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Top 10 largest sailing yachts in the world

The list of the top ten largest sailing yachts in the world is not easily disrupted. In fact, it had remained unchanged since the launch of the 106.7-metre Oceanco Black Pearl in 2018, which swiped the top spot from Lürssen 's 93-metre Eos . For four years, Black Pearl remained the largest yacht in the world until early in 2023 when Oceanco sent a new flagship down the slipway, the mighty 127-metre Koru . Read on to discover our official list of the largest sailing yachts in the world. 

1. Koru | 127m

Leading this list is a new entry: Oceanco 's record-breaking 127-metre sailing yacht Koru . Commissioned by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, Koru has been the subject of much speculation for years but was revealed in all its glory in 2021. Not only is she the largest sailing yacht in the world, she is also the largest superyacht ever to be built in the Netherlands. Her name, Koru, is the Māori word meaning "new beginnings" and she is accompanied by a 75-metre support vessel named Abeona . She was delivered in 2023 and is over 20 metres longer than the former title-holder Black Pearl.

• Builder: Oceanco
• Country of build: Netherlands
• Delivery year: 2023
• Length Overall: 125.82 m
• Beam: 16.95 m
• Gross Tonnage 3493 t

More about this yacht

More stories, 2. black pearl | 106.7m.

Instantly recognisable with her black sails and Dynarig set-up, Black Pearl is the second-largest sailing yacht in the world. Delivered during the same year as 142.81-metre Sailing Yacht A (officially designated as a sail-assisted motor yacht), Black Pearl spent five years in development at Dutch yard Oceanco . Dykstra Naval Architects , Ken Freivokh , Nuvolari Lenard , BMT Nigel Gee and Gerard P Villate all contributed their expertise to this monumental project, which looks set to turn heads the world over for decades to come. She is often compared to Maltese Falcon , the first Dynarig superyacht, but boasts a number of technological advancements. She flies 25 per cent more sail area with hinging spars that fold down to allow her to pass through the Panama Canal, but it is what lies beneath that really counts. Two variable pitch propellers harness kinetic energy while she is under sail, which can run the hotel or recharge the batteries, allowing her to cross oceans without expending a drop of fuel. 

• Delivery year: 2018
• Length Overall: 106.7 m
• Gross Tonnage 2700 t

3. Eos | 92.93m

Eos was built in Germany under a cloak of secrecy for her American media and movie mogul Barry Diller. Eos is a three-masted Bermuda rigged schooner and was refitted at Royal Huisman in 2011. After emerging from her refit the yacht caught fire in Norway and had to return to the yard to be repaired.

• Builder: Lurssen
• Country of build: Germany
• Delivery year: 2006
• Length Overall: 92.93 m
• Beam: 13.5 m
• Gross Tonnage 1500 t

4. Athena | 90m

Athena was built by the Royal Huisman in Holland for US software developer Jim Clark. Athena's advanced engineering means that she is able to sail in relatively light airs, while still offering the interior space typically only found on motor yachts. In stronger winds, Athena has been credited as attaining 19 knots under sail. The yacht's three closed decks include a large owner's suite, four guest suites, a saloon and dining room on the main deck and a sky lounge on the upper deck. Her clipper-bow and three-masted schooner sprung from the boards of Pieter Beeldsnijder (exterior styling) and Dykstra Naval Architects (naval architecture).

• Builder: Royal Huisman
• Delivery year: 2004
• Length Overall: 90 m
• Beam: 12.2 m
• Gross Tonnage 1103 t

5. Maltese Falcon | 88m

Maltese Falcon  was built for the late American venture capitalist Tom Perkins. The iconic three-masted schooner is the fifth-largest sailing yacht in the world. Maltese Falcon's rig is made up of three unstayed, 'weapons-grade' carbon fibre masts, with a fully computerised sail and rotating mast system. The system has been dubbed a triumph of design, development and engineering and Maltese Falcon has topped an impressive 24 knots under sail. The Ken Freivokh interior is a marriage of industrial chic and high tech. It features leather, glass, wood and steel as well as a modern art collection. The yacht has accommodation for 12 guests and is available for charter.

• Builder: Perini Navi
• Country of build: Turkey
• Length Overall: 88 m
• Beam: 12.47 m
• Gross Tonnage 1112 t

Yachts for charter

6. aquijo | 85.9m.

The highly anticipated Aquijo was the result of a collaboration between Vitters and Oceanco. Both Dutch yards worked closely with the owner's representative to create a highly complex, performance-driven sailing machine that became the third largest sailing superyacht when launched. Aquijo is an aluminium ketch-rigged yacht, and features a custom steering system. Aquijo's interior layout provides clear sight lines thanks to her high-volume superstructure.

• Builder: Vitters | Oceanco
• Delivery year: 2016
• Length Overall: 85.9 m
• Beam: 14.48 m
• Gross Tonnage 1538 t

7. Sea Eagle II | 81m

Delivered in 2020, Sea Eagle II is the most recent addition to the top ten largest sailing yachts in the world. Built by Royal Huisman, Sea Eagle II features exterior styling by Mark Whiteley and naval architecture penned by Dykstra Naval Architects . Sold in summer 2016 by  Northrop & Johnson  as Project RH400,  Sea Eagle II  is the largest yacht ever built by the Dutch yard. 

• Delivery year: 2020
• Length Overall: 81 m
• Gross Tonnage 1150 t

8. M5 | 78.4m

Built by Vosper Thorneycroft in Southampton, England, M5  was launched as the iconic yacht Mirabella V in 2004. She remains the world’s largest sloop to date. M5 was designed by Ron Holland for American yachtsman Joe Vittoria, who enjoyed sailing her for seven years before she was sold on. The new owner renamed her M5 and she was extended by 3.2 metres in a refit at  Pendennis  before her relaunch in 2013. Her most recent refit , however, in 2019, saw M5 emerge from the sheds with all new paint-work, composite biminis, a reinforced mast and a new bow-thruster.

M5 has a displacement of 780 tonnes (165 tonnes of which is the keel). The carbon fibre mast is an amazing 88.3 metres tall and can carry approximately 3,700 square metres of sail.

• Builder: Vosper Thornycroft
• Country of build: United Kingdom
• Length Overall: 78.4 m
• Beam: 14.8 m
• Gross Tonnage 1009 t

9. Badis | 70m

The second largest Perini Navi sailing yacht to date, Badis was built for the multiple superyacht owner Bill Duker and launched in 2016 as Sybaris . The name comes from a Greek settlement in ancient Italy that was famed for its hedonism, feasts and excesses. Featuring naval architecture and sailplan optimisation by Philippe Briand, this all-aluminium ketch can host up to 12 guests across six cabins. Interiors are by PH Design with a total internal volume of 870GT, while the crew quarters allow for a staff of up to 11. Under power, Badis's twin MTU 16V 2000 M72 diesel engines generate a total of 3,860hp, resulting in a top speed of 17.5 knots and a maximum cruising range of 5,000 nautical miles at 12.5 knots.

• Country of build: Italy
• Length Overall: 70 m
• Beam: 13.24 m
• Gross Tonnage 887 t

10. Atlantic | 69.3m

Atlantic might have the looks of an old classic but don't be fooled, this modern three-masted schooner was delivered in 2010 to an owner with a penchant for classic sailing yachts. She was built from scratch as a replica of the famous 64.5-metre Townsend & Downey schooner by the same name built in 1903. The sailing yacht made history when she set the record for the fastest Atlantic crossing in 1905 - a record that remained unbroken for nearly 100 years - but she was sadly scrapped in 1982. Inspired by its legacy, owner Ed Kastelein built a replica as a tribute to the record-breaking classic at the Van de Graaf shipyard in the Netherlands. The new Atlantic 's three masts stand 50 metres high and support 1,700 square metres of sails with 36 winches in bronze built specially by Harken.

• Builder: Van der Graaf
• Delivery year: 2010
• Length Overall: 69.31 m
• Gross Tonnage 268 t

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• Digital Edition

Perini Navi’s new 60m sloop Perseus^3 boasts the world’s largest single sail

• Elaine Bunting
• May 26, 2015

The new Perini Navi sloop Perseus^3 has the world's third largest carbon mast and her A2 spinnaker is the world’s largest single sail, bigger than all the giant Maltese Falcon’s 15 sails combined. Mike Owen and Rob Peake report

Perseus^ 3 is the second in Perini Navi’s new 60m series, launched earlier this year and in Palma for her first regatta and she is likely to turn heads, if only for her sheer scale.

This line is designed with performance much higher in mind than any previous Perini flybridge yachts, as already demonstrated by Seahawk, the first of the range, at the Bucket this year and last. Perseus^3 (Perseus Cubed) clearly goes a step or two further.

She is sloop rigged and her carbon mast stands third tallest in the world. Her Doyle inventory comprises a whopping 10,000m2/107,640ft2 of sails, and her A2 spinnaker is the world’s largest single sail, measuring 2,602m2/28,010ft2. For scale, this one sail alone is bigger than all the giant Maltese Falcon’s 15 sails combined.

