Top 15 Superyachts with Helicopters

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Written by Maria Korotaeva

With plenty of various amenities, superyachts offer comfortable and truly opulent travel experience, while yacht helicopters are an essential part of it. Just imagine: you can reach the most remote destinations to explore some hidden gems in the finest yachting locations in the world or land in busy city centres. All that includes total flexibility of point-to-point travelling, getting you to places you need to be at in luxury and style. The magnificent charter yachts nowadays offer the ultimate fun experiences for you and your group, including heli-fishing, heli-skiing and private island dining, due to their capabilities of landing and carrying helipads. Let’s take a look at the top 15 private and charter yachts with helicopters.

1. Amarula Sun (ex. Mine Games)

The incredible 50m charter superyacht Amarula Sun offers everything her guests would wish to have on a charter yacht: a spa pool with a swim-up bar, huge sun pads, BBQ area, gym, Xbox, Playstation, Plasma TV with satellite connection and luxury dining spaces are among her outstanding amenities. Amazing yacht charter experience is guaranteed. The guests have the opportunity of travelling to and from Amarula Sun by helicopter, as her sundeck area can serve as a touch-and-go heli pad. Amarula Sun can sleep 10-12 charter guests and is available for charters in the Bahamas and Florida from US$ 195,000.

Amarula Sun (ex. Mine Games) with helicopter

Amarula Sun (ex. Mine Games) with helicopter

 2. Cloudbreak

Cloudbreak is certainly one of the most popular superyachts of 2016 . There is no wonder, as the team of acclaimed engineers and designers worked on the naval architecture, as well as her interior and exterior. She is a 72m expedition yacht, capable of cruising anywhere in the world. This head-turning floating masterpiece has some special features including a Jacuzzi, exercise equipment, an elevator operated on all decks, and a large tender garage.  Charter Cloudbreak this summer from €750,000 per week plus expenses.

Motor Yacht Cloud Break - top view. Photo credit @brandondax

Motor Yacht Cloud Break – top view. Photo credit @brandondax

 3. Lady Christine

Undoubtedly, the list of the top 15 superyachts and their helicopters has to include a Feadship superyacht. The bespoke Dutch shipyard is best known for building exceptional quality superyachts . Motor yacht Lady Christine is one of those. Not only Lady Christine provides absolute comfort to her guests, but she also has enormous storage space for a rescue boat, a large tender and a small sailing boat. This section of the vessel also serves as a helipad and stores two helicopter fuel tanks.

Lady Christine and helicopter

Lady Christine and helicopter

4. Attessa IV

Upon her re-launch in 2010 Attessa IV became the largest superyacht in North America. She made it to the top 25 largest yachts in the world, and back in 2010 was at the 23rd position. Originally built by  Hayashikane Zosen Kk in 1999 and called Evergreen, she was sold to a new owner in 2007. She underwent an extensive rebuilt by Washington Yachting Group , where she was also extended by 30 feet. Attessa IV accommodates 36 guests, assisted by 21 crew members. This massive five-level yacht measures 100.60 metres and features a helipad on the upper aft deck and forepeak.

Attessa IV. Photo credit @rickyracer

Attessa IV. Photo credit @rickyracer

Although Garcon is not an opulent superyacht but a fast yacht support vessel, she deserves the praise for carrying a huge luxurious helicopter, as this is what support vessels are for. Built specifically to serve Lurssen   mega yacht Ace  and to carry her water toys and tenders, Garcon measures 67m LOA.  Garcon also features a fully SOLAS certified helipad with 5,000 kg take-off weight for commercial use. Garson was built and launched in 2012 by Damen Shipyards , and in 2013 was honoured with the ISS Awards of Distinction for Innovation .

Garcon. Photo credit Jeff Brown

Garcon. Photo credit Jeff Brown

Motor yacht Sunrays was launched in 2010 by Oceanco , and in the same year received an award for the “Best Power Yacht over 65 metres” at the ISS Design and Leadership Award Ceremony . Her striking teal coloured aluminium hull is a work of Bjorn Johansson Design , while the interior styling is by famous  Terence Disdale . Sunray’s heavenly interior design is unique, and have an airy and welcoming ambience. Indulge in luxury and add a helicopter ride when booking Sunrays this for charter in the Mediterranean .

Sunrays at Abu Dhabi Yas Marina. Photo @yachthelicopters

Sunrays at Abu Dhabi Yas Marina. Photo @yachthelicopters

If you are into yachts and luxury travelling, you probably know by now that the 155-metre mega yacht Luna is one of the largest yachts with some extraordinary features. She carries a submarine, multipurpose limousines and has not just one, but two helipads. Her 20-metre swimming pool is another wow characteristic. We wish Luna would be available for charter one day, as this expedition yacht could take her charter guests to breathtaking  Galapagos , Alaska and the Pacific .

Luna: Helicopter landing. Photo credit Muscapix

Luna: Helicopter landing. Photo credit Muscapix

Motor yacht Samar is a 77m steel-and-aluminium luxury motor yacht designed by Laurent Giles and built by Devonport Yachts of England in 2006.  She is a very large and luxurious charter yacht which boasts everything that can be offered on a private motor yacht. Samar is capable of extended global cruising, where her charter guests will never get bored. Samar has a helipad, a large Spa Pool pool, an open bar, large outdoor living areas, a garage, as well as a movie theatre. Accommodation is offered for 12 guests, assisted by a professional crew of 26. Portofino , Naples ,  Capri , Amalfi , Monaco , and France are the places she will be available at for charter in summer 2017. She is available from US$ 650,000 per week plus expenses.

Samar. Photo credit @kdewet

Samar. Photo credit @kdewet

9. Skyfall  (ex. Mi Sueno)

Skyfall is a symbol of a high-quality motor yacht, which features the latest marine technology and exquisite styling. Launched in 2010 by Trinity Yachts , luxury yacht Skyfall measure 58 metres and offers accommodation for a party of 10. Her cabin configuration consists of a master suite, 2 VIP cabins, one double and one twin. Her name comes from the James Bond famous movie series, which implies that this superyacht surely has an outstanding feature. Aboard Skyfall, the guests will have an opportunity to have delicious breakfast prepared by a private chef and continue the day by taking off in a helicopter to explore the best of Mediterranean. The Ionian Islands , Grenadines , Greece , Turkey , East and West Mediterranean , and Croatia is where motor yacht Skyfall will be available for this summer from $275,000 per week plus expenses.

Skyfall. Photo credit @yachthelicopters

Skyfall. Photo credit @yachthelicopters

10. ICE  (ex. AIR)

Motor yacht ICE became the Superyacht of the Year at the 2006 World Superyacht Awards . No doubt that the title of one the best yachts in the world implies that ICE is a very special vessel. The two famous designers Terence Disdale and Tim Heywood worked on her interior and exterior respectively. The result is the striking exterior profile and divine interior decor. ICE can sleep 14 guests in 7 well-appointed cabins. She has been spotted in various locations with her massive helicopter.

Superyacht ICE. Photo credit Julien Hubert

Superyacht ICE. Photo credit Julien Hubert

At 134 metres, motor yacht Serene boasts a huge beam of 18.5 metres. Can you image how much luxury living space is offered on board this beauty? Serene provides a full seven decks of exterior and interior space. With an abundance of amenities, this mega yacht stands out among other luxury yachts. The two helicopter landing platforms, an enormous internal sea water pool, several spa pools, plus storage for a large submarine are some of the superb features. Serene has enough space to accommodate 24 guests and 52 crew members.

Superyacht Serene. Photo credit Mark Oconnell

Superyacht Serene. Photo credit Mark O’Connell

12. Madame Gu

Madame Gu is a superyacht that has it all for a luxury vacation in style. A helipad, excellent water toys and tenders, a spa pool and a night club guarantee lots of entertainment to her guests. Although Madame Gu is not available for private luxury charters, we still admire this vessel. She was built by Feadship to the design by De Voogt Naval Architects . Her interior is by Andrew Winch . She has 6 lavish cabins to accommodate 12 guests, and 18 crew cabins to sleep 36 crew members. This floating masterpiece was photographed in Port Vell in Barcelona where is always a very welcomed guest.

Madame Gu. photo credit Jeff Brown

Madame Gu. photo credit Jeff Brown

 13. Triton

Back in 2004 motor yacht Tritone became the largest composite yacht built in the U.S. upon her delivery. Her capabilities include prolonged cruising distances, as well as cruising in the most distant locations. Triton was built for her owner, who is passionate about sports fishing, deep-sea scuba diving, and water games and various activities. Hence, the yacht was built with an advanced hull laminate schedule utilising carbon fibre to ensure strength and durability. Triton’s red-coloured striking helicopter is seen in the photo of her cruising in the icy waters.

