The world's billionaires have a long-standing history of owning some of the most luxurious yachts ever made. This can of course be explained through their wealth but also through their taste.
Following the release of this year's list of the world's billionaires by Forbes, we've decided to compile the list of the richest people who according to other media publications own a yacht.
#1 Musashi | Larry Elisson | $47 billion
The Japanese name of this Feadship XL-88 comes from the renowned samurai, Miyamoto Musashi, who is not only revered as the greatest samurai of all time but also as the author of The Book of Five Rings which deals with strategy, tactics, and philosophy that is still studied today. This choice of name does not come as a surprise knowing that Larry Ellison is an aficionado of Japanese culture.
Designed by the duo De Voogt Naval Architects/Sinot Yacht Design, the 87.78 metres of Musashi accommodate a total of 18 guests and a crew of 23. One of the two master suites faces forward on the upper deck, while the second one is aft on the bridge deck. Seven further double guest cabins are on the main deck.
#2 Senses | Larry Page | $35.2 billion
Delivered by Germany's Schweers yard in 1999, this superyacht was designed, built and engineered to rise to the challenges of exploring the world's oceans. Senses carries a comprehensive inventory of equipment and exceeds the expectations of any 21st century adventurer.
She is the opportunity for a truly unique lifestyle in luxury yachting with stylish, well appointed interiors designed by Philippe Starck.
Split-level decks provide open and shaded sun-lounging areas, secluded side pods, sheltered outdoor dining and informal seating areas, an airy and light gymnasium and a private beach club complete with Jacuzzi and vast sun beds. With impressive volume provided by six decks and a beam of 12.7m, Senses can store three tenders laterally, has full helicopter capability and a stern-launched 42' Nelson tender.
Water toys include no fewer than four high speed tenders, five waverunners, two jet skis, snorkeling gear, diving equipment and a range of towables.
#3 Dragonfly | Sergey Brin | $34.4 billion
Built by Silver Yachts in 2009, Dragonfly was hailed as the fastest, most fuel-efficient long-range cruising superyacht on the water. She has a transatlantic range at 22 knots and has a fuel consumption of only 360 litres per hour at 18 knots, extending her range to 4,500 nautical miles.
Previously named Silver Zwei her luxurious interior is designed by Silvestrin Design and her exterior styling is by Espen Oeino.
The superyacht offers accommodation for up to 18 guests, who are taken care of by a crew of 16. The most special feature is the yacht's foredeck helipad that doubles as a guest sitting area. Also she has two tender garages, one forward and one aft, the latter converting to a beach house following the launch of the tenders.
#4 Symphony | Bernard Arnault | $34 billion
Symphony, formerly known as Project 808, was launched in January 2015. She is the first Feadship yacht to exceed the 100-metre mark, surpassing the builder's previous flagship, 99-metre Madame Gu, launched in 2013. It's also the first Feadship yacht built to be fully compliant with the new Passenger Yacht Code (PYC) regulations, which allows for pleasure yachts to carry 13 to 36 passengers. Building with PYC has allowed for a custom interior that makes use of veneers, leathers and exotic materials that are compliant with the new rules. She is also certified for chartering with helicopter operations.
The yacht features exterior design by legendary yacht designer Tim Heywood with naval architecture by Feadship's De Voogt Naval Architects. Her accommodation is spread over six decks, with up to 20 guests hosted in six staterooms, including one full-beam VIP cabin, double owner's stateroom and additional guest cabins on the lower deck.
Symphony is also kitted out with a gym, a beauty salon and massage room and carries no less than three custom Pascoe tenders of 9.6, 8.3 and 7.85 metres, as well as two wave runners, two Seabobs, windsurfers, watersides and various inflatable toys. Her layout includes an observation lounge, bar and Jacuzzi on the sun deck, while the bridge deck features a terrace and outdoor cinema. The main deck hosts a six-metre contraflow, glass-bottom swimming pool with waterfall, and below the pool on the lower deck is a lounge, beach club and wellness centre, as well as an ultra-high-definition megayacht cinema.
