Following the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991, some Russians were able to amass vast fortunes putting them amongst the richest men in the world. According to Forbes, Russia currently has 77 billionaires despite the country's current economic crisis.
In the past two decades, these oligarchs have been instrumental to the development of the yachting industry, setting a new benchmark as to what could be considered to be a megayacht.
In 1990, the world of megayachts was mainly dominated by Middle Eastern Royal families and Greek magnates such as Stavros Niarchos (commissioned the Atlantis and Atlantis II). The 147m Prince Abdulaziz, owned by the Saudi Royal family, was at the time the largest superyacht in the world.
In the late 1990s and early 2000s, the landscape of the megayacht industry however started to change with a new influx of owners from Russia and the US tech scene. From 1992 to 2005, 20 superyachts over 80 meters in length were delivered, surpassing the 19 megayachts delivered from 1865 to 1992.
These new megayachts famously included Paul Allen's Octopus, David Geffen's Rising Sun, Berezovsky's Radiant but also the yachts that came to be known in the field as Abramovich's Navy consisting of Sussurro, Ecstasea, Le Grand Bleu, Luna, Pelorus and later Eclipse.
As the financial crisis hit the sector in 2008, the small and middle-size yachting market was severely hit but while many thought the megayacht industry would collapse, it continued its exponential growth. Between 2008 and 2016, a further 48 megayachts have been built, doubling the previous decades' amount of yachts over 80m delivered.
Not only were there suddenly more megayachts but their size also grew with the 162.5m Eclipse being delivered in 2010 for Mr. Abramovich. This growth in uncertain times was once again, in most part, brought by an expanding class of Russian oligarchs.
Serene, first yacht built by Ficantieri was ordered by Yuri Sheffler before being sold in 2015 to a Middle Eastern buyer. M/Y A was famously commissioned by Andrei Melnichenko and delivered in 2008, same year as Lurssen delivered the first 110m Dilbar to Mr Usmanov.
As many began to think that this segment would finally collapse with a weak recovery followed by recession in Russia, demand did not go away. In 2014, 104m Quantum Blue was delivered to Sergey Galitskiy and 140m Ocean Victory to Viktor Rashnikov.
In the summer of 2016, a new Dilbar, which is now speculated to be the largest yacht by gross tonnage, was delivered to Mr Usmanov. As for Abramovich's Navy, it has now been split up with Eugene Schvidler now owning Le Grand Bleu, Farkhad Akhmedov buying Luna whilst Pelorus and Ecstasea were both sold to Middle Eastern buyers.
Whether this growth of the megayacht sector will continue is questionable due to renewed turmoil in Russia's economy. Melnichenko's newest 142m S/Y A project however does seem to be a good indicator that there may be one day a 200m yacht.
Here below are some of the most advanced and industry-leading yachts that were commissioned by Russian oligarchs over the past two decades.
162.5m Eclipse - Roman Abramovich
Photo by Julien Hubert
The 162.5m yacht was built by by German shipyard Blohm & Voss in 2010 and held the title of the world's largest private yacht until 2013, when the 180 metre Azzam stole the crown. Although not all the details of the megayacht are unveiled, it is known that her interiors feature designs by the renowned London-based team at Terence Disdale Design. It is speculated that Eclipse boasts a military-grade missile defense system, armor plating and bulletproof windows, while hosting three helipads, a private theater and a fitness center.
156m Dilbar - Alisher Usmanov
Photo by @superyachts_gibraltar
World's largest yacht by a volume, the 156m Dilbar was delivered to Alisher Usmanov in May 2016. Confidentiality is upheld to the highest degree at Lurssen, which celebrated its 140th anniversary in 2015, but it is understood that Dilbar's exterior design comes from Espen Oeino with interiors by Andrew Winch. It is also know the yacht has a steel hull and aluminium superstructure. The Russian oligarch has another Lurssen superyacht, 110m Ona, that was previously named Dilbar as well.
140m Ocean Victory - Viktor Rashnikov
Delivered by Fincantieri in 2014, Ocean Victory is designed by Espen Oeino with interior spaces created by the late Alberto Pinto together with Sessa Romboli. Owned by Viktor Rashnikov, the vessel accommodates up to 36 guests. As with many other yachts of this size, she is packed with alluring features such as 6 pools spread out over her 7 decks, an internal floodable dock to house her 14m tender,two helipads and a vast spa area.
119m A - Andrey Melnichenko
M/Y A, owned by Andrey Melnichenko is reportedly now for sale. A was built by Blohm+Voss in 2008. Designed by Philippe Starck, the vessel remains the most talked-about yacht on the seas. She is capable of accommodating 14 guests in 7 luxurious cabins, as well as a crew of 42. Mr Melnichenko's second yacht, the 142.8m S/Y A, is being built at the Nobiskrug shipyard in Germany. According to the Daily Mail, the new project will cost close to 450 million dollars.
