Superyachts are prime symbols of luxury and engineering for the ultra-wealthy. Despite their high costs, the prices of the most expensive yachts remain notable. Recently, these floating palaces have become a way for the rich to display their wealth, fueling a rise in the luxury yacht industry.
The elite view these yachts as extravagant toys, competing in size, design, and features. Due to their high-profile nature, details are often kept private to avoid taxation or ensure security. Each yacht illustrates extreme wealth and advanced technology, reflecting the lifestyles of their billionaire owners.
Read also: 6 most expensive drinks in the world According to Architectural Digest , here are the top 3 most expensive yachts in the world Topping the list as the most expensive yacht ever built is the History Supreme, with an estimated value of $4.8 billion. Designed by the UK-based luxury designer Stuart Hughes, this 100-foot yacht might be modest in size compared to others on this list, but its true value lies in the materials used in its construction.
It is rumoured that Robert Kuok purchased the superyacht. History Supreme is a veritable treasure trove of rare and precious materials. The yacht’s exterior is clad in a layer of pure gold and platinum, making it a notable floating jewel.
Inside, features include a statue crafted from genuine Tyrannosaurus rex bones, a relic of the prehistoric era. The primary bedroom features one wall made from meteorite rock and another that houses a 24-karat gold Aquavista Panoramic Wall Aquarium, offering a view of marine life encased in gold. Read also: Ten most expensive cars in Africa Coming in second is the Eclipse, valued at $1.
5 billion. This 533-foot yacht is one of the largest and most technologically advanced. Owned by Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich, the Eclipse is a floating fortress that epitomizes luxury and security.
Designed by yacht designer Terry Disdale and constructed by the German shipyard Blohm + Voss, the Eclipse boasts 24 guest cabins. For water activities, the yacht features two swimming pools, multiple hot tubs, and two helipads. It is equipped with a missile detection system and bulletproof windows in both the primary bedroom and the bridge.
An anti-paparazzi shield uses lasers to block intrusive camera lenses. In the event of a security breach, a mini-submarine can whisk VIPs away to safety, diving up to 164 feet below the ocean’s surface. Read also: Top 10 most expensive sneakers ever made Rounding out the top three is the Azzam, valued at $600 million.
What it lacks in cost compared to its predecessors, it makes up for in size and speed. At 590 feet, Azzam is currently the largest private yacht in the world and one of the fastest, with a top speed of 35 miles per hour. The Azzam is believed to be owned by Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, a member of the UAE’s royal family.
Built by Lürssen Yachts, a German shipyard, Azzam is a triumph of nautical engineering. The yacht’s exterior was designed by Nauta Yacht, while the interiors were crafted by French decorator Christophe Leoni, who opted for an early 19th-century Empire style. Powering this vessel are two gas turbines and two high-performance diesel engines, allowing the Azzam to achieve remarkable speed and agility.
The yacht’s interiors feature custom-made veneered furniture and state-of-the-art security systems, including a bulletproof primary suite and missile defence systems. The Azzam represents luxury and design..
