large sail yachts

Largest Sailing Yachts in the World (with Price & Owners)

In this list of the largest sailing yachts in the world, you'll discover the top 20 remarkable ones, from the groundbreaking Sailing Yacht A at 469 feet to Jeff Bezos' massive Y721 (aka Koru) that spans 416 feet. The owners of these magnificent yachts are often influential figures in various industries, such as technology, finance, and real estate.

Sailing Yacht "A", the largest sailing yacht in the world, is owned by Russian billionaire Andrey Melnichenko, who also owns Mikhail S. Vorontsov and Hetairos. Other large sailing yachts are:

• Black Pearl
• Maltese Falcon
• Sea Eagle II

The yachting industry is bound to keep evolving and pushing the limits of what's possible. Who knows, maybe by 2024, the new Somnio "yacht-liner" might redefine our concept of luxury sailing altogether. For now, let's get to know more about these 20 sailing yachts, their prices, and their owners.

• Sailing Yacht "A", built in 2015, is worth $600 million. It can accommodate 20 guests and 54 crew members.
• The largest sailing yacht was designed by Philippe Starck and built by the German shipyard Nobiskrug.
• Andrey Melnichenko is a prominent figure in the worlds of business, yachting, and philanthropy.
• Top-notch industry players such as Oceanco, Lürssen, Royal Huisman, and Vitters Shipyard are known for their attention to detail and form-function balance, which could potentially increase the yacht's price.

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20 largest sailing yachts, the largest sailing yacht in the world, world's largest yacht is owned by....

Sailing Yacht A — 142.81M (468.6 Ft.)

You may have heard of Sailing Yacht A, a luxurious superyacht measuring 143 meters in length. Owned by Russian billionaire Andrey Melnichenko, this yacht is famous for its blend of modern design and cutting-edge technology. Its price is estimated to be around $500 million.

Sailing Yacht "A" is unique for its futuristic design, which includes a towering masts that are among the tallest in the world, a curved hull, and a striking all-black exterior. The yacht also features a state-of-the-art hybrid propulsion system that allows it to sail silently and efficiently under wind power, as well as a range of luxurious amenities such as a swimming pool, a helipad, and a spa.

Koru — 127M (416 Ft.)

Amazon founder Jeff Bezos owns the breathtaking Oceanco's record-breaking 127-meter sailing yacht, Koru. This sailing giant was built in the Netherlands in 2023.

Koru is unique for its custom design, which was created by the renowned naval architect Ron Holland and features a sleek and modern exterior with clean lines and a metallic silver finish. The yacht also features a range of luxurious amenities, including a beach club, a cinema, and a spa, as well as a hybrid propulsion system that allows for efficient and flexible sailing.

Sea Cloud — 109.5M (359 Ft.)

At 109.52 meters, the elegant Sea Cloud is a breathtaking four-masted sailing ship built in 1931. It operates primarily as a luxurious charter yacht, providing guests with a unique, unforgettable experience.

Sea Cloud is unique for its historic charm and elegance, having been built in 1931 as a private yacht for a wealthy American couple. The yacht has since been restored and converted into a luxury cruise ship, but still retains many of its original features, including a wooden deck, brass fittings, and period furnishings. Sea Cloud also offers a unique sailing experience, with guests able to help hoist the sails and steer the ship.

Black Pearl — 106.7M (350 Ft.)

The eco-friendly Black Pearl, measuring 106.7 meters in length, boasts state-of-the-art DynaRig technology and holds the title of the world's largest sailing yacht, at least, when it comes to sail area.

Black Pearl is unique for its advanced technology and cutting-edge design, including a revolutionary DynaRig sail system that allows for efficient and flexible sailing, as well as a hybrid propulsion system that can switch seamlessly between diesel and electric power. The yacht also features a range of luxurious amenities, including a beach club, a cinema, and a spa.

Eos — 93M (305 Ft.)

The stunning 92.92-meter sailing yacht Eos has a classic design and high-performance capabilities. Owned by American fashion designer Diane von Fürstenberg and American businessman Barry Diller, it is one of the largest private sailing yachts in the world.

Eos is unique for its size and spacious interior, which includes a range of luxurious amenities such as a full-size bar, a cinema, and a spa. The yacht also features a hybrid propulsion system that allows for efficient and flexible sailing, as well as a classic and elegant design with traditional features such as wooden decks and brass fittings.

Athena — 90M (295 Ft.)

Athena, an impressive 90-meter superyacht, includes five en-suite cabins, a gym, and a library. Built by Royal Huisman, this classic schooner combines luxury with deep sea exploration capabilities.

Athena is unique for its classic design and traditional sailing techniques, having been modeled after the famous J-class yachts of the 1930s. The yacht features a wooden hull, a towering mast, and a range of vintage features such as brass fittings and period furnishings. Athena also offers a range of luxurious amenities, including a swimming pool, a gym, and a library.

Maltese Falcon — 88M (289 Ft.)

You'll be amazed by the innovative Maltese Falcon, a 88-meter sailing yacht. It features a revolutionary DynaRig system and is owned by Greek socialite Elena Ambrosiadou.

Maltese Falcon is unique for its innovative DynaRig sail system, which allows for efficient and flexible sailing without the need for traditional sails and rigging. The yacht also features a range of luxurious amenities, including a beach club, a cinema, and a spa, as well as a unique interior design that combines modern and traditional elements.

Aquijo — 85.9M (282 Ft.)

The 85-meter superyacht Aquijo is the perfect example of elegance and high-performance on the water. With an impressive interior, it offers the ultimate sailing experience.

Aquijo is unique for its large size and spacious interior, which includes a main salon with a double-height ceiling, a full-size bar, and a dining area that can seat up to 20 guests. The yacht also features a range of luxurious amenities, including a beach club, a cinema, and a spa, as well as a unique hybrid propulsion system that allows for efficient and flexible sailing.

Sea Eagle II — 81M (266 Ft.)

The 81-meter Sea Eagle II, built by Royal Huisman, features a plumb bow, an exceptional sailing performance, and spacious interiors.

Sea Eagle II is unique for its classic design and traditional sailing techniques, having been modeled after the historic tall ships of the 19th century. The yacht features a wooden hull, a towering mast, and a range of vintage features such as brass fittings and period furnishings. Sea Eagle II also offers a range of luxurious amenities, including a beach club, a cinema, and a spa, as well as a spacious and comfortable interior with a classic and elegant design.

M5 — 78.4M (257.2 Ft.)

Owned by American businessman Rodney Lewis, the 75-meter M5 is a luxurious yacht built by Southern Ocean Marine with impressive sailing capabilities.

M5 is unique for its advanced sail system, which includes a set of high-tech carbon-fiber sails that can be adjusted automatically to optimize performance and efficiency. The yacht also features a range of luxurious amenities, including a beach club, a cinema, and a spa, as well as a sleek and modern interior design with clean lines and contemporary furnishings.

Enigma — 74.5M (244 Ft.)

Enigma, formerly known as Phocea, is a 75-meter sailing yacht known for her sleek profile and extraordinary speed capabilities.

Enigma is unique for its sleek and modern design, which includes a striking silver exterior and a minimalist interior with clean lines and contemporary furnishings. The yacht also features a range of luxurious amenities, including a beach club, a cinema, and a spa, as well as a hybrid propulsion system that allows for efficient and flexible sailing.

Badis I — 70M (230 Ft.)

Badis 1, a 70.8-meter sailing yacht, boasts a stunning aluminum hull, a powerful rig, and a luxurious interior accommodating up to 12 guests.

Badis I is unique for its classic design and traditional sailing techniques, having been modeled after the famous J-class yachts of the 1930s. The yacht features a wooden hull, a towering mast, and a range of vintage features such as brass fittings and period furnishings. Badis I also offers a range of luxurious amenities, including a beach club, a cinema, and a spa, as well as a spacious and comfortable interior with a classic and elegant design.

Vertigo — 67.2M (220 Ft.)

Famed for its contemporary design, Vertigo is a 67-meter sailing yacht built by Alloy Yachts. With impressive features and an award-winning interior, it's a dream come true for sailing enthusiasts.

Vertigo is unique for its striking and modern design, which includes a sleek and minimalist exterior and a spacious and comfortable interior with clean lines and contemporary furnishings. The yacht also features a range of luxurious amenities, including a beach club, a cinema, and a spa, as well as a hybrid propulsion system that allows for efficient and flexible sailing.

Hetairos — 66.7M (219 Ft.)

Hetairos, owned by a Russian billionaire, is a 66.7-meter high-performance sailing yacht. With an advanced composite hull, it promises excellent speed and luxurious amenities.

Hetairos is unique for its advanced composite construction, which makes it one of the fastest and most efficient sailing yachts in the world. The yacht also features a range of luxurious amenities, including a beach club, a cinema, and a spa, as well as a striking black and silver exterior design.

Adix — 65.5M (215 Ft.)

The 65.5-meter three-masted schooner Adix is a beautiful sailing yacht known for its timeless design and quality craftsmanship.

Adix is unique for its classic design and traditional sailing techniques, having been modeled after the historic tall ships of the 19th century. The yacht features a wooden hull, a towering mast, and a range of vintage features such as brass fittings and period furnishings. Adix also offers a range of luxurious amenities, including a beach club, a cinema, and a spa, as well as a spacious and comfortable interior with a classic and elegant design.

Mikhail S. Vorontsov — 63.4M (208 Ft.)

The Mikhail S. Vorontsov is a 64.5-meter sailing yacht with a completely wooden hull, offering a classic and captivating charm.

Mikhail S. Vorontsov is unique for its opulent and extravagant design, which includes a range of luxurious features such as a grand staircase, a full-size ballroom, and a range of ornate decorations and furnishings. The yacht also features a range of modern amenities, including a beach club, a cinema, and a spa, as well as a hybrid propulsion system that allows for efficient and flexible sailing.

Perseus^3 — 60M (197 Ft.)

