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.
Sunreef Yachts unveils its innovative 40M Explorer Eco model, a cutting-edge eco-friendly version designed to redefine yachting and venture far beyond conventional routes. This new vessel features a narrower, more efficient hull that significantly reduces energy consumption, enabling seamless ocean crossings. Sunreef's pioneering ultralight composite construction, paired with a state-of-the-art electric propulsion system, empowers the yacht to navigate vast distances using sustainable energy sources.A standout feature is the expansive swimming platform at the aft, which transforms into a versatile beach club or watersports area based on preferences. Massive folding wings extend the platform, enhancing onboard recreational possibilities. The main deck boasts four spacious guest cabins, while the upper deck serves as the owner's exclusive sanctuary, complete with private quarters and a terrace offering panoramic views.Innovative bow sections absorb incoming waves, enhancing comfort for guests and optimizing energy efficiency during navigation. Equipped with dual 540 kW engines and capable of cruising at 10 knots, the Sunreef Explorer Eco is tailor-made for transatlantic voyages. This 40-meter yacht accommodates up to 10 guests, supported by a dedicated crew of seven.Renowned Sunreef Ambassador Mike Horn, whose collaboration with the brand has been instrumental in inspiring this design, joined forces with Sunreef Yachts' CEO during an expedition in Greenland. "Exploring Greenland under sail with Mike has been a profound motivator for me to drive sustainability in the yachting industry," remarked Francis Lapp, CEO of Sunreef Yachts.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
May 3, 2024
Emerging from a highly secretive five-year construction period, Alvia, formerly known as Project Hanami after the iconic Japanese cherry blossom festival, has finally set sail. The 76.1m custom superyacht was handed over to her owner at the Royal Van Lent shipyard in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, on April 30. This remarkable vessel has only been unveiled once before, with her bare hull arriving at the building shed in 2021. Following meticulous craftsmanship, Alvia made a brief appearance outside the Kaag Island drydock in August 2023 for the installation of her stylized mast on the top deck.Originally sold by the Burgess brokerage team in 2019, construction on Project Hanami commenced shortly thereafter. The Burgess technical services team spearheaded the project from pre-contract specification to launch, collaborating closely with the owner's representatives and top-tier engineers and designers in the industry.The exterior design of Alvia was expertly crafted by RWD, while De Voogt handled her naval architecture. Constructed from a blend of steel and aluminum, the vessel boasts a sleek displacement hull, a classic flared bow, and graceful, sweeping lines. Exterior highlights include a 6.4-meter pool on the main deck aft and a versatile sports court on the foredeck. Additionally, the bridge deck features interactive lighting to illuminate your sky-high gatherings.With a generous beam of 13.2-meter, Alvia offers an impressive interior volume of 2,265 GT. Designed by RWD and Susan Young Interiors, the spacious living quarters are easily accessible via an elevator, ensuring convenience for all aboard. The owner's deck features folding balconies that expand to create additional alfresco relaxation areas as desired. Another notable feature is the lower deck wellness center, complete with a gym, spa, and scenic sea terrace.While Burgess did not disclose specific propulsion details, Alvia boasts a transatlantic range of 5,500 nautical miles, allowing effortless navigation between her preferred cruising destinations in the Mediterranean and Caribbean.Based in the Netherlands and with roots dating back to 1849, Feadship was formed as a group in 1949 as a marketing partnership between six Dutch shipyards, de Vries Lentch, Van de Stadt, Witsen & Vis, Akerboom, De Vries Scheepsbouw and Van Lent Shipyard, and De Voogt Naval Architects. Feadship is well-known as one of the Netherlands’ most elite yacht builders and delivers superyachts from 50–100+ meters in length.Credits: Burgess
May 3, 2024