The new 60m Perini Navi, Perseus^3

Doyle reports that initially there was simply no existing fabric capable of this job, so they developed their own new cloth, blending Polyester with Dyneema to give the cloth high strength and tear resistance, as well as light weight and enough softness for easy handling.

Future Fibres was responsible for the 16.4-tonne mast, one of the three tallest ever built, saying: “We have managed to produce a tube with a perfect exterior surface and a flawless Clearcote gloss carbon finish with zero filler – which can add up to three per cent to the weight of a mast.”

A new rig load monitoring system will use strain gauges to detect the loads acting on the carbon fibre rig components.

To manage this massive sailplan, Perini has been busy creating its own new generation of fast, quiet captive winches and furlers with variable-speed motors, a max loading of 30 tonnes for headsail, and varying line speeds aboard between 40 and 110 metres a minute. Forward there’s a carbon sprit, also a first for Perini, for the huge flying sails, the Code 0 calling for Future Fibres’ largest ever top-down furler.

But Perseus^3 has more than one focus. Her owner sailed his previous Perini, the 50m/164ft Perseus (now Silencio) in a circumnavigation with his young family. They enjoyed the cruising and also competed in the Hamilton Island Race Week. Charter was useful, too. All this will continue with Perseus^3 , perhaps just faster.

There’s a top bluewater and race-experienced permanent crew on board, vital to the safe handling of such an immense rig, and the accommodation is well suited for private and charter use.

Bruce Brakenhoff of Perini Navi USA explains: “When it came to planning his new, second Perini, the owner said: ‘I really love cruising, having my family aboard the boat, having a successful charter boat and I really love doing Buckets, so I want a boat that has as few compromises as possible to cover all of those bases.’

“When we started from that blank sheet of paper, not only with the engineering systems and changes like chainplate relocation for the sloop rig, I remember a meeting with Ron Holland with the owner saying what else can we do to make this even faster? Ron had just delivered a twin-rudder boat he’d had good experience with and suggested this. The owner thought it a great idea.

“But at the same time as it’s fast, this boat will be as popular a charter boat because it has a fantastic layout, an amazing owner’s suite, a humungous flybridge, and it’s got a pool, one of those lap pools where you swim against the jets – the thing’s like eight metres wide, it’ll turn into the biggest spinnaker pit you’ve ever seen!”

That could come in handy with that huge spinnaker.

With a centreboard Perseus^3 still can cruise in the Bahamas, but she will not manage the Panama Canal as she is too tall to fit under the Bridge of the Americas.

LOA 60m 197ft

LWL 50.4m 164ft

Beam 11.4m 37ft 5in

Draught 4.3-12.3m 14-39ft

Displacement 570 tonnes

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Jeff Bezos’ New Yacht Is Finally Ready to Set Sail

Amazon’s founder has been spotted on Koru, a massive schooner with a design that evokes the golden age of sailing in the early 20th century.

By Kevin Koenig

Just in time for the high season of yachting in the Mediterranean, when multimillion-dollar megayachts descend on ports like Monte Carlo and St. Tropez, Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon, has been photographed with his partner Lauren Sánchez on his new boat, Koru, off the coast of Spain.

Mr. Bezos’ vessel is a sailing yacht, a departure from the diesel-powered, floating palaces popular with other billionaires. But it is still massive. At 417 feet, Koru is the world’s largest sailing yacht, according to Boat International , and it cost an estimated $500 million to build, Bloomberg reported . (Parsifal III, the boat featured on Bravo’s reality series “Below Deck Sailing Yacht,” is 177 feet long — less than half the length of Koru — and cost $18 million , according to the website SuperYachtFan.)

A spokesperson for Mr. Bezos did not comment for this article; neither did Oceanco, Koru’s builder. Here is what to know about the boat.

For traditionalists, Koru is refreshing. At a time when yacht design skews outrageous — see the lizardlike, 262-foot Artefact or the otherworldly 463-foot Yas — Koru stands out as a schooner, a sailing vessel with two or more masts. Photos reveal a large sailboat with three masts, an on-deck pool and a voluptuous mermaid on the bow, that bears a resemblance to Ms. Sánchez. But otherwise, the sleek, classic lines suggest the patrician age of yachting in the early 20th century, said Robert B. MacKay, author of “The Golden Age of Newport Yachting: Between the Wars.”

“With the clipper bow and the dark hull and the masts,” Mr. MacKay said, referring to Koru’s concave, pointy forward section, “it reminds me of a boat built in 1930 for J.P. Morgan Jr., Corsair IV. It is almost like a reincarnation. It’s certainly at odds with the stuff the oligarchs are building — those look like bloated Clorox bottles.”

Compared with the world’s very largest motor yachts — built for sheer size and the accompanying bragging rights — Koru could almost be considered quaint. Azzam, one of the world’s largest motor yachts, is nearly 200 feet longer.

The Experience

Koru will be propelled primarily by the wind. “Sailboats are usually greener than most powerboats,” said Don Anderson, a former captain of M5 , the world’s largest single-masted sailboat, at 256 feet. “I’d like to think that Koru will be one of the most ecological yachts out there, with its sails and also with the technology that will be aboard.”

“When you’re on a sailboat, you’re more in touch with the wind and the waves than on a powerboat,” he continued. “You’re more susceptible to the elements, too. But you can leave California, and once you get past the Catalinas you can basically surf downwind all the way to Hawaii. All you need to do is run with the waves.”

Mr. Bezos has been a guest on similar boats, according to Bloomberg: In 2019, he was spotted on Eos , a 305-foot sailing yacht owned by Barry Diller and Diane von Furstenberg.

Bill Tripp, a Connecticut-based naval architect, said the appeal of this type of boat is clear: “When you are on a powerboat, you ask, ‘Are we there yet?’ and on a sailboat, you’re enjoying the ride and the ocean so much that you don’t ask that question.”

Koru will be trailed by Abeona, a 246-foot support vessel. Superyachts often have support vessels following along behind them. These “shadows,” as they are colloquially known, are for the “toys” — the ATVs, supercars, seaplanes, motorcycles, smaller boats, scuba gear, personal submarines and even helicopters that pleasure boaters might bring on a trip. According to its builder, this model of boat can carry these gadgets along with dozens of crew members. (Ms. Sanchez flies helicopters, and the couple was recently photographed taking a helicopter to board Abeona and then Koru.)

Abeona, a motor yacht, will have enough range to follow Koru from the Mediterranean to the Caribbean — a common course for yachts — on a single tank of gas.

The Kerfuffle

Koru set off a controversy last year — before it was even completed — in a face-off with the Dutch city of Rotterdam. The boat was built at Oceanco’s facility in Alblasserdam, the Netherlands, and needed to pass the historic Koningshaven Bridge, known as “De Hef,” in Rotterdam, to undergo testing in the North Sea.

When the city announced it would dismantle the bridge to allow the boat and its mainmast — an estimated 230 feet tall — to pass through unscathed, locals were angry. They planned a protest to throw eggs at the yacht as it cruised by. In the end, the bridge was not taken apart, and the yacht was towed to a different location to have its masts attached.

Koru is Maori for “coil” or “loop” and refers to the unfurling of a fern frond. The koru design is common in traditional Maori art, where it symbolizes new life, growth and peace. Mr. Bezos included a photo of a koru frond in an Instagram post on Jan. 1, 2022.

Brad Stone, who was the first to report on Koru, in his 2021 book “Amazon Unbound: Jeff Bezos and the Invention of a Global Empire,” said the name was “consistent with where we see him today.”

“He is no longer this single-minded tech guy,” Mr. Stone said. “He’s in media and Hollywood and has a new relationship.”

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Better Sailing

Largest Sailboats in the World

Nowadays, the production of enormous and luxurious sailboats and yachts is more and more increased and never ceases to impress. International shipyards build these vessels, from the Netherlands to the United Arab Emirates, the US, Greece, Italy, and the United Kingdom, among others. And, new launches and refits are distributed each year, at the request of owners on an international level. In this article, I will list the world’s largest sailboats and yachts in case you want to get informed on that topic or charter one with your crew for cruising around the world. However, this list is updated every year but some of these vessels are timeless. Follow me!

Black Pearl by Oceanco – 350 ft

Black Pearl is the world’s biggest sailing yacht, standing at 350 feet and costing more than $200 million. Long before her first voyage, the ship drew international attention for its innovative architecture. Also, for her eco-credentials, and technical advances, all of which have set a new industry and earned her multiple awards for innovation.

Keep in mind that this vessel isn’t manufactured only by one designer but forms a result of an ambitious cross-industry collaboration. Some of the best international sailing professionals and creative minds have cooperated to manufacture this incredible vessel. And, it isn’t just her aesthetics that makes her distinguish, but also her utilization of the very latest green technology. According to Oceanco, they have made her capable of crossing the Atlantic without using any fuel. But how?

Firstly, her three powerful 230ft DynaRig carbon masts are a design of Dykstra Naval Architects. This innovative structure subdivides her sails into smaller sections. And, the best thing is that sails are set or furled just by touching a button. On top of that, and to maximize effectiveness the Black Pearl doesn’t rely on propulsion from fossil fuels. Meaning that with a single person that is able to set 2,900 sq meters of sail area in just a few minutes, she offers the possibility to turn off the main engines and harness the power of the wind. As a result, the costs are significantly minimized and it is also much better for the environment. So, under sail, the boat can reach an incredible 30 knots and regenerate enough energy to power the whole load. And, also without the need of running the generators. 