The high-performance sailing yacht Perseus^3, measuring 60 meters in length, includes a carbon-fiber mast, a powerful regatta rig, and cutting-edge features for the ultimate sailing experience.

Perseus^3 is unique for its advanced sail system, which includes a set of high-tech carbon-fiber sails that can be adjusted automatically to optimize performance and efficiency. The yacht also features a range of luxurious amenities, including a beach club, a cinema, and a spa, as well as a sleek and modern interior design.

Ngoni — 58M (190 Ft.)

Ngoni, a stunning 58-meter sailing yacht built by Royal Huisman, is known for its innovative design and advanced sailing technology.

Ngoni is unique for its unconventional design, which includes a striking black and gold exterior and a minimalist interior with clean lines and contemporary furnishings. The yacht also features a range of luxurious amenities, including a beach club, a cinema, and a spa, as well as a hybrid propulsion system that allows for efficient and flexible sailing.

Twizzle — 57.5M (188 Ft.)

Last but not least, the 57.5-meter sailing yacht Twizzle offers exceptional sailing performance paired with timeless elegance, making for a luxurious experience on the water.

Twizzle is unique for its spacious and comfortable interior, which includes a range of luxurious amenities such as a full-size bar, a cinema, and a spa. The yacht also features a hybrid propulsion system that allows for efficient and flexible sailing, as well as a sleek and modern design with clean lines and contemporary furnishings.

Fleurtje — 57.4M (188 Ft.)

Fleurtje is a classic sailing yacht that was built in 1961 by the Dutch shipyard De Vries Lentsch. The yacht underwent a major refit in 1993, which included the installation of a new engine, a new mast, and a range of modern amenities.

Fleurtje features a classic design with a wooden hull and a traditional rig, which gives it a timeless and elegant appearance. The yacht also features a spacious and comfortable interior with a range of luxurious amenities, including a full-size bar, a cinema, and a spa. It is also known for its impressive sailing performance, with a top speed of 12 knots under sail and a range of advanced technologies that allow for efficient and flexible sailing.

Is Sailing Yacht "A", which is 143 meters long, 24.88 meters wide, has a draft of 8 meters, and weighs 1428 tons. It can accommodate 20 guests, and has 54 crew members.

The crew sizes, and operating costs of these yachts can vary widely depending on a number of factors, including the size and complexity of the yacht, the level of luxury and amenities onboard, and the location and frequency of use.

Russian billionaire Andrey Melnichenko. Melnichenko is known for his extravagant lifestyle and his love of luxury yachts. He is the owner of the largest and iconic Sailing Yacht "A", which is considered one of the most expensive and technologically advanced yachts ever built. He is also the owner of the motor yacht "A", which was built by the same shipyard as Sailing Yacht "A" and features a similarly striking design.

Melnichenko was born on March 8, 1972, in Gomel, Belarus. In addition to his business and yachting interests, Melnichenko is also a philanthropist who supports a range of charitable causes through his Andrey & Aleksandra Melnichenko Foundation. The foundation focuses on supporting education, science, and culture, and has provided funding for a range of projects in Russia and around the world.

Melnichenko is one of the wealthiest people in Russia, with a net worth of over $18 billion, according to Forbes. He made his fortune in the energy and chemical industries, having founded the fertilizer producer EuroChem and the coal producer SUEK. He is also a major shareholder in the power company Siberian Generating Company and the pipe producer TMK.

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The 25 Largest Yachts in the World

The list runs from lürssen's 592-foot 'azzam' to fincantieri 439-foot 'serene,' with a fascinating group of bespoke vessels in between..

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The new arrivals in 2024 knock the mighty 436.4-foot  Al Mirqab   and  Koru , Jeff Bezos’s sailing yacht, off the list. The “smallest” yacht— Serene —measures a whopping 439.3 feet. A raft of behemoths didn’t make it, including Feadship’s 290-foot Project 821 that is launching this year, the largest build from the Dutch shipyard to date.

Two of Lürssen’s 2024 deliveries also fell short, including Project Deep Blue and Project JassJ. That said, the German yard remains top of the leader board with the immoveable 592.6-foot  Azzam . It also claims 13 of the 25 world’s largest yachts, two of which are new entries.

The list is interesting because most were built in the last 15 years, but there are several historical yachts, including  Savarona , launched in 1931, and  El Mahrousa , launched in 1865, that withstand the test of time. Others like  Yas  and  OK are conversions from other types of vessels. The inimitable  A  is a one-of-a-kind, never-to-be-repeated sailing superyacht.

Here are the world’s top 25 yachts by length.

Azzam | 592 feet, 6 inches

Lürssen could never really boast about Azzam after its launch in 2013 because of the owner’s penchant for privacy, though it did describe the interior by Christophe Leoni, which features a 95-foot-long main salon, as “inspired by the Empire style of the early 19th century.” Owner Mubarak Saad al Ahbabi directed a team of designers and engineers who started with the bare concept, worked through the technical challenges of what might be the most complex superyacht ever, and finished with an unusually large vessel that can top the 30-knot mark when operating in “sprint mode”. Its gas turbines, connected to water jets, also give it the ability to operate at high speed in shallow waters. Nauta Yacht’s exterior features a long, sleek forward area, with well-proportioned tiers moving up to the skydeck. It took an impressive six million man-hours—or four years including engineering—to build.  Azzam  accommodates up to 36 guests, and a crew of 80.

Fulk Al Salamah | 538 feet, 1 inch

Little information has been released about the world’s second-longest superyacht, the custom-built Fulk Al Salamah , and it has been shrouded in mystery since it was first announced in 2014. Even the overall length of 538.1 feet has been estimated from AIS data. However, the imposing vessel, built and delivered by Italian builder Mariotti Yachts in their Genoa shipyard in 2016, is believed to be owned by Sultan Haitham bin Tariq of Oman. Last refit in 2021, the yacht has an exterior design by Studio de Jorio, and it is considered by some to resemble more of a support vessel than a superyacht. Nonetheless, aerial photography shows an impressively large helideck, raked masts, and a bathing platform.

Eclipse | 533 feet, 1 inch

The 533.1-foot stately  Eclipse , one of two yachts on this list owned by sanctioned billionaire Roman Abramovich, took five years to design and build. When it left the Blohm+Voss shipyard in Hamburg in 2010, it was the world’s largest yacht. The interior has 17 staterooms and a palatial primary suite, with the capacity to carry 85 crew. Both the interior and exterior are designed by Terence Disdale. A proportional profile is defined by tiered decks that sweep upward and bend ever so slightly at the aft ends. Eclipse  has a 185-foot-long owner’s deck, the capacity to hold three helicopters, a sophisticated stabilization system, six tenders, and an enormous spa, gym and beach club, not to mention one of the largest swimming pools on any superyacht. Hybrid diesel-electric engines are connected to Azipod drives that give Eclipse a top-end speed of 21 knots, with a range of 6,000 nautical miles.

Dubai | 531 feet, 5 inches

Even at 531.5 feet, Dubai ’s all-white Winch-designed exterior belies the dramatic and vibrant interior within. Colorful mosaic floors, a spiraling glass staircase, 70-foot-wide atrium, and bursts of red, blue, and green create a carnival of scene. Originally commissioned for Prince Jefri Bolkiah of Brunei as a joint project between Blohm+Voss and Lürssen . Known as “Panhandle,” the project was halted in 1998 with just a bare hull and skeletal superstructure. The hull was sold to the government of Dubai, and, under the direction of the country’s ruler, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, work on the 531.5-footer began again, though this time by Platinum Yachts. Dubai delivered in 2006 and is now the sheikh’s royal yacht, with accommodations for 24 guests and quarters for 88 crew. The SOLAS-certified seven-decked yacht has a landing pad for a Black Hawk helicopter, submarine garage, disco and cinema, and can reach a top speed of 26 knots. There’s also a waterfall that cascades from the yacht’s pool, located aft of the main deck. The yacht’s range of 8,500 nm at 25 knots gives it the potential to cruise around the world in record time.

Blue | 518 feet, 3 inches

Lürssen’s newest entry on the list, Blue , which delivered to its Middle Eastern owner in July 2022, may rank at number five out of the world’s largest yachts, but its diesel-electric hybrid propulsion system goes a long way to minimize emissions. The yacht also features an electric Azimuth pod drive that can be used independently or in conjunction with the twin propeller shafts. There is a waste-water treatment system and an advanced exhaust treatment system to help reduce NOx levels, as well as cut down on vibration and noise pollution. Interior and exterior design is by Terence Disdale, Blue is defined in profile by a raked bow with a helipad, an aft deck pool, and twin balconies forward either side of the owner’s full-beam suite. There is a second, smaller helipad aft. The British designer has reportedly penned a feminine and elegant interior, though no images have yet been released.

Dilbar | 511 feet, 8 inches

The 2016 launch of Dilbar gave Lürssen the distinction of not only building the longest yacht ever ( Azzam ), but also the largest in terms of volume. Espen Øino designed the exterior, creating a full-bodied superstructure of long, flowing decks, along with two helicopter pads,two helicopter pads, one of which has a hangar with an H175 helicopter always on standby.  Dilbar  also has an oversized garden and an 82-foot swimming pool that can hold an incredible 6,357-cubic-feet of water and according to Lürssen, is the world’s longest on a yacht. The interior by  Winch Design  is defined by its “rare and exclusive luxury materials,” says the builder, declining to go into detail. Despite  Dilbar ’s volume, the designers did a masterful job making the yacht look relatively svelte. In June 2020, Dilbar returned to Lürssen for a significant refit, where the yacht remains following U.S. sanctions placed on the owner, Russian billionaire Alisher Usmanov, in 2022. The yacht’s value is estimated to be $600 million.

