Inside Wealth

The world's largest yachts 2013

The World’s Largest Yachts 2013

The world’s super yachts are some of the biggest and most expensive toys of the super rich, floating palaces with unique features that can carry price tags into the hundreds of millions.Super yachts are privately owned vessels that have professional crews and are found in the greatest abundance in the Mediterranean, Caribbean and the Middle East. Each year, compiles a list of the largest yachts on the water, giving owners the bragging rights of having one of the world’s largest boats, and at ti
Photo: Colin Anderson | Blend Images | Getty Images

The world’s super yachts are some of the biggest and most expensive toys of the super rich, floating palaces with unique features that can carry price tags into the hundreds of millions.

Super yachts are privately-owned vessels that have professional crews and are found in the greatest abundance in the Mediterranean, Caribbean and the Middle East.

Each year, SuperYachts.com compiles a list of the largest yachts on the water, giving owners the bragging rights of having one of the world’s largest boats, and at times, competing with each other.


Due to the highly secretive nature that yacht builders and shipyards work under, details have been kept hush-hush, but speculation has run wild at the prospect of the world’s next largest yacht, coming in around 590 feet (nearly two football fields long), eclipsing the current number one by nearly 54 feet. We do know that it is being built by Lurssen and that it has an estimated price tag $622 million.
So, which super yachts rank as the largest in 2013? Click ahead to find out!

By Joseph O'Dell, Morgan Giordano, and Paul Toscano
Updated 12th July 2013

15. Alexander

Length: 400 feetTop speed: 18 knotsTotal power: 16,100 hpThe Alexander was built in 1965 in Lubecker Flender yard and was refurbished in Germany as a yacht by Hapag-Lloyd shipyard from 1985 to 1987 and refit in 1998. The yacht has been the property of the Latsis family since its beginning and has yet to change hands. It is available for charter at $774,000 per week.The Alexander holds up to 80 passengers and 60 crew members in its 40 state rooms and owner’s suite. Other rooms include a meeting h
Photo: TheYachtPhoto.com

Length: 400 feet
Top speed: 18 knots
Total power: 16,100 hp

The Alexander was built in 1965 by Lubecker Flender Werke in Lubeck, Germany, and was refurbished as a yacht by Hapag-Lloyd shipyard from 1985 to 1987 and refit in 1998. The yacht has been the property of the Latsis family since its beginning and has yet to change hands. It is available for charter at $774,000 per week.

The Alexander holds up to 80 passengers and 60 crew members in its 40 state rooms and owner’s suite. Other rooms include a meeting hall, a conference hall, a dining saloon that can seat all passengers at once, and a small restaurant. There are two outside bars, two whirlpool and sunbathing areas and a helipad.

The yacht is also filled with entertainment options including a disco bar, children’s playroom, beauty salon, and a 27-seat cinema. It also features a gymnasium, music room and pool deck. The ship is based in Athens and can be chartered in the summer and winter seasons on the Mediterranean.

14. Katara

Length: 408 feetTop speed: N/ATotal power: N/AKatara is a mystery among the super yachts, as details about the interior and owner have been kept fairly secret. The 408-foot behemoth was launched in April 2010 and was known as Project Crystal while being built. It was built in Germany by Lurssen Yachts’ in-house naval architects and was designed by Monaco’s Espen Oeino Naval Architects.The super yacht is worth an estimated $300 million and flies the Qatari flag.
Photo: SuperYachts.com

Length: 408 feet
Top speed: N/A
Total power: N/A

Katara is a mystery among the super yachts, as details about the interior and owner have been kept fairly secret. The 408-foot behemoth was launched in April 2010 and was known as Project Crystal while being built.

It was built in Germany by Lurssen Yachts’ in-house naval architects and was designed by Monaco’s Espen Oeino Naval Architects.

The super yacht is worth an estimated $300 million and flies the Qatari flag.

13. Octopus

Length: 414 feetTop speed: 20 knotsTotal power: 19,200 hpPurchased by Microsoft (MSFT) co-founder Paul Allen for $121 million in 2003, the Octopus features some intriguing onboard toys, including a 63-foot tender, two2 submarines, a remote control submarine, a dock for Jet Skis, a pool, and two helicopters on the top deck.It has also been used for humanitarian efforts. Allen loaned the yacht to a flotilla helping to stop the poaching of giant clams, and it helped in the for an American pilot and
Photo: SuperYachts.com

Length: 414 feet
Top speed: 20 knots
Total power: 19,200 hp

Purchased by Microsoft (MSFT) co-founder Paul Allen for $121 million in 2003, the Octopus features some intriguing onboard toys, including a 63-foot tender, two submarines, a remote control submarine, a dock for Jet Skis, a pool, and two helicopters on the top deck.