We don’t know a lot about her interior, but we know that she has six cabins with accommodation for up to 12 guests. These include a master suite and two VIP cabins. She also has immense recreational spaces spread across her three decks, but because of her secretive nature, there’s not too much information disclosed. Some photographs show that there is a pool aft of the main deck and a hot tub aft of the upper deck. Moreover, there’s a fold-down platform at the aft of the boat that is probably transformed into a full-beam beach club. And, imagine that we aren’t fully aware of what her commodities and interior spaces offer. A true masterpiece!

EOS by Lurssen – 305 ft

At 305ft, the three-masted schooner EOS is the world’s second-largest boat. The first launch was in 2006 by Lürssen Yachts, and the vessel is one of the world’s most exclusive yachts. The Eos is a Bermuda rigged three-masted schooner and one of the world’s largest private sailing yachts. EOS, a superyacht of significant proportions has impressed many since it was first launched. In 2006, Lurssen Yachts completed this 305-foot luxury yacht.

The superyacht EOS is a luxurious vessel that can accommodate up to 16 guests in 8 cabins and can be handled by a crew of approximately 15 professionals. Lurssen was the naval architect who brought this yacht design to life. The interior decoration of this boat was also done by Bill Langton and Francois Catroux. EOS, one of the world’s largest private sailing yacht, uses twin MTU diesel engines and can reach a top limit continuous speed of about 16 knots. The ship’s engine produces 2332 horsepower. Her total horsepower is 4663, and her total wattage is 3480.

>>Also Read: Best Sailboats Under 100k

Athena by Royal Huisman – 295 ft

The Dutch Royal Huisman Shipyard designed the 295-foot super sailing yacht, Athena, in 2004. Pieter Beeldsnijder Design created the superyacht’s exterior lines, while Dykstra Naval Architects and Pieter Beeldsnijder Design collaborated on the naval architecture, and Rebecca Bradley Interior Design created the interior. Athena is one of the largest sailing yachts since the 1930s, and she can outrun any other sailing superyachts with speeds of up to 19 knots.

The Royal Huisman Shipyard in Holland designed Athena for US software developer Jim Clark. Because of Athena’s advanced engineering, she can sail in light winds while still providing the interior space usually reserved for motor yachts. Athena has been credited with reaching 19 knots under sail in stronger winds. A large owner’s suite, four guest quarters, a saloon and dining room on the main deck, and a sky lounge on the upper deck are some of the areas among the yacht’s three decks.

Maltese Falcon by Perini Navi – 289 ft

The pioneering 289 ft Maltese Falcon is popular for her automated square-rigged DynaRig sail plan. This makes her one of the most famous yachts of all time and definitely one of the most photographed in recent years. Three free-standing rotating carbon-fiber masts carry a total of 25,800 square feet of canvas on 15 square sails, resulting in exceptional performance, speed, and maneuverability. The yacht was sold in August 2009 to her current owner, who regularly participates in superyacht regattas, demonstrating the yacht’s capabilities. It was constructed by Perini Navi and designed in partnership with her first owner, Tom Perkins.

Elena Ambrosiadou currently owns the Maltese Falcon, but the American venture capitalist Tom Perkins was the first to own her. The three-masted schooner is the world’s fifth-largest sailing yacht. The rig of the Maltese Falcon consists of three unstayed, “weapons-grade” carbon fiber masts, as well as a completely computerized sail and rotating mast system. The whole boat benefits from exceptional design, development, and engineering. She is also capable of reaching speeds of up to 24 knots while sailing. The interior design by Ken Freivokh is a mix of modern chic and hi-tech development. The construction design uses leather, glass, wood, and steel, and it houses a modern art collection. Lastly, the yacht can accommodate 12 people and is available for charter.

Aquijo by Vitters Shipyard and Oceanco – 282 ft

Vitters and Oceanco collaborated on the widely awaited Aquijo. Both Dutch yards collaborated closely with the owner’s representative to design a highly complex and of ultimate performance sailing vessel that, when launched, was the world’s third-largest sailing superyacht. Aquijo is a ketch-rigged aluminum yacht with a custom steering mechanism. Her interior layout provides clear sightlines because of her exceptional superstructure. This Dutch sailing yacht firstly came up in 2015 and was the largest ketch-rigged sailing yacht in the world. Her mainmast rises 280ft above sea level. Her naval architecture and exterior design are a creation of Tripp Design Naval Architects.

Sea Eagle II by Royal Huisman – 266 ft

With hundreds of projects completed to date, Royal Huisman has an enviable track record of delivering exceptional sailing superyachts. Even by these criteria, the most recent vessel to leave the shipyard is more than we expected. She is one of the top ten largest sailing yachts and the world’s largest aluminum yacht. Sea Eagle II is a spectacular 266-foot with three masts and a Panamax schooner. Her design is a creation of the Dykstra and Mark Whiteley Design team that built the stunning 186 ft Royal Huisman ketch Aquarius just over a year ago.

The sheer size of this yacht is mind-boggling. The 13-foot freeboard has sleek hull lines, and the two-tier deckhouse, which includes a half-raised bridge, is remarkably in proportion. The main deck-level accommodation has a large expanse of glass, with just a few mullions interrupting the 360o view. Furthermore, there’s immense cockpit space, with enough room left over in the aft deck.

Mark Whiteley was in charge of the interior design as well as the exterior styling. He designed the interior in a plain, modern style with straight lines. Soft color leather handrails and upholstered wall panels enhance the lacquered Alpi walnut panels, polished natural oak floors, and dark stained wenge trims. As for the rigging, each mast has in-boom furling, and the two aft have staysails for use when reaching. Lastly, the tank and wind tunnel tests help to verify various headsail options, particularly the differences between a large blade jib and a large staysail or yankee.

M5 by Vosper Thornycroft – 254 ft

This superyacht is a creation of Ron Holland Design and construction of Vosper Thornycroft in the United Kingdom. The yacht received a refit in 2014 at Pendennis Shipyard. As a result, they redesigned and extended the stern portion of the vessel by three meters, among other changes. Her keel, however, was slightly unbalanced because of the refit. Another big refit, completed in 2020 at the NCA shipyard, aimed to rebalance the keel by halving it and pushing the ram housing 300 mm forward. They used a three-tone of grey livery with a metallic palladium hull, anthracite silver superstructure, and crystal silver mast and boom for the repainting procedure. And, all these, in addition to her technical improvements.

M5 is the legendary yacht Mirabella V; a creation made in Southampton, England. To this day, she is the world’s largest sloop. M5 was built for Joe Vittoria, an American yachtsman who sailed her for seven years. Her new owner renamed her M5, and when she was refitted at Pendennis she was extended by 3.2 meters until her relaunch in 2014. She also has a new RWD-designed interior. Let’s note that M5 has a 780-tonne displacement, i.e. 165 tonnes of which is the keel. Lastly, the carbon fiber mast stands at an incredible 88.3 meters tall and has a sail area of approximately 3,700 square meters.

Enigma (Phocea) by DCAN – 246 ft

Enigma (formerly Phocea) was a sailing yacht designed by DCAN in 1976 in Toulon, France. She’s 246 feet long, with a top speed of 12 knots. Also, she was refitted, like many yachts, and the most recent one was in Germany in 2000. She can accommodate 12 guests and has a crew of 16 sailors. In addition, Enigma is a four-masted schooner. She was primarily built for speed performance, and she crossed the Atlantic in 8 days. During this voyage, she achieved speeds of 30 knots under sail.

Mouna Ayoub bought Phocea in July 1997 and made her some refits in Lürssen. As a result, the British naval architect Dalrymple-Smith has significantly improved the interior as well as her exterior design. Her interiors feature modern wood paneling and furniture. The main suite is on the main deck, while the VIP guest cabin and 4 other double cabins are on the lower deck. Just before Royal Huisman launched Athena in 2004, the Phocea was the world’s largest sailing yacht. Unfortunately, in 2021, the Enigma was partly destroyed by fire and therefore sunk the next day.

Badis I by Perini Navi – 229 ft

Badis, the second-largest Perini Navi sailing yacht to date, was launched in 2016 for Bill Duker, a multi-superyacht owner. The name comes from an ancient Greek city in Italy known for its hedonism and rich feasts. She is the second-largest boat built by the yard since the Maltese Falcon. So, Badis I, or Sybaris, was made for the American businessman Bill Duker in 2016. She went for sale in April 2017 for €88 million and sold in October 2018.

Perini Navi’s team as well as the French designer Philippe Briand were in charge of the naval architecture on this vessel. The yacht was constructed of alloy with a variable draught keel so as to allow access to shallow areas while maintaining good sailing performance. It’s important to note that Badis I’ sails stretch over a surface of 2,300 sq m and they can be handled with consoles in the cockpit. Lastly, under power, Badis diesel engines generate a total of 3,860hp. This results in a top speed of 17.5 knots and a maximum cruising range of 5,000 nautical miles at 12.5 knots.

