billion dollar mega yacht

10 of the most impressive superyachts owned by billionaires

From a sailing yacht owned by a russian billionaire industrialist to the luxury launch of the patek philippe ceo, here are the best billionaire-owned boats on the water….

Words: Jonathan Wells

There’s something about billionaires and big boats . Whether they’re superyachts or megayachts, men with money love to splash out on these sizeable sea-going giants. And that all began in 1954 — with the big dreams of Greek shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis.

Onassis, keen to keep his luxury lifestyle afloat when at sea, bought Canadian anti-submarine frigate HMCS Stormont after World War II. He spent millions turning it into an opulent super yacht, named it after his daughter — and the Christina O kicked off a trend among tycoons. To this day, the world’s richest men remain locked in an arms race to build the biggest, fastest, most impressive superyacht of all. Here are 10 of our favourites…

Eclipse, owned by Roman Abramovich

Built by: Blohm+Voss of Hamburg, with interiors and exteriors designed by Terence Disdale. Launched in 2009, it cost $500 million (the equivalent of £623 million today).

Owned by: Russian businessman Roman Abramovich, the owner of private investment company Millhouse LLC and owner of Chelsea Football Club. His current net worth is $17.4 billion.

Key features: 162.5 metres in length / 9 decks / Top speed of 22 knots / Two swimming pools / Disco hall / Mini submarine / 2 helicopter pads / 24 guest cabins

Sailing Yacht A, owned by Andrey Melnichenko

Built by: Nobiskrug, a shipyard on the Eider River in Germany. The original idea came from Jacques Garcia, with interiors designed by Philippe Starck and a reported price tag of over $400 million.

Owned by: Russian billionaire industrialist Andrey Melnichenko, the main beneficiary of both the fertiliser producing EuroChem Group and the coal energy company SUEK. Though his current net worth is $18.7 billion, Sailing Yacht A was seized in Trieste on 12 March 2022 due to the EU’s sanctions on Russian businessmen.

Key features: 119 metres in length / 8 decks / Top speed of 21 knots / Freestanding carbon-fibre rotating masts / Underwater observation pod / 14 guests

Symphony, owned by Bernard Arnault

Built by: Feadship, the fabled shipyard headquartered in Haarlem in The Netherlands. With an exterior designed by Tim Heywood, it reportedly cost around $150 million to construct.

Owned by: French billionaire businessman and art collector Bernard Arnault. Chairman and chief executive of LVMH, the world’s largest luxury goods company, his current net worth is $145.8 billion.

Key features: 101.5 metres in length / 6 decks / Top speed of 22 knots / 6-metre glass-bottom swimming pool / Outdoor cinema / Sundeck Jacuzzi / 8 guest cabins

Faith, owned by Michael Latifi

Built by: Similarly to Symphony above, also Feadship. With exteriors designed by Beaulieu-based RWD, and interiors by Chahan Design, it cost a reported $200 million to construct in 2017.

Owned by: Until recently, Canadian billionaire and part-owner of the Aston Martin Formula 1 Team , Lawrence Stroll. Recently sold to Michael Latifi, father of F1 star Nicholas , a fellow Canadian businessman with a net worth of just under $2 billion.

Key features: 97 metres in length / 9 guest cabins / Glass-bottom swimming pool — with bar / Bell 429 helicopter

Amevi, owned by Lakshmi Mittal

Built by: The Oceanco shipyard, also in The Netherlands. With exterior design by Nuvolari & Lenard and interior design by Alberto Pinto, it launched in 2007 (and cost around $125 million to construct).

Owned by: Indian steel magnate Lakshmi Mittal, chairman and CEO of Arcelor Mittal, the world’s largest steelmaking company. He owns 20% of Queen Park Rangers, and has a net worth of $18 billion.

Key features: 80 metres in length / 6 decks / Top speed of 18.5 knots / On-deck Jacuzzi / Helipad / Swimming Pool / Tender Garage / 8 guest cabins

Odessa II, owned by Len Blavatnik

Built by: Nobiskrug, the same German shipyard that built Sailing Yacht A . Both interior and exterior were created by Focus Yacht Design, and the yacht was launched in 2013 with a cost of $80 million.

Owned by: British businessman Sir Leonard Blavatnik. Founder of Access Industries — a multinational industrial group with current holdings in Warner Music Group, Spotify and the Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat — he is worth $39.9 billion.

Key features: 74 metres in length / 6 guest cabins / Top speed of 18 knots / Intimate beach club / Baby grand piano / Private master cabhin terrace / Outdoor cinema

Nautilus, owned by Thierry Stern

Built by: Italian shipyard Perini Navi in 2014. With interiors by Rémi Tessier and exterior design by Philippe Briand, Nautilus was estimated to cost around $90 million to construct.

Owned by: Patek Philippe CEO Thierry Stern. Alongside his Gulstream G650 private jet, Nautilus — named for the famous sports watch — is his most costly mode of transport. His current net worth is $3 billion.