It has also been used for humanitarian efforts. Allen loaned the yacht to a flotilla helping to stop the poaching of giant clams, and it helped in the unsuccessful searchfor an American pilot and two police officers from Palau after their plane disappeared in April.

The exterior was designed by Espen Oeino and was built by Lurssen and HDW in Germany. The interior was designed by Jonathan Quinn Barnettof Seattle.

12. Al Mirqab

Length: 437 feetTop speed: 23 knotsTotal power: 13,400 hpAt 437 feet, the Al Miqab is the 11th-largest yacht in the world. Owned by Qatar’s Emir Hamad bin Jassim bin Jaber Al Thani, it was launched in 2008 and is estimated to be worth up to $300 million. The vessel won Motor Yacht of the Year and Best Interior Design at the World Superyacht Awards in 2009.The Al Mirqab can accommodate up to 60 guests and 60 crew members and features a helicopter landing pad, a whirlpool on deck, a movie theater
Source & Photo: SuperYachts.com

Length: 437 feet
Top speed: 23 knots
Total power: 13,400 hp

At 437 feet, the Al Mirqab is the 11th-largest yacht in the world. Owned by Qatar’s Emir Hamad bin Jassim bin Jaber Al Thani, it was launched in 2008 and is estimated to be worth up to $300 million. The vessel won Motor Yacht of the Year and Best Interior Design at the World Superyacht Awards in 2009.

The Al Mirqab can accommodate up to 60 guests and 60 crew members and features a helicopter landing pad, a whirlpool on deck, a movie theater and an on-board elevator.

The hull is made of steel with an aluminum super-structure and is nearly 64 feet at its widest point. Gross tonnage is 5,511 tons. The vessel sails under the flag of the Cayman Islands.

11. Serene

Length: 440 feetTop speed: N/ATotal power: N/ABuilt by Fincantieri Yachts and designed by Monaco’s Espen Oeino designers, the Serene Construction began in 2007, and when it was completed, it was the largest yacht ever built in Italy.The Serene features seven decks, two helicopter landing platforms, storage for a large submarine and a large internal seawater pool.
Source & Photo: SuperYachts.com

Length: 440 feet
Top speed: N/A
Total power: N/A

Built by Fincantieri Yachts and designed by Monaco’s Espen Oeino designers, the Serene launched in 2010.Construction began in 2007, and when it was completed, it was the largest yacht ever built in Italy.

The Serene features seven decks, two helicopter landing platforms, storage for a large submarine and a large internal seawater pool.

10. Rising Sun

Length: 454 feetTop speed: 28 knotsTotal power: 48,920 hpOwned jointly by Oracle founder Larry Ellison and media mogul David Geffen, the Rising Sun is rumored to have been commissioned by Ellison to eclipse Allen’s 414-foot Octopus in size. Built in 2004 and refitted in 2007, the vessel has accommodation for up to 16 guests and 45 crew members.It is estimated that the yacht costs $13 million annually to maintain and cost in excess of $200 million to build. The Rising Sun has also become so popul
Source & Photo: SuperYachts.com

Length: 454 feet
Top speed: 28 knots
Total power: 48,920 hp

Owned jointly by Oracle founder Larry Ellison and media mogul David Geffen, the Rising Sun is rumored to have been commissioned by Ellison to eclipse Allen’s 414-foot Octopus in size. Built in 2004 and refitted in 2007, the vessel has accommodation for up to 16 guests and 45 crew members.

It is estimated that the yacht costs $13 million annually to maintain and cost in excess of $200 million to build. The Rising Sun has also become so popular that it has spawned its own fan site, YachtRisingSun.com,which features videos and postings related to the ship.

9. Al Salamah

Length: 457 feetTop speed: 22 knotsTotal power: 17,540 hpThe Al Salamah was built in the late 1990s for the late crown prince of Saudi Arabia, Prince Sultan bin Abdul Aziz, in Germany by HDW and Lurssen Yachts. Details about much of the ship is secret, but it is believed to have over 80 rooms, a helipad and an indoor swimming pool with a glass roof.During its construction it was code named “Mipos,” standing for “Mission Impossible” because it was built after only two years and cost in excess of
Source & Photo: SuperYachts.com

Length: 457 feet
Top speed: 22 knots
Total power: 17,540 hp

The Al Salamah was built in the late 1990s for the late crown prince of Saudi Arabia, Prince Sultan bin Abdul Aziz, in Germany by HDW and Lurssen Yachts. Details about much of the ship is secret, but it is believed to have over 80 rooms, a helipad and an indoor swimming pool with a glass roof.