Al Saïd | 508 feet, 5 inches

Another 500-plus-foot yacht from Lürssen, the original Project Sunflower gained its official name of Al Saïd following its launch in 2016. Espen Øino’s exterior is akin to a classic cruise liner, complete with the twin-exhaust stacks in the center of the superstructure. Owned by the Sultan of Oman, the yacht was listed for the sale for the first time in April 2022 for an undisclosed sum, but a buyer has yet to be confirmed. The six-decked  Al Saïd  can carry 154 crew and an estimated 70 guests across 26 suites. Lürssen reports a top speed of 22 knots. The London-based Redman Whiteley Dixon studio designed the interior, which includes a concert hall that can hold a 50-piece orchestra, a private cinema for 50 people; you’ll also find a medical room and dental care on board.

A+ | 483 feet, 1 inch

Very little is known about A+ (formerly Topaz) , which was launched by Lürssen in 2012. Tim Heywood Designs did the exterior, which features helipads on the foredeck and amidships on an upper deck. A lower aft deck includes a swimming pool. The German yard has not released any images of the Terence Disdale interior. Reported to be owned by Manchester City Football Club owner Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed al Nahyan—Emirati royalty and deputy prime minister of the UAE— A+  is equipped with a 40-foot Vikal catamaran beachlander and is powered by six Wärtsilä engines to reach a top speed of 22 knots. It can carry 62 guests and up to 79 crew and was last refit in 2022.

Prince Abdulaziz | 482 feet, 3 inches

The 5,200-tonne Prince Abdulaziz is one of the Saudi Royal family’s yachts, its first owner being King Fahd. Designed by Maierform, the yacht was the longest and tallest in the world at the time of its launch, a title the 482.3-foot  Prince Abdulaziz  held for 22 years until  Dubai  launched in 2006. The late David Nightingale Hicks, known for his use of bright colors, was the interior designer. The lobby is said to be a replica of the Titanic . The yacht is also rumored to be carrying surface-to-air missiles, though that may be an urban legend. Launched by Helsingør Værft in Denmark in 1984, it was last refit in 2023.

OK | 479 feet

Originally built by Japan’s Oshima Shipbuilding in 1982, the semisubmersible heavy lift ship was used for decades by DYT Yacht Transport as float-on yacht carrier. In 2022, the vessel underwent a private conversion at Karmarine shipyard in Turkey, turning it into a luxury, though highly unusual, yacht named OK . Modifications include a matte-black paint job, gold-tinted glazing, and teak decking. The vessel’s 328-foot submersible aft deck—a feature that first attracted her new owner, who uses OK to transport their 150-foot ketch—is now covered in a carpet of artificial grass. A 40-tonne crane allows for the safe and easy launch and retrieval of a vast range of toys, including a seaplane. The interior by Bozca Design is reported to include accommodation for 20 guests, a botanical garden, and a crazy Willy Wonka–inspired glass elevator that operates outside of the yacht’s superstructure.

Opera | 479 feet

Very little is known about Lürssen’s mysterious superyacht Opera , though it’s thought to be a rebuild of Project Sassi, which was destroyed in a fire in 2018 at the German shipyard. Now four feet longer than the first iteration, the superyacht became the 11th largest yacht in the world when it delivered to its patient owner in 2023. Exterior and interior designed by Terence Disdale, Opera has a whopping 66-foot beam and an interior volume exceeding 10,000GT. No interior images have been released yet, though judging by its two swimming pools, one with a lifting floor, and two helipads—one on the bow and one on the upper aft deck—it seems no expense has been spared.

El Mahrousa | 478 feet, 1 inch

El Mahrousa , which means “The Protected” in Arabic, is currently Egypt’s presidential yacht, though the 478.1-footer has a separate history as that country’s royal yacht. The London-based Samuda Brothers began the build in 1863, and it was launched in 1865. The world’s oldest superyacht—and formerly the world’s biggest—was originally built for the Ottoman governor of Egypt, Khedive Ismail, and later carried three Egyptian kings into exile. The yacht was also at the opening of the Suez Canal in 1869. It features external design by the British naval architect Sir Oliver Lang and has had multiple modifications over the years, including a lengthening by 40 feet in 1872 and another 17 feet in 1905. During the second refit, the owners replaced its paddle-wheel engines with turbine-driven propellers. The yacht, in care of the Egyptian Navy, occasionally goes to sea for a day or two. In 2015, it was used to inaugurate the new Suez Canal.

Project Luminance | 475 feet, 7 inches

Delivered in 2024, Project Luminance (the real name is yet to be confirmed) is Lürssen’s newest entry on the list. Exterior designed by Espen Øino, the yacht has a raked bow, a contrasting paint job in a dark blue hull and silver superstructure and a whopping 8,999 gross tons of interior volume. Few details are yet known about the gigayacht owned by Ukrainian mining and financial services mogul Rinat Akhmetov, including the interior by Francois Zuretti, but aerial shots reveal twin helicopter pads—one on the foredeck and another high up aft—a large beach club, and an infinity pool, with a private spa pool area on the foredeck.

A | 468 feet, 5 inches

Undoubtedly one of the most visionary projects ever delivered by German shipyard Nobiskrug, the Philippe Starck-designed A is a wild fantasy of the future. Delivered in 2017, the futuristic look of  sailing yacht  A includes smooth, silver-metallic surfaces and windows that look nearly invisible, a 26-foot draft, three composite masts that bend slightly, and a deck hidden by high bulwarks. The Philippe Starck–design is a wild fantasy yacht of the future. The 468-foot sailing yacht is a technical victory for Nobiskrug , which developed composite fashion plates to create the unusual shapes without compromising any strength or fluidity. It has the tallest freestanding composite masts on any sailing vessel, a diesel-electric propulsion system, and state-of-the-art navigation systems. The boat also reportedly has an underwater viewing platform in the keel. Starck’s traditional interior features dark wood, copper accents, and cozy patterned carpets. The split-deck main salon is divided into zoned seating areas with integrated bookshelves. A remains today the world’s largest sailing yacht six years after its launch, though many argue it is better defined as a sail-assisted yacht.

Nord | 466 feet

Nord was announced in 2015 but didn’t hit the water until its 2020 sea trials in the Baltic Sea. The 466-foot yacht features interior design by Italian studio Nuvolari Lenard and was Lürssen’s first yacht launched from its floating shed at its facility in Vegasack. Boasting top-tier amenities, the yacht includes a sports and diving center on the lower deck, multiple tenders ranging in size up to 50 feet and a large swimming pool. The two helipads support the yacht’s long-range cruising capabilities for autonomous exploration, and a retractable hangar means a helicopter can slide neatly into the superstructure for storage when not in use. A generous 20 staterooms accommodate 36 guests across six decks, while a sleek aft-sloping superstructure gives Nord an individual profile on the water.

Yas | 462 feet, 6 inches

As a converted yacht, Yas is one of the most interesting vessels on this list. The dolphin-like exterior was originally a former Dutch Navy frigate that launched in 1978 and eventually sold to the navy of the United Arab Emirates, where it was renamed Al Emirat . The yacht underwent its dramatic conversion in a facility in Abu Dhabi’s main port, emerging as a gleaming superyacht in 2011, with one of the most interesting profiles on the water. It was eventually delivered four years later. Reportedly owned by Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed al Nahyan, half-brother of the president of the UAE, Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the design by Paris-based Pierrejean Vision is defined by massive glass surfaces. Yas can accommodate 60 guests and 58 crew members. Mated to a steel hull, the superstructure is the largest composite edifice ever built.

Solaris | 459 feet, 3 inches

Owned by Russian businessman Roman Abramovich, the 476-foot  Solaris  was one of the largest yachts to deliver in 2021. Last refit in 2022 at MB92 in Barcelona, the vast, highly private explorer is built by German shipyard Lloyd Werft and features a displacement steel hull with bulbous bow and steel superstructure with teak decks. The eight-deck exterior by Australian designer Marc Newson houses a large helipad, sundeck, spacious beach club aft and 21,527 square feet of glass, the largest panes to ever be built into a yacht. Lloyd Werft also built the Russian billionaire’s previous explorer yacht Luna , which he reportedly sold for $360 million to his close friend Farkhad Akhmedov in 2014.

Ocean Victory | 459 feet, 3 inches

The largest motoryacht ever built in Italy, Fincantieri’s Ocean Victory is owned by Russian billionaire Viktor Rashnikov, who was sanctioned in 2022. The seven-deck exterior by Espen Øino includes two helideck platforms and a hangar belowdecks, as well as exceptional outdoor social areas and a floodable tender dock. Ocean Victory has accommodations for 28 guests as well as quarters for 56 crew. The interior by Alberto Pinto remains a secret, aside from the yacht’s six pools, a 3,300-square-foot spa, and an underwater observation room.

Scheherazade | 459 feet, 3 inches

The 459.3-foot, Lürssen-built Scheherazade (formerly known as Project Lightning) was delivered in June 2020, with exterior design by Espen Øino and interior design by Francois Zuretti. Two helipads, forward and aft, and a large beach club aft are visible from aerial photographs, but aside from the yacht’s reported seven-foot beam, 40 crew and unique drone-crashing system for privacy, further details have not yet been released. The reason may lie with the yacht’s unofficial owner, believed to be Russian president Vladimir Putin. In May 2022, Italian authorities froze Scheherazade in the port of Marina di Carrara following an investigation conducted by Italian financial police who found the ship’s beneficial owner had “significant economic and business ties” to high-ranking Russian government officials, though the results of the investigation to date remain inconclusive.

Al Salamah | 456 feet

When Lürssen launched Al Salamah in 1999, it was the third-largest yacht in the world. Its number 20 ranking shows how much has changed in the last 20 years. Code-named MIPOS, or Mission Possible, the yacht was designed by Terence Disdale . Originally owned by Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz, the yacht was put up for sale for $280 million in in 2013 before it was reportedly given to Bahraini Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa as a gift. The large imposing exterior is primarily protected space, with an upper deck exposed to the elements. Al Salamah has staterooms for 40 guests, including two owner suites, 11 VIP staterooms, and eight twin cabins. The yacht can carry up to 96 crew and has a top speed of 22 knots. Al Salamah was last refitted in 2009.

