As you may have noticed, the number of yachts over 80 meters has sharply increased over the past few decades, which makes us think that we have now entered into the golden age of megayachts. As 2016 is coming to an end, we've rounded up some of the most impressive launches of the year. Here is the list of the 10 superyachts, that made quite a splash in 2016.
1. Jupiter
On 27th October 2016 Lurssen launched 123m Project Jupiter at its facility in Bremen, Germany. She features a very sporty and aggressive look similar to the owner's first yacht. With exterior design by H2 Yacht Design and interiors by March & White the yacht is scheduled for delivery in spring 2017. For both design teams this is their first Lürssen yacht, and the collaboration between all parties, including Winterbothams technical services and Y.CO Management team, has worked extremely well.
2. 116m Ulysses
Norwegian ship builder Kleven have announced the launch of their 116m yacht project in March 2016. The yacht has been built for Graeme Hart, 60-year old businessman from New Zealand with a net worth currently valued by Forbes at 6.9 billion dollars. Designed by Marin Teknikk, a ship design company based in Norway, with the help of naval architect, Kyle Dick, the yacht is intended for long expeditions with a luxurious feel. Last week the megayacht has been handed over to her owner.
3. Y712
Dutch superyacht builder Oceanco has launched its 106m sailing yacht Y712 in September. She becomes the first sailing yacht to be entirely constructed by the shipyard. The superyacht has exterior and interior design by Nuvolari & Lenard, whilst Oceanco & Dykstra Naval Architects were responsible for the naval architecture. The 2,700 GT superyacht features a DynaRig having the ability to operate entirely on solar power.
4. Mistral
On Saturday, April 16, Lürssen launched project Mistral - a 100+ metre yacht, which has been designed by Espen Oeino. In June the megayacht has been spotted undergoing her sea trials.
5. Vertigo
Feadship Vertigo saw the light of day on Wednesday 23 November, which is when this 96.55-metre superyacht left the construction hall at the Feadship yard in Makkum. With the interior and exterior design by Redman Whiteley Dixon and Chahan Interior Design and Azure acting as Owner’s project manager, Vertigo’s creative execution raises the bar of superyacht design to new levels of sophistication.
6. Aquarius
92-meter Aquarius (Project Touchdown) was launched by Feadship's De Vries yard in September. The superyacht became Steve Wynn's newest flagship, replacing his previous 67-meter Aquarius. Sinot Exclusive Yacht Design is responsible for both the exterior and interior of the superyacht, whilst the naval architecture comes from De Voogt. Aquarius' key features include a helipad on the bow, a beauty salon, a large pool on the aft main deck, a gym, massage and therapy room, jacuzzi and large outdoor deck spaces.
7. Lionheart
Benetti has launched its largest yacht to date, the 90m Lionheart, in January 2016. 90m Lionheart was built for British business tycoon, Philip Green, who took delivery of a 63m Benetti yacht by the same name in 2006, now known as Lioness V. Lionheart overtakes the 86m Kingdom 5KR, launched in 1980, as Benetti's new flagship. Though the project has been shrouded in secrecy, it is known that Stefano Natucci collaborated with the Italian shipyard on the exterior design and Green & Mingarelli Design is responsible for the interior design.
8. Y715
Oceanco's highly confidential 88.5m superyacht, Y715, has been recently lowered into the water in Keppel Veroime in November. Launched at the end of October, she has a beam of 14.5m and a draft of 3.95m. Exterior styling and interior design are by Sam Sorgiovanni Designs. She presents a modern sporty look with a dark blue hull which is generously offset with a contrasting white superstructure. With no sharp edges, she has a very organic form with large elliptical-shaped hull windows that complement Y715’s curvilinear profile. Further details remain confidential at this time.
The largest Amels superyacht to date emerged at its facility in Vlissingen at the end of June. Measuring 83m, HERE COMES THE SUN features an exterior design by Tim Heywood and interior style by Winch Design. As for the accommodation, there are 8 guest cabins on board and space for 27 crew. The six-decks yacht's key features include 5.5m swimming pool, 87 sqm beach club with a spa, 900 sqm of outside deck space and a garage capable of storing four jet skis and two 11m tenders.