#5 Moneikos | Leonardo Del Vecchio | $19.1 billion
Moneikos was built in 2006 by Codecasa in 2006 to a Della Role Design. The yacht can reportedly accommodate up to 16 guests in 8 cabins.
With a beam of 11.2 meters, the yacht can cruise at a speed of 14 knots for 6,000 nautical miles.
#6 Tatoosh | Paul Allen | $17.5 billion
Tatoosh is a 92.42m motor yacht, built by Nobiskrug for mobile phone magnate Craig McCaw. Then the vessel was purchased by Paul Allen for a reported $100 million. Allen also owns the motor yacht Octopus. The yacht's interior has been designed by Terence Disdale and has exterior styling by Kusch Yachts, Studio Yacht.
The owner's accommodation incorporates two deck levels and is designed for total privacy, with a full beam bedroom, family room, observation lounge, gymnasium and a private office along with two children's cabins. She can sleep 20 guests overall in a further nine double staterooms and two cabins for four staff. Amenities aboard include a cinema and a heated swimming pool with contra-flow jets and Tatoosh also has two helicopter pads.
#7 Kingdom 5KR | Prince Alwaleed | $17.3 billion
Kingdom 5KR was launched by Benetti in 1980 and was one of the world's largest yachts for many years. The 85.9 metre yacht was designed by Luigi Sturchio and originally named Nabila.
The yacht has not had a quiet life. She featured in the James Bond movie Never Say Never Again and was owned for a time by 2016 candidate for President of the United States, Donald Trump. However she can now usually be found berthed at the International Yacht Club in Antibes.
The superyacht features five decks, a disco, a cinema with seats for 12 and 2 double beds, 11 opulent suites, a helipad on top (its funnels are sloped outward to avoid interference with the helicopters), a pool with a water jet on top in front of the heliport, 2 Riva tenders, a crew of 48, a top speed of 20 knots, and cruising speed of 17.5 knots.
#8 Venus | Laurene Powell Jobs | $16.7 billion
A 78 metre aluminum yacht engineered by De Voogt Naval Architects with styling by Philippe Starck was launched in 2012 and last refitted in 2015.
One of the best Feadship superyachts of all time, Venus has a wealth of interesting design features, from her highly innovative glass exterior design to the reported high-tech amenities. The yacht is extremely secret with no interior images ever seen.
The new photos show Venus emerging from her refit with a gleaming hull, and close-up pictures give a look at intriguing details of the yacht. The bridge on Venus, for instance, is packed with Apple computers.
Sadly, Steve Jobs passed away in 2011 before the yacht was launched and never got to enjoy his vessel.
#9 Archimedes | James Simons | $15.5 billion
Archimedes is a 68.00m (223.09 ft) luxury motor yacht. She was built by Feadship in 2008 making the yacht 8 years old. With a beam of 12.30m and a draft of 3.50m, she has a steel hull and aluminium superstructure. This adds up to a gross tonnage of 1462 tones. She is classified by Lloyds.
She is powered by Catepillar 3516B DITA engines of 2,000hp each, capable of reaching a maximum speed of 16 knots and cruise at 12 knots for 7500 nautical miles.
She can accommodate 8 guests in 4 cabins with an interior design by John Munford and an exterior design by John Munford.
#10 Pacific | Leonid Michelson | $14.4 billion
The 85,2m yacht was built by Lurssen in 2010. The yacht's interior has been designed by Bannenberg & Rowell Design and exterior styled by German Frers.
Pacific offers accommodation for up to 12 guests. She is also capable of carrying up to 28 crew onboard to ensure a relaxed luxury yacht experience.
The yacht has a unique colour, which seems to change in the sun.
Little more is publically known about Pacific. She has been designed and built to be a blue water superyacht made for the ocean and she will no doubt be able to explore long distances in trying conditions if required. While not plumb, her bow is reasonably sheer and it raises to an ample height above the waterline with good flare which is ideal for challenging ocean and weather conditions.