Key features: 73 metres in length / 7 guest cabins / Top speed of 16.5 knots / Dedicated wellness deck / 3.5 metre resistance pool / Underfloor heating / Jet Skis

Silver Angel, owned by Richard Caring

Built by: Luxury Italian boatbuilder Benetti. Launched in 2009, the yacht’s interior has been designed by Argent Design and her exterior styling is by Stefano Natucci.

Owned by: Richard Caring, British businessman and multi-millionaire (his wealth peaked at £1.05 billion, so he still makes the cut). Chairman of Caprice Holdings, he owns The Ivy restaurants.

Key features: 64.5 metres in length / Cruising speed of 15 knots / 7 guest cabins / Lalique decor / 5 decks / Oval Jacuzzi pool / Sun deck bar / Aft deck dining table

Lady Beatrice, owned by Frederick Barclay

Built by: Feadship and Royal Van Lent in 1993. Exteriors were created by De Voogt Naval Architects, with interiors by Bannenberg Designs. She cost the equivalent of £63 million to build.

Owned by: Sir David Barclay and his late brother Sir Frederick. The ‘Barclay Brothers’ had joint business pursuits including The Spectator , The Telegraph and delivery company Yodel. Current net worth: £7 billion.

Key features: 60 metres in length / 18 knots maximum speed / Monaco home port / Named for the brothers’ mother, Beatrice Cecelia Taylor / 8 guest cabins

Space, owned by Laurence Graff

Built by: Space was the first in Feadship’s F45 Vantage series , styled by Sinot Exclusive Yacht Design and launched in 2007. She cost a reported $25 million to construct.

Owned by: Laurence Graff, English jeweller and billionaire businessman. As the founder of Graff Diamonds, he has a global business presence and a current net worth of $6.26 billion.

Key features: 45 metres in length / Top speed of 16 knots / Al fresco dining area / Sun deck Jacuzzi / Breakfast bar / Swimming platform / Steam room

Want more yachts? Here’s the handcradfted, homegrown history of Princess…

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The 50 most expensive yachts for sale now

How much does a superyacht cost? The answer is not so simple. Much like a luxury watch or car, the asking price depends on a variety of factors such as age, pedigree and finish, with the largest and newest vessels peaking into the hundreds of millions. To give you a better idea, BOAT International rounds up the 50 most expensive yachts currently listed for sale, starting with the 105.3-metre H3 ...

Builder : Oceanco Length : 105.3m Designers : Reymond Langton Design , Lateral Naval Architects

The most expensive superyacht for sale is H3 . What began as a refit project escalated into a three-year rebuild that completely transformed the 95-metre Indian Empress. Twenty two years after her initial delivery, she was relaunched as the 105.3-metre H3, with virtually nothing left from her original design except the hull (which had also been extended a further 10 metres). This "rebirth" won her international acclaim and a World Superyacht Award . Her amenities are too numerous to mention but some standouts include a large pool with a waterfall feature, a huge spa and wellness area with a hairdresser and nail salon, a gymnasium and a climate-controlled winter garden in the owner's suite.

More about this yacht

Builder : Lürssen Length : 91m Designers : Reymond Langton Design

Lady Lara joined the market in September 2023, marking the first time she had been available for sale since her delivery in 2015. She boasts a range of entertainment amenities, including two swimming pools – the largest of which can be transformed into a dancefloor – and a custom surround sound set-up. The second pool is found on the sundeck with a swim-up bar, with a large daybed and sunlounger also on this level. Accommodation is for a total of 16 guests across eight cabins and the master suite is positioned on a dedicated owner's deck. It includes a private exterior terrace accessible from the cabin, a library, his and hers bathrooms and dressing rooms.

Builder : Amels Length : 77.8m Designers : Espen Øino , François Zuretti

Tasked with a brief to "defy convention and find ways to connect with the ocean", naval architect Espen Øino and interior designer François Zuretti came together to create Energy . The design duo first worked together on Blohm & Voss ' 74.5-metre Eco , now Zeus , with Martin Francis in the 1980s. The superyacht has an impressive volume of 2,885GT which houses accommodation for 14 guests, an upper deck aft pool, a spacious gym, a large beach club with spa and a glass elevator, to name a few. She has only been used privately since new.

Yachts for sale

Here comes the sun.

Builder : Amels Length : 89m Designers : Tim Heywood , Azure Yacht Design and Naval Architecture , Winch Design

Here Comes the Sun was delivered in 2017 as the flagship of the Amels fleet, a title that she has held for the past six years. She was commissioned by a repeat client with a penchant for The Beatles and has an exterior and interior from the boards of design royalty: Tim Heywood and Andrew Winch . Her outdoor spaces are certain to impress, housing a two-metre-deep swimming pool with contraflow jets and a beach club and bar that leads into a wellness centre with its own sauna, massage room and beauty salon. A full rebuild in 2021 won her a Neptune at the World Superyacht Awards .

