5 Of The World’s Most Iconic Luxury Superyachts

Nothing says unrivaled wealth and opulence like having ones’ very own superyacht; from Sheikhdoms and tech powerhouses to post-Iron Curtain juggernauts, the outlandishly wealthy not only work hard to create their wealth, they work equally hard to show it; and while Monaco in July rapidly approaches, aquatic palaces will most certainly be on display. Haute Time takes a look at the top five of the world’s largest, most astonishing yachts.

5. Dilbar

At 157m (512 ft), Dilbar is the world’s fourth longest yacht and the world’s biggest, by volume. Built by Lürrsen, Dilbar is owned by Russian-Uzbek mining and investment giant, Alisher Burkhanovich Usmanov, accommodates 40 people, a crew of 100, and a bespoke Airbus H175 helicopter for seven passengers. The helicopter also features a forward zone, complete with a lounge vibe and club seating for four and a galley with sofa seating for three in the rear.

Dilbar has a displacement tonnage of 1,230 tons—equivalent to around 186 elephants, a beam width of 23m, and a 25m swimming pool able to hold 225,000 liters of water. The superyacht also has 3,800m of living space for the owner and guests. While it may not be the world’s most expensive boast at almost $300 million, it certainly is one for the books.

4. Dubai

Initially, a joint venture between Blohm + Voss and Lürssen shipyards, the Andrew Winch-designed Platinum 525 was commissioned in 1996 for Prince Jefri Bolkiah of Brunei. In 2001, Platinum Yachts acquired the hull for H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, vice president and prime minister of the United Arab Emirates. Sheikh Mohammed took over the project in 2006 and what we renamed the Platinum 525 to what we now know as the Dubai.

Among the Dubai’s most intriguing features are the split-level owner’s deck, a helipad that accommodates a 9.5-ton helicopter, multiple Jacuzzis and sunbathing areas, magnificent, delicately wrought mosaics, and an astonishing circular staircase with glass steps. At 162m (531 ft; 6 in), the Dubai easily cruises at 26 knots (30 mph; 48km/h) with a crew of 88, and a crew area large enough to accommodate 115 people. The Dubai also has the distinction of being previously named the world’s largest yacht, it’s also one of the world’s most memorable. At $400 million, it’s also among the most expensive.

3. Sailing Yacht “A”

Yacht geeks the world over appreciate Sailing Yacht A’s monumental achievement. Commissioned by Belarusian-born philanthropist, Andrey Melnichenko, designed by Philippe Starck  and built by Nobiskrug in a project led by Dirk Kloosterman, the yacht is the largest sail-assisted motor yacht of its kind at 143m (469 ft).

Reaching top speeds at 21 knots and a traveling range of 5,320 nautical miles, Sailing Yacht A boasts a glass hull for ocean viewing, a helipad on the sixth floor, three 100m masts, and space for a crew of 54. Arguably one of the most cutting-edge yachts to date, the superyacht has a hybrid diesel-electric propulsion system and state-of-the-art navigation. At $500 million, Sailing Yacht A proves to be one of the most revolutionary vessels of the modern period.

2. Eclipse

The M/Y Eclipse was built by Blohm + Voss for Russian tycoon Roman Abramovich. The exterior and interior were designed by Terence Tisdale. Eclipse is the world’s second-largest private yacht at 162.5m (533 ft). The Eclipse is the result of 5 years of intense design, conceptual development, and construction.

With stunning custom interior finishing and amenities for up to 92, including guests and crew, the Eclipse has a 1 million liter fuel tank able to travel 6,000 nautical miles at 21 knots. There is a lift, underwater lights, Beach Club, gym, jacuzzi, exterior bar, and fireplace.  It also features 2 Wartsila 4,847hp diesel-electric engines, a 52m (170.6 ft) owner’s deck, two helipads with hangar space for a third helicopter, and a 16m swimming pool. Price tag: $390+ million.

1. The Azzam

Azzam in Arabic means “determination; resolute.” Perhaps that is why Lürssen Yachts built superyacht Azzam for H.H. Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, president of the United Arab Emirates, emir of Abu Dhabi, and supreme commander of the UAE’s Union Defence Forces. Priced north of $600, the Azzam is currently the world’s largest motor yacht (and fourth most expensive). The Azzam is outfitted with its very own submarine, missile defense system, and a bulletproof master suite. “She truly represents another milestone in yachting history,” Peter Lürssen said.

Two gas turbines and two diesel engines, with a combined 94,000 horsepower, drive the 180m (591 ft.), six-deck behemoth at a maximum speed of 30 knots. With two swimming pools, two helipads, and a cinema, the Azzam outmatches Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich’s superyacht, M/Y Eclipse by 15m (49.2 ft), boasting a 20.8m (68 ft; 4 in) beam. Without question, the Azzam takes the phrase, “members only,” to an entirely new level.