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The Top 10 Best Yacht Builders In The World

Best yacht builders list

Here is our list of the best yacht builders on earth. Deciding which shipyard will build your luxury yacht is a complex and deeply personal choice, depending on many factors including the level of customization you want, your budget, the location of the shipyard, and the ‘feel’ you get for the yard’s vision and people.

Our list of the best yacht builders is naturally subjective and will not feature every well-known brand. Our short selection includes a range of shipyards, from manufacturers of the some of the most iconic custom-built superyachts to hugely popular production yacht builders.

Here are the best yacht builders on earth, sorted by region.

Usa – best yacht builders.

Best yacht builders worldwide list: Westport

Westport is one of the dominant players in the American yacht-building market, with a hugely popular range of tri-deck and raised pilothouse motoryachts built from composite materials. Their models range from from the 112′ to 164′ (34m to 50m) series, allowing the yacht owner to customize the interior layout without the high cost and long timescale of fully-custom construction. As the largest American yacht building company in operation, Westport has a proud history of high quality yacht manufacturing dating back to 1964, with over 100 superyachts and over 170 fishing vessels launched from their Pacific Northwest Shipyard. Westport yachts are extremely popular in the US brokerage and charter market and have a reputation for holding their value well. View current Westport yachts for sale .

Christensen Yachts prides itself on the construction of American-built custom and semi-custom superyachts from fiberglass, including well known yachts M/Y CASINO ROYALE, M/Y SILVER LINING and award-winning M/Y ODESSA. Founded by superyacht owners, Christensen has a loyal following of yacht owners, many of whom are repeat customers. Currently producing yachts at its Vancouver, WA yard between 100’ to 165’ (35m to 50m) in length, Christensen was bought out in 2015 and is in the process of building America’s largest superyacht facility in Tennessee, which will construct vessels up to 70m. View current Christensen yachts for sale .

Northern Europe – Best Yacht Builders

German superyacht builder Lurssen is the builder of the largest superyacht in existence, the 590’ (180m) M/Y AZZAM, which was completed in an astonishingly quick three years. Known for superb build quality and large projects across its superyacht, naval vessel, as well as its’ yacht refit and management divisions, Lurssen is a family-run shipyard with a prestigious yacht building heritage spanning back to 1875, when it constructed the first ever motoryacht. Lurssen is the builder of 5 of the top 10 largest yachts in the world. View current Lurssen yachts for sale.

Feadship, Netherlands: For some yacht owners, the only name worth knowing is Feadship. This prestigious brand is synonymous with Dutch superyacht quality, and has a legion of steadfast and loyal fans. Dating back to 1849, Feadship creates fully custom yachts from a ‘blank slate’ beginning, priding themselves on creating supremely unique, innovative yachts that stand the test of time. There are 450 bespoke yachts currently afloat in the Feadship fleet, including M/Y HASNA, a 239’ (73m) with a revolutionary layout. Read more on Dutch yacht builders . View current Feadship yachts for sale .

Amels’ vast and high-tech superyacht facility is the largest in the Netherlands, producing iconic, high-value yachts up to 330’ (100m), including their 2017 flagship yacht, 272’ (83m) M/Y HERE COMES THE SUN. Amels offer a fully custom yacht building service, as well as their exceedingly popular Limited Edition Series, whereby the yacht owner retains control over interior and exterior design but the yacht is built on a proven platform, thereby slashing the build time. Amels also builds support yachts through their parent company, DAMEN, a heavyweight in global shipbuilding. View current Amels yachts for sale .

Dutch yacht builder Heesen is known for its aluminum and steel superyachts and innovative use of technology, as seen in the revolutionary fast displacement hull form first seen in the multi-award winning M/Y GALACTICA STAR, and the hybrid propulsion utilized in the 2017 launch of M/Y HOME. With a fleet of over 170 yachts launched since inception in 1978, Heesen is known for pushing the boundaries of what is possible in superyacht design and engineering. Heesen builds motoryachts between 100’ to 265’ (30m to 80m) in length at its Oss shipyard. View current Heesen yachts for sale .

Now owned by Lurssen, Blohm + Voss is a yachting powerhouse in its own right, constructing magnificent large superyachts including the iconic MOTOR YACHT A and 531’ (162m) M/Y ECLIPSE, currently the third-largest yacht in the world. The vast Blohm +Voss facility in Hamburg, Germany creates striking custom motoryachts and sailing yachts. View current Blohm +Voss yachts for sale.

Mediterranean – Best Yacht Builders

Best yacht builders worldwide list: Benetti

Benetti is a powerhouse of luxury yacht building, with a very healthy order list and a boat- building pedigree stretching back to 1873. Since 1960, Benetti has been constructing superyachts in Italy, including iconic yachts MY KINGDOM in 1980, then the largest yacht in the world at 280’ (85m), right through to recent launches such as the award-winning M/Y 11.11. Benetti is part of the Azimut-Benetti Group, the largest producer of luxury yachts in the world, building semi-custom and fully custom yachts between 100′ and 330′ (30m and 100m) long. Known for their Italian style and long history of yacht construction, Benetti has a loyal following of yacht owners who return to the yard each time they upgrade. View current Benetti yachts for sale .

Best yacht builders worldwide list: Perini Navi

The creators of one of the most well-known yachts on the planet, S/Y MALTESE FALCON, Perini Navi enjoys a superb reputation as a sailing superyacht builder, and also entered the large motoryacht market in 2007 under its Pichiotti brand. Perini Navi yachts are known for their superyacht luxuries and interior volume, as well as the technically brilliant sailing systems that allow these large yachts to be operated by a small crew. Perini Navi dominates the sailing superyacht market with its range from 130’ to 200’(40m to 60m), constructed at their three shipyards in Viareggio, La Spezia in Italy and also in Istanbul. View current Perini Navi yachts for sale .

UK – Best Yacht Builders

Sunseeker is one of the most instantly recognizable names in the yachting world, building performance luxury yachts known for their speed and sleek looks. Once better known for their smaller sport yachts, Sunseeker is now a major player in the superyacht market, with customizable yacht models from 75′ to 155′, as well as constructing the Predator range with a top speed of 45 knots. Built and engineered in Dorset, UK, Sunseeker is Britain’s most famous luxury yacht builder, creating the hand-finished yachts regularly featured on James Bond films. View current Sunseeker yachts for sale .