Builder : Lürssen Length : 114.5m Designers : Tim Heywood , Terence Disdale

Pelorus was delivered in 2003 as the 11th largest superyacht in the world and easily the largest yacht to be built by Lürssen at the time. She was commissioned by a Saudi businessman who enjoyed a single cruise aboard his new vessel before a new buyer made an offer too good to refuse. Exterior designer Tim Heywood stocked the yacht with a top deck lido featuring two swimming pools, two helicopter pads and a vast sea-level platform that is revealed by opening the transom. The immense task of designing the interior was carried out by Terence Disdale, who opted to use natural materials wherever possible to maintain a "casual" atmosphere to offset the yacht’s imposing frame. Pelorus can welcome 18 guests with room for an additional 46 crew members.

Builder : Feadship Length : 83.5m Designers : Feadship De Voogt Naval Architects , Cristina Gherardi Design

Savannah 's boundary-pushing design landed her the Motor Yacht of the Year Award at the World Superyacht Awards in 2016. She was the first superyacht to receive a completely metallic paint job and was equipped with a first-of-its-kind hybrid power plant, making Savannah one of the first truly "eco-conscious" members of the international fleet – though she's more popularly known for her Nemo Lounge. Another first, the lounge is designed with a semi-submerged sheet of glazing that provides an incredible view beneath the waterline. The glass wall is also fitted with a drop-down screen for impromptu cinema nights. 

Yachts for charter

Builder : Benetti Length : 107.6m Designers : Reymond Langton Design , Giorgio M. Cassetta , Zaniz

With rotating seating areas, an interactive, 18-metre-high forest wall and 800 square metres of windows, Luminosity set a new standard for yacht design when she was delivered in 2022. Accommodation is across an impressive 11 cabins, not including the dedicated owner's deck with its own helicopter pad.  Meanwhile, her counter-flow swimming pool is the exterior centrepiece, kitted out with underwater speakers, an adjustable bottom and a custom chandelier inspired by a diamond. An accompanying four-degree plunge pool is decorated with on-theme visual cues such as mirror-backed acrylic "ice-cubes".

Builder : AKYACHT Length : 85m Designers : Michael Leach Design , Marco Yachts , H2 Yacht Design

After beginning life as a 77-metre explorer 14 years ago, the completion of Victorious was long-awaited. Key features include an indoor pool in the beach club, cocktail lounge, observation saloon and a wine and cigar “clubroom” which features its own fireplace. Accommodation is for 24 guests in 12 cabins, with further quarters for a crew of 22. The owner's suite is located up on the bridge deck and benefits from direct access to the Jacuzzi and sunpads aft. On the foredeck is a "touch-and-go" helipad that can also be used as an entertainment space.

Builder : Yachtley Length : 80m Designer : Alpha Marine , Cristiano Gatto

Delivered in 2019, Elements is Lloyd's classed and SOLAS compliant. Her gilded Gatto interiors can accommodate 24 guests in 12 cabins, all equipped with entertainment centres, Sony television screens and full en suite bathroom facilities. A favourite area for active guests will be the beach club aft on the lower deck, which features two swim platforms opening to sea level port and aft, a massage room, Turkish bath and a bar. Other leisure highlights include an elevator providing access to all decks and a helipad.

Builder : WYG Length : 101.2m Designer : Felix Buytendijk , Diana Yacht Design

Attessa IV was originally built in Japan in 1999 as the 91-metre yacht Evergreen. In 2007, her four-year rebuild began under the stewardship of Merle Wood & Associates and Washington Yachting Group (WYG) in Vancouver, Canada. The superyacht was gutted from the main deck up and emerged with a host of upgraded features including a new bow, stern, foredeck tender garage, spa, superstructure shape and an all-new helipad. She even got a completely new interior layout, including the crew areas. This overhaul won Attessa IV the "Best Rebuilt Yacht" Neptune at the World Superyacht Awards in 2011. Other highlights include a large private cinema, library, elevator and bulletproof windows.

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The 15 Most Expensive Yachts in the World

These dream machines show what's possible when money is no object., rachel cormack.

Digital Editor

Rachel Cormack's Most Recent Stories

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As superyachts continue to get bigger and more extravagant than ever before, so too do the accompanying price tags. According to the Boats Group’s market index, the average cost of a yacht above 80 feet in the US last year was $5.3 million. As you’ll see below, though, there are a handful of high-end vessels that blow that figure out of the water.

Although it’s difficult to get exact prices in what is a fiercely secretive industry, sales of luxury yachts have surged amid the pandemic and the ultra-wealthy are more willing than ever to fork out for ostentatious ocean goers. Case in point: Billionaire Amazon founder Jeff Bezos reportedly parted with $485 million for his Oceanco megayacht that’s currently in build.

Believe it or not, that’s quite a modest price compared to at least half of the entries on this list. Lürssen’s Dilbar , for instance, is rumored to have cost in the ballpark of $800 million. As alluded to, the shipyards behind these lavish, nine-figure designs seldom share details regarding ownership or price. Therefore, the amounts cited here are estimates pulled together from Wikipedia and other reliable sources. Still, the 15 vessels here give you a good idea of what’s possible when money is no object and the best builders in the business are at your whim.

