The debate over what sailing yacht could claim the sough-after title of largest sailing yacht in the world has been a long and tedious one in yachting and with a few possible contenders in the running and more in build, it looks like the battle isn't over yet.
Indeed, whereas it is clear that 180-meter Azzam is the longest yacht in the world and Dilbar is the most voluminous, both of these are motor yachts. With sailing yachts, the ranking is however much more opaque due largely to the measurement that is used.
Loaded waterline length, known as LWL, is the measurement of the length of a vessel from the points where it sits in the water. On the other hand length overall, abbreviated as LOA, is defined as the maximum length of a yacht's hull, which for sailing yacht also includes the bowsprit, a key factor when measuring a sailing yacht and part of the difficulty in this ranking.
Length overall: 88m (289 ft)
Length at waterline: 78.21m (256 ft)
Owner: Elena Ambrosiadou
The Maltese Falcon, built by Italian shipyard, Perini Navi in Turkey for the late venture capitalist, Tom Perkins is often referred to as the largest sailing yacht in the world. Reason being, the schooner with her three rotating masts has an overall length of 88 meters and a length at waterline of 78.21 meters.
At the time of her sale in 2009 to Elena Ambrosiadou at an asking price of €70 million, the Maltese Falcon was indeed hailed by many news organisations as the largest sailing yacht in the world. The Maltese Falcon's claim to the title mainly rests on her LOA and the fact that she does not have a bowsprit to offset calculations. The sailing yacht is currently available for charter from $400,000 per week.
Length overall: 90m (295 ft)
Length at waterline: 78.25m (260 ft)
Owner: Jim Clark
Referred to as the largest sailing yacht in the world available for charter by many adverts, Athena was built in 2004 by Royal Huisman in the Netherlands for Netscape founder, Jim Clark. Designed by Gerrard Dijkstra and Pieter Beeldsnijder, the yacht is able to reach 19 knots under sail whilst still providing plenty of space across her three decks.
Currently on the brokerage market asking $69,9 million, Athena could only claim the title of world's largest sailing yacht available for charter thanks to her overall length. At 90 meters, the yacht therefore surpasses the Maltese Falcon in LOA but supporters of the Falcon always argue that their pick doesn't have such a bowsprit to account for.
Length overall: 92.93m (305 ft)
Length at waterline: 82.6m (260 ft)
Owner: Barry Diller
If one was however to go by the measures that Athena advertisers have used, she would still not be the world's largest sailing yacht even if she would outrank the Maltese Falcon in LOA. Indeed, EOS, built by Lurssen in 2006 and refitted at Royal Huisman in 2011 would take the first spot both in LWL and in LOA.
Her claim to be the largest sailing yacht in the world is however still contested by some as they claim that since Maltese Falcon doesn't have a bowsprit, her LOA should be consider, which would then allow it to top EOS' LWL. A fight in which therefore both sides present solid arguments.
Length overall: 106m (348 ft)
The landscape will however significantly change in 2017 with the upcoming delivery of Oceanco's Project Solar. At 106 meters in LOA, the Dutch shipyard's hull Y712 is expected to become the largest sailing yacht in the world upon its handover to her owner. Designed by Nuvolari Lenard, Project Solar has started sea trials in early 2017 and is expected to be delivered in the first quarter of this year.
Her claim to the title will however be contested once again by Melnichenko's 142-meter S/Y A, which was just delivered in early February 2017. Some have however voiced concerns that S/Y A is actually closer to a motor yacht by design whilst others argue she is indeed the largest private sailing yacht. Back in August 2015 she was however first introduced as a sail-assisted motor yacht. The battle for the title of the largest sailing yacht therefore continues...
German marine glass manufacturer Yachtglass and Italian manufacturer Hard Glass have established a joint venture named Ocean Glass. The companies will continue to operate independently while using the new entity to develop markets and provide glazing solutions to shipyards internationally.The joint venture will be officially introduced at the 2025 Monaco Yacht Show at Stand DS 57 in Darse Sud. Both companies have previously supplied custom glass for yachts, including vessels exceeding 120 meters in length.Silvia Buck, CEO of Yachtglass, stated: “This strategic partnership merges German engineering precision with Italian design expertise. Together, we’re poised to deliver custom, high-specification glass solutions for the most sophisticated superyachts on the market. We’re particularly focused on expanding our presence in Turkey, the Middle East, and Asia - regions where demand for premium European craftsmanship continues to grow.”Fiorenzo Furlan, president of Hard Glass, added: “Ocean Glass represents the fusion of uncompromising quality and refined aesthetics at sea. Our new venture is committed to delivering marine glass systems that meet the highest standards of safety, performance, and design. Partnering with Yachtglass allows us to scale our vision and set new benchmarks for the industry.”The formation of Ocean Glass occurs as demand increases for large-scale glazing solutions on superyachts, where exteriors often incorporate hundreds of square meters of custom glass. The venture aims to combine German engineering and Italian design capabilities to serve emerging shipbuilding regions.Credits: Ocean Glass
September 23, 2025