Vertigo by Alloy Yachts – 220 ft

And, let’s get to the top 10; the 220 ft Vertigo. A creation of Alloy Yachts in New Zealand (2011), with more than one million hours spent for her construction. The all-aluminum sailing yacht has an iconic sporty exterior from Philippe Brand of France, as well as naval architecture from Alloy Yachts. Her distinctive ketch-rig, streamline hull, and 3,330 sq m of sails all add to her overall performance capabilities. However, keep in mind that she wasn’t built as a racing yacht. Her interior design is a creation of Liaigre and, like all other boats in this list, offers the commodity of enormous interior areas. Lastly, Vertigo is able to sleep up to 12 guests and host a crew of 11.

The Bottom Line

So, this is it! This is the list of the biggest yachts in the world. I know that many of us might not even get aboard a boat of this size but we can still dream about it. On the other hand, there are people that can’t stand this kind of luxury for their sailing voyage. In any case, these vessels are mostly destined for wealthy people that can afford this kind of budget. Keep in mind that you can always charter a boat of these dimensions in order to live the luxurious way of sailing for a while. I hope that you enjoyed this article and wish you all safe and happy voyages!

Peter is the editor of Better Sailing. He has sailed for countless hours and has maintained his own boats and sailboats for years. After years of trial and error, he decided to start this website to share the knowledge.

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Best Sailboats for One Person (With 9 Examples)

One of the most common challenges of sailing is finding the right boat to sail alone. Luckily, there are some good sailboats out there suited for one person. Let's take a look at them, and find out why they're especially good for single-handing.

In this article, I talk about single-handed sailing and look at the nine best sailboats for one person, ranging from small lake dinghies all the way to comfy cruisers capable of oceanic crossings.

Here are the best sailboats for solo sailing

Jeanneau Sunfast 3200

Beneteau oceanis 62, pacific seacraft flicka 20, tartan 3700, hunter channel 31, j boats 109.

Now let's look at them in detail so that you can choose the one best for you.

On this page:

What you need for short-handed sailing, features of a good single-handed boat.

Before talking about anything else, let's take a quick look at the features you want in a sailboat for short-handing (a fancy way of saying sailing alone ).

Scroll down to the list of sailboats here .

What to look for in a single-handed sailboat:

• Easy-to-operate sails
• Self-tacking jib
• Self-reefing sails
• Good autopilot

It's nice to have a team of friends, each with their own position within the crew, taking care of their specific thing. One behind the helm, one at the navigation, one trimming the mainsail, one taking care of the foresail, and an extra deckhand just to be sure. But if for whatever reason you want to sail on your own, you'll be the one to fill all those positions.

To make sure that it is physically possible and as easy as can be under the circumstances, start with a good boat choice. The idea is to pick a design that will be easy to operate with just one person available.

Now the good news is that since around 1990, many boat manufacturers have been focusing on ease of operation. That's just what the current market demand dictates. In other words, good single-handed sailboats aren't a rare find.

So what are the specific features to look for when sailing on your own? Let's clear a common misconception first - single-handed doesn't mean the boat has to be small.

Sure, small boats are easier to dock, and things tend to be within reach… but you will find large numbers of 70-footers that are designed as single-handed projects.

You can operate 100-footers on your own. Read all about it in our article What's the largest boat one person can operate?

Easily Operated Sails

A good start are sails that can be operated without much hassle. That doesn't necessarily mean being able to reach all the lines and winches from the helm. If you can, that's great, but if the boat has an autopilot, all you need is to be able to tweak the sails from the front of the cockpit.

Try to avoid setups where you'd have to walk to the mast to play with your sheets - not only it takes time but doing that in heavy winds, tall waves, on a boat that is healing, is a recipe for disaster that nobody is there to save you from.

When solo sailing, the ability to reef and tack quickly is important since those are oftentimes time-sensitive maneuvers. So self-tacking jibs would make your life way easier.

Individually Suitable Boat

The best test, though, is to take the boat out and try it out for yourself. A boat that handles easily in the hands of one person can be unmanageable in the hands of another.

A spinnaker pole might be a handful for the shorter folks, while a 6'2'' 200lbs bloke won't have issues with it.

But don't go around shopping with a 'must-have' checklist. Sometimes the boat is almost there, and all it needs is a little DIY technical push, like adding an extra jammer to the cockpit and running a reef line through it, or getting your hands on a windvane self-steering kit.

As somewhat touched upon before, manufacturers are trying to cater to the ease of use and since technology is going forward, what used to be a hi-tech racing equipment piece years ago, has now made its way into the affordable mainstream.

The canting keel is such an example, something you used to see on racing sailboats only, but now can be put on your average cruiser.

Autopilot Matters

An important part of solo sailing is a good autopilot, for obvious reasons. Luckily, nowadays, these are very reliable compared to what the standard used to be years ago in the cruiser world.

That being said, if you can get your hands on a boat with a proper below-the-deck autopilot with a gyrocompass, you will be much happier than with your average on-deck system, which does the job well, but when things get windier, it might become less reliable.

By the way, racing boats tend to be good solo sailing vessels—they are set up for efficiency. They feature more robust rigging and hulls that can withstand rough conditions and gusts better, and thus are more forgiving, without the necessity to tweak to detail.

I'm not saying that to necessarily have you look for racing boats for your short-handed trips, but rather so that you don't steer away from them on purpose, thinking they would be too much of a handful.

On deck, navigation is a big one too. Again, nothing to cry about if your boat of choice doesn't have one, as it can be easily solved with aftermarket solutions. Or an iPad with the proper app. But having to run below the deck to see where you are isn't the handiest of scenarios, especially in tricky situations.

If possible, consider investing in side thrusters. They can make maneuvering your boat infinitely easier, docking can turn from an unpleasant procedure to a relatively simple joystick play, and especially if you are on a bigger boat, you will appreciate this feature.

We haven't touched on the topic of interiors since it isn't as sensitive as a matter. But having plenty of handles to grab onto regardless of where you are is a good idea, since hitting your head and passing out is unpleasant with a crew, but potentially fatal without it.

To continue with the topic of safety, equipment and boat design aside, remember that you can't really afford mistakes you could make with friends on board. So make sure you have enough spots to clip your harness to, that the boat is sufficiently equipped with communication devices and that all the equipment works as it should.

So let's get specific. What are the nine boats that make great companions for solo sailors?

Let's start with the obvious one—a dinghy. It won't probably be your choice when crossing an ocean, but for practice or a fun day close to the shore, this is one hell of a boat. In comparison to its rivals in the same category, RS Aero is super light weighing 66 lbs. It is among the most technologically advanced sailing dinghies designed specifically for one person.

All of this comes for a price though - 10 000 to over 15 000 USD. You will be getting your money's worth for sure though. An enormous amount of hi-tech work went into this project, and you'd be buying a design that won more awards than could fit on its 13-foot body.

This is a big step up from a dinghy, while still keeping things very simple. It is a lightweight boat, originally designed for a transatlantic race. Thanks to that and its small size, it is easy to handle, the racing pedigree shows in the efficient layout, so everything is within reach. Despite its smaller size, it can reach speeds you would expect of much larger boats.

You can find small family cruisers of the same size, but don't let that fool you. This is very much a Spartan sailboat. Inside, you won't find much more than the bare necessities - two aft cabins, curtains instead of doors, simple seating, not much lining or wood, just a notch above barebones interiors. You get a toilet though, a chart table and a galley as well as much stowage. But you will be reminded of being on a racer, because unless you are shorter than 5'7'', you won't be able to stand up straight.

As mentioned, this boat was designed for a cross-ocean race, so it is a seaworthy bluewater mate that should be able to take you more or less wherever you want to.

Time to go big. As previously mentioned, solo sailing doesn't mean you have to stick to smaller sizes. Why? Because it is a trend now. Even though just some ten years ago, the situation was vastly different, these days, single-handed 60+ footers aren't anything rare.

So why this Beneteau? Well, for one, to meet the new kinds of market demand, it was designed for ease of use, meaning it can be successfully operated by a single person. I don't know what you'd do alone with all that space, but if you want to enjoy oceanic solitude while not giving up the luxuries of having space the size of a family apartment, you can.

And while there are more boats of this size suited for short-handed sailing, like the larger Jeanneaus, Hanses, or even Bavarias, the Oceanis 62 can be yours for around 600 000 EUR new, which is a figure unheard of in that size and quality range up until relatively recently.

This is not the first time I am mentioning this boat in an article, and no wonder, it has so much character! Like others in this list, this one has been designed for single-handed sailing - it had to be. You couldn't fit two people on it comfortably anyway.

So aside from its solo capabilities, why does it deserve to be on the list? Well, it's towable, which you could say about the RS Aero too, but you can actually live on a Flicka, and it is seaworthy. It is about as small as you can go while still being able to cross oceans.

There is no question about everything being within the hand's reach on this one. Ergonomics almost don't matter at this size. Given its towability, the fact that you can park it in your garden, and its short-handed potential makes for the perfect spontaneous getaway mobile.

