former prime minister of Qatar. Her exterior design is by Tim Heywood and her interiors were styled by Winch Design . She is propelled by five generators that power two electric motors driving conventional shafts and a centrally positioned azimuthing electric pod drive. A grand staircase floats through four floors and surrounds suspended glass artwork by Dale Chihuly. 

Al Mirqab won Motor Yacht of the Year at the World Superyacht Awards 2009 and Best Interior Design among motor yachts. She can accommodate 60 guests and is manned by an equal number of crew.

• Builder: Peterswerft - Kusch
• Length Overall: 133 m
• Gross Tonnage 5000 t

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

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

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

• Black Pearl
• Maltese Falcon
• Sea Eagle II

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

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

On this page:

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

Sailing Yacht A — 142.81M (468.6 Ft.)

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

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

Koru — 127M (416 Ft.)

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

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

Sea Cloud — 109.5M (359 Ft.)

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

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

Black Pearl — 106.7M (350 Ft.)

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

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

Eos — 93M (305 Ft.)

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

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

Athena — 90M (295 Ft.)

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

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

Maltese Falcon — 88M (289 Ft.)

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

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

Aquijo — 85.9M (282 Ft.)

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

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

Sea Eagle II — 81M (266 Ft.)

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

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

M5 — 78.4M (257.2 Ft.)

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

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

Enigma — 74.5M (244 Ft.)

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

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

Badis I — 70M (230 Ft.)

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

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

Vertigo — 67.2M (220 Ft.)

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

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

Hetairos — 66.7M (219 Ft.)

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

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

Adix — 65.5M (215 Ft.)

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

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

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

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

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

Perseus^3 — 60M (197 Ft.)

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

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

Ngoni — 58M (190 Ft.)

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

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

Twizzle — 57.5M (188 Ft.)

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

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

Fleurtje — 57.4M (188 Ft.)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Top 10 Biggest Sailing Yachts In The World

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

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

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

1. Sailing Yacht A | 142.8m

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

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

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

2. Sea Cloud | 109.5m

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

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

3. Black Pearl | 106.7m

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

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

4. EOS | 92.92m

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

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

5. Athena | 90m

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

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

6. Maltese Falcon | 88m

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

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

7. Aquijo | 86m

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

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

8. Sea Eagle II | 81m

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

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

9. M5 | 77.6m

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

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

10. Badis I | 70m

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

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

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10 largest sailing ships in the world

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

Sailing Yacht A

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

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

It is worth between 400 and 500 million euros.

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

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

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

Sea Cloud Spirit

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

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

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

Black Pearl

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

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

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

10 Biggest Ships with Sails

Ships with sails were quite popular and useful in the bygone days. Technology in the form of engines surpassed these marine marvels, with better speed and thereby higher efficiency. However, even though their utility value diminished, their novelty and uniqueness continue to linger.

Over the years, many replicas of sailing ships have been created. Some of these replicas are used as cruise vessels while some just provide a feel of the years-long gone by.

Detailed below are the 10 biggest ships with sails, ranked based on their lengths.

1. Preussen

The German ship Preussen was the largest sailing ship wonder at the time of its launch at the start of the 20th century.

She had an LOA of 147 m and a 16.4 m beam . She was 68 m high with a 5081 gross tonnage and a displacement of 11,330 tonnes.

Artistically ingenious, the ship’s hull was made of steel and was powered by five fully rigged masts.

At that time, the sailing ship boasted of being the only vessel to have five masts with fully rigged sails.

Used as a cargo ship to transport nitrate in the South American continent, the Preussen had an untimely end when a Brighton – a steamer ran it down.

2. France II

This French sailing vessel was launched in 1912. It boasted a gross tonnage of 5633 tonnes and was a massive ship, square-rigged as a 5-masted steel-hulled barque.

She measured 146.5 m lengthwise and 16.9 m breadthwise. She had a displacement of 10,710 metric tonnes and a sail area of 6350 m2.

The long yards and short masts gave her a wider appearance than other tall vessels. Her striking feature was the three-island deck lining, a long poop deck , forecastle and midship islands and two open deck sections on the upper side, each having her loading hatch.

She had 7 passenger cabins, a library, therapy equipment, a piano, furniture etc.

3. Thomas W. Lawson

Built by the Fore River Ship and Engine Co. based in Massachusetts in the year 1901, the Thomas W. Lawson was a seven-mast schooner used mainly to haul coal and oil by the Eastern Coast of the United States.

However on account of the huge size and bulk of the ship, in her later years, she was used only for oil cargo transportation and was regarded as the first sailing tanker vessel in the world.

This ship was 145 m long and 15 m broad with a 5218 gross tonnage and a displacement of 11,000 tonnes.

Thomas W. Lawson formed a very important role in the sail ships of its era because it was operated without the support of any ancillary engines.

A storm on the island of Scilly caused the ship to be destroyed beyond repair and 16 crew members from the original total of 18 lost their lives in the accident.

This wooden 6-masted schooner constructed in 1909 by Percy & Small in Bath, Maine is said to be one of the biggest wooden sailing ships of all time. It was a collier ship, which carried coal around the world.

It had a donkey generator , anchor windlass and winches to raise and lower sails, and get other tasks done. She was 140 m long and 15.3 m wide with a 9.3 m draught.

Her gross tonnage was 3730 tonnes and she displaced approximately 6000 tonnes when fully loaded.

She had a small crew of just 11. Yellow pine was used for her construction and she had long planks which twisted and turned in choppy seas. Pumps were used to drain out the water which occasionally entered her holds. In 1924, Wyoming sank with the loss of all its crew.

5. Royal Clipper

The Royal Clipper is a cruise ship that is built on the lines of the Preussen – a five-mast sail ship that was built in the year 1902.

At present, the Royal Clipper is regarded to be the world’s largest sailing ship with five masts that are rigged fully.

The cruise ship offers a Mediterranean cruise during the summer while offering a Caribbean cruise during the winter.

As one of the tall sailing ships, the Royal Clipper finds a place in the esteemed Guinness Book of World Records as the biggest sailing ship with squarely rigged masts.

She is 134.8 m long, 16.5 m wide and has a gross tonnage of 4425 tonnes. She has five masts, and 42 sails covering 5202.6 m2. Royal Clipper can accommodate 227 passengers and 106 crew members.

6. Barque Sedov

Originally known as the Magdalene Vinnen II, the sailing ship was built in Germany in 1921 and was mainly used as a cargo ship until the year 1936 when she was converted into a naval training vessel.

Sedov is 117.5 m long, 14.6 m wide and has a displacement of 7400 tonnes. She has a sail area of 4195 m2, a maximum speed of 18 knots and a complement of 220.

