With the brokerage market still recovering from the subprime crisis, the yacht charter sector has remained more active throughout the recession and is now accelerating with some reporting a shortage of yachts in less popular cruising grounds such as Spain.
Using our proprietary Timeline index, we've gathered a list of some of the most expensive yachts for charter available this summer, some being rented out at over a million euros per week.
Length: 162.5m (533 ft)
Yard: Blohm+Voss (2010)
Weekly rate: from €3,000,000
Famously built for Russian billionaire, Roman Abramovich 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 deilvery 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 swiming pool that can transform into open deck and can carry up to three helicopters at a time.
Length: 91.5m (300 ft)
Yard: Neorion Shipyards (2010)
Weekly rate: from €1,825,000
Measuring 85 meters in length back when she was known as Delma, Queen Miri has been lengthened to 91.5 meters over the course of the 16-month long refit at Amico Shipyard replacing even the yacht's original engines. The refit saw a new jacuzzi being installed on the sundeck and 80% of all interior areas being refurbished.
Amongst Queen Miri's newest features is a floodable tender garage that can be closed off and turned into a heated seawater swimming area. Originally built in 2004 as Annaliesse by Greek shipyard, Neorion, the yacht was the 29th largest yacht in the world at launch. Andreas Liveras, the yacht's original owner, ran it as a charter yacht for groups of up to 36 guests. The yacht was then sold in 2007, reportedly to a Dubai-based owner, and renamed to Delma.
The yacht later came back on the market in August 2013 when Edmiston listed Delma for sale at a price of €53,000,000. Delma was eventually sold again and refitted to its newest look as Queen Miri, coming back on the charter market for the first time in 10 years.
Length: 92m (301 ft)
Yard: Feadship (2016)
Weekly rate: Price on application
Known as Project Touchdown throughout her build, Aquarius was delivered to her owner in the third quarter of 2016 as a replacement for his previous 67-meter Aquarius.
Boasting a swimming pool aft of the main deck, Aquarius also counts amongst her features a large Jacuzzi on the sun deck, a gym on the lower deck with a foldable balcony opening onto the sea and panoramic windows offering unparalleled views throughout the yacht.
Length: 83m (272 ft)
Yard: Amels (2016)
Weekly rate: from €1,300,000
Delivered as part of Amels' limited edition series last year, Here Comes The Sun became the shipyard's largest yacht to date and her owner's 4th yacht named after a Beattles' song.
Amongst her main features are a swimming pool aft of the main deck, an extensive beach club area located right under neath with a sitting area, sauna and gym. Other amenities also include a cinema room and a large Jacuzzi on the sundeck.
Length: 95.2m (312 ft)
Yard: Lurssen (2014)
Weekly rate: from €1,200,000
Delivered by Germany-based Lurssen in 2014 to American billionaire Shahid Khan as a replacement for his previous 68-meter Kismet, the 95.2-meter yacht boasts a jaguar on the bow of the yacht, symbolic of the owner's NFL team, the Jacksonville Jaguars, which he bought in November 2011 for $760 million according to the New York Times.
Built with corporate entertainment and charter in mind, Kismet stretches over five decks suitable for parties of up to 270 guests. Amongst innovative features on Kismet are her video walls, extending up to two decks high, able to show regular television but programmed to display high-definition moving artwork.
Length: 90m (295 ft)
Yard: Lurssen (2010)
Weekly rate: from €1,000,000
Built for the late Polish billionaire, Jan Kulczyk as a replacement for his previous 61-meter Lurssen, Phoenix was delivered by the German shipyard in 2010. Designed by Andrew Winch, Phoenix boasts over 100 meters of steel handrails built specially to follow the shape of the hull.
The owner's stateroom located forward of the yacht is styled like a New York duplex from the 1930s with a private staircase linking the two areas together and leading to a private jacuzzi and owner's deck on the yacht's bow. Other features include a spa pool, jacuzzi and cinema on the sundeck.
Length: 83.5m (274 ft)
Yard: Feadship (2015)
Weekly rate: from €1,000,000
One of the first examples of a hybrid superyacht, Savannah is powered by extremely quiet electric-diesel engines. Another one of the innovations onboard is the underwater observation room letting charter guests see both over and under the sea.
More traditional amenities also include a large swimming pool aft of the main deck, an extensive master suite forward of the upper deck with panoramic windows and a private deck as well as a gym with a sea view, a spa and a hammam.
Length: 85.1m (279 ft)
Yard: Lurssen (2013)
Weekly rate: from €1,000,000
The 85m superyacht was built by Lurssen in 2013 under the code name, Project Niki, based on a modern 80m hull and engineering platform similar to Phoenix2, Ace and Quattroelle. Sold earlier this year asking €155,000,000 through Moran Yacht & Ship and SSH Maritime, Solandge also became the most expensive brokerage yacht, publicly on the market, sold so far in 2017.