Triton and Helicopter

Triton and Helicopter

14. Vibrant Curiosity

Another outstanding superyacht built by Oceanco, Vibrant Curiosity is an 85-metre displacement vessel that turns heads at any port. She was photographers in Auckland , New Zealand with her large helicopter a few weeks ago. This giant luxury vessel can sleep 18 guests in 7 beautifully furnished cabins. A professional crew of 26 professionals take care of everything on board. Vibrant Curiosity reaches a top speed of 20 knots and is powered y a pair of MTU 16V 595 TE70 engines.

Vibrant Curiosity in Auckland. Photo credit CharterWorld

Vibrant Curiosity in Auckland. Photo credit CharterWorld

15. Pegasus VIII  (ex PEGASUS V, PRINCESS MARIANA)

At 78.60 metres, luxury motor yacht PEGASUS VIII provides a lot more than you would think. Her amazing interior layout includes a large salon with sophisticated decor, a cinema theatre, formal and casual dining spaces, as well as other great living areas. There are five lavish cabins to accommodate 12 guests. Those who love water activities will love the beach club of Pegasus VIII, which can be “flooded” and therefore provides the easiest access to the water with embarkation and disembarkation inside the yacht. Pegasus VIII is ideal for charter with family and kids . The 12m swimming pool with an underwater light, six wave runners, jet-skis and tenders will add extra enjoyment when on a charter vacation. The helipad on board also transforms into a golf driving range. Secure motor yacht Pegasus for charter in the Italian and French Rivieras this summer, from US$ 650,000 per week plus expenses.

Pegasus VIII. Photo credit @yachtmasters

Pegasus VIII. Photo credit @yachtmasters

You can view a great selection of luxury yachts available for charter here . To find out more or to make a booking, please contact our friendly charter brokers . They will be able to assist you with all enquiries, as well as provide impartial advice and professional service. With the Mediterranean yachting season being just around the corner, superyachts are booking up very fast. Check out the 2017 Mediterranean charter specials and 10 brand new superyachts for charter .

Please contact CharterWorld - the luxury yacht charter specialist - for more on superyacht news item "Top 15 Superyachts with Helicopters".

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Yachts with Helipad

Charter yachts are known for offer the best in first-class travel. Wake up each morning in your own private stateroom, and take in the sunrise over the Mediterranean, Caribbean or Adriatic, while a member of the crew brings you a freshly brewed cup of coffee.

Doesn’t get better than that, right? Not to mention, superyachts are laden with amenities, from water toys, to immaculate interiors, and sun-soaked decks, perfect for relaxing. Yet, there’s one feature that’s available on only a select group of charter yachts: Helicopter pads .

A yacht with a helicopter deck opens up a world of travel possibilities. Arrive on your yacht at sea, take a stunning helicopter tour of a nearby wildlife refuge or glacier, or skip the tender on your way to the airport – those are all possibilities aboard a yacht with a helipad.

Super Yachts with Helicopter Pads

Technically, superyachts are fully crewed boats that measure 24 meters or longer (that’s just about 75 feet). That definition doesn’t reflect the times. Superyachts have gotten larger and more opulent than ever, with designers pushing the bounds of what’s possible.

Naturally, yachts with helicopter decks tend to be larger – north of 200 feet. These larger-than-life yachts are some of the most exclusive charter superyachts with helipad access:

Yacht Solandge

The beautiful Solandge is one of the most unique yachts on the market today. Her interior, for example, the work of Rodriguez Interiors and Dolker & Voges, features countless design surprises. The main salon is a stunner. It’s decked out with amethyst walls, gold leaf ceilings, a Bechstein piano and Schonbeck chandeliers with hanging amethyst rose quartz crystals. Yet, the centerpiece is an art glass sculpture, “The Tree of Life,” that stretches 50 feet high and is bedazzled by 1,000+ points of light.

Outside, Solandge shows her sheer size. She boasts a sexy beach club, a gold and white bar, a spa pool and a dance floor, among other opulent luxuries. Of course, you’ll find the helipad outdoors, too, as well as a sprawling sun deck and lounge. The yacht is maintained by a crew of 29 and can accommodate 12 guests in eight large cabins.

Yacht Legend

Originally built by Icon in 1974, Legend underwent its most recent refit in 2016. The ship isn’t a traditional motor yacht. Rather, she’s a fully certified Class 1 ice-breaking ship, and more recently has been turned into a luxury explorer yacht.

Legend is definitely one-of-a-kind. Inside and out, she offers the best in luxury yachting. The ship accommodates up to 26 guests – in total luxury – in her 13 staterooms. There’s a master suite, two VIP suites, as well as 10 different staterooms.

The yacht is built for exploration. In addition to her commercial helipad, Legend features her very own submarine. Plus, adding to the undeniable allure is a gym, Balinese spa and sauna, a Jacuzzi, a movie theater, and a swimming pool. Legend is maintenance by a crew of 19, as well as a 10-member expedition crew, including doctors, ice pilots, expedition leaders and naturalists.

Yacht Naia

NAIA was built by Freire Shipyard in 2011, and she offers an abundance of space for relaxing and entertaining. Spread across four decks, the yacht has six guest suites and a master suite, the latter of which takes up the entire “penthouse” level and includes a private deck. A central spiral staircase connects all of the decks, and the master suite is accessible through an elevator that goes as low as the sundeck.

As for the common areas, NAIA has plenty of areas for guests to choose from, including a cinema room. The main saloon is both inviting and intimate, with ultra-comfortable plush couches and a chic contemporary décor. A dining table can seat up to eight people, and is surrounded by a smaller sitting area, a small bar and plenty of artwork. Outside, charter guests onboard will find casual seating and bar areas, al fresco dining, another bar, a Jacuzzi, and plenty of places to sunbathe.

Yacht Cloudbreak

Built by Abeking & Rasmussen in 2016, Cloudbreak is a truly world-class expedition yacht. The exterior design of Cloudbreak is the work of Espen Oeino, and the Scandinavian-inspired interior design was completed by Paris-based Christian Liaigre. After undergoing four years of development, this custom-built mega yacht is finally on the market, and it offers a world of adventure.

In addition to her helipad, the yacht has a fully stocked garage of water toys, including scuba equipment, jet skis, and numerous kayaks, paddle boards and kite surfing rigs. Inside, though, the yacht is a show stopper. With accommodations for up to 12 guests, as well as amenities like a spa with sauna, swimming pool and beach club, Cloudbreak is designed for relaxing excursions.

Enigma XK

Enigma XK was first built by Richards Shipbuilders in 1987, and last refit in 2013. Previously named Norna, this yacht is the work of Vitruvius and Philippe Briand, who completed its interior and exterior design, respectively.

The sleek interior is marked by cream and white tones, light woods, lit flooring, and a glamorous aesthetic. There is a full-scale wellness and fitness center onsite, and this boat was named “Best Yacht Conversion” winner of The World Superyachts Award in 2014. Perfect for adventuring through ice-filled waters, Enigma XK offers plenty of toys for exploring, including a 9-meter Limo tender, an R.I.B. tender, a rescue tender, two Zodiac tenders, multiple wave runners, SCUBA diving and snorkeling equipment, a dive compressor, water skis, a wake board, tow toys, inflatable pontoons and more.

Yacht Suri

SuRi was built by Halter Marine/Yacht Escort Ships International in 1978, and later refit in 2016. An ideal yacht for travel with family and friends, SuRi is the brainchild of its owner. Its décor is both comfortable and contemporary, with expansive cabins and elegant living areas. Plus, the yacht boasts a fitness center, a massage room, and even a “Windows to the Sea” section of the yacht, where travelers can get a glimpse of all of the colorful fish swimming around them.

Outside, guests can dine al fresco on the sun deck, relax in the Jacuzzi, sunbathe, or enjoy a sunset cocktail in front of a backdrop of amazing views. If you’re a more adventurous charter guest, the water toys onboard SuRi won’t disappoint. In addition to the helipad, there are bikes, snorkel equipment, surfboards, kayaks, fishing gear, diving equipment and even a 35-foot Stan-Craft mahogany speedster. On SuRi, the choices are endless.

Yacht O'Ptasia with Helipad

Built in 2018 by Golden Yachts, O’Ptasia is a stunning superyacht that features a wide array of world-class amenities. The yacht features a high-end contemporary aesthetic inside, including sleek and spacious salons and expertly appointed guest staterooms. She accommodates up to 12 in 11 rooms, including a master suite, VIP stateroom, as well as a variety of double and twin cabins.