After the Second World War, she was handed over to the Soviet navy and her name was changed to Sedov after the famous Soviet explorer Georgy Sedov. The most unique aspect of the Sedov is that at the time of construction, in addition to the four sailing steel masts, it had an ancillary engine .

At present after nearly 90 years past her construction, the Sedov is still in operation and is used as a training vessel for cadets from the Russian universities of St. Petersburg and Murmansk. The biggest sailing ship is also a participant in many of the tall sailing ship races held across the world.

7. Juan Sebastian Elcano

Also known as the Juan Sebastian de Elcano, the schooner was built in the year 1927 and is third among the world’s tall sailing ships.

She is 113 m long and 13.1 m wide with a 7 m draft. It has 21 sails with a sail area of 2870 m2 and a maximum speed of 13 knots. She supports a complement of 300 sailors and has a displacement of 3673 tonnes.

Named after Juan Sebastian Elcano, the man who commandeered the fleet during Ferdinand Magellan’s last expedition, the ship sail is presently used as a training vessel for the Spanish Royal Naval forces.

A steel-hulled four-mast sail ship, the Juan Sebastian Elcano is a very popular ship with sails.

8. Great Republic

This was the biggest wooden sailing ship when launched in 1853, along with the steamship Adriatic. It was also the biggest full-rigged vessel ever constructed in the U.S, by Donald McKay for trading with Australia.

She was a 4-masted Clipper Barque with a gross tonnage of 4555 tonnes and a displacement of 6600 tonnes. She was also 102 m long and 16 m wide.

While loading for her first voyage in New York she suffered a fire which destroyed her. Her wreck was abandoned and she was later rebuilt and served the trans-Atlantic and California shipping routes.

She had difficulty accessing several ports due to her size, especially when fully loaded, and had to be partially unloaded into lighters so she could enter locked basins.

This warship was built in the early 1600s however sank on its first voyage in 1628, only to be salvaged in 1961.

She was 69 m long and 11.7 m wide with a displacement of 1210 tonnes. She had a crew of 145 and was considered a symbol of the Swedish Empire.

She was constructed on the orders of King Gustavus Adolphus and represented Sweden’s military ambitions.

She was adorned with bronze cannons, especially made for her and though she was powerfully armed, she was highly unstable due to the heavy weight on the hull’s upper parts.

She is now a museum ship and a famous tourist attraction.

10. America

This racing yacht of the 19th century was the first winner of the America’s Cup, a famous sailing competition and the oldest one still operating in a sport.

America was launched in 1851 as a Gaff Schooner. She was 30.8 m long, and 6.9 m wide with a displacement of over 100 tonnes.

She was designed by James Rich Steers and George Steers. America was among the fastest and most seaworthy vessels of the day.

She had several owners and in 1921, the America Restoration Fund donated her to the U.S Naval Academy, Annapolis. However, she was not maintained properly and was damaged when the shed in which she was kept, collapsed during a storm.

Her remains were burned but some of her parts like her rudder posts and a mast are kept in the New York Yacht Club.

The ships with sails are an important part of the world’s marine heritage and represent the technological advancements of their time. Many of these vessels had great designs and seaworthiness along with an aesthetic appeal which is why their replicas are still made today. Though most sailing ships sank in storms or due to accidents, their wreck sites have become popular dive spots. They are nothing less than living histories which take one back to the bygone days.

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About Author

Zahra is an alumna of Miranda House, University of Delhi. She is an avid writer, possessing immaculate research and editing skills. Author of several academic papers, she has also worked as a freelance writer, producing many technical, creative and marketing pieces. A true aesthete at heart, she loves books a little more than anything else.

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I have this 10 x 13 signed photograph of the ‘2nd’ Preussen (there was 2), with a handwritten copyright dated 1929, in mint condition. It would be interesting to find out its value.

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These are the Top 10 Largest Sailing Yachts in the World

By Thom Esveld

Updated on December 3, 2021

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

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

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

• 10. Atlantic (69.2 meters)

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

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

• 9. Badis (70 meters)

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

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

• 8. Enigma (75 meters)

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

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

• 7. M5 (77.5 meters)

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

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

• 6. Aquijo (86 meters)

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

• 5. Maltese Falcon (88 meters)

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

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

• 4. Athena (90 meters)

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

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

• 3. EOS (93 meters)

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

• 2. Black Pearl (106 meters)

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

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

• 1. Sailing Yacht A (142.8 meters)

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

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

About Thom Esveld

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

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CNN values your feedback

10 of the world’s biggest superyachts.

Does size really matter? When it comes to superyachts, it seems the answer is most certainly “yes.”

The title for world’s biggest yacht was once held by the same vessel, El Mahrousa, for over a century.

But it’s changed hands far more frequently in the years since then as more and more supersized yachts come onto the scene.

While demand for large yachts has steadily grown over the past few decades, sales have shot up considerably since 2019 due to the increasing number of billionaires emerging, as well as the impact of the pandemic.

“The market is telling us that yards are building bigger and bigger sheds to build bigger and bigger yachts,” explains yacht designer Oliver Stirling from Stirling & Co.

“And with increasing high net worth individual wealth, the demand for large yachts is going to always increase.”

“The pandemic has also illustrated that commercial cruise ships may or may not be desirable for holidays, vacation or leisure destinations.”

Many of the largest yachts on the water were built by German shipyard Lurssen, which has eight shipyards across northern Germany

“Over the years we’ve been in the fortunate position of being able to accommodate, because of the infrastructural abilities that we have, that occasional demand that has arisen for a rather large yacht,” Michael Breman, sales director at Lurssen, tells CNN Travel

“Every large yacht that you see that comes from our shipyard is the result of a very careful and painstaking discussion with designers, owners and advisers in order to ensure that it reflects the wishes of the individual [owner].”

The current world’s biggest yacht measures 180 meters, and a 183-meter vessel is due for delivery in 2024, but a number of gigayacht concepts have been floated about over the years, with some in the very early stages of development.

While Stirling stresses that there will come a point in which superyachts “can’t grow any further,” he believes its only a matter of time before we’ll see a superyacht over 200 meters long become a reality.

“Someone’s going to want to build the first 200 meter plus motor yacht and I’m sure that that will just carry on the trend,” he adds.

From privately owned mega yachts, to those available to charter, and even vessels that are still under construction, we take a look at 10 of the biggest superyachts in the world.

It’s held the record for world’s largest privately owned superyacht since 2013, but this 180-meter vessel was originally meant to be 35 meters shorter.