99m Madame Gu - Andrei Skoch
According to Forbes Russia, the 99m superyacht belongs to Andrei Skoch. Madame Gu was built by Feadship in 2013 and delivered after four years of construction. Andrew Winch styled her exterior, whilst De Voogt was responsible for the naval architecture. With perfect proportions, it's hard to imagine that her tonnage exceeds 2,900 GRT. The interior, also designed by Andrew Winch, accommodates twelve guests in six cabins. The crew quarters are composed of 18 cabins for 36 members. This twin screw superyacht is powered by quadruple 3,600kW MTU engines providing a top speed of 24 knots and a cruising speed of 22 knots.
95.15m Palladium - Mikhail Prokhorov
With an original design by Michael Leach, Palladium, formerly Project Orca, is thought to be owned by Mikhail Prokhorov. Palladium is a 95.15m (312.17 ft) luxury motor yacht, built by Blohm + Voss in 2010. With a beam of 16.00m and a draft of 4.40m, she has a steel hull and aluminium superstructure.
88.5m Nirvana - Vladimir Potanin
Built by Oceanco in 2012, Nirvana was the star of the Monaco Yacht Show the following year busting an aquarium aft and a set of revolutionary features. Owned by Vladimir Potanin, the yacht features a jungle-themed interior design. Nirvana also hosts two spa pools and extensive lounging accommodations. Designed by Sam Sorgiovanni, the yacht has a transpacific range and a maximum speed of 19.5 knots. Nirvana was previously listed for sale asking 199 million euros but was supposedly taken off the market without any sale occurring.
Damen Yachting has announced the grand reveal of the Amels 6007, the seventh yacht in the Amels 60 series. The unveiling took place at their shipyard in Vlissingen, The Netherlands, marking a significant milestone in the build process. The Amels 60 Limited Editions design is developed by Espen Øino International.Chris Callahan from Moran Yacht & Ship, representing the owner, expressed excitement about reaching this stage and praised the incorporation of personal touches into the yacht. He noted that many customizations and improvements implemented in previous builds, such as ENTOURAGE (Hull 6002), have been carried over to the Amels 6007.The interior of the Amels 6007 has been designed by Harrison Eidsgaard, marking the studio's first collaboration with Amels. The design reflects a contemporary and welcoming style, inspired by beach house luxury, with natural materials and detailed finishes creating a warm and tactile environment.Joppe Osté, Damen Yachting Project Manager for the Amels 60, emphasized the team's pride in achieving this milestone and their focus on completing the final build phase to ensure the yacht is ready for its intended lifetime at sea. Following the launch, the Amels 6007 will undergo final outfitting before delivery to its owner in early summer 2025.A guest capacity of Amels 6007 is 12 people, a crew capacity of 12 members plus the Captain, a gross tonnage is 853 GT.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
February 21, 2025
Turquoise Yachts has partnered with the renowned British design studio Bannenberg & Rowell to introduce a duo of superyacht concepts, measuring 65 and 80 meters, named Above and Beyond, respectively. The 65-meter Above is the first of the two concepts to hit the market, while the upcoming 80-meter Beyond is set to begin construction on speculation later this year. One standout feature of the designs is the crow's nest, creatively envisioned as a custom platform-elevator that ascends the mast’s height.Central to the design ethos is the efficient layout of the main deck, which seamlessly connects six guest cabins to the main saloon and dining areas. The spacious salon flows into the aft main deck, which features a large lounge alongside a stunning glass-bottom pool that allows sunlight to permeate the beach club below.The beach club offers extensive wellness amenities, including a sauna, steam shower, massage room, and a fully equipped gym with a balcony. Additionally, a lounge area with a bar, seating, and dual balconies enhances the onboard leisure experience.Crew efficiency was a key factor in the design of Above, featuring well-thought-out configurations across decks, including generous pantries and a commercial-grade galley equipped with a walk-in freezer. Crew amenities also encompass dedicated laundry facilities, a gym, and a spacious mess area.The 65-meter and 80-meter projects will be available as new construction opportunities exclusively with Denison Yachting.Turquoise was established in 1997 by two leaders of the Turkish boat building industry: Proteksan Yachts Inc. and Turquoise Yacht Construction. After launching the 50m M/Y Turquoise (now called Double Trouble), 20 other megayachts ranging from 40m to 77m in length have since been delivered to an international roster of clients from the United States, United Kingdom, Europe and Russia. Credits: Denison Yachting
February 21, 2025
