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The top 10 fastest superyachts in the world

Despite their larger size, superyachts can still reach an impressive speed on the water – as this official list of the world’s fastest superyachts shows. For over 20 years, the 41.5-metre Izar -built yacht Foners had been outpacing her contenders with top speeds of 70 knots – equivalent to 80 miles per hour – and lay claim to the world's speediest superyacht title. But in 2023, a new contender swooped in and cinched first place. Described as a "hyper muscle yacht", the Bolide 80 entered the scene with a rapid 73-knot maximum speed.

Their challengers are not far behind. For adrenaline-seekers with a need for speed, get your pulses racing with our definitive list of the quickest superyachts on the water.

Bolide 80 | 73 knots

Built in 2023, the 24.9-metre Bolide 80 model holds the title for the fastest superyacht in the world, narrowly pipping the long-time champion, Foners , to the post. The "hyper muscle yacht" hits a blistering top speed of 73 knots with propulsion deriving from triple MAN 12 V 2000 diesel engines, each delivering around 2,000 horsepower. In terms of range, she is predicted to deliver 200 nautical miles at maximum speed, with a range of 345 nautical miles at a cruising speed of 55 knots.

Everything about the yacht's design has been carefully considered, from its aerodynamic-engineered exterior to the way it harnesses foiling technology. At the intersection of performance and avant-garde design, the Bolide 80 is able to hit the impressive top speed thanks to its "multi-stepped" planing hull that generates low frictional resistance. In terms of fuel consumption, she consumes 11 litres per mile at 40 knots, 13 litres per mile at 55 knots and 16 litres per mile at 70 knots.

The interior configuration on hull one – a collaboration between Stefano Faggioni and Victory's internal design team – features an owner's cabin in the most forward part of the hull. Meanwhile, the main saloon is located on the lower deck amidships, which can be transformed into a second cabin if needed.

• Builder: Bolide Yachts
• Country of build: Italy
• Delivery year: 2023
• Length Overall: 24.9 m
• Beam: 5.4 m

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Yachts for sale, more stories, foners | 70.1 knots.

Clocking in at a thrilling 70.1 knots, the 41.5-metre Foners once raced to the top spot as the world’s fastest superyacht but is now narrowly trumped by the Bolide 100. She’s been difficult to catch up with, having maintained her position since her delivery in 2000. 

Her zippy speed is produced by two 1,280hp MAN engines coupled with three Rolls Royce 6,700hp gas turbines that drive three KaMeWa water jets. But she is not just about speed; her interior, designed by Studio Spadolini is quite literally fit for a king. Originally built by Spanish shipyard Izar as the King of Spain’s royal yacht , the DLBA-designed Foners features interiors finished in elegant gloss sycamore wood panelling with stitched tan leather detailing. She can accommodate eight guests and six crew on board, and her superstructure has been lined with Aramid fibre for the express purpose of making it bullet proof. There is a formal dining room indoors, while the deck spaces are vast offering plenty of opportunities for al fresco entertaining. At a cruising speed of 12 knots, she has a range of 1,800 nautical miles.

• Builder: Izar
• Country of build: Spain
• Delivery year: 2000
• Length Overall: 41.5 m
• Beam: 9.2 m
• Gross Tonnage 180 t

World Is Not Enough | 67 Knots

World Is Not Enough comes third to Foners by just a fraction, able to reach a respectable top speed of 67 knots. She was delivered in 2004 by Millenium Super Yachts and designed by Dutch naval architect Frank Mulder . She is propelled by two Paxman diesel engines and two Lycoming gas turbines, producing a staggering 20,600hp. She also boasts an impressive cruising range of 3,800 nautical miles at a comfortable speed of 10 knots.

World Is Not Enough measures 42.4 metres LOA and can accommodate 10 guests on board in five luxurious cabins, along with seven crew members. When not ploughing through the waves at full throttle, she offers plenty of space for relaxation, with al fresco dining and lounge spaces available on all decks and an additional formal dining space and bar indoors. Her interiors have been designed in a classic style by Evan K. Marshall and feature marble finishes, opulent mirrors and glossy wood panelling. She was last refitted in 2011.

• Builder: Neptunus - Millennium
• Country of build: Netherlands
• Delivery year: 2004
• Length Overall: 42.4 m
• Beam: 8.25 m
• Gross Tonnage 291 t

Galeocerdo | 65 Knots

The sleek lines and futuristic design of Rodriquez Yachts’ Galeocerdo is the result of exhaustive research and design development programme by Wally founder Luca Bassani. Created with the aim of maintaining high speeds in rough seas, the 36-metre Wally Power 118 superyacht was launched in 2003 following tank testing at the SSPA facility in Goteborg, Sweden, and wind tunnel testing at the Ferrari facility in Maranello, Italy. Lazzarini Pickering Architetti and Intermarine also collaborated on the design of Galeocredo .

Galeocerdo is driven to a top speed of 65 knots by three Vericor TF50 gas turbines, each driving a Rolls-Royce Kamewa water jet. The titanium exhaust system is lightweight while extremely resistant to the high temperatures generated by the gas turbines, and can muster up to 16,800hp. At a cruising speed of 45 knots, she can cover a range of 1,500 nautical miles. Her interiors offer room for six guests and six crew on board.