Built by Lurssen with guidance from engineer Mubarak Saad al Ahbabi, Azzam, which cost an estimated $600 million to construct, grew longer and longer during the optimization process.

With room to accommodate up to 36 guests and at least 80 crew members, it’s equipped with an on board gym as well as a golf training room.

The superyacht’s exterior lines are the work of Nauta Design, and the studio’s founder Mario Pedol has previously told how onlookers often remark that it looks much smaller from a distance.

Unlike vessels of a similar size, Azzam is just as fast as it is large, hitting speeds of up to 31.5 knots.

What the $600M 'world's biggest yacht' will look like inside

When Eclipse was launched at the Blohm + Voss Hamburg shipyard back in 2010, it was the world’s largest private yacht.

But the 162.5-meter vessel was eclipsed by Azzam a few years later, while the delivery of the 164-meter Fulk Al Salamah in 2016 saw it fall even further down the ranking of biggest yachts.

Nonetheless, Eclipse remains one of the largest and most impressive superyachts ever to hit the waters.

Owned by Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich, Eclipse is powered by four MTU diesel engines and has a top speed of 25 knots and a cruising speed of 22 knots.

Fitted with 18 guest cabins and two helipads, the vessel can accommodate up to 36 guests and 66 crew members at a time.

Its stand out features include a 16-meter swimming pool that transforms into a dance floor and a wood-burning fire pit.

Dilbar may not be the longest yacht in the world, but it’s certainly the largest by interior volume, with a gross tonnage of just under 16,000.

Named after the late mother of the owner, Uzbekistan-born billionaire Alisher Usmanov, the 156-meter vessel was designed by naval architect Espen Oino and delivered by Lurssen in 2016.

Made with a steel hull and an aluminum superstructure, Dilbar can reach a top speed of around 22.5 knots and happens to be equipped with a 25-meter swimming pool, the largest ever installed on a superyacht.

With space for up to 24 guests and about 100 crew members, there’s also an expansive garden on board, along with two helipads.

The superyacht is fitted with an electric-diesel hybrid power, which helps to reduce its emissions while providing a top speed of 22.5 knots.

“One of the things that we have seen happening, and the clients are very sensitive to the issue, is to look for further ways of how we can improve the sustainability of the product we’re making,” says Breman.

“Not only in the process of manufacturing, and the things you use for the boat, but also in the way the boat operates.

“We are hopeful that in the next 10 to 15 years we’ll be able to deliver a yacht that will be emission free. We see that as a positive step.”

$80M superyacht concept has a 'gaping hole'

El Mahrousa

Measuring 145.72 meters, the Egyptian presidential yacht was launched in 1865 by the Samuda Brothers shipyard.

Although it lost its world’s largest yacht title to the 147-meter Prince Abdulaziz in the 1980s and has dropped further and further down the list in the years since then, El Mahrousa is still a significant vessel in the yachting world due to its rich history.

Designed by British naval architect Oliver Lang, who also devised Queen Victoria’s steam yacht Victoria & Albert II, El Mahrousa was originally built for Khedive Ismail, the Ottoman governor of Egypt.

The five-floor yacht became the first ship to cross the Suez Canal back in 1869 and would later become a naval training ship for the Egyptian government.

Powered by three Parsons steam turbines, it’s the oldest active superyacht in the world and can achieve a top speed of 16 knots.

Another Lurssen-built vessel, Flying Fox measures 136 meters and happens to be the largest charter vessel in the world.

While that means you don’t have to be invited by the owner to experience what it’s like on board, those keen to hire the luxurious superyacht for the week have to stump up at a minimum of €3 million ($3.5 million) for the privilege.

However, the price tag doesn’t seem to be putting off any of its admirers.

In fact, a spokesperson for Imperial Yachts, the yacht brokerage who manage Flying Fox and also oversaw the build, tells CNN Travel that interest has intensified in the last year, which has seen the minimum charter period extended beyond seven days.

Made up of six decks, Flying Fox can accommodate up to 36 day and 25 overnight guests who’ll be able to take advantage of its state of the art diving center, as well as its 400-square-meter spa, which is fitted with a cryotherapy sauna.

“Over the last 10 to 15 years we’ve seen development in areas like spas and fitness that have carried over from domestic or urban lifestyle into the boat lifestyle,” says Breman. “Some of the spas we have put on boats have been exceptional.”

Celebrity couple Beyonce and Jay Z were spotted on board the superyacht, which has a top speed of 20 knots and a cruising speed of 15 knots, earlier this year.

The nuclear megayacht designed to save the world

Sailing Yacht A

Sailing Yacht A is one of a number of significant superyachts by prolific designer Philippe Starck and is said to have cost over $400 million to construct.

Delivered by Germany’s Nobiskrug yard, the 143-meter sail-assisted motor yacht is powered by two engines, providing a maximum speed of 21 knots.

Comprising eight decks, the futuristic vessel can accommodate up to 14 guests and 37 crew members.

While details regarding its amenities have largely been kept under wraps, Sailing Yacht A is rumored to be equipped with a glass observation pod, as well as a helipad and a submarine.

“Born from the desire of the owner to ‘push the boundaries of engineering and challenge the status quo of the industry’, Sailing Yacht A is undoubtedly one of the most visionary projects Nobiskrug has ever been involved in,” Holger Kahl, then managing director of Nobiskrug, said at the time of its launch in 2017.

The largest yacht in the world by volume at the time it was built, Dubai was originally commissioned by Prince Jefri Bolkiah of Brunei.

However, the ambitious project, which has a gross tonnage of 12,488, would go on to be passed around during the build process before being taken on by current owner Sheik Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum of Dubai.

The 162-meter superyacht designed by Andrew Winch of Winch Design was built by Platinum Yachts in Dubai (where else?) at an estimated cost of $400 million.

On board, Dubai holds everything from a disco, to a cinema, along with a submarine and a lobster tank across its eight decks and is powered by four MTU-20V diesel engines that can deliver maximum speeds of at least 25 knots.

Delivered by Lurssen in 2021, Nord is one of the newest, and biggest, superyachts on the water.

Formerly known as Project Opus, the 142-meter superyacht, which has a steel hull and aluminum superstructure, was devised by Italian design studio Nuvolari Lenard.

“Nord was designed with one idea in mind: she must cause strong emotions in every observer, not only through her sheer size, but with the design itself. No one should be left indifferent,” Dan Lennard from Nuvolari-Lenard said in a statement, before describing the vessel as “a warship wearing a tuxedo.”

“Whether you like the design or not, it must strike you. Nord is a serious ship first and foremost, but she also transcends the traditional language of yacht design.”