Rising Sun | 454 feet, 1 inch

Designed by the original guru of yacht designers, Jon Bannenberg, Rising Sun was built by Lürssen for Oracle CEO Larry Ellison and is currently owned by billionaire David Geffen, who reportedly paid $590 million for the yacht. The yacht comes with a gym, a grand piano, multiple swimming pools, a beauty salon, and a spa with a sauna. Delivered in 2004 and last refit in 2022, the yacht’s exterior is defined by banks of windows across the superstructure. Rising Sun has 86,000 square feet of living space in 82 rooms. It can accommodate 18 guests in nine cabins, with the capacity to carry up to 46 crew. The interior by Seccombe Design includes a gym, cinema, and wine cellar, and the rear cockpit deck was designed as a basketball court. Geffen received global media backlash in 2020 for his “tone deaf” social-media posts that pictured himself on board his yacht during Covid-19 lockdown.

Flying Fox | 446 feet, 2 inches

The 446.2-foot  Flying Fox is arguably the most high-profile yacht on this list, primarily for being the largest yacht available on the charter market. In 2022, it was also singled out as “blocked property” by U.S. authorities in 2022 due to its previous management Imperials Yachts, which was on the US sanctions list. The yacht’s owner, however, Russian billionaire Dmitry Kamenshchik, is not sanctioned, so the yacht was turned over to him and returned to charter in 2024. Key features of the Espen Øino-designed exterior are a curvaceous dove-gray hull and a 3.7-foot swimming pool that runs athwartship on the main aft deck, the largest ever found on board a yacht. A two-decked spa also gives guests access to a cryosauna, hammam, and relaxation room with a fold-down balcony at sea level. Packed to the rafters with the latest amenities, the yacht holds a diving center, a decompression chamber, and two helipads. Flying Fox is PYC compliant and can accommodate 25 guests.

Savarona | 446 feet, 2 inches

Launched in 1931, and by far the largest and fastest private yacht of her day, Savarona was built for American heiress Emily Roebling Cadwalader and is easily identified by its two mustard-colored funnels. The yacht was eventually acquired by Turkey to be the presidential yacht of Kemal Atatürk, founder of modern Turkey. Jane’s Fighting Ships described the yacht in 1949 as “probably the most sumptuously fitted yacht afloat.”  Savarona was later converted to a training ship for the Turkish Navy and, in 1978, destroyed by fire. The yacht laid in tatters for 10 years. A Turkish businessman spent around $45 million refurbishing Savarona , commissioning Donald Starkey for the interior and replacing the original steam-turbine engines with modern Caterpillar diesels. Savarona became Turkey’s official presidential yacht again in 2014, accommodating up to 34 guests in 17 suites and carrying up to 48 crew. Amenities include a swimming pool, a Turkish bath, a 280-foot grand staircase, a movie theater and a library dedicated to Atatürk.

Crescent | 443 feet

Last refit in 2021, Espen Øino’s dark hull and tiered superstructure was one of the most exciting launches of 2018. Called Project Thunder internally at Lürssen, the custom-built yacht features cutouts along the hull sides that allow full ocean views from the saloon on the primary deck, as part of Crescent ’s distinctive curved superstructure. Its most noteworthy feature is the jaw-dropping bank of three-deck-high windows in the center of the yacht. This architectural feature serves as the centerpiece of a very compelling design. The yacht has accommodations for 18 guests in nine staterooms. Little is known about the François Zuretti-designed interior, other than Lürssen describing it as being “traditionally styled.” If it lives up to Crescent ’s brash exterior, the complete yacht promises to be an entirely groundbreaking design. In March 2022, Crescent was detained by Spain as property of Rosneft CEO Igor Sechin, who is sanctioned in connection with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Serene | 439 feet, 3 inches

Serene  is the yacht that launched Fincantieri into the superyacht segment, and what a debut it was. The largest yacht ever launched in Italy when it was delivered in 2011 (surpassed three years later by Ocean Victory ), the Espen Øino seven-deck design features a long, sleek blue hull crowned by a white superstructure. Pascale Reymond of Reymond Langton Design created the 43,056-square-foot interior for a Russian owner, which includes a double height atrium with a piano lounge at the top and a vast open-plan main salon below. Sunken LEDs and bright pink and purple neon lights create a modern party vibe in the social areas, which contrast with the elaborate yet more traditional guest suites. A spiral staircase with intricate metal banisters soars through the heart of the yacht. The open stern area has a winter garden (enclosed glasshouse) that allows dining in all seasons. Serene also has two helipads and a hangar, a big swimming pool, and a tender garage large enough for a submarine.

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These are the Top 10 Largest Sailing Yachts in the World

By Thom Esveld

Updated on December 3, 2021

In the world of the rich and famous, large, expensive, luxury and yacht are common words which often come together to form what’s probably one of the biggest dreams rich people have: to spend much of their leisure time away at sea on a luxurious superyacht.

Modern or classic looking, with white sails, sleek lines and superb interiors, the yachting world has plenty of options to offer. For some though, a yacht is not really a yacht if it’s not one built for sailing, raising its sails into the winds and thrusting towards the infinite blue horizon.

Now, we’ve done some digging into the sailing realm and came up with the top 10 largest sailing yachts in the world right now:

• 10. Atlantic (69.2 meters)

Now long gone, the original 69.24 meter long Atlantic was designed by William Gardner and built back in 1903 by Townsend & Downey in Shooter Island, New York.

The actual one is only a replica of the original, build by following the drawings of the first shooner, found in various archives across the United States. One of them, the MIT Museum in Massachusetts, had digitized them with the help of Doug Peterson, a consulting naval architect who has guaranteed the authenticity of the lines and flotation.

• 9. Badis (70 meters)

Once known as Sybaris, the 70 meter long Badis is one of the largest yachts build by the Italian naval company Perini Navi in the latest years. The yacht was finished in 2016, with Phillipe Briand as a consultant for the naval architecture, PH Design shaping the stunning wood veneer interior, and the exterior designed by Perini Navi.

Badis has room for a total of 12 guests, offering a master suite and five double rooms, complete with en-suite bathrooms and entertainment centers.

• 8. Enigma (75 meters)

Enigma is a 75 meter long single handed race yacht, designed specifically for participating in the Observer Single-Handed Trans-Atlantic Race. It was previously called Phocea and managed to cross the Atlantic in 1976, after which it was converted to a cruise ship by the French shipyard DCAN.

Over two decades later, it had a major interior and exterior overhaul at the Lürssen shipyard in Germany and was sold in 2010 to its present owners. Enigma now has a master suite, a VIP room, two double and two twin cabins and room for 12 guests and 23 crew members.

• 7. M5 (77.5 meters)

M5 is a 77.5 meter yacht designed by Ron Holland Design and built by Vosper Thornycroft in the United Kingdom. The vessel underwent some exterior and interior modifications. The stern section was redesigned and extended by 3 meters.

The yacht got a side boarding platform as well and the interior was also refitted to change the looks and style of the main and lower decks. The main deck is going to look completely different once all the joinery will be replaced.

• 6. Aquijo (86 meters)

Aquijo is an 86 meter long Dutch sailing yacht designed by Bill Trip’ and constructed by Vitters and Oceanco. It was launched in 2015 and at once became the largest ketch-rigged sailing yacht in the world, with its mainmast rising to 88.4 meters above the sea level.

• 5. Maltese Falcon (88 meters)

The Maltese Falcon with its 88 meters is one of the most recognized and appreciated yachts of all time. The reason for that is its revolutionary DynaRig, an automated square rigged sail plan, with three carbon fiber rotating masts rising high into the sky, and holding the 15 square sails which amount to no less than 25,800 sq ft of canvas.

The system delivers outstanding performances, with hard to match speed and maneuverability. Constructed by Perini Navi, the Maltese Falcon was purchased in August 2009 by the current owner and is often seen competing in superyacht regattas.

• 4. Athena (90 meters)

Athena is a 90 meter long super sailing yacht constructed by the Dutch Royal Huisman shipyard back in 2004. The exterior design was conceived by Pieter Beeldsnijder Design, the naval architecture by Dykstra & Partners and the interior was envisioned by Rebecca Bradley Interior Design.

The performances of this super yacht, a match to its name, Athena, make it one of the fastest sailing superyachts, reaching a top speed of 19 knots. Its length makes it also one of the largest sailing yachts launched after the 1930’s.

• 3. EOS (93 meters)

EOS is a 1500 GRT three masted schooner with a length of 93 meters, placing it on the third place in our list of the 10 largest sailing yachts in the world right now. It was launched in 2006 by Lürssen, but there’s not much to know about it ever since due to its owners big love for privacy, making it one of the most private vessels on the seas.

• 2. Black Pearl (106 meters)

The Black Pearl is considered by many to be the largest sailing yacht in the world so far. It’s a 106 meter long vessel made to cross any ocean by harnessing the power of wind alone. It was built by the Oceanco shipyard in the Netherlands and got to meet its owner in 2018.

The Black Pearl features a modern and complex energy generation system and a top notch DynaRig setup made by Dykstra Naval Architects, making it one of the most advanced yachts of its kind. The overall design was made by its owner in close collaboration with a distinguished design team.

• 1. Sailing Yacht A (142.8 meters)

Number one on our list is the impressive Sailing Yacht A, a controversial vessel in this category due to its combination of sail power and motor yachting, many people disregarding it when it comes to talking about pure sailing yachts. The official category it comes into is sail-assisted motor yacht, making the best of the two worlds.

In our opinion though, its 142.8 meters length and its grand 100 meter high carbon fiber masts make it fit enough for the first place as the largest sailing yacht in the world. Sailing Yacht A was constructed by Nobiskrug and delivered to its owner in 2017.

About Thom Esveld

Thom has over 7 years of experience writing content about subjects such as travel, cars, motorcycles, tech & gadgets, and his newly discovered passion, watches. He’s in love with two wheeled machines and the freedom and the thrills that motorcycle travel provides. Learn more about Luxatic's Editorial Process .

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Top 10 Biggest Sailing Yachts In The World

The top 10 largest sailing yachts in the world have a combined length of 944.5 meters.

