Europe is known for its centuries-long yachting industry traditions. In Italy, the Netherlands and Germany, shipbuilders have been competing to construct the largest vessels with impressive LOAs of over 160 metres. Still, more humble in their ambitions and opportunities US yacht builders also have something to offer to potential charterers and buyers.
With such prominent names on the yachting arena, as Palmer Johnson, Trinity Yachts or Christensen, US yards dispose of an incredible array of building options, and they are definitely worth taking a look at. Yacht Harbour lists top 10 out of the largest superyachts built on the territory of the USA so far.
#10. Invictus
Length: 65.5m
Builder: Delta Marine
Year: 2013
The vessel is owned by US billionaire and real estate magnate Rick Caruso with his net worth estimated at $4 billion (Forbes), coming from a net of open-air shopping centres he developed around Los Angeles.
Delivered by Delta Marine in 2013, the yacht of a steel hull and aluminium superstructure features a 13.1-metre beam and a 4-metre draft. Within exteriors by Delta Design Group and interiors by Diane Johnson Design, Invictus can accommodate 12 guests across 6 cabins.
Invictus has recently gained much attention in the media with the news that, after sensational win of the World Cup Trophy, US women football team had celebrated the victory aboard the superyacht. It was said that the owner of Invictus invited the team onboard to demonstrate his support for equal pay to the male counterparts, which was the team’s long-time issue.
#9. Blue Shadow
Length: 66.75m
Builder: Campbell Shipyards
Year: 1995
Designed by Francis Design, the yacht was initially said to act as a support vessel for The Golden Fleet of Prince Khaled bin Sultan, son of the late Crown Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz of Saudi Arabia. With her initial name ‘Golden Shadow’, she was the first support yacht in the industry.
Designed by Martin Francis, the superyacht features a beam of 11.8 metres and a draft of 4.5 metres. With the power of Deutz engines, Blue Shadow reaches her maximum speed at 16.5 knots and a cruising speed of 15 knots, with an estimated range of 13,000 nautical miles.
Blue Shadow features spacious accommodation for up to 20 guests across 11 staterooms. One of the key trademarks on-board is the main deck area suitable for storage of up to 5 boats, a vast dining area and cosy lounge exteriors. In addition to her other toys, she carries a seaplane called the Golden Eye.
In April 2019, the vessel was sold asking €9,950,000.
#8. Global
Length: 67.06m
Builder: Bender Shipbuilding & Repair
Year: 1982
The 1982 Global was designed by Lay, Pitman & Associates with Bender Shipbuilding developing the naval architecture, and interior design created by Kimberly Gonzales. With a beam of 12.2 metres and a draft of 3.7 metres, she has a steel hull and aluminium superstructure.
With a gross tonnage of 1,303 tons, she offers accommodation to up to 12 guests across 6 cabins. Her exterior features include a large swimming pool, a helipad, a davit, and a high capacity crane.
She is powered by Caterpillar engines of 2,450 hp each giving her a maximum speed of 14 knots and a cruising speed of 12 knots. Global's maximum range is estimated at 10,000 nautical miles.
She is currently on sale asking $ 6,990,000 through United Yacht Sales.
#7. Explorer
Length: 67.28m
Builder: Candies Shipbuilders (formerly Houma)
Year: 1980
The superyacht was originally built and launched as a 51.8-metre superyacht.
Undergoing an extensive refit in 2011, Explorer saw her hull extended to current 67 metres. Another extensive refit of 2014 encapsulated addition of the owner’s stateroom, private lounge, gym and spa. A movie theatre was installed and all the audio and IT systems upgraded.
Within exteriors by Kirilloff and Associates and interior designs by Joseph Artese, Explorer offers accommodation for up to 8 guests and a crew of 9.
Techno wise, she is powered by GM engines giving her a maximum speed of 12 knots and a cruising speed of 10 knots at 12,200 nautical miles.
#6. Albatross
Length: 72m
Builder: Delta Marine
Year: 2016
Being on a confidentiality agreement, builder the yacht’s builder has not revealed information on her general arrangement, or full design team. Albatross has a 13-metre beam and displaces impressive 1,700 GT.