Powered by four engines, Nord has a maximum speed of around 20 knots and a volume of 10,154 gross tonnage.

It covers six decks and can accommodate up to 36 guests in its 20 cabins, with amenities such as a beach club, as well as a spa and two helipads on board.

The superyacht concept with an infinity pool and open-air cinema

Developed by REV (Research Expedition Vessel) Ocean, a not-for-profit organization established by Norwegian billionaire Kjell Inge Rokke, REV is an entirely different kind of superyacht.

The 183-meter expedition vessel currently under construction at Norwegian shipyard VARD is scheduled for delivery in 2024.

Designed by naval architect Espen Oino, REV is to be powered by ultra-quiet hybrid propulsion and will have a top speed of 17 knots.

Once launched, it will technically take over from Azzam as the world’s largest superyacht.

However, there’s been much debate over whether REV can be classed as a superyacht given that its primary purpose is to study the oceans of the world, although it will be available for charter for recreational purposes and expeditions.

With space for 28 guests in its 18 cabins, the vessel is built with a steel hull and aluminum superstructure and has a gross tonnage of 17,440.

Project Y910

Unlike many of the other superyachts featured, Project Y910 i s still under construction.

But the 120-meter conversion project, which is currently up for auction, could join the ranks as one of the biggest superyachts in the world within the next two years if it finds a buyer soon.

Originally built by Polish shipyard Stocznia Gdynia, it was launched as a 90-meter passenger ship named Vladimir Chivilikhin in 1990, serving as a commercial vessel for nearly a decade before it was refitted and expanded.

However, the project was later put on hold and remains unfinished.

Project Y910 was listed for sale as a conversion project earlier this year, with a €25 million asking price, and is now being auctioned online via Concierge Auctions , in partnership with Boathouse Auctions.

Although yachts of this size tend to take around five years to build, Project Y910 is already partially complete, which means the process will likely be far shorter.

“She’s an amazing vessel in terms of what she could offer a potential owner,” Stirling, who has been involved with the design for the project for over 20 years, tells CNN Travel.

“It’s designed to be an explorer type yacht. It can go anywhere, whether it’s polar regions, the Pacific or the Mediterranean. As many adventurous locations as you want to go to.

The vessel has been receiving a lot of interest from bidders during the auction, which ends on November 23, and with no reserve set, it’s set to become the biggest yacht ever sold under the hammer.

“It would be fantastic to see her complete,” adds Stirling.

Better Sailing

Largest Sailboats in the World

Nowadays, the production of enormous and luxurious sailboats and yachts is more and more increased and never ceases to impress. International shipyards build these vessels, from the Netherlands to the United Arab Emirates, the US, Greece, Italy, and the United Kingdom, among others. And, new launches and refits are distributed each year, at the request of owners on an international level. In this article, I will list the world’s largest sailboats and yachts in case you want to get informed on that topic or charter one with your crew for cruising around the world. However, this list is updated every year but some of these vessels are timeless. Follow me!

Black Pearl by Oceanco – 350 ft

Black Pearl is the world’s biggest sailing yacht, standing at 350 feet and costing more than $200 million. Long before her first voyage, the ship drew international attention for its innovative architecture. Also, for her eco-credentials, and technical advances, all of which have set a new industry and earned her multiple awards for innovation.

Keep in mind that this vessel isn’t manufactured only by one designer but forms a result of an ambitious cross-industry collaboration. Some of the best international sailing professionals and creative minds have cooperated to manufacture this incredible vessel. And, it isn’t just her aesthetics that makes her distinguish, but also her utilization of the very latest green technology. According to Oceanco, they have made her capable of crossing the Atlantic without using any fuel. But how?

Firstly, her three powerful 230ft DynaRig carbon masts are a design of Dykstra Naval Architects. This innovative structure subdivides her sails into smaller sections. And, the best thing is that sails are set or furled just by touching a button. On top of that, and to maximize effectiveness the Black Pearl doesn’t rely on propulsion from fossil fuels. Meaning that with a single person that is able to set 2,900 sq meters of sail area in just a few minutes, she offers the possibility to turn off the main engines and harness the power of the wind. As a result, the costs are significantly minimized and it is also much better for the environment. So, under sail, the boat can reach an incredible 30 knots and regenerate enough energy to power the whole load. And, also without the need of running the generators. 

We don’t know a lot about her interior, but we know that she has six cabins with accommodation for up to 12 guests. These include a master suite and two VIP cabins. She also has immense recreational spaces spread across her three decks, but because of her secretive nature, there’s not too much information disclosed. Some photographs show that there is a pool aft of the main deck and a hot tub aft of the upper deck. Moreover, there’s a fold-down platform at the aft of the boat that is probably transformed into a full-beam beach club. And, imagine that we aren’t fully aware of what her commodities and interior spaces offer. A true masterpiece!

EOS by Lurssen – 305 ft

At 305ft, the three-masted schooner EOS is the world’s second-largest boat. The first launch was in 2006 by Lürssen Yachts, and the vessel is one of the world’s most exclusive yachts. The Eos is a Bermuda rigged three-masted schooner and one of the world’s largest private sailing yachts. EOS, a superyacht of significant proportions has impressed many since it was first launched. In 2006, Lurssen Yachts completed this 305-foot luxury yacht.

The superyacht EOS is a luxurious vessel that can accommodate up to 16 guests in 8 cabins and can be handled by a crew of approximately 15 professionals. Lurssen was the naval architect who brought this yacht design to life. The interior decoration of this boat was also done by Bill Langton and Francois Catroux. EOS, one of the world’s largest private sailing yacht, uses twin MTU diesel engines and can reach a top limit continuous speed of about 16 knots. The ship’s engine produces 2332 horsepower. Her total horsepower is 4663, and her total wattage is 3480.

>>Also Read: Best Sailboats Under 100k

Athena by Royal Huisman – 295 ft

The Dutch Royal Huisman Shipyard designed the 295-foot super sailing yacht, Athena, in 2004. Pieter Beeldsnijder Design created the superyacht’s exterior lines, while Dykstra Naval Architects and Pieter Beeldsnijder Design collaborated on the naval architecture, and Rebecca Bradley Interior Design created the interior. Athena is one of the largest sailing yachts since the 1930s, and she can outrun any other sailing superyachts with speeds of up to 19 knots.

The Royal Huisman Shipyard in Holland designed Athena for US software developer Jim Clark. Because of Athena’s advanced engineering, she can sail in light winds while still providing the interior space usually reserved for motor yachts. Athena has been credited with reaching 19 knots under sail in stronger winds. A large owner’s suite, four guest quarters, a saloon and dining room on the main deck, and a sky lounge on the upper deck are some of the areas among the yacht’s three decks.

