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.
Antonini Navi celebrates a key milestone in the construction of its custom 31-meter explorer yacht, Evo 31. The shipyard's team successfully joined the upper deck superstructure and sun deck, a complex operation involving the precise handling of 16 tons of aluminum. This significant achievement brings the project closer to its planned completion in 2026.Designed by Hydro Tec, the Evo 31 balances robust construction with elegant aesthetics. Hot Lab's interior design features bright, open spaces and a warm, contemporary style, reflecting the owner's preference for organic shapes and high-quality materials.The next phase will see the integration of the upper decks with the hull, followed by the completion of outfitting.The Pertusola shipyard in the Gulf of La Spezia was bought by Walter Antonini in 1977. Since then, Antonini Navi has been a family-held leader in superyacht custom build and refitting.Credits: Antonini Navi
February 4, 2025
Ares Yachts has unveiled the interior design of its 50.55-meter superyacht, Spitfire, a project inspired by the iconic Supermarine Spitfire aircraft. Designed by Bannenberg & Rowell, the yacht's interior seamlessly blends historical inspiration with contemporary luxury. Construction, using advanced composites, is slated to begin this spring.The design evokes the Spitfire's spirit of innovation and performance. Simon Rowell of Bannenberg & Rowell describes the design ethos as "nimble, efficient, dynamic, industrial, and engineered," reflected in the yacht's sleek lines, metallic sheen, and earthy color palette. The interior features natural materials such as punched metal, leather, and tinted glass, with subtle nods to 1940s industrial design.Spitfire boasts a spacious layout, including a full-beam owner's suite with a 270-degree view freestanding bed and a private outdoor movie theatre. Guest accommodations include four additional cabins, all with en-suite bathrooms. Playfully named spaces, such as "The Boss's Quarters" and "The Pilot House," maintain the military theme, while the "Buddy Quarters" guest cabins reflect modern yachting's democratic approach.The yacht incorporates advanced technology, including a hybrid diesel-electric propulsion system offering silent, emission-free operation for up to 11 hours with an optional battery upgrade. The innovative hull design, based on Ares Yachts' Ares 150 Bold patrol vessel, ensures high performance and stability, achieving a top speed of 20+ knots and a cruising range of 3,500 nautical miles.Ares Yachts Managing Director Piraye Sahinkaya Orhun expresses pride in the project, highlighting the shipyard's expertise in high-quality fiberglass construction and high-performance hull design. She emphasizes that the Spitfire caters to the modern, active yachting lifestyle, exemplified by its expansive beach club area. The yacht's interior offers flexibility for customization, allowing potential owners to personalize elements such as carpets and soft furnishings. Rowell concludes by expressing excitement for the project's completion and the opportunity to collaborate with the future owner.Ares Yachts, situated in Antalya Free Zone on Turkey’s south coast, spans 40,000 square meters of build space across four large sheds. Besides Simena, the shipyard is concurrently working on other projects, including the 50m motor yacht Spitfire and a 54m explorer yacht known as Project Atlas. Additionally, Ares Yachts is developing a 65-85m yacht range in collaboration with Lateral Naval Architects.Credits: Ares Yachts
February 4, 2025
On February 2, during the prestigious Boat International Design and Innovation Awards held in Kitzbühel, the hybrid yacht DreamCatcher was honored with the coveted Neptune trophy in the Eco Award category. This recognition highlights the significant efforts put forth by Nautor Swan towards promoting sustainability in sailing vessels, particularly focusing on the generation and storage of energy while underway.The Swan 88, Nautor Swan's newest model, recently unveiled at both the Cannes Yachting Festival and Monaco Yacht Show, stood out with its innovative diesel-electric propulsion system. The unanimous decision by the jury crowned the Swan 88 DreamCatcher as the well-deserved recipient of this year's Eco Award.Powered by a fully integrated Deep Blue system designed by Torqeedo, the custom-built setup for DreamCatcher features a robust 120kW electric drive system paired with an impressive 160kWh energy storage capacity. This combination enables quiet motoring at speeds up to 11.4 knots.One of the key aspects that impressed the judges was the yacht's capability to produce power while sailing. When operating in hydrogeneration mode, Deep Blue's advanced algorithms constantly monitor and fine-tune performance multiple times each second, ensuring efficient, eco-friendly energy production without compromising sailing speed.In collaboration with a knowledgeable owner, Nautor Swan engineered a propulsion system that allows DreamCatcher to operate solely on battery power at top speeds. Additionally, the vessel can regenerate sufficient energy through sailing to sustain both hotel and operational needs, rendering it entirely self-reliant.Nautor Swan is now studying ways to adapt this pioneering propulsion system across their entire fleet, spanning models from the Swan 51 to the maxi range.Giovanni Pomati, CEO of Nautor Swan, expressed his pride, stating, "We are thrilled that DreamCatcher received the Eco Award for its outstanding achievements in