These include the Sea Cloud, which is almost a century old, and the much anticipated Oceanco’s 127m Project Y721 set to launch in 2022.

Read on for our list of the world’s top 10 largest and biggest yachts.

1. Sailing Yacht A | 142.8m

Sailing Yacht A tops this list, measuring in at 142.8m. At 12,558GT, it is also the heaviest sailing yacht on our list, measuring 5 times more than the second-largest sailing yacht.

Sailing Yacht A, built by  Nobiskrug  in 2017, blends impressive sailing and motor yacht designs into a highly innovative vessel.

The boat features three 100m freestanding masts higher than London’s Big Ben, making her an eye-catching vessel. 

2. Sea Cloud | 109.5m

Sea Cloud has sailed the high seas since 1931. The 2532 GT vessel was built for Edward F Hutton and heiress Marjorie Merriweather Post by German shipbuilder Friedrich Krupp.

The 109.5m sailing yacht has interchanged ownership several times and was rebuilt in 1978 by new German owners. The vessel is available for charter to provide guests with a luxury sailing experience. 

3. Black Pearl | 106.7m

Black Pearl was designed to cross oceans with just the power of the sail. The vessel is 106m in length and is striking with her black sails, weighing in at 2,864 GT.

She was delivered in 2018 and built by  Oceanco . The vessel features an advanced solar system. She also has a high-tech DynaRig setup by Dykstra Naval Architects .

4. EOS | 92.92m

EOS was built for American media and movie mogul Barry Diller under a shroud of secrecy. The three-masted Bermuda rigged schooner was launched by  Lürssen  Yachts in Germany in 2006 and refitted at Dutch Royal Huisman Shipyard in 2011.

Since her launch, she has remained one of the most private vessels in the world. EOS weighs in at 1500 GT.

5. Athena | 90m

Athena was delivered in 2004 by Royal Huisman Shipyard. The 1103 GT vessel is unique, with its advanced engineering and spacious interior that is uniquely sized for a sailing yacht.

She features naval architecture by Dykstra Naval Architects and Pieter Beeldsnijder Design. The 90m Athena was built for US software developer Jim Clark.

6. Maltese Falcon | 88m

The Maltese Falcon is one of the most photographed yachts of all time. The 88m yacht has an advanced automated square-rigged DynaRig and three rotating carbon fiber masts.

The 15 square sails hold 25,800 feet of canvas, giving her unprecedented performance, speed, and maneuverability. The yacht was built by renowned sailing yacht builder  Perini Navi . 

7. Aquijo | 86m

 Aquijo is an 86m sailing yacht built by Vitters Shipyard and Oceanco and launched in 2016. She is the largest ketch-rigged sailing yacht in the world, with her main mast reaching 88.4m into the air.

She displaces 1538 GT. Her exterior design and naval architecture were designed by Tripp Design Naval Architects . 

8. Sea Eagle II | 81m

Sea Eagle II was delivered in 2020 from Royal Huisman. The impressive sailing yacht is the shipyard’s largest by volume, displacing 1150 GT.

The three-masted schooner has a carbon Panamax rigging by Rondal and was built in collaboration with designer Mark Whiteley and Dykstra Naval Architects. She is also the world’s largest aluminum sailing yacht.

9. M5 | 77.6m

M5 was launched as Mirabella V in 2004 and delivered to American yachtsman Joe Vittoria. M5 is still the largest sloop in the world to this day.

The impressive yacht was built by Vesper Thorneycroft in England and has undergone several refits. In 2013, she was refitted by Pendennis and extended by 3.2m. She was refitted again in 2019.

10. Badis I | 70m

Badis I was built by Perini Navi and delivered under the name Sybaris in 2016. Philipe Briand consulted with the famous shipbuilder on naval architecture.

PH Design contributed her wooden veneer interior, accommodating 12 guests. Badis I is one of the largest yachts Perini Navi has delivered from their Italian shipyard.

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The world’s largest sailing yachts.

The world ranking of the largest sailing yachts has changed greatly in recent years, with six of the ten entries delivered in the last decade. By 2026, we can anticipate even more changes to the leaderboard. There are four serious large sailing yachts currently in build – three of which are under construction in the Netherlands at Royal Huisman.

As it stands today, the global list of the largest sailing yachts is a contentious topic. The point in question is the 142.8-metre behemoth SAILING YACHT A. Some argue that Nobiskrug’s sail-assisted motor yacht does not classify as a sailing yacht, while others do. We fall in the latter camp – she has sails, so she’s made our list!

Here is the rundown of the world’s ten largest sailing yachts:

142.81m | SAILING YACHT A | Nobiskrug | 2017

The world’s largest sailing yacht is German. Built by Nobiskrug to a design by Philippe Starck, with naval architecture by Dykstra Naval Architects, SAILING YACHT A is a true icon in the superyacht fleet.

SAILING YACHT A is huge; she boasts an epic 12,558 GT of interior volume. To put that into perspective, SAILING YACHT A is more voluminous than KORU, BLACK PEARL, EOS, ATHENA, MALTESE FALCON, and AQUIJO combined! Accommodation is available for 20 guests and 54 crew, and power is drawn from twin MTU hybrid engines for a top speed of 21 knots. Her carbon fibre masts are 100 metres tall.

127m | KORU | Oceanco | 2023

At 127 metres in length, KORU is not only the second largest sailing yacht in the world, but she’s also the largest private yacht ever built in the Netherlands, overshadowing even the largest Dutch-built motor yacht, LAUNCHPAD, by nine metres.

Built by Oceanco to a design by Dykstra Naval Architects for Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, KORU was kept a closely guarded secret throughout her build. Still, very little is known about the superyacht, aside from the fact that her timeless and contemporary interiors are the work of the residential and commercial design house Mlinaric, Henry & Zervudachi. The studio has just one other yacht in its portfolio: the 52.69-metre Feadship ADVENTURE.

The name KORU is Māori and means ‘new beginnings.’ KORU offers accommodation for 18 guests and 36 crew. Key highlights include three Jacuzzis and a swimming pool. She is believed to have nearly 3,500 GT of interior volume.

106.7m | BLACK PEARL | Oceanco | 2018

BLACK PEARL is the third-largest sailing yacht in the world, recently ousted from the second spot when Oceanco delivered the 127-metre KORU. She is also one of the very few sailing yachts designed by the award-winning Nuvolari Lenard. The Italian studio partnered with sailing yacht expert Ken Freivokh Design for the exterior lines and solely managed the interior spaces. BLACK PEARL’s naval architecture is by Dykstra Naval Architects.

BLACK PEARL is teeming with innovations, including a sophisticated energy-generation solar system and a high-tech DynaRig setup. She has a hybrid propulsion system, and highlights include a convertible beach club that doubles as a cinema. With six staterooms, up to 12 guests can be accommodated onboard.

92.92m | EOS | Lürssen | 2006

The German shipbuilder Lürssen has delivered just two sailing yachts, and true to nature, the most recent build ranks as one of the largest in the world. Lürssen built EOS for the venture capitalist and CEO of Twentieth Century-Fox, Barry Diller. EOS was designed by Langan Design Partners with interiors by Francois Catroux.

EOS has sailed the world, clocking up more than 200,000 nautical miles since her delivery. In 2011, following a refit at Royal Huisman, disaster struck when a fire broke out onboard while cruising the Norwegian fjords. She swiftly returned to Huisman for repairs. EOS has been regularly maintained and recently undertook substantial work at Lürssen Yacht Refit & Services.

90m | ATHENA | Royal Huisman | 2004

ATHENA, Royal Huisman’s flagship sailing yacht, was built for the US software developer Jim Clark. With three enclosed decks, ATHENA rivals motor yachts of the same size for interior space. Her exterior lines and clipper bow are the work of Pieter Beeldsnijder Design, while Rebecca Bradley Interior Design undertook the mammoth task of curating her 1,103 GT of interior volume.

Dykstra Naval Architects beautifully engineered ATHENA to ensure strong performance even in light conditions. Accommodation is available for 10 guests and 18 crew. She has been impeccably maintained, with regular refit appointments at Huisfit, a subsidiary of Royal Huisman, MB92, and Lürssen.

88m | MALTESE FALCON | Perini Navi | 2006

Commissioned by the late venture capitalist Tom Perkins, MALTESE FALCON is a towering feat of engineering. This sailing yacht is built to perform; she regularly competes in some of the world’s most esteemed regattas. Her performance comes from three free-standing rotating carbon-fibre masts, with a 25,800-square-foot sail plan.

MALTESE FALCON was delivered in 2006 and still, nearly two decades on, remains Italy’s largest sailing yacht to date. Designed by Ken Freivokh Design, with naval architecture by Dykstra Naval Architects, this super sailing yacht is high-tech and fashioned with industrial chic. Accommodation is available for 12 guests across six gorgeous staterooms. MALTESE FALCON is one of the most sought-after sailing yachts for charter.

86m | AQUIJO | Oceanco | 2016

When AQUIJO first hit the water in 2016, she was Oceanco’s flagship sailing yacht and the second-largest built in the Netherlands. Since then, Oceanco has superseded AQUIJO not once, but twice, with the delivery of BLACK PEARL and then KORU.

AQUIJO is the result of a collaboration between Oceanco and Vitters. The two Dutch shipyards worked together on this performance-driven sailing yacht, which still stands as the largest ketch-rigged yacht in the world. Her design and naval architecture are by Tripp Design Naval Architects, while Dölker + Voges GmbH oversaw her interiors. AQUIJO offers accommodation for 12 guests and draws power from twin Caterpillar engines.

81m | SEA EAGLE | Royal Huisman | 2020

SEA EAGLE, delivered in 2020, is the most voluminous superyacht built by Royal Huisman to date. The 81-metre vessel was designed by Dykstra Naval Architects and Mark Whiteley Design, with the latter also responsible for her interiors. The three-masted schooner boasts an impressive 2,580 square metre sail plan, and her carbon Panamax rig was constructed by the company’s sister firm, Rondal.