Maltese Falcon by Perini Navi – 289 ft

The pioneering 289 ft Maltese Falcon is popular for her automated square-rigged DynaRig sail plan. This makes her one of the most famous yachts of all time and definitely one of the most photographed in recent years. Three free-standing rotating carbon-fiber masts carry a total of 25,800 square feet of canvas on 15 square sails, resulting in exceptional performance, speed, and maneuverability. The yacht was sold in August 2009 to her current owner, who regularly participates in superyacht regattas, demonstrating the yacht’s capabilities. It was constructed by Perini Navi and designed in partnership with her first owner, Tom Perkins.

Elena Ambrosiadou currently owns the Maltese Falcon, but the American venture capitalist Tom Perkins was the first to own her. The three-masted schooner is the world’s fifth-largest sailing yacht. The rig of the Maltese Falcon consists of three unstayed, “weapons-grade” carbon fiber masts, as well as a completely computerized sail and rotating mast system. The whole boat benefits from exceptional design, development, and engineering. She is also capable of reaching speeds of up to 24 knots while sailing. The interior design by Ken Freivokh is a mix of modern chic and hi-tech development. The construction design uses leather, glass, wood, and steel, and it houses a modern art collection. Lastly, the yacht can accommodate 12 people and is available for charter.

Aquijo by Vitters Shipyard and Oceanco – 282 ft

Vitters and Oceanco collaborated on the widely awaited Aquijo. Both Dutch yards collaborated closely with the owner’s representative to design a highly complex and of ultimate performance sailing vessel that, when launched, was the world’s third-largest sailing superyacht. Aquijo is a ketch-rigged aluminum yacht with a custom steering mechanism. Her interior layout provides clear sightlines because of her exceptional superstructure. This Dutch sailing yacht firstly came up in 2015 and was the largest ketch-rigged sailing yacht in the world. Her mainmast rises 280ft above sea level. Her naval architecture and exterior design are a creation of Tripp Design Naval Architects.

Sea Eagle II by Royal Huisman – 266 ft

With hundreds of projects completed to date, Royal Huisman has an enviable track record of delivering exceptional sailing superyachts. Even by these criteria, the most recent vessel to leave the shipyard is more than we expected. She is one of the top ten largest sailing yachts and the world’s largest aluminum yacht. Sea Eagle II is a spectacular 266-foot with three masts and a Panamax schooner. Her design is a creation of the Dykstra and Mark Whiteley Design team that built the stunning 186 ft Royal Huisman ketch Aquarius just over a year ago.

The sheer size of this yacht is mind-boggling. The 13-foot freeboard has sleek hull lines, and the two-tier deckhouse, which includes a half-raised bridge, is remarkably in proportion. The main deck-level accommodation has a large expanse of glass, with just a few mullions interrupting the 360o view. Furthermore, there’s immense cockpit space, with enough room left over in the aft deck.

Mark Whiteley was in charge of the interior design as well as the exterior styling. He designed the interior in a plain, modern style with straight lines. Soft color leather handrails and upholstered wall panels enhance the lacquered Alpi walnut panels, polished natural oak floors, and dark stained wenge trims. As for the rigging, each mast has in-boom furling, and the two aft have staysails for use when reaching. Lastly, the tank and wind tunnel tests help to verify various headsail options, particularly the differences between a large blade jib and a large staysail or yankee.

M5 by Vosper Thornycroft – 254 ft

This superyacht is a creation of Ron Holland Design and construction of Vosper Thornycroft in the United Kingdom. The yacht received a refit in 2014 at Pendennis Shipyard. As a result, they redesigned and extended the stern portion of the vessel by three meters, among other changes. Her keel, however, was slightly unbalanced because of the refit. Another big refit, completed in 2020 at the NCA shipyard, aimed to rebalance the keel by halving it and pushing the ram housing 300 mm forward. They used a three-tone of grey livery with a metallic palladium hull, anthracite silver superstructure, and crystal silver mast and boom for the repainting procedure. And, all these, in addition to her technical improvements.

M5 is the legendary yacht Mirabella V; a creation made in Southampton, England. To this day, she is the world’s largest sloop. M5 was built for Joe Vittoria, an American yachtsman who sailed her for seven years. Her new owner renamed her M5, and when she was refitted at Pendennis she was extended by 3.2 meters until her relaunch in 2014. She also has a new RWD-designed interior. Let’s note that M5 has a 780-tonne displacement, i.e. 165 tonnes of which is the keel. Lastly, the carbon fiber mast stands at an incredible 88.3 meters tall and has a sail area of approximately 3,700 square meters.

Enigma (Phocea) by DCAN – 246 ft

Enigma (formerly Phocea) was a sailing yacht designed by DCAN in 1976 in Toulon, France. She’s 246 feet long, with a top speed of 12 knots. Also, she was refitted, like many yachts, and the most recent one was in Germany in 2000. She can accommodate 12 guests and has a crew of 16 sailors. In addition, Enigma is a four-masted schooner. She was primarily built for speed performance, and she crossed the Atlantic in 8 days. During this voyage, she achieved speeds of 30 knots under sail.

Mouna Ayoub bought Phocea in July 1997 and made her some refits in Lürssen. As a result, the British naval architect Dalrymple-Smith has significantly improved the interior as well as her exterior design. Her interiors feature modern wood paneling and furniture. The main suite is on the main deck, while the VIP guest cabin and 4 other double cabins are on the lower deck. Just before Royal Huisman launched Athena in 2004, the Phocea was the world’s largest sailing yacht. Unfortunately, in 2021, the Enigma was partly destroyed by fire and therefore sunk the next day.

Badis I by Perini Navi – 229 ft

Badis, the second-largest Perini Navi sailing yacht to date, was launched in 2016 for Bill Duker, a multi-superyacht owner. The name comes from an ancient Greek city in Italy known for its hedonism and rich feasts. She is the second-largest boat built by the yard since the Maltese Falcon. So, Badis I, or Sybaris, was made for the American businessman Bill Duker in 2016. She went for sale in April 2017 for €88 million and sold in October 2018.

Perini Navi’s team as well as the French designer Philippe Briand were in charge of the naval architecture on this vessel. The yacht was constructed of alloy with a variable draught keel so as to allow access to shallow areas while maintaining good sailing performance. It’s important to note that Badis I’ sails stretch over a surface of 2,300 sq m and they can be handled with consoles in the cockpit. Lastly, under power, Badis diesel engines generate a total of 3,860hp. This results in a top speed of 17.5 knots and a maximum cruising range of 5,000 nautical miles at 12.5 knots.