Designed by Espen Oeino and Rodriguez Interiors, Solandge boasts a myriad of amenities and features amongst which stands out a glass tree stretching from the lower deck to the sun deck through its extensive staircase.
Length: 85.6m (281 ft)
Yard: Derecktor (2010)
Weekly rate: from €945,000
Formerly known as Cakewalk, the 85-meter was sold to her current owner at an asking price of €119 million at the end of 2014 and then refitted for 12 months at Pendennis in the United Kingdom following a name change to Aquila.
The largest yacht built in the United States since the 1930s, she has now become the largest yacht to be refitted in the UK with improvements focusing on the interior. The owner's stateroom was entirely remodeled and a 60sqm private deck was added.
Length: 81.8m (268 ft)
Yard: Abeking & Rasmussen (2013)
Weekly rate: from €875,000
Quietly delivered in 2015 by German shipyard, Abeking & Rasmussen, Romea attended the Monaco Yacht Show later that same year, coming on the charter market shortly before with Imperial Yachts, a brokerage house focused on the Russian market.
Drawn by Terence Disdale, Romea's interior offers a mix of white & beige furnishing with darker finishes across the yacht. Other amenities include two custom-built, limousine tenders, a Jacuzzi on the sun deck, a spa area and a cinema room.
Length: 74m (242 ft)
Yard: CRN (2017)
Weekly rate: from €875,000
Delivered by the Italian shipyard, part of Ferretti Group, Cloud 9 became a replacement for her owner's previous 61-meter CMN of the same name.
With an exterior by Zuccon and an interior by Winch Design, Cloud 9 is able to accommodate up to 16 guests (12 when chartering) in a master suite, a VIP suite and 6 guest cabins catered to by a crew of 22.
Cantieri di Pisa's CdP Custom Division has announced the sale of a 37.50-meter explorer yacht, featuring a steel hull and composite superstructure. Designed and engineered by Marcelo Penna, this vessel offers accommodation for six guests and four crew members, with interiors designed for comfort and ample light-filled outdoor spaces. Key features include a well-equipped galley, a hot tub, an owner’s terrace, a spacious beach club, a massage room, and two side terraces. Parallel to launching three new yacht lines, Cantieri di Pisa is advancing its CdP Custom Division. “This sale marks a significant milestone for our CdP Custom Division,” said Marco Massabò, CEO of the shipyard under the ownership of Enrico Gennasio. “We are pleased with the swift completion of this sale, thanks to the collaboration of our sales and engineering teams. The yacht is set to launch by summer 2026.”At 37.50 meters in length and 8.15 meters in beam, the explorer sold to a French owner features a steel hull and a composite superstructure crafted using advanced vacuum technology. This reduces tonnage and lowers the center of gravity, enhancing propulsion efficiency and reducing fuel consumption. It also has a spacious garage midships with a side-launching system for a 6.5-meter tender and wave runners. The well-appointed galley, pantries, fridge and freezer areas, and a high-capacity laundry ensure comfort for long cruises, supported by generous storage compartments on all four decks.Designed for cruising in various latitudes and suitable for chartering, the yacht is equipped with state-of-the-art entertainment systems. The owner’s suite on the main deck includes a private terrace, while a full-beam VIP cabin and four guest cabins are on the lower deck. The captain’s cabin, situated on the bridge deck, is adjacent to the wheelhouse. Additionally, a massage room on the upper deck can serve as an extra single cabin.Marcelo Penna, the project's designer, noted, “This explorer is tailored for an expert owner, offering sustainability through a hybrid battery pack and generators that power hotel services at anchor. This ensures compliance with stringent environmental regulations.”Powered by two 1,000 HP MAN V8 engines, the yacht achieves a top speed of 15 knots and a cruising speed of 14 knots, with a range of 2,600 nautical miles. The engines meet the highest environmental standards (IMO III Epa Tier IV), and the hybrid battery pack provides additional power and silent operation during nighttime anchorage.The yacht will carry Bureau Veritas Charter class certification. Yachts Invest represented the shipyard in the sale, while AB Yacht represented the owner. AB Yacht commented, “The buyer chose Cantieri di Pisa for their uncompromising quality. This modern hybrid vessel, suitable for chartering, will set a new benchmark in the motor yacht market.”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
July 26, 2024