10. Plvs Vltra
The sale of Amels' first Limited Edition 242 (Project Freefall) was announced back in November 2013 by the Dutch shipyard. With an exterior by Tim Heywood and an interior by Andrew Winch, the 74-meter yacht has a beam of 12.25m and a gross tonnage of 1725GT. Plvs Vltra's construction was managed by Moran Yacht & Ship.
The second Wallywind110 sailing yacht will premiere at the Cannes Yachting Festival 2025 following private viewings in Sardinia and Monaco. The 33.5-meter vessel represents the sistership to the previously delivered Galma, featuring identical carbon fiber construction with customized interior modifications.Key distinctions from the first hull include a sand-grey hull finish and revised interior layout with flexible cabin configurations. The fourth cabin incorporates convertible bedding that transitions between twin and double arrangements through a sliding mechanism. An office area replaces the bar setup found on the previous vessel.Naval architecture by Judel/Vrolijk & Co. incorporates a telescopic keel adjustable between 4.5 and 6.95 meters depth. The sloop rig configuration utilizes Hall Spars carbon mast and North Sails 3Di sails providing 660 square meters of upwind area. Downwind sail capacity reaches 1,283 square meters.Interior design by Studio Santa Maria Magnolfi features lighter-toned oak cabinetry and reconfigured carbon fiber flooring patterns. The main saloon maintains raised seating with deep hull windows despite the vessel's exterior profile. Accommodations include an owner's suite forward, VIP cabin, and two convertible guest cabins aft.Construction efficiency improved compared to the first hull, with the yard completing the project ahead of schedule. The yacht will be displayed alongside other Ferretti Group products at the festival, which runs from September 9-14. The Wallywind110 remains the largest sailing yacht presented at the 2025 Cannes event.The vessel demonstrates Wally's continued focus on performance cruising yachts combining carbon fiber construction with customizable interior arrangements. The company maintains production facilities in Italy alongside other Ferretti Group brands.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: Gilles Martin-Raget/Ferretti Group
September 12, 2025
Sunseeker has presented a new 40-meter model at the Cannes Yachting Festival. The design marks the first collaboration between Sunseeker and Italian designer Francesco Paszkowski.The yacht features a curved superstructure, tapered glazing, and two-tone exterior styling. Key elements include an extended aft deck with multiple lounge areas and a forward plunge pool convertible to seating when drained. Full technical specifications and interior layouts remain undisclosed pending further announcements.Sunseeker CEO Andrea Frabetti stated: "This collaboration embodies our commitment to pushing the boundaries of superyacht design, delivering our clients exceptional craftsmanship, style and innovation."Francesco Paszkowski added: "Together, we aim to create designs that resonate with discerning yacht owners worldwide, combining elegance, performance and comfort."The 40-meter model represents Sunseeker's continued expansion into the larger yacht segment, following previous launches in the 30-35 meter range. The company maintains production facilities in Poole, UK, where construction of the new model will occur alongside existing product lines.Since 1969 Sunseeker Yachts has built composite semi-custom yachts from 12m to 47m. The shipyard's main facility is located in Poole.Credits: Sunseeker
September 12, 2025
Finnish yacht builder Nautor Swan has detailed its development strategy following its acquisition by Sanlorenzo Group in 2024. The company is implementing a €35 million investment program between 2024-2027 focused on facility expansion and product development.Swan 73New infrastructure includes production sites in Brescia and Viareggio, a Milan headquarters, and expanded offices in Monaco, Cannes, the United States, and Palma de Mallorca. The company unveiled two new sailing yachts at Cannes Yachting Festival: the Swan 51 performance cruiser and Swan 73 model, marking the brand's return to the 22-meter segment after two decades.Sanlorenzo Chairman and CEO Massimo Perotti stated: "We are proud to be the custodians of a remarkable legacy, preserving the heritage, craftsmanship, and spirit that define Swan. Swan's future is now enhanced through unprecedented investment and a focused product development strategy."Nautor Swan CEO Giovanni Pomati added: "We are moving forward with great speed, strengthening Swan's product portfolio and securing our heritage while preparing the brand for strong international growth."Swan 51The expansion strategy includes strengthened North American presence with a potential operations site in Pensacola, Florida, and a confirmed ClubSwan 28 racing calendar for Newport and Pensacola in 2026. Globally, the company leverages Sanlorenzo's distribution network with new