eco-friendliness, sustainability, and self-sufficiency. This milestone underscores our commitment to innovation and reflects the trust placed in us by our partners, especially the owners who entrusted us with this ambitious endeavor. Together with Torqeedo, we have created a solution that not only meets but exceeds our goals. Our next step is to integrate this technology into our broader range, further enhancing the sustainability of sailing."The winners of the BOAT International Design & Innovation Awards were announced at the Superyacht Design Festival's gala event, bringing together some of the industry's leading designers, naval architects, and shipyards. Hosted in the picturesque Austrian town of Kitzbühel, these awards celebrate excellence in design, naval architecture, and cutting-edge technological advancements within the superyacht sector.Nautor Swan was founded in 1966 in Pietarsaari, Finland. The builder entered the superyacht market in 1999. Since then, the yard has continued building high-performance sailing yachts in three different lines; ClubSwan, Swan Yachts and Maxi Swan Yachts. Credits: Nautor Swan
February 4, 2025
Videoworks has announced the launch of an updated domotic control system for superyachts, combining advanced tactile control technology with the simplicity of a standard remote control. The new system addresses the growing demand for user-friendly interfaces tailored to the luxury onboard experience.The concept behind this system involves a return to intuitive design while incorporating modern technology. Many current domotic control systems on yachts feature complex interfaces, typically involving handheld tablets with intricate touchscreen options. Inspired by the success of smart home devices like Alexa and Google Home, Videoworks applies similar principles to the world of luxury yachts.Rather than relying on elaborate tablet devices, the new system focuses on simple, physical remote controls with tactile buttons for precise and reliable operation. This approach aims to make it easier for users to manage various functions, such as adjusting TV channels, controlling audio volume, and modifying lighting scenarios and room temperature. The primary objective is to enhance user convenience, especially in cabin environments where personal preferences are paramount without requiring navigation through unfamiliar interfaces or apps.Francesco Pierpaoli, Chief Information Officer, explained: "We developed this system based on feedback from our customers, who expressed a desire for simpler and more intuitive solutions. They find that using a physical remote with a few buttons is often more convenient than interacting with a tablet’s touchscreen, particularly in a cabin setting."Furthermore, the system includes a companion app that enables guests to use their smartphones to stream their preferred music and movies directly to the onboard television, providing a private and personalized entertainment experience without needing to master complex onboard systems.This evolution aligns with broader industry trends seen in sectors such as automotive and consumer electronics, where sophisticated technologies are integrated into luxury products to improve convenience and sophistication without introducing unnecessary complexity. By emphasizing end-user convenience, Videoworks' new system effectively balances high-tech functionality with everyday practicality.Credits: Videoworks
February 3, 2025
The Italian Sea Group announced today that their 47-meter Perini Navi Art Explorer sailing catamaran has been awarded the coveted "Multihull of the Year" title at the esteemed Boat International Design & Innovation Awards 2025. These awards recognize outstanding achievements in architecture, style, design, and technology within the yachting sector.The ceremony was held on Sunday, February 2nd, in Kitzbühel, Austria, during the Superyacht Design Festival, where industry professionals from around the globe gathered to honor exceptional contributions to the field."This distinguished accolade underscores our unwavering dedication to aesthetic and technical advancement," said Giovanni Costantino, Founder & CEO of The Italian Sea Group. "Art Explorer exemplifies our leadership in the large sailing yacht category, blending pioneering design with eco-friendly solutions – a groundbreaking concept never before realized."Designed by renowned architects Axel De Beaufort and Guillaume Verdier, Art Explorer stands as the world's largest aluminum sailing catamaran. Spanning 47 meters long with a remarkable 17.30-meter beam and soaring 55-meter carbon mast, this vessel represents a truly innovative project – a floating art gallery destined for a two-year global expedition, offering immersive cultural experiences while championing environmental responsibility.The catamaran's deckhouse features 65 square meters of solar panels, capable of producing up to 12 kW instantly and over 200 kW daily. Supported by a robust lithium battery bank, this system ensures zero-emissions energy supply for more than six hours, even under maximum onboard demand. Certified with a "green" class notation, Art Explorer also incorporates catalytic filters to minimize emissions and particulate matter from exhaust gases. All operations in ports and protected zones are conducted entirely in electric mode.Thanks to its state-of-the-art, fully automated sailing rig, controllable by just one individual, the catamaran effortlessly achieves speeds of 10 knots, even in gentle breezes.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: TISG
February 3, 2025