Her exterior is a masterpiece of nautical engineering. Featuring expansive decks, including a sizable beach club and breezy sun deck, the yacht is a floating five-star hotel. You’ll find all of the amenities onboard: A spa, an outdoor bar, sun deck Jacuzzi and much more.

Yacht Planet Nine with Helipad

The ice-classed explorer yacht Planet Nine was built in 2018 by Italian shipyard Admiral Yachts. Built for explorations in the far corners of the world, no expense was spared on her construction. Inside, the yacht is the epitome of opulence.

Designed by London-based Milnaric, Henry and Zervudachi (MHZ), the superyacht has a full range of luxury amenities: Modern staterooms, including a master suite that takes an entire deck, a panoramic observation deck, and an immaculate dining area.

Yet, the ship is certainly designed for exploration. Outside, the yacht’s most recognizable feature is the helipad, which features a garage just below. Additionally, you’ll find everything on board for a high-seas adventure, including two 32-foot tenders, 120-inch cinema, steam room, sauna and a spacious beach club.

Charter Yachts with Helicopters

Looking for something a bit more compact? It’s true that a 200+ foot yacht isn’t for everyone. Fortunately, if you’d like to charter a helicopter-equipped yacht, there are plenty of options in the 130- to 200-foot range. Here are a few of our favorites:

Yacht Skyfall with Helipad

With sleek exterior styling and a timeless interior, Skyfall offers the best in Caribbean yachting. The yacht was built in 2010, but underwent a complete refit in 2015. Today, she’s gorgeous inside and out.

Her interior features an “urban contemporary” aesthetic, with notes of Buddhist Zen, and you’ll notice when you step on board. Featuring an array of unique materials, including petrified tree trunks as well as a Tiger’s Eye bar in the sky lounge, the yacht is designed for entertaining (with space for up to 12 guests).

Outside, Skyfall offers plenty of deck space. Her sun deck features a splash pool, and there’s space for alfresco dining on the aft deck, a beautiful skylounge, and a panoramic balcony.

Yacht Tommy

Tommy is a luxury motor yacht built by Benetti in 1995. It underwent its last refit in 2014 and boasts an interior and exterior design by Terence Disdale and Stefano Natucci, respectively. This yacht is large enough to host a cocktail party for up to 100 guests.

The interior of Tommy is both elegant and classic, with cream and burnt orange tones, and light wood cabinets and paneling throughout. The main salon is large and comfortable and comes with plush sofas and impeccable décor. There is a formal dining area, as well as a club-style sky lounge with a games table and a flat screen TV.

Outside, guests will find spots for alfresco dining, a sun deck, multiple bar areas, a central spa pool, multiple sunbeds, and of course, the helipad. From the swim platform, guests have access to countless water toys, including: a 5.8-meter Novurania Tender, a 5.8-meter Novurania Tender, two two-person Kawasaki Wave runners, water skis, a wakeboard, tows and plenty of snorkeling gear. Tommy can accommodate up to 12 guests.

Yacht True North with Helipad

True North offers the ultimate oasis of luxury for your Australia or Southeast Asian expedition. The yacht, which was built in 2005, is fully equipped for explorations. She features six tenders, as well as her own Eurocopter EC 130 helicopter.

On-board, the experience is incredible. True North features a spacious layout, with accommodations for up to 36 guests. The yacht includes 18 rooms, including 10 double cabins and 8 twins, and she’s designed for fun exploring the Great Barrier Reef. You’ll find a variety of water toys and equipment including: Dive compression, dive equipment, a jet ski, and plenty of fishing gear.

Yacht Tango with Helipad

Built in 2006, Tango is a luxury superyacht that charters primarily in Australia. With accommodations for up to 8 guests, Tango offers complete comfort on the open seas. The yacht features a deck Jacuzzi, as well as beautiful sun deck.

Looking to enjoy the waters? Tango offers a full array of water toys including a jet ski, paddleboard, kayaks, fishing equipment and snorkel gear. She’s also equipped with two tenders, and of course, the helipad.

Smallest Yacht with Helicopter Pad

An on-board helipad traditionally means a spacious yacht. Yet, there are a number of boats that accommodation copters, but have a smaller footprint. If you’re headed out with a small group, but want the luxury of a helipad, these yachts are perfect:

Flying Fish Yacht with Helipad

They say big things come in small packages, and that’s certainly true of Flying Fish. This yacht – built in 1991 and refit in 2010 – offers the perfect platform for small-ground adventures. She sleeps up to 8 in four rooms, including a stunning master suite. And her interior features a chic, upscale décor and plenty of deck space for entertaining.

Plus, the yacht’s wide array of toys including scuba equipment, snorkeling gear, fishing equipment and sea kayaks. She’s equipped with a fully certified helipad – perfect for a low-key Barrier Reef excursion.

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Super High: The Ultimate Guide to Yacht Helicopters

The perfect way to soar your yacht to new heights.

Wide-open waters? Check. Great company? Check. Your sparkly new superyacht? Double-check. There can only be one thing missing in this picture: an impressive helicopter for the ultimate grand entrance.

When you’ve already invested so much into the yacht of your dreams, there’s got to be a little extra room (literally) for a special delivery—you. Read on to discover all of our tips and tricks for your very own tantalizing yacht helicopter.

1. Easier Access

Helicopter taking off from superyacht OCTOPUS 414' Lurssen

Your yacht is the most lavish way to travel in style, right? So why bother adding one more mode of transportation to your already fully capable vessel, you may be asking yourself. The answer is in the air! Having a helicopter on your superyacht allows you to get to places you never thought possible. While there may not always be a place to dock your yacht in certain luxurious locations, having a helicopter onboard allows you access to even the most exclusive spots. You’ll be able to visit so many more destinations on your well-earned journeys—the sky’s the limit.

Navigate to hard-to-reach locales with this yacht charter: OCTOPUS | 414′ Lurssen

2. Destination: Transportation

Superyacht BOLD 279’ SilverYachts with helipad

Having a helipad onboard your superyacht isn’t just about reaching the most beautiful destinations in the world, although that’s reason enough. It also serves a seemingly obvious need: arriving at your megayacht to begin with. Have a meeting in the city but the yacht is docked at the bay? Hop into your helicopter for a straight shot flight to your weekend getaway, with zero hassles along the way. Having the added transport option makes everything seamless from beginning to end, no matter where you’re coming from or where you’re going.

Transport yourself with ease with this superyacht: BOLD | 279’ SilverYachts

3. Glorified Grandeur

Superyacht PLANET NINE 240' Admiral Yachts with helicopter onboard

Your megayacht is your pride and joy, as it should be. It was no easy feat to attain such a vessel, and having a helicopter aboard only drives that point home. With an aircraft aboard your yacht, the luxury reaches new heights. The upscale feel, exclusive usability, and added ease all bring your adventures to a caliber of their own. There is nothing like a personal helicopter aboard a superyacht to up the wow factor.

Cruise in style with this yacht charter: PLANET NINE | 240′ Admiral Yachts

4. A Whole New View

Superyacht SURI 208' Halter Marine with helicopter onboard

While endless views of the open water can be a sight for sore eyes, having a helicopter onboard brings on a whole new perspective. Enjoy the best of both worlds with views from both the sea and sky. A perfect vacation has a little of everything, and you’re getting just that with the limitless aerial views in the finest destinations around the globe. Sightseeing will take on a whole other level when your altitude rises!

See the sights with new eyes with this yacht charter: SURI | 208′ Halter Marine

5. Taking Sports to the Extreme

Aerial view of superyacht TIME OFF 182' Support Yacht Damen Yachting with helipad

No matter what your sport of choice, a helicopter aboard your mega yacht will only add to the fun and adventure. Big on scuba diving? Get to your dive site with the ease of your helicopter. Love photography? The aerial shots from above will be unmatched. Thrilled by cliff diving? Reach cliff tops with a quick flight. Interested in whale watching? Soaring the skies will give you an eagle eye’s view to spot all sorts of marine life. Even piloting can become a reality and your newest hobby. Every interest can truly be appeased with an aircraft at bay.

Get your game on with this superyacht: TIME OFF | 182′ Support Yacht Damen Yachting

6. Time Is on Your Side

Helicopter aboard superyacht SUNRAYS 280' Oceanco

We all know that time is money. With fully packed schedules, every minute is precious. Having a helipad on your superyacht saves so much time that would otherwise be wasted—be it in traffic, at the airport, or getting to your destination. With the ease and flexibility of helicopters, you and your guests can promptly reach your yacht’s location at an unimaginable speed. If flying directly from a city, time that would have been spent in endless traffic is spared. If picking you or your guests up from a nearby airport, the comfort and speediness are unparalleled. Transit times are severely reduced, allowing more time to sit back and relax.

