#1 Lurssen | Azzam | 180m
Lurssen is one of the world’s leading shipyards. The German-based company was established over 141 years ago with headquarters in Bremen-Vegesack and five further yards in northern Germany. Lurssen has built 7 of the top 10 largest yachts and has recently launched the 155m Dilbar (Project Omar), scheduled to be delivered soon to Mr Usmanov. The shipyard employs over 1,000 people at its Bremen facility alone.
Azzam, the largest yacht in the world at a length of 180 meters, was delivered to Cheikh Khalifa, the emir of Abu Dhabi, in 2013. Not many details about the vessel are known, but it is confirmed that Mubarak Saad al Ahbabi directed the technical engineering. Azzam is speculated to have a price around 400 million pounds.
#2 Blohm + Voss | Eclipse | 162.5m
Blohm + Voss was founded in 1877 by Hermann Blohm and Ernst Voss. The shipyard specializes in the construction of naval vessels and megayachts, as well as repairs, refits, and modifications of merchant ships. In 2005 the firm was acquired by ThyssenKrupp AG. The new owners instructed the yard not to build any new yachts as of 2008. This ban was lifted in 2012 when the shipyard’s civilian operations were sold to London-based private equity firm, Star Capital.
Demoted from the rank of the largest superyacht in 2013 by Azzam, Eclipse has dominated the superyacht rankings for 3 years with a tremendous length of a 162.5m. Owned by Russian billionaire, Roman Abramovich, Eclipse is Blohm+Voss' flagship. Built in a shroud of secrecy in 2010 to a design by Terence Disdale, Eclipse features a 16-meter long swimming pool convertible into a dance floor, a three-man private submarine, an exterior fireplace as well as space for six tenders and three helicopters.
#3 Helsingor Værft | Prince Abdulaziz | 147m
Helsingor Værft was founded in 1882. Based in Denmark, the shipyard builds different types of ships and marine engines.
Prince Abdulaziz was built by the yard in 1984. At the time of delivery, the yacht was the largest in the world, retaining its status for 22 years. The project is speculated to have cost $184m. Maierform was responsible for the yacht's naval architecture, whilst David Hicks styled her interior. Among her amenities are a cinema, a mosque and a fully equipped hospital. Prince Abdulaziz has since been refitted in 1987, 1996 and 2005.
#4 Samuda Brothers | El Horriya | 145.7m
Samuda Brothers was a shipyard, founded by Jacob and Joseph d'Aguilar Samuda. The firm started working in London in 1843. Samuda Brothers specialized in building iron and steel warships. In 1863 they were producing double the output of all other London shipyards combined.
El Horriya was built in 1865 on the banks of the Thames for the Ottoman governor of Egypt, Khedive Ismail. During the refit in 1872, the yacht was lengthened by 12m and in 1905 she grew by another 5,1m. Her last major rebuild was in 1950. Now she is the Egyptian presidential vessel and is usually moored in Alexandria.
#5 Nobiskrug | Sailing yacht A 142.8m
Nobiskrug was founded in 1905 by Otto Stork in Rendsburg. With more than 750 vessels delivered, Nobiskrug collaborates with the famous yacht designers and not only builds the projects, but also provides refit services.
With masts taller than the Statue of Liberty, S/Y A is on track to becoming the largest sailing yacht in the world at 145 meters in length. Commissioned by Andrei Melnichenko, owner of M/Y A, the project's rig and keel were designed by Dutch-based Dykstra Naval Architects. Philippe Starck was responsible for her exterior and interior design.
#6 De Schelde / Abu Dhabi MAR (rebuild) | Yas | 141m
ADM Shipyards is one of the leading shipbuilders in the Persian Gulf. Established in 2008, 30% of the shipyard is owned by Privinvest, the holding company behind Nobiskrug and CMN.
Yas was relaunched in 2011 after being converted from a Dutch frigate built in 1978. The redesign was handled by French studio, Pierrejean Design. Yas accommodates up to 60 guests and a crew of 56. Her alluring features include an automatic stern platform, amazing outdoor pool and spa, a helipad, a highly-sophisticated audio-visual entertainment system as well as a garage for water toys.
