Annually, the Cannes Film Festival unofficially represents the beginning of superyacht season in France. The event becomes one of the season's destinations for many of the world's wealthiest people. This year’s Festival started on May 14, continuing till May 25, with the most magnificent superyachts showcased in various locations along the French Riviera. Below is the listing of some of the largest superyachts owned by billionaires, that have already occurred in the area, according to Forbes information.
#1. Eclipse
Builder: Blohm+Voss (2010)
LOA: 162,5m
Owner: Roman Abramovich ($12.8 billion)
Location: Antibes
Famously built for Russian billionaire, Roman Abramovich and the owner of Chelsea football club as the flagship of his fleet, Eclipse was delivered in 2010 by German shipyard, Blohm+Voss (now part of Lurssen), as the largest yacht in the world, a title that she held until the delivery of the 180-meter Azzam in 2013.
Although not on the open charter market, Eclipse is available for rent according to several sources at a rate of €3 million per week with the owner's team dealing with the management of the superyacht's operations themselves, without the involvement of any brokerage firm.
Refitted in 2015, Eclipse boasts a 56-meter private owner's deck, a 16-meter swimming pool that can transform into open deck and can carry up to three helicopters at a time.
#2. Dilbar
Builder: Lurssen (2016)
LOA: 156m
Owner: Alisher Usmanov ($12.8 billion)
Location: Antibes
Known during her highly secretive build as Project Omar, the 156-meter yacht was launched at Lurssen facility in 2015. She became Russian billionaire Alisher Usmanov's third yacht and the third yacht to bear the same name Dilbar, after the businessman’s mother.
With her gross tonnage of 15,917 tons, she has officially become the world's largest yacht by volume.
Diblar boasts exterior design by Espen Oeino and interior styling by Andrew Winch. Dilbar features a combined 3,800 square meters of living space, being able to host up to 40 guests and a crew of 80.
#3. Rising Sun
Builder: Lurssen (2004)
LOA: 138m
Owner: David Geffen ($8.3 billion)
Location: Cannes
Rising Sun was built by Lurssen in 2004, with the design of Jon Bannenberg. David Geffen, a billionaire with a net worth of $6 billion, co-owned Rising Sun along with Larry Ellison from 2004, before he bought it in 2010. Being one of the largest yachts in the world, it costed $200 million to build Rising Sun, according to some reports.
#4. Sailing Yacht A
Builder: Nobiskrug (2017)
LOA: 143m
Andrey Melnichenko ($12.9 billion)
Location: headed to Antibes
The yacht delivered in 2017 features masts stunningly taller than Big Ben. With the height of nearly 100 meters, S/Y A boasts over 12,600 GT of interior volume, just 3,100 less than Dilbar, the most voluminous yacht in the world. By this measurement, she's also 4.6 times larger than the largest sailing yacht in the world, the 108-meter Black Pearl.
The yacht powered by twin MTU engines of 4,827 HP each, is projected to reach her top speed at 20 knots without using her sails and feature cruising speed of 16 knots under transatlantic range of 5,320 nautical miles.
#5. Bravo Eugenia
Builder: Oceanco (2018)
LOA: 109m
Owner: Jerry Jones ($6.8 billion)
Location: Monaco
Bravo Eugenia had been technically launched in 2017 and delivered in 2018 to her reported owner, US billionaire and owner of the Dallas Cowboys NFL franchise, Jerry Jones. The latter is estimated at $6,9 billion. Meanwhile, Dallas Cowboys acquired by Jones for $150,000,000 in 1989, currently worth $5 billion.
Designed by Nuvolari Lenard with naval architecture by Lateral Naval Architects, the yacht claims to be the first to feature a LIFE (Lengthened, Innovative, Fuel Efficient, Eco Friendly) design.
The 109-meter's interior was created by Reymond Langton, with an expected over 4,000GT of volume stretching across a 16,3-meter beam. Powered by a hybrid propulsion system, the yacht is capable of reaching a top speed of 17,5 knots.
#6. Al Raya
Builder: Lurssen (2008)
LOA: 110m
Owner: Bahrain Royal Family
Location: Antibes
Famously built as Dilbar, the 110-meter Lurssen was renamed to Ona by Russian billionaire, Alisher Usmanov, when the new, 156-meter Dilbar was delivered in 2016 and became the largest yacht in the world by gross tonnage. First listed for sale at the end of 2016 asking €250 million, Ona was later no longer publicly marketed for sale. Earlier this year, her name was changed to Raya presumably by a new owner although the yacht remains berthed at the same location in Monaco.