Espen Øino, renowned for designing some of the world's most notable superyachts, has turned his attention to a smaller scale with Hodgdon's latest limousine tenders.The new limousine models, designed by Øino, measure between 9 and 11 meters and feature sleek, contemporary profiles. Both models share a streamlined hull design and can be configured with either a forward or aft helm. The helm's position affects the layout: a forward helm allows for a spacious aft deck, while an aft helm creates space in the bow for a plush lounge and a boarding ramp for beach access.The cabin boasts a retracting glass roof and large integrated windows, ensuring ample natural light and 360-degree views. The interior includes upholstered seating for up to eight passengers, with four additional seats in the bow lounge on one model and two captain’s chairs at the helm on both.In terms of propulsion, the tenders can be equipped with single or twin engines. Although Hodgdon has not disclosed specific details about propulsion options, speed, or range, the company’s existing lineup indicates robust performance. For instance, Hodgdon’s Mini Venetian Limousine, powered by a Volvo D3-220 diesel engine, can cruise 250 kilometers at 32.5 knots and reach a top speed of 35 knots.With these new limousine tenders, Espen Øino and Hodgdon combine luxury and performance in a sleek, modern package, offering a stylish and efficient option for superyacht owners seeking high-quality tenders for their maritime adventures.Hodgdon Yachts founded in Boothbay, Maine, in 1816, has a legacy of delivering over 440 vessels across two centuries. Known for high-quality, advanced composite construction, the family-owned company offers a variety of tenders, including limousine, beachlander, and open styles, along with fully custom runabouts tailored to specific owner requirements.Credits: Hodgdon Yachts
July 26, 2024
Heesen has unveiled Project Agnetha, a 55-meter steel class motor yacht with a profile designed by Frank Laupman of Omega Architects. The yacht's exterior features a modern, assertive design with horizontal lines that enhance its visual length, broad expanses of tinted glass on the main and upper decks, and a distinctive 'shark tooth' motif on the wheelhouse overhang. The design eliminates the need for fashion plates, resulting in a pillar-free superstructure aft, which enhances the yacht's indoor/outdoor flow and offers unobstructed sea views from nearly every vantage point on board, including the sky lounge.Mark Cavendish, Heesen CCO, comments: "The Heesen 55-meter Steel Class is constantly evolving, and Project Agnetha is the result. The beauty of buying this kind of superyacht is that the shipyard has taken care of all the technical aspects and has perfected the platform, incorporating in-depth feedback from our constant dialogue with brokers, owners, and captains. So when clients join the project, they can enjoy the fun part of building a superyacht, focusing on all those details that will make the yacht truly theirs."Project Agnetha accommodates twelve guests across six opulent staterooms, including a spacious owners' stateroom on the main deck forward, with separate his and hers dressing rooms and bathrooms, and a veranda on the starboard side, four guest cabins on the lower deck, and a VIP suite on the bridge deck. This layout makes the Heesen 55-meter class perfect for charters and clients who prefer multiple cabins.The interior, designed by Luca Dini Design and Architecture, focuses on creating a cosy and traditional atmosphere that radiates warmth and hospitality. Using a palette of warm tones, the design wraps guests in a feeling of comfort and familiarity, making Project Agnetha an ideal sanctuary for those who like to spend extended periods on their yachts.Niels Vaessen, CEO of Heesen Yachts, comments: "The Heesen 55-meter Steel Class represents the best example of intelligent superyacht construction. Over the past decade, we have focused on excellence and have achieved it, developing and refining the platform while optimising our supply chain and creating strategic collaborations with suppliers. This approach means we can deliver unparalleled benefits to our clients, including shortened delivery timelines, extensive personalisation, and – of course – Dutch craftsmanship of the highest standard."Vaessen elaborates, "Heesen has always been at the forefront of innovation in superyacht construction. We were pioneers in speculative build projects, beginning this transformative journey in the early 2000s with the highly successful 37-meter series and subsequently expanded the portfolio to include the 44, 47, and 50-meter yachts. Today, we are global leaders in the 50 to 57-meter segment. It's a testament to our bold and strategic commercial vision."Photo by Ruben GriffioenThe engineering of Project Agnetha is equally impressive, with an ultra-efficient Fast Displacement hull and two MTU8V4000 M63 (IMO Tier III) engines, enabling a top speed of 15.5 knots. The yacht is designed for safe navigation in all sea conditions, making it a quintessential go-anywhere blue-water motor yacht.Project Agnetha, where modern elegance meets superior performance, is available for delivery in Q2 2025.Heesen Yachts is a Dutch ship building company that specializes in custom-built superyachts in aluminum and steel from 30m to 70m in size. Founded in 1978, it has launched more than 170 yachts since its inception.Credits: Heesen Yachts
July 26, 2024