Worth Avenue Yachts has extensive experience with each of these yacht brands. To find out more about the relative advantages of these shipyards or the other high-quality shipyards that we recommend, please contact us for an expert discussion.

top 10 yacht manufacturers

Top 10 luxury yacht builders 2023

Hannah Rankine

The design and build of a luxury yacht is a truly personal experience. Whether customising a design to be built, or striving to create a completely new concept altogether, superyacht owners will seek to work with a yacht builder that truly understands their vision, and can translate their dream design into a real vessel.

As Royal Huisman proudly state, “If you can dream it, we can build it!”

Those buying a new superyacht will therefore have many questions to ask themselves before settling on a suitable yacht builder and shipyard facility to carry out the project. Thankfully for these prospective owners, there are a number of luxury superyacht brands that have the ability to turn the biggest mega yacht dreams into reality.

Yachting Pages lists the world’s top luxury superyacht builders and their shipyard facilities , from A to Z, identifying some of the best superyachts in the world along the way.

Best luxury superyacht builders

1.  amels, netherlands.

Located in Vlissingen, Amels operates the largest superyacht boatyard in the Netherlands, and is known to be one of the best superyacht builders in the world.

Amels has been operating for over 100 years and offers both Full Custom and Limited Editions, ranging from 55 to 83 metres (180 to 272 feet) LOA. Built on a proven platform and delivered in half the time expected of standard construction superyachts, all 20+ Limited Editions projects have so far been delivered on or ahead of contract, with 55-metre (180-foot) Galene among the most recent to emerge from the yard. With several new projects currently under construction, Amels is likely to be among the top superyacht shipyards for many years to come.

Amels shipyard

2. Benetti, Italy

Founded in 1873 and headquartered in Viareggio, Benetti is the world’s largest builder of superyachts by number built, with a production capacity of 100 units per year.

Most famous for building Sir Philip Green’s 90-metre (295-foot) Lionheart in 2016, 2019 was its breakthrough year with its first 100-metre+ (328-foot+) deliveries of Lana, Luminosity and IJE. This gave Benetti 2 nd , 3 rd and 4 th spots on the Top 10 Largest Superyachts Delivered in 2019 . Luminosity is widely believed to be valued in excess of €200,000,000 and is listed with Fraser and Burgess (as of November 2020).

3. Feadship, Netherlands

The home of full-custom superyachts, Feadship is one of the few shipyards worldwide that works to create completely custom yachts. It has worked with superyacht owners since the 19 th century to create one-off luxury motor yachts that are truly unique.

Feadship currently has four shipyard facilities in the Netherlands, with expansion underway at its Amsterdam facility in Western Harbour to offer the ability to build motor yachts as long as 160 metres (525 feet). To date, there are over 250 Feadship yachts in navigation, including 99-metre (324-foot) Madame Gu, 99.95 (327-foot) Moonrise, 101-metre (333-foot) Symphony and 110-metre (361-foot) Anna.

Feadship yard

4. Fincantieri Yachts, Italy

Fincantieri Yachts specialises in full-custom luxury pleasure yachts over 70 metres (230 feet) with no upper limit to the size or volume that it can produce. The builder currently has a range of concepts and projects, including 70-metre (230-foot) superyacht Blanche.

Having manufactured in excess of 7,000 vessels in its 230-year history, Fincantieri has a network of 18 shipyards across four continents, two design centres and a research centre, making it one of the largest Western shipyards in the world.

Fincantieri shipyard

5. Heesen Yachts, Netherlands

Heesen Yachts is known as one of the world’s luxury yacht builders, specialising in custom superyachts in the 30- to 65-metre (98- to 213-foot) range, but with the additional capability of building vessels of 80 metres (262 feet) and above.

With a focus on quality and innovation, Heesen has created many custom yachts with no two yachts the same. Founded in 1978, it was the first Dutch shipyard to employ aluminium for yacht hulls. In its 42 years, it has delivered more than 170 yachts, with aluminium, steel, displacement, semi-displacement and revolutionary fast displacement yachts making up its fleet. Its most famous vessels include the 65-metre (213-foot) Galatica Star, 70-metre (230-foot) Galatica Super Nova and 55-metre (180-foot) Serenity.

6. Lürssen, Germany

Based in Germany, Lürssen is one of the world's leading shipyards for large luxury yacht building, with a focus on excellence in custom-built superyachts. A family-owned shipyard for four generations, it can claim the accolade of building the world’s first motor yacht back in 1886.

Responsible for building more than 13,000 vessels since 1875, Lürssen currently has eight shipyard facilities in Northern Germany, each specialising in a specific size of yacht ranging from 60 to 220 metres (197 to 722 feet) in length. Together these facilities offer 1,125,000 metres squared of space for new builds, as well as refit, repair and maintenance services.

Lürssen builds some of the largest luxury yachts in the world, including the iconic Azzam, the world’s current largest superyacht at 180 metres (590 feet) LOA.

Lurssen's superyacht Azzam

7. Nobiskrug, Germany

Having just celebrated its 115 th anniversary, Nobiskrug began shipbuilding long before the term ‘superyacht’ was even coined. Drawing on its extensive experience in seagoing vessels, the shipyard turned to yacht building in 2000 with the completion of its inaugural superyacht project, the 92-metre (302-foot) Tatoosh. It has since delivered an impressive portfolio of innovative custom-built superyachts, pledging to work on a single project for a single client to build superyachts ready for the 22 nd century. A big statement of intent.

With two facilities in Northern Germany, the boatyard can currently build vessels ranging from 60 to 426 metres (197 to 1398 feet) in length. Over 1000 in-house employees work across the two sites, where they have developed and built numerous award-winning superyachts, including one of the industry’s most talked about vessels, 142-metre (466-foot) Sailing Yacht A.

2020 saw the launch of 80-metre (262-foot) Artefact. At 2,999 GT, Artefact is now the largest 80-metre superyacht by volume in the world and is one of the world’s first superyachts to meet IMO Tier III emissions regulations.

8. Oceanco, Netherlands

Oceanco specialises in building sophisticated custom yachts ranging from 80 to 140 metres (262 to 459 feet) in length. Offering a highly personal service to clients, Oceanco is positioned with state-of-the-art yacht building facilities in the Netherlands, and a design, sales and marketing office in Monaco.

The builder celebrated its first launch in 1992, and almost 30 years later its portfolio now includes well-known superyachts such as the 95-metre (311-foot) Indian Empress, 82-metre (269-foot) Alfa Nero, 88.5-metre (290-foot) Nirvana and 91.5-metre (300-foot) Equanimity.

9. Perini Navi, Italy

The Perini Navi Group is made up of four independent companies that operate in five specific markets: sailing yachts up to 60 metres (197 feet), large sailing yachts more than 60 metres, racing sailing yachts, fast cruising sailing yachts and Picchiotti motor yachts.