#11 Dilbar | Alisher Usmanov | $12.5 billion
Launched by Lurssen in November 2015, the superyacht was reportedly built for Russian billionaire Alisher Usmanov, who owns a 110 metre superyacht Dilbar, which has now been renamed Ona.
Not a lot is known about this project, only that 156m Omar could possibly be the largest yacht in the world measured by gross tonnage. It is understood that her exterior design is by Espen Oeino with interiors by Andrew Winch. Omar's construction materials of a steel hull and aluminium superstructure are confirmed.
The megayacht has recently been spotted in Germany heading out on sea trials. Omar is due to be delivered in 2016.
#12 C2 | Ronald Perelman | $12.4 billion
Little is known about C2, Eminence, Amaryllis, Titan and her share the same hull platform.
C2 is a 78.00m (255.90 ft) luxury motor yacht. She was built by Abeking & Rasmussen in 2008 making the yacht 7 years old. With a beam of 12.14m and a draft of 3.20m, she has a steel hull and aluminium superstructure. This adds up to a gross tonnage of 2050 tones. She is classified by Lloyds.
#13 Nirvana | Vladimir Potanin | $12.1 billion
Built by Oceanco in 2012, Nirvana was the star of the Monaco Yacht Show the following year busting an aquarium aft and a set of revolutionary features.
With a jungle-themed interior design, the yacht features two spa pools and extensive lounging accommodations. Designed by Sam Sorgiovanni, the yacht has a transpacific range and a maximum speed of 19.5 knots.
The yacht was previously listed for sale asking 199 million euros but was supposedly taken off the market without any sale occurring.
#14 Tango | Viktor Vekselberg | $10.8 billion
Tango is a 78.00m (255.90 ft) luxury motor yacht. She was built by Feadship in 2011 making the yacht 5 years old. With a beam of 12.20m and a draft of 3.65m, she has a steel hull and aluminium superstructure. This adds up to a gross tonnage of 1250 tones. She is classified by Lloyds.
#15 Amevi | Lakshmi Mittal | $9 billion
Part of the, at the time, new initiative by Oceanco to move to larger yachts, Amevi was allegedly delivered to Lakshmi Mittal for the 2007 summer season.
Amevi is a 80.00m (262.46 ft) luxury motor yacht. She was built by Oceanco in 2007 making the yacht 8 years old. With a beam of 14.20m and a draft of 3.90m, she has a steel hull and aluminium superstructure. This adds up to a gross tonnage of 2500 tones.
#16 A | Andrey Melnichenko | $8.4 billion
There is perhaps no more noticeable shape than the Philippe Starck design of superyacht A. Built by Blohm and Voss in 2008 out of a steel hull and aluminum superstructure for owner Andrei Melnichenko, A has a length of 119 meters.
Crewed by 42, A is capable of accommodating 14 guests in 7 luxurious cabins. With her upside-down exterior line, A has a draft of over 5 meters which allows for plenty of volume as well as increased stability. With a meticulous attention to detail, A's interior uses wood furniture with natural light to reach an innovative style.
#17 Palladium | Mikhail Prokhorov | $7.9 billion
With an original design by Michael Leach, Palladium, formerly Project Orca, is thought to be own by Mikhail Prokhorov, Russian oligarch and owner of the Brooklyn Nets.
Palladium is a 95.15m (312.17 ft) luxury motor yacht. She was built by Blohm + Voss in 2010 making the yacht 5 years old. With a beam of 16.00m and a draft of 4.40m, she has a steel hull and aluminium superstructure. This adds up to a gross tonnage of 6000 tones. She is classified by Lloyds + MCA.
#18 Mayan Queen IV | Alberto Bailleres Gonzalez | $7.6 billion
Owned by Mexican billionaire, Alberto Bailleres, Mayan Queen IV, formerly known as Project Safari, has been built as a replacement vessel for his previous 49m Feadship, MQ2.
Mayan Queen IV is a 93.25m (305.93 ft) luxury motor yacht. She was built by Blohm + Voss in 2008 making the yacht 7 years old. With a beam of 15.88m and a draft of 4.25m, she has a steel hull and aluminium superstructure. This adds up to a gross tonnage of 3879 tones. She is classified by Lloyds.