Similarly to Laurel and a few other yachts by Delta Marine, Albatross has a steel hull with a fibreglass superstructure. Moreover, the superyacht features a side-launching tender garage with an overhead crane, and a hefty davit on the sundeck for another boat or toy.
#5. Laurel
Length: 73.15m
Builder: Delta Marine
Year: 2006
Designed from inside out by Donald Starkey, Laurel was commissioned by experienced owners purposefully for remote, expedition-style cruising. Laurel's interior layout sleeps up to 12 guests across 7 rooms, including a master suite, 4 double cabins, 1 twin cabin and 1 pullman bed.
The yacht’s interior is furnished in eclectic style. Notably, the central staircase spirals around a three-storey-high glass sculpture by Seattle artist Mary van Cline that depicts marine life. In terms of amenities, there are a gym, spa pool and sunbathing zone on the sin deck aft and a complete tender garage on-board.
Laurel is propelled by CAT engines of 2500 hp each to a cruising speed of 15 knots, a maximum speed of 18 knots and a range of 6,000 nautical miles.
She is available for charter from € 472,500 per week via Ocean Independence.
#4. Cocoa Bean
Length: 73.98m
Builder: Trinity Yachts, LLC
Year: 2014
Featuring exteriors by Evan K Marshall & H2 Design and interiors by Evan K Marshall, the 74-metre yacht measures to a 12-metre beam and a 4-metre draft. Within impressive interior volume of 1,590 tons, the superyacht offers accommodation to up to 14 guests across 7 cabins.
Cocoa Bean features expansive deck spaces five decks, also with an extended beach club and swim platform. The superyacht disposes of a 2016 Riva to take guests from ship to shore, as well as a 2016 Chapman with a 300hp engine and multiple water toys including 2 jetskis, a jetsurf, full diving & snorkelling equipment, kayaks, paddleboards, waterskis and so one.
Propelled by engines of 2,575 hp, Cocoa Bean reaches her maximum speed at 15 knots and cruises at 12 knots.
She is available for charter from € 550,000 per week via Fraser.
#3. SS Delphine
Length: 78.3m
Builder: Great Lakes Engineering Works
Year: 1921
Built by Great Lakes Engineering in 1921, the yacht went through burning, sinking, being restored, serving as a flagship in WWII and, decades later, restored again, then returning to her original state as a yacht.
With a beam of 10.7 metres and a draft of 4.6 metres, the yacht has a steel hull. She features four-cylinder, triple-expansion steam engines, which are still in use today giving SS Delphine a maximum speed of 11 knots.
The vessel is available for charter.
#2. Aquila
Length: 85.6m
Builder: Derecktor
Year: 2010
Formerly known as Cakewalk, this 85-metre yacht was sold to her current owner at an asking price of €119,000,000 at the end of 2014. Consequently, she underwent a 12-month refit at Pendennis in the UK and had her name changed to Aquila.
The motor yacht can accommodate 14 guests in 7 cabins with an interior design by Dalton Designs and an exterior design by Tim Heywood. She is powered by MTU engines of 3306 hp each giving her a maximum speed of 18 knots and a cruising speed of 15 knots
The largest yacht built in the United States since the 1930s, Aquila's improvement focused mainly on the interior. For instance, the owner's stateroom was entirely remodelled, a 60 square metre private deck was added, while the Jacuzzi was repositioned to the forward sun deck.
Aquila is available for charter from € 945,000 a week through Burgess.
#1. Voyager (Ex: Danah Voyager , Candy Trader)
Length: 91.4m
Builder: Swiftships Inc.
Year: 1997
In fact, the largest American explorer superyacht was built in 1997 as a commercial ship. Meaning the largest superyacht conversion on the territory of the USA, US yacht market player Voyager Maritime Alliance Group (VMAG) has recently announced the successful completion three-year works.
First works done on Voyager included the lengthening of the platform, redesigning the bow area, and adding several superstructure decks for a completely new look. During completion works, the superyacht was empowered with the new generators and took a complete interior rejuvenation.
Overall, the vessel now boasts six decks with a helipad, spa room, dive centre, and extensive storage for tenders and water toys.