Lürssen: ‘Dilbar’ — $800 Million

Delivered in 2016, Lürssen’s Dilbar is the largest motor yacht in the world by gross tonnage. It’s also the most expensive with an original price tag in the ballpark of $800 million. Weighing in at 15,917 tons, the monolithic 512-footer is one of the most complex and challenging vessels the German yard has ever built. Penned by Espen Øino, Dilbar features a classic profile and a light ivory hull with bronze accents. Onboard, meanwhile, the elegant interiors were brought to life by Winch Design and outfitted with only the best luxury materials. The pièce de résistance is, of course, the 82-foot swimming pool. Lürssen says it is the largest pool ever to have been installed on a yacht. Seafarers also have access to 41,000 square feet of saloons, staterooms, spas and cinemas to explore. German authorities impounded Dilbar earlier this year after establishing it was linked to a Russian billionaire. According to the US Treasury Department, the yacht is now worth between $600 million and $700 million, with annual maintenance costs of about $60 million.

Blohm+Voss: ‘Eclipse’ — $600 Million

The epic 533-foot Blohm+Voss superyacht Eclipse took half a decade to come to fruition before it was finally delivered to Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich in 2010. At that time, it was the largest yacht in the world and certainly one of the most expensive. It has now been 20-odd years and Eclipse still sits at the top of both lists and is estimated to be worth over $600 million. Designed inside and out by Terence Disdale, the vessel is equipped with 17 staterooms, a 185-foot-long owner’s deck with a palatial owner’s suite, a giant swimming pool that doubles as a dance floor, a gym, a beach club and a spa. Other highlights include a helicopter hangar with space for three choppers and a garage that can hold six tenders. On top of that, Eclipse has a top-end speed of 21 knots, with a range of 6,000 nautical miles.

Lürssen: ‘Azzam’ — $600 Million

Lürssen has proven itself adept at delivering sizable (and expensive) vessels. In fact, the German yard is behind the world’s longest superyacht, which reportedly set one private owner back more than $600 million. Delivered in 2013, Azzam measures just shy of 593 feet and offers a volume of 13,136 GT. Penned by Nauta Yacht, the yacht’s exterior is characterized by a long, sleek forward area and a series of tiers ascending to the skydeck. The interior, meanwhile, was brought to life by Christophe Leoni and showcases luxurious decor inspired by the Empire style of the early 19th century. Azzam is no slouch on the high seas, either, with a top speed of more than 30 knots. Astonishingly, the behemoth only took three years to build after one year of engineering. Azzam also underwent a refit in 2020 that likely resulted in a few more dollars being spent on her.

Lürssen: ‘Al Said’ — $600 Million

Another nine-figure Lürssen megayacht on the list is Al Saïd . Delivered in 2008, the 508-footer reportedly set the Sultan of Oman roughly $600 million and, well, you can tell. Designed by Espen Øino, Al Saïd ’s exterior is reminiscent of a classic cruise liner with the twin-exhaust stacks in the center of the superstructure. Sporting a steel hull and lightweight aluminum superstructure, the yacht is capable of 25 knots flat out, with a cruising speed of 22 knots. Inside, meanwhile, the contemporary interior was penned by Redman Whiteley Dixon. Highlights include a concert hall that can hold a 50-piece orchestra.

Lürssen: ‘A+’ (Topaz) — $527 Million

Lürssen megayacht A+ , previously known as Topaz , reportedly cost approximately $527 million (€400 million) to come to fruition. It is the fourth-largest yacht ever built by the German shipyard and was launched back in 2012. It’s rumored that Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed al Nahyan, the deputy prime minister of the UAE and owner of Manchester City Football Club, took delivery of the vessel and is the current owner. A+ ’s exterior was penned by Tim Heywood Designs, while her interior was brought to life by Terence Disdale. She is equipped with cabins for 62 guests and 72 crew, as well as two helipads, a pool and a large swim platform. What more do you need?

Fincantieri: ‘Serene’ — $444 Million

Fincantieri’s first superyacht turned out to be big in terms of both proportions and price. The 439-footer was the largest yacht ever launched in Italy when it hit the water in 2011 and cost approximately $444 million (€450 million) to complete. Designed by Espen Øino, the seven-deck vessel is characterized by a sleek blue hull, a contrasting white superstructure and a ton of racy curves. She’s brimming with amenities, too, including an enclosed winter garden for dining in any season, a tender garage large enough to house a submarine and a supersized swimming pool for soaking. She also has two helipads and a hangar to facilitate comings and goings. Although the details of Serene ’s interior remain tightly under wraps, we do know Pascale Reymond of Reymond Langton Design penned the 43,056-square-foot living quarters.