• Builder: Rodriquez Yachts
• Delivery year: 2003
• Length Overall: 36 m

Kereon | 62.3 Knots

Launched in 2004 by Italian yard AB Yachts, Kereon can blast through waves at a top speed of 62.3 knots. This punchy performance is made possible by a triple 6,300hp CRM diesel engine set-up fitted to a fast planing hull designed by naval architect Angelo Arnaboldi . Inside Kereon can accommodate up to six guests in three cabins, while her 12,000-litre fuel tank means a maximum range of 900 nautical miles is possible at her fast cruising speed of 50 knots. The 35.7-metre superyacht features sharp exterior lines and a distinctive metallic silver superstructure that contribute to her sporty allure.

• Builder: AB Yachts - Next Yacht Group
• Length Overall: 27 m
• Beam: 6.4 m

Jet Ruban Bleu | 60 knots

Neck-and-neck with Brave Challenger , Azimut Atlantic Challenger, OCI Ciorinie and the AB100 is the 25-metre Jet Ruban Bleu . Delivered in 1990 by Multiplast , and designed by Gilles Ollier together with Coste Design & Partners , she is powered by a single MTU 3,500hp engine and can reach a top speed of 60 knots. At a speed of 50 knots she has a cruising range of 3,000 nautical miles. She features a planing GRP hull and superstructure, with her decks also constructed from GRP.

• Builder: Multiplast
• Country of build: France
• Delivery year: 1990
• Length Overall: 25 m
• Beam: 4.39 m

AB 100 | 60 knots

Forming part of AB Yachts ' 30-metre AB100 series, sisterships Yunga and El Mirlo secure 10th place in the list of the fastest superyachts in the world. The sportfly models were the first to be launched since the series was redesigned in 2021 and boast impressive credentials: a top speed of 60 knots, cruising speed of 37 knots, and maximum cruising range of 550 nautical miles at 45 knots, with power coming from a pair of MTU diesel engines. The AB100 series is known for its "breathtaking" speeds upwards of 50 knots, which the Viareggio-based shipyard claims can be reached "almost without noticing". Interior design on both yachts is owed to Archea Associati with accommodation for up to 10 guests across four staterooms. 

• Delivery year: 2021
• Length Overall: 30.5 m
• Beam: 6.8 m
• Gross Tonnage 147 t

Oci Ciornie | 60 Knots

Prolific naval architect Don Shead teamed up with American yard Palmer Johnson and Dutch shipbuilders Vripack in 1998 to create Oci Ciornie . This aluminium-hulled speed machine was fitted with twin 1,800hp MTU 16V 2000 M90 engines, a 4,600hp AVCO Lycoming gas turbine and Arneson surface drives for a staggering top speed of 60 knots.

Her interiors can accommodate up to eight guests in three cabins consisting of a master suite, double cabin and twin room with a pair of pullman berths. The deck saloon and forward outside spaces are all located on one level for a streamlined look, and the interior of the main saloon takes design cues from vintage aircraft design. The 25-metre superyacht can also accommodate two crew on board.

• Builder: Palmer Johnson
• Country of build: United States of America
• Delivery year: 1998
• Beam: 6.22 m

Azimut Atlantic Challenger | 60 knots

Designed purely for the purposes of collecting the Blue Riband award, the Azimut Atlantic Challenger was launched by Benetti in 1988 with exterior details by Pininfarina . The 26.82-metre aluminium monohull can reach a top speed of 60 knots under the power of four CRM diesel engines offering 7,400hp. At a cruising speed of 40 knots, she has a range of 3,000 nautical miles. Unfortunately, her attempt to procure the Blue Riband shortly after her launch in 1988 was ultimately fruitless.

• Builder: Benetti
• Delivery year: 1988
• Length Overall: 26.82 m
• Beam: 7.5 m

Brave Challenger | 60 Knots

Powered by three Rolls-Royce Proteus gas turbines totalling 13,500hp, the 31-metre Brave Challenger has proven top speeds of over 60 knots and can achieve higher speeds using its alternative Vosper-developed high-speed propellers.

Built by Vosper Ltd in Portsmouth in 1961, Brave Challenger is the only surviving example of the Brave Class fast-patrol design that was designed and built for the Royal Navy. Built alongside the Royal Navy’s HMS Brave Borderer and HMS Brave Swordsman , Brave Challenger was completed with a special consent of the Admiralty and Royal Navy to be equipped for private use.

First acquired by owner W.G. Haydon-Baillie in 1979, Brave Challenger was rebuilt to flagship standard at a purpose-built facility as part of the Haydon-Baillie Aircraft and Naval Collection in Southampton over a period of 10 years and 2.2 million man hours from 1979 – 1989. From 2017 – 2021, Brave Challenger underwent a full restoration by the Haydon-Baillie Maritime Heritage Team at the superyacht refit yard Trafalgar Shipyard in Portsmouth. Its dedicated support base now includes 54 spare Rolls-Royce Proteus gas turbine engines, extensive spares, 10 spare V-Drive gearboxes and 12 spare propellers.

"Brave Challenger ’s speed of 60-plus knots was officially recorded under Lloyds Supervision over the Measured Mile off Portsmouth, UK – and is fully repeatable at all times as part of its design and everyday operating potential," according to owner W.G Haydon-Baillie. "It is often considered that only the fastest yacht speeds that are officially recorded and are not one-off events – and are fully repeatable as part of the yacht's design and everyday operating potential are relevant to include in the top 10 fastest claims."

• Builder: Vosper
• Country of build: United Kingdom
• Delivery year: 1960
• Length Overall: 31.39 m
• Beam: 7.32 m
• Gross Tonnage 209 t

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The 13 Fastest Superyachts in the World

These boats prove that size doesn't have to mean slow..