To date, the group has launched 58 sailing yachts and four motor yachts. Its track record for innovative sailing yachts has seen it set the standard for excellence in the sector, launching more yachts over 50 metres (164 feet) than any other builder. It's responsible for the iconic 88-metre (288-foot) three-masted schooner Maltese Falcon, which currently holds the title of the sixth largest sailing yacht in the world, and other award-winning sailing yachts, such as the 73-metre (239-foot) Nautilus, 70-metre (229-foot) Badis I and 64-metre (210-foot) Spirit Of The C’s.

Perini Navini's superyacht Maltese Falcon

10. Royal Huisman, Netherlands

Established in 1884, Royal Huisman is the only shipyard with two entries in the top 10 largest sailing yachts ever built. The 2020 launch of 81-metre (266-foot) Sea Eagle II was its tenth sailing yacht over 50 metres (164 feet) and its biggest yacht since 90-metre (295-foot) Athena in 2004, which was then the largest sailing yacht in the world. Despite being renowned for its luxury performance sailing yachts, Royal Huisman’s largest delivery in 2021 is expected to be “Project 403 PHI”, a featherweight 55-metre (180-foot)+ aluminium motor yacht under 500GT.

Royal Huisman shipyard

Discover how to choose your luxury yacht builder or alternatively  search for superyacht shipyards .

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America’s 10 Best Yacht Builders

Yacht At Last side view

In America, the yachting industry might not be as established. Yet, today, America’s best luxury yacht builders continue to put out award-winning and state-of-the-art designs. Who are America’s best yacht builders?

From Christensen to Trinity, we countdown the best yacht builders in America and highlight what makes each shipyard unique. Here are our favorites:

1. Christensen

Christensen is one of the most established yacht builders in the U.S., and the company is known for its completely custom yachts. Each yacht the company produces is designed according to owner specifications.

Known for its classic hull design, and upscale finishes, Christensen produces some of the most luxurious superyachts in the U.S. That’s thanks in part to the builder’s in-house design team. Many other builders outsource design. Plus, the builder is known for its exquisite interiors, featuring spacious layouts and the finest finishes. Christensen also regularly wins innovation awards for their efficient and powerful displacement systems and state-of-the-art stabilization.

2. Westport

Since 1964, Westport has been a leader in yacht design and manufacturing in the U.S. And its earned a reputation for developing sporty, classically-styled superyachts.

That wasn’t always the case. Originally, Westport designed and built commercial fishing vessels, but today, Westport focuses exclusively on luxury motor yachts, including 34-, 38-, 40- and 50-meter yachts. Westport’s raised pilothouse and tri-deck yachts feature classic nautical hulls with modern touches. The interiors are sleek and comfortable and known for their spacious outdoor deck areas.

3. Derecktor

Derecktor is one of the country’s oldest yacht builders. It was founded on Long Island, NY in 1947, and during its early years, the company produced commercial fishing and passenger vessels. (Even today, Derecktor manufacturers high-speed ferries for cities around the world.)

Derecktor’s output has changed quite a bit in its 70-year history. Today, the company continues to build commercial vessels, but it’s also a top builder of custom motor yachts. Derecktor produces both explorer yachts and motor yachts, and many of its luxury motor yachts feature explorer-inspired designs. Many Derecktor yachts, for example, feature towering superstructures positioned forward. This opens up an abundance of aft-deck space for outdoor dining areas, beach clubs, and even helipads.

In addition to style, Derecktor yachts are renowned for their performance. They might be sizable. But they’re fast, and the ride is stable.

4. Hatteras

Hatteras is a legendary name in American shipbuilding, known for its high-speed and beautiful motor yachts. Initially, the shipyard focused entirely on sportfish yachts – something they’re still known for today. Yet, the company’s line-up of motor yachts offers the best of the best in luxury yachting.

Hatteras offers a full range of superyachts, including the 100 RPH, a stunning 102-foot raised pilothouse motoryacht, and the M90. Hatteras certainly shows its sporty roots in all of its designs; Hatteras exteriors are sleek and streamlined, sharing design details with its sportfish line.

At Trinity , size is the name of the game. The Gulfport-based shipyard produces yachts up to 123 meters (400 feet), including some of the largest luxury yachts ever built in the U.S.

The yachtbuilder has many signatures. For example, classic nautical architecture is one. Trinity produces some of the most inspiring superstructure designs that feature sleek lines and an abundance of glass. When you charter a Trinity yacht, you’ll have plenty of places to relax, as most of their designs incorporate an abundance of deck space. In the past, that’s include beautiful sky lounges and sprawling aft-deck dining/bar areas.

Below deck, Trinity yachts delivers spacious layouts. The yachtbuilder is know for their opulent owner’s suites and staterooms, as well as stunning salons.

6. Broward Marine

Founded by legendary boatbuilder Frank Denison in the 1950s, Broward Marine has been a leader in superyacht design throughout its history. For example, in 1954, Broward launched its first luxury superyacht, ALISA V. At the time, the 96-footer was a behemoth – similar in grandness to today’s megayachts of 150+ feet.

The Alisa paved a path for the company, which shifted its focus exclusively to luxury motoryachts. In the 1980s, for example, Broward was quick to respond to the trend of the superyachts; Broward sold some 80 yachts in the 1980s, an impressive sales feat.

Under new management in the early 2000s, the company continued its focus on stunning megayachts in the 100- to 160-foot range. Broward yachts are grand in scale, with stunning tri-deck and raised pilothouse designs, and they’re also some of the first to feature farmhouse kitchens. Today, the company focuses primarily on refits, but many of their majestic yachts are still available for charter.

7. Hargrave

Hargrave has been producing yachts since the 1950s, and throughout its history, the shipyard has built a reputation for inspiring yacht designs. In fact, the company initially only focused on design. Founder Jack Hargrave, the famed nautical designer, worked closely with other top U.S. yacht builders including Burger and Hatteras, helping to launch numerous brands.

In 1997, the company transitioned from design to designing and building its own luxury yachts. The company quickly made a name for itself. Hargrave has won numerous awards for its sporty tri-decks and sportfish-inspired motoryachts. Hargrave yachts feature contemporary interiors, matched with sleek profiles.

A Horizon yacht has a distinctive look. The company’s yachts have stately exteriors with tons of classic nautical architectural details. Inside, too, Horizon yachts have a lot of character. Most Horizon yachts feature sprawling windows, creating light and airy interior spaces.