Platinum Yachts: ‘Dubai’ — $400 Million

Dubai was, quite literally, built for royalty at a princely fee of roughly $400 million. The superyacht was originally commissioned by Prince Jefri Bolkiah of Brunei as a joint project between Blohm+Voss and Lürssen. The duo only got to finish the bare hull and skeletal superstructure before construction was halted in 1998. The incomplete design was then sold to the government of Dubai and turned into a royal yacht for the country’s ruler. The 532-footer, which was finished off by Platinum Yachts, was delivered to Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum in 2006. Penned by Winch Design, Dubai spans seven decks and can sleep 24 guests and 88 crew. Befitting a sheikh, she is also equipped with a landing pad for a Black Hawk helicopter, a submarine garage, a disco and a cinema.

Blohm+Voss : ‘Motor Yacht A’ — $300 Million

Legend has it that architect Philippe Starck sketched the design for Motor Yacht A on a napkin in a matter of minutes. Blohm + Voss then sold the superyacht for approximately $300 million. Commissioned by Russian industrialist Andrey Melnichenko, the 390-footer is characterized by a minimalist exterior and a highly distinctive pelican bow that cuts a striking silhouette. With a beam of 62 feet, the vessel offers a generous interior volume of 5,500 GT. She offers accommodation for 14 guests and 42 crew. She also has no less than three swimming pools, one of which has a glass bottom that creates a wow factor on the deck below. Melnichenko kept  Motor Yacht A for nearly a decade before replacing it with Nobiskrug’s Sailing Yacht A . The 468-footer is not only the largest sailing yacht in the world, but also the most expensive with an estimated value of $578 million .

Lürssen: ‘Radiant’ — $300 Million

The tale behind Radiant ’s price tag is almost as long as the 360-footer itself. Rumor has it, the superyacht was built for Russian tycoon Boris Berezovsky at a cost of roughly $149 million (€148.5 million). After Berezovsky ran into financial difficulties, he asked Edmiston to list the vessel for $352 million (€350 million) and it eventually sold for a hair under that. Delivered in 2010, Radiant sports a steel hull, an aluminum superstructure and gorgeous teak decking. She can comfortably accommodate up to 20 guests in 10 suites, as well as up to 44 crew. Her top-tier amenities include a movie theatre, a beauty salon, a beach club, a gym, a pool, a Jacuzzi, a helipad and a fully stocked tender garage. Certainly sounds worthy of $300 million to us.

Lürssen: ‘Pelorus’ — $300 Million

In the late ‘90s, Saudi Arabian businessman Abdulmohsen Abdulmalik Al-Sheikh commissioned Lürssen to create Pelorus . The 377-footer hit the seas in 2003 and was the 11th-largest yacht in the world at the time. During her maiden voyage, Pelorus was sold to Roman Abramovich. The Russian entrepreneur had it altered by Blohm & Voss, adding a second helipad and other lavish amenities. Fast forward to 2009, Irina Abramovich received the yacht as part of her divorce settlement from Roman. She sold it to David Geffen in 2011 via broker Merle Wood for $300 million. Pelorus features a sleek exterior designed by Tim Heywood and a beachy chic interior penned by Terence Disdale. She has several terraces with doors that open out to the sea to create a true indoor/outdoor feel.

Peters Werft: ‘Al Mirqab’ — $300 Million

The 436-foot Al Mirqab is one of the largest yachts in the world and has a price tag to match. Launched in 2008, the $300 million vessel was built for Qatar’s former prime minister under the supervision of Kusch Yachts in the Peters Werft shipyard in Germany. Penned by Tim Heywood, the elegant exterior pairs a long, navy-blue hull with a contrasting white superstructure. The interior, meanwhile, was brought to life by Andrew Winch and has won several awards. Arguably, the most striking feature is the Arabic-influenced motifs on the marble floors. Another highlight is the swimming pool on the lower deck, which can be opened up to the sea via side hatches in the hull. Al Mirqab has staterooms for 36, and crew quarters for 45. She was also treated to a refit in 2014 and thus looks fresher than your average 14-year-old vessel.

Abeking & Rasmussen: ‘Aviva’ — $250 Million

Abeking & Rasmussen’s Aviva shows what kind of lavish amenities you can get with $250 million. The 323-footer, which was delivered in 2017, features the largest gym on any yacht. It’s so big, in fact, that it houses a full-size paddle tennis court that pulls double duty as a soccer field when the nets are down. Penned by Toby Silverton and Reymond Langton Design, Aviva pairs a curvacious blue exterior with a chic modern interior. She is equipped with a hybrid propulsion system that enables her to reach up to 11 knots using only electric motors or 20 knots with the addition of diesel power. The yacht is reportedly the sequel to another smaller Aviva that was delivered to British billionaire Joe Lewis in 2007. The yacht was launched just 33 months after the signing of the contract, which is quite an impressive feat given the complexity and scope of the project.

