trektorial

POWER & MOTORYACHT, the #1 enthusiast marine category publication, unveiled its 23rd annual list of the world’s 100 largest megayachts, a.k.a. “The POWER & MOTORYACHT 100.” A megayacht is defined as a privately owned yacht at least 80 feet long; there are nearly 4,000 yachts in this booming category today. Not only has the number of yachts in the category grown, but their size has increased as well in the 23 years since the list was first compiled. In 1985, the largest yacht on the POWER & MOTORYACHT 100 measured 123’. Today, the smallest of the 100 measures 206’.

“With millionaires giving way to billionaires, not only does the demand for new megayachts increase, but also luxury and size,” said Diane M. Byrne, Executive Editor of POWER & MOTORYACHT. “In fact, the top two yachts on our list are longer than Giants’ Stadium.” She added, “And while the owners flaunt their wealth with the size of their yachts, at the same time many keep their contents and amenities a tightly guarded secret, so rumors abound.” Many owners wish to remain anonymous, but some of the current top 25 read like a “Who’s Who” of the world’s business elite, especially Russian oil billionaires, whose names pepper many of the yachts on the list.

The POWER & MOTORYACHT 100 includes:

• AL SALAMAH – 456’10” – The biggest and most secretive yacht, as virtually everyone involved won’t talk about what’s inside the megayacht belonging to the Saudi Arabian Defense Minister, Prince Sultan bin Abdul Aziz. She’s rumored to have more than 80 rooms, a crew of 96 and an indoor swimming pool.

• RISING SUN – 452’8” – Jointly owned by Oracle Corporation head Larry Ellison and movie mogul David Geffen, she comes equipped with a basketball court and a landing craft specially designed to carry an SUV ashore.

• OCTOPUS – 414’0” – Paul Allen’s vessel has traveled around the world and carries a “toy” boat that resembles a submarine. It also has not one, but two helipads. These might be the most economical means to travel, for at $4.50/gallon, it costs over $1mm to fill up OCTOPUS. Of course, if you have to ask the price…

• SAVARONA – 408’0” – Built over 75 years ago at a cost of $4mm, this available-for-charter beauty can brighten your party with its 282-foot-long grand staircase and authentic Turkish hamman (Turkish bath).

• TURAMA – 381’11” – Available for charter at 630,000 euros per week (about $857,000 at press time), you can entertain adults in the disco, children in the playroom, and sleep 70 in its guestrooms.

• TATOOSH – 302’8” – Paul Allen’s second yacht on the list (see #3 above) entertained Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie and family last May prior to the Cannes Film Festival.

• ICE – 295’3” – Owned by (another) Russian oilman, Suleiman Kerimov, this megayacht was the setting for his 40th birthday party, where he entertained his guests with performances by both Christina Aguilera and Shakira.

• LAUREN L – 295’3” – Owned by Liveras Yachts, it is available for charter for a mere $1.2MM a week. The former Constellation has been refitted to cater to 48 overnight guests and includes an expanded sundeck, sauna, hair salon, and other health and beauty amenities.

• CARINTHIA VII – 321’5” – The largest yacht in the world owned solely by a woman (Heidi Horten, a German retail giant). Its home is the International Yacht Club of Antibes.