The team at Damen Yachting has confirmed the delivery of YS 53, Bad Company Support 175. This 53-meter Yacht Support is the first of the YS 53 design series and has been handed over to her Owner, sports fisherman Anthony Hsieh. Bad Company Support 175 will now take on an ambitious ocean-going deep-sea fishing and conservation programme as part of the Owner’s Bad Company fleet.The vessel's design and performance have been meticulously tailored to cater to the Owner's preferences. Bad Company Support 175 will not only serve as fast support to the fleet, she will also operate as a main hub for Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Ocean based activities providing a technical and functional base for equipment and dedicated programmes as well as long and short term onboard living and accommodation facilities for the Owner and his specialist crew.“As the Project Manager for Bad Company 175, I am honoured to have been part of the build of this remarkable vessel – the first in the series.” Salih Saim Kaya, Project Manager Damen Yachting.Throughout the project, communication with the Owner's representative, Neil Emmott, has been open and transparent, ensuring effective collaboration and understanding of the Owner's specific requirements. Neil Emmott explains: “In pursuit of a lifelong dream, the Owner's involvement has been crucial in shaping the project, with enhancements based on his personal and very specific requests, such as accommodating a game boat, including a helicopter hangar, adding a custom jacuzzi, transforming the main deck lounge into a dedicated strategy meeting room, and integrating a Starlink antenna for improved connectivity.”Damen Yachting, a division within the Damen Shipyards Group, was created in 2019. The division combines the pedigree and heritage of Amels yachts with a growing portfolio of SeaXplorer yachts and Yacht Support vessels.Credits: Damen Yachting
May 3, 2024
Baglietto is celebrating its fourth launch this year – last week the Italian shipyard launched the third T52 hull and named Akula.The exterior was designed by Francesco Paszkowski Design, who chose a dark gray shade for the body, which gives this unit a powerful and aggressive look. Enrico Gobbi's design team was responsible for the interior. The Italian Yacht Group as the owner's representative and Fabrizio Lai of Interyachting LLC as the surveyor supervised the entire construction process on behalf of the owner.All the features that ensured the success of this line are preserved here - from the open stern, on which the beach club is located on 3 levels, to the sky lounge on the upper deck, which opens on 3 sides thanks to fully concealed floor-to-ceiling windows, are preserved. At the same time, as in the previous case, a number of innovative solutions can be found on the yacht. The aft part was also redesigned, the garage was replaced with a comfortable gym, and 2 jet skis and a 5.5-meter tender were moved to the bow.The technical launch took place in the presence of the shipyard’s workers, while waiting on the formal ceremony to be held at the beginning of the summer season, when the yacht will be officially delivered to her owner.“We are now stepping into the bustling season of deliveries,” comments Baglietto’s CCO Fabio Ermetto. “This year, as many as 4 T52 vessels and 2 yachts in the DOM133 series will be hitting the water. And, although each yacht is part of a specific line, she is in fact truly one in her kind and the outcome of a long journey made side by side with the Owner. The launch is the culmination of this process”.Baglietto Spa is an Italian boat builder based in La Spezia specializing in new aluminum light alloy yachts ranging between 35m and 50m in length and steel and light aluminum alloy displacement megayachts starting at 40m.Credits: Baglietto
May 2, 2024
Built by Feadship in 1983, the interior and exterior of this legendary yacht was made by Jon Bannenberg for the visionary Mexican tycoon Emilio Azcárraga, alongside her sister ship Paraiso, Azteca made waves in the yachting world with her avant-garde design. AztecaUpon her arrival at Aykin Marina & Shipyard in February 2022, the yacht embarked on a comprehensive transformation, culminating in her relaunch in April 2024. Initial glimpses of her exterior reveal a modern reinterpretation of her distinctive forewindows, complemented by a striking navy hull accented with crisp white detailing. Original interior Among the notable enhancements is the extension of the stern by 3.2 meters, accompanied by a complete overhaul of the transom and sundeck. The latter, achieved through the removal of the original roof structure, promises an elevated onboard experience. Inside, yacht's interiors have undergone a thorough revitalization, with particular attention paid to the conversion of her original television lounge into an additional guest cabin.KoruThe yacht was renamed Koru and now she also boasts revamped technical systems, including a comprehensive overhaul of her main engines, ensuring seamless operation and reliability for future voyages.As Koru emerges from her transformative journey, she stands ready to embark on new adventures, soon the yacht will be available for sale.Credits: Ocean Technical; Feadship
May 2, 2024