Today, the company produces yachts in the 56- to 150-foot range, and their offerings include power catamarans, tri-decks and raised pilothouse motor yachts.

If you’re looking for a power cat, that’s a Horizon specialty. The company’s PC Series features a range of mid-sized power cats up to about 80 feet, with numerous concept yachts in the works. Yet, Horizon does it all. You’ll find Horizon yachts in just about any style, from Fast Displacement yachts (FD Series), to customized tri-decks (CC Series).

The Burger Boat Company is one of the most historic shipbuilders in the U.S. Originally launched in 1863, the company has built more than 500 yachts in its history (more than 250 of which are still in operation). The company was a pioneer in steel yacht building, but today, Burger primary builds aluminum yachts.

Burger produces a range of custom tri-deck motor yachts, ranging from 112- to 214-foot motor yachts. Burger boats have a distinctive look and feel. They have spacious deck areas, like the wrap-around deck on its current 214-foot tri-deck concept, as well as innovative exterior lounge areas.

10. Delta Marine

For more than 50 years, Delta Marine has been producing world-class motor yachts from its headquarters in Seattle. The boatbuilder is known for its sleek exterior designs. Delta Marine yachts feature clean, flowing lines throughout, and the company produces a range of raised pilothouse and tri-deck motor yachts.

Plus, the interiors are completely custom. As such, no two Delta Marine yachts look the same, and the interiors are as unique as their owners. Delta yachts are also well-known for their performance. Many feature performance-minded hulls, and feature state-of-the-art displacement systems.

Plan Your Next Luxury Yacht Charter with Worldwide Boat

Worldwide Boat offers exclusive access to vessels from America’s best luxury yacht builders. Want to hire a Trinity Yacht for your next vacation? We can help.

Plus, our charter brokers are experts on each builder’s specialties. Contact your broker today to learn more about any of our exclusive charter yachts .

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The Best Luxury Yacht Builders in the World

With build times of around four years, it pays to know which shipbuilder is best for your dream superyacht.

By Kim Ayling

Black pearl - Hybrid superyacht

The superyacht industry has refound its mojo. Following the turbulence of the pandemic, yacht builders have resumed business as usual. Following recent growth in the UHNW population, order books remain full. New superyachts are rolling off the production line at an impressive rate of knots. If you’re considering a new superyacht now, you’ll be waiting over three years to take delivery of a ground-up build. Go with one of the leading yacht builders in the world, though, and it’ll be worth the wait.

This list of luxury yacht builders not only looks at what they have done in the past but also celebrates the stellar efforts they are making to reduce the environmental impact of their products. From lighter materials and onboard energy solutions to hybrid motors and marine conservation funding, these luxury yacht builders are not only leading the superyacht industry’s future but also protecting the oceans.

[See also: The Best Tenders to Pair with Your Superyacht]

feadship project 817 superyacht

Recognized as a world leader in building pure custom yachts, Feadship has been in pursuit of building the perfect ship since its inception in 1949 – although the brand can trace its roots back another 100 years. With each new ship that Feadship builds, its team employs the most cutting-edge methods and materials available, which when paired with its unpromising attitude toward fulfilling its clients’ desires, promises to deliver some of the most technically advanced yachts in the world – including Project 817 , which has now been delivered as Viva.

Viva remains a groundbreaking yacht build, with Feadship revealing ambitious aims to keep her environmental impact as low as possible. The 308-ft eco-friendly yacht features an advanced hybrid propulsion system that allows the yacht to travel at 12 knots on diesel-electric power. The ship’s hull has been designed with efficiency as a priority to reduce the energy needed to travel through the water.

The Dutch company has locations throughout The Netherlands, with its headquarters and design and engineering center found in the northern city of Haarlem.

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oceanco yacht builders esquel project on water

Dutch yacht building outfit Oceanco was initially founded in 1987 – but it was only in 2002 (when Oceanco found itself in the hands of new owners) that the switch was made to focusing on 260-foot plus superyachts, drawing on old-world Dutch craftsmanship to build the yachts of the future. The award-winning company prides itself on its design-led builds, and in addition to employing its own forward-thinking design team, works with industry-leader designers such as Andrew Winch, Terence Disdale and Sam Sorgiovanni.

Environmental awareness is core to each Oceanco project, with the aim of not only meeting but surpassing environmental legislation with each build. Even its largest yacht to date – the 394-foot Redentore, which is still under construction – is impressively efficient thanks to her hybrid propulsions system, which keeps fuel consumption to a minimum. Other noteworthy Oceanco’s builds are the striking three-masted Black Pearl , which is powered by a combination of wind power and electric propulsion motors, and one of its latest concepts, Esquel  – an advanced expedition vessel.

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Most notably, Oceanco delivered the world’s largest sailing yacht, Koru , to Amazon founder Jeff Bezos. The colossal 417-ft vessel cost a rumored $500m to build and was delivered in 2023. It has since been spotted in Italy, Florida and the South of France. Perhaps more impressive than the yacht itself is the support vessel (built by Damen Yachting), a 250-ft superyacht-in-its-own-right capable of carrying a wealth of billionaire toys including submersibles, helicopters and cars.

oceancoyacht.com

[See also: Twenty for 20: Innovative Yachts of the 21st Century]

Electra Superyacht

Dutch luxury shipbuilder Heesen has received worldwide recognition for its engineering and design prowess since launching in 1978. Heesen proudly pioneers the use of aluminum, which is widely regarded as the premium yacht-building material thanks to its lightness owing to better efficiency. As well as full custom builds, Heesen offers a platform concept that features semi-custom yachts already under construction in order to dramatically cut down delivery waits, without compromising on quality.

One of Heesen’s most notable yachts is Alive, which was the first to feature the revolutionary Hull Vane technology (underwater foil) for greater efficiency and speed, resulting in up to 30% less fuel consumption than a regular yacht. Other celebrated Heesen’s builds are Home and Electra , delivered in 2017 and 2020 respectively, both of which were in the award-winning 5000 FHDF aluminum hybrid class and came as a result of Heesen’s strive to limit the environmental impact of yachting.

heesenyachts.com

luminosity yacht benetti

Part of the Azimut-Benetti Group, Benetti Yachts can trace its shipbuilding heritage all the way back to 1873 when the Fratelli Benetti shipyard was founded in the Tuscan city of Viareggio – the center of classic Italian shipbuilding. While much has changed in Benetti’s near 150-year lifetime, its focus on building state-of-the-art yachts to impeccably high standards has not, cementing its status as one of the best luxury yacht builders in the world.