Vertigo by Alloy Yachts – 220 ft

And, let’s get to the top 10; the 220 ft Vertigo. A creation of Alloy Yachts in New Zealand (2011), with more than one million hours spent for her construction. The all-aluminum sailing yacht has an iconic sporty exterior from Philippe Brand of France, as well as naval architecture from Alloy Yachts. Her distinctive ketch-rig, streamline hull, and 3,330 sq m of sails all add to her overall performance capabilities. However, keep in mind that she wasn’t built as a racing yacht. Her interior design is a creation of Liaigre and, like all other boats in this list, offers the commodity of enormous interior areas. Lastly, Vertigo is able to sleep up to 12 guests and host a crew of 11.

The Bottom Line

So, this is it! This is the list of the biggest yachts in the world. I know that many of us might not even get aboard a boat of this size but we can still dream about it. On the other hand, there are people that can’t stand this kind of luxury for their sailing voyage. In any case, these vessels are mostly destined for wealthy people that can afford this kind of budget. Keep in mind that you can always charter a boat of these dimensions in order to live the luxurious way of sailing for a while. I hope that you enjoyed this article and wish you all safe and happy voyages!

Peter is the editor of Better Sailing. He has sailed for countless hours and has maintained his own boats and sailboats for years. After years of trial and error, he decided to start this website to share the knowledge.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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The Biggest Boats in the World

16th jan 2023 by samantha wilson.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Written By: Samantha Wilson

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

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Twin Cities weekend guide: Raspberry Festival, Minnehaha Falls Art Fair, "boat-in" movie

Saturday marks Rondo Days , a chance to remember and celebrate the St. Paul neighborhood's legacy and history .

Context: Parts of the predominantly Black neighborhood were demolished in the 1950s and 60s to make way for I-94, upending the community and displacing hundreds of families.

• Now in its 40th year, the annual celebration has grown to become the largest African American sponsored festival in Minnesota, per its site.

What to expect: An all-day lineup of live music from artists like MC Lyte, Rakim and Lady Midnight, cultural activities, a marketplace and food vendors.

• Saturday from 12-7pm at the Martin Luther King Recreation Center in St. Paul. Free.

More things to do...

😋 The 90th Raspberry Festival in Hopkins is here! The festivities continue tonight with the coronation of Raspberry Royalty.

• A parade, fireworks, marketplace, berry-themed 5K, $3.90 raspberry breakfasts and more are scheduled through Sunday. Free
• Check out our Instagram for a look at last night's raspberry pie-eating contest.

🎬 Forget drive-in theaters — the city of Mound is hosting a "boat-in" movie to kick off this weekend's Spirit of the Lakes Festival .

• The festival will screen "Guardians of the Galaxy 3" Thursday at 9pm, with viewers welcome to watch from the lake on their boats (not provided). Free

🎨 The Minnehaha Falls Art Fair , one of the biggest art fairs in the state, is Friday-Sunday and features over 175 artists throughout the south Minneapolis park. Bonus: Every vendor will have items for under $30. Free

👀 Rare view alert: The Highland Park Water Tower's observation deck will open to visitors Saturday and Sunday from 9am-5pm. Warning: Those wanting panoramic views of St. Paul will have to climb 151 steps. Free

💪 Marvel at feats of strength at " Minnesota's Strongest Man & Woman " competition Sunday at Forgotten Star Brewing Co. in Fridley.

• Competitors will participate in five events, including a yoke carry, sled drag and deadlifts. The winners score invites to the Arnold Strongman Classic. Free

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Sailing Into History: All 7 ‘Deadliest Catch’ Boats That Are Decommissioned

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It’s a matter of life or death in Discovery’s Deadliest Catch . With the recent premiere of Season 20 , the captains are back for another round of crab fishing on the deadly Bering Sea - all for a chance at a lucrative payday. The 59-time Emmy-nominated series offers an exclusive look one could ever dream of. Featuring an unfiltered glimpse into the grueling October king crab and January opilio crab seasons, the series shows that life on deck is not for the faint-hearted.

Many of the show’s vessels have faced their final voyages after years of battling the harsh elements of the sea. These ships, once vital to the survival and success of their crews, have countless stories etched on their hulls. Each vessel reflects the ever-changing landscape of the crab fishing industry , where even the most reliable boats eventually succumb to the relentless nature of their work.

Check out the stories of these six decommissioned boats on Deadliest Catch .

Deadliest Catch (2005)

Captain: jake anderson.

In Season 12, fifth-generation fisherman Jake Anderson took over the captain’s seat of the F/V Saga and gave the vessel a complete makeover. Originally built in 1979 and stretching 107 feet long, the Saga underwent a major transformation under Anderson’s care. He installed a brand new refrigeration system, thoroughly cleaned the fuel and water tanks, completely rebuilt all the boat’s CAT engines, gave the ship a fresh coat of paint with a new color scheme, upgraded the wheelhouse for better efficiency and safety, and overhauled the crane and most of the hydraulic system. Despite facing major challenges, including a loose rudder threatening to sink the ship during a storm 460 miles from the nearest port, the Saga fished one of the largest king crab quotas in the fleet.

However, fans of Deadliest Catch may notice the absence of the F/V Saga in Season 20 . Before the season began, Captain Anderson received some shocking news about his beloved vessel. As he revealed in the premiere, he got a call from his partner saying the Saga was running out of money. After reaching the dock, one of his deckhands showed him a repossession note on the boat. Just like that, after nearly a decade of co-owning the ship, the F/V Saga is no longer his. Upon learning Anderson doesn’t have a boat to work with this season, his mentor Sig Hansen stepped in, offering Anderson a place on his ship , the F/V Northwestern. He then moved on to the Titan Explorer.

6 F/V Destination

Captain: jeff hathaway.

On February 11, 2017, the F/V Destination tragically went missing during Season 13 of Deadliest Catch , resulting in the loss of its entire six-member crew, including the fleet’s close friend , Captain Jeff Hathaway . The catastrophe was primarily attributed to the unsafe stability conditions , which included carrying heavier crab pots than those specified in its stability instructions. Moreover, excessive ice accumulation from freezing spray added an estimated 340,000 pounds of weight, throwing the vessel off balance. But what eventually led to the ship’s capsizing was downflooding, the ingress of seawater through submerged openings. The ship ultimately sank and met its demise in a matter of minutes, with very little, if not none, time for the crew to actually react to the situation.

5 F/V Scandies Rose

Captain: gary cobban jr..