She can accommodate 16 guests in 8 cabins with an interior design by Terence Disdale and an exterior design by Tim Heywood.
#19 Eclipse | Roman Abramovitch | $7.6 billion
Demoted from the rank of the largest superyacht in 2013 by Azzam, Eclipse has dominated for 3 years the superyacht rankings with a tremendous length of a 160m. Owned by Russian billionaire, Roman Abramovich, Eclipse , is now the flagship of the Blohm + Voss yards.
Built in a shroud of secrecy in 2010 to a design by Terence Disdale, Eclispe 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.
#20 Rising Sun | David Geffen | $6.6 billion
Built by Lurssen Yachts to a famous Bannenberg exterior design, the 138m Rising Sun has beam of 18.5m and a draft of 5m. She is powered by 4 MTU engines of 12,230 hp each giving Rising Sun a maximum speed of 28 knots and a cruising speed of 26 knots.
Originally commissioned by Larry Ellison, founder of Oracle, the project was supposedly extended by 18 meters to become larger than the 126 m Octopus owned by Microsoft owner Paul Allen. Half of it was sold a year later to David Geffen, media mogul, who bought the remaining share in 2010.
#21 Seven Seas | Steven Spielberg | $3.5 billion
Owned by Steven Spielberg, Seven Seas features a large cinema, several large televisions and a large swimming pool aft.
Seven Seas is a 86.00m (282.15 ft) luxury motor yacht. She was built by Oceanco in 2010 making the yacht 5 years old. With a beam of 14.02m and a draft of 3.96m, she has a steel hull and aluminium superstructure. This adds up to a gross tonnage of 2658 tones. She is classified by MCA.
She is powered by MTU engines of 4680hp each, capable of reaching a maximum speed of 20 knots and cruise at 15 knots.
She can accommodate 12 guests in 7 cabins with an interior design by Nuvolari & Lenard and an exterior design by Nuvolari & Lenard
#23 Radiant | Abdulla Al Futtaim | $3.1 billion
Built by Lurssen yachts in 2009 to a famous Tim Heywood exterior design, Radiant has a length of 110m, a beam of 16.2m and a draft of 4.6m. With a steel hull and aluminum superstructure, these metrics add up to a gross tonnage of 5,027 tones.
Commissioned by Boris Berezovsky, Russian billionaire who died in London in 2013 after having lost a huge lawsuit against Roman Abramovitch, his rival in the Russian market, the yacht was supposed to rival Abramovitch's Pelorus. The yacht has cost a reported 270 million $ to build but was sold, 10% away from completion to Abdulla al-Futtaom, UAE billionaire. The sale resulted in a lawsuit between Ousmanov and Edmiston for a 6 million commission that was ultimately paid to the brokerage firm.
#24 Ocean Victory | Victor Rashnikov | $1.87 billion
Ocean Victory was built for Russian billionaire, Victor Rashnikov and delivered in 2014.
#25 Lady Lara | Alexander Machkevich | $1.65 billion
Owned by Kazakh billionaire Alexander Machkevitch, the 91m long superyacht embarked her first sea trials in July. It is believed that Machkevitch still owns his previous yacht, which has been put on the market this year for $35million.
The superyacht's noticeable features include VIP suites with fold down balconies, a large beach club, a gym, Jacuzzi, a swimming pool and even a helipad. Lady Lara has a full displacement hull and an aluminum superstructure. Her exterior and interior design comes from Reymond Langton.