Before the keel was laid, Dykstra Naval Architects spent an intense year planning her engineering and design, optimising her waterline length for speed and handling. SEA EAGLE has six staterooms, accommodating 11 guests, and can host up to 14 crew members. This sailing yacht is built for unvetted freedom; she can cruise anywhere in the world and offers all the amenities one could desire on long, extended trips. SEA EAGLE is the world’s largest full aluminium sailing yacht.

77.6m | M5 | Vosper Thornycroft | 2004

When Southampton’s Vosper Thornycroft delivered M5 (formerly MIRABELLA V) in 2004, they underscored the revival of British shipbuilding. At 77.6 metres in length, M5 is not only the nation’s flagship sailing yacht; she is, in fact, the world’s largest sloop.

The super sailing yacht was designed by Ron Holland and built for Joe Vittoria, an American yachtsman who built his empire in the rental car business. However, it wasn’t until he sold her in 2014 that M5 achieved her current length. In 2013, M5 underwent a major refit at Pendennis, which, amongst the long list of works, included a stern extension of 3.2 metres. M5 offers accommodation for 16 guests and 17 crew and her unmissable feature is the towering 88.3-metre mast that can carry approximately 3,700 square metres of sail.

70m | BADIS I | Perini Navi | 2016

The second-largest Perini Navi sailing yacht was born from an ambitious commission by the lawyer-turned-software entrepreneur Bill Duker. While Duker is a serial yacht owner, this was his first new build – and he didn’t do things by half measures. When launched in 2016, BADIS I (then known as SYBARIS) was the world’s eighth-largest sailing yacht. After nearly a decade after delivery, she remains one of the 10 largest sailing yachts.

Her original name refers to the Ancient Greek civilisation of the Sybarites, famed for their self-indulgent lifestyle. In an interview with SuperYacht Times, Duker explains that the name is tongue-in-cheek, saying: “Sybaris is, if nothing else, a self-indulgence.”

Perini Navi designed the superyacht’s exterior, consulting with Philippe Briand for the naval architecture and sail plan. The Miami Beach-based design company PH Design curated the interior spaces. BADIS I has a total interior volume of 870 GT and offers accommodation for 12 guests and 11 crew. Twin MTU 16V 2000 M72 diesel engines deliver a top speed of 17.5 knots and a range of 5,000 nautical miles at 12.5 knots.

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8 Largest Sailing Yachts In The World

Sailing yachts are the epitome of luxury and unhurried travel. Some of the biggest sailing boats have been produced, showcasing engineering, design, and construction. These magnificent boats may stretch hundreds of feet, have numerous decks, and hold dozens of passengers and crew.

Wind power propels sailing boats. Sailing boats, unlike motor yachts, need trained crews to operate their complicated rigging, sails, and other equipment. To assure passenger and crew safety and comfort, they generally include high-tech navigation, communication, and other amenities.

Hybrid propulsion, innovative waste treatment, and energy-efficient lighting and heating make the biggest sailing boats ecologically sustainable. The designers, builders, and owners of these magnificent boats are dedicated to maintaining the natural beauty of the oceans and seas they sail.

The biggest sailing ships are technical marvels and prestige symbols. Famous people, nobility, and business executives own them. Private cruise and chartering provide the pinnacle in luxury vacation for the wealthy.

Finally, enormous sailing ships are engineering, design, and luxury wonders. These magnificent ships allow guests to traverse the world’s oceans and seas in luxury and grandeur. These 8 largest sailing yachts give a look into a world of luxury and pleasure few will ever experience.

Sea Eagle II

Royal Huisman created Sea Eagle II , the eighth-largest sailing boat in the world. Its sleek lines and graceful design make it one of the world’s most stunning sailing yachts. It measures 81 meters long and 12.2 meters wide.

Dykstra Naval Architects, specialists in big sailing boats, designed the vessel. They collaborated with the owners to build a quick, comfortable, and sailable boat. The yacht’s three carbon fiber masts, the highest ever constructed, support a sail area of almost 3,000 square meters.

Sea Eagle II sails softly under electric power thanks to its hybrid propulsion system. The yacht’s two diesel engines power the batteries, but they may be turned off while sailing to reduce noise and pollutants. Sea Eagle II gets RINA’s Green Star designation as one of the world’s most eco-friendly sailing boats.

Did You Know?

Sea Eagle II is spectacular inside and out. Mark Whiteley designed the beautiful, comfortable interior, which can seat 12 people in six cabins. The magnificent main salon has plenty of space and a huge dining table for formal dinners. Cinema, gym, and spa with sauna and massage room.

Aquijo is an engineering and design marvel. Aquijo, built by Oceanco and Vitters, is the seventh-largest sailing boat in the world. It is a waterfront marvel with contemporary architecture and superb facilities.

The sailing yacht debuted in 2016 after three years of building. Dykstra and Tripp Naval Architects designed it. The yacht features a 90-meter (295-foot) carbon-fiber mast with an aluminum superstructure and hull.

One of the world’s biggest sailing boats, it has a 3,300-square-meter sail area. Two 1,100 horsepower engines power the boat to 17 knots with this sail area (31 kilometers per hour). Aquijo has a movable keel for varied sailing situations.

Aquijo’s outside area is impressive. The boat includes a huge flybridge with a Jacuzzi, sun loungers, and a spacious sitting space for visitors to relax and enjoy the views. The flybridge and deck include big outdoor eating places where visitors may enjoy ocean views.

Maltese Falcon

The sixth-largest sailing yacht in the world, the Maltese Falcon , is an engineering marvel. Sailing enthusiasts, luxury vacationers, and design connoisseurs are drawn to this stunning yacht.

The Maltese Falcon, designed by naval architect Gerard Dijkstra and constructed by Perini Navi in Italy, was launched in 2006. Its three-mast design distinguishes the 88-meter (289-foot) sailing boat.

The Maltese Falcon’s DynaRig technology, which employs computer-controlled sails to collect wind power and propel the yacht, is astounding. The Maltese Falcon, one of the world’s fastest sailing boats, can exceed 20 mph with this cutting-edge equipment.

The Maltese Falcon has six elegant staterooms, including a master suite with a private lounge and a full-beam VIP suite, for 12 guests. A big cockpit with a dining table and comfy seats and a flybridge with a Jacuzzi and sun loungers provide adequate outside gathering space.

Athena , the fifth-largest sailing boat in the world, is stunning. Athena is an engineering and design masterpiece. In 2004, Royal Huisman constructed Athena. The famous naval architect Pieter Beeldsnijder collaborated with the owner to develop a beautiful and useful boat. Modern technology and traditional design create a gorgeous vessel.

The 90-meter yacht has a 12.2-meter beam. One diesel engine is capable of pushing the boat at 19 knots. Athena is a sailing yacht with a 2,500-square-meter sail area. Her three carbon fiber masts are among the highest ever constructed at over 60 meters.

Athena is ecologically mindful despite her stature. She has a hybrid propulsion system, solar panels, and a wastewater treatment facility. This makes the boat environmentally friendly while yet offering contemporary amenities.

Sailboats are famed for their luxury. The fourth-largest sailing boat, EOS , is one example. With her sleek lines and tall masts, EOS is stunning on the sea. This article examines EOS’s history, characteristics, and sailing distinctions.

German Lurssen Yachts constructed EOS in 2006. Bill Langan designed and launched the boat the same year. It was the biggest sailing boat when launched. Three sailing boats have exceeded it. EOS is still a striking sight on the water and a monument to Lurssen Yachts’ excellence.

EOS has a stunning interior. François Catroux, a premium house and yacht designer, created the vessel’s interior. EOS’s interior is modern with vintage touches. The yacht’s exquisite main salon is ideal for entertaining guests.

EOS holds 16 guests and 21 crew. The boat includes six staterooms: a full-beam master bedroom, two VIP suites, and three double cabins. Each stateroom has high-end furniture and services.

Black Pearl

The magnificent sailing yacht Black Pearl is noted for its size, unique design, and opulent facilities. It is the third biggest sailing boat in the world and a wonder of engineering at 106 meters.

The Black Pearl was launched in 2016 by Oceanco, a Dutch shipbuilder. Oceanco, Ken Freivokh Design, Nuvolari-Lenard, and Villate designed the boat. The crew had to design a sleek, high-tech watercraft.

The Black Pearl is a sailing boat engineering marvel. Its futuristic boat design, cutting-edge technology, and sumptuous amenities make it a marvel. The Black Pearl will dazzle on the wide sea or in a quiet port.

The Black Pearl has an equally attractive interior. Six luxury staterooms with private bathrooms may seat 12 guests on the boat. The large master bedroom has a salon, study, and dressing area. The boat boasts a huge salon, formal dining room, and cinema for eating and entertainment.

Oceanco Y721

Few luxury sailing boats can match the Oceanco Y721 . The 127-meter Oceanco Y721 is the world’s second-largest sailing yacht and a naval architectural marvel.

The stylish and imposing Nuvolari Lenard-designed Y721 is sleek and futuristic. The yacht’s aluminum hull is light yet sturdy. The Y721’s carbon fiber masts, nearly 100 meters tall, hold a 6,600-square-meter sail area.

The Y721 has an amazing hybrid propulsion system. Twin diesel engines or electric motors attached to a big battery bank power the boat. When electric, the boat cruises softly and emissions-free.

A fully equipped gym, spa with sauna and steam room, movie room, and beach club with pool and direct sea access are onboard. On the yacht’s foredeck, a 7.5-ton helicopter can land.

Sailing Yacht A

Sailing Yacht A is the largest sailing yacht in the world. It is an engineering marvel. This futuristic sailboat has captivated sailing aficionados and high workmanship lovers.

German shipyard Nobiskrug constructed Sailing Yacht A for Russian billionaire Andrey Melnichenko. Philippe Starck designed it. This $450 million warship took five years to build.

Sailing Yacht A’s three 100-meter-tall masts stand out. High-tech, lightweight sails are computer-controlled. This makes sailing easy in bad weather.

