Yachts International presents the 10 largest yachts launched in the past year.
No matter where our boats stand on the size spectrum, the largest and best of the breed always pique our curiosity and capture our imagination. Average length has increased in recent decades, and the arms race at the top has resulted in recreational vessels that are approaching the size of cruise ships. While the largest yachts afloat may seem excessive to some, they represent the state of the art in design, engineering and craftsmanship. They are magnificent collaborations driven by owners with vision and executed to the highest standards by those who bring them to life.
Presenting a list of the 10 largest yacht launches of the past year is a shade subjective since the time between the first splash of the hull and the breaking of the Champagne bottle can be a year or more. For this exercise, we’ve included only yachts launched—meaning official technical launches, done in preparation for sea trials—between May 2012 and May 2013. Some have already been handed over to their owners, while others are in final fit-out. Another caveat: Increasing numbers of owners—particularly those building the largest yachts—require strict confidentiality at all levels of their projects. While many details and professional photography may not be available, it is difficult to conceal the profile of a yacht as large as a warship once it enters the public waterways.
With that, we raise a glass to the 10 largest yacht launches of the past year.
#10 – Viareggio Super Yacht’s Stella Maris
#6 – Abeking & Rasmussen’s Secret
#5 – Oceanco’s St. Princess Olga
