Sailing yachts have long been symbols of luxury, freedom, and the allure of the open sea. These majestic vessels combine advanced engineering with opulent design, offering their owners unparalleled experiences on the water. Among them, a select few stand out not only for their grandeur but also for their staggering price tags. In this article, we explore the 6 most expensive sailing yachts in the world, delving into their unique features, histories, and the reasons behind their immense valuations.
The 6 Most Expensive Sailing Yachts in the World
1. Sailing Yacht A – $600 Million
Sailing Yacht A is a masterpiece of modern marine engineering and design. Valued at approximately $600 million, it is one of the most expensive and innovative sailing yachts ever built. Designed by Philippe Starck and constructed by Nobiskrug in Germany, this vessel was delivered to Russian billionaire Andrey Melnichenko in 2017.
Specifications and Features
- Length: 468.5 feet (142.81 meters)
- Beam: 81.4 feet (24.8 meters)
- Gross Tonnage: 12,558 GT
- Masts: Three towering masts, among the tallest and most advanced ever constructed
- Decks: Eight, connected by multiple elevators
Sailing Yacht A boasts a range of luxurious amenities, including:
- Underwater Observation Pod: Allows guests to observe marine life from within the yacht
- Helipad: Accommodates private helicopters for convenient travel
- Swimming Pool: Offers relaxation with panoramic ocean views
- Advanced Navigation Systems: Features a touch-sensitive control system for sail management
The yacht’s futuristic design and state-of-the-art technology make it a floating palace that seamlessly blends luxury with innovation.
2. Eclipse – $590 Million
Eclipse is a superyacht that redefines luxury on the seas. Owned by Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich, this vessel was launched in 2010 and, at the time, was the largest yacht in the world. With a price tag of $590 million, Eclipse remains one of the most expensive yachts ever built.
Specifications and Features
- Length: 533 feet (162.5 meters)
- Builder: Blohm+Voss, Germany
- Guest Cabins: 24, accommodating up to 62 guests
- Crew Members: Approximately 70
Eclipse offers an array of luxurious amenities:
- Two Helipads: Facilitate easy access and transport
- Three Launch Boats: For excursions and transfers
- Submarine: Capable of submerging up to 50 meters
- Swimming Pools: Multiple pools, including a 16-meter pool that can be converted into a dance floor
- Disco Hall: For onboard entertainment
Notably, Eclipse is equipped with advanced security systems, including missile detection and defense systems, and bulletproof windows in the master suite, ensuring the utmost safety and privacy for its guests.
3. Azzam – $600 Million
Azzam is renowned not only for its immense cost but also for being the longest private yacht in the world. Owned by Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the President of the United Arab Emirates, Azzam was launched in 2013 after a highly confidential build process.
Specifications and Features
- Length: 590 feet (180 meters)
- Builder: Lürssen Yachts, Germany
- Top Speed: Over 30 knots, making it one of the fastest yachts of its size
- Guest Capacity: 36 guests
- Crew Members: 80
Azzam’s interior, designed by Christophe Leoni, is inspired by the Empire style of the early 19th century, reflecting elegance and sophistication. The yacht features a main salon measuring 95 feet in length with an open-plan layout, a golf training room, and a gym. Its advanced engineering allows for remarkable speed and agility, setting it apart from other yachts in its class.
4. Topaz (A+) – $527 Million
Topaz, also known as A+, is a luxury superyacht that exemplifies opulence and cutting-edge technology. Launched in 2012 by Lürssen Yachts, this vessel is owned by Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Deputy Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and owner of Manchester City Football Club.
Specifications and Features
- Length: 482 feet (147 meters)
- Gross Tonnage: 11,589 GT
- Exterior Design: Tim Heywood
- Interior Design: Terence Disdale
Topaz offers a range of luxurious amenities:
- Swimming Pool: Provides a serene environment for relaxation
- Jacuzzi: Located on the main deck for panoramic views
- Double Helicopter Landing Pads: Accommodate multiple helicopters
- Gymnasium: Equipped with state-of-the-art fitness equipment
- Cinema: For onboard entertainment
- Conference Room: Facilitates business meetings and events
The yacht’s powerful engines enable a maximum speed of over 25.5 knots, ensuring swift and smooth voyages across the seas.