As concerns on the environmental impact of private yachts have grown over time, Benetti has adapted its methods accordingly, utilizing hybrid technology to ensure its ships are at the forefront of sustainability. For example, when the Luminosity was first delivered in 2019 she was hailed as one of the greenest superyachts on the sea. The 352-foot yacht features advanced diesel-electric hybrid power, with her powerful battery providing up to 12 silent and emission-free hours at anchor.

Of course, sustainability doesn’t come at the cost of style: the Luminosity features a stunningly designed interior courtesy of Zaniz Jakubowski, with full-length windows drawing the outside in, and tasteful nods to contemporary artists creating a true home away from home.

benettiyachts.it

[See also: Superyacht Builders Heesen on Impacts of Covid-19 Pandemic]

Europe rules the roost when it comes to the top yacht builders in the world – the fifth in our list hails from Germany, with eight yards dotted throughout the country including main sites in Bremen, Hamburg and Rensburg. As with most yacht building companies, Lürssen is family run having been first founded in 1870 by Friedrick Lürssen. Since then the company has developed an esteemed reputation as one of the best in the world, breaking many records along the way, including the longest yacht in the world with Azza in 2015, which measures 592 feet, and Flying Fox which is the largest superyacht available for charter.

Lürssen’s latest superyacht is the sizeable 465.5-foot Nord (previously called Project Opus). Nord transcends the typical design of a superyacht thanks to the work of Italian design studio Nuvolari-Lenard, which was responsible for the yacht’s striking interior and exterior.

As is becoming standard for leading yacht builders, Lürssen is acutely aware of the negative environmental impact of both building and owning yachts. It is taking appropriate action to help mitigate this damage, including providing significant funding to marine life charities and conservation projects and implementing pioneering technologies such as onboard compact silencers and hybrid motor concepts.

lurssen.com

Royal Huisman

Ethereal yacht by royal huisman

With a history that dates back to 1884, Dutch shipyard Royal Huisman proudly stakes a claim as one of the oldest yacht builders in the world. While the company was originally founded to build modest wooden fishing boats, its operations have deftly grown with the times, and Royal Huisman is now responsible for some of the finest and most luxurious yachts cruising the ocean today.

Although best known for its stunning sailing yachts ( Sea Eagle II, Ethereal  and  Aquarius  are particular knock-outs) Royal Huisman has also successfully branched out into the world of motor yachts. Its most recent build is the 192-ft Phi,  which was delivered in 2021. This super-slick aluminum yacht has space for up to 12 guests and since her maiden voyage, has been seen cruising on the Thames through London’s financial district. An apt setting for a yacht of this caliber.

royalhuisman.com

Damen Yachting

damen yachting amels 60 on the water

Damen Yachting, which falls under the umbrella of the wider Damen Shipyards Group, is another Dutch yacht builder dominating the world stage. Operating as Damen’s building division, Damen Yachting was only formed in its existing state in 2019 and is now responsible for the building of the famous Amels yachts, as well as the SeaXplorer expedition ships and yacht support vessels. Since moving its Amels building operations to Vlissingen in 2003, Damen Shipyards proudly boasts the largest superyacht facility in the Netherlands.

As a company of this magnitude, Damen Yachting naturally has some impressive builds under its belt, including the newest in the Limited Editions semi-custom range: the Amels 60 . Currently under construction with an estimated delivery of 2022, the 197-foot Amels 60  uses a fuel-efficient hybrid propulsions system to slash emissions, cut noise pollution and minimize fuel and maintenance costs.

damenyachting.com

Italian-born Sanlorenzo is continuously regarded as being among the best in class when it comes to yacht builders and has been the recipient of numerous awards in its near-65 year lifetime. Despite Sanlorenzo’s longevity and established status, it remains a truly boutique luxury yacht builder at heart. To ensure the attention to detail and high quality for which it is famous for, as well as securing exclusivity for its clients, Sanlorenzo is committed to working with a limited number of customers each year.

In true Italian style, the superyachts that leave Sanlorenzo’s main La Spezia shipyard transcend trends; instead, they exude classic style and authentic craftsmanship. Combined, this guarantees a truly timeless finish – of which the current flagship Attila is a perfect example. Sanlorenzo specializes in fiberglass, steel and aluminum, ensuring that each owner can select a material to befit their needs.

sanlorenzoyacht.com

Despite dating back over a hundred years, German luxury yacht builder Nobiskrug always has one eye on the future with a steadfast commitment to innovation. Nobiskrug offers fully custom yacht builds, working directly with owners to fulfill their unique vision, as well as working on ship refits. The company operates out of world-class yacht-building facilities in the city of Rendsburg, which include a climate-controlled superyacht hall.

The need to strive for innovation extends to Nobiskrug’s environmental commitments, where it applies advanced technologies in order to limit the impact of its builds. For example, Artefact – which was first delivered in 2020 – was one of the first superyachts to be built in line with the IMO Tier III regulations (which focus on reducing emissions). Artefact uses onboard solar panels and a battery storage system to allow for a limited period of engineless operation, as well as adopting a waste-water recycling system.

nobiskrug.com

[See also: Discovering the World’s Most Exciting Superyacht Concepts]

Photo of Kim Ayling

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The World’s Best Superyacht Shipyards

We highlight the top yards crafting the most spectacular yachts on the planet., geri ward's most recent stories.

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  • Share This Article

CRN superyacht shipyard

From Germany to the Netherlands, Italy, and the United States, the superyacht industry employs highly skilled craftsmen and women at shipyards around the globe. The handcrafted vessels can be seen in bodies of water from the Mediterranean to the Bahamas, providing enjoyment—and jobs—for those on board. Here we highlight the top 20 superyacht shipyards in the world.

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Lürssen

The German name tops the list, having built 11 out of 20 of the world’s largest superyachts in the last two decades. The 145-year-old family shipyard’s largest yacht, Azzam , spans 592 feet, 6 inches. Imagine six football fields laid end to end, with dozens of staterooms and saloons filled with beautiful woodwork, custom furniture, and art, all inside a high-tech hull. That 2013 launch was followed by others like 512-foot Dilbar and this year’s 364-foot Project Tis .

Espen Øino Dilbar yacht

Lürssen Dilbar, designed by Espen Øino.  Photo: Josep Baresic

Still owned and managed by the Lürssen family, the company’s ability to consistently produce so many floating masterpieces is directly proportional to its skilled workforce and vast facilities. After recent acquisitions, including the famed Blohm & Voss yard, Lürssen owns eight shipyards across Germany. Its staff, some of the most experienced of any superyacht builder, include 400 designers, 600 engineers, 1,600 skilled workers, and 200 apprentices.