The Italian Sea Group has launched the 72-meter Admiral Armani megayacht, marking the first vessel designed in collaboration with Giorgio Armani. The ceremony took place at the company's Marina di Carrara facility, attended by representatives from the Armani Group, local authorities, and project team members.This yacht represents the first of two projects fully designed by Giorgio Armani, featuring distinctive exterior styling and interior design by Armani/Casa. The collaboration with The Italian Sea Group's Centro Stile combines minimalist aesthetics with advanced naval engineering.Key design elements include geometric volumes with curved surfaces, satin aluminum and steel detailing, and expansive floor-to-ceiling windows. The upper decks incorporate open-air lounges and a helicopter landing area. Interior materials feature Black Marquinia marble, golden Calacatta, and Canaletto walnut, complemented by custom lighting and fabrics."This yacht represents the confluence of Giorgio Armani's poetic elegance and The Italian Sea Group's technical excellence," said Giovanni Costantino, Founder & CEO of The Italian Sea Group.The Admiral Armani 72m will make its official debut at the Monaco Yacht Show in September 2025. The vessel measures 72 meters in length and represents a new direction in luxury yacht design through the Armani collaboration. Technical specifications and performance details were not disclosed in the announcement.The Italian Sea Group is a global operator in the luxury yachting industry, listed on Euronext Milan (“EXM”) and active in the construction and refit of motor yachts and sailing yachts up to 140 meters. The Company, led by Italian entrepreneur Giovanni Costantino, operates on the market with the brands Admiral, renown for elegant and prestigious yachts, Tecnomar, Perini Navi, and Picchiotti; the Company has a business unit, NCA Refit, that manages the maintenance and refit services for yachts and mega yachts with a length over 60 meters. Credit: Giuliano Sargentini/The Italian Sea Group
May 7, 2025
Silent Yachts has announced its 24-meter flagship solar-electric catamaran, the SY80, is approaching completion. The Italian builder recently launched two SY62 3-Deck Open models and one SY62 3-Deck Closed variant from its Fano shipyard as part of its plan to deliver 10 yachts in 2025.The SY80 will be available in three customizable configurations: 2-Deck, 3-Deck Open, and 3-Deck Closed. The model retains the sustainable features of Silent Yachts' smaller vessels while offering increased volume, accommodating up to 12 guests. Key features include an open layout, spacious staterooms, and ample storage for water toys."We can accommodate a very high number of different configurations, making the yacht of your dreams into a lived reality," said Silent Yachts CEO Fabrizio Iarrera. Owners can opt for an on-deck master suite or an open-plan salon with the master cabin below deck.Performance specifications include a top speed of 12 knots, cruising speeds of 7-8 knots, and battery capacities of 522 kWh or 696 kWh. The solar array peaks at 22.4 kWp, supporting near-zero-emission operation.The SY80 2-Deck variant will debut at the 2025 Cannes Yachting Festival (September 9-14), with sea trials expected in the coming weeks.Silent-Yachts is producing the world’s first fully solar-sustainable oceangoing production catamaran yachts. They are powered exclusively by solar energy and capable of cruising up to 100 miles per day. In 2009, founders Heike and Michael Köhler, who have spent 6,000 days cruising more than 75,000 miles all around the world, launched the Solarwave 46, the first fully self-sufficient blue-water catamaran after years of testing solar-powered propulsion, and they have been building boats ever since. Credits: Silent-Yachts
May 7, 2025
The 52-meter sportfisher Special One, built by Royal Huisman with design by Vripack, has received the Judges' Special Award at the 20th World Superyacht Awards in Venice. The yacht competed in the Best Motor Yacht – Semi-Displacement or Planing Motor Yachts 50m+ category.Judges described Special One as "spectacularly different," with one noting: "She is truly special! This yacht is so unusual, so different and so successfully done." The award recognizes the vessel's unique combination of sportfishing capabilities and luxury amenities.Vripack's co-creative director Bart Bouwhuis commented: "The owner's desire to build one of the coolest and challenging boats to ever hit water was unwavering from the outset." The design maintains traditional American sportfisher proportions while incorporating innovative features like a 28m² fish