Lürssen: ‘Octopus’ — $200 Million 

Launched in 2003 at a cost of approximately $200 million, Octopus was built by Lürssen for late Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen. The 414-footer is regularly loaned out for expeditions and scientific research initiatives. A true explorer, it features a dive center with a hyperbaric chamber, a yellow submarine named Pagoo and a remotely operated vehicle that can dive thousands of feet below the surface. Of course, this is complemented by state-of-the-art research technology. In addition, Octopus features two helipads, a hangar and seven tenders to facilitate comings and goings. She is also equipped with 13 staterooms, several bars, a recording studio, a cinema, a spa, a gym, a library and a basketball court. (You might remember Allen once owned the Portland Trail Blazers.) What’s more, Octopus appears to be climbing in price as time goes on. In 2019, the vessel was listed for sale for a cool $325 million .

Lürssen: ‘Rising Sun’ — $200 Million

Rising Sun was designed by one of the brightest minds in the industry: the late, legendary Jon Bannenberg. In fact, it was the last yacht the Australian designer penned before he died in 2002. The $200 million vessel was built by Lürssen and delivered to Oracle CEO Larry Ellison two years later in 2004. The 138-footer is characterized by large expanses of glass that let in plenty of the sun’s rays. In addition, it offers 86,000 square feet of living space brought to life by Seccombe Design. There are nine cabins for up to 18 guests and generous crew quarters for up to 46 crew. Elsewhere, you’ll find a gym, a cinema, a wine cellar and a basketball court. As for grunt, Rising Sun promises a maximum speed of 28 knots and a cruising speed of 26 knots. She was last refitted in 2011 and is currently owned by billionaire David Geffen.

Lürssen: ‘Solandge’ — $150 Million

Lürssen’s Solandge is rumored to have cost $150 million to come to fruition, and you can tell. Delivered in 2013, the 279-footer is replete with the finest materials. The floor, for example, sports no less than 50 types of exotic wood. There are also around 50 samples of natural stone in the bathrooms. Designed by Espen Øino, Solandge has a sleek exterior with elegant, clean lines. Aileen Rodriguez’s interior, meanwhile, is full to the brim with extravagant amenities. The spa comprises multiple pools on different decks, along with a hammam and a sauna. In addition, the yacht features a beauty salon is equipped with a sink and crane that together creates “snow” à la a snow room, as well as a gym and a massage room. As Lürssen puts it, Solandge was built with pure yachting pleasure in mind.

Rachel Cormack is a digital editor at Robb Report. She cut her teeth writing for HuffPost, Concrete Playground, and several other online publications in Australia, before moving to New York at the…

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The World’s Most Expensive Yachts—Including Some That Cost Billions

Though superyachts are already among the most costly consumer items available, the prices of the most expensive yachts in the world are still astounding. In recent decades, those with money to burn have settled on these floating palaces as an ideal locus for demonstrating their prosperity, and, as such, the global luxury yacht industry is undergoing a golden age. The world’s überwealthy think of their motor yachts as toys, and they’re constantly trying to outdo each other in scale, design, amenities, materials, and sheer profligacy.

Knowing this, what features does it take to own one of the most expensive yachts in existence? And how much do these opulent vessels actually cost? To that end, AD has compiled a list of the five priciest superyachts currently out on the water. As with many things connected to the very wealthy, details are shrouded in secrecy—often intentionally—to shield the assets from taxation or seizure, or to protect privacy.

Below, dive into the five reportedly most expensive yachts in the world.

5. Dubai ($400 million)

This 531-foot yacht is reportedly owned by United Arab Emirates Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Ruler of Dubai. Though it was originally planned for another Middle Eastern potentate, Prince Jefri Bolkiah of Brunei, he suddenly voided the contract in 2001. With exteriors designed by Andrew Winch and interiors by Platinum Yachts, this German-built Blohm + Voss vessel features several Jacuzzis, a pool inlaid with handmade mosaic tiles that is reportedly large enough to hold 115 people, a circular staircase, a discotheque with an appropriately sized dance floor, squash courts, a movie theater, a dining room for 90 guests (the other 25 presumably have to eat in the pool?), a helipad, and a submarine.

4. Topaz ($527 million)

Resembling a stealth bomber, this 483-foot ship is reportedly owned by Russian fertilizer and coal oligarch Andrey Melnichenko. With exteriors by Tim Heywood Design Ltd. and interior designs by Terence Disdale Design, this German-built Lürssen Yacht features a 2,500-square-foot primary bedroom, six guest suites (with moveable walls so they can be transformed into four grand staterooms), glassware and tableware fashioned from French crystal, a helicopter hangar, a 30-foot speedboat tender, and three swimming pools, including one with a glass-bottom dangling menacingly above a disco.

3. Azzam ($600 million)

This 590-foot ship is currently thought to be the largest private yacht in the world and one of the fastest, with a top speed of 35 miles per hour. To achieve this immense scale and speed, it required a pair of gas turbines and two stratospherically potent diesel engines, rendering it very difficult to build. It is reportedly owned by a member of the royal family of the UAE, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan. With exteriors by Nauta Yacht and interiors by French decorator Cristophe Leoni, this yacht was also built by Lürssen in Germany. The vessel is set apart by its early 19th-century Empire-style veneered furniture, as well as its state-of-the-art security systems, including a fully bulletproof primary suite and a high-tech missile deterrence capabilities.