During its construction it was code named “Mipos,” standing for “Mission Impossible” because it was built after only two years and cost in excess of $200 million. The ship can accommodate 40 guests and 96 crew members.

8. Yas

Length: 462.6 feetTop speed: 26 knotsTotal power: 42,000 hpThe Yas was launched from the ADM Shipyards facilities in Abu Dhabi in December 2011, bumping the Al Salamah from the number six spot. The Yas was the largest launch of 2011. The steel hull originally belonged to a Royal Dutch Navy frigate built in 1978. The redesign, by the Pierre Jean Design studio of France, features a distinctive narrow hull paired with a lightweight glass superstructure.The Yas features a swimming pool and spa, a he
Photo by: Dick Holthuis

Length: 462.6 feet
Top speed: 26 knots
Total power: 42,000 hp

The Yas was launched from the ADM Shipyards facilities in Abu Dhabi in December 2011, bumping the Al Salamah from the number six spot. The Yas was the largest launch of 2011.

The steel hull originally belonged to a Royal Dutch Navy frigate built in 1978. The redesign, by the Pierre Jean Design studio of France, features a distinctive narrow hull paired with a lightweight glass superstructure.

The Yas features a swimming pool and spa, a helipad, a highly advanced audio-visual entertainment system, a garage for water toys, as well as a door made of carbon-fiber functioning as a boarding or swimming platform.

Yas also sports an eco-friendly fuel based engine to reduce its carbon foot print, and has SONAR, SATCOM, and night navigator on board. It can accommodate up to 60 guests, and a 56-strong crew.

7. El Horriya

Length: 478 feetTop speed: 16 knotsTotal power: 19,550 hpThe world’s sixth- largest yacht is also one of the oldest super yachts still in operation. El Horriya was originally built in London in 1865 for the king of Egypt, and the length was extended in 1872 and in 1905 and last refitted in 1987.The yacht is berthed out of Alexandria, Egypt, and is by the Egyptian Navy. It can carry 160 crewmembers.
Source & Photo: SuperYachts.com

Length: 478 feet
Top speed: 16 knots
Total power: 19,550 hp

The world’s seventh largest yacht is also one of the oldest super yachts still in operation. El Horriya was originally built in London in 1865 for the king of Egypt, and the length was extended in 1872 and in 1905 and last refitted in 1987.

The yacht is berthed out of Alexandria, Egypt, and is listed as a training ship by the Egyptian Navy. It can carry 160 crewmembers.

6. (tied) Topaz

Length: 482 feetTop Speed: N/ATotal power: N/AThe Topaz was launched in May 2012 and has been kept fairly secretive. Reports said it was designed by Tim Heywood of Britain, who has several other credits on the world’s largest yachts list. It is to have a price tag ranging from $470 million to $626 million, weighs 12,000 tons, and is thought to have six cabins and with accommodations for 12 guests.The Topaz was built by Lurssen Yachts and had to be relocated from a 557-foot dry dock in the middle
Photo: TheYachtPhoto.com

Length: 482 feet
Top Speed: N/A
Total power: N/A

The Topaz was launched in May 2012 and has been kept fairly secretive. Reports said it was designed by Tim Heywood of Britain, who has several other credits on the world’s largest yachts list.

It is speculated to have a price tag ranging from $470 million to $626 million, weighs 12,000 tons, and is thought to have six cabins and with accommodations for 12 guests.

The Topaz was built by Lurssen Yachts and had to be re-located from a 557-foot dry dock in the middle of construction due to its massive size. It is currently unavailable for charter.

5. (tied) Prince Abdulaziz

Length: 482 feetTop speed: 22 knotsTotal power: 15,600 hpOwned by the Saudi royal family, the Prince Abdulaziz was the largest yacht built in the 20th century, first setting sail in 1984. The vessel is used for official business and personal voyages.At its widest point, the Prince Abdulaziz measures 60 feet and has a superstructure and hull of steel. It can accommodate 64 guests and 65 crewmembers, and a gross tonnage of 5,092 tons.
Source & Photo: SuperYachts.com

Length: 482 feet
Top speed: 22 knots
Total power: 15,600 hp

Owned by the Saudi royal family, the Prince Abdulaziz was the largest yacht built in the 20th century, first setting sail in 1984. The vessel is used for official business and personal voyages.

At its widest point, the Prince Abdulaziz measures 60 feet and has a superstructure and hull of steel. It can accommodate 64 guests and 65 crewmembers, and a gross tonnage of 5,092 tons.