Spanish studio Daroca Design has introduced Real, an 80-metre yacht concept developed as part of Oceanco’s Simply Custom collection. This approach allows clients to begin with a proven platform by Lateral Naval Architects, then customise both the exterior and interior.According to designer Alejandro Crespo, Real is a “true reflection of a desire for sleek minimalism and perfect proportions,” with an exterior intended to “integrate into the natural landscape.” The design features flowing lines, curved superstructure details, and glass bulwarks. A beach club includes two pools and direct water access via a swim platform. The concept also shows generous lounging areas, a helipad at the bow, and white furnishings for a contemporary look.Crespo describes Real as “a symbol of sincerity and distinction,” designed for both calm coastlines and open waters, with the goal of reconnecting with nature, family, friends, and “the beauty of life.”The Simply Custom designs incorporate advanced technical elements such as optimised stabilisation, pod drives, electric propulsion, and onboard battery storage. Oceanco states that the platform supports renewable diesel fuels like HVO, which can reduce carbon emissions by 80 to 90 per cent compared to standard marine diesel.Real’s unveiling follows the introduction of other Simply Custom concepts, including North West Boatworks’ Aurora earlier in the month.Credit: Daroca Design
December 20, 2024
Aiata, a brand entering the boating market under the Turkish conglomerate Anadolu Group, will make its global debut at Boot Düsseldorf 2025. The show, held from January 18 to January 26, 2025, attracts over 250,000 visitors and more than 1,900 exhibitors worldwide. Aiata will present the Wayfinder 38 in three variations: Cabin, Open, and a specialized Fishing configuration derived from the other two models.The Wayfinder 38 is a 25-foot outboard walkaround designed by Finnish designer Jarkko Jämsén. Aiata states that this model “stands for flexibility, comfort and craftsmanship.” The Cabin version includes a wheelhouse layout with an L-shaped salon, integrated galley, Webasto sunroof, and air conditioning system. It offers teak furniture, a queen-size bed, an enclosed bathroom, and 2-meter ceilings. Its wheelhouse incorporates a lift-up mechanism connecting the interior and cockpit. The bow area features a U-shaped sofa with a hi-low table.The Open model is designed for a more outdoor experience, featuring a suntop and a continuous salon layout intended to create a seamless connection between interior and exterior spaces. Oak furniture complements the open deck.A Fishing configuration is also available, applicable to both Cabin and Open models. It includes a spacious foredeck sunbed and is described as ergonomic and intuitive, making it suitable for day cruises, watersports, or fishing activities. The Wayfinder 38 offers outboard engine options ranging from 300 to 425 horsepower.Yutkun TokYutkun Tok, General Manager of Aiata, said: “We are honored to participate in Boot Düsseldorf, a prestigious platform that celebrates the pinnacle of the boating world. The Wayfinder 38 embodies Aiata’s mission to deliver versatile, high-performance boats backed by the Anadolu Group’s legacy of innovation and excellence. For Aiata, this is a defining moment – not only because we are showcasing the Wayfinder 38, but because it reflects the expertise and unwavering commitment to quality that define the Anadolu Group. Aiata benefits from the financial strength and engineering excellence of Anadolu Group, ensuring every vessel we produce is a symbol of reliability, innovation, and craftsmanship. We look forward to sharing our passion for boating with enthusiasts from around the globe.”Credits: Aiata
December 20, 2024
Antonini Navi, established in 2020 by the Antonini Group in collaboration with engineer Aldo Manna, has announced the successful joining of the hull and superstructure for its Seamore 34 superyacht. According to the shipyard, “The steel hull was connected to the aluminum superstructure using bimetal,” and with this phase completed, the focus will now shift to the vessel’s internal compartmentalization.Seamore 34, featuring design and development by Hot Lab, is the first model in a “semi-custom” series scheduled for launch in the second half of 2025. The yacht’s profile is described as having “a high, dominant bow” that gives it a “sleek and sporty feel,” combined with superstructure volumes that result in “an elegant, maritime look.” The concept prioritizes versatility and flexibility, as well as open spaces that “create unique settings for sharing and conviviality among guests.”The shipyard states: “One of the most interesting features of Seamore 34 is the more than 150-square-meter open-air living space on the main deck, much of which can be closed off if needed by sliding pocket windows fitted flush with the deck.”At the current stage of construction, potential buyers, captains, and brokers can arrange onboard visits. These inspections, guided by engineers from the shipyard’s technical office, provide industry professionals the opportunity to examine the yacht’s construction quality and design firsthand.The Pertusola shipyard in the Gulf of La Spezia was bought by Walter Antonini in 1977. Since then, Antonini Navi has been a family-held leader in superyacht custom build and refitting.Credits: Antonini Navi