#7 Fincantieri | Ocean Victory | 140m
Founded in 1959, Fincantieri is the largest shipbuilder in Europe. After the acquisition of the Norwegian group VARD, the Fincantieri group doubled in size to become the fourth largest in the world. The company builds both commercial and military vessels.
Following an order placed in 2009, Fincantieri has delivered, after 5 years of construction, the 140m Ocean Victory in December 2014. Designed by Espen Oeino and Alberto Pinto together with Sessa Romboli, the yacht was delivered to steel magnate, Viktor Rashnikov. Capable of accommodating up to 36 guests, Ocean Victory is packed with luxurious 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.
#8 Kusch Yachts | Al Mirqab | 133m
Kusch Yachts was founded in 1981 by Claus Kusch in Germany and first acted primarily as consultants on new build projects. The company has since evolved into being able to offer new build construction and refit facilities.
Built in 2008 to a famous Tim Heywood exterior design and Andrew Winch interior design, Al Mirqab has a length of 133 meters. She is capable of accommodating 36 guests, as well as 45 crew. She is owned by Hamad bin Jassim bin Jaber Al Thani, Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Qatar.
#9 Elefsis | Maryah | 125m
Elefsis Shipyards is a Greek shipbuilding company founded in 1962. The yard has built bulk carriers, fast ferries and completed ship conversions.
Launched in 2014, Maryah is all-steel, full-displacement motor yacht. Originally launched in Poland in 1991 as a Russian research vessel, she has been completely rebuilt at Elefsis Shipyards. H2 Yacht Design was responsible for her exterior and interior. Built to SOLAS regulations, Maryah is able to accommodate up to 54 guests.
#10 Flender Werke | Alexander | 122m
Flender Werke was a German shipbuilding company, located in Lubeck. It was founded in 1917 as a branch of Bruckenbau Flender AG. Later it became one of the largest shipyards in Germany, constructing 700 vessels in all. After World War II, Flender Werke continued to build merchant ships, and in 1973 the company was renamed Flender Werft AG. In 2002 they were forced to close because of insolvency.
Alexander is a megayacht unlike many others in her class. Built in 1965 and converted in 1985, Alexander was one of the earliest private yachts to breach the 100m barrier. The vessel’s interior was refitted in 1998 with a more recent upgrade to the master cabin completed in 2008. The yacht is now a popular charter yacht catering to parties of up to 80 guests.
The 56th Southampton International Boat Show will introduce several new features when it returns to Mayflower Park from September 19-28, 2025. Organizers British Marine confirmed a redesigned layout with specialized zones including The Powerhub for powerboats and Angler's Alley for fishing enthusiasts.New additions include: the Boating Academy offering educational sessions, waterside Lounge for premium ticket holders, expanded marina area with grouped vessel displays, on the Water stage featuring high-speed demonstrations. Visitor experiences will include the Try A Boat program with FlexiSail and accessible powerboat rides through Wetwheels. The Shipyard festival area will host live music and family activities, with a headline act to be announced.Ticket prices currently start at £24.99 for adults, with free entry for two children per adult ticket. Marina space remains in high demand among exhibitors, with increased berth capacity for 2025."The 2025 edition represents an exciting transformation," stated British Marine representatives. The event will showcase products ranging from paddleboards to superyachts, though exhibitor lists remain unconfirmed.British Marine, representing over 1,300 UK marine businesses, organizes the annual show which supports an industry employing 38,000 nationwide.Credits: Southampton International Boat Show
April 29, 2025
The General Council of Confindustria Nautica has designated Piero Formenti, owner of Zar Formenti, as President of the Italian Marine Industry Association for the 2025-2029 term. The appointment will be formally ratified at the association's general meeting on May 16 during the SATEC Convention in Rapallo.Formenti becomes the first president representing the small boating sector in the association's history. The selection process saw 79.04% member participation with 94.64% approval votes.Piero FormentiSince founding Zar Formenti in 1979, specializing in inflatable boats, Formenti has served as association director since 2008 and vice president since 2019. He currently holds the position of vice-chair at European Boating Industry (EBI), having previously served two terms as president (2015-2019)."My experience provides a unified vision of the industry," Formenti stated. "Coming from the small boating segment demonstrates our sector's maturity as we address innovation, green economy, domestic market revival, regulatory simplification, and next-generation engagement during challenging economic conditions for small manufacturers."The appointment follows standard association statutes and Confederation of Industry regulations.Credits: Italian Marine Industry Association