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When American businessman John Staluppi embarked on his yachting journey, it was to break records. He wanted his first yacht to be the first boat over 100 feet to exceed 30 knots, or 34.5 mph. He achieved it with the 118-foot For Your Eyes Only, delivered in 1985. It was also the first motoryacht in the US to have a combination of MTU diesel engines with water-jet propulsion.

His second yacht would smash all previous records. Delivered by Heesen in 1988, Octopussy fulfilled the Bond enthusiast’s aim to break the then 50-knot barrier with a top end of 53.17 knots (61 mph)—a speed that every other shipyard at the time said couldn’t be done. Octopussy  immediately entered the record books as the world’s fastest yacht.

“That record was important to me because when you pull into any place there’s always a bigger boat or a prettier boat, but there aren’t many people who can say, ‘Hey, this is the fastest yacht in the world,’” Staluppi told Robb Report .

Heesen’s latest delivery, the 197-foot Ultra G , is one of the Dutch yard’s fastest projects these days, with a propulsion package totaling 22,000 horsepower, including four water jets that deliver a top speed of 37 knots (42.57 mph).

Of course, 43 mph is a paltry number compared to many of the yachts on this list, including the new Bolide 80. That Italian stallion, which will make its debut at the Monaco Yacht Show, runs at a blistering 84 mph. It shows that speed, even in the large motoryacht category, is very much alive.

Here are 13 of the fastest motoryachts, past and present, that have ever been on the water.

1. Bolide 80 | 84 mph

Victory Marine calls the Bolide 80 its first “Hyper Muscle Yacht,” which will be part of a limited-edition series from 60 to 170 feet. Designer Brunello Acampora and his tema of engineers pulled out all the stops on this 80, creating a full-carbon-fiber boat with more than 6,000 horsepower. The multi-stepped hull helps propel the Bolide to its top speed of 70 knots (84 mph), while accomplishing the seemingly impossible task of burning about half the fuel of a much smaller flybridge motoryacht at lower cruising speeds. The designer took care to give the Bolide a streamlined profile, with aerodynamic shapes to reduce resistance. The interior includes the captain’s cabin, a full-sized galley, open salon, and a forward owner’s area with a bedroom, en suite and wardrobe area. It will make its global debut at the Monaco Yacht Show.

2. ‘Foners’ | 80.56 mph

Clocking a thrilling 70.10 knots (80.56 mph), the 136-foot Foners has maintained pole position as the world’s fastest superyacht for over 20 years. Powered by two 1,280hp MAN engines coupled to three Rolls-Royce 6,700 hp gas turbines driving three KaMeWa water jets, the all-aluminum boat is less about piercing waves and more about parting the seas. Delivered in 2000 by Spanish shipyard Izar as the King of Spain’s royal yacht, no expense was spared, including a superstructure lined with Aramid fiber for the express purpose of bulletproofing the interior.

3. ‘World Is Not Enough’ | 77.1 mph

You need to only look at the 007-inspired name to know that World Is Not Enough is another rapid racer commissioned by John Staluppi, this time with an opulent interior designed by his wife Jeanette in partnership with Evan K Marshall. Delivered in 2004 by Millennium Super Yachts, the 139-footer is powered by two Paxman diesel engines and two Lycoming gas turbines to produce a staggering 20,600hp and a breathtaking 67 knots (77.1 mph). When not leaving other boats behind, World Is Not Enough has a cruising range of 3800 nautical miles at a comfortable speed of 10 knots.

4. ‘Galeocerdo’ | 74.8 mph

Wally founder Luca Bassani designed the 118-foot Galeocerdo to maintain speed in rough seas. Launched in 2003 by Rodriquez Yachts, the boat racks up an eye-watering 65 knots (74.8 mph), thanks to its three Vericor TF50 gas turbines, each driving a Rolls-Royce KaMeWa water jet. Another performance-enhancing feature is the lightweight titanium exhaust system designed to resist the extreme temperatures generated by the gas turbines. Wind tunnel tested at the Ferrari facility in Maranello, Italy, the boat generates 16,800hp and a 45-knot (51.8-mph) cruising speed that’s faster than most motoryachts running flat out. It also enjoys a highly futuristic exterior design.

5. Tecnomar for Lamborghini 63 | 72.5 mph

When Italian supercar brand Lamborghini teamed up with yachting stalwart The Italian Sea Group, the end result had to be style and performance. The Tecnomar for Lamborghini 63 is all about the power of ‘63’. Designed and built to celebrate the year 1963 when Ferruccio Lamborghini founded his car company, the 63-footer delivers a whiplashing top speed of 63 knots (72.5 mph). And naturally, it’s one of just 63 in the series that will ever be made. Built out of carbon fiber, it’s fitted with two MAN V12-2000HP engines. MMA fighter Conor McGregor took delivery of hull number one in 2020, which reportedly cost $4 million.

6. ‘Chato’ | 71.9 mph

Back in the mid-1980s, passionate Baglietto customer and leading US Porsche and VW dealer Baron John von Neumann, commissioned a new 85-ft. speed demon from the Italian builder. The entrepreneur was tired of his 34-knot (39-mph) Baglietto getting creamed from Monaco to St. Tropez by faster cruisers. With a hull design by the legendary Alcide Sculati, the all-aluminum Chato came with MTU’s latest 3,480hp V16s coupled to KaMeWa waterjets. Weighing 60 tons, and packing almost 7,000 hp, the military-looking superyacht with its battleship-gray paint and bright-red diagonal hull stripes, hit an astonishing top speed of 62.5 knots (71.9 mph) during sea trials. Chato is currently for sale in the South of France for $715,000.