cockpit, DJ station, and cinema with rising projector screen.Interior highlights include walnut and oak finishes, a 237-piece parquet dining floor, and a sky lounge with custom blue glass chandelier. Technical innovations include laser-powered fiberglass exterior lighting.The World Superyacht Awards ceremony took place in May 2025, honoring exceptional vessels in the global luxury yacht market. Special One represents Royal Huisman's first sportfisher project and Vripack's largest motor yacht design to date.Royal Huisman is a Dutch shipyard established in 1884 in Ronduite, building and refitting custom luxury sailing and motor yachts at its shipyard in Vollenhove, the Netherlands.Credit: Guillaume Plisson, all provided by Vripack
May 7, 2025
The upcoming South Coast & Green Tech Boat Show 2025 at Ocean Village Marina in Southampton will showcase several world and UK premieres from leading marine manufacturers. The event, scheduled for May 9-11, will highlight new models across both power and sail categories with a focus on innovation and sustainable technologies.Among the notable debuts, Cockwells Modern & Classic Boatbuilding will present the Hardy 45 European, making its world premiere. The 45-foot vessel combines offshore capabilities with inland waterway navigation, powered by twin Yanmar 440hp engines reaching speeds up to 28 knots. Dave Cockwell, Founder and Sales Director, stated: "Our all-new Hardy 45 European provides an extraordinarily luxurious and secure environment for ocean crossings and long-distance cruising."Hardy 45The show will introduce four models to the UK market for the first time, including the BENTE28 sailing yacht with its distinctive IMOCA-style dodger, the high-speed Delta 33 Coupé from Sweden, the modular Axopar 29 Sun Top adventure boat, and the versatile Saxdor 340 GTWA walkaround cruiser.Hanse 360Additional show debuts will feature the award-winning Hanse 360 sailing yacht, recently named European Yacht of the Year 2025, alongside the FJORD 39 XL powerboat and the Absolute 47 Fly flybridge cruiser. The Hanse 360 offers an optional sustainable sail package using recycled materials.Absolute 47 FlyTim Mayer, Sales and Marketing Director at MDL Marinas, commented: "Each year the South Coast & Green Tech Boat Show grows in scale and significance." The event will display over 90 boats both in-water and shoreside at the Harbour Hotel Southampton location.Credits: South Coast & Green Tech Boat Show
May 6, 2025
Benetti has launched FB287, a fully customized 67-meter steel yacht from its B.Now series featuring the Oasis Deck® design. The vessel represents Benetti's steel-hulled superyacht expertise, with exterior design by RWD and interiors by Sinot Yacht Architecture & Design. Engage Maritime served as owner's representative throughout the project."The launch of FB287 demonstrates the capabilities of the Benetti shipyard and the possibilities for clients to realize their ultimate expression of the yachting lifestyle," said Daniela Petrozzi, Benetti Sales Director.Key customizations include a rectangular elevator, marble guest staircase with glass balustrade, widened corridors, and multiple pool areas - an infinity pool on the Oasis Deck®, a spa pool on the observation deck, and a reflecting pool with waterfall effect on the owner's deck. The yacht features a lower-deck spa complex with sauna and steam room, a main deck saloon with grand piano, and an entire upper deck dedicated to the owner's private use.Originally conceived with light beach house interiors, FB287's owner requested a darker, richer aesthetic inspired by Gatsby-era styling. The final design incorporates woods like sycamore, ebony, and macassar, along with specialty marbles and metal detailing. Despite the dramatic style change from initial concepts, the design maintains seamless flow between interior and exterior spaces through coordinated material selections.Following launch, FB287 will undergo sea trials before scheduled delivery this summer. The project marks Benetti's successful adaptation of its B.Now platform to meet specific owner requirements while maintaining the series' signature indoor-outdoor living philosophy.Founded in 1873, Benetti is the oldest Italian shipyard specializing in luxury yachts. Benetti designs, builds and sells composite vessels from 29 to 44m and steel and aluminum boats from 37 to over 100m. The fleet consists of five categories: Class, Oasis, B.Yond, B.Now and Custom to meet all the needs of the market. Benetti belongs to the Azimut|Benetti Group, the largest privately owned luxury yachting group in the world.Credits: Giuliano Sargentini/Benetti
May 6, 2025