sales points in Newport, Fort Lauderdale, Mediterranean locations, and Asia-Pacific markets.Swan 55The Swan 51 represents the smallest model in the performance cruiser line, incorporating design experience from over 70 yachts between 14.6 and 16.8 meters built since 2019. The Swan 73, designed by German Frers, returns the brand to the 22-meter sailing yacht segment after 20 years.The company maintains six product lines across sailing and motor yacht categories, with continued emphasis on owner services including brokerage, charter operations, and global support networks. The ClubSwan organization continues coordinating racing events and owner gatherings worldwide, with expanded events planned following the Sanlorenzo investment.Credits: Nautor Swan
September 12, 2025
Greenline Yachts has revealed development of a new 12.8-meter model scheduled for launch in early 2026. The Greenline 42 will feature updated hull design by Micad enabling 30-knot maximum speed while maintaining twin 250hp standard propulsion.The design incorporates four additional solar panels on the coach roof, bringing total capacity to 4.1kW for hotel load operation and battery charging. The proprietary H-Drive 6G system manages hybrid functionality including silent electric maneuvering capabilities.Exterior and interior styling comes from Marco Casali, offering three interior themes based on honey teak or modern oak materials. Layout options include customizable cabin configurations, wardrobe arrangements, and bathroom facilities. The saloon features full-glass aft openings connecting to cockpit areas.CEO Vladimir Zinchenko stated: "When we do finally introduce a new boat, it is therefore no light decision. You can be sure that the new Greenline 42 has absorbed every inch of our know-how and will provide a reference in the market for decades to come."Designer Marco Casali noted the challenge of modernizing Greenline's established aesthetic while maintaining brand identity. The exterior profile connects design elements from larger Greenline models like the 58-foot version while incorporating contemporary features.The yacht will offer two distinct cockpit layouts with removable furniture options and improved foredeck lounge space. Technical enhancements include sliding galley windows for ventilation and helm station climate controls. The model represents Greenline's most customizable production to date according to company statements.Greenline continues production at its Slovenian facility, with the new model slotting between existing offerings in the brand's range. The company emphasizes sustainable materials and energy efficiency across its product lines, with the Greenline 42 continuing this approach through solar supplementation and hybrid propulsion options.Greenline Yachts are crafted in Slovenia within the European Union. The shipyard adheres to the highest European quality standards and reduces environmental footprint, prioritizes the use of local materials and expertise. The craftsmanship is rooted in more than 50 years of experience in composite boatbuilding. Credits: Greenline Yachts
September 12, 2025
Denison Yachting and OneWater Yacht Group have finalized a merger creating what they describe as the world's largest yacht firm. The combined entity will operate under the Denison Yachting brand with existing leadership from both organizations. The merger establishes a network of 23 offices across the United States and Europe.The expanded portfolio now includes representation of Absolute Yachts, HCB, Riviera, Prestige, and Belize Yachts. Denison becomes the largest Sunseeker dealer globally through the transaction. The combined company will list over 800 yachts with 180 brokers facilitating transactions.Denison Yachting President Bob Denison stated: "By joining with OneWater Yacht Group, we're bringing together two of the strongest teams in the industry. Our clients will benefit from more boats to choose from, the best marketing and technology, and a full-service approach that makes yacht ownership simpler."OneWater Yacht Group President Bryan Braley added: "By combining Denison's unmatched expertise in brokerage and charter with their industry leading marketing, we are creating the most comprehensive and customer-focused yachting company."The publicly-traded entity will continue offering new yacht sales, brokerage, charter services, management, crew placement, and after-sales support. Company representatives will provide additional details during the Monaco Yacht Show from September 24-27, with a press presentation scheduled for September 25.Denison Yachting maintains operations from waterfront offices with licensed brokers providing services including superyacht sales and new construction. The company traces its origins to Broward Marine established in Fort Lauderdale in 1948. The merger significantly expands the company's manufacturer representation and brokerage inventory across multiple market segments.Credits: Denison Yachting
September 11, 2025