1. How much does a superyacht actually cost?
Yachts are hardly a mass market product and yet the superyacht market has carved out a niche in being even more exclusive, but how much does a yacht cost to build, buy or rent? In the feature we take a look at the current state of the market.
CRN Yachts, part of the Ferretti Group, have confirmed the launch of Cloud 9. The 74-meter Cloud 9 becomes the shipyard's second largest yacht to date, outranked only by the 80-meter Chopi Chopi. 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. Amongst the yacht's key amenities are a private deck, complete with an intimate lounging area, forward of the master cabin, an extensive beach club with an extended platform.
Just a day before the launch of the first unit, a third 52Steel has been sold by Sanlorenzo Superyacht Division thanks to West Nautical Brokerage who introduced the client. The 52Steel project with hull number 125 is already under construction and will be delivered to her owner in 15 months, during April 2018. The yacht's profile was penned by Officina Italiana Design, while the Sanlorenzo Technical Department developed all technical aspects of the project.
Developed by New York-based, Gill Schmid Design in conjunction with Columbus Yachts for Globe Regal yachting, Sea The Stars was intended to be a stepping stone for an expert owner between his current yacht and ultimately a 120m project. Due to a last minute change, the project is however now available for a new owner with a reduced delivery time. With a length of 80-meters, Sea The Stars has a 13.7m beam, which lets her boast over 1,000 square meters of outdoor space, a 510m2 indoor entertainment area and an 87m2 owner's suite located on her own private deck, above the wheelhouse.
ISA Yachts is pleased to reveal new details about the second model of the new Super Sport series, unveiled during Monaco Yacht Show 2016. This range of two models (121 and 141), designed by Marco Casali, are yachts built in composite materials. The 141 Super Sportivo project is born with an emphasis on speed and a new sleek profile, incorporating the heritage and class of the shipyard.
Lexus, a division of Toyota Motor Corporation, has recently revealed its new project, 12.7m Sport Yacht concept. She is powered by twin high- performance Lexus V8s and is capable of carrying from six to eight guests. As a concept, the Lexus Sport Yacht revealed at Miami is a bespoke one-off project with no production intent. To produce this single example the Marine Department selected the Marquis-Carver Yacht Group of Pulaski, Wisconsin, USA, based on their in-house engineering and manufacturing capabilities and their skill in large hand- laid composite structures.
The largest Amels superyacht to date emerged at its facility in Vlissingen at the end of June 2016. Since then Here Comes The Sun completed her sea trials and a week ago left the Netherlands for international waters. Measuring 83m, Here Comes The Sun features an exterior design by Tim Heywood and interior style by Winch Design.
92-meter Aquarius (Project Touchdown) was launched by Feadship in September 2016. Since then the Dutch shipyard has released official images of its new yacht and at the end of November we saw the superyacht leaving Holland. And now we've been informed that Aquarius has been spotted in Fort Lauderdale, the USA.
Royal Huisman is proud to announce their intention for the exclusive use of the facilities of Holland Jachtbouw (HJB) in Amsterdam following the anticipated termination of business by HJB after the passing away of founder Chris Gongriep. Together with Royal Huisman’s purpose built home base in Vollenhove on an area of over 30,000 sqm (consisting of 5 main shipbuilding halls) and the use of Emden Dockyard in Germany (surface of 300,000 sqm), the modern 12,000 sqm facility of HJB in Amsterdam incorporates 3 state-of-the-art halls with a maximum length of 60m, all overlooking 120m of waterfront with convenient access to open sea, all available for new-build, refit and commissioning.
Monte Carlo Yachts have announced that they have sold the first three units in the new MCY96 series. Measuring 29.26m, the first model perfectly slots between the MCY86 and the MCY105 and is due for launch in July. The exterior and interior styling was designed by Carlo Nuvolari and Dan Lenard, the same as with the previous models of the range.
Dutch yacht builder Heesen Yachts has appointed Jeroen van der Meer as Chief Executive Officer, effective September 2025. The leadership change follows the shipyard's recent acquisition by owner Laurens Last.Van der Meer replaces Niels Vaessen, who departs after thirteen years with the company, including service as both CFO and CEO. The new CEO holds a mechanical engineering degree and MBA from Eindhoven University, with professional experience focused on manufacturing optimization and strategic restructuring.Laurens Last stated: "Our goal is to build upon Heesen's legendary status by focusing relentlessly on quality, innovation, and the client experience. Jeroen's appointment is a strategic move to accelerate this vision." The owner emphasized plans to enhance production processes and invest in sustainable technologies under the new leadership.Vaessen commented: "I have an immense respect for the craftspeople and colleagues at Heesen, and I am grateful for my long service. I have full confidence in the shipyard's continued success."Van der Meer outlined his priorities: "My focus will be on harnessing the incredible talent within the company. By optimizing our processes and integrating advanced systems, we will empower our people to build the most innovative and reliable yachts." He emphasized strengthening client relationships and after-sales support.The leadership transition comes as Heesen prepares for the Monaco Yacht Show in September 2025, where executives will meet with clients and partners. The shipyard continues production at its Oss facility, maintaining its focus on aluminum and steel superyacht construction.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
August 18, 2025