Maximize your time with this yacht charter: SUNRAYS | 280′ Oceanco

7. Safety First

Helicopter taking off from superyacht AIR 265' Feadship

One of the biggest and most important benefits of having a helicopter easily available aboard your superyacht is for safety reasons. With very clear FAA safety regulations for helicopters, this mode of transportation proves to be one of the safest options for getting to and from your vessel. In addition, having a helicopter available in the event of an injury or a passenger getting sick is a critical benefit. Being able to evacuate a guest in an emergency may even be the difference between life and death. Even on vacation, accidents can happen. With the safety of travelers at the top of mind, these advantages are of the utmost importance and can ensure a safe and pleasant trip.

Travel with peace of mind with this yacht charter: AIR | 265′ Feadship

8. Specialized Design

Aerial view of superyacht PROJECT METAVERSE 207’ Delta

Helipads add a sense of wonder and aesthetic to your superyacht. However, it doesn’t stop at good looks. Shipbuilders work together with aviation pros and designers to find the ideal location to place a helipad. Teams work by the Commercial Yacht Code of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency to meet all necessary standards during construction. With a large amount of space needed to place a helicopter landing deck on a superyacht, attention to detail and impeccable design are paramount. You’ll know you’ve got the best of the best.

Transform big dreams into reality with this yacht: PROJECT METAVERSE | 207’ Delta

No matter how you look at it, having a helicopter on your superyacht changes the game. A helicopter ups the ante in all arenas, from fun to design to safety. Make sure your yacht includes this high-class feature. Contact a Denison yacht broker to upgrade your yacht and you’ll be flying high, too.

Speak with a Superyacht Specialist:

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This 252-Foot Explorer Yacht Carries Not One, but Two Helicopters for Extreme Sports

La datcha's owner plans to heli-ski in the antarctic, which requires both choppers. this ultimate explorer also has a certified emergency room, state-of-the-art scuba center and three-person submersible., julia zaltzman, julia zaltzman's most recent stories.

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Superyacht LaDatcha is being delivered to her owner for a held-skiing trip in Siberia

“ La Datcha is a luxury vessel designed for serious exploration,” says owner’s representative Stefano Feltrin. By serious , he means ends-of-the-earth exploration, and not just a trip around the Caribbean. The just-delivered 252-foot superyacht, the first SeaXplorer from Damen Yachting, will be proving its pedigree in the next few months, with extreme-sports trips planned to Kamchatka, a remote Russian peninsula on the Pacific, and afterwards to Antarctica.

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While the owner will love this unique shakedown cruise, La Datcha is also armed with a raft of custom features geared towards making it one of the most advanced charter yachts to ever hit water.

The Polar Code-compliant boat is capable of being autonomous at sea for up to 40 days. It is also the first yacht to carry two commercially certified helicopters in separate garages. When one helicopter has taken off from the heli-deck aft, the second is maneuvered into position on a custom-built trolley. “It takes only a few minutes to transit the helicopters from parking, to the helideck and then to flight,” Feltrin told Robb Report .

Superyacht La Datcha is being delivered to its owner

La Datcha has an internal trolley system so its two helicopters can be removed from their separate garages and placed on the helipad for quick takeoff.  Courtesy Damen

The significance of a two-heli setup comes into its own, once the yacht reaches the extremely remote waters of Kamchatka in March. Rarely visited by superyachts, it is a diverse cruising ground rich in wolverines, geysers, volcanoes and, for the owner, heli-skiing.

“The area’s extreme-sport offering is limited by the types of helicopters available, so we’ll be using the boat as a floating helipad and exploring some of the never-before-skied slopes,” says Feltrin.

The owner plans to stay in Kamchatka and the Kuril Islands for summer 2021, before heading to Antarctica in November, and then exploring Chile and Patagonia. Safety regulations for heli-skiing in these areas mandate a strict two-helicopter minimum rule. Typically, guests work around this requirement by chartering two boats, which means La Datcha ’s setup gives the boat a real edge as a charter proposition.

Superyacht La Datcha is being delivered to its owner

The yacht will journey to remote regions like Antarctica, so participants can engage in extreme sports like heli-skiing and nitrox diving.  Courtesy Damen

“The SeaXplorer is a moving platform on which to do outdoor activities,” says Feltrin, CEO of the La Datcha Tinkoff Collection, which also includes a number of shoreside properties. “We’ve taken great care to create a number of redundancy systems on board so that we can operate at all longitudes with proper connections.”

These include a fully certified hospital emergency room, with remote connection to a 24/7 doctor on call and crew with medical training. A three-passenger submarine for diving the waters of French Polynesia and Papua New Guinea. A state-of-the-art scuba diving center equipped with an onboard decompression chamber and enough compressed air and Nitrox to allow all 12 guests to dive together for as long as they choose.

“We can actually be on the water for seven days, never go on land and still manage a full day of diving, every day, for all the guests,” says Feltrin.

Superyacht La Datcha is being delivered to its owner

Along with a glass observation lounge and other refined interior spaces, La Datcha has a certified hospital emergency room, three-passenger submersible, and state-of-the-art scuba center. It can stay on the water autonomously for 40 days.  Damen

A glass observation lounge is a key feature of the SeaXplorer series, but La Datcha ’s lounge, with its open terrace on the bow and sculpture by Italian artist Gio Pomodoro, is larger than was originally planned.

The exterior is a collaboration between Damen and Azure Yacht Design & Naval Architecture, while the interior is by Vasiliy Shprits. La Datcha is Shprits’ debut yacht, but the style is consistent with the contemporary and warm interiors he has designed for the owner’s property portfolio.

Key areas on board include a guest staircase with backlit rubber walls that gradually change color throughout the day, and a dual master suite layout designed to accommodate friends and families to charter together while also enjoying the equal-sized master and VIP cabins.

Superyacht La Datcha is being delivered to its owner

The yacht is the first of Damen’s SeaXplorer series, though modifications were made to enhance the owner’s love of extreme sports.  Courtesy Damen

“The owner was heavily involved in the design of the yacht,” Shprits told Robb Report . “He gave his input for all of the important styling decisions and so feels a real connection to the vessel.”

La Datcha may have been conceived as a charter yacht with an ambitious itinerary, but the owner intends to spend as much time as possible on board with his family in each destination. “We plan to go to Tuscany and spend a week in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, on the way down to Antarctica,” says Feltrin. “So, for those areas, we’ll drop anchor right in front of the owner’s La Datcha homes.”

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Superyacht Helipads on Charter: What You Need to Know

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Superyacht Helipads on Charter: What You Need to Know

small yacht with helicopter

By Editorial Team |   Last Updated 4 November 2021

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A helipad is the ultimate luxury convenience for anyone in a hurry to start their dream yacht charter vacation, yet although it seems these days every self-respecting superyacht boasts a helipad - or two - few are actually commercially certified for helicopter landings. So, the question remains: is a non-certified helipad just a waste of space on a yacht charter?

To clear things up, we have compiled our guide on everything you need to know about superyacht helipads, as well as some of the best charter yachts already equipped with fully-certified helicopter platforms for those wishing to kick off their luxury yacht charter in style.

Helicopter lands onboard MY Suri

In this article:

A commercially-certified helipad is a must

Can you use a non-certified helipad on a yacht charter, private helipads, ‘touch and go’ helipad, charter guest benefits, 6 stand-out superyachts with a fully-certified helipad, 1. la datcha, 2. cloudbreak, 3. madsummer, 5. flying fox, interested in booking a luxury yacht charter.

For this classification, a superyacht helipad must be constructed and operated in line with the Maritime and Coastguard Agency’s (MCA) Large Commercial Yacht Code (LY3) Annex 6, which is basically the technical standards for helicopter landing areas, or helipads. 

Helipad onboard MY Ragnar

This code sets out the basic rules governing the design, construction and operation of a helipad, which includes important factors such as a yacht’s load bearing capacity, obstacle clearance, consideration of airflow, safe access points, lighting, permanent deck markings and relevant crew training on helicopter operations. 

small yacht with helicopter

The responsibility for the survey and certification process for a helipad intended for commercial use is shared between the yacht’s registered flag state, the classification society and an aviation inspection body, such as the International Civil Aviation Organization ( ICAO ). 

All in all, it doesn’t leave much wiggle room for winging it.  

In a nutshell, no. 