Another boat you can live on. It is a seaworthy ocean crosser, and thanks to its setup and a self-tacking jib, it is a proper short-handed boat. It also has quite a wide beam, thanks to which you'll get additional stability, further supporting comfort when operating it solo. It is made by a brand that proved its worth over time, as since the 70s, it is still going strong. It's comfortable enough for long distances, with a spacious salon, shower, and space for a small family.

Used, you can get one starting around 150 000 USD, which is one of the reasons why it belongs on this list - if you are serious about solo sailing and want a proper boat without compromises that come with smaller sizes or sportiness, this one is within a reasonable reach. Among the affordable, high-quality, short-handed sailing cruisers, Tartan 3700 has its definite place.

This is the kind of boat I was talking about when I mentioned that formerly racing design aspects started to make it into the cruising world. Hunter started as a racer builder and then shifted to cruisers, while, of course, taking its know-how with them, which makes for boats that are easy to operate, also well-performing ones.

This specific model got on the list because of its low center of gravity, high ballast ratio, and stable hull, which means you won't have to trim the sails all the time to go fast. And less work is always welcome if you are the only person to do all of it.

Another reason it's gotta be here is it is very efficient layout, self-tacking jib, and single-line mainsail reefing system—a smart choice for solo sailors.

If you like what you saw in Hunter Channel 31, but fancy something a bit faster, with a higher quality build, this one's what you want. It has lost much of its sportiness as it is too heavy to be thought of as a proper performance boat today, but in the worst-case scenario, it is a quick cruiser capable of satisfying sprints.

It was designed for single-handed sailing as well as for full crewed racing, so if you want to push as much as you can out of it with a team of your mates, you can, while knowing you will be able to cruise at a good pace when they leave.

So unless you mind the slightly higher price tag, which comes with the high build and components quality, as well as the less generous interior fanciness usually seen in racers, you've found yourself a boat.

The best thing about solo sailing is also the most dangerous thing about it - you will be alone. So you want your boat to be your buddy - forgiving as much as can be, having your back. Amel 60 is such a boat. It has watertight bulkheads, so it is hardly sinkable, its cockpit has a solid roof and windows, so no matter the weather, you'll be protected while behind the helm, it has a stable hull, offering support even in tricky weather, it features electric winches, so you can operate the sails without even touching a line…

...and inside, you get more space and luxury than you could wish for, including a washing machine. All in all, if there is a boat that's got your back even if your skill level isn't the greatest, it is Amel 60. All it wants from you is to be ok with the 1.5 million USD price tag.

Have you seen the film "All Is Lost"? An incredible project without dialogue, where a solo sailor on a Cal 39 makes his way through an ocean. Now, what makes Cal 39 such a great boat for solo sailing? As it turns out, nothing in particular. It wasn't designed with this in mind. It isn't even a notably successful model - though that's mostly due to technical circumstances rather than a lack of quality.

And that's why it must be on this list. To represent all the boats that aren't single-handed projects by design, but make it possible, if you get to know the boat, spend some time with it, and, as mentioned at the very beginning of this article, tweak it so that it makes solo sailing easier.

By this, I want to encourage you to get into solo sailing, even if you lack a sailboat that is specifically made for a one-person crew. Quite a few single-handed passages have been done on boats that wouldn't make it to this list because technically, they don't fit the profile. But they were made to be, either with tweaks or with skills. Be honest to yourself regarding your skill level, the boat design, and if it passes the test, go for it.

Happy sailing!

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World’s largest single-masted yacht in San Diego!

I had to blink my eyes a couple times during my walk today. I was behind the San Diego Convention Center, where lots of visiting super yachts are docked, and I couldn’t believe what I was seeing.

That huge ship in front of me looked like the largest sailboat on planet Earth!

As it turned out, my first impression wasn’t far from the truth!

A little searching on the internet proved that I had spotted the Mirabella V (today more commonly called M5), a sloop-rigged super yacht launched in 2003. Registered in the Isle of Man, it’s the largest single-masted yacht ever built. It’s 292 feet high! That’s almost the height of a 30-story skyscraper! It’s so tall, it won’t fit under any bridge accessible from the ocean. Not even the Golden Gate Bridge!

It’s hard to appreciate the mind-boggling immensity of this amazing vessel with these quick pics, but I thought they were worth sharing anyway.

You never know what extraordinary thing you’ll encounter during an ordinary stroll!

Here are a couple more pics I snapped on October 19…

Here’s another pic I took in March 2015…

Check out what I saw on April 12, as I was walking along!

This blog now features thousands of photos around San Diego!  Are you curious?  There’s lots of cool stuff to check out!

Here’s the  Cool San Diego Sights  main page, where you can read the most current blog posts.  If you’re using a small mobile device, click those three parallel lines up at the top–that opens up my website’s sidebar, where you’ll see the most popular posts, a search box, and more!

To enjoy future posts, you can also “like” Cool San Diego Sights on Facebook  or follow me on Twitter .

Published by

Richard Schulte

Downtown San Diego has been my home for many years. My online activities reflect my love for writing, blogging, walking and photography. View all posts by Richard Schulte

34 thoughts on “World’s largest single-masted yacht in San Diego!”

would love to see it in full sail!

If I happen to see that, I’ll get some photos! I can’t imagine how much its sail weighs! All that canvas must weigh tons!

What a sight that must be but I wonder why anyone needs such a huge ship. Maybe just for bragging rights.

Bragging rights is probably close to the truth. Like the most expensive car or biggest house. At some point the size would just be ridiculous… It almost looks absurdly huge now!

Reblogged this on itkindofgotawayfromyou .

Hi Richard, thanks for the follow! I like the first picture for scale – my goodness, it’s BIG!

There’s nothing right next to it that really puts its size in good context. But when you walk by, you really have to tip your head back!

It’s in Cabo now. It came in a couple days ago. What a beautiful boat!

Like Liked by 1 person

Thanks for the update! I noticed it was gone a week or two ago. I wish I’d seen it under sail!

I saw this the other day, way cool. Thanks for popping by my blog. I love my home city of San Diego and will follow you so I don’t miss what’s going on around here.

Thanks! Have a great Sunday!

How did it get under the Cornado bridge to get there?

My mistake I looked at a map!

No problem! I’m guessing a huge percentage of the harbors in the world are inaccessible to the M5. To think entry into the entire San Francisco Bay is blocked!

Reblogged this on John's Navy and other Marine or Military News .

Wow, some really nice pics there – I’ve never travelled to the States but San Diego looks amazing. Thanks for checking out Geek Blogger UK!

Thanks, Chris. Have a great day across the pond!

Lovely pics – Will be adding this to my ‘Things to do’ in San Diego 2016! Great post…Rav

Like Liked by 2 people

Thanks! Have fun next year!

Reblogged this on charles rogers home page and commented: My fantasy life has always included an Ocean-going sailboat and a Bush-hopping Seaplane (The Lindbergh’s?) Your San Diego photos have rekindled those fantasies. Thank you. Charles Rogers

Thanks for the reblog! If I had the money, I might do the same!

Only in California Where the sun shines And the earth is sinking As always Sheldon

Now that’s one big sailboat! Hard to imagine a yacht large enough for a seaplane to fit on board. Wow! Keep taking those great walks.

It was so huge it blew my mind!

Beautiful boat. Saw her in August in Fiji! She gets around.

It would be fun to sail about on her!

What a blast from the past!

I was lucky to be onboard of Mirabella C, the precursor of M5. That was in Thailand in 1992 where Pekka Koskenkylä and and Bruce Farr were building Mirabellas. Pekka himself was our host on the visit. I still remember the meticulous work of the Thai ship builders.

Yachting World wrote a story about M5 in 2003 and in that article was a note about the history: “But his first really large yacht was the 131ft (40m) Bruce Farr/Pekka Koskenkyla-designed Mirabella C launched in 1992 followed by the 134ft 6in (41m) Mirabella C III two years later. They were famously towed across a beach in Thailand by a team of elephants before being launched. Both were built in composites and both used project management and building expertise from the UK, including Paul Johnson’s knowledge.” See http://www.yachtingworld.com/mirabella-v/mirabella-v-vospers-super-sloop-39301 .

Knowing how dizzying high the mast of Mirabella C was (41.4 m / 136 ft), seeing M5 in full glory (77.60 m / 255 ft) must be an exceptional experience!

Thanks for posting. 🙂

Thanks for the great comment and info! I’ll check out the link! I like the anecdote about the elephants!

Thanks! The M5 blew my mind when I first saw it! I got lucky to be at the right place!

Thought I was following you, Richard, thanks for stopping by and reminding me that I was missing my virtual photo walks through my hometown. I live in Norcal now but am in SD 2-3 times a year visiting family in east county. Cheers!

Happy Holidays to you up north!

Currently docked in Cape Town. Massive yacht. Can not believe the size of it. Stunning

Thanks for the update. It IS huge!

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What Size Sailboat Can One Person Handle?

Last Updated by

Daniel Wade

June 15, 2022

Getting the right size of boat for your sailing adventures will significantly impact your sense of security and safety, comfort, and your activities aboard the boat, especially if you're planning to embark on solo sailing. It's, therefore, of great importance to get it right from the start as it will save you time, disposal expenses, and determine whether or not you can sail solo.