Northrop & Johnson has listed the 23.86-meter expedition yacht Vanguard for sale at $3,980,000. Yacht Broker Mike Finnegan is representing the vessel, which was delivered by Naval Yachts in 2023.The XPM 78 platform yacht is designed for long-range cruising with a focus on efficiency and system integration. Vanguard recently completed a 7,000-nautical-mile voyage along the U.S. Atlantic Coast and into Greenland's High Arctic waters, conducted with two ice pilots onboard.Propulsion is provided by a diesel-electric Praxis hybrid system with an integrated energy management network. The yacht cruises at 9 knots with a reported fuel consumption of 3.5 liters per nautical mile, providing a range exceeding 7,000 nautical miles. Technical features include an ice-reinforced hull, DMS Magnus Master stabilizers, and a commercial-grade dynamic positioning system.The interior, designed by Arista Marine, follows an open-plan layout with the galley, helm, and salon located on the main deck. Finishes include pale timbers with dark contrast elements. The helm station is equipped with dual high-back chairs and a multi-display dashboard.Accommodation is provided for six guests in three en-suite staterooms, with a convertible salon that can accommodate two additional guests. The full-beam owner's cabin contains a king-sized berth and lounge seating.Exterior areas are configured for operational functionality, featuring a tender crane and storage on the aft main deck with L-shaped guest seating. The flybridge helm seats two persons, with dual stairways leading to the swim platform. All exterior spaces are designed for low maintenance and expedition readiness.Credits: Northrop & Johnson
September 23, 2025
Luca Dini Design & Architecture has entered into an agreement with Albania’s Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy to explore the development of a national maritime strategy. The initiative aims to position Albania as a sustainable yachting hub in the Mediterranean.The proposed strategy involves creating a network of interconnected marinas designed to share resources and infrastructure rather than compete. The approach intends to improve logistical efficiency, support regional economic growth, and reduce environmental impact. Albania’s geographic position near established yachting destinations such as Greece and Montenegro, along with its undeveloped coastline, is seen as a foundation for attracting seasonal boaters and superyachts.The project envisions the development of service facilities including repair yards, refit stations, and fueling areas to meet international standards and accommodate larger vessels. The plan emphasizes adopting sustainability principles in new marina construction and diversifying specializations across different locations to reduce congestion and environmental pressure. Intermodal transport connections with road and rail networks are also part of the proposed strategy to link coastal and inland regions.The concept aligns with European Union initiatives such as the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T), focusing on integration with continental trade and logistics systems. Luca Dini Design & Architecture will contribute expertise in architecture, yacht design, and master planning to the project. The firm indicated that the next 15 years represent a critical period for Albania to establish itself as a competitive maritime destination through coordinated planning.Credits: Luca Dini Design & Architecture
September 22, 2025
Camper & Nicholsons has listed the sailing yacht Imagine for sale at €17,800,000, with VAT paid. The 44.18-meter vessel is represented by Sales Advisor Maël Fiolet and was available for viewings at anchor during the Monaco Yacht Show, which opened on September 18.Built in 2010 by Alloy Yachts to a design by Ed Dubois, Imagine remains under its original ownership. The yacht was designed for worldwide cruising and has never been chartered. It complies with LY2 regulations and completed its Lloyd’s 15-year survey in 2025 alongside an extensive refit. In 2011, the yacht received the Best Sailing Yacht award at the World Superyacht Awards.The yacht accommodates nine guests in four cabins. The full-beam master suite is located aft and includes an en suite bathroom, walk-in wardrobe, study, and vanity area. Additional accommodation consists of one double guest cabin, one twin cabin with a Pullman berth, and a fourth cabin configured as a single with a Pullman. The main saloon sofa can convert into two additional bunks if required.The interior offers 242 square meters of living space finished with white oak joinery, Loro Piana fabrics, and alpaca carpets. The raised salon features panoramic windows and a split-level arrangement with a lounge area to port and a navigation station to starboard. Custom features include an automated sliding companionway door, opening portholes in the master suite, underfloor freezers, and a firearms safe for Arctic voyages.Deck areas include a forward cockpit with dining space and sunpads, a boom awning for shade, and a foredeck tender well that converts to a heated spa pool. A crow's nest is positioned on the mast for observation.The yacht is equipped with a 61.9-meter Southern Spars mast, carbon fiber rigging, and a furling boom. The sail plan includes 895 square meters of upwind sail area managed by captive winches built by Alloy Yachts. A lifting keel allows operation in both shallow waters and open ocean conditions. All sails have been upgraded over time, with a new North Sails jib installed in 2025.Power is provided by a single Caterpillar C18 engine. The yacht carries a diesel-powered tender, which eliminates the need for separate refueling arrangements. The vessel is maintained for serious cruising with systems designed for extended autonomous voyages.Credits: Alloy Yachts
September 22, 2025
Feadship has confirmed the sale of Project 717 through its dedicated resale division. The 49.5-meter yacht was sold to an existing Feadship owner, with Feadship Resale representing the buyer and Edmiston acting as the seller's representative.The yacht features an angular exterior design by Studio De Voogt and contemporary interior spaces. Accommodation includes five staterooms for ten guests, with a full-beam owner's suite featuring panoramic views and a private study.Outdoor amenities include a glass-fronted hot tub, fold-down bulwarks that expand the beach club area, and a sundeck equipped with a bar and barbecue facilities.This transaction represents the third sale completed by Feadship Resale since its establishment, following previous sales of yachts named ONE and Savannah. 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: Feadship
September 22, 2025