#20. 7 of the superyachts not to miss at Monaco Grand Prix 2019
With the atmosphere incomparable to any other sporting event, the Monaco Grand prix stands almost distinct from the sport it was born from. Returning to the principality for its 77th run, this year’s race took place from May 23 to May 26, with royalty, celebrities and billionaires flooding renowned harbour front of Monaco and a selection of luxury yachts lined up opposite the track.
In June, a 47.7-metre Heesen charter superyacht Blue Magic lost control and hit a pier at the port of Santa Maria di Leuca, Italy. The sailing yacht was crushed between the dock and the bow of Blue Magic. At the time of collision, the sailing vessel was not occupied, and fortunately no one was injured in the accident.
The latest designs of superyachts are mammoth and sometimes so extravagant that it’s difficult to imagine where yacht designers can realistically go next. In the world of luxury yachting, it is very important to create a sensational visual and tactile experience. Here are four of the world’s impressive yacht concepts.
Originally delivered by Abeking & Rasmussen in 2012, the 60.9-metre Excellence V remains one of the most voluminous yachts in her size. After her sale at the asking price of €69,500,000 in May, the yacht was renamed Arience. Initially, the vessel was built for American billionaire Herb Chambers, becoming his fifth superyacht.
Australian naval architecture company Incat Crowther has opened up about their involvement in the creation of the long-awaited 66-metre support yacht Hodor by Spanish builder Astilleros Armón. The vessel is designed to support the new 87-metre Feadship superyacht Lonian. First time for the Shadow Cat range, Hodor’s platform offers vast amounts of deck and storage space, flexibility, stability, efficiency and capability.
In January, American media executive Oprah Winfrey was spotted on David Geffen's $300 million 138-metre superyacht Rising Sun in St Barts, celebrating her 65th birthday. The yacht was built by Lürssen in 2004, with the design of Jon Bannenberg. David Geffen, a billionaire with a net worth of $6 billion, co-owned Rising Sun along with Larry Ellison from 2004, before he bought it in 2010.
In the early hours of August 7, 2019, the 56.39-metre superyacht Lady D, anchored at Phuket Grand Marina, Thailand caught fire. The fire started at about 8am, shortly blazing beyond firefighters ability to control. With at least 3,000 litres of fuel on board, the burning yacht was moved around 500 metres farther from the marina to prevent fire from spreading over other vessels. With no injuries reported, the yacht totally burnt down.
Combining performance and practicality, sportfisher yachts are always built with game-fish in mind. They do not need to be large, and the key qualities such yachts should provide are comfort, high speed, stability, and reliability. In average, they measure 29.6 metres with interior volume of 160 GT. Still, some vessels stand out, exceeding general sizes. Yacht Harbour takes a look over 5 of the largest fishing yachts built.
One of the most prominent deliveries of 2019, the 136-metre Lürssen superyacht Flying Fox caused vast social media buzz this summer, rumouring the vessel belongs to the world’s richest person, Jeff Bezos. According to Business Insider, a representative of Amazon responded to the media, the Amazon CEO did not own the superyacht, and they had no information on who it belonged to.
The world's largest superyacht. 181-metre explorer REV hit the water in Tulcea, Romania on August 22 for the first time, then within approximately 30 days towed to the Brattvåg shipyard on the west coast of Norway for more construction work. The giant vessel is scheduled for delivery in early 2021, aimed to surpass the current largest superyacht in the world in terms of LOA, the 180.6-metre Azzam.
Photo courtesy: Ken Deadman via DorsetECHO
One of the world's largest sailing superyachts, the 106-metre Black Pearl was seen docked at Portland Harbour this summer. The Black Pearl was built in 2017 by Dutch yard Oceanco, contending for the title of the largest sailing yacht in the world against the 143-metre Nobiskrug Sailing Yacht A ever since. Despite her larger size, some experts consider the latter rather a sail-assisted motor yacht than a sailing vessel.
Dutch custom yacht builder Oceanco presented its new 105-metre superyacht concept at Dubai International Boat Show 2019. The new vessel is christened Esquel after a meteorite composed of metal and crystals, and she is conceived to explore vast territories even across the North Pole and the South Pole. Her 200-square-metre main deck features aft deck with glass superstructure, where a swimming pool and panoramic spa areas can also be found. Furthermore, the deck can house different kinds of locked containers, extra tenders or off-road vehicles.