Sailing Yacht A has an equally beautiful interior. The boat accommodates 20 guests and 54 staff members in comfort. The main deck has a gorgeous swimming pool that can be turned into a dance floor, while the lower deck has a huge spa with a sauna, steam room, and massage area.

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OYSTER 885SII

The remarkable 90 foot sailboat, offering exquisite guest accommodation and dedicated crew quarters

The Oyster 885SII. Experiences you will love.

Combining luxury and entertaining space with exhilarating sailing, this remarkable 90 foot yacht is the platform to adventures anywhere in the world.

Exhilarating sailing

A choice of centreboard, T-keel or standard keel, each with an optimised and dramatic sail plan offers uncompromising performance and fast, effortless passage making.

Space to love

The large, protected cockpit, optional tender-well chillout zone, fore and aft deck and bathing platform all makes ideal spaces for entertaining family and friends on the Oyster 885.

Relax and enjoy

Dedicated quarters for four crew makes the Oyster 885 ideal for relaxing, entertaining or charter.

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BUILDING MY OYSTER

Adrian Newey, the greatest Formula One race engineer, builds his Oyster 885

Featuring the latest iconic Oyster deck saloon styling, twin rudders and a choice of keels, this 90 foot sailing yacht offers an extensive range of customisable options.

Iconic Oyster flagship

The large, split cockpit is the heart of the oyster 885. offering panoramic views, it is the perfect place to relax and entertain on ocean passages..

Safe and protected under a large bimini and sprayhood, the expansive cockpit has a multi-functional table that seats eight with ease, with drinks on hand from the convenient integrated refrigerator. The deck offers a wide choice of other entertaining spaces. The sunken foredeck tender-well transforms into a chillout zone, with bimini and entertainment system. Her wide beam aft provides more space for sunbathing and the large hydraulic bathing platform is the perfect space from which to enjoy watersport toys. It also doubles as a unique spot for alfresco dining.

The sheer scale of the Oyster 885 sail plan delivers performance cruising with any of her keel variants.

Her well-balanced, high-performance hull with twin rudders delivers safe and exceptional sailing characteristics. Responsive and fast moving, she delivers consistently high speeds for excellent passage-making on extended ocean voyages. For a 90 foot yacht, she is beautifully balanced and light on the helm. The standard carbon rig with Park Avenue style boom is precision engineered for safety and durability. The single point mainsheet, with push button control through a captive reel winch, makes for easy trimming of the sails when sailing. The wider hydraulic systems for both sail-control and bow and stern thrusters make for both easy sail handling and effortless manoeuvring in tight spots. With a choice of fixed keel or centreboard option, you can explore the most inaccessible places in the world with confidence. And the 885GT variant, featuring lead T-keel and extensive rig specification upgrades, takes performance to another level.

At a glance, the Oyster 885 iconic styling is refined and elegant, highlighting Oyster’s trademark deck saloon.

Available in both raised split-level saloon and standard deck saloon versions, the Oyster 885 features instantly recognisable Oyster design cues. From her wraparound saloon and triple Seascape windows to the extended bowsprit and wide beam aft, she is every inch an Oyster. She combines the experience of Oyster’s in house design studio and skills of our master craftspeople, with the expertise and finesse of Humphreys’ naval architects. Clutter-free, flush teak decks and ergonomically designed cockpit and helm positions make her safe and easy to move around. Adaptable to any sea state, with uncompromising strength of construction, her hull and decks are certified by Lloyd’s Register, giving you the reassurance that she is robustly built and able to take you anywhere in the world.

OYSTER 885GT

GRAND TOURING

Enhanced performance in luxury, comfort and style.

Designed for entertaining, the Oyster 885 boasts luxurious indulgences, expansive comfortable living spaces and privacy you will love.

Magnificent detail

Practical, versatile and spacious, the oyster 885 is designed for onboard living and equipped with the comforts of home..

The luxurious, full width owner’s cabin sets the standard for the four ensuite double guest cabins. Light, airy and spacious, with excellent standing height, each ensuite features walk-in shower and electric flush toilet. There are quality, deep mattresses, mirrors, cedar lined wardrobes and ample stowage. Touchscreen controls operate Oyster’s proprietary mood lighting system, along with the audio and optional infotainment systems.

At just under the 24m Load Line Rule, this 90 foot sailboat for sale offers many advantages over larger yachts. She avoids the onerous red tape and costly requirements involved when chartering. She boasts dedicated crew quarters with mess for four crew, making her perfect for guest privacy and ideal for charter. The luxury of a full-time crew takes entertaining and enjoyment to another level, whether on extended ocean passages or entertaining family and friends in a secluded bay.

Handcrafted by our skilled master craftspeople, the Oyster 885 is built with meticulous attention to detail and a deep sense of pride and passion.

With over 50 years of designing and building exceptional bluewater cruisers, the insights of our owners, skippers and crew, sailors and our own team have informed every aspect of her design and build. Every detail has been considered to create a unique combination of design, technology and engineering, alongside exquisite handcrafted build quality. Beautiful hardwoods run through every inch of this 90 foot sailboat. This focus on detail reveals itself in the handcrafted cabinetry, as well as in the easily accessible, carefully labelled cables and pipework that run behind the scenes to make maintenance tasks simple.

As you would expect, the Oyster 885 is fitted with the latest convenient and connected technology for complete versatility, comfort and work-aboard potential.

The generous navigation station doubles as a technology hub, featuring a range of choices of PCs and plotters, VHF and SSB radios, power management, generator control, switchboard and plenty of power sockets. It doubles as the ideal work-aboard space and is home to the Oyster Command™ system – Oyster’s intuitive digital switching system which connects everything, including the entertainment, utilities, lighting and monitoring systems.

In addition, there is wireless sound, mood lighting, a range of optional infotainment systems, enhanced navigation systems and connectivity options to meet every requirement.

The joy of Oyster ownership

There is more than just pride on offer when it comes to owning an Oyster 885. Every new Oyster comes with a comprehensive warranty, personalised care, access to our global service network, unrivalled support, life-changing experiences and so much more.

On an Oyster the world is yours.

OYSTER OWNERSHIP

Ownership benefits rarely experienced in marine

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Specifications & features

Lloyd’s Register certified hull and deck moulding

This 90 foot yacht’s hull and deck mouldings meet EU RCDII standards, with strength, integrity and build quality, certified by Lloyd’s Register.

Custom hydraulic sail handling

Powerful, custom Lewmar hydraulic system for sail handling systems including the mainsheet captive reel winch, headsail furling, winches and windlass.

Hydraulic bathing platform and passerelle

Generous, teak-laid swim platform operated by onboard hydraulic systems. A powered letterbox passerelle extends for easy access while berthed stern to.

Retractable hydraulic bow & stern thrusters

Lewmar vertical Bow and Stern thrusters make it easy to manoeuvre in tight marina berths.

High output water maker

A 276l/hr desalination system provides a plentiful fresh water supply on the Oyster 885 Series II.

Forced air ventilation and 100,000 BTU A/C system

The forced air ventilation and reverse cycle air conditioning is fitted throughout for climate control. This unique system keeps the yacht ventilated and fresh below decks, whatever the climate.

Sprayhood and bimini

A sprayhood and bimini, in a choice of colours, provides protection from the elements at the cockpit and helm stations. An optional bimini is available for the tender well chillout zone.

Fully equipped galley amenities

Appliances include: induction hob, fan oven, microwave, dishwasher, washing machine and tumble dryer.

Refrigeration

A large, 24v Frigomatic custom fridge-freezer with digital temperature gauges, heater door seals and internal fans and a cockpit fridge for easy access to refreshments.

Lowered saloon configuration

The format offers a spacious saloon that seamlessly connects the forward crew area and guest cabins to the main accommodation.

Raised deck saloon configuration

This format increases headroom in the saloon to create one level in the upper deck saloon.

Tender well entertainment package

This package converts the tender well into a chillout zone, with deck cushions, table, bimini, cinema and surround sound audio.

Enhanced external deck lighting

The additional deck lighting package provides an array of lighting solutions for every occasion, incorporating mast light, bulwark lights, hull lights, tender well lights and deck lights.

Custom hull colours

Create your unique look and feel with a wide choice of painted finishes.

Winter 2027

Plans and interior layouts.

Colour inspiration

CENTREBOARD

Experience the best of both worlds. Ultimate accessibility of a shallow-draft and unmatched performance with the centreboard down.

The Oyster 885

Step aboard

Join us at our boat shows and private views to see our stunning bluewater cruisers

OYSTER WORLD RALLY 2028-29

Entries are now open. Embark on the sailing adventure of a lifetime.

Personalised care, unforgettable experiences and lifelong yacht support

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OYSTER WORLD RALLY

Entries for the Oyster World Rally 2028-29 are now open. Embark on the sailing adventure of a lifetime

The new 565 Series II

The pursuit of perfection continues

Oyster Charter

Experience exhilarating sailing, luxury and style on an Oyster charter

New 565 Series II

LUXURY CHARTER

Experience exhilarating sailing, luxury and style on an oyster charter. personal, exclusive and uniquely oyster.

Oyster 825 iSNL

Discover this exceptional late model 825 with a unbeatable spec and a bespoke layout.

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Oyster world rally.

ENTRIES OPEN

Embark on the sailing adventure of a lifetime. entries are now open for the oyster world rally 2028-29.

Follow the Oyster World Rally 2024-25 fleet live

Winner of European Yacht of the Year 2023. She is a new breed of luxury 50 foot yacht, offering effortless shorthanded sailing capability.

A magnificent, award-winning sub 60 foot sailing yacht, offering luxurious living space and outstanding shorthanded sailing capability.

A beautifully proportioned 60 foot, luxury liveaboard bluewater cruiser, offering effortless shorthanded sailing capability.

A superb sub 70 foot ocean sailboat offering versatile luxury living space and impeccable sailing performance.

