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 60 Sunreef Power Eco electric catamaran has been named Catamaran of the Year 2025 in the Multipower category. The award was presented on April 23 during the International Multihull Show in La Grande Mothe, France. The prestigious accolade is granted by Multihulls World magazine to recognize the most innovative and outstanding catamarans in the industry.The 18m catamaran features an advanced solar energy system with photovoltaic panels integrated into the hulls, bimini roof, and superstructure. Powered by two electric motors, the vessel benefits from a continuous supply of clean energy, delivering a smooth and environmentally friendly sailing experience.A key feature of the 60 Sunreef Power Eco is its special ultralight battery, which enables silent and vibration-free operation. The catamaran is designed for comprehensive 360° sustainable sailing, incorporating an energy-efficient air conditioning system and eco-friendly materials in its finishes. Sunreef Yachts was founded by Francis Lapp in 2002 in Gdansk, Poland. Since then, the shipyard has been designing and manufacturing luxury sailing and power multihulls. Credits: Sunreef Yachts
April 25, 2025
Viken Group has introduced its latest innovation in the luxury cruise yacht sector – the 196-meter REI. Developed as a collaborative effort between the three brands of the Viken Group – TDoS (Tillberg Design of Sweden), Hot Lab, and Thalia Marine – the project aims to set new standards in sustainable and exclusive cruise experiences.The REI project solidifies Viken Group’s position as a pioneer in the luxury cruise yacht segment. The vessel, designed to accommodate up to 112 guests and 125 crew members across its 10 decks, features a beam of 28 meters and offers a unique blend of adventure, sustainability, and exclusivity.“We are thrilled to introduce REI. The 196-meter project is the perfect illustration of the combined offerings of the Viken Group, where we manage exterior styling, engineering, master planning, and interior under one umbrella,” said Fredrik Johansson, Co-Founder of the Viken Group and Executive Director of TDoS. “This approach helps our clients streamline the process dramatically, control investments, and optimize outcomes for both guests and operators.”The yacht’s design features a streamlined exterior inspired by nature, combining technical, industrial, and automotive aesthetics with dynamic curves. In contrast, the contemporary interior offers a tranquil environment with adjustable lighting and tactile materials, providing a rare digital detox experience for guests.REI’s design focuses on balancing private and public spaces, featuring numerous dedicated areas for exclusive use. Notable amenities include duplex suites with private winter gardens and pools, massage areas, double-height windows showcasing panoramic views, and a stunning forward infinity pool.Sustainability is a key aspect of the design, with multiple propulsion options including electric, hydrogen, solar, and wind power. The vessel also includes a secondary 27-meter expedition vessel for easy embarkation and disembarkation, powered by electric or solar energy.The onboard experience is designed to be ever-evolving, with entertainment, activities, and menus adapting to the time of year and location. The exploratory dining concept, themed ‘from sea, to land, to sky,’ offers a diverse culinary journey.“The market for cruise yachts is currently looking very promising,” said Antonio Romano, Commercial and Marketing Director at Viken Group. “Thanks to our three brands – TDoS, Hot Lab, and Thalia Marine – Viken Group can harness our unique expertise across superyachts, cruise ships, and refits, meaning we are perfectly positioned to make our mark.”The REI project represents a significant advancement in the luxury cruise yacht sector, combining innovative design, sustainability, and an unparalleled guest experience.Credits: Viken Group
April 24, 2025
Heesen Yachts has announced the passing of its founder, Frans Heesen, on April 23, 2025, in his hometown of Oss. He is survived by his wife Petra, children, and grandchildren.Frans Heesen’s leadership and talent for identifying and nurturing potential were fundamental to the success and growth of Heesen Yachts. Known for his visionary approach and Dutch courage, Heesen took bold steps that shaped the future of the shipyard.One of his most notable achievements was the decision to build the groundbreaking yacht Octopussy, despite significant risks. This project not only succeeded but also brought global recognition to Heesen Yachts.Throughout his career, Frans dedicated himself to creating a family-like atmosphere at the shipyard. Even after the company was sold, the family environment he established remained strong. The values he instilled continue to define the company’s culture today.Heesen Yachts expressed its deepest condolences to Frans’ family and friends, noting that while his presence will be deeply missed, his spirit and vision will continue to guide the company.Frans Heesen’s contributions have left a lasting impact on the yachting industry and on everyone who had the opportunity to work with him. He will be remembered for his pioneering spirit and dedication to excellence.Credits: Heesen Yachts
April 24, 2025
Northrop & Johnson has listed the brand-new Absolute 56 Flybridge for sale at EUR2,033,250, with yacht brokers Jeffrey Chan and Martin Holmes representing the vessel. The Italian-built motor yacht combines performance with contemporary design, featuring Volvo Penta IPS engines for efficient cruising and joystick docking.The 56 Flybridge offers a full-beam master suite positioned forward for panoramic views, along with three guest cabins and a separate crew cabin. The aft galley connects the cockpit and saloon, enhancing indoor-outdoor flow, while floor-to-ceiling windows provide natural light. High-end finishes include polished cabinetry and sleek countertops.On deck, the yacht maximizes space with an expansive flybridge featuring a U-shaped dining area, wet bar, and lounging zones. An optional hardtop includes solar panels for energy efficiency. The foredeck includes a lounge with sunpads and a convertible teak table, while the hydraulic swim platform at the stern functions as a beach club with retractable stairs for water access.Designed for comfort and reliability, the Absolute 56 Flybridge is available for immediate delivery. Buyers seeking a turnkey, high-performance motor yacht can view the listing through Northrop & Johnson.Credits: Northrop & Johnson
April 24, 2025
The inaugural World Yachting Summit in Monaco convened over 200 participants from 20 countries, including industry leaders, regulators, and innovators, to address critical challenges facing the sector. Modeled after global forums like COP and Davos, the three-day event featured 19 panel sessions and 8 keynote talks focused on sustainability, modernization, and generational engagement.Keynote speaker Jean-Claude Biver, former CEO of Blancpain and Hublot, emphasized innovation through his "first, unique, different" philosophy, while Azimut Benetti's Giovanna Vitelli led discussions on practical sustainability measures. A SMART framework emerged from debates:Sustainable: Industry must transition from compliance to climate leadership, per DNV's Barbara Sanches and Energy Observer's Victorien Erussard.Modern: Calls for transparency in listings and standardized regulations for emerging destinations.Attractive: Shift needed from ostentation to purpose-driven experiences for younger demographics.Resourceful: Unified advocacy and economic impact storytelling urged, mirroring aviation sector models.Transformative: Early marine education and human-centric design identified as priorities.Albert Manzone of Société des Bains de Mer highlighted Monaco's stability as a blueprint for resilience. Closing sessions noted geopolitical and labor challenges, with cautious optimism about adapting to sustainability demands and experience-focused ownership models.The Summit was co-organized by M3 and OMNIYAT. M3 CEO José Marco Casellini stated: "WYS 2025 leaves a lasting impression... establishing itself as a driving force for innovation and strategic thinking about the future of yachting."A second edition is planned for 2026 to continue progress on these initiatives.Credits: World Yachting Summit
April 24, 2025