Irish UFC fighter and superstar Conor McGregor ordered a new yacht. He shot a video on Instagram of himself, flicking through the brochure of his new customized yacht. As seen on the video, he ordered new Prestige 750 yacht, which has price of around $3,4 million, without any extra additions. McGregor's net worth is estimated at around $100 million, according to Forbes.
142-metre Project Redwood was launched by Lürssen in January 2019. The details are coming from brokerage company Moran Yacht & Ship, which sold the yacht. This vessel is the largest yacht ever sold and built by a brokerage company in the history of yachting. Designed by the team at Nuvolari & Lenard, Project Redwood is being built to a Moran Yacht & Ship specification and her construction is being overseen by them with completion scheduled to 2020.
Photo Credit: BackGrid via The Sun
Currently the 10th largest superyacht in the world and one of the most futuristic ones, the 142.8-metre sailing yacht A has been spotted in Monaco this summer. The vessel is owned by a Russian industrialist tycoon Andrey Melnichenko, whose net worth is estimated at $13.4 billion by Forbes. Although her 142.8-metre LOA would give her the title of largest sailing yacht in the world, many experts rather consider her more of a hybrid due to her technical classification as a sail-assisted motor yacht.
The 182.9-metre research expedition vessel REV, the world's largest superyacht, is taking shape, scheduled for delivery in early 2021. REV has been commissioned by Norwegian ocean research company Rosellinis Four-10, owned by Norwegian industrialist billionaire Kjell Inge Roekke. Built for environmental research missions in partnership with WWF Norway, the Research Expedition Vessel (REV) will also be available for charter for recreational purposes and expeditions. She will offer accommodation to up to 60 scientists and 30 crew during research expeditions.
LuxWrap, a company that makes its specialty in yacht and superyacht vinyl finishing, has completed a transformation of a 53-metre superyacht Belami.com, formerly known under the name Kinta. In a non-traditional way for yachts of her size, the vessel was covered with 600 square metres of golden vinyl coating with a mirror effect.
Korean designer Chulhun Park and luxury yacht builder Palmer Johnson announced their plans o a new 229-metre superyacht concept Valkyrie, but no contract signed yet and it is unknown whther she is actually to be built. This megayacht would become the largest private vessel ever build, with an approximate cost of $800 milliom. She would stretch to the length of more than two football fields, boasting her own casino and art gallery.
The 136-metre Lürssen was delivered and named Flying Fox. With an exterior by Espen Oeino and an interior by Mark Berryman, the yacht's key features include two helipads, capable of hosting the largest helicopters out there. Another highlight of the 136-meter Flying Fox is the large swimming pool located aft of the main deck. The superyacht also boasts large sea terraces, swim platforms for watersports.
Dutch shipyard Oceanco delivered the 109-metre superyacht Bravo Eugenia to US billionaire and owner of the Dallas Cowboys NFL franchise, Jerry Jones, in January 2019. The yacht was technically launched in 2017. One of the largest Dutch vessels, the 109-metre features Nuvolari Lenard exteriors and interior by Reymond Langton, with over 4,000GT of volume. Stretching across a 16.3-meter beam, the yacht is capable of reaching a top speed of 17.5 knots.
Royal Hakvoort has signed a construction contract for a 70.1-meter superyacht, designated Project YN258. The vessel, designed for long-range cruising, will be the largest project in the shipyard's history in terms of both length and gross tonnage.Construction will begin immediately at the shipyard's facility in Monnickendam, the Netherlands, with delivery scheduled for 2029. The project involves an all-Dutch team, with Sinot Yacht Architecture & Design responsible for the design and Diana Yacht Design providing the naval architecture. The sale was brokered by 26 North Yachts, with Arrow Monaco acting as the owner's project management company.The yacht will have a beam of 11.6 meters and a gross tonnage of 1,513. Accommodation is planned for up to 14 guests in seven cabins, including two owners' suites – one located on the bridge deck and another occupying the entire owners' deck. Crew quarters will accommodate 20 staff and include a mess hall, a dedicated gym, and technical spaces designed for accessibility on long voyages.Reported features include a touch-and-go helipad, a sports court, and a swimming pool, with a layout emphasizing a balance between indoor and outdoor areas.Royal Hakvoort is a family-owned shipyard. She was founded by Albert Kizn Hakvoort in 1919. The yard is based in the historic Dutch village of Monnickendam. The shipyard is able to guarantee best in class quality for custom built motor yachts and sailing yachts up to 65m in length.Credits: Royal Hakvoort
September 23, 2025
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