#7. Quantum Blue
Builder: Lurssen (2014)
LOA: 104m
Owner: Sergei Galitsky ($3.5 billion)
Location: Currently cruising Côte d'Azur
Built in 2014, Quantum Blue was designed by Tim Heywood and Alberto Pinto. She has a length of 104m, a beam of 16.8m and a draft of 4m. The yacht's alluring amenities include a spa with a pool, a lift, helipad, beach club, gym and movie theatre. With a maximum speed of 22 knots, she can cruise at 13 knots.
#8. Lionheart
Builder: Benetti (2016)
LOA: 90m
Owner: Philip Green ($3.6 billion)
Location: Monaco
This custom mega yacht was built by Benetti in 2016 as the yard's flagship and the largest vessel, keeping the status until the recent launch of three 100m+ gigayachts.
Stefano Natucci collaborated with Benetti on the exterior design, while Green & Mingarelli Design was responsible for the interior design. Lionheart has a sporty aggressive look, with a large beach club and side-opening doors for easy launching of the tenders. The yacht provides a wide range of amenities including an outdoor bar and ample space for sunlounging and relaxing.
She can accommodate up to 12 guests, the cabins with private balconies on the main deck are a notable addition and will offer great sea views. Also, guests can enjoy open Jacuzzi, spa and barbeque and helipad.
Featured with interior volume of 2,990 GT and a beam of 14.4 metres, the yacht boasts maximum speed of 18 knots with cruising speed of 16 knots.
#9. Lady Lara
Builder: Lurssen (2015)
LOA: 91m
Owner: Alexander Machkevitch ($2.4 billion)
Location: headed to Antibes
Built by Lurssen in 2015, the yacht features the exterior and interior design from Reymond Langton. Lady Lara's alluring amenities include VIP suites with fold down balconies, a large beach club, a gym, Jacuzzi, a swimming pool and a helipad.
The yacht features feminine elegance when viewed at a distance, thanks to her sweeping curves and elegant proportions that allow her masculine details to emerge.
#10. Maltese Falcon
Builder: Perini Navi (2006)
LOA: 88m
Owner: Elena Ambrosiadou
Location: headed to Antibes
Maltese Falcon is an iconic yacht that had held the title of the world’s largest sailing yacht until Oceanco launched the Black Pearl in 2017.
Commissioned in 2000 by Tom Perkins, the late venture capitalist, the Maltese Falcon took nearly six years to complete. Sold to hedge fund manager Elena Ambrosiadou at an asking price of €70 million in 2009, the 88-meter is now one of the largest yachts available for charter with a rate starting from €360,000 per week.
Maltese Falcon’ most innovative attribute became her sails that could rotate based on the direction of the wind. This was a first for the yachting industry. This innovative system allows the yacht to even sail against the wind.
Maltese Falcon features a cruising speed of 16 knots. Meanwhile, in a storm in the Gulf of Lion, France she demonstrated a speed of 26 knots under sail alone.
Designed by Ken Freivokh, the Maltese Falcon was extensively refurbished in 2015/2016 during a refit. She can accommodate up to 12 guests on-board.
Royal Huisman has unveiled a 50-meter concept yacht named AERA. The design incorporates a wing sail system and fuel cell technology aimed at reducing emissions. The concept follows the shipyard's 2024 launch of Project Tidal Shift, an environmental initiative focused on ecological preservation.The yacht's wing sail, developed by Artemis Technologies and Rondal, measures 245 square meters and is capable of rotating 360 degrees. The unstayed wing sail system does not require traditional sails, sheets, blocks, or winches. Two electric motors inside the yacht rotate the mast, while hydraulic cylinders control adjustable flaps along its trailing edge.AERA is designed to operate under 500 gross tonnage. The concept results from a collaboration between Royal Huisman, Rondal, designer Cor D. Rover, and Artemis Technologies. The design allows the vessel to function under both sail and power.Royal Huisman previously delivered the world's first hybrid superyacht, Ethereal, in 2009. The shipyard states that AERA represents a continuation of its focus on integrating new technologies to address sustainability in yacht building.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: Royal Huisman
September 17, 2025
Tankoa Yachts has completed the acquisition of the business division of Otam. The transaction, finalized in agreement with both companies' founding families, includes the Otam brand and its historic shipyard in Genoa. The dockyard facilities in Santa Margherita Ligure remain under the current ownership.The acquired Genoa facility comprises approximately 4,800 square meters of covered areas, 3,300 square meters of open-air spaces, and a water basin of nearly 10,000 square meters. Tankoa Yachts plans to implement a restructuring program that will include extending concessions, reorganizing the areas, and constructing new production sheds.The operation includes the integration of Otam's workforce into Tankoa Yachts. All employees are being transferred to ensure job continuity and to add new skills and experience to the shipyard.The Otam brand, with its existing heritage and international reputation, becomes part of Tankoa's portfolio. Tankoa Yachts stated it will preserve the brand's legacy while defining a strategy aligned with its long-term vision.This acquisition represents a continuation of the expansion project Tankoa Yachts presented at the beginning of 2025 and strengthens the company's presence in the Genoa region.Credits: Tankoa Yacht