7. ‘Oci Ciornie’ | 69.04 mph

Oci Ciornie’s Vripack-designed interior may take inspiration from aircraft designs, but it’s the boat’s naval architecture by Don Shead and the combination of two 1,800hp MTU 16V 2000 M90 engines, a 4,600 hp AVCO Lycoming gas turbine and Arneson surface drives that put it on this list. Delivered in 1998 by Palmer Johnson with an aluminum hull, the 82-foot boat thrusts through water at 60 knots (69.04 mph), giving all eight guests the waterborne ride of their lives.

8. ‘Destriero’ | 68 mph

The numbers almost defy logic. With a length of 224 feet, the all-aluminum superyacht Destriero is massive. Now add a trio of GE Aviation LM1600 gas turbines totaling an insane 60,000 hp and the incredulity only increases. Flat out, Destriero could scythe through waves at a staggering 59 knots, or 68 mph. Back in 1992, just one year after its launch, the Fincantieri-built rocketship showed its chops by challenging the famous Blue Riband trans-Atlantic speed record. Averaging 53.09 knots for the 3,106 nautical-mile run, Destriero shattered the record, only to be denied the trophy for being classed as a private yacht and not a commercial passenger vessel. Sadly, today the iconic yacht lies largely abandoned at one of Lurssen’s yards in Germany, awaiting rescue.

9. ‘Ermis²’ | 65.59 mph

Some yachts feature slippery hull designs, others are propelled by rockets, but the McMullen & Wing-built Ermis² is one of the fastest yachts on the superyacht circuit thanks to its lightweight materials. Built from a combination of carbon/epoxy, aerospace grade carbon fiber and titanium, the 123-foot boat taps out at 57 knots (65.59 mph.) Delivered in 2007, its 10,944 horsepower comes from three MTU 16V 4000 M90 engines. Designed inside and out by Rob Humphreys, its classic looks disguise the speed demon within.

10. ‘Why Not U’ | 63.3 mph

Why Not U is a yacht that comfortably cruises at 47 knots (54.1 mph)—a speed most owners only dream of reaching. When time is of the essence, the boat cranks up its Vericor TF40 gas turbine engines to max out at 55 knots (63.3 mph). Delivered by Overmarine in 2001, Why Not U ’s 4.3-foot draft makes it well suited for cruising shallow waters, while its sunbathing areas allow guests to catch some rays traveling at the speed of light.

11. ‘Alamshar’ | 52 mph

Alamshar is another custom collaboration between Donald Blount and Pininfarina commissioned by Aga Khan IV, this time with interiors by Redman Whiteley Dixon. It was reportedly built for an estimated $200 million at the Devonport shipyard in Falmouth, United Kingdom, and took 13 years to complete. When it was eventually delivered in 2014, Alamshar’s top speed of 45 knots (51.78 mph), generated by twin Rolls-Royce Marine engines and three waterjets, seemed worth the wait.

12. ‘Moon Goddess’ | 51.78 mph

Exterior designed by Espen Øino with an interior by Franco Zuretti, the all-aluminum Moon Goddess is a 115-foot yacht with a turquoise hull that matches the color of its oversized leather sunpads. When cruising at 30 knots (34.52 mph) or tearing up the oceans at 45 knots (51.78 mph), most other boats just catch a glimpse of sea spray that the planing yacht leaves in its wake. It’s powered by twin MTU 16V 4000 M90 diesel engines with twin water jets, which generate a combined 7,498 hp.

13. ‘Azzam’ | 35.7 mph

At a staggering 590 feet bow-to-stern, the Lurssen-built Azzam earns the title of world’s longest privately owned gigayacht. But with its remarkable-for-the-size top speed of 31 knots (35.7 mph), it’s also the fastest. Twin 12,000hp MTU V20 turbo-diesels do the day-to-day powering at up to 18 knots (20.7 mph). But crank up the twin GE LM2500 gas turbines, coupled to four Wartsila waterjets, and there’s a staggering 94,000hp on tap. Of course, like Azzam ‘s original owner, it helps if you own a few oil wells: At max speed, the yacht reportedly burns 13 tons of fuel an hour. Launched in 2013 at a reported cost of some $600 million, Azzam accommodates 30 guests pampered by up to 80 crew.

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6 of the fastest boats you can buy right now

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Serial boat owner and adrenaline junkie Elliott Maurice picks out 6 of the fastest boats available on the market…

A rarefied segment of the boating industry is dedicated to creating some of the fastest boats in the world. They’re the Bugatti Chirons and Koenigseggs of the seas. Builders of these boats work to extreme tolerances, using exotic materials and construction methods usually found in the aviation industry.

Of course, at this level, low volume production and the aforementioned construction methods combine to create an exclusive product with an even more exclusive price tag. These super high-performance boats will be hugely impractical for most purposes, when compared to a typical leisure vessel, and the skipper will need significant ability to get the most out of it.

In reality any boat capable of speeds more than 60 knots (69mph) is very fast indeed. Given the hugely changeable nature of water compared to tarmac, this is akin to driving a car at around 120mph.

Most of the fastest boats use race-derived hulls with roots dating back to the 1980s when the ‘Go-Fast boat’ became synonymous with the glamor and excesses of the time. TV shows like Miami Vice , with Don Johnson catching drug dealers in his iconic Wellcraft 39 Scarab , helped make these boats extremely popular.