U-Boat Worx, a leading manufacturer of personal and commercial submarines, has announced a significant milestone for its Cruise Sub series, achieving 5,000 dives since its launch in 2019.The Cruise Sub series has become a prominent choice for underwater exploration, particularly within the cruise industry. With units delivered to private clients and ten units supplied to cruise operators, these submarines have established a reputation for safety, reliability, and performance.Since their introduction five years ago, U-Boat Worx’s Cruise Subs have been integral to the cruise industry, providing unique underwater experiences for passengers. The submarines’ capability to perform 5,000 dives underscores their durability and operational excellence.Roy Heijdra, Marketing Manager of U-Boat Worx, commented, "Reaching this milestone of nearly 25,000 people diving inside a Cruise Sub is a testament to our mission of making the oceans accessible. Our network of nearly 300 trained professionals reflects our commitment to advancing underwater technology and ensuring the highest operational standards."U-Boat Worx has positioned itself as a primary supplier to the cruise industry, driven by the growing demand for immersive underwater adventures. The Cruise Sub series allows cruise companies to offer guests unparalleled experiences while prioritizing safety and comfort.The submarines’ success is attributed to their adherence to stringent safety standards. U-Boat Worx collaborates with DNV, a leading classification society, ensuring their vessels meet advanced maritime standards. Andreas Fischer from DNV Maritime in Hamburg highlighted their decade-long partnership: "Our cooperation with U-Boat Worx has resulted in over 50 submersibles achieving compliance with international regulations. We congratulate them on this milestone and look forward to continued collaboration."The reliability of the Cruise Sub series has earned the trust of cruise operators worldwide. U-Boat Worx's comprehensive training program has been instrumental, with nearly 300 chief pilots trained to operate these submersibles, ensuring skilled handling in various conditions.Bryn Spencer, Chief Submersible Pilot, shared his experience, "Diving with the Cruise Sub and discovering new marine life in Chile's fjords was remarkable. Witnessing a bright orange anemone and a symphony of bioluminescence on our return was unforgettable."U-Boat Worx remains focused on advancing underwater exploration technology, with an unwavering commitment to innovation, safety, and reliability. This dedication drives the ongoing success and confidence placed in their submarines by the cruise industry.The Cruise Sub series continues to set the standard for underwater exploration. As U-Boat Worx celebrates five years of achievements and 5,000 dives, the company is poised to lead the industry with cutting-edge technology and a commitment to making underwater exploration accessible and safe.Founded in the 1980s by Bert Houtman, U-Boat Worx leads the global submersible market, continuing The Netherlands' maritime tradition with innovative, safe, and high-quality designs for both private and commercial use.Credits: U-Boat Worx
July 25, 2024
Royal Huisman, celebrating its 140th anniversary, has reached a significant milestone with the hull turning of Project 410, the world's largest sloop. This 85-meter marvel, also known as the "85m New World Sloop," represents the pinnacle of modern yacht design and engineering.Project 410, cloaked in secrecy, is a collaborative effort involving the yacht owner, Frers Design for the overall concept and naval architecture, and Wetzels Brown for the interior design. The engineering is handled by Royal Huisman's in-house team alongside expert co-makers. The project was initially unveiled at the St. Barths Bucket Regatta in 2022, but details have been sparse since then.The aluminum hull, constructed at Royal Huisman's expanded Hall 2 in Vollenhove, showcases the shipyard's commitment to pushing boundaries in superyacht construction. This latest milestone sees the main 61-meter section of the hull turned upright, a critical step in the vessel's development.The hull turning is a testament to Royal Huisman's engineering prowess and marks a pivotal point in the creation of the world's largest single-mast yacht. CEO Jan Timmerman highlighted the significance of this event, noting, "Four of the world's ten largest sailing yachts are either built by or under construction at Royal Huisman. This includes Athena, Sea Eagle, Project 410, and another large sailing yacht currently underway. These projects exemplify the advantages of large sailing yachts, such as the thrill of hoisting sails and cutting through waves, combined with advanced technologies for comfort and efficiency."Timmerman also emphasized the green credentials of these yachts, noting their ability to utilize wind propulsion and operate in an energy-neutral mode, a feature that allows for silent anchoring and efficient power generation. This approach continues Royal Huisman's legacy of innovation, initiated nearly two decades ago with the world’s first hybrid superyacht.The hull turning of Project 410 involved a meticulously planned maneuver using four cranes to lift and rotate the 200-foot aluminum structure over a canal adjacent to the shipyard. Once turned, the hull was placed on a cradle and moved back into the construction hall for further outfitting.With this phase complete, the focus now shifts to the installation of onboard systems and the completion of the bow section, which is being constructed separately. Concurrently, Rondal, a sister company, is progressing on the carbon boom, mast, and integrated sailing system.The completion of the hull turning marks a significant step forward in the journey of Project 410. As the yacht continues to take shape, it embodies the shipyard’s ethos of combining tradition with cutting-edge technology and sustainability. The Royal Huisman team, along with their partners, will continue to work towards delivering a yacht that is not only the largest of its kind but also a symbol of personal freedom and innovation.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.Credits: Royal Huisman
July 25, 2024