Influential businessmen, Russian billionaires and top politicians from the Middle East all have one thing in common - enough money to buy the most expensive yacht. Luxurious yachts are more than a moving mansion; they are designed with such elegance that owning one is a preserve for the uber-rich.
Superyachts are the most popular luxury asset among top billionaires. These vessels are custom-built with the finest materials to suit their tastes. Inside the most expensive yachts are designs and finishings crafted by top professionals. Therefore, it is not surprising that these yachts are worth an eye-watering amount of money.
Why are these fancy boats such a status symbol? How much is the most expensive yacht? It would take an in-depth analysis of luxury yacht builders, materials, interior decor and maintenance costs for one to understand why the rich go out of their way to own one.
10 of the Most Expensive Yachts in the World
Here is a list of luxury boats that have jaw-dropping sizes, designs, and price tags. Each yacht in this list represents not only a significant financial investment but also a lifestyle choice that showcases wealth and exclusivity.
10. Al Mirqab - $250 Million
Al Mirqab was built at an estimated cost of $250 million. It was commissioned to a German shipyard called Perswerft-Kusch, designed by Tim Heywood, and its interior was crafted by Andrew Winch.
This flamboyant vessel is owned by the former Prime Minister of Qatar, Hamad bin Jassim bin Jaber Al Thani. According to Forbes, he is worth $1.2 billion due to his illustrious political career and ownership of stakes in Deutsche Bank.
Al Mirqab is 133 meters long and has a maximum speed of 23 knots. It has spacious suites, a sitting area, a film theatre, an indoor pool, and a pub. Also included is a helipad and watersports equipment. Al Mirqab can host a maximum of 60 guests.
9. Radiant - $270 Million
This superyacht was commissioned by the late Russian billionaire Boris Berezovsky at a price of $168 million. He was unable to pay the 7th monthly deposit for its construction and eventually sold it before completion. During the sale, Berezovsky got caught up in a legal battle with brokerage firm Edmonton over agency fees.
Radiant is now owned by a United Arab Emirates billionaire called Abdulla Al Futtaim. According to Forbes, Al Futtaim is worth $2.1 billion.
Radiant is around 110 meters long with a notable fueling capacity of 96,000 gallons. The luxurious boat has anchor stabilizers, a jacuzzi, elevator, cinema, beach club, helipad, gym, and swimming pool. It can house 20 guests and 44 crew members.
8. Al Raya - $282 Million
Al Raya is the new name of this 110-meter yacht that was formerly known as Ona. It was originally called Dilbar. The ownership of this vessel has changed quite a number of times in recent years.
This boat was built by Lurssen and was the first yacht in the world to have particle filters in its engine exhausts. Al Raya's key amenities include a glass-cased jacuzzi, gym, spa, cinema, helipad, lounge with a bar and piano, and a conference room large enough for 12 people.
7. Al Said - $300 Million
This 155-meter luxury megayacht was built by Lurssen shipyard and had its exterior and interior designed by Espen Oeino and Redman Whiteley Dixon respectively. The owner of this liner is the late Sultan Qaboos bin Said Al Said of Oman.
Its salient features include accommodation for 65 guests and a cinema room that can fit 50 people.
6. Dubai - $350 Million
This 162-meter long vessel is sixth among the world’s largest luxury yachts. Dubai was constructed by two leading German firms, Lurssen and Blohn+Voss.
This superyacht belongs to Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the vice president and prime minister of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of the Emirate of Dubai. Dubai has 12 cabins and can accommodate 24 guests.
5. Sailing Yacht A - $500 Million
The owner of this gigantic vessel is a Russian business tycoon called Andrey Melnichenko. He commissioned it to be built by the German yard Nobiskrug. The exterior and interior designs were done by Philippe Starck.
Sailing Yacht A's length is 143 meters, and it has a capacity of 20 guests and 54 crew members. Among this sailing boat's most notable features is a garage that fits four vehicles, helipad, swimming pool with a retractable roof, and an underwater observation pod.
4. A+ - $527 Million
This liner measures 147 meters and was built by the Lürssen shipyard. Its exterior designs were created by Tim Heywood and the interior decor was done by a UK firm called Terence Disdale Design.
A+ has eight decks and an exterior made of steel and aluminum. Its salient features include lifts, a swimming pool, gym, two jacuzzies, a helipad, conference theatre, and movie room.
3. Azzam - $627 Million
Azzam’s frame was built in Germany by Lürssen shipyard, its overall design was drawn by Italian design studio Nauta Yachts, and the interior was crafted by French designer Christophe Leoni. It cost approximately $627 million to build.
This vessel was built for UAE's head of state, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Azzam's design focused on maximizing interior space and having very minimal exterior features.
2. Eclipse - $1.5 Billion
The second most expensive yacht is Eclipse, which is currently worth $1.5 billion. It was originally built for $590 million in 2009 by Blohm+Voss, a German shipbuilding company.
This vessel was built for Roman Abramovich, a Russian-Israeli billionaire. Eclipse is currently the world’s second-largest luxury yacht, featuring 11 visitors’ cabins, two helipads, a gym, beach club, a pool that converts into a dance floor, and 3 boats.
1. History Supreme - $3.9 Billion
This giant sailing boat has broken the record as far as comfort and price are concerned. The designer of this luxurious vessel is named Stuart Hughes.
What makes the History Supreme the most expensive yacht in the world? Hughes took 3 years to complete this massive work of art. It is 100 feet long, and about 100,000 kilograms of solid platinum and gold were used to construct it.
The interior is more impressive than most 5-star hotels. The floors, deck, rails, and dining areas have a golden lining. The bedroom has a platinum finish.