December 20, 2024
Turkish shipyard Sarp Yachts has released the first interior renderings of the XSR 85 RPH, a 25.9-metre raised-pilothouse model set to debut in late 2025. Developed in collaboration with Red Yacht Design and Van Oossanen Naval Architects, the yacht is described as having “more expansive interior and exterior spaces” compared to previous models in the XSR series.According to the shipyard, the interior design takes cues from “the captivating beauty of ocean life,” using light tones and airy spaces to promote a connection to the seascape. The yacht accommodates five cabins, including a main deck master cabin with a private bow terrace. Al fresco dining options are available on the sundeck, and lounge areas are located on the main deck aft and swim platform.Design director of Red Yacht Design, Cana Gokhan, stated: “The XSR 85 RPH represents our commitment to pushing boundaries in yacht design. By integrating an ocean-inspired theme with modern luxury and optimising both interior and exterior spaces, we’ve created a yacht that sets a new benchmark in its category."Elkin Yildirim, general manager of Sarp Yachts, added: “The XSR 85 RPH represents a leap forward in yacht design and functionality. In this project, we push boundaries and craft a vessel that merges elegance, comfort and practicality. We are thrilled to share these remarkable interiors, which perfectly reflect our dedication to innovation and excellence."Credit: Sarp Yachts
December 19, 2024
The 2025 RORC Transatlantic Race’s multihull lineup presents a departure from recent years, as a range of different vessels seek Line Honours in the MOCRA Class. Previous editions were dominated by MOD70s, but this year’s field promises greater diversity.Among the competitors is Oren Nataf’s Pulsar 50 Rayon Vert (FRA). In 2021, Rayon Vert secured overall line honours in the RORC Transatlantic Race, finishing in 9 days 2 hours 33 minutes and 19 seconds, and later took second place in MOCRA for the 2021 Rolex Fastnet Race. For the 2025 edition, Rayon Vert will race double-handed with François Seruzier.Miami-based Jacopo Bracco enters with the custom 53-foot trimaran Finn (USA), designed by Renaud Banuls. Bracco has raced multihulls since childhood, and Finn’s crew includes individuals with MOD70 experience, such as project manager Sam Mabey, 5.80 Transat winner Etienne Messikommer, and record-setter Jeff Mearing. Bracco stated: “In the right conditions, Finn can easily hit 20 knots and surf at 30!” He also noted one concession: “I have found a real Italian restaurant in Lanzarote which will be preparing some great meals. I am originally Italian, so there is no way we are going to race without good food!”Clarin Mustad’s Alibi 54 trimaran Dakota returns after failing to start in 2024 due to rudder issues. Now prepared in Lanzarote, Dakota could finish in about 12 days under ideal conditions. Mustad, new to ocean racing, said: “I prefer to compete rather than cruise because it makes the journey so much more exciting.” Dakota, bearing a Grenadian sail number, will be crewed by experienced sailors including co-skipper Carles Boned Roig and Christina Menabó, plus other friends.Thierry Roger’s Newick 39 trimaran Perros-Guirec, a sistership to the 1978 Route du Rhum winner Olympus Photos, will also compete. Roger will race double-handed with longtime colleague Renan Le Penven and aims to maintain an average speed of 10 knots. Roger, who has waited years to attempt a transatlantic crossing, said: “This will be my first transatlantic, but I have looked out over that ocean all my life… Now, at 64, I work less, so I have raced the boat in many regattas, but my ultimate goal is the 2026 Route du Rhum.”These entries join others in the Multihull Class at the RORC Transatlantic Race, supported by Calero Marinas, the International Maxi Association, and the Yacht Club de France. The race is scheduled to start on January 12, 2025, from Marina Lanzarote, covering 3,000 miles to Camper & Nicholsons Port Louis Marina in Grenada.Credit: RORС
December 19, 2024