4. Al Said

Length: 508 feetTop speed: 25 knotsTotal power: 21,992 hpAnother royal super yacht makes the list. The Al Said, features six decks and a concert room capable of accommodating a 50-piece orchestra. At its widest point, the ship measures nearly 79 feet across.The Al Said was completed in 2008 and was designed by Espen Oeino International. The yacht can accommodate 70 guests and 154 professional crewmembers.
Source & Photo: SuperYachts.com

Length: 508 feet
Top speed: 25 knots
Total power: 21,992 hp

Another royal super yacht makes the list. The Al Said, owned by the sultan of Oman,features six decks and a concert room capable of accommodating a 50-piece orchestra. At its widest point, the ship measures nearly 79 feet across.

The Al Said was completed in 2008 and was designed by Espen Oeino International. The yacht can accommodate 70 guests and 154 professional crew members.

3. Dubai

Length: 531 feetTop speed: 26 knotsTotal power: 38,500 hpAlthough currently owned by Sheik Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum, the ruler of the Emirate of Dubai, the yacht was originally commissioned by Prince Jefri Bolkiah of Brunei. Construction was originally delayed until 2001, when Sheik Mohammed bought out the project for a rumored $300 million.The vessel includes luxurious interior designs that include fine fabrics and handmade mosaics, a dramatic spiral staircase with color-changing glass st
Source & Photo: SuperYachts.com

Length: 531 feet
Top speed: 26 knots
Total power: 38,500 hp

Although currently owned by Sheik Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum, the ruler of the Emirate of Dubai, the yacht was originally commissioned by Prince Jefri Bolkiah of Brunei. Construction was originally delayed until 2001, when Sheik Mohammed bought out the project for a rumored $300 million.

The vessel includes luxurious interior designs that include fine fabrics and handmade mosaics, a dramatic spiral staircase with color-changing glass steps, numerous VIP and guest suites and seven decks.

The Dubai also has a mosaic swimming pool, several whirlpools and a landing pad that can service a helicopter in excess of 10 tons. The Dubai has room for 115 people, including crew and guest staff and boasts a range of 8,500 miles.

2. Eclipse

Length: 533 feetTop speed: 25 knotsTotal power: N/AWith a reported price tag of nearly $1.2 billion, the Eclipse is not only the largest yacht, but also the most expensive. The Eclipse was delivered in 2010 to Russian business tycoon Roman Abramovich, who is known worldwide for his opulent spending on everything from super yachts to England’s Chelsea Football Club.The Eclipse has two helicopter pads, 11 guest cabins, two swimming pools, exterior fireplace and a dance hall. The vessel is also equ
Source & Photo: SuperYachts.com

Length: 533 feet
Top speed: 25 knots
Total power: N/A

With a reported price tag of nearly $1.2 billion, the Eclipse is the most expensive yacht. The Eclipse was delivered in 2010 to Russian business tycoon Roman Abramovich, who is known worldwide for his opulent spending on everything from super yachts to England’s Chelsea Football Club.

The Eclipse has two helicopter pads, 11 guest cabins, two swimming pools, exterior fireplace and a dance hall. The vessel is also equipped with intruder detection systems and a German-built missile defense system, and bullet-proof glass and armor plating in the master suite and bridge.

Abramovich also made news in 2009 when he had an “anti-paparazzi” shield installed, which reportedly uses lasers to detect a camera and ruin any photographs taken by it with a flash of light.

The Eclipse also features a three-person submarine and can accommodate up to 30 guests and 75 crew members. Although much of the details of the ship have yet to be confirmed, estimates place the ship between 533 and 557 feet long.

1. Azzam

Source: SuperYachts.com

Length: 590 feet
Top Speed: 31.5 knots
Total Power: 94,000 hp

The Azzam is not only the world's newest and largest super yacht, she is also the world's fastest. In recent trials in the North Sea, the boat hit a top speed of 31.5 knots, or 37 miles per hour, the fastest speed recorded by a yacht over 300 feet long.

Taking one year to design and over three years to build, the Azzam cost $609 million to construct, around half the cost of 2012's largest superyacht, the Eclipse.

Although the Azzam was launched in April 2013, the yacht has not yet been delivered to its owner, who is reputed to be the royal family of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), as she has to undergo more trials and finishing touches. Even then, she will require a 50-person crew to maintain her.

The brief for Azzam's builders was to build a luxurious superyacht that could travel at high speeds even in warm and shallow waters, while still providing sophisticated accommodation for guests.

The finished product is a triumph of pan-European construction and design, with engineering by German boat builders Lurssen Yacht, who described it as "undoubtedly, the most challenging and complex yacht ever built." The boat's exterior was designed by Italy's Nauta Yachts and the interior styling was by French designer Christophe Leoni, who used a "turn-of-the-century Empire style".