Helicopters are not permitted to touch down on a non-certified helipad onboard a yacht that is being used commercially, i.e. for charter, unless for a medical emergency such as the evacuation of sick or injured passengers.

small yacht with helicopter

A helipad or helideck is considered a commercial operation if used to either;

  • Receive commercial charter helicopters, or
  • Transport charter guests 

Therefore, even a yacht being used privately by its owner cannot receive a commercial charter helicopter if the helideck is not certified.

The ICAO have also weighed in on this point, stipulating that “all commercial air transport helicopters should land on certified helipads which must be built according to certain standards”. 

Private helipads onboard a yacht adhere to less stringent rules and therefore do not have to meet the commercial standards for certification. 

Helipad-swimming pool combo onboard Alfa Nero

We find many owners are keen to incorporate a helideck, so long as it doesn't compromise the overall aesthetic of the yacht

Aft helipad with sun loungers onboard MY Luna B

That's not to say that non-certified helipads aren’t safe, as for the most part they will have been designed with the regulations in mind. However, more often a yacht’s visual appeal is advocated over the practicalities of helipad design. Chris Wood, a helidecks operations manager with Safeguard Helidecks Certification agrees: “We find many owner's are keen to incorporate a helideck, so long as it doesn't compromise the overall aethestic of the yacht."

This snazzy term has become synonymous with luxury superyachts, although it technically has no meaning. For clarity's sake, unless specified ‘touch and go’ helipads are not certified and therefore cannot be used for commercial operations i.e. yacht charters, with the exception of medical emergencies. 

MY O'Ptasia

This can cause some confusion, especially as these types of helipads are often highlighted as a stand-out feature when marketing a yacht for charter.

A certified helipad onboard a yacht is a major bonus for yacht charterers wishing to expedite their travel time and arrive in style. Other advantages include;

  • Quick and easy access to and from the yacht 
  • Avoids wasting time in heavy traffic
  • Avoids lengthy tender rides to yachts out on anchor
  • Provides an opportunity for guests to explore their surroundings further
  • Ideal jumping off point for extreme sports such as heli skiing
  • Useful for corporate charter events
  • Safe and comfortable transportation option

A helicopter flies over the Great Barrier Reef

We are seeing huge demand from yacht owners wanting to get their private helipads commercially certified for yacht charters

A heliskier jumping with a helicopter mid flight in the background

As for non-commercial helipads, it can also be used for medical emergencies.

In conclusion, a fully operational helideck is an increasingly desirable feature onboard a charter yacht, which has led to a growing demand for helipad certification. Chris Woods at Safeguard Helidecks Certification confirms this is one of their biggest growth areas: "We are seeing huge demand from yacht owners wanting to get their private helipads commercially certified for yacht charters". 

So, although there are currently only a handful of charter yachts offering certified helipads right now, the future looks bright.

We have hand-picked a selection of top-rated superyachts equipped with a commerical landing platform for the ultimate luxury yacht charter.

Launched in 2020 to much acclaim, this stellar 77-metre explorer yacht is perfectly tailor-made for unique yacht vacations in far-flung destinations across the globe.

MY La Datcha

Located on her main deck aft, La Datcha’s helipad provides the perfect launching base for her two commercially-registered B3 Squirrel helicopters, designed by her adrenaline junkie owner with heli-skiing adventures and heli-ops in mind.

Ice bar onboard MY La Datcha

As well as an autonomous capability of up to 40 days at sea, she also boasts a raft of technology-rich gadgets, extensive wellness area, luxurious interiors and a toy chest overflowing with water-based and onshore exploration gear, including 2 snow scooters and a 3-person submarine.

small yacht with helicopter

Delivered out from the eminent German shipyard Abeking and Rasmussen in 2016, this voluminous 75-metre explorer yacht has a large dedicated aft commercial helideck for her custom Bell 429 Global Ranger, whilst still leaving ample deck areas for charter guests to exclusively enjoy. 

A helicopter travels to yacht Cloudbreak

CLOUDBREAK offers an array of superlative amenities from her glass-enclosed winter garden to her fantastic alfresco cinema which converts into a nightclub, complete with DJ booth, lighting and state-of-the-art sound system! She also boasts a vast wellness centre with sauna, plunge pool, gym and massage area, as well as a qualified onboard beautician and personal trainer for the ultimate onboard luxury experience.

small yacht with helicopter

Launched in 2019, this award-winning 95-metre luxury yacht boasts all the hallmarks of meticulous craftsmanship we’ve come to expect from a Lurssen yacht.

MY Madsummer

MADSUMMER has a large helipad platform on her foredeck, fully-certified for helicopter operations and bunkering. She also houses a fully-equipped hangar in her bow for helicopter storage. On top of this, guests keen to explore their destination can do so on the yacht's very own Husky seaplane and 11-meter limo tender.

Swimming pool onboard MY Madsummer

With exquisite Laura Sessa interiors showcasing a colour palette of primary hues, vast alfresco social areas, dedicated cinema suite and extensive wellness facilities, this spectacular charter yacht is an eternal crowd pleaser.

small yacht with helicopter

Delivered by Spanish yard Freire to her owner in 2011, This custom expedition yacht has made clever use of her wide foredeck helipad, which converts to a vast sundeck area with an array of sumptuous loungers when not being used as a landing platform for helicopters.

Foredeck helipad with sun loungers onboard MY Naia

NAIA is uniquely both a luxury yacht and a state-of-the-art research vessel, boasting a submarine hangar for deep exploration, high-tech research facilities and an onboard laboratory.

Swimming pool and gym onboard MY Naia

For those looking for a little indulgence, she also offers a fully-equipped glass-panelled gym and swimming pool, huge penthouse-style Owner’s deck offering sensational views, main salon that converts to a cinema suite and an impressive array of toys, including a 5-person submarine capable of depths of up to 525 feet.

small yacht with helicopter

This impressive Lurssen yacht boasts not just one but two certified helipads, located on her top deck and bow, and both intentionally left clear so that charter guests can come and go as they please.

MY Flying Fox

At 136 meters (446 ft) FLYING FOX is also the largest superyacht available for charter, and the most expensive!

Swimming pool onboard MY Flying Fox

Her stand-out features are endless; a stunning mezzanine-style salon, 12-meter swimming pool, lavish cinema suite, 400 m2 multi-level wellness spa – featuring a cryo-sauna, extensive Owner’s deck and observation lounge, to name a few of her onboard highlights.

small yacht with helicopter

Another award-winning turn from the German shipyard Lurssen, KISMET has two certified helipads; one on her bridge deck, which can be converted into a sumptuous alfresco lounging area, and another located on her foredeck, which is also marked out for a half-court basketball game!

small yacht with helicopter

This sleek 95m/312ft luxury yacht is assuredly masculine, both outside and in. From the sculpted jaguar on her bow to her luxuriant Art Deco-inspired black and gold interiors – based on a brief of ‘champagne and caviar’, she exudes glamour and style everywhere you turn.

Bar and piano lounge area onboard MY Kismet

Stand-out features include a stunning mosaic-tiled swimming pool with an adjacent elevated Jacuzzi offering sweeping vistas, aft deck fire pit with an integrated waterfall feature, double-height main salon and sports bar with full-height video walls so there’s no need to miss the game, plus innovative green features for environmentally-conscious charterers.

small yacht with helicopter

Choosing a yacht with a fully-certified helipad gives you a world of itinerary options that would otherwise not be achievable, allowing you and your broker to prepare some amazing and memorable experiences for the perfect yacht charter vacation.

With the list of charter yachts featuring commercial helipads growing each year, with many being retrospectively certified, be sure to check back. In the meantime, browse the current selection of  yachts equipped with a commercial helideck .

If you’d like to learn more about any of the yachts mentioned, or interested in booking a luxury yacht charter , please contact your yacht charter broker .

In short it depends.

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FEATURED SUPERYACHTS IN THIS ARTICLE

Flying Fox yacht charter

136m Lurssen 2019

Madsummer yacht charter

95m Lurssen 2019

Whisper yacht charter

95m Lurssen 2014

La Datcha yacht charter

77m Damen Yachting 2020

Cloudbreak yacht charter

75m Abeking & Rasmussen 2016

Naia yacht charter

74m Freire Shipyard 2011 / 2014

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Yacht With Helicopter For Sale : A Practical Indulgence

Yacht with Helicopter pad for sale Mi Sueno

There’s no more striking sight in the superyacht world than a helicopter perched on deck anchored in a beautiful setting, and it’s always a thrill to descend on your yacht from the skies, watching the blades churn up the turquoise sea below.