In reality, high performance offshore boats of this type were extensively used by cartels to run drugs into Miami, with the DEA commissioning a fleet of Blue Thunder powercats to help combat the problem.

Fast forward to today, some of the fastest boats are capable of exceeding 180mph with specialist engines and are in fact faster than the boats in Class 1 Offshore racing, where horsepower is limited to twin 1,100hp.

This list is by no means exhaustive – there are also a number of phenomenal offerings out there from legendary builders like Nortech, Sunsation, Donzi and Fountain.

6 of the fastest boats you can buy

Goldfish 46 Bullet

World’s fastest RIB

Top speed: 85 knots (99 mph) Price: $1.2million

Starting with one of the most revered names in the world of performance RIBs, Norwegian yard Goldfish Boats build exceptionally capable open water powerboats. They are also the fastest Ridged Inflatable Boats on the market today.

The 46 Bullet is the fastest of them all – with triple 500hp V10 Mercury outboards 85 knots is achievable. Around $1.2 million will put you in the driving seat of this exquisitely built boat with a carbon superstructure, state of the art electronics and custom racing seating for six.

Perfectly capable of cruising for hours in excess of 60 knots in challenging conditions, the Goldfish is capable of holding its own in rough water against almost any offshore powerboat challenger.

Article continues below…

Fastest boat: The current holder and contenders for the world water-speed record

Mystic M5200 yacht tour: On board the 70-knot, 2,400hp Bentley GT of the seas

Outerlimits SV50

World’s fastest production monohull

Top speed: 156 knots (180 mph) Price: $900,000

At 50ft 1in LOA and only 9ft in the beam, this rocket ship is a pure raceboat in design, with five steps in the hull and staggered engines to keep the driver as close to the centerline as possible.

At the 2023 Lake of the Ozarks shootout an SV50 with enclosed cockpit and twin 2,000hp engines ran 180.47 mph on a 1km run making it the fastest production monohull on the water.

More impressive is that a standard boat with twin Mercury Racing 1,350/1,550hp can easily top 140mph. However, this is a boat requiring an exceptional skill to drive, with handling characteristics as aggressive as its outright speed suggests. Starting at around $900,000 the SV50 is the ultimate in its class.

MTI Pleasure 52

Top speed: 156 knots (180mph) Price: $2 million

Another brand known for its offshore race winning boats, MTI produces nothing but high-performance boats. From its V series center consoles to its outboard -powered cats, this semi-custom builder doesn’t make a boat that does less than 80mph.

The 52 Pleasure is the fastest of the breed, with a full race version available using the same hull. With twin 1,750hp Mercury racing engines, this boat can achieve over 180mph.

With full custom options, MTI have even built a Lamborghini-inspired 48 footer to match the owner’s Lamborghini Aventador. Fitted with Aventador style tail lights and dashboard, the boat even had a matching covered starter button.

Needless to say, all this glamour doesn’t come cheap. You can expect a starting price of around $2 million for this level of exotica.

Cigarette 515

The most legendary go-fast boat

Top speed: 113 knots (130mph) Price: $2.2 million

No go-fast boat comes with as much pedigree as the Cigarette. Founded by the legendary Don Aronow, Cigarette Boats dominated offshore racing worldwide for over a decade, so much so that the brand name has become synonymous with offshore racers.

Still built in Florida, the brand has development ties with Mercedes AMG and Mercury Racing alike. As the largest high-performance boat in the range, the 515 offers peerless attention to detail and quality alike.

It is not the fastest production monohull, with a top speed of just over 130mph achievable with twin staggered 1,350/1,550hp Mercury Racing engines. It is, however, the best riding and one of the most capable offshore powerboats for handling rough water.

Its carbon fiber, vacuum bagged construction helps to justify its $2.2 million starting price and above all, it is the ultimate Cigarette boat.

Photo: Tom Leigh

Mystic C4000

Top speed: 108 knots (125mph) Price: $699,000

Mystics founder John Cosker is responsible for some of the fastest offshore raceboats in the world. Throttling his American Ethanol 50ft Catamaran, he hit 204mph this year setting the record on the Lake of the Ozarks sprint course.

Mystic will custom build a race winning boat for you on request, however Mystic now has a range of three high performance center consoles, with the C4000 outboard cat being the fastest production boat in the range, equipped with twin 500hp Mercury Racing outboards.

The C4000 will top 125mph and cruise in the upper 80s. With a bias on cruising comfort, the C4000 is a tuned down version of the Mystic race boat, with the tunnel compression reduced to hold the boat down rather than create the less controllable lift of the 180mph capable race hull.

The engines are also mounted on hydraulic jack plates to further trim the hull and keep the boat glued down in rough water. At just under 44ft the luxuriously appointed Mystic C4000 can offer performance akin to a light aircraft over distance – think Miami to Bimini in under an hour in the right conditions.

The Mystic is designed to run at speed confidently by most owners without the extreme characteristics of boats at this performance level. Options like a full cockpit sunshade, premium stereo and open transom make the C4000 as comfortable for lounging at a sandbar as it is running at blistering speed in open ocean.

Midnight Express 43 Open

The fastest center console boat

Top speed: 78 knots (90mph) Price: $1million

The center console market has exploded over the past few years, with a ceneter console now available for almost any boating application. The high-performance end of the spectrum has a handful of sublime builders.