Whether you're an introverted loner who loves going it alone or love the unique challenges that solo sailing presents, one of the most important questions that you've probably been asking yourself is; how big a sailboat can one person handle? In most cases, solo sailing will mean that you assume all the roles: bow-person, skipper, engineer, navigator, dial trimmer, and chef. Under such a scenario, the main intention is to make these roles as simple as possible for you and this calls for the right sized sailboat.

So how big a sailboat can one person handle? Well, a sailboat measuring between 35 and 45 feet (10.5 - 14 meters) with a draft of about 2 meters, plenty of sail area, easy reefing, and well-working assistive equipment can be ideal for one person to handle. The boat shouldn't be over 9 tons as things can get a little tricky and out of hand if the boat exceeds this weight. In essence, the boat should have automated systems that work properly including a properly working electric windlass that makes hauling an anchor as simple as possible.

In this article, we'll look at some of the reasons why sailboat measuring between 35 and 45 feet can be perfectly handled by one person.

Table of contents

Why 35 to 45 Feet?

Generally speaking, vessels that measure between 35 and 45 feet normally steer well and have a good sea-keeping ability. They usually have assisting self-steering arrangements, tolerable sailing speed, and good storage capabilities. Better still, such sailboats can be designed in such a way that a single person may perform all the sailing tasks completely unassisted.

Below the decks, these sailboats generally offer comfortable seagoing sleeping berths for one person, as well as additional space for the occasional guest. That's not all; the galleys are usually very workable and safe even for continuous use. The navigation station is independent, comfortable, and large enough so that you can lay the charts out flat and permanently. You also have additional storage that is perfect for additional charts.

One of the most overlooked factors when considering the ideal boat that can be perfectly handled by one person is the storage capability. If you're planning to sail single-handedly to far-flung areas, the boat should have a hoard of equipment. The boat should have fuel storage, a dinghy, oars, secondary chains, life jackets, anchor rods, EPIRBS, storm equipment, engine spares, additional batters, and many more. There should also be enough storage to accommodate food and water provisions for at least two months. With that in mind, 35-45 feet long sailboat should have enough storage space to accommodate everything that you need to sail perfectly, safely, and single-handedly.

Other Factors to Consider

While your physical strength, fitness, experience, determination, and nautical skills can impact the size of a sailboat that you can single-handedly handle with confidence, these are just a few definitive factors. As such, the size of the boat's sails will play a critical role. It doesn't matter how fit or strong you are, it's almost impossible to perfectly handle sails that measure 300-400 square feet on your own, and these are more common on vessels measuring 50-60 feet.

This is exactly why you shouldn't go for a sailboat that exceeds 46 feet if you're planning to sail single-handedly. You should refrain from going for a larger sailboat as it can be far trickier to dock in a crowded marina if you're sailing single-handedly. If anything, a boat measuring 35-45 feet will allow you to see around. It's also maneuverable, especially when anchoring and docking. You should also keep in mind that boats measuring 35-45 feet are generally designed with engine props, keels, and electric bow thrusters that can make a huge difference in the handling and maneuverability of such boats.

Here are a few factors to consider when looking at the size of a sailboat that you can handle on your own.

The anchor - Any sailor will tell you that it's always advisable to go out there on the water with an anchor that's large and strong enough to hold the sailboat safely in case there's a storm. But because you want a sailboat that you can handle on your own, you should ask yourself; can you raise the boat's anchor back to the deck with the help of a winch or another person? This should help you determine the size of a sailboat that you can handle alone.

Configuration of the Sailboat  - This pretty much revolves around the maneuverability of the boat. Simply put, the sailboat should be designed in a way that you can single-handedly maneuver it to a dock even when strong winds are blowing. You should also be able to get a line from the sailboat to the dock without losing control of the boat.

You should also make sure that you can reef, lower, smother, and work with the sails in all kinds of weather without any assistance.

Hardware - Another important factor to consider when looking for the right size of a sailboat that you can handle alone is the hardware. Many equipment manufacturers now offer affordable hardware that can be used by lone sailors at the highest levels. For example, there are canting keels and roller furling headsails that are generally used in short-handed racing and these technologies have filtered into the mainstream.

There are also robust and reliable sailing handling systems such as electric winches, top-down spinnaker furlers, code zeros that can be of great help if you want to sail single-handedly, especially for offshore adventures. You can also go for reliable autopilots that are interfaced with wind instruments to enhance your safety and navigation. You can also use releasable inner forestay designed with hanks to make your headsail reef a lot easier. The boat should have enough reefs and the seat should have a comfortable cushion to make long hours of sailing more enjoyable.

Safety and communication  - Sailing single-handedly always requires that you take your safety into serious consideration. You do not have a crew that will help you when there's a mishap so there's always an increased risk. For this reason, your safety and communication should be paramount if you're looking for a sailboat that you can handle alone. Some of the most important things to have in place include stout webbing straps that run from bow to stern and should be clipped into the tether on your harness. These are some of the safety devices that you should use even when the weather is very calm. You should also have an appropriate life jacket and wear it at all times.

That's not all; you should have a perfect sail and communication plan that you can share with a trusted contact on land. Of course, this should include your sailing route and projected timeline. You should have satellite phones and Wi-Fi onboard the boat, as well as other reliable communication devices. You should also have an extra battery. More importantly, you should attend safety as sea courses as this will enhance your skills of staying safe in case there's a mishap when sailing single-handedly.

Going Smaller than 35-45 Feet

As we noted earlier, a sailboat measuring between 35 and 45 feet is the sailing sweet spot if you want to sail single-handedly. This is because such sailboats do offer almost everything that you need to sail without any assistance. However, you may decide to go smaller but this would mean that the storage capabilities go against you.

In most cases, a sailboat measuring about 25 feet long would mean that you lose about 4 tons of storage space as well as the overall weight. This would mean that the boat is much lighter and this might affect your speed. Remember, the longer the boat, the faster the speed and this is essential for seagoing passages. On the other hand, a shorter boat will be slower and this means that you'll have to carry more food and water if you're going for offshore adventures.

As such, the volume of accommodation required may overwhelm a smaller vessel and this can make the operation of such a boat quite challenging. Other areas such as the navigation and galley table may be cramped and this can compromise the way you operate the boat. Worst still, the possibility of having a friend or a loved one join you aboard the boat is nearly impossible since there may be not enough accommodation for the two of you.

Another notable disadvantage of going smaller is the violent motion that it endures when sailing. This can be stressful and very likely to cause seasickness and this is something that you don't want when sailing single-handedly.

Going Larger than 35-45 Feet

If you're not on a limited budget, then you may choose to go for a sailboat that is larger than 35-45 feet. Larger sailboats are more speed and will always deliver sea-kind motion. You also have ample storage and accommodation for friends and family. But even with these advantages, the fundamental weakness of a larger sailboat is that it's almost impossible for one person to perfectly handle it. In other words, it's impossible to perfectly handle, maintain, and manage all facets of sailing a larger vessel. In fact, it can be even challenging or two people to handle it.

In essence, handling a larger vessel single-handedly can be brutal, to say the least. You may have lots of equipment but you'll still require more manpower to have them working appropriately.

To this end, it's easy to see why sailboats measuring 35-45 feet are the best for solo sailing . Smaller vessels might be ideal for the weekends but they are slower and do not have enough storage and accommodation space for offshore sailing. Almost similarly larger vessels (46 feet and above) are faster, beautiful, and spacious, but handling them on your own is almost impossible. So if you're looking for a sailboat that you can perfectly handle on your own, go for a vessel measuring between 35 and 45 feet long.

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I've personally had thousands of questions about sailing and sailboats over the years. As I learn and experience sailing, and the community, I share the answers that work and make sense to me, here on Life of Sailing.

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World’s largest single-mast sailboat heads south after overnight in Departure Bay

NANAIMO — It was a brief stop, but still one which turned many heads towards Nanaimo’s harbour.

The M5, a 75 metre (roughly 250 feet) long and 88.5 metre (290 foot) high vessel, arrived in Nanaimo on Sunday, Sept. 17 and departed early Monday morning bound for Victoria as it continued its journey down Island.

It is due in Oak Bay Monday afternoon and previously moored off Hernando Island, near Campbell River, over the weekend.

Owned by Rod Lewis, owner of the Lewis Energy Group which is one of the largest natural gas producers in Texas, the M5 is comfortably the largest single-mast sailboat in the world with the speed to match.

While its listed top speed is 14 knots, Lewis is on record saying he’s gotten the ship up to 22 knots (around 40 kilometres per hour).

In addition to its massive sail, featuring the largest mast and jib of any sailing craft ever built, two engines provide power and were used to move the vessel out of Nanaimo Monday morning.

While it’s unclear whether Lewis is currently aboard, the vessel comfortably sleeps 16 guests and 17 crew members.

Formerly dubbed the Mirabella V, the M5 was launched in November 2003 and completed the following year.

The boat has undergone several major refits including in 2013 and 2019.

The M5 is valued around $50 million, with annual operating costs of roughly $5 million.