Lürssen's Bremen shipyard

Lürssen’s Bremen shipyard.  Courtesy of Lürssen

After launching the company in 1875, Friedrich Lürssen declared: “My firm shall be known as a leader in both quality and performance.”

With his name attached to the world’s largest yachts , Friedrich’s words have taken on a greater significance than he could ever have imagined.

Abeking & Rasmussen

Abeking & Rasmussen’s Elandess at the shipyard.  Photo: Courtesy Abeking & Rasmussen

Abeking & Rasmussen

Located across the river from Lürssen’s Lemwerder yard, Abeking & Rasmussen has created advanced running surfaces, like its Swath hull that skips over turbulent ocean waves rather than pounding across. The name is known for commercial and military vessels as well as custom yachts.

Abeking & Rasmussen’s Cloudbreak

Abeking & Rasmussen’s Cloudbreak.  Christopher Scholey

Its award winners include the 237-foot Cloudbreak , which set new design standards for expedition yachts, and the 244-foot Elandess , featuring its “Nemo Lounge” with a window below the waterline. Abeking’s flagship, the 321-foot Aviva , is unique among yachts its size with an unmatched interior volume that includes a regulation-sized paddle-tennis court .

Abeking & Rasmussen Aviva

Aviva’s paddle-tennis court.  Photo: Abeking & Rasmussen

The 112-year-old yard is typically ahead of the latest trends. It is developing a hybrid fuel cell powered by methanol that emits only clean steam. The system could well be the first hydrocarbon-emissions-free propulsion in the yachting world.

Feadship Amsterdam Yard

Feadship Amsterdam Yard.  Photo: Courtesy of Feadship

Formed as a group in 1949, Feadship is probably the most famous name among the Dutch builders. Feadship is comprised of the De Vries and Van Lent family yards, with locations in Aalsmeer, Makkum, Kaag, and Amsterdam. The group also includes De Voogt Naval Architects .

Feadship Amsterdam Yard

Feadship’s 312-foot Faith.  Photo: Courtesy of Feadship

Feadship, credited with dozens of custom launches over the last seven decades, has grown into Holland’s superyacht powerhouse. In the 2015, it launched 333-foot Symphony , the first Feadship to cross the 100-meter mark. Faith , a stunning 312-footer launched two years later, has a streamlined profile and helicopter pad with hangar on the foredeck and swimming pool with glass floor (forming the ceiling of the beach club below) on the aft deck.

Feadship superyacht Hasna

Feadship Hasna.  Photo: Courtesy of Feadship

Last year, Feadship launched a half-dozen other yachts, including 241-foot Sherpa . Its expedition-yacht exterior, including two industrial-looking exhaust stacks on the aft cockpit, shows Feadship’s design capabilities. Its Project 814, with its vertical bow and long, lean forefoot, will be an example of an entirely new look, when launched later this year.

Nobiskrug Sailing Yacht A

Nobiskrug Sailing Yacht A.  Photo: Courtesy of Nobiskrug

Specializing in made-to-measure, custom-built superyachts, award-winning builder Nobiskrug produces its vessels out of three different facilities in northern Germany: Rendsburg, Kiel-Gaarden, and Kiel-Friedrichsort. The yard was established in Rendsburg in 1905, shortly after the Kiel Canal opened in 1895. Today Nobiskrug employs more than 1,000 highly skilled craftsmen and women across the three shipyards. In-house production includes hull construction, steel cutting, mechanical work, fitting, pipe fitting, paint, electrical, and carpentry, with these workshops organized under one roof.

Shown above is the brand’s Best of the Best winner A , designed by Philippe Starck and built by Nobiskrug, the yacht is a 470-foot sail-assisted motor yacht that was delivered in 2017.

Nobiskrug Mogambo motor yacht best of the best

Nobiskrug Mogambo.  Photo: Courtesy of Nobiskrug

Nobiskrug’s 241-foot Mogambo won Robb Report ‘s Best of the Best award in 2013. Featuring both interiors and exteriors by UK-based Reymond Langton Design, Mogambo is a great example of Nobiskrug’s past projects.

Nobiskrug’s Artefact is an Eco-Friendly Hybrid Superyacht

Nobiskrug’s hybrid superyacht Artefact.  Photo: Courtesy of Nobiskrug

Representing the future of the company, Nobiskrug’s hybrid superyacht Artefact (ex-project 790) was revealed last fall in Monaco and is scheduled for a 2019 delivery. With an exterior by Canada’s Gregory Marshall Studio and interior by Reymond Langton Design, the yacht features numerous eco-friendly characteristics, such as lower emissions and a quieter ride. It also utilizes a Dynamic Positioning System to hold its position for longer, delaying the need for sea-bed-damaging anchors.

Amels Shipyard

Amels Shipyard.  Photo: Courtesy of Amels

Amels celebrated its centennial in 2018, but the superyacht builder has modern facilities and one of the industry’s smartest business plans. It was acquired by the Damen Group in 1991, which gave it the financial resources and vision to become one of the most respected custom yacht builders. Ten years ago, it launched a Limited Editions range. Built on proven hull platforms from 180 to 272 feet, owners have a choice of customizing both the interior and exteriors. Close to 40 yachts have been delivered since, proving that the disruptive concept has a place in yacht-building.

Amels Limited Editions 242 Monaco Yacht Show

Amels Limited Editions 242.  Photo: Schöningh Wulffraat

The Amels’ yard in Vlissingen has two climate-controlled bays, one 475 feet and the other 670 feet, for multiple new builds or refits. Its second yard in Vlissingen East has a climate-controlled bay, measuring 705 feet.

Amels Volpini 2

Amels Volpini 2.  Photo: Courtesy of Amels

Used for military and commercial vessels, it has the facilities and skilled workers to handle the world’s largest custom, steel-hulled yachts. Noteworthy launches last year include 243-foot Universe , 205-foot Sea & US , and 189-foot Volpini 2 .

Oceanco Launches 110-Meter Project Jubilee Superyacht

Oceanco launches 110-meter Jubilee.  Photo: Francisco Martinez Photography

Oceanco is a relative newcomer, but it has created some of the world’s most beautiful custom superyachts. Names like the recently launched 295-foot DAR are great examples, but the yard has also built technically advanced vessels like the 350-foot sailing superyacht, Black Pearl , with some of the most advanced sails ever designed. Its other award winners like Jubilee , Aquijo , and Infinity , retain their own unique DNA. The yard has worked with the most sought-after yacht designers, including Terence Disdale , Nuvolari-Lenard , Espen Øino , Sam Sorgiovanni , Igor Lobanov , Tim Heywood , and Andrew Winch .