5. Serene – $330 Million
Serene is a remarkable superyacht that exemplifies luxury and engineering excellence. Built by the Italian shipyard Fincantieri and launched in 2011, Serene was, at the time of her delivery, among the largest yachts in the world. She was originally constructed for Russian vodka tycoon Yuri Shefler at an estimated cost of $330 million.
Specifications and Features
- Length: 439.4 feet (133.9 meters)
- Beam: 60.8 feet (18.5 meters)
- Builder: Fincantieri, Italy
- Exterior Design: Espen Øino International
- Interior Design: Reymond Langton Design
- Guest Capacity: Up to 24 guests in 12 staterooms
- Crew Members: 52
Serene offers an array of luxurious amenities:
- Multiple Swimming Pools: Including a seawater pool
- Two Helicopter Pads: Facilitating easy access
- Submarine Hangar: Accommodates a personal submarine for underwater exploration
- Snow Room and Steam Room: For spa-like relaxation
- Underwater Viewing Room: Provides unique views of marine life
The yacht is powered by eight MTU diesel-electric engines, enabling a cruising speed of 15 knots and a maximum speed of 20 knots. She boasts a range of up to 6,000 nautical miles, making her capable of extended voyages without the need for frequent refueling.
In 2015, Serene gained international attention when she was purchased by Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The yacht continues to be a symbol of opulence and cutting-edge maritime technology.
6. Black Pearl – $200 Million
Black Pearl is a groundbreaking sailing yacht renowned for its innovative design and eco-friendly technology. Launched in 2016 by the Dutch shipyard Oceanco, Black Pearl is one of the largest and most advanced sailing yachts in the world. The yacht was commissioned by the late Russian billionaire Oleg Burlakov, with an estimated cost of $200 million.
Specifications and Features
- Length: 350.1 feet (106.7 meters)
- Builder: Oceanco, Netherlands
- Exterior Design: Nuvolari Lenard
- Naval Architecture: Dykstra Naval Architects
- Guest Capacity: Up to 12 guests in 5 cabins
- Crew Members: 18
Black Pearl’s most distinctive feature is her DynaRig sailing system, which comprises three 70-meter-high carbon fiber masts supporting a total sail area of 2,900 square meters. This advanced rig allows for efficient sailing and contributes to the yacht’s impressive performance.
The yacht boasts several luxurious amenities:
- On-Deck Jacuzzi: For relaxation with panoramic views
- Convertible Cinema: Provides entertainment options
- Full-Beam Beach Club: Enhances the onboard leisure experience
- Tender Garage: Houses smaller boats for excursions
Black Pearl is also noted for her eco-friendly features. She is capable of crossing the Atlantic without burning fossil fuels, thanks to her innovative propulsion system that harvests kinetic energy under sail.
The yacht’s sleek design and technological advancements have earned her multiple awards, including the Sailing Superyacht of the Year Award in 2019. Black Pearl represents a harmonious blend of luxury, performance, and environmental consciousness in the world of sailing yachts.
Conclusion
The world of sailing yachts is adorned with vessels that not only showcase immense luxury but also represent significant advancements in maritime technology and design. The six yachts highlighted—Sailing Yacht A, Eclipse, Azzam, Topaz (A+), Serene, and Black Pearl—stand as epitomes of opulence and innovation. Each yacht tells a unique story of craftsmanship, from the futuristic aesthetics of Sailing Yacht A to the eco-friendly engineering of Black Pearl. These floating masterpieces not only provide unparalleled luxury to their owners and guests but also push the boundaries of what is possible in yacht design and functionality.
As yacht designers continue to blend artistry with cutting-edge technology, the future of sailing yachts promises even more extraordinary creations that captivate the imagination and set new standards in luxury maritime travel.