A yacht with a helicopter gives the yacht owner or charterer ultimate freedom to explore, whether you want to go summer skiing via helicopter from your yacht in Alaska, take scenic flights across volcanoes and jungle in the Caribbean, or simply have the convenience of being able to fly to a nearby city for work or pleasure at a moment’s notice.

When you’re holidaying on board a yacht with helicopter, you can begin your charter in superb style by landing on the yacht’s helipad, where the crew will be waiting to greet you. The next morning you might take a breathtaking helicopter ride to a distant island for a glamorous dining and spa experience, or indulge yourself with a helicopter shopping trip along the French Riviera from Monaco to Saint Tropez.

Effortless Cruising, Always in Reach

A yacht with a helicopter means that everything is in easy reach. If business calls from the Hamptons or you fancy a night out in New York, you just step onto your helicopter and fly away, rather than having to organise tender transfers ashore to a nearby airport, or spending the time relocating the yacht to the closest marina.

Yacht with Helicopter pad for sale

A luxury yacht vacation is already considered the most opulent and relaxing way to travel, but by including a helicopter you can vastly increase the area you can travel in a week, and the experiences of the cruising destination. If you’re in Antigua, for instance, but are really craving lunch back at that French restaurant in St Barths you ate at last week, you simply request the helicopter.

The Logistics of a Yacht with Helicopter

Some yachts with helicopters have touch and go helipads located on either the sundeck, boat deck or the foredeck, while larger superyachts and support vessels have designated helicopter hangars to permanently store the helicopter, as well as reserve fuel tanks. Yacht helicopters are crewed by a professional pilot, who may be part of the yacht’s permanent crew, or only come on board when required.

Yacht with Helicopter pad for sale

Yachts with helicopters are particularly popular for remote or long range cruising, as well as with businesspeople who need to remain within reach of major centers and airports for urgent trips.

A yacht with a helicopter not only adds an extra dynamic of adventure and opulence to your charter, but is also extremely practical, allowing you to explore more of the cruising ground while still remaining in easy reach of land. Worth Avenue Yachts has a wide range of yachts with helicopter for sale and charter.

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Yacht With A Helipad

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Escape On A Yacht With A Helipad

It seems almost unreal, that a yacht with a helipad is actually a fairly common element in luxury yachting today. Step into any boat show where the yachts are over 150’ (45m), and just look up. These floating works of art are topped with the ultimate cherry – a helicopter.

Related   What Is A Yacht Charter    |    Yacht With A Pool

yacht with a helipad

Your Own Yacht Helicopter Escort

There are no limits when it comes to offering the highest level of service to guests. Getting picked up by a helicopter to escort them to the yacht is an experience in itself, and gives guests a peek into what’s in store for the duration of the their time on board.

Secrecy. Secure. Style.

No longer do you or your guests have to wait for a tender to board, as a yacht with a helipad can make that happen faster, and with more privacy and security. The ease of joining your yacht in mid-ocean saves time, and offers a more efficient way to enjoy more time on the water with friends and family.

yacht with a helipad

Explore Uncharted Territory

The convenience of owning a yacht with a helipad can not only increase your time on board, it offers a way to explore uncharted territory. Hop on board, and fly to places where your yacht can’t take you because of draft limitations. Expand your experiences beyond the water via the hottest toy to hit the deck, so to speak.

Pushing The Boundaries Of Yacht Design

No space for a helipad? Yacht builders and naval architects have creative ways of making that happen. A yacht with a pool can have the capacity for it to double as a helipad by building a movable floor that drains water and raises when it’s time to land. Seems incredible, because it is.

yacht with a helipad

Multipurpose Mega Yacht Design

A yacht with a helipad typically features a large deck space cleared for such a purpose. At night, that deck can serve as a dance floor, and during the day, perhaps an open air yoga studio. There is no lack of creativity for open deck spaces, as imagined on some of the top award-winning mega yachts.

Luxury Yacht Intelligence

As incredible as it sounds, a helicopter can land on a yacht even as it’s underway. It’s a sight to see, and an even more amazing thing to experience firsthand. It’s not as hard as you think. Simply talk to a yacht broker at Merle Wood & Associates who will guide you to owning that yacht with a helipad that you’ve been searching for.

yacht with a helipad

Find A Yacht With A Helipad

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Home > Superyachts with helipad

Luxury yachts with helipads

A luxury yacht with a helipad offers complete flexibility. The convenience of owning a yacht with a fully certified helipad can not only increase your time on board but also provides a way to explore uncharted territory and enjoy a yachting experience at its finest. 

When you own or charter a yacht with a helipad, you can fly to your boat, saving considerable time and the potential stress that comes with taking multiple forms of transport. It also makes it easy to reach on-land destinations, from remote terrain to the world’s most elegant cities.

Helipads are generally positioned on the bow of a luxury boat or the aft deck, with careful planning to ensure health and safety regulations are met and that they don’t take up valuable guest space.

From touch-and-go helipads to full-scale helicopter hangars and commercially compliant helipads, here’s what you need to know about buying or chartering a superyacht with a helipad.

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  • Motor yacht
  • 110 m / 361 ft
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  • 18 guests in 9 staterooms
  • 107 m / 351 ft
  • 105 m / 344 ft

PHATHOM 80M

  • 80 m / 262 ft
  • TBD - Please enquire
  • 12 guests in 7 staterooms
  • 74 m / 243 ft
  • PROTEKSAN TURQUOISE - Please enquire
  • 14 guests in 7 staterooms

STELLA MARIS

  • 72.10 m / 237 ft
  • VIAREGGIO SUPERYACHTS - 2015

T700 MILANO

  • 70 m / 230 ft
  • 68 m / 223 ft
  • TANKOA - Please enquire

CYNTHESIS 180

  • Catamaran yacht
  • 58.3 m / 191 ft
  • 12 guests in 6 staterooms
  • 51.56 m / 169 ft
  • WIDER - 24 months
Nothing matches the prestige of owning a superyacht and joining an exclusive club of yacht owners. A superyacht puts the world at your fingertips, giving you the freedom to travel whenever, wherever all while enjoying a highly exclusive and private experience onboard your own self-sufficient sanctuary. Cruise bluewater havens or explore the world’s most remote regions aboard a luxury yacht with loved ones. YACHTZOO offers an exquisite selection of superyachts for sale. Our luxury yachts for sale are built by the world’s most esteemed shipyards and boast world-class amenities, pioneering cruising technology, and the finest craftsmanship.

Yacht Sales FAQ

What are the benefits of a superyacht with a helipad.

Having a helipad on board a superyacht is a highly desirable feature, especially with charter guests seeking an elevated experience at sea. There are several benefits, including convenience, easy access, privacy, and enhanced peace of mind in the event of an emergency.

Fast & private transportation

The primary benefit of a helipad on a yacht is that it allows for fast and private transportation of guests to and from the boat, avoiding lengthy tender rides and allowing guests to explore their surroundings further.

Ideal for extreme sports

A helipad can also be used for extreme sports, such as helicopter water skiing and heli-skiing, ensuring an incredible experience on the water.

Peace of mind

Having a fully certified helipad also provides enhanced peace of mind. Should there be, for example, a medical emergency, you have complete peace of mind that a swift transfer to a land-based medical centre can be quickly arranged.

Maximise a yacht's potential

A mega yacht with a fully certified helipad is highly desirable and will typically attract a higher resale value. Additionally, yachts with helipads are particularly sought-after charter yachts, enabling owners to maximise their boat’s income potential. Finally, a yacht's helipad can also be repurposed, and the large deck space cleared for a variety of activities, such as a dance floor at night and a recreational space during the day.

How big does a yacht have to be to have a helipad?

Generally speaking, a yacht must be at least 40-metres to accommodate a helipad on the bow. Boats under 40-metres generally do not have space to have a helipad on the bow, but clever design means that it may be possible to accommodate a touch-and-go helipad on the stern.

What is a touch-and-go helipad?

A touch-and-go helipad is a type of landing pad for helicopters that allows for quick take-offs and landings without stowing the aircraft on the yacht. It is becoming increasingly common on luxury superyachts and can be a significant bonus for yacht charterers, providing a quick and convenient way to access the vessel. Having a touch-and-go helipad on a yacht can also increase a boat's resale value and charter potential.

Can a yacht have more than one helipad?

Yes, it is possible to have more than one helipad on a yacht, depending on its size and layout. Multiple helicopter decks are often found on the world's largest mega yachts and expedition vessels, allowing for multiple helicopters to be stored at the same time. Having two helipads or more can be especially useful for vessels that accommodate a large number of guests or crew members who may need to travel to different locations at the same time.

What other amenities will a yacht with a helicopter deck have?