2. Eclipse ($1.5 billion)

In addition to being the second-costliest, this 533-footer is thought to be the world’s second-largest private yacht. Owned by Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich , the ship was claimed to be located in Turkey and may be impounded as part of the United Kingdom’s sanctions against Russia. Designed by Terry Disdale and built by Blohm + Voss, it features two-dozen guest cabins, two swimming pools, two helipads, and multiple hot tubs. For privacy and security reasons, it hosts a missile detection system, bulletproof windows in the primary bedroom and on the bridge, an anti-paparazzi shield, and, when all of that fails, a mini-submarine that can take a few VIPs 164 feet under the ocean’s surface.

1. History Supreme ($4.8 billion)

History Supreme has never actually been seen in a major port, and rumors suggest that the yacht may not be real and instead just a publicity stunt. Reportedly owned by Malaysia’s richest man, Robert Kuok, and designed by Stuart Hughes in the UK, the yacht is only a paltry 100 feet long. Its worth is said to be derived from its lavish finishes, including a statue constructed from genuine Tyrannosaurus rex bones, a liquor bottle embedded with an 18.5-carat diamond, and a primary bedroom with one wall made from meteorite and another from a 24-karat gold Aquavista Panoramic Wall Aquarium. If you see it somewhere, let us know.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is Jeff Bezos’s yacht?

This is why people like Amazon founder Jeff Bezos work to keep their yachts out of the public eye. Though we are not including Jeff Bezos’s yacht, Koru (Maori for “coil”), in this list because it is a sailing yacht and thus excluded from the realm of these motor yachts, it created controversy in the Netherlands when its presence became known. Jeff Bezos’s abided the $500 million price tag of Oceanco, the Dutch custom yacht builder, to create the 417-foot megayacht. But when the company, at Bezos’s behest, requested that a local bridge be dismantled to make way for its gigantic mast on its journey from the shipyard, public sentiment turned against the cento-billionaire, and Oceano shelved its request. Maybe a port like Monaco would be more accommodating?

Also not on this list is the world’s largest private yacht, reportedly owned by Alisher Usmanov. Though size and cost typically scale in the world of superyachts, this is not always the case (see #1 in this list.) Also, Somnio, the 728-feet dream-monikered yacht liner that tops our list of the world’s largest private yachts , isn’t quite done being constructed. And it is not, like most of the largest superyachts, privately owned by one individual or family—it’s a kind of floating condo, with 39 eight-figure homes available to potential owners solely by invitation.

The 12 Most Expensive Yachts in the World

In the world of luxury and affluence, the global elite is investing substantial fortunes in extravagant superyachts, transforming these vessels into their extravagances. In this competitive arena, superyacht designers and builders constantly strive to outshine one another in scale , design , and onboard luxuries . The modern era has witnessed the emergence of the most expensive yachts in the world that boast the grandeur of mansions and more. This article delves into the realm of the world’s most costly yacht , offering comprehensive insights into its remarkable features.

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The World’s Most Expensive Yacht: 4.8 Billion Dollars

One remarkable contender for the most expensive mega yacht title is the renowned History Supreme, an awe-inspiring creation reportedly valued at a staggering $4.8 billion . Despite its relatively modest length of just 100 feet, this vessel is a testament to luxury, constructed using some of the most outrageous materials available on Earth .

A prominent hallmark of the History Supreme’s design lies in the copious use of gold and precious metals that adorn the yacht’s various facets, including the deck, rails, staircase, and dining area . This aquatic marvel boasts a master suite featuring an Aquavista Panoramic Wall Aquarium made with 24-carat gold, where one wall is reputedly crafted from meteorite rock. Adding to the extravagance, the yacht is home to one of the world’s most expensive liquor bottles , housing a rare 18.5-carat diamond. Among its unique treasures is a statue crafted from authentic Tyrannosaurus Rex bones. While the world eagerly awaits detailed photographs of this extraordinary vessel, its allure remains undeniable.

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Who owns the most expensive yacht?

History Supreme’s opulent reign is said to be under the proprietorship of Malaysia’s wealthiest individual, Robert Kuok , who is celebrated for founding the renowned Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts chain in 1971 . In contemporary times, Kuok presides over the Kuok Group, with diversified interests spanning hotels, real estate, and commodities. As of April 2023, his estimated net worth is $17.5 billion .

Here are the 12 Most Expensive Yachts in the World

Eclipse ($1.5 billion).

Ranking the second most expensive charter yacht globally, the 533-foot Eclipse is a testament to luxury. Designed by Terence Disdale and built by Germany’s Blohm+Voss, it boasts 24 guest cabins, a disco hall, a convertible swimming pool-cum-dance floor, and cutting-edge security measures.

Streets of Monaco ($1 Billion)

This conceptual luxury yacht by Yacht Island Design, featuring Opulent Yacht’s exterior design and Filthy Rich Boaters’ interior decor, is a billion-dollar marvel . Adorned with miniatures of Monaco’s iconic landmarks, it offers seven guest suites, private massage facilities, and underwater views from an onboard cafe and bar.