In Deadliest Catch Season 16, the F/V Scandies Rose faced a heartbreaking fate on 31, 2019, during its journey from Kodiak to the Bering Sea. In the middle of the night, the United States Coast Guard alerted the fleet on water , including Hansen, about a distress call from the Scandies Rose, prompting a desperate, emergency search in freezing weather conditions. Despite their efforts, only two members were rescued, Jon Lawler and Dean Gribble . Unfortunately, Captain Gary Cobban Jr. and four other crew members were still missing. After a 20-hour search covering 1,400 square miles with four helicopter crews, two airplane crews, and the US Coast Guard cutter Mellon, the remaining members were never found.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) concluded that the sinking was primarily due to faulty stability instructions . The instructions lacked essential details about downflooding points and misrepresented sections of the deck space. Additionally, severe freezing spray conditions likely led to ice buildup on the boat, adding weight and destabilizing it. One of the surviving crew members, who had been keeping an eye on the ice accumulation, thought about waking the crew to clear the ice and possibly changing course and speed. However, the captain decided against this due to the hazardous sea conditions.

4 F/V Cornelia Marie

Captain: phil harris.

Throughout the first decade of Deadliest Catch , the F/V Cornelia Marie became one of the show’s most cherished vessels. Under the command of the late Captain Phil Harris , the ship has had its moments throughout the series. Just like the other ships, the F/V Cornelia Marie and its crew braved subfreezing temperatures and icy conditions as they raced to make a successful haul during the Opilio season. Unfortunately, the fate of F/V Cornelia Marie took an abrupt pause when Captain Harris suffered a stroke while offloading crabs in 2010, eventually leading to his passing at the age of 53 due to intracranial hemorrhage.

Since then, the F/V Cornelia has made on-again off-again appearances. Eventually, Phil’s son, Josh Harris , along with Captain Casey McManus , managed to acquire the vessel. However, due to Josh’s guilty plea for a 1998 sexual assault case involving a minor , Josh’s ties to Deadliest Catch have been cut off, and Cornelia Marie is now absent from the show due to its connection with Josh.

3 F/V North American

Captain: sten skaar.

In Season 4 of Deadliest Catch , the F/V North American made a memorable guest appearance, best known for being on the receiving end of a Port-A-Potty prank on the sea . However, on May 16, 2024, the vessel faced a more serious ordeal when it partially sank at a dock in the Lake Washington Ship Canal in Seattle . The incident occurred east of the Ballard Bridge, and the Coast Guard Sector Puget Sound received a distress call early Tuesday morning.

Though the crabber can hold up to 32,500 gallons of diesel, the exact amount onboard at the time was unclear. In response, Seattle Fire and other agencies quickly deployed a containment boom around the vessel to prevent fuel pollution, and a dive team worked to seal the vents to minimize further fuel leakage. While there’s no news yet whether the ship is still able to be restored, chances are any fishing activity on the North American is put to a halt until proper investigations take place.

2 F/V Katmai

Captain: henry blake.

Season 5 of Deadliest Catch featured the F/V Katmai, which met a tragic fate on October 21, 2008, when it capsized and sank in the Aleutian Islands , 120 miles from Adak Island. The 93-foot vessel, carrying 11 crew members and 120,000 pounds of frozen cod, was caught in a severe storm, resulting in the loss of steering and progressive flooding as water began entering through open watertight doors. Despite rescue efforts by the Coast Guard, only four crew members, including Captain Henry Blake , survived after enduring over 15 hours on a life raft.

1 F/V Victory

Captain: sophia "bob" nelson.

Sophia "Bob" Nielsen , a third-generation fisherwoman, originally captained the F/V Victory when it first appeared on the show in Season 19. The green and white 74-foot wooden vessel was a heirloom passed down to Bob from her family. Sadly, she lost both of her parents before she could even learn crab fishing from her father. Determined to keep their legacy alive, she took on the role of captain for the F/V Victory. Unfortunately, in Episode 13 of Deadliest Catch Season 19, the F/V Victory hit a rough patch. Her vessel collided with a passing ship in the middle of the night , and the generator blew up. Reflecting on her first year with F/V Victory, Bob shares that despite catching nearly 40,000 pounds of crab, she ended up $200,000 in debt because of the mishaps.

In her latest update on the F/V Victory, it seems like the ship is undergoing through some repairs . However, it will probably take some time before it's ready to tackle the tough Bering sea again. Meanwhile, viewers can still catch Bob in action on Season 20 of Deadliest Catch , where she now captains the massive 113-foot F/V Seabrooke, thanks to an offer from family friend Captain Greg Wallace . However, not everyone is happy with Bob suddenly being captain of another vessel, especially since nepotism played a role in Bob allowing her to obtain this opportunity .

• Discovery Channel

What is the biggest shark? Meet the ocean's largest fish and the top 10 biggest sharks

Sharks come in all shapes and sizes. The minuscule dwarf lantern shark is the smallest shark alive , being smaller than the human hand, according to Smithsonian. The aptly named megamouth can  weigh up to 2,700 pounds and its mouth is approximately four feet lengthwise, says Oceana. 

Sharks are "elasmobranchs," which means they are made of cartilaginous tissues, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. 

Even with over 536 species of these oceanic apex predators, there is one shark that beats all others in terms of its size. 

What is the biggest shark?

The largest shark alive is a whale shark , according to the Smithsonian. It is also considered the largest fish in the world , says the Natural History Museum.

Whale sharks can reach 60 feet in length, says Smithsonian, and on average, these fish  weigh 20.6 tons , according to livescience.com. 

These sharks are found mostly in tropical oceans but have been spotted all over the world from the U.S. and Brazil to Malaysia and Thailand, according to Britannica.  Whale sharks are known for their broad and flat heads and distinctive body markings of light checkerboard stripes. 

A whale shark's diet includes zooplankton, shrimp, algae, squid and even small tuna and albacore, says Britannica. Whale sharks are filter-feeding sharks, meaning as they swim, a whale shark's mouth will filter seawater for food through the gill slits. 

A friendship over food: Great white sharks study dives into why the predators make friends

What are the top 10 biggest sharks?

According to Save Our Seas Foundation, these are the top 10 largest sharks found in the ocean . These sharks can reach up to the following approximate lengths:

• Whale shark (62 feet)
• Basking shark (40 feet)
• Tiger shark (24 feet)
• Great white shark (23 feet)
• Greenland shark (21 feet)
• Great hammerhead shark (20 feet)
• Megamouth shark (18 feet)
• Bull shark (11 feet)
• Sand tiger/ragged-toothed shark (10 feet)
• Thresher shark (18 feet)

Note for the thresher shark, more than half of its body length comes from its long tail. The thresher shark has one of the longest tails in the shark family, says Save Our Seas Foundation. 

