The superyacht industry exceeded expectations this year, experiencing an unexpected 8.3 percent increase in total sales over the past 12 months. Despite instances of undisclosed asking prices, like in the recent sale of Aquijo, which is estimated to have reached nine figures, the overall value still rose from €3.6 billion in 2022 to €3.9 billion in 2023.
As we enter the new year, let’s reflect on the most significant and thrilling transactions of 2023, beginning with the record-breaking single most expensive yacht brokerage sale in history…
Ahpo
Length: 115.1m
Asking price: €330,000,000
The superyacht industry witnessed a significant moment as news spread about the sale of Lürssen’s Ahpo in what is believed to be the largest brokerage deal ever recorded. To add to the spectacle, the immense impact of this sale propelled May 2023 into the history books as the single highest-grossing month for brokerage sales. Crafted by Nuvolari Lenard, Ahpo boasts a remarkable profile inspired by high-performance sports cars, featuring tapered decks, a distinctive two-tone color scheme, and iconic half-moon windows. The yacht’s interior continues the theme of nature, evident in the choice of artwork, a central staircase depicting an olive tree, and an aft deck winter garden.
Length: 95m
Asking price: €227,500,000
In collaboration with the German shipyard Lürssen, designers Peder Eidsgaard and Laura Sessa joined forces to create the award-winning Madsummer in 2019. The project catered to an owner in search of both a new yacht and a new plane, resulting in a subtly masculine-looking superyacht. The interior is characterized by a burst of vibrant colors, while a dedicated deck accommodates the owner’s Husky seaplane. Notable features on board include a fully certified helideck at the bow, a 12-meter swimming pool, and accommodations for up to 12 guests in uniquely colored staterooms.
Here Comes the Sun
Length: 89m
Asking price: $195,000,000
This previously listed yacht successfully changed hands in August of this year, achieving a sale within a mere four months on the brokerage market. Originally delivered in 2017, Here Comes the Sun holds the distinction of being Dutch shipbuilder Amels’ largest yacht to date. In 2021, the vessel underwent a comprehensive rebuild, orchestrated by Azure Naval Architects, which included a six-meter stern extension, the addition of a second helipad, and a fresh navy blue and white paint job. Here Comes the Sun earned recognition at the 2022 World Superyacht Awards, receiving a Neptune for Best Rebuilt Yacht, with judges commending its newfound elegance and well-thought-out internal layout.
Whisper
Length: 95.2m
Asking price: €149,000,000
The Lürssen superyacht Whisper (formerly known as Kismet) swiftly changed hands within a span of just three months through Cecil Wright yacht brokerage, right before its scheduled appearance at this year’s Monaco Yacht Show. Originally commissioned by billionaire businessman Shahid Khan, the yacht was envisioned as a “champagne and caviar superyacht” suitable for both family and corporate entertainment. In line with this vision, the esteemed design firm Espen Øino chose a champagne-colored hull and incorporated numerous crowd-pleasing amenities into an art deco interior. Some of the standout design features include a multi-level swimming pool, a Persian-inspired spa, and a Crystal Caviar chandelier weighing an impressive 350kg.
Arrow
Length: 75m
Asking price: €139,900,000
In the same month as Ahpo, the 75-meter Feadship Arrow achieved the second nine-figure sale in May. The distinctive design featuring a sharply raked bow and a sleek, low profile was conceptualized by the London-based studio H2 Yacht Design, which also curated the yacht’s modern and vibrant interior. Arrow incorporates Feadship’s latest hybrid technology, including an advanced waste heat recovery system, contributing to the overall efficiency of the yacht. The accommodations onboard cater to 12 guests across six cabins, with supplementary quarters available for a crew of up to 19.
Starlust
Length: 68.2m
Asking price: €88,000,000
Sold in March and subsequently renamed Starlust, Abeking & Rasmussen’s Soaring, delivered in 2020, underwent a transformation by Focus Yacht Design. The original owner’s directive to create an exterior that stands out resulted in distinctive features such as scalloped windows, an “eagle-beak” bow, and a striking orange bootstripe complementing the pale grey hull. Starlust is also equipped with two Compass Tenders, each adorned with a recognizable orange band along the bottom to mirror the style of the main yacht.
Lusine
Length: 60m
Asking price: $82,000,000
Measuring 60 meters in length, the recently launched superyacht Lusine, crafted by Dutch shipbuilder Heesen, stands as their largest steel yacht to date, featuring an exterior design by Omega Architects. Notably, Lusine received a Judges’ Commendation at both the 2023 World Superyacht Awards and the Design & Innovation Awards of the same year. The yacht places emphasis on a sophisticated and intricate lighting scheme, highlighting elegant joinery, luxurious textures, and rare stone surfaces throughout the vessel. This includes the incorporation of actual fragments of a moon meteorite, aligning with the yacht’s lunar theme.
Felix
Length: 74.5m
Asking price: €71,500,000
Q
Length: 68.2m
Asking price: €69,500,000
Originally serving as a multipurpose supply vessel in 2012, the yacht Q (formerly known as Ragnar) underwent a transformative process at the hands of Dutch shipyard Icon Yachts in 2020, turning it into a globe-trotting expedition vessel. The exterior, crafted by RWD, is rumored to draw inspiration from a medieval Viking helmet, while the interior incorporates discernible design elements reminiscent of cozy ski chalets and Scottish castles. Among its extensive explorer features, Q boasts diesel-electric propulsion with ice-breaking propellers, an industrial-grade crane, and a certified helideck designed to accommodate an Airbus EC145 helicopter.
Casino Royale
Length: 72m
Asking price: €66,000,000
Completing this year’s top 10 is the flagship of Tankoa, Casino Royale, which, during the past winter, underwent a transformation at the Amico shipyard, transitioning from its characteristic beige hull to an all-white exterior. The vessel received its contemporary aesthetic from Francesco Paszkowski Design, in collaboration with Margherita Casprini, resulting in a darkened, subtly masculine interior. According to Paszkowski, a key design element of the yacht is its beach club, allowing natural light from a glass-bottom pool above and connecting to the onboard wellness hub, featuring a hammam and several fold-out terrace balconies.