Azzam ($600 Million)

While not the most expensive private yacht , Azzam is the largest superyacht, stretching nearly 590 feet. Crafted by Lürssen in Germany for the late Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan of the UAE, it radiates opulence with its Nauta Yacht exterior and 19th-century-inspired interiors by Christophe Leoni.

A+ ($527 Million)

Formerly known as Topaz, this German-built Lürssen yacht, designed by Tim Heywood Design Ltd . with Terence Disdale Design interiors, boasts 480 feet. Highlighting its allure is a glass-bottom swimming pool overlooking a disco, dual helicopter landing pads, and a 30-foot speedboat tender.

Motor Yacht A ($440 Million)

Constructed by Blohm+Voss for Russian tycoon Andrey Melnichenko , this 400-foot-long yacht, designed by Philippe Stark with Martin Francis overseeing its creation, exudes extravagance. It redefines luxury and features a helicopter hangar , three swimming pools , and a disco .

Dubai ($400 Million)

Measuring 531 feet, Dubai is one of the most expensive yachts in the world . Andrew Winch ‘s exterior design and Platinum Yachts’ interior design create an opulent ambiance. Noteworthy features include a pool with handmade mosaic tiles , squash courts , a movie theater , a helipad , and a submarine .

Radiant ($320 Million)

This Lürssen creation, approximately 260 feet long, accommodates 20 passengers and 44 crew members . Furnished by Glenn Pushelberg, its tasteful contemporary interior remains a captivating mystery.

Al Said ($300 Million)

Reportedly acquired by Qatar in 2022, Al Said is among the largest yachts globally. Stretching 508 feet, it accommodates 70 passengers and 154 crew members. Its grandeur encompasses a concert hall, a movie theater, and a swimming pool .

Serene ($300 Million)

Crafted by Fincantieri shipbuilders, Serene spans nearly 440 feet. With 12 cabins for 24 guests and accommodations for 62 crew members, it boasts unparalleled amenities, including advanced swimming pools , helicopter pads, a business conference room , and more .

Pelorus ($300 Million)

Owned by Hong Kong billionaire Samuel Tak Lee , Pelorus offers 380 feet of luxury. It accommodates 18 guests and 41 crew members and has numerous amenities. While listed for sale in 2022, official sale reports have yet to surface .

Dilbar ($256 Million)

Another opulent creation by German Lürssen, Dilbar, designed for Russian billionaire Alisher Usmanov, accommodates 40 guests and over 80 crew members. Notable features include an expansive swimming pool , gym , elevator system , beauty salon , and helipads .

Al Mirqab ($250 Million)

Designed by Tim Heywood and built for Qatar’s former Prime Minister, Hamad bin Jassim bin Jaber Al Thani, Al Mirqab offers ten spacious suites , each complete with its bathroom , living area , and double bedroom . Its allure extends to a cinema, helipad, indoor swimming pool, and many watersports equipment .

What’s the Mystery of Why Yachts Are So Expensive?

While the perception might be that all yachts come with a hefty price tag, their costs can vary dramatically. Numerous factors, including vessel size, material costs, and onboard amenities, contribute to a yacht’s price . Additionally, the age and condition of preowned yachts often influence their market value. The world of luxury yachts presents a diverse spectrum of extravagance, appealing to the discerning tastes of the most expensive sailing yacht owners and enthusiasts.

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The Midas Touch: $4.8 Billion History Supreme Most Expensive Yacht Ever Sold

We’ve seen some opulent yachts, but the 100-foot History Supreme takes the gold-encrusted cake. Stuart Hughes, a British purveyor of luxury gadgets, took a break from his role as an iPad alchemist to create the $4.8 billion superyacht, covered in platinum and gold from bow to stern.

Purchased by an anonymous Malaysian businessman, History Supreme is the most expensive yacht ever sold, according to Luxury Launches. The Daily Mail reports that the impressive vessel took three years to complete and used over a staggering 220,462 pounds of precious metals. Everything – from the base of the boat, to the deck, dining area, rails and anchor – were decked out in gold and platinum.

The exorbitant price tag is also the result of the lavish master bedroom, adorned in platinum with a wall feature that is made from meteoric stone and a genuine T-Rex dinosaur bone. It is rumored that Robert Kuok purchased the superyacht, worth 10 times the amount Roman Abramovitch (previous title holder for world’s most expensive yacht) paid for the Eclipse megayacht. Kuok is one of only three Malaysians with a net worth of $5 billion or more, according to Forbes billionaire’s list . If the purchase price is accurate, “the most likely buyer is Robert Kuok , the richest man in Malaysia, with a net worth of $12.5 billion,” reports Business Insider .

We may not have any gold-fringed yachts for sale , but Atlantic Yacht & Ship features a wide variety of yachts and boats for sale that will suit even the most distinguishing tastes. Check our listings and contact a sales rep today to tour any vessel at 1-888-230-0439.

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