Riva Classiche will make a striking appearance at The I.C.E. St. Moritz 2025, a prestigious event dedicated to classic and vintage automobiles, held on February 21 and 22 against the stunning backdrop of the frozen lake in the Engadin valley. Known for its mission to restore and preserve vintage powerboats, Riva Classiche will showcase a beautifully restored Riva Olympic boat, elegantly displayed on the ice.The I.C.E. St. Moritz International Concours of Elegance is a celebrated gathering for collectors and aficionados of classic cars, blending art, style, and heritage in a unique winter setting. Each year, the event draws participants from around the globe, and this edition promises to be no exception, emphasizing the intersection of culture and classic automotive excellence.Riva Classiche will not only present its iconic boat but will also create a luxurious Riva Lounge at the Grace La Margna Hotel St. Moritz. This exclusive space will encapsulate the essence of the Riva brand, featuring a selection of collectibles and accessories from Riva Boutique, all while immersing visitors in the brand’s timeless elegance.With its participation in The I.C.E. St. Moritz 2025, Riva Classiche reaffirms its commitment to celebrating the rich heritage of classic craftsmanship, making this event a must-visit for those who appreciate the beauty of vintage powerboats and the art of fine living in the Swiss Alps.The Ferretti Group, led by Chief Executive Officer Alberto Galassi, is now one of the world’s leaders in the construction and sale of luxury yachts and pleasure vessels, with a unique portfolio of brands: Ferretti Yachts, Riva, Pershing, Itama, Mochi Craft, CRN, Custom Line and Wally.Credits: Ferretti Group
February 21, 2025
Cantieri di Pisa recently unveiled the stunning interiors of the new Akhir 44 at the Dubai International Boat Show, a key event in the Middle Eastern maritime calendar. Collaborating with Pulina Exclusive Interiors, the design showcases a striking contrast between warm materials, such as bleached oak, and sleek metal finishes, providing the yacht with a sporty yet technological aesthetic.Marco Massabò, CEO of Cantieri di Pisa, emphasized the innovative approach behind this model: “The Akhir 44 is the first in a new series crafted from carbon and glass composite, reaching a remarkable top speed of 35 knots. This yacht marries the iconic lines of our original range with current market needs.” He noted that the interiors are designed for exceptional livability, catering to cosmopolitan owners who appreciate both luxury and functionality.Pulina Exclusive Interiors, founded by Alessandro Pulina, is renowned for its high-end designs across multiple sectors, including yachts, private residences, and hotels. “Our design blends energy in motion with spatial harmony,” Pulina explained. “The contrast of warm and cool materials, paired with a fresh neutral color palette, enhances the interiors’ livability while promoting a sense of openness.”Measuring 44 meters in length with a beam of 8.6 meters, Akhir 44 features an innovative layout emphasizing symmetry and fluidity. The main deck prioritizes guest comfort, with a spacious saloon and an adaptable dining area that can transform using sliding panels. An eye-catching floating staircase, crafted from metal and glass, serves as both a functional feature and an artistic centerpiece.Offering four guest cabins and an owner’s suite with extensive glazing, the yacht ensures maximum privacy while enhancing the connection to the surrounding water. With three powerful 2,600 HP MTU engines, the Akhir 44 promises an exhilarating experience at an average speed of 30 knots, making it a formidable presence on the water.Cantieri di Pisa shipyard was founded in 1945 on the river Arno, the Tuscan shipyard became famous for its planing motoryachts, such as the Akhir and Kitalpha series designed by Pierluigi Spadolini. Since 2021 Enrico Gennasio is the new owner of Cantieri di Pisa.Credits: Cantieri di Pisa
February 21, 2025
The stunning 52-meter Sanlorenzo motor yacht Seven Sins has officially been listed for sale by Virginia Di Antonio of Yachting Partners International (YPI). Currently listed at EUR28,000,000, Seven Sins is situated in the Caribbean. As the inaugural vessel in the esteemed 52 Steel series from Italian shipyard Sanlorenzo, this yacht was delivered in 2017 and has captured attention for its exceptional design by Officina Italiana Design. Seven Sins was honored with a prestigious Neptune award at the 2018 World Superyacht Awards.This listing marks the yacht's second appearance on the market since its initial launch, previously sold as part of a co-ownership arrangement via SeaNet Europe, making her one of the largest superyachts to have two owners.One of the standout features of Seven Sins is its expansive beach club area, complete with a striking glass-bottom swimming pool. This versatile space also includes fold-out balconies, a well-equipped gym, and a sauna. When not in use, the beach club can easily transform into a floodable drive-in tender garage, offering both convenience and functionality.Seven Sins accommodates up to 11 guests across five cabins, which include a master suite, two doubles, and two twin rooms. The sundeck is another highlight and is likely to become the preferred outdoor gathering spot for guests. Equipped with stylish furniture from Paola Lenti, it features an array of sun loungers at the aft, comfortable seating arrangements around coffee tables, a dining table that accommodates 12, and an impressive bar dressed in silver-flecked granite that sparkles in the sunlight. It’s no wonder that Seven Sins enjoys popularity as a charter yacht and is also available for charter through YPI.The yacht is powered by two 2000hp Caterpillar 3512-C diesel engines, enabling a top speed of 17 knots and an impressive cruising range of 4,400 nautical miles at a speed of 11 knots.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: YPI
February 20, 2025