As helicopter decks are typically found on larger vessels, you'll also benefit from an enhanced selection of amenities. The world's finest superyachts typically boast voluminous beach clubs, swimming pools, spa facilities, cinema rooms, fully equipped gyms, VIP suites, and spacious salons and deck areas. They also typically boast a garage filled with tenders and a fantastic selection of water toys, including jet skis, water skis, inflatables, diving equipment, kayaks, submarines, and more.

How can YACHTZOO help me find a luxury yacht with helipad?

YACHTZOO has access to the finest yachts with helipads for sale and charter. Our yachts are built by the world's finest shipyards and boast enviable amenities and luxurious interiors for an enhanced yachting experience. Whether you are seeking a charter yacht with a helipad or wish to buy a boat with a helicopter pad, contact our team of yacht brokers today.

Browse our yachts for sale or contact YACHTZOO’s sales brokerage team; they will be delighted to help you find your ideal superyacht for sale.

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Flying Luxury: Four Helicopters Ready to Serve Your Superyacht

small yacht with helicopter

It’s only a superyacht if it has its own chopper.

Owners of magnificent, explorer class superyachts know a helicopter is their ship’s lifeline. They provide that crucial connection to the mainland when your ship is navigating the open seas and, at any given time, can serve as a workhorse or a flying Range Rover P530.

For VIPs, business meetings or private gatherings can take place while at sea, far from the long lenses of paparazzi. Guests can arrive and depart as desired, using your helicopter. At other times, the aircraft can be used to resupply the ship or, in an emergency, become an ambulance.

And let’s be real, the best experiences, like champagne with your beloved, or surf and turf with friends, are always made better with turquoise seas as a backdrop. Flight gives superyacht owners the freedom to conduct business on the mainland before ferrying guests back to the vessel for an unforgettable Mediterranean sunset.

Fortunately, industry leading aircraft manufacturers such as Airbus , Bell  and Sikorsky , have helicopters ready to serve on the world’s premier superyachts. They know the right aircraft allows these vessels to reach their full potential.

Here are four state-of-the-art choppers ready to ensure their superyachts provide an unrivaled adventure for its owner and guests.

Airbus ACH145

small yacht with helicopter

Making our list are two helicopters from Airbus, including the ACH 145, a helicopter ready to operate on today’s largest and most luxurious superyachts. The ACH 145 is a highly customizable aircraft with eight unique layouts , including a version with fine leather and wood finishes designed in collaboration with Mercedes Benz . The cabins in these aircraft also feature wide, panoramic windows, ensuring passengers can take in all the sights from 10,000 feet.

small yacht with helicopter

In terms of aircraft performance, these aircraft are capable of transporting as many as nine passengers at a range of up to 420 miles, according to Airbus . And with a maximum cruise speed of about 157 miles per hour, the ACH145 is the ideal transport if you’re looking to fly in friends and family for that sunset. However, if you’re a VIP with more intimate tastes, this chopper can be designed around four passengers with full amenities and space to spare.

Airbus H160

small yacht with helicopter

Airbus’ second helicopter on this list represents a leap forward for aircraft operating from superyachts. With a maximum speed of roughly 172 miles per hour, this medium helicopter is more environmentally friendly with reduced fuel consumption and an impressive operating range of 546 miles. And, like its sister aircraft the ACH145, this helicopter comes equipped with some impressive tech. Both the Airbus H160 and its sister the Airbus ACH145 feature advanced avionics and technology such the Helionix™ flight deck with its “intuitive software, synthetic vision system and four-axis automatic pilot with complete envelope protection,” resulting in class leading “precision and control” for its pilot, explains Airbus.

small yacht with helicopter

These features along with its reduced noise signature from its Blue Edge™ rotor blades make the H160 a class leading medium helicopter ready for service on a superyacht.

BELL FCX-001

small yacht with helicopter

Bell Flight’s FCX-001 seems to come straight out of science fiction in both its design and function. Anticipating automated flight of the future, Bell is equipping its aircraft with forward-looking design changes such as a single seat cockpit and a pilot guided by artificial intelligence (AI) and augmented reality.

small yacht with helicopter

The Bell FCX-001 is currently designed to hold up to 12 passengers in floating luxury and an interior that looks like it was taken out of Stanley Kubrick’s 2001 : A Space Odyssey. But instead of docking with a space station, these aircraft are primed to be the perfect companion for the superyachts of the future.

Sikorsky S-76D

small yacht with helicopter

Last, and certainly not least, the Sikorsky S-7D, from the legendary aircraft manufacturer. Known for its military aircraft such as the Blackhawk helicopter and Marine One, the personal helicopter of the President of the United States, the S-7D is the Lockheed-owned Sikorsky’s latest commercial offering for VIP transport and superyacht operations.

As does the Airbus Ach145, the S-7D offers a range of customizations for its cabins, with the manufacturer ready to work with clients to guarantee the aircraft fits the needs and preferences of its owners, according to the company.

Buyers and their designers can pick from a selection of exquisite “fabrics, leathers, colors and amenities and features” to ensure the flight experience is a reflection of the exclusive experience you want for yourself and the guests ready to share in your superyacht’s journey.

small yacht with helicopter

Sikorsky’s executive chopper is also built around a noise- and vibration-resilient flight experience thanks to its Quiet Zone™ transmission technology. This makes for a smoother ride when traversing difficult, marine weather.

Fitting upwards to eight passengers in the cabin configuration that works best for its owner, the S-7D has a maximum cruising speed of about 178 miles per hour. But what makes this chopper standout the most is its military roots. According to Sikorsky, the helicopter’s main rotor hub is drawn from the rotor hub of the UH-60 Black Hawk, a chopper that has served extensively in the United States’ military.

In designing this latest version of its VIP helicopter, Sikorsky touts its extensive record deploying helicopters on military and high performance commercial missions like support on oil rigs. With superyachts deploying in all types of climates and weather conditions, including arctic seas , the Sikorsky is surely a top contender for any owner or superyacht chartering company.

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The beginner's guide to buying a superyacht helicopter

Don’t know your rotor from your motor? Simon de Burton introduces a beginner’s guide to buying the perfect helicopter for your superyacht helicopter deck .

The paradox of modern motoring is that cars are faster and more reliable than they were 30 years ago, yet it takes far longer to drive from A to B because of the ever-increasing volume of road traffic. Which is annoying when you’ve just enjoyed a trouble-free cruise and dropped anchor near a favourite port, only to find that it’s going to take hours to travel a few miles inland for a spot of lunch. That’s one very good reason why you need a helicopter on board.

But what needs to be considered before taking the plunge with your first heli? The first question to ask yourself is whether you intend to fly or be flown. For the former, you’ll need a Private Pilot Licence (PPL), with an (H) suffix, for helicopter. Starting from scratch, this will require a minimum of 45 flight training hours, 10 of which must be flown solo. Also to be considered are the taxing theoretical exams in everything from navigation to meteorology, aviation law and even “human performance”. If you go down the chauffeur route, a trained commercial pilot can be hired at a cost of about £350 per day, plus expenses.

As far as your choice of chopper is concerned, that’s down to whether you choose a piston-engine machine or a jet turbine. Piston-engine helicopters are slower, smaller and generally have a shorter range, but are the least expensive. The popular, entry level Robinson R44 – capable of carrying a pilot and three passengers – costs from $375,000 new, with used examples being available from $250,000. A more exotic jet turbine aircraft, such as what used to be known as the Eurocopter EC120 and is now the Airbus H120 (pilot and five passengers) will set you back about €2.5 million and an H130 (pilot and six passengers) €3.5 million-plus.

These single-engine helicopters can be flown only during daylight (in UK airspace) under the Civil Aviation Authority’s Visual Flight Rules (VFR) as only appropriately equipped twin-engine helicopters are allowed to fly after dark under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR). For more guidance consult our edit of the best helicopters for your superyacht.

In addition to buying your dream machine, you’ll also need to pay for hangarage, insurance (typically three per cent of the value of the aircraft) and maintenance – regulations concerning which are extremely rigorous, especially for helicopters used in corrosive environments, such as on, over or near the sea.

But if you can shoulder the burden of that little lot, you’ll be rewarded with an unmatched level of flying freedom that allows private helicopter pilots to land anywhere, with the landowner’s permission, provided it is safe to do so – including the helipads of friendly superyacht owners.

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Has your superyacht helicopter got you in a spin?

small yacht with helicopter

Serving as everything from a toy to a serious mode of transport for charter guests, a helicopter is high up on the wish-list for many yacht owners. But, playing host to the most complex of flying machines on board comes with more challenges than owners and captains might expect.