However, the fastest arguably goes to Midnight Express 43, when running 5x 500hp V10 outboards. Capable of over 90mph, the 43 can also accommodate up to 20 people in comfort and 9 people at speed in luxurious quilted ultra leather bolster seats.

So good is the hull on the Midnight Express that Miami-Dade County DEA used the 39ft version as its high speed response boats. With its all-carbon superstructure and air-conditioned helm, the 43 is an extremely desirable boat, and over 100 units of this $1 million dollar boat have been sold to date.

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New nordkapp 830 coupé: stylish with deep walk-around decks, new sunseeker ocean 156: impressive interior with luxurious spaces, latest videos, the boat even drug-runners are scared of: marell m17 hybrid yacht tour, sunseeker predator 55 exclusive tour: full tour of this entry-level sportscruiser, watch: makai m37 sea trial – £720k cruising cat like nothing you’ve seen before, pearl 82 tour: must-see £6m ‘mini superyacht’.

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The Top Five Fastest Yachts in the World

By Jenna Mehdi

We took a look at the top five fastest superyachts and luxury yachts on the water today. Ranging from speeds of 62 Knots up to a whopping 70 Knots, these breakneck builds are sure to satisfy the cravings of the most insatiable adrenaline junkies...

1.  World Is Not Enough - Millennium Superyachts - 70 Knots The fastest yacht in the world reaches a record-breaking top speed of around 70 knots. The Milennium 140 World Is Not Enough  has retained the title of the world’s fastest yacht since she was delivered in 2004 to one of the most public superyacht owners in the world, John Staluppi. Incredibly for a superyacht of this size, World Is Not Enough is a fully fledged and outfitted superyacht at 42.4m, complete with advanced audio-visual systems and accommodation for 10 guests in 5 luxurious cabins. 

The superyacht achieves her racing speeds by virtue of an all-aluminium build, V-shaped hull, and two 18VP185 Paxman Diesel engines providing 5300 hp each combined with twin Lycoming TF40 turbine jet engines - able to generate a total power of 20.000 HP. The result is an extremely streamlined, exhilarating and comfortable feel as the yacht cuts through the water, offering minimal noise levels and vibration underway.  

2. Foners - Astilleros Bazan - 70 Knots In joint first place at a similar top speed of roughly 70 knots is the 41.5m Foners (ex Fortuna). Boasting a colourful and intrepid history, Foners was built in 2000 by Spain’s Astilleros Bazan yard for then-Spanish King Juan Carlos I as a gift by businessmen in the Balearic Islands, and has since been renounced by the royal family in a display of austerity. Powered by two 1280 HP MAN engines and three Rolls Royce 6,700 HP gas turbines driving three KaMeWa water jets, Foners was the fastest superyacht in the world upon delivery until World Is Not Enough matched her high-octane abilities in 2004. 

3. Galeocerdo - Wally Yachts - 65 Knots Galeocerdo (118 Wallypower) is the 36m ultra light carbon fiber boat built for Luca Bassani, founder of Italian shipyard Wally Yachts. The fascinating design of the boat, composed of geometric shapes, extensive use of glass, a simple and clean interior layout and sage colours, gives her an impressively futuristic character despite having been delivered in 2002. But this is not the only appeal of the iconic yacht; at top speeds of 65 knots, Galeocerdo can shift from luxury superyacht to speed boat in a matter of moments, with minimal noise or vibrations. Galeocerdo is powered by three DDC TF50 gas Turbines and two Cummins 370 horsepower engines; a combination quite common on smaller warships but not so on super yachts. She can achieve a range of 380 nautical miles while cruising at a speed of 60 knots or 1,500 nautical miles at nine knots.  

4. Gentry Eagle - Vosper Thornycroft - 63 Knots Gentry Eagle was delivered in 1988 by Vosper Thornycroft, built for American racer Tom Gentry in an attempt to break the record for fastest Atlantic crossing (held at the time by Virgin’s Richard Branson). The 35.6m yacht was damaged on the first crossing, and returned a year later to steal Branson’s title, making a journey time of just over 62 hours. Revamped in perfume mogul Thierry Mugler’s Couture Collection a few years ago, Gentry Eagle retains a timeless and iconic appeal for its proud history, iconic design and lightning speeds. The speedy superyacht is powered by two Lycoming TF40 Engines reaching a combined horsepower of almost 24,000. 

5. Kereon - AB Yachts - 62.3 Knots Kereon, the 27m luxury yacht delivered in 2005 by AB Yachts in Italy to industry acclaim. A masterpiece of Italian craftsmanship and performance, Kereon’ s streamlined profile is made up of carbon and kevlar allowing for a lightweight and high-speed structure. Not much is known about Kereon , other than that she is powered by twin 20KW Kohler engines and accommodates for six guests comfortably in three staterooms.   

Superyacht aficionados and lovers of fast yachts in 2020 may notice that the heyday for high speed luxury yacht deliveries seemed to reach its peak in the early to mid noughties. Is fast yacht build a thing of the past? And if not, who will be next to break the long-held record?

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Five Performance Cruisers for 2020

• By Herb McCormick
• Updated: May 28, 2020

The 2020 Boat of the Year fleet was diverse and intriguing, but with five very cool new models ranging from 31 to 35 feet, no single class was as large or competitive as the Performance Cruisers. In this size range, even for boats whose purpose tilts more toward the racecourse side of the racer-cruiser equation, it’s not enough to design a boat stripped and laid out for speed alone. No, nowadays, basic creature comforts and reasonable accommodations are not only desirable, they’re mandatory, and nearly every boat in this category will not only be a blast to spin around the buoys, but they’ll all also provide an intrepid crew with everything necessary—decent berths, a serviceable galley, a private head—to get away for a week or two of adventurous cruising (the awesome sailing is a given). So, without further ado, here were the nominees for the Best Performance Cruiser for 2020. If you love the pure and simple act of sailing, each of these pocket rockets will provide one sweet ride.