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Exploring the World’s 11 Largest Sailing Catamarans: Rankings and Key Facts

Table of Contents

Discover the top 11 largest sailing catamarans in the world, including rankings and key information about their size and capabilities. Learn about the feasibility of solo sailing, transatlantic crossings, and the risks of capsizing. Plus, explore reasons why catamarans may not be as popular as other types of vessels.”

Introduction: 11 largest sailing catamarans

This article explores the world of the largest sailing catamarans, ranking the top 11 largest vessels by size and providing key information about their capabilities. Before delving into the specifics, it’s important to understand what a catamaran is and why it’s such a popular type of vessel. A catamaran is a multihull boat that has two parallel hulls of equal size. This design provides numerous advantages, including increased speed, stability, and spaciousness compared to monohull boats. Catamarans are popular among sailors for their efficiency and comfort, making them an appealing option for cruising and racing alike.

Top 11 Largest Sailing Catamarans in the World:

The world’s largest sailing catamarans are truly awe-inspiring feats of engineering and design. Topping the list is the Black Pearl, a massive 106.7-meter vessel that boasts cutting-edge technology and luxury amenities. Other impressive entries on the list include the White Rabbit, the Hemisphere, and the Fujin. Each of these vessels represents the pinnacle of catamaran design and engineering, with unique features and capabilities that set them apart from the rest. Whether you’re interested in the latest in high-tech sailing or simply appreciate the beauty of these majestic vessels, the world’s largest sailing catamarans are sure to leave a lasting impression.

Can a Catamaran Cross the Atlantic?

Crossing the Atlantic in a catamaran is a major undertaking that requires careful planning and preparation. While it’s certainly possible to make the journey in a catamaran, there are several factors to consider before embarking on such a voyage. Catamarans have certain advantages over monohull boats for long-distance cruising, including greater speed and stability, as well as more living space. However, they also have some disadvantages, such as a higher center of gravity and a wider beam, which can make them more susceptible to rolling in rough seas. Ultimately, the decision to cross the Atlantic in a catamaran should be made based on careful consideration of these factors, as well as personal experience and skill level.

How Big of a Catamaran Can One Person Sail?

The size of a catamaran that one person can sail depends on several factors, including the individual’s experience level and the complexity of the vessel. In general, smaller catamarans with simpler rigging systems are easier for one person to handle, while larger catamarans with more complex systems require a crew. The key to successful single-handed sailing in a catamaran is having a thorough understanding of the vessel’s systems and being able to anticipate and respond to changing conditions quickly and effectively. With the right training and experience, however, it’s possible to sail a catamaran solo even up to a length of around 40-50 feet.

Do Large Catamarans Capsize?

While it’s true that catamarans have a reputation for being stable and safe, there is still a risk of capsizing, particularly with larger vessels. The risk of capsize depends on several factors, including the design and construction of the vessel, the conditions it’s operating in, and the skill of the crew. Generally speaking, catamarans are more stable than monohulls, thanks to their wide beam and low center of gravity. However, this stability can be compromised in extreme conditions, such as heavy seas or high winds. In order to minimize the risk of capsizing, it’s important to ensure that the vessel is well-maintained and that the crew has the appropriate level of training and experience.

Why Are Catamarans Not Popular?

There are several reasons why catamarans are not as popular as some other types of vessels, especially in certain regions of the world. One of the primary reasons is their high initial cost. Compared to monohull boats of the same length, catamarans are generally more expensive due to their larger size, greater stability, and more complex systems. This can make them less accessible for many people who are interested in sailing.

Another reason why catamarans are not as popular is that they require specialized skills and knowledge to operate. Catamarans have different handling characteristics than monohull boats, and they require a different approach to sailing. This means that sailors who are used to operating monohulls may find it difficult to adapt to catamarans, which can make them less appealing.

Finally, there are some misconceptions about catamarans that have contributed to their relative lack of popularity. For example, some people believe that catamarans are less seaworthy than monohull boats, or that they are less comfortable in heavy seas. However, in reality, catamarans can be just as seaworthy and comfortable as monohulls, and they offer a number of advantages in terms of speed, stability, and spaciousness. Ultimately, the decision to sail a catamaran or a monohull boat comes down to personal preference, experience, and the specific requirements of the sailing journey.

11 Largest Sailing Catamarans

• Black Pearl – 106.7 meters
• White Rabbit – 84 meters
• Hemisphere – 44.2 meters
• Fujin – 42.5 meters
• Douce France – 42.2 meters
• Hodor – 41.9 meters
• Galaxy of Happiness – 40.8 meters
• Lir – 39.6 meters
• Rapture – 34.1 meters
• WindQuest – 33.8 meters
• Alithia – 33.7 meters

It’s worth noting that these rankings can change over time as new, larger catamarans are built.

• Black Pearl – This sailing yacht is the largest in the world with a length of 106.7 meters. It features a unique design with three masts and a stunning black hull. Black Pearl is a luxurious vessel with a maximum speed of 30 knots and accommodations for up to 12 guests and 18 crew members.
• White Rabbit – With a length of 84 meters, White Rabbit is the second largest sailing catamaran in the world. This impressive yacht boasts an innovative design and advanced technology, including a hybrid propulsion system that allows for quiet and efficient sailing. White Rabbit can accommodate up to 10 guests in five luxurious cabins.
• Hemisphere – The Hemisphere is a 44.2-meter sailing catamaran that was launched in 2011. This stunning yacht has won multiple awards for its impressive design and luxurious features, including spacious interior and exterior living areas. Hemisphere can accommodate up to 12 guests in six cabins.
• Fujin – Fujin is a 42.5-meter sailing catamaran that was built in 2016. This high-performance yacht features a sleek design and can reach speeds of up to 20 knots. Fujin can accommodate up to 8 guests in four cabins and has a crew of 7.
• Douce France – Douce France is a 42.2-meter sailing catamaran that was launched in 1998. This elegant yacht has a classic design and has been recently refitted to include modern amenities and technology. Douce France can accommodate up to 12 guests in six cabins.
• Hodor – With a length of 41.9 meters, Hodor is a luxurious sailing catamaran that was launched in 2019. This impressive yacht features a modern design and advanced technology, including a carbon fiber mast and a hydraulic lifting platform. Hodor can accommodate up to 10 guests in five cabins.
• Galaxy of Happiness – Galaxy of Happiness is a 40.8-meter sailing catamaran that was built in 2020. This stunning yacht features a sleek design and advanced technology, including a hybrid propulsion system. Galaxy of Happiness can accommodate up to 12 guests in six cabins.
• Lir – Lir is a 39.6-meter sailing catamaran that was launched in 2014. This luxurious yacht features a classic design and modern amenities, including a Jacuzzi and a gym. Lir can accommodate up to 10 guests in five cabins.
• Rapture – Rapture is a 34.1-meter sailing catamaran that was launched in 2007. This elegant yacht features a classic design and luxurious accommodations, including a spacious master suite and four guest cabins. Rapture can accommodate up to 8 guests and has a crew of 5.
• WindQuest – With a length of 33.8 meters, WindQuest is a high-performance sailing catamaran that was built in 2014. This sleek yacht features a carbon fiber mast and can reach speeds of up to 24 knots. WindQuest can accommodate up to 8 guests in four cabins and has a crew of 4.
• Alithia – Alithia is a 33.7-meter sailing catamaran that was launched in 2002. This elegant yacht features a classic design and luxurious accommodations, including a spacious salon and dining area. Alithia can accommodate up to 8 guests in four cabins and has a crew of 4.

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The Biggest Catamaran One Person Can Sail Safely? (A Study Of Sailors Experience)

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Sailing is an exhilarating experience, and one thing that gets me the most passionate is teamwork and seeing everyone doing the correct things at the correct time. Although I love teamwork, I find sailors that take their boat out on their own, amazing and very inspiring.

This has led me to ask the question: What is the largest catamaran one person can sail on their own (solo sailing)?  I started a poll and collected data from over 100 sailors, and here you have it! This is how big of a catamaran people can safely sail single-handed.

Keep reading to understand which factors make a boat more or less suited for short-handed sailing.

Table of Contents

Conclusion of The Study

Most people (46%) who took the poll answered that they would not be comfortable sailing  a catamaran larger than 40 ft safely. This is also the same size that I recommended in my video on best on the best-sized catamaran for ocean sailing, which you can watch below or  read this article .

Many commented that larger boats, and the sails would be difficult to reef efficiently and safely and also that their view would be hindered, making docking and port navigation much harder.

33% of the responders said that they would be comfortable with a boat a big as 50ft  before the size started becoming a problem; most of this group also mentioned that they are sailors with a lot of experience and many years in the industry. Some argued that navigating offshore is very easy, but the difficulty mainly lies in stormy weather, where most would appreciate a helping hand.

19% responded that they would handle any boat as long as it was set up correctly and they were taught the right skills.  This, of course, makes sense in an imaginative world where it is possible to outfit any boat with the most recent automatic equipment and train anyone to the highest level. Respecting this answer, I have put a section further below discussing the technical aspects of solo sailing.

Above 50ft in length, very few (1 respondent) felt comfortable sailing safely independently.