Oceanco Bravo Launch 2 - Credits - Francisco Martinez

Oceanco Bravo launch.  Photo: Francisco Jose Martinez Mendez

The Alblasserdam yard is working on 357-foot Project Bravo , the first Oceanco with its proprietary LIFE design (lengthened, innovative, fuel-efficient, and eco-friendly). Bravo will combine hybrid propulsion, weight savings, and extra interior space in a package that could be a game-changer for yachting. “Our approach with Bravo was to maintain a stunningly sleek profile without sacrificing interior space,” says designer Dan Lenard. “The new exterior style concept is bound to create a new design stream.”

Heesen yachts HY18050

The superstructure is lowered over the hull of Project Triton.  Photo: Dick Holthuis

Among the Dutch builders, Heesen has seen the greatest expansion of its model line, which is available in aluminum and steel. Its recent launches range from the 164-foot futuristic hybrid, Home , to more conventional designs like the 180-foot Laurentia . The yard really started its upward trajectory in 2011 with the simultaneous launches of Quinta Essentia and Satori, two very different yachts that captivated the superyacht world.

Heesen Home

Heesen Home.  Photo: Courtesy Dick Holthuis Photography

Two years later, Galactica Star , the first fast-displacement yacht, showed that Heesen lived in a world where design and technology intersect. Its largest-ever build, 230-foot Galactica Super Nova , was a sign that Heesen can move into larger categories. The yard has drawings of an ultra-modern 83-meter custom Maximus concept, complete with an entirely open cockpit and swimming pool with waterfall, waiting for the right owner.

Benetti Delfino 95 Viareggio

A Delfino 95 emerges from the shed at Benetti’s Viareggio yard.  Photo: Courtesy of Benetti

Benetti is not only the world’s largest superyacht builder, it is also one of the oldest. Started in 1875, the Italian builder always has a parade of custom and semicustom builds. The Azimut Benetti Group now has 97 yachts under build over 78 feet. In the last year, Benetti has launched a range of yachts, including Ironman , its sixth Fast 140, 207-foot custom Metis and 226-foot Spectre .

Benetti custom superyacht Spectre james bond staluppi

Benetti Spectre.  Courtesy of Benetti

Benetti also recently launched its largest-ever build, 351-foot FB277, one of three gigayachts currently being built in its Livorno yard. The other two are due to launch this year. The world’s largest superyacht builder continues to push the boundaries in design and technology, as it moves into gigayacht territory that the yards in Northern Europe have dominated for years.

CRN superyacht shipyard

CRN’s superyacht yard.  Photo: Courtesy of CRN

The 262-foot Chopi Chopi was a landmark yacht for CRN when it launched in 2013, showing that the Italian yard could go toe-to-toe with the yards in Northern Europe. Chopi Chopi is still CRN’s largest build to date, but the Ancona facility has launched a succession of custom yachts that have established CRN’s place as the crown jewel of the Ferretti Group. The military exterior of 180-foot Atlante , sleek hull of 239-foot Yalla , or stunning, high-tech interior of its most recent launch, Cloud 9 , show the range of the custom builder.

CRN's Cloud 9 superyacht

CRN’s Cloud 9 superyacht.  Photo: Maurizio Paradisi

CRN’s current builds include a 260-foot tri-deck motor yacht, a pair of 203-footers with low superstructures and vertical bows, and a 164-foot Superconero , a modern version of the 1970s SuperConero that defined CRN. Ferretti has invested about $10 million to upgrade the Ancona yard, with plans to invest another $15 million.

Baglietto Shipyard

Baglietto Shipyard.  Photo: Emilio Bianchi

Baglietto is one of Italy’s most revered yacht names, having started in 1840 when Pieto Baglietto built small wooden fishing boats in his backyard. The company built boats for kings and popes, and put the first combustion engine into an 80-foot yacht in 1906. After being rescued from bankruptcy by the Gavio Group, a multinational corporation owned by a yacht-loving family, Baglietto has experienced a renaissance. Both its production facility, which gained a $25 million facelift, and model line, ranging from 43 to 230 feet, are now state of the art.

Baglietto's 48-meter Silver Fox.

Baglietto’s Silver Fox.  Photo: Federico Ferretti

Francesco Paszkowski, Italy’s most revered yacht designer, does the lion’s share of design for Baglietto, but the builder recently unveiled other concepts by Milan-based Hot Lab and Santa Maria Magnolfi for its midrange superyachts. Baglietto is offering these very different designs on five proven hull platforms. Its 230-foot flagship is from Mulder Design in the Netherlands.

Rossinavi Aurora

Rossinavi Aurora.  Photo: Courtesy of Rossinavi

Rossinavi ’s recent launches are some of the most inspired designs in the superyacht world. The 2017 launches, 160-foot  Endeavour II and 161-foot  Aurora , are as different in design as chalk and cheese. The yard worked with Achille Salvagn i on both interiors. Salvagni, known for his stylized residential interiors and whimsical decor, brought a fresh sensibility to both yachts that gave them very distinct personalities.

Rossinavi's Custom Utopia IV Superyacht

Rossinavi’s Custom Utopia IV.  Photo: Courtesy of Rossinavi

Last year, the yard launched two more inimitable yachts, 206-foot  Utopia IV and 161-foot  Flying Dagger . Utopia IV is unique among superyachts because of its top end of 33 knots, with transatlantic range. Always on the lookout for new ideas, Rossinavi has unveiled concepts with Pininfarina, designer of many Ferrari models, and the Phantom 62, a sleek, futuristic design by Enrico Gobbi.

Sanlorenzo Superyacht Yard

Sanlorenzo’s superyacht yard.  Photo: Silvano Pupella

With headquarters in Ameglia and other yards in Viareggio, Massa, and La Spezia, Sanlorenzo is ranked among the top three builders of yachts over 80 feet. In the last two years it has introduced a 118-foot planing yacht, a 210-foot 64Steel (due out this year), the 171-foot custom Seven Sins —not to mention the flagship of its explorer line, the 164-foot 500EXP Ocean Dreamwalker III , which it launched at the last Monaco Yacht Show . The light-blue steel hull shows the style that Sanlorenzo gives to each new launch.

Sanlorenzo SL102 Asymmetric Yacht

Sanlorenzo SL102 Asymmetric Yacht.  Photo: Courtesy of Sanlorenzo

The recently introduced SL102 employs an asymmetric exterior design , with an outer walkway on just one side of the boat to increase interior volume.