Beneteau Oceanis 30.1

Of the five boats in this ­collection, the 31-foot-3-inch Beneteau Oceanis 30.1 was the compact yacht best-equipped and spec’d out as a dedicated cruising boat, and not coincidentally, it was also awarded the title of Best Performance Cruiser for 2020. But don’t let her cozy interior accommodations fool you; this is also one peppy little vessel.

One of the major appeals to the judging panel was the 30.1’s versatility. There are four different keel options, or a centerboard. The deck-stepped mast can be equipped with a tabernacle for easy lowering and trailering to a new locale, or for transiting canals. At $160,000, it was also the least-expensive offering in the category. The plusses just kept adding up.

The rig is a single-spreader fractional number with a square-top main, which maximizes power aloft in the sail plan. Our test boat had an overlapping genoa (with adjustable sheet leads) and an optional bowsprit; the standard version has a self-tacking 100 percent headsail. Twin wheels make handling simple, but for old-school dudes (like me), you can also get a tiller. That’s right, a tiller! The transom is complete with a little fold-down boarding step, along with a boarding ladder. At the opposite end, a Facnor headsail furler is stationed beside the Lewmar windlass. The overall attention to detail is terrific.

The Beneteau representative who presented the yacht to our judges said that the goal down below was “to fit a bigger boat in a smaller hull, to install a 35-foot interior in a 30-foot boat.” It was certainly an ambitious plan, and one that was largely successful. The V-berth forward is certainly impressive, and that aforementioned deck-stepped spar really opened up the space below, particularly the central saloon and dining area. At the foot of the companionway, the complete galley is to port and the enclosed head to starboard, which is also the locale of a functional little navigation desk. A good-size aft double cabin is also to starboard. For a small family, or a pair of couples, this is a perfectly fine arrangement.

Thanks to the coachroof windows and overhead hatches, there’s plenty of natural light below deck, which is augmented by efficient LED lighting throughout. The bold hull graphics are certainly attention-getters, and the well-executed dodger a perfect place to get out of the weather. Our sail test was conducted in a decent Chesapeake Bay blow, touching 20 knots, and the boat was nimble and responsive. All in all, it’s an ­impressive package—not to mention, a winning one. beneteau.com ; 410-890-0270

Grand Soleil 34

Way back in the 1970s, when the well-known Italian boatyard Grand Soleil was just getting started, its first model was a Finot-designed 34-footer. With over 300 units sold, it was an instant success, and launched the company on an upward trajectory that spanned the intervening decades, mostly with an ongoing series of much larger, more complex racer/cruisers. For 2020, the builder decided to return to its roots with a completely revamped Grand Soleil 34, and it’s a terrific boat.

These days, there are a ­couple of major rating rules under which racing yachts compete, and a growing movement of doublehanded classes in many major regattas. And, of course, conditions vary wildly depending on where one sails. Grand Soleil has taken all this into account by offering numerous keel, rig and deck packages, so owners can optimize their boat for their particular region or events.

The shallower of the two keel options draws under 6 feet and is fitted with a lead bulb, which is also the recommended cruising configuration; a deeper 7-foot-2-inch foil is also available. There are three rig choices: a standard aluminum stick or a choice of two different carbon spars. Our test boat had twin rudders and wheels, but a single rudder with a tiller can also be had. The optional 30 hp diesel with sail drive was the power plant on our version; a 20 hp auxiliary is standard. See what I mean about optimization?

Whichever performance package you opt for, the accommodations remain mostly the same. But even then, you have choices. For instance, the open layout, in cruising mode, has a roomy double berth in the bow; but you can remove the cushions and their base when racing to convert the space into vast sail stowage. Likewise, much of the oak furniture and floorboards can be replaced with composite materials, or even carbon, for competitive sailors mindful of keeping weight at an absolute minimum.

Either way, a drop-leaf table in the center of the boat is flanked by a pair of settees, and there’s a spacious double cabin aft, to port, while the opposing starboard side includes a roomy head through which you can access a large storage area under the cockpit seat. For cruising applications, there’s storage galore.

We sailed the boat in light air, unfortunately, so we did not have the opportunity to put the boat through its paces properly. There’s no doubt, however, that she’ll haul the mail. mareblu.net ; 619-840-3728

Italia 9.98

Of the five boats that comprised the Performance Cruiser class, in terms of sheer appearance, the futuristic 34-foot Italia 9.98 was easily the most distinctive. There are actually two versions of the boat: the 34 Club—which is the cruising alternative, the primary features of which are its twin wheels—and the 34 Fuoriserie—the racing model, and the one we tested, with its tiller steering being the identifying characteristic.

Both models share the same interior layout, and for ­cruising, the quarters are especially inviting and contemporary. The large double-berth forward is accessed by a large cutaway bulkhead trimmed in teak that doubles as a ring frame, and practically begs you to crawl in and kick way back. Two large, central settees flank the drop-leaf table that’s intersected by the keel-stepped spar.