 What shark is bigger than a megalodon?

The megalodon is considered the largest shark to have ever lived , according to the Natural History Museum. Records of megalodons date to around 20 million years ago, and  the shark is a distant relative of the great white . 

It is estimated megalodons could reach between 15 and 18 meters, or around 49 to 60 feet, in length, says the Natural History Museum. Megalodons are estimated to have weighed up to 120,000 pounds. 

Other estimates state megalodons could reach a maximum of 20 meters , roughly 67 feet, long, according to a-z-animals.com. In comparison, the largest whale shark recorded was 61.7 feet long , and the average weight is around 41,000 pounds, or 20 tons. 

Megalodons are larger than whale sharks, but the largest shark alive is a whale shark. 

Do fish sleep like humans? What sleep means under the sea or in the aquarium.

Are megalodons still alive?

Despite internet rumors that megalodons are still lurking the deep seas, the shark species is extinct, says the Natural History Museum. The megalodon became extinct by the end of the Pliocene , which occurred approximately 2.6 million years ago when the Earth began to cool. 

As ocean temperatures dropped and food sources were scarce, an estimated third of all large marine animals became extinct. Megalodons were native to tropical waters, so the cooler temperatures led to a loss of habitat, says the Natural History Museum. 

Additionally, megalodons are believed to have given birth nearby the shore. When ice began to form at the poles and sea levels fell, these areas were destroyed, says the Natural History Museum. 

It is very unlikely megalodons are alive since the sharks would leave noticeable bite marks on other large marine life, and their enormous teeth be shattered on the ocean floor. In addition, the current cold, deep ocean climate is not hospitable for these warm-water sharks.

Just Curious for more? We've got you covered

USA TODAY is exploring the questions you and others ask every day. From " Do sharks have bones? " to " How long do orcas live? " to " What is the largest ocean? " − we're striving to find answers to the most common questions you ask every day. Head to our  Just Curious section  to see what else we can answer.

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Breaking news, beyoncé’s colorist, rita hazan, on her favorite haircare, red lipstick and black eyeliner.

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NYC-based colorist Rita Hazan has been entrusted with transforming some of the biggest A-listers with the most iconic hair, including Mariah Carey, Jennifer Lopez, Madonna and the Queen B herself, Beyoncé (who Hazan has taken from sun-washed and teddy bear blonde to the richest brunette hues over the last 11 years). “Beyoncé is super adventurous and I love that,” says Hazan, 50, who most recently perfected Sydney Sweeney’s golden locks. 

As a true New Yorker, the diva of dye (and bleach) mostly wears black, and therefore prefers a classic red lip and black eyeliner to match. “I have at least five black eyeliners on me at all times,” the Upper East Side salon owner, and founder of her own eponymous line of hair products, tells Alexa. “I never want to run out. I’m obsessed with black eyeliner!” From aspirational Rolex and Chanel splurges to her more cost-conscious favorite high-top sneakers and drug store buys, the trendsetter shares her life-changing fashion, beauty, and home finds.

FAVORITE TIME PIECE: Rolex Cosmograph Daytona

“I bought myself a Rolex Cosmograph watch similar to this for my 40th birthday. Mine is rose gold with a chocolate face and Arabic numbers (but they don’t make it anymore). It is a timeless piece that will be with me forever. It’s form and function — perfect for any occasion.”

FAVORITE WAY TO SPARKLE: London Jewelers A. Link White Gold Round Diamond Tennis Necklace

“My husband bought me [a similar] chic tennis necklace, and I love that I can wear it ‘casually’ or dress it up. It is a staple jewelry piece in my collection.”

FAVORITE DAY-TO-NIGHT LOOK: Adam Lippes Single Breasted Blazer

“Anything Adam Lippes makes me feel dressed up and put together. It’s true that when you look good, you feel good!”

FAVORITE HANDBAG: Chanel Classic 11.12 Handbag

“A friend of mine gave me this gorgeous bag and I love it because it’s so light, but it holds so much and goes with everything for everyday.”

FAVORITE WAY TO FEEL TALL: R13 Courtney Platform High Top Sneaker

“These are platform sneakers that I wear only when I work. They give me the extra height I need. When I’m wearing these sneakers, you know I’m in my creative mode.”

FAVORITE BATHING SUIT: Karla Colletto Basica Ruched V-Neck Underwire Tank

“The ruching is very flattering, and so comfortable.”

FAVORITE SHADES: Tom Ford Reggie 61mm Gradient Aviator Sunglasses

“These glasses are so lightweight and dark. I love to hide my eyes.”

FAVORITE TUNES: “Renaissance” by Beyoncé

“I just love this album. It’s so upbeat and fun — it puts me in a really good mood.”

FAVORITE WAY TO RELAX: Fablerune Pisces Moon Bath Soak

“I recently discovered this small business and quickly fell in love with their bath soak. It’s the perfect refresh I need after a long day. It smells amazing and leaves my skin super soft.”  

FAVORITE HAIR BOOSTER: Rita Hazan True Color Ultimate Shine Gloss

“Adds a hint of tint and a lot of shine to keep your color vibrant at all times.”

FAVORITE WAY TO PUCKER-UP: Nars Powermatte Lipstick

“I love the brightness of the lipstick. It’s the perfect red for olive skin tones.”

FAVORITE EYE CANDY: Nars Climax Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner

“This eyeliner changed my life. The shape of the applicator makes it really easy to apply and it stays on all day.”

FAVORITE SCENT: Frédéric Malle Carnal Flower Parfum Spray

“It has my two favorite scents: musk and tuberose. Not too floral, but feminine.”

FAVORITE KITCHEN AID: Le Creuset Signature Enameled Cast Iron Deep Skillet

“I just recently discovered this. Now, I cook everything on Le Creuset pots and skillets. They make my life so easy.”

FAVORITE PRO SECRET: TWWisk Combo Electric Hair Color Mixer and Tall Color Mixing Bowls

“I actually found this online on a whim and I seriously love it. It’s an electric whisk for hair color and bleach. If you color your hair, you need this. Makes the process so much easier.” 

FAVORITE TAKEOUT: Acai Playa Bowl

“I love all things fruit and the acai bowl just hits the spot. It’s super-filling and refreshing and it keeps me going.”

FAVORITE KID-FRIENDLY DRUGSTORE BUY: Raw Sugar Kids’ 2-in-1 Bubble Bath + Body Wash in Watermelon Lemonade

“My son is obsessed with the Raw Sugar Kids’ collection, so I stock up on bath bubbles and lotion — they’re adorable and smell great.”

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