An inspired 75 foot yacht, offering infinite configuration options, generous luxury living space and flexible crew quarters.

Oyster 885SII

The remarkable, iconic 90 foot sailboat, perfect for relaxed luxury voyages of discovery.

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Home  News  Legendary Rolex Big Boat Series Kicks Off in San Francisco

Legendary Rolex Big Boat Series Kicks Off in San Francisco

Big breeze. Epic scenery. Yachts of all shapes and sizes. The glitz and glamor of Rolex.  

In the sailing world, the Rolex Big Boat series holds a certain allure and prestige. Held each September in San Francisco Bay – when conditions

are at their windiest – the event features both one design keelboats (J/88, j/105, and Express 37) and handicap rated yachts across multiple rating systems.

This year, over 70 boats will take to the line September 12-16 for the 60th edition of the event, with organizers showcasing its rich history and celebrating the many legendary yachts, crews and skippers who have participated since 1964.     

Since then, the event has grown to include new boats and technology alongside the classics. Ratings for each boat are supported by US Sailing’s offshore office, making sure boats of different makes and sizes can compete against each other fairly.

This year’s event will also serve as the ORC West Coast Championship, with the top three positions in each ORC Class awarded titles and trophies. Additionally, entries are invited to compete for the Storm Trysail Team Trophy, to be presented to the top-scoring three-boat team from the same yacht club and comprised of one ORC boat, one one-design boat and one boat from any other class.

The festivities begin on Wednesday evening, September 11, when boats and sailors arrive for the Competitors’ Briefing. Competition commences Thursday with two races per day for most fleets through Saturday. On Sunday, all fleets will race one long “Bay Tour” course. The Classics will race once per day for all four days.  

Learn more about the Rolex Big Boat Series: https://rolexbigboatseries.com/  

Copyright ©2018-2024 United States Sailing Association. All rights reserved. US Sailing is a 501(c)3 organization. Website designed & developed by Design Principles, Inc. -->

Hundreds of Sailors Ready to Race in the 60th Edition of Rolex Big Boat Series

One of the best sailboat racing venues in the world, iconic San Francisco Bay, is ready to turn it on for the 60th edition of the Rolex Big Boat Series at St. Francis Yacht Club, September 11-15, 2024. The most prestigious regatta on the West Coast drew 71 boats and nearly 700 sailors to the docks of St. Francis Yacht Club, to hear what classes will race for Rolexes and perpetual trophies on Wednesday night, and to start preparing for the first race on Thursday, September 12. With a strong turnout in one design classes and ORC divisions, organizers are thrilled to welcome members and guests to be a part of the action on the water and shoreside.  

“Having been involved in this epic West Coast regatta for some four decades, it is my honor and privilege as Commodore to welcome our members and guests to the 60th edition of the Rolex Big Boat Series,” said Chris Perkins, 2024 Commodore of St. Francis Yacht Club and a past winner of the event. “I wish the best of luck to our competitors who are here to compete in one of the world’s most spectacular racing venues. Sail fast and enjoy our outstanding hospitality.” 

Rolex Big Boat Series’ extensive history of champions is a tribute to the depth of talent that graces the event and this year, a solid fleet stacked with talented and tough competition is expected.  

“We have 30 J/105s starting again this year, which is great to see, and the ORC fleet is diverse and deep in talent with past winners returning to defend their titles,” says Felix Weidling, Race Director of St. Francis Yacht Club. “We always have our competitors’ best interests in mind and after taking in sailors’ feedback from last year, we continue to improve this important event which is a cornerstone of West Coast sailboat racing.” 

Perennial Rolex Big Boat winner in the J/105 class, Ryan Simmons and his well-seasoned team on Blackhawk are eager to see how the competition will play out in the competitive San Francisco-based J/105 fleet. Blackhawk took first in class in 2019, 2021 and 2023, and second in 2022. Simmons does not take for granted that his luck will bear out for another win, although he and his crew are talented enough—and hopeful.  

“We’re lucky, we have low turnover on our team—we’ve been sailing together a long time and it’s the big difference,” says Simmons. “Our competitive edge this year will be consistency. In the first two days of the regatta, you can’t lock in the win, but you can definitely take yourself out of contention, so sailing smart the first couple of days is key, but Saturday and Sunday are really where the championship will be won.” 

Hot to prevail against Blackhawk is NeNe , owned and skippered by Tim Russell who has played bridesmaid many times, often finishing in the top three. He’s currently leading the local J/105 fleet in the class championship series, making him a serious podium contender.  

“A first place on NeNe is alluding me!” says Russell. “You have to take chances and I usually approach every regatta being super conservative. On my starts I’m trying to win one end or the other and let our boat speed take care of itself and minimize mistakes, but in Big Boat you have to gamble.” 

Peter Wagner won last year’s ORC-C division on Skeleton Key, the J/111 he’s owned since 2015. Winner of the J/111 North Americans for two years in a row and St. Francis Yacht Club’s Sailor of the Year in 2023, Wagner is a tough act to follow. He’s been racing Rolex Big Boat Series for almost 25 years and is looking forward to the solid competition, great conditions and fun social gatherings. 

“It’s always one of the highlights of our season and certainly the highlight of racing on San Francisco Bay,” says Wagner. “In this particular event we’ve raced in various one design classes as well as ORR and now ORC and we’re really excited about the momentum around ORC. I think it will be a really competitive event. Some of the best, most reliable and most fun sailing conditions in the world are this time of year at this venue, the race management is second to none and the social side is always spectacular. There is always a great group of sailors that convenes around RBBS.”  

Other boats returning to defend their 2023 titles include the J/88 Pelagia owned and skippered by Christos Karamanolis, Cape 31 M2 owned and skippered by Marc McMorris, and J/109 Reverie, owned and skippered by John Arens. Peter Wagner won last year’s ORC-C division on Skeleton Key, the J/111 he’s owned since 2015. Winner of the J/111 North Americans for two years in a row and St. Francis Yacht Club’s Sailor of the Year in 2023, Wagner is a tough act to follow. He’s been racing Rolex Big Boat Series for almost 25 years and is looking forward to the solid competition, great conditions and fun social gatherings. 

“It’s always one of the highlights of our season and certainly the highlight of racing on San Francisco Bay,” says Wagner. “In this particular event we’ve raced in various one design classes as well as ORR and now ORC and we’re really excited about the momentum around ORC. I think it will be a really competitive event. Some of the best, most reliable and most fun sailing conditions in the world are this time of year at this venue, the race management is second to none and the social side is always spectacular. There is always a great group of sailors that convenes around RBBS.” 

Other boats returning to defend their 2023 titles include the J/88 Pelagia owned and skippered by Christos Karamanolis, Cape 31 M2 owned and skippered by Marc McMorris, and J/109 Reverie , owned and skippered by John Arens.

TROPHIES & ROLEXES 

At the Competitors’ Briefing on Wednesday, September 11, at 1600, St. Francis Yacht Club announced which classes will be racing for the six perpetual trophies and two Rolex timepieces. 

J/105 

As the largest one-design fleet this year, the J/105s will compete for StFYC’s Commodore’s Cup. The top J/105 skipper will also receive a Rolex timepiece. 

ORC-A 

The St. Francis Perpetual Trophy, which was anonymously donated to StFYC in 1966 to encourage competition between large offshore racing yachts, will be presented to the winner of the ORC-A fleet. 

ORC-B 

The ORC-B division will be racing for the City of San Francisco Perpetual Trophy, which has been contested since 1968 and features one of the original spades from the opening of the Golden Gate Bridge. The winner of this division will also take home a coveted Rolex timepiece. 

ORC-C 

The Atlantic Perpetual Trophy, featuring a ship’s bell from the 1905 Transatlantic-record-breaking schooner Atlantic, will go to the winner of the ORC-C fleet. 

EXPRESS 37 

The Express 37s will race for the Keefe-Kilborn Perpetual Trophy, established in 1976 to honor the memory of late StFYC members Harold Keefe and Ray Kilborn, 

The Richard Rheem Perpetual Trophy, named for longtime StFYC member and skipper of Morning Star—the yacht that proudly broke the Transpac course record in 1949 and 1953—will go to the winner of the J/88 class. The PCYA Jesse L. Carr Perpetual Captain and Crew Trophy will go to the winner of the top J/88 finisher. 

CLASSICS  

The Classics will compete for the Classic Cup Perpetual Trophy. 

ADDITIONAL AWARDS 

All three ORC divisions will also be contesting the West Coast Championship. 

The Storm Trysail Team Trophy to the three-boat team who have entered and achieved the best score. The team must be comprised of one boat racing in an ORC class, one from a one-design class, and one from any other class. 

“I’m excited to lead the Rolex Big Boat Series in its 60th anniversary year,” says Susan Ruhne, who chairs the regatta and is the 2024 Rear Commodore of St. Francis Yacht Club. “The event is such an important part of the StFYC’s history and a favorite for so many sailors and spectators to experience. There is nothing like watching 70-plus boats on three race courses duke it out on San Francisco Bay, including the classic downwind run from the Golden Gate Bridge back to the club. I am also very proud that we continue to maintain Rolex Big Boat Series’ status as a Clean Regatta, a foundation of the event.” 

The 2024 Rolex Big Boat Series is targeting Platinum Level Clean Regatta status, the highest distinction from Sailors for the Sea. A pre-regatta volunteer event with the Parks Conservancy was held at Crissy Field on Wednesday morning. Organizers have taken efforts to remove all single-use plastic from the event, and competitors spectators are invited to meet local non-profits who serve as Sustainability Partners for the event. Sail to Shelter will be collecting old sails on site to recycle into shelter for humanitarian aid.  

Quantum Sails will be hosting Daily Weather Briefings every race day at 0730. All sailors are invited to tune in for the forecast from experts at Sailflow Weather and to hear local knowledge about San Francisco Bay conditions and currents. 

Racing is set to begin tomorrow, September 12, at 1100 local time for most classes and 1300 for the Classics. 

Follow the action online on Instagram and Facebook . 

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