Both the galley, to port, and the navigation station, to starboard, are most pleasant surprises: The former has a big fridge and gimballed, two-burner stove; the latter is much larger than one would expect on a boat of this size. Engaging details abound, including innovative, removable fabric lockers that can be offloaded when in racing mode, and cabin doors framed in aluminum for durability. Aft, there’s a generous double cabin to port, and a smaller double that also incorporates a big head to starboard. Other than sparing teak trim ­throughout, all furniture and fittings are clean, white composite structures that seem more aeronautical than nautical. Very modern and attractive.

Topside, the cockpit is spacious; the short, molded-in bench seats can be lengthened with dedicated storage boxes, which you can leave on the dock when racing and reinstall when cruising. There’s a good-size lazarette locker aft of the beam-width traveler, which in turn is aft of the tiller. The open transom adds to the overall feeling of being on a larger vessel. The double-ended German-style mainsheet is led below deck, contributing to the minimalistic theme; the sheet leads, naturally, are adjustable. The truly outstanding nonskid is molded directly into the deck.

Our test boat was equipped with an optional sprit to fly reaching and off-wind sails. Another iteration of the sprit includes an anchor roller as well; the boat we sailed did not have a windlass, but there’s provision for one. It would be quite easy to convert this boat from racing mode to a solid cruiser. And you’d turn heads in every anchorage. italiayachtsusa​.com ; 410-279-3027

Beginning with the popular little J/24 way back in 1977, J/Boats has become famous for its steady introduction of terrific racing and cruising boats, almost all of which shared one main characteristic: They sailed like a witch. More than four decades later, having built more than 50 separate, mind-­boggling models, the Johnstone family that designs, markets and sells the brand shows no signs of slowing down. Their latest offering, for 2020, was another fast and fun racer/cruiser: the ­32-foot-7-inch J/99.

Our sea trials for Boat of the Year, conducted in a stiff 25-knot Chesapeake Bay breeze, was easily one of the most memorable test sails in this edition of the contest. The boat was fast, responsive and a joy to steer, perched on the weather rail with an extension for the tiller. Judge Ralph Naranjo was probably the most impressed of all. “It’s one of the most enjoyable small boats I’ve ever had a chance to sail,” he said.

Everything about the deck layout is set up for efficient boat handling. The beam-width traveler is aft but readily at hand; optimizing mainsail trim in the lulls and puffs is clearly a priority, and coarse and fine-tuning options on the mainsheet further simplify this task. Halyards and reefing lines are led to a pair of Harken winches on the coachroof. A Harken furler handles the 100 percent jib. The sheet leads, naturally, are adjustable. In past designs, the company was well-known for its retractable bowsprits, but with the J/99, it opted for a fixed sprit that is more robust and can handle the loads imposed by today’s big asymmetric kites and code-zero reachers. The entire point of this exercise is easily attained—not to mention sustained—performance.

The “cruiser” part of the boat’s racer/cruiser calculation is the lesser of the two, but the boat is by no means stripped out. The head is forward, with the forepeak reserved for sail stowage. But there are good sleeping quarters in a pair of doubles aft, as well as the two settees in the main saloon that flank a central table. Nice teak trim lends warm and welcome accents to the nav station and galley, which was rudimentary on our test boat, but which can also be upgraded with a basic propane stove. Sure, this layout is more of a camper than a cruiser, but it’s also more than serviceable for a dauntless crew. When they gather around at the end of the day, it will be more than adequate for ­spinning yarns about the wonderful sailing they just experienced. jboats​.com ; 401-846-8410

Jeanneau Sun Fast 3300

If there were any doubt about what the 32-foot-9-inch Jeanneau Sun Fast 3300 was designed and built for, it was put to rest by our sister publication, Sailing World —a racing magazine dedicated expressly to the need for speed—when it named the boat its overall Boat of the Year for 2020 . So let’s get that right out of the way: The 3300, pure and simple, is a raceboat. Sure, the interior has the basics to allow its crew to navigate, prepare a hot meal and catch a few winks between watches, but the idea here is to get you there , and as quickly as possible.

The boat is actually optimized for doubleha­nded races, a growing segment of the competitive scene, especially in France, where the boat was designed and constructed. One of the naval architects on the project was Guilaume Verdier, whose design credits include the remarkable 100-footer, Comanche . There are hollows, or “concaves,” in the bow and stern of the boat to promote planing in certain conditions. Jeanneau clearly pulled out all the stops in creating the 3300.

The deck-stepped rig—which will allow the boat to be shipped in a container for owners who wish to campaign the boat internationally—is carbon, of course. The list of tweakable features is endless. Both the mainsheet and running backstays are infinitely adjustable, with fine-tuned cascades for each. There are water-ballast tanks to simulate the weight of a full crew lining the windward rail when sailing in shorthanded mode. A three-dimensional jib – lead ­system provides the ability to dial in exact and precise ­headsail trimming. When ­racing, a five- or six-sail inventory will allow the crew to hoist and set the ideal sail combination for whatever the wind speed, sea state or point of sail.

Regarding the layout below, Sailing World editor Dave Reed wrote: “There’s not much glitz below deck, but that’s the point. The 3300 is no crossover cruiser. Inside the bowels of this white vinylester-infused capsule are nothing but rudimentary accommodations: galley, nav station, convertible settees and pipe berths that fold up to add additional crew berths. If distance racing and putting the boat away wet is what you desire, this is the level of interior you’ll come to appreciate.”

As the great designer Bill Lee once said, “A raceboat is like a jock strap you pull on to go racing.” So buckle up and hang on to your hats. And strap in, of course. jeanneau.com ; 443-221-4203

Herb McCormick is CW ’s executive editor.

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