As demonstrated by the on-going billionaire space race, the uber rich live in a whole other world filled with super cars, private jets and, of course, megayachts. Here we give you a run down of the 10 largest yachts in the world and who owns them.
Our ranking classes the largest mega yachts by length, and to put their magnitude into perspective here are a few facts to keep in mind:
- The blue whale, the largest creature to ever exist, reaches lengths of up to 32m.
- The Elizabeth Tower, more commonly known as Big Ben, is 96m.
10. Sailing Yacht A
This futuristic, silver-metallic yacht was a World Superyacht Awards Winner in 2018. Photo: Nobiskrug
Length: 142.8m
Year: 2017
Shipyard: Nobiskrug
Owner: Andrey Melnichenko
This futuristic, silver-metallic yacht is owned by Russian billionaire Andrey Melnichenko and is the sibling of “Motor Yacht A”, also owned by Melnichenko. Sailing Yacht A is by far the most innovative and unique yacht on our list and, in 2018, she was a winner of the World Superyacht Awards. She is also the only sailing vessel to make it into our top 10 and is, therefore, the largest of her kind.
Her three masts are the tallest freestanding composite structures in the world, with her mainmast reaching 100m above the waterline. Sailing Yacht A also boasts an underwater observation pod, a hybrid diesel-electric propulsion system and state-of- the-art navigation systems.
9. El Mahrousa (El Horreya)
El Mahrousa is the oldest serving superyacht in the world. Photo: superyachts.com
Length: 145.7m
Year: 1865
Shipyard: Samuda Brothers
Owner: President of Egypt (currently Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi)
At 156 years old, El Mahrousa is the oldest active superyacht in the world. This historic yacht was originally intended for the King of Egypt, although it is now owned by Egypt’s President. El Mahrousa remains active today as a presidential yacht and naval training ship. She also became the first ship to cross the New Suez Canal extension back in 2015.
Her impressive length was achieved through two alterations once in 1872 and another later in 1905; however, her length isn’t the only thing that has been changed. For a brief period, El Mahrousa (The Protected) was officially renamed “El Horreya”, meaning freedom.
8. Prince Abdulaziz
Prince Abdulaziz is the eight largest yacht in the world. Photo: yachtcharterfleet
Length: 147m
Year: 1984
Shipyard: Helsingor Vaerft
Owner: Saudi Arabian Royal Family
Prince Abdulaziz is another record breaking yacht; built in 1984, she was the largest yacht built in the 20th Century. She belongs to the Saudi Arabian Royal Family and was originally commissioned by King Fahd, who then named her after his son, Prince Abdulaziz.
7. A+
A+ illuminated in a pink hue at night. Photo: Lürssen
Length: 147.25m
Year: 2012
Shipyard: Lürssen Yachts
Owner: Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan
This modern yacht is in fact only 0.25m larger than Prince Abdulaziz. She is owned by Emirati billionaire, Sheikh Mansour and was initially named Topaz, though the reasons for her name-change remain a mystery. A+’s sleek exterior was designed by Tim Heywood with a striking illuminated line from bow to stern.
6. Al Said
Al Said’s exterior was designed by Espen Øino. Photo: Lürssen
Length: 155m
Year: 2008
Shipyard: Lürssen Yachts
Owner: Royal Family of Oman
This 155m yacht was built for the late Sultan of Oman in 2008, registered under the code name “Project Sunflower”. Her exterior was designed by Espen Øino and pays homage to classic cruise liners. It is reported that she can hold 70 guests in addition to 154 crew members. She is also said to have a concert room with a capacity for a 50 piece orchestra.
5. Dilbar
Dilbar is the fifth largest yacht in the world. Photo: Lürssen
Length: 156m
Year: 2016
Shipyard: Lürssen Yachts
Owner: Alisher Usmanov
This smart-looking yacht is owned by Russian billionaire, Alisher Usmanov. At 15,917 tons, Dilbar is currently the largest yacht by gross tonnage and the fifth largest in length. She also houses many impressive features, such as a 25 metre swimming pool, the largest pool to have ever been installed on a yacht.
4. Dubai
This yacht was originally intended for Prince Jefri Bolkiah of Brunei. Photo: superyachts.com
Length: 162m
Year: 2006
Shipyard: Platinum Yachts
Owner: Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum
This appropriately named yacht is owned by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, ruler of Dubai and Vice President/Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates. Her construction began in 1996, 10 years prior to her launch.
She was initially intended for Prince Jefri Bolkiah of Brunei, but was acquired by Sheikh Mohammed in 2001 after the yacht’s construction had been halted.This seven deck yacht can host up to 115 crew and guests and, despite her enormous size, she can reach up to 26 knots.
3. Eclipse
Eclipse is the third largest yacht in the world. Photo: superyachts.com
Length: 162.5m
Year: 2010
Shipyard: Blohm + Voss
Owner: Roman Abramovich
This impressive yacht belongs to Chelsea F.C owner, Roman Abramovich. As we have seen, superyachts aren’t just impressive because of their sheer size; they are also home to extraordinary entertainment and leisure facilities- Eclipse is no different.
Amongst her many luxuries include a three-man submarine and a 16-metre long swimming pool that can be converted into a dance floor thanks to its adjustable depth. And, if the superyacht itself wasn’t enough, she can also accommodate six tenders and three helicopters.
2. Fulk Al Salamah
Fulk Al Salamah is the second largest yacht in the world. Photo: superyachts.com
Length: 164m
Year: 2016
Shipyard: Mariotti Yachts
Owner: Sultan Haitham bin Tariq
In second place we have Fulk Al Salamah, a 164 metre yacht custom built by Mariotti Yachts, an Italian luxury shipbuilder. Along with Al Said which ranks sixth, Fulk Al Salamah is yet another yacht in the top 10 belonging to the Omani Royal Fleet. Despite being larger, she is thought to be a support vessel for Al Said.
1. Azzam
Azzam is currently the largest yacht in the world. Photo: Lürssen
Length: 180.65m
Year: 2013
Shipyard: Lürssen Yachts
Owner: Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan
Last, but certainly not least, is Azzam; the largest yacht to date spanning a stunning 180.65m long. She is yet another megayacht delivered by German powerhouse, Lurssen Yachts. To give you an idea of just how large she is: Azzam is around the same length as The Gherkin is tall; it stands proudly against the London skyline at 179.8m. Azzam’s owner is Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Abu Dhabi.
Main photo: Lürssen
Disclaimer: Whilst the information displayed is believed to be true, Boats and Outboards cannot guarantee its correctness and does not assume any legal responsibility for its accuracy.
References:
Animals. 2021. Blue whale. [online] Available at: [Accessed 26 July 2021].
Lurssen.com. 2021. The Yachts [online] Available at: [Accessed 26 July 2021].
Parliament.uk. 2021. Facts and figures: Big Ben and Elizabeth Tower. [online] Available at: [Accessed 26 July 2021].
Skyscrapercenter.com. 2021. 30 St Mary Axe - The Skyscraper Center. [online] Available at: [Accessed 26 July 2021].
Superyachts.com. 2021. 2021 Forecast | Top 100 Largest Yachts. [online] Available at: [Accessed 26 July 2021].
Yachtharbour.com. 2017 The 6 Largest Yachts Delivered In 2016. [online] Available at: [Accessed 26 July 2021]