A post shared by @yachthelicopters on Oct 2, 2017 at 8:39am PDT

This is a compromise that all but the largest vessels face when trying to accommodate a landing area and the deck space it inevitably eats into (there goes your tender spot). Small yachts with a helicopter squeezed onto the aft sun deck are unlikely to pass muster for commercial flight operations due to the lack of margin for pilot error which may leave them being of little use.

The rules have changed

Nigel Watson of Luviair explains that things are changing for owners who want to fly themselves on board.

Changes in legislation recently introduced should be considered by private owner pilots flying larger helicopters to ensure that the way they have flown in the past will remain appropriate under the new rules. The trend is towards rules and regulations that are more restrictive for the private pilot flying a complex helicopter. – Nigel Watson, Luvicair

Those vessels where a helicopter is integral to daily charter operations are increasingly built with a flag state approved landing area. The upshot is a significant increase in operational capability, due to landings and take-offs being much safer, whilst the downside is an almost certain impact on the yacht’s aesthetic – it’s hard to disguise a helipad!

A post shared by Dean Harrison Videography (@theyachtchef) on May 22, 2017 at 1:29am PDT

Crew are going to need specialist training (no sh*t)

When it comes to crew, any skipper worth his salt will employ a specialist helicopter consultancy to train and equip his team in safe helicopter operations. The Squadron , founded by former US naval aviator Daniel Deutermann, provides this service as well as specialist flight training for pilots. Once trained, crew responsibility for deck operations will be with the yacht’s designated Helicopter Landing Officer (HLO) whilst other crew members provide a firefighting detail and assistance to passengers- a serious training commitment for any yacht and one that must be kept current. In some cases, crew are also trained to refuel aircraft, greatly increasing the usability of the aircraft, but adding the safe bunkering of aviation fuel to the list of challenges faced on board.

The owner may want to fly it

When trained pilot owners decide they want to fly helicopters onto their yacht, the boundaries are more ambiguous. There is no legal requirement for the pilot to hold the commercial helicopter licence professional pilots must have or the landing area to be certified; regardless, the crew should be prepared.

There are three main recommendations when it comes to helicopter operations on yachts, an operations manual that has been vetted for content and evaluated for use aboard that specific yacht, formal crew training, ideally with live-flying exercises involved, and a formal risk assessment undertaken by a specialist third party. – Dan Deutermann, The Squadron

Did we mention space (it’s a big deal)?

When it comes to equipping a yacht with a helicopter and landing area, there are minimum standards to be considered too. “The deck should be of an appropriate size, free of obstacles, strong enough to take the dynamic loads of the helicopter under a heavy landing condition, and equipped for any incident that is likely to occur in the event of an accident,” explains Nigel Watson. “The helicopter should be fit for purpose, have ample power reserves, and be equipped for overwater operations.”

A post shared by @yachthelicopters on Jun 5, 2017 at 7:48am PDT

Let’s be honest, they’re handy to have

So, operational considerations tackled, helicopter purchased, landing area certified, crew trained and pilot employed; what’s on offer to the owner and guests? Well, actually quite a lot. At the top end of the market, a twin-engine aircraft (single engine models can only fly in fine weather) will be capable of flying guests up to 600nm from the vessel, in poor visibility, during daylight hours. Transfers to and from land take minutes, whilst those mid-charter arrivals between ports are a logistical nightmare for the captain no longer.

A post shared by Henry Smith (@theyachtguymonaco) on Jan 28, 2015 at 5:42am PST

Inherently complex, but indispensable to owners and guests a well-run helicopter operation takes a yacht to the next level of operational capability.

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William Bruton

Related articles, diesel vs petrol: which is the better engine for tenders, the crew network – top jobs this week, tender of the week: sacs strider 13, introducing the q39: the most exceptional rib on the market.

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COMMENTS

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    Compact in size, this helicopter's small footprint and large, flexible cabin make it the aircraft of choice for on board. ... Making its European debut at the 2019 Monaco Yacht Show, the AW109 Trekker is capable of carrying up to six passengers in a quiet cabin with luxurious seating that can be arranged in various configurations. It has a ...

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    1996 / 2023 (refitted) Guests. 16 in 8 cabins. Price. $28,500,000. Add to Compare. Fraser offers a range of luxury yacht for sale with a helipad. Arrive by air and in style. Browse our extensive range of superyachts for sale here.

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    Hodor. Credit: Clint Jenkins. Hodor's 220 square metre helideck is fully certified and a CAP 437-compliant helipad sits aft of the 66-metre catamaran's upper deck. The Incat Crowther shadow cat features an Airbus H145 helicopter in matching stealth-grey among its plethora of superyacht toys. More about this yacht.

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    2007 / 2021 (refitted) Guests. 12 in 7 cabins. Price. From €650,000 p/week. Add to Compare. Yachts for charter with a helicopter allow for seamless transition between land and sea. Browse the selection of vessels available to charter through Fraser.

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    Our charter yachts with a helipad vary in length, style and location. From 70m+ explorer yachts in Northern Europe to 50m superyachts in the Caribbean, the types of vessels may differ but each has luxury and comfort in common. A yacht charter experience that begins by helicopter is sure to be adventurous, memorable, and invariably fun.

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    Perhaps offering the most natural synergy between helicopter and yacht is the Airbus ACH145.With a small footprint ideal for a superyacht helipad, and a flexible cabin able to transport eight to ten guests in airborne luxury, this rotorcraft is unquestionably a top choice to adorn the deck of any superyacht.

  14. Yacht With Helicopter For Sale : A Practical Indulgence

    Yacht helicopters are crewed by a professional pilot, who may be part of the yacht's permanent crew, or only come on board when required. ... Growing up in England, a small island surrounded by water, Kevin was drawn to the sea and joined the British Merchant Navy at 16. After sailing on yachts in the Mediterranean and Caribbean he landed in ...

  15. Yacht With a Helipad

    Escape On A Yacht With A Helipad. It seems almost unreal, that a yacht with a helipad is actually a fairly common element in luxury yachting today. Step into any boat show where the yachts are over 150' (45m), and just look up. These floating works of art are topped with the ultimate cherry - a helicopter.

  16. The Smallest Yacht With Helipad

    In today's video, we take a look at the smallest known yacht that has its own helipad. Watch also:5 Biggest Planes To Land On Aircraft Carrier: https://youtu...

  17. Luxury Yachts with Helipads For Sale

    WIDER 170. Motor yacht. 51.56 m / 169 ft. WIDER - 24 months. 12 guests in 6 staterooms. 32,500,000 EUR. Request a yacht selection View new constructions. Nothing matches the prestige of owning a superyacht and joining an exclusive club of yacht owners. A superyacht puts the world at your fingertips, giving you the freedom to travel whenever ...

  18. Flying Luxury: Four Helicopters Ready to Serve Your Superyacht

    Airbus ACH145. Making our list are two helicopters from Airbus, including the ACH 145, a helicopter ready to operate on today's largest and most luxurious superyachts. The ACH 145 is a highly customizable aircraft with eight unique layouts, including a version with fine leather and wood finishes designed in collaboration with Mercedes Benz.

  19. The beginner's guide to buying a superyacht helicopter

    For the former, you'll need a Private Pilot Licence (PPL), with an (H) suffix, for helicopter. Starting from scratch, this will require a minimum of 45 flight training hours, 10 of which must be flown solo. Also to be considered are the taxing theoretical exams in everything from navigation to meteorology, aviation law and even "human ...

  20. Mega Yachts for Sale With a Helipad

    For sale with Rupert Nelson and Mark Woodmansey of Burgess, the incredible 300′ 3″ mega yacht TRANQUILITY features a helipad that is certified for an Airbus EC-135 or equivalent.. Located in Croatia, her entire outdoor decks are vast, and feature an abundance of space for entertainment, relaxation and taking in the stunning panoramic views. Her upper deck sports a 215 square foot pool and ...

  21. 15 INCREDIBLE Mini Helicopters

    There are a handful of ways to take to the skies, but it would seem that helicopters are often the unsung heroes of flight! You don't have to be an ace pilot...

  22. 10 Smallest Helicopters and Cheapest Ultralight Kits You Can ...

    When we think helicopters, millionaire playboys come to mind who land on the heli pads of their luxury yachts. In reality, though, the best selling copters o...

  23. Has your superyacht helicopter got you in a spin?

    When trained pilot owners decide they want to fly helicopters onto their yacht, the boundaries are more ambiguous. There is no legal requirement for the pilot to hold the commercial helicopter licence professional pilots must have or the landing area to be certified; regardless, the crew should be prepared. There are three main recommendations ...