September 17, 2025
Sanlorenzo will present a fleet of eight yachts at the 65th Genoa International Boat Show, scheduled from September 18 to 23, 2025. The exhibition will be headlined by the Italian public debut of the new SL110A model.SL110AThe 33-meter SL110A represents the latest evolution of the shipyard's asymmetrical line. Its exterior design was developed by Zuccon International Project, with interior spaces curated by Piero Lissoni. The yacht achieves a top speed of 27 knots. Notable features include an owner's suite spanning the vessel's full beam with direct access to a forward pool area.SL86AThe display will include several other models from Sanlorenzo's product lines. The Smart Performance series will be represented by the SP92 sports yacht. The asymmetrical line will feature both the SL86A and SL90A models. The semi-displacement range will include the SD90 and SD96, designed for flexible interior layouts. The SX100 and SX88 crossovers, blending flybridge motor yacht features with explorer yacht characteristics, will complete the presentation.SD90This extensive showcase marks Sanlorenzo's participation in one of Italy's principal nautical events. The shipyard's presence at the Genoa show underscores its continued focus on the domestic market and its diversified product portfolio. Sanlorenzo was founded in 1958 in Viareggio by yacht builder Gionvanni Jannetti. In 2005, Massimo Perrotti became the majority shareholder in the shipyard. Sanlorenzo builds yachts ranging from 28.60 to 73 meters in length. Credits: Guillaume Plisson; all provided by Sanlorenzo
September 17, 2025
Zeelander Yachts will present its new flagship model, the 24-meter Zeelander 8, for the first time at the Monaco Yacht Show 2025. The yacht will be located at berth C27 Quai Chicane during the event, which takes place from September 24 to 27.The yacht features a layout with social areas on the main deck, including lounging and dining spaces, along with a galley. The lower deck contains three guest cabins. The master stateroom is positioned amidships and includes windows and a headroom exceeding 2.1 meters. The first hull includes customized modifications, such as relocating the galley to the starboard side of the salon and integrating the bar area with the cockpit.The yacht is equipped with a large targa sunroof and retractable aft doors. Sound levels are reported to measure below 65 dBA at its full speed of 32 knots. The yacht can reach speeds of up to 40 knots with optional larger engines.Each hull is built to owner specifications, with customization handled by the shipyard's engineering team. The exterior design maintains the stylistic features consistent with other yachts in the Zeelander range.Zeelander Yachts was founded in 2002 in the Netherlands by Sietse Koopmans. The first model was unveiled to the public in 2008. The launch model Z44 received positive reviews at the Monaco Yacht Show and drew enormous crowds, despite being at an event dominated by much larger yachts. Within three years, the Z44 had been successfully introduced to the US as well as Europe, and it was an obvious direction to add a larger model to the fleet. The first Z55 was delivered in November 2015, and the flagship Z72 was launched in March 2019.Credit: Tom van Oossanen/Zeelander Yachts
September 16, 2025
Pearl Yachts has established a new French dealership, Pearl France, with an office in Antibes. The facility is located at Avenue de Verdun, 06600 Antibes, in the Port Vauban area. The office is operated by Cenk Efe, Founder and Director of the Mallorca Marine Group 1994, and will serve as the brand's exclusive representative in France.Iain Smallridge, Founder and Managing Director of Pearl Yachts, stated: “France has always been one of the most important markets for Pearl Yachts. With the opening of Pearl France, we are strengthening our presence in the Mediterranean’s most vibrant yachting hub. Cenk’s expertise and reputation are second to none, and we are confident that this new chapter will bring our boutique philosophy and unique approach even closer to every client and brand enthusiast based in France.”Iain Smallridge and Cenk Efe Cenk Efe, Director of Pearl France, added: “We are honoured to be launching Pearl France in Antibes. French clients value elegance, craftsmanship, innovation, and discretion; qualities that Pearl embodies in every detail. The response so far has been exceptional, and we look forward to growing the brand’s legacy along the Côte d’Azur and beyond.”This opening follows the establishment of Pearl Germany and Pearl Gulf earlier this year.Founded in 1998, Pearl Yachts has established itself as one of the UK’s leading shipyards, specializing in designing luxury motor yachts known for their voluminous interiors, opulence, and design excellence. Credits: Pearl Yachts
September 16, 2025