Superyachts 101: All Your Questions Answered

There is something fascinating about superyachts. Their size, glamour and innovation pique our curiosity and, for boat owners in particular, are the epitome of boating luxury. Whether you’re in the market to buy a superyacht, considering your first superyacht charter or simply a boat fan who wants to understand more about these famous yachts, then we’ve got all the top asked questions answered for you. This is superyacht trivia 101:

What Defines a Superyacht?

Superyachts are defined as motor yachts or sailing yachts over 24 metres in length. The size and variety within those parameters are enormous, as the yachts can range from 24 metres to 100 metres +. While superyachts are synonymous with on board swimming pools or hot tubs, helipads, large tenders, spacious decks and large crews, the true classification actually depends on length. 

How Many Superyachts are there?

With the superyacht industry’s order book bulging and new superyachts hitting the water every month, it is hard to give an exact number, but there are around 10,000 yachts worldwide measuring 24 metres or more. With over 1,000 superyachts on order for 2022 alone, it is a clear picture of the boom the industry is currently undergoing. In fact, there is an estimated 40 kilometres of superyachts due to be built and launched by 2026. 

What are the Biggest Superyachts?

The current longest superyacht in the world is Azzam at 180.61metres. She was built in 2013 by Lurssen shipyard and has held the title ever since. Some of the other yachts in the top 10 largest superyachts list include Eclipse at 162.5 metres built by Blohm and Voss for Paul Allen in 2010, Dubai at 162 metres, Blue at 160 metres, Dilbar at 156 metres, Al Said at 155 metres and A+ at 147.25 metres. Sailing Yacht A is the largest sailing yacht at 142.81 metres. 

How much do Superyachts Cost?

It is no secret that superyachts are one of the most expensive luxury items in the world, and often far outprice even the largest of real estate properties. Joining the elite group of superyacht owners requires a healthy capital, not just for the initial purchase price but for the annual upkeep, which can easily run into the millions (read our article on the True Price of Owning a Superyacht). Having said that, superyachts come in all shapes and sizes and the price for a smaller superyacht (in the 24 metre category) will be far less than a larger vessel, as will an older yacht compared to a new build. 

The average sale price for a superyacht is around €8 million, however a 24 metre yacht could be around €1 million (or less for used superyachts), €11 million in the 40m-50m category, €24 million in the 50m-70m category and around €80 million for yachts of 70m or more. Some of the largest yachts in the world (those over 100 metres in length) can go for up to as €175 million. 

What are the Most Expensive Superyachts?

For the most part, the largest yachts in the world generally rank as the most expensive. The largest yacht ever built, the 180 metre long Azzam, cost over €550 million to build in 2013, while Roman Abramovich’s Eclipse is believed to have cost a staggering $1.5 billion. Another yacht on the billion dollar list is the new 155 metre Streets of Monaco. Designed to feature mini versions of Monaco’s landmarks it will also boast a go-kart circuit, three swimming pools, a mini-submarine, helipad, a waterfall and a dining room with an underwater observatory.  

However the most expensive superyacht in the world is History Supreme, a seemingly modest 30 metre superyacht that cost an incredible $4.8 billion. While it seems incredulous that a 30 metre yacht could cost more than those in the 140 metre category, History Supreme is built from an astonishing 10,000 kilograms of solid gold and platinum adorning the dining area, deck, rails, staircases and even the anchor. There is also a meteorite rock wall in the master suite, a statue made of Tyrannosaurus Rex bones, a 68kg 24-carat gold Aquavista Panoramic Wall Aquarium, and a bottle adorned with a rare 18.5-carat diamond.

Where can I find Superyachts for Sale?

Superyachts are sold via brokerage firms whose brokers are the best in the business and have the contacts, knowledge, experience and resources to connect a potential superyacht owner with their perfect yacht. You will find brokerages all over the world, with a concentration in the United States and Europe where many boats are bought and sold. Online boat selling marketplaces such as Rightboat.com are one of the best and easiest ways to see dozens of superyachts for sale in Europe, the United States and beyond, peruse their specifications, and see photographs and videos. They make it extremely easy to connect you with the relevant brokers to make further enquiries and are on hand to answer any questions.

Superyacht shows such as the Monaco Yacht Show are also important places to find out more about superyachts and talk to shipyards about new builds. You will find many superyachts all in one place that you can view with the brokers and get a good feel for what you like. 

How can I Charter a Superyacht?

Chartering a superyacht is a dream holiday, and often the first step for those considering buying a superyacht. With a full crew, plenty of space for friends and family, and hundreds of incredible destinations to choose from, a luxury superyacht charter is an experience you’ll never forget. Made even more popular by the TV reality show Below Deck, which follows the crew and guests of charter yachts, it is becoming the ultimate vacation experience. 

You can charter a superyacht directly from Charter & Dreams. Check out our articles to discover how much it costs to charter a superyacht or read through our top charter FAQs. 

Where can I find superyacht jobs?

Working on a superyacht is an incredible experience and a chance to travel the world. It is a competitive industry, and working hours are long, but with more and more superyachts hitting the seas each year the demand for crew continues to grow. Superyacht crew range from junior level deck and interior crew, who will need basic qualifications, to the most experienced and highly qualified members such as engineers, first officers and captains. There are crew agencies who work alongside yachts to place all kinds of crew members, from the chefs to specialist crew such as helicopter pilots or scuba diving instructors. 
 

Rightboat.com is the largest online boat selling marketplace in the world, with new and used superyachts of all sizes for sale. Discover the latest superyachts to hit the market or browse through our library of articles and blogs on everything to do with boats, yachting and the superyacht lifestyle.