The 100.8-meter Kusch Yachts superyacht I Dynasty has been listed for sale with Merle A. Wood of Merle Wood & Associates and James Auld of SuperYachtsMonaco, with an asking price of €240,000,000. This places her as the fourth most expensive superyacht currently on the market.Built in Germany and delivered in July 2015, I Dynasty is the second-largest vessel from Kusch Yachts and the yard’s most recent delivery. The project was overseen by Vega Yachts, with The A Group’s Richard Hein responsible for exterior design and naval architecture. She was among the first superyachts to be fully certified to Passenger Yacht Code (PYC) standards.Her interior, designed by Massari Design, accommodates up to 34 guests in 12 cabins, plus four staff in three cabins and 36 crew in 19 cabins. Under PYC certification, she can carry up to 36 guests. The main deck hosts the owner’s suite, which includes separate his and hers marble en suites, while two master VIP suites are located on the bridge deck.With an interior volume of 4,437GT, I Dynasty offers a variety of amenities, including a bridge deck cinema, beach club, sauna, hair salon, massage room, hammam, gym, and a dive centre. Notable design features include an open staircase, floor-to-ceiling windows, and a mix of classical and modern finishes, including warm woods, marble pillars, and glass “shark fins” acting as windbreakers.The yacht’s exterior spaces include multiple dining areas, a covered cinema, several pools, and a float-in tender garage that can be converted into a saltwater pool. She carries a range of tenders and water toys, including a Riva 33 Aquariva and a 9.6-metre Pascoe Limousine.Powered by a diesel-electric system with twin Rolls-Royce Bergen main engines and triple Caterpillar C32 auxiliary engines, I Dynasty has a top speed of 17 knots, a cruising speed of 14 knots, and a range of 7,000 nautical miles.She recently completed her Lloyd’s 10-year Special Survey in June 2025 and will be available for inspection by appointment during the Monaco Yacht Show.Credits: Merle Wood & Associates
August 15, 2025
The first unit from the Lazzara UHV 100 series has had its asking price reduced by €1,005,000. Represented for sale by Josh Gulbranson of Fraser and Richard Higgins of Northrop & Johnson, the 30.5-metre motor yacht is currently under construction and scheduled for delivery in 2026.Designed entirely in-house by Turkish shipyard Lazzara, the model has a reported gross tonnage of 222GT, which the builder claims is the largest in its class. The yacht is being built using a full epoxy construction with e-glass, a closed-cell aviation core, and no gelcoat or wood.Accommodation will be for up to 10 guests in five cabins, including a main-deck owner’s suite with private seating and en suite, and four guest cabins on the lower deck in a mix of queen and twin arrangements. Crew quarters will accommodate five.The interior is designed with multiple floor-to-ceiling windows and 2,800 square feet of living space, including a main deck lounge and dining area for 10, and a full-beam skylounge with a bar and lounge seating.Outdoor areas will include a beach club with a submersible swim platform, a foredeck lounge with a Jacuzzi, and alfresco dining and seating on both the main and upper aft decks.Powered by Volvo Penta engines, the yacht is expected to have a cruising speed of 12 knots and a maximum speed of 16 knots. She will also be equipped with CMC electric fin stabilisation and hydraulic bow and stern thrusters. Principal dimensions include a beam of 7.4 metres and a draft of 1.8 metres.The Lazzara UHV 100 is now listed for sale at €13,495,000.Credits: Northrop & Johnson
August 15, 2025
The 35-meter explorer yacht Fox, constructed by Pendennis Shipyard in the United Kingdom during 2024, is currently listed for sale with an asking price of €18 Million. Burgess is acting as the central sales agent. The yacht features a steel hull and aluminium superstructure built to RINA commercial class standards. Exterior styling is credited to Tansu Yachts and Pendennis, with interiors by Q London. Fox accommodates ten guests across five cabins—comprising a full-beam owner’s suite and four lower-deck guest cabins, each with its own ensuite bathroom—and carries a crew of seven. Its propulsion system consists of twin Caterpillar C18 ACERT engines producing a combined 2,080 HP, enabling a cruising speed of 12 knots, a top speed of approximately 14–16 knots, and a range of around 3,000 nautical miles at a steady pace. ABT TRAC fin stabilisers ensure smooth sailing both underway and at anchor, while Simrad navigation systems enhance onboard operations. Fox is characteristic of an expedition-style explorer yacht, with a muscular exterior and a spacious 103.5-square-meter aft deck capable of storing two 7.5-meter tenders, additional water toys, and even submersibles. This area includes a DJ station, open-air dining, a bar, and a glass-walled sky lounge with a terrace featuring a BBQ and open-air dining. Delivered in Spring 2024, the yacht has been operational with voyages to the Mediterranean. Its name honors Falmouth scientist Robert Were Fox the Younger. Fox was developed as a compact but capable yacht suited for adventurous owners aiming to explore remote regions. The Fox represents a blend of practical explorer functionality and contemporary comfort, now available via Burgess for €18 million.Credits: Yacht Harbour Archive
August 15, 2025
The 30.2-meter Royal Huisman sailing yacht Foftein has been listed for sale with Manfred Haas of Haas International at an asking price of €8,500,000 with VAT paid.Built in aluminium and delivered in 1999, Foftein was designed by German Frers as a cutter-rigged yacht intended for bluewater cruising. She has had only two owners since new, the first being a yachtsman and marine photographer. The yacht underwent a significant refit in 2020 by Huisfit, Royal Huisman’s refit division, which included the installation of hybrid propulsion and updated systems.The refit allows Foftein to cruise silently for up to eight hours, regenerate power under sail, and meet advanced environmental standards. Her propulsion is provided by Volvo Penta 550hp engines, complemented by lithium-ion energy storage.The interior, designed by Pieter Beeldsnijder, features cherry wood panelling and accommodates six guests in a master suite and two twin cabins, all with en suite bathrooms. Crew quarters provide space for four in two cabins.On deck, Foftein has two cockpits: a centre cockpit leading to the deckhouse, and a private aft cockpit connected directly to the master suite. Her sailing capabilities are supported by a modern fast hull, aluminium mast and spars, and semi-automated sail handling systems.Currently cruising in the English Channel, Foftein is presented in what the broker describes as “exceptional, turn-key” condition.Credits: Yacht Harbour Archive
August 14, 2025