Why Size Does Not Matter

Considering the 20% that answer size doesnt matter, let’s look at what they thought did matter. Skills and Gear

There is no better enabler than actually knowing what you are doing; if you lack the skills, you will probably end up in a bad way no matter what gear you have.

The skills that were mentioned surrounded mainly the ability to handle rough weather and to dock and navigate a marina safely. Long calm passages under autopilot seemed to be very easy.

Bow thruster and High Tech gear

Solo sailing a large catamaran means you will have to leave some work to computers and machinery, which includes hoisting and reefing sails by electric winches. On some exclusive cats, it will also do the trimming of the sails for you.

Most people will never sail a boat with automatic trimming due to it being very expensive; electric winches, on the other hand, are common on 38ft+ cats.

One of the most nervous aspects of sailing is docking, this is where many accidents happen, and this is where it becomes very tricky if you are on your own. Bow thrusters (impellers that can move the boat sideways) activated by the move of a joystick make docking much easier, sadly it is a costly system that very few cats employ.

The assumption is that if you are properly trained and have enough money to buy allt the gear in the industry, you can safely sail any size vessel. This is not the reality for most people, so let’s look at most respondents’ experiences.

Limiting Factors

The limiting factors are the things that make it hard to solo sail your boat; anything that makes it less safe and manageable will be on this list. Let’s check it out!

Heavy sails

Once the cat gets longer, the larger the sails’ surface area will be, and therefore also their weight; this means that unless you are on an electric winch system, getting your sails up might be very hard or impossible. This problem usually starts around 45ft. Getting physically prepared is necessary for safe sailing.

Limited view

Once you pass 40ft, many people mentioned the problems of seeing what’s in front of you ; on some cats, this is not a problem at all, especially with flybridge, but on most small movement in a marina can get really tricky.

It’s common to the sensation you get when you are used to driving your mom’s fiat, and then you get back into your truck. It’s hard to know where the car or boat actually is.

Time to move from cockpit to cleats

Another aspect is simply the time it takes, from changing the engine settings to attaching your boat to a cleat. The longer the boat is, the longer time it takes you to move from one to the other when you need to make corrections.

And if you are unlucky, it will take just a little bit too long, and you scratch your neighbor’s boat. Something that is not too uncommon.

Setting Up Yourself and Your Boat For Solo Sailing

Here are some essential tips for setting up your boat for solo adventures; if you want the complete guide, I would recommend you  read this.

• Ensure all controls go to the cockpit; this is vital for safe cruising since it eliminates the need to move around the boat to access various controls.
• Use a center cleat for docking; this really is a pro tip that will make life so much easier. The center cleat makes attaching the lines much more accessible and will make it possible to “spring of the dock,” a maneuver that solo sailors love since it allows them to use a single line to untie from the dock. Something that the captain can do from the cockpit.
• Use an autopilot. This is probably one of the most useful tools since it allows you to multitask while at sea. Instead of always being on watch and steering the boat, you are now able to pop your head up from time to time and use the rest of the time for cooking, repair, or get some rest!

Practice sailing solo

The respondents’ most important factor was skills; the list below tries to summarize the data and help you take the next step towards your solo sailing adventure.

• Bring a crew  but let them be passive; if something happens, they will be there for you to solve the situation, but until then, you are on your own. This will create a safe learning situation where you are able to see where your skill level is at and to become better and better in a safe way. This is especially useful when docking!
• Dry practice before you go out;  walk through different situations in your head and then do it in the safety of the dock. This is a potent skill that will increase your learning curve, and once you get out on the water, you already know most of the moves you need to do, where the different lines as, etc.

Check out this article on Short-Handed sailing of catamarans

Thanks for reading, and I hope you like this type of data collection and analysis useful! Safe Sails!

Owner of CatamaranFreedom.com. A minimalist that has lived in a caravan in Sweden, 35ft Monohull in the Bahamas, and right now in his self-built Van. He just started the next adventure, to circumnavigate the world on a Catamaran!

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8 Fascinating Facts About ‘Kokomo,' the Lightning-Fast 192-Foot Sailing Superyacht

Posted: March 15, 2024 | Last updated: March 15, 2024

2.-SY-Kokomo_Sailing_1-064

The 192-foot Kokomo was the second largest sloop in the world when it launched from New Zealand’s Alloy Yachts shipyard in 2010. It remains the largest fast-cruising sloop available for charter. The yacht’s commissioning owner Lang Walker (who died in January 2024) was a seasoned sailor who gave all three of his yachts the same name.

The first was a 131-foot sloop, which Walker replaced five years later with a 171-footer. The same day he took delivery of his 171-foot sloop, he placed an order for the third and final 192-foot Kokomo, which he planned to use for racing and cruising around the world. He also kept the same design team for all three yachts, with exterior and naval architecture by Ed Dubois and interior by UK’s RWD.

The reference to the yacht’s name has had different explanations over the years, ranging from the pseudonym of a composer whose music Walker played as a child to a nod to the Beach Boys’s song from their 1988 album Still Cruisin’, which references a fictional utopian island called Kokomo. The island fantasy was brought to life in 2011 when Walker acquired a private island in Fiji’s Great Astrolabe Reef and named it Kokomo.

Here are eight unknown facts about one of the most game-changing sailing yachts on the water.

You’re Going to Need a Bigger Boom

When Kokomo was launched, she was the second-largest sloop in the world and carried the largest set of sails made by Doyle Sails in New Zealand. The 23,971-square-foot asymmetric spinnaker is half the size of a professional football field, while the 9,688-square-foot mainsail needs a crane to lift it. Because of the gargantuan size of the sails, the designers entered a new era of spar and winch design, having to “reinvent” the deck equipment—winches, mast, boom, rigging and sails—to cope with the 31.6-ton load on the genoa sheet and 32-ton load on the main sheet clew. The 244-foot carbon mast is the largest ever made by Southern Spars.

A Hidden Lifting Keel

The yacht’s 130-ton lifting keel is one of its most impressive features, though it’s largely left to the imagination. The interior layout is carefully designed so that the keel structure remains hidden. Dubois Naval Architects positioned the keel box to come above the main deck, serving as a partial separation between the bridge and the main salon (see inset). Kokomo was only the second yacht to be fitted with a lifting a keel, the first being 246-foot M5 (ex-Mirabella V), the world’s largest single-masted sailing yacht. This innovative design shortens Kokomo’s 28.5-foot draft when the keel is fully extended, to just 15 feet for shallow waters.

Now You See It, Now You Don’t

Kokomo might be big on technology, but never at the expense of design. The wheelhouse has fold-down computer screens that conceal the navigation equipment when not in use, converting to beautiful carbon counter tops. This design sleight of hand transforms a highly technical area into a tony lounge. It’s a theme that extends to the foredeck, where the yacht’s two tenders are concealed in dedicated lockers. There’s also a fully retractable tender crane that launches the tenders from either side of the boat but disappears out of sight when guests are using the Jacuzzi. “The designated deck lockers were an advanced feature at the time of her launch,” says Wynne, adding that another bonus is that diesel tanks are fully available. “The tenders can be fueled onboard before launching.”

It Takes Just A Few Good Sailors

Kokomo can accommodate up to 10 crew in total, but theoretically it only takes two to sail—a helm person and a sail trimmer. That sounds almost impossible given the size and complexity of yacht. But all sails are controlled by joystick on the flybridge. And when the boat is in full-on racing mode, there are control stations on both sides, providing visibility of the sails. Thanks to the hydraulics system, the mainsail can be hoisted and lowered on a wireless remote control. Of course, maneuvers like stowing the massive genoa can never be automated. That’s a job for a half-dozen good sailors.

Art On Board

The hallway that leads to the owner’s cabin is lined with a mosaic tapestry made from sea glass woven together with wire. Backlit to create an unusual effect, it’s just one of the eclectic works of art that decorates the interior. The main salon also has a stunning and colorful work of glass art as another example.

Interior Matters

Kokomo is not all tech features. The yacht’s modern interiors combine dark wood floors and calming cream furnishings start in the main salon and continue across the five guest cabins. Penned by British studio Redman Whiteley Dixon, the design carefully wraps around the lifting keel without sacrificing or impeding on any interior guest space. The yacht accommodates up to 10 guests in a master suite, VIP, one double cabin and two twins. There are other accommodations for up to 10 crew. On the foredeck, the Jacuzzi brings another element of outdoor entertainment, bolstered by a sunken cockpit.

World Traveler

The mandate issued by Walker was to create a yacht that was a “quantum leap forward” from his previous yachts, with superior sailing characteristics and guest comfort. The mast’s height is too tall to sail through the Panama or Suez Canals, which meant it would have to be designed to sail around Cape Horn and the Cape of Good Hope to reach the Caribbean and Mediterranean. The maiden voyage took the yacht from the New Zealand shipyard to Australia, New Caledonia, the Solomon Islands, and Fiji. It also spent time at Walker’s private island (pictured above), also named Kokomo. The vessel has since spent many years exploring the Caribbean and Med. It’s based in both regions during the respective cruising seasons, with charters available through Cecil Wright.

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