There are some stunning luxury yachts in the world today; some made only this year and others that still look as cutting-edge as the day they were made. We take a look at 10 of our favourites and why they will capture hearts for decades to come.
Olivia O
Superyacht OLIVIA O with exterior styling from Espen Oeino spans six decks and makes a statement the moment guests and visitors set foot on the generous swim platform and climb one of the two sweeping staircases to the main deck aft. Most of this outdoor area is exposed to the elements, and guests can swim in the pool, soak in the Jacuzzi in the moonlight and rest on the sunbeds after a large lunch and a cocktail or two from the wet bar.
Olivia O. Photo credit Raphael Belly Photography
The ascending decks provide an alfresco dining area, a private Owner’s deck with a Jacuzzi and sunpads, plus a helipad on the bridge deck that, when empty, can be used as an observation deck.
This 88.5m/290ft expedition yacht also comes with ample accommodation for up to 20 guests across 8 sumptuous cabins, and a sizeable crew of 30.
Sailing Yacht A
The 2016-launched luxury yacht A is a motor-sailer of impressive proportions, measuring 142.8m/469ft and setting a trend for mega yachts to come. Her avant-garde appearance comes from Philippe Starck, and the white hull and superstructure is made to look seamless by having the windows glazed in the same colour. Even the fold-down sections are designed to look as inconspicuous as possible, and the eye is drawn to the tiered, sloping aft decks and the three majestic masts.
Sailing Yacht A. Photo credit Nobiskrug
There is a helipad and swimming pool on board, and although the guest accommodation and capacity is unknown, there is a sizeable crew of 54 on board.
Motor Yacht A
Motor mega yacht A measures 119m/390.4ft and was the sixth-largest yacht in the world at the time of her launch in 2008, remaining in the top 30 today. She features an exterior design by Phillipe Starck that turned heads from the moment of its conception, leading to descriptions of her as ‘sleek’ and ‘futuristic’.
Motor yacht A
The accommodation sleeps 14 guests across 7 en-suite cabins, along with a crew of 37 and an additional staff of five.
Excellence
Following on the futuristic theme, M/Y EXCELLENCE from Abeking & Rasmussen is a bit more subtle in styling but by no means any less of a technical marvel. The glass panels covering her exterior span three tiers (25m/82ft) and have a mirror-like effect on the outside to maintain privacy within. The glass is 8cm at its thickest to withstand maritime weather and provide insulation for less reliance on air conditioning systems. All of this is held in place by just two slim steel frames that create a stunning exterior appearance that balances the towering mid-section with the streamlined inverse bow.
Excellence
This 80m/262.5ft superyacht with exterior styling from Winch Design features a swimming pool, a sundeck and Owner’s deck Jacuzzi outside, and a beach club and a two-tier spa with a sauna and gym within. There’s accommodation for up to 12 guests across 7 en-suite cabins, plus a crew of 22. T
Nord
142m/465.9ft luxury yacht NORD was launched in 2020 and has been known as PROJECT REDWOOD and OPUS. Exterior stylists Nuvolari Lenard gave her dark arches that connect the various decks of the superstructure and give a more narrowed appearance, enhanced by a raked bow and a curving stern.
Nord
The accommodation provides for 36 guests over 20 en-suite cabins, with the crew complement yet to be revealed.
Adastra
Trimarans are few and far between, and at 42.5m/139.4ft motor yacht, ADASTRA captures crowds the moment she pulls in to port. Built in 2012 by McConaghy Boats, the svelte and sporty exterior is by John Shuttleworth Design Ltd. and features an extended foredeck with sunpads that finishes in a plumb bow. What’s more, the carbon fibre construction translates into a shallow draft for access to some of the world’s best-secluded coves and anchorages.
Adastra
The accommodation sleeps 6 guests in 3 en-suite cabins for an intimate cruising experience with close family and friends, all served by a professional crew of five throughout each trip.
Khalilah
Shimmering gold KHALILAH has been turning heads since 2015 and she is looking better than ever since her 2020 refit. Her powerful muscular hull and superstructure are reminiscent of a sports car and were designed by the Palmer Johnson shipyard. Large black windows give her both ‘street appeal’ and ensure that plenty of light reaches the interior accommodation, which sleeps 11 guests in 5 en-suite cabins as well as a crew of nine.
Khalilah
The impressive outdoor spaces flow effortlessly into the interiors, and the beach club and sunbeds on the foredeck offer guests to dive into the world of luxury.
Crazy Me
Hessen luxury yacht CRAZY ME was ahead of her time back in 2013 and is still an imposing presence wherever she travels. Her towering white hull and reduced superstructure are contrasted by black-banded windows across the decks, and the spacious foredeck provides perfect privacy as the bulwarks sweep down to join the bow.
Crazy Me
The accommodation on board sleeps 12 guests over 6 en-suite cabins, who also have an abundance of interior space to make their own throughout a cruise.
Ocean Sapphire
Luxury yacht OCEAN SAPPHIRE was launched in 2010 and is iconic in her appearance: A steel grey hull and superstructure reveal sweeping stairways not only at the main deck aft but also the bow. The 41m/134.6ft vessel has over 231.8m2/2495ft2 of exterior space for outdoor lounging and sunbathing, treating 12 guests to the best of outdoor life and privacy while served by a crew of seven.
Ocean Saphire
Yas
Mega yacht YAS is a striking white vessel boasting dome-like curves and two-tone windows that change from dark grey to brilliant blue depending on how they catch the light. She is one of the world’s largest motor vessels at 141m/463ft, and was built from the 1970s Dutch naval ship HNLMS Piet Hein. Today, she cruises with a crew of 56 and up to 60 guests, who have at their fingertips an outdoor spa and swimming pool, a helipad and top-notch entertainment systems for filling the time on transatlantic journeys.
Yas. Photo credit Raphael
