Mega Yacht vs Superyacht: Unraveling the Differences

Superyacht vs. megayacht—the definitions are oft-debated, and industry professionals have yet to fully agree. But as yachts get bigger by the year it’s a subject that keeps evolving. 

Is it based on size alone or also function? Is it yet another debate between proponents of the British language and that of the Americans? Here we’ll take a look at all the sides of the argument and see how what was once “I say tom-ah-to you say to-may-to” may, in fact, be on its way to an important and necessary definition in the superyacht world.

What is a Superyacht?

For as far back as we look, the marine industry has always defined boats and yachts, categorizing them by their main function or style. From center consoles to schooners, trawlers to catamarans, we have a category for them all. The term superyacht, however, has always been based predominantly on size—yachts over 80 feet to be precise—and of course they had to be luxurious, too. No-one is calling a 90-foot commercial fishing boat a superyacht, but a 90-foot luxury sportfishing model by Viking Yachts fits the bill just fine. The other major criteria to be classified as a superyacht—apart from being privately owned—is to have a full-time captain and crew (as opposed to the owner being the captain). The only true bottom line, however, is that the industry has long agreed that superyachts were the largest and most elite vessels in the world. 

For examples of some of the most astounding private luxury yachts in the world check out the superyachts for sale on Rightboat. If you think purchasing a superyacht might be right for you some day, read our Top Tips on How to Buy a Superyacht and our article on Superyachts 101: All Your Questions Answered.

What is a Megayacht?

Here the definitions get trickier. Even the spelling isn’t fully agreed upon yet as some write mega yacht, others megayacht. For a long time, the term megayacht was the more common term for large luxury yachts in the United States, while in Europe they have always been superyachts. But that picture is certainly changing now, because of the emergence of some true behemoths of yachts.

A decade ago a 180-foot or 55-meter superyacht was considered big. These days, that superyacht is dwarfed by some gargantuan vessels ranging all the way up to the very largest private yacht in the world, Azzam, at 590 feet in length. It seems logical therefore that we need a different classification to separate a 35-meter superyacht from a 350-meter one. And the term megayacht has fit nicely into that space. While industry insiders are not all aligned, most categorize a megayacht as being larger than a superyacht—some say over 260 feet (80 meters), others classify a megayacht as over 200 feet (60 meters). But as we’ll see below, gross tonnage, the crew and guests, as well as safety, maintenance, and management also play a role in this new classification.

The world’s megayachts are a sight to behold and are often the driving force of the yachting world’s innovation. Some of the most famous include Eclipse at 533 feet (162.5m) one of the first megayachts built back in 2010, Dubai at 531 feet (162m), Blue at 525 feet (160m), and A+ at 483 feet (147.25m). The largest sailing yacht is Sailing Yacht A at 468 feet (142.81m). For more examples check out the megayachts for sale on Rightboat.

Superyacht vs Megayacht: What Are the Main Differences?

Megayacht vs superyacht size and length

For those using the term megayacht as a classification of yacht larger than a superyacht, the generally accepted size, as mentioned, is a private luxury yacht over either 200 or 260 feet (60 or 80m). But actually it’s more than just length that is playing a deciding role. Gross tonnage in shipping dictates how a vessel is operated, and any vessels over 3000GT will have a whole different set of regulations. Some yachts over 200 feet long are above 3000GT and almost all yachts over 260 feet exceed 3000GT, so it seems logical that this definition stands. There are exceptions, such as the 278.8 feet (85m) Victorious, for example, whose gross tonnage is 2,291GT. While certainly a superyacht, is she a megayacht? Based on overall length, we’d have to say yes, but the captain’s qualifications, the number of guests she can accommodate, and the safety and management regulations will be quite different. 

Megayacht vs superyacht crew and guests

When talking about yachts over 3000GT, there are many operational regulations that change considerably above and below 3000GT, especially the captain’s qualifications. Instead of just 12 guests, they are able to accommodate many more overnight passengers and the guest-to-crew ratios are greatly increased. In essence, a private yacht over 3000GT will need to be classified and run as though it is a commercial vessel with regards the captain, crew, and passengers. 

Does the type of crew makes a difference to the classification? Yes, a yacht over 3000GT is more likely to have masseuses, dive instructors, personal trainers, watersports instructors, and Michelin chefs, but that doesn’t mean superyachts can’t also have them (and there are many that do). 

Megayacht vs superyacht cost

It makes sense that the larger the yacht, the more it will cost, but the price tag isn’t necessarily a defining characteristic of whether a yacht is a superyacht or a megayacht. In fact, the most expensive superyacht ever built is History Supreme, worth $4.8 billion. What is most surprising here though is that History Supreme is ‘just’ 100 feet long. It is, among other extravagances, inlaid with 24-carat gold, which helps explain the price tag, but it’s a perfect example of how cost doesn’t define megayacht status. As a comparison, estimates of Azzam‘s cost are just under $600 million to build. Having said that, there are industry insiders who believe that an extremely high level of service and facilities can raise a superyacht into the megayacht realm. Read on to find out which are the most expensive yachts in the world?

Superyachts, Megayachts, and Gigayachts?

Before we’ve even come to a final consensus on the definition of a megayacht, we encounter the term gigayacht. To look at the possible need for yet another classification we go back to our example of Azzam at 590 feet long. Should an almost-600-foot ultra-luxury private yacht be categorized the same as a 260-foot yacht? Many in the industry think not, that it provides a better categorization of the biggest of the big yachts in an industry producing ever-larger designs. Others roll their eyes, however. Whether the terms mega- and giga are just marketing spinners or a genuine need for classification of the ever-growing luxury yachts being launched is, for now, a case of “Watch this space.”