April 29, 2025
Nautor Swan will present five maxi yachts at the Palma International Boat Show (April 30-May 3) while its new ClubSwan 43 makes its racing debut at the concurrent PalmaVela regatta. The Finnish builder's display includes the Swan 108 Fancy as centerpiece, alongside Swan 98s Drifter Cube and Alix, Swan 90 Berenice Cube, and Swan 78 Sulita in Port Vell's Superyacht Village.The 33.5-meter Fancy features quarter-cut oak interiors with light brown finishes, accommodating owners and guests across four en-suite cabins plus crew quarters. Three new Swan models (80, 108, 128) remain in development.At PalmaVela, the ClubSwan 43 Vargen will compete in ORC-rated races while maintaining one-design specifications for the brand's racing circuit. Over 110 vessels are participating in the regatta hosted by Real Club Náutico."We're approaching Palma with strong dedication," said Nautor Swan CEO Giovanni Pomati. "This show is becoming one of the most important, thanks to top shipyards and passionate owners." ClubSwan Yachts head Federico Michetti noted: "These are the first races for the ClubSwan 43 under rating rules, and we're continuing its fine-tuning for competitive performance."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
April 29, 2025
Dutch shipyard Vitters has signed a contract to build the 63-meter sailing yacht Project Dreamer, with construction set to begin this year at its Zwartsluis facility. The aluminum-hulled vessel, designed to maximize volume within a 500GT limit, is scheduled for delivery in 2028.Malcolm McKeon Yacht Design will handle the exterior styling, which features a radiused transom and an expansive flybridge spanning the full superstructure width with dedicated lounge and dining areas. The design incorporates a mid-lazarette with fold-down hull door for water toy deployment.Milan-based M2Atelier will develop interior spaces characterized by open layouts, natural materials, and botanical elements. Owner's representative Greg Monks stated the project will "set new standards" for flybridge yachts, emphasizing reduced noise/vibration and sustainable operation.Vitters has not disclosed technical specifications, though the yard confirmed construction will adhere to the client's request for optimized interior volume within the 500GT threshold. Additional details will be released during the build process.Vitters Shipyard is a Dutch high-end performance yacht builder. The shipyard was founded in 1990 by Jan Vitters. The company delivered the first luxury sailing boat, the 28m Aphrodite, in 1993. Vitters Shipyard has a crew of dedicated engineers and craftspeople who have a strong eye for detail and the passion to exceed the expectations of its yacht owners. Credits: Vitters
April 28, 2025
Videoworks has completed an innovative audio-visual and connectivity installation aboard Custom Line Navetta 38 Telli, the new yacht owned by Ferretti Group CEO Alberto Galassi. The system eliminates traditional satellite TV (TVRO) in favor of a fully streaming-based approach, marking a technological milestone for yachts in this size category.The setup includes high-performance Starlink maritime antennas delivering speeds up to 220 Mbps, supported by dual 5G modems as backup. "The owner requested very fast Starlink connectivity offering streaming, internet and multiple pay-per-view services," said Giovanni Varone, Yachting Sales Manager at Videoworks. "This is the first time we’ve installed such advanced systems on a project of this size."Audio features K-array and James loudspeakers for exterior areas, while interior spaces utilize Bang & Olufsen’s Beosound Theatre soundbar and Beolab 19 subwoofer. A custom pop-up speaker system was developed for the beach area, integrated with Videoworks’ Slim Audio Matrix for automatic calibration.Beolab 19Control is managed via an HTML5-based web engine, adapting dynamically to tablets, smartphones, and PCs. Hardware is consolidated into two centralized racks and a dedicated decoder distribution unit."This yacht represents the future of onboard connectivity," said Paolo Tagliapietra, Connectivity Solutions Manager at Videoworks. "The complete reliance on streaming is a game-changer for the industry."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
April 28, 2025