The hull of the 56-metre motoryacht in the Perini Navi Voyager line, designed in partnership with naval architect Philippe Briand, has arrived in La Spezia, from the Perini Navi Yildiz shipyard in Istanbul.

The hull of the 56-meter motor yacht in the Perini Navi Voyager line, designed in partnership Philippe Briand, arrives in La Spezia from the Yildiz shipyard in Istanbul.  Photo: Courtesy of Perini Navi

Perini Navi

The Perini name extends across a succession of groundbreaking yachts from 289-foot  Maltese Falcon , which had a DynaRig sail plan that was designed from a theory, to the ultimate blue-water cruiser, the 229-foot  Sybaris , through to the flagship of Monaco’s 2017 show, the 1 97-foot  Seven .

sailing superyacht Perini Navi Italian

Perini Navi Seven.  Photo: Courtesy Perini Navi

Since a management restructuring in 2017, Perini Navi has introduced multiple new lines , including its E-volution sailing yacht series and three styles of motor yachts—Argonaut, Heritage, and Voyager. With two yards in Italy and a third in Turkey, Perini now has three sailing yachts under construction, including two 138-foot E-volutions. Its three motor achts under build include two Philippe Briand–designed 53 and 56 Voyagers, as well as its 82-foot hybrid-powered Eco-tender. The brand’s new energy promises a bright future.

Sunseeker shipyard shed

Sunseeker’s shed.  Photo: Courtesy of Sunseeker

When John and Robert Braithwaite started their fledgling boat business in 1969, the two brothers had no idea it would become one of the UK’s most important shipyards. Sunseeker is different from most yards on this list because it builds only in composites up to 155 feet.

Sunseeker By Icon superyacht

The Sunseeker 161 being built by Icon Yachts.  Photo: Courtesy of Sunseeker/Icon

Prompted by owner demand, Sunseeker is now venturing into aluminum with its new 161 Yacht. Easily recognized by Sunseeker’s exterior design cues, the 161 will be built by Icon Yachts in Holland. “We are combining the metal build expertise of ICON with our design DNA, technical expertise, and market know-how,” says Sean Robertson, president of Sunseeker USA, adding the new yacht will “absolutely” be a Sunseeker. The 161 will be launched in 2021.

Princess Yachts Shipyard

Princess Yachts shipyard.  Photo: Courtesy of Princess Yachts

Princess Yachts

Princess Yachts is the other British builder that continues to evolve in interesting, new ways. Established in Plymouth in 1965, Princess has grown into multiple modern production sites measuring more than 1.1 million square feet. Situated in a port with maritime ties that date back centuries, Princess’s South Yard, where the M Class superyachts are built, is a former 17th-century naval yard.

Princess Yachts Imperial Princess 40M

Princess Yachts Imperial Princess.  Photographer: Marc Paris

The Princess flagship, the 131-foot 40M Imperial Princess, seems like a larger superyacht, with large interior volume and unusual natural light. The yard also makes a 30M (98 foot LOA) and 35M (115 foot LOA).

Princess Yachts R35

Princess Yachts R35.  Photo: Courtesy of Princess

Its most exciting launch was the R35, a 35-footer designed by Pininfarina, with a foil system that reduces drag by 30 percent. Princess plans to add the foil design to its larger yachts, an innovation that could revolutionize yachting.

Royal Huisman Ngoni sloop sailing yacht

Royal Huisman Ngoni.  Photo: Courtesy Royal Huisman/Breed Media

Royal Huisman

Established in 1884, Royal Huisman is one of the oldest shipyards in Holland but one of its most modern. Its waterside facility in Vollenhove totals about 350,000 square feet, with four heated bays to accommodate yachts up to 266 feet. It has another facility in Amsterdam and a third in Emden, with facilities for yachts up to 394 feet. Its fleet of famous sailing superyachts include Gliss, Antares, Hyperiod, Hanuman, Elfie, and Arcadia . Its recent launches include the 190-foot  Ngoni , which has one of the most eclectic interiors ever, and the more classic 184-foot  Aquarius . Though best known for custom sailboats, the yard is currently working on Project Phi, a 180-foot motor yacht designed by Van Ooosannen Naval Architects.

Nautor’s Swan shipyard

Nautor’s Swan Pietarsaari shipyard.  Photo: Courtesy of Nautor's Swan

Nautor’s Swan

Finnish builder Nautor’s Swan , founded in 1966 by Pekka Koskenkyla, has always had its sights on building high-performance sailing yachts with beautiful wood interiors. Koskenkyla enlisted Sparkman & Stephens, designer for many winning America’s Cup yachts, to create its first fiberglass boat. The new boats saw instant racing success.

Nautor’s Swan Solleone Ferragamo sailing yacht

Swan 115 sailing yacht.  Photo: Eva-Stina Kjellman

The builder eventually partnered with German Frers Design. The Frers team, working with 30 Swan designers, is responsible for many innovative designs, including the first Swan 115 S introduced in 2015 at the Monaco show. The 115 was the flagship of the its Maxi division, which includes the Swan 98 , and eventually became the Swan 120.

Nautor's Swan Swan 98 Sailing Yacht

The 98’s multipurpose deck makes for a great hangout and sunning area, while at the same time has optimal space for sail handling.  Photo: Courtesy Nautor's Swan

Nautor’s Swan expanded beyond its historical plant in Kallby in 2002, when it opened a new high-tech facility in Pietarsaari for yachts from 60 to 115 feet. Its Kronoby facility produces its famous wood interiors. The most noteworthy yard in Finland has produced 2,000 Swans since it launched operations.

Westport's shipyard in Port Angeles, Washington.

Westport’s shipyard in Port Angeles, Washington.  Photo: Courtesy of Westport

Westport Yachts

Westport Yachts has been North America’s most prolific superyacht builder since it began building boats in 1969. Its facilities in Westport and Port Angeles, Washington, include enclosed spaces of 170,000 and 100,00 square feet, respectively, with a separate 80,000-square-foot cabinet shop and 4,100-square-foot upholstery shop. Westport has launched more than 140 yachts.

A recently launched 130-foot/40-meter Westport superyacht.

A recently launched 130-foot/40-meter Westport superyacht.  Photo: Courtesy of Westport

Westport’s success lies in its disciplined approach to yacht building, which involves a production mentality that keeps each build on time and on budget. The builder uses leading-edge machinery, proven coring materials, and components like MTU and Caterpillar engines, Northern Lights generators, and Furuno electronics that bring quality and consistency to the build process.

The saloon of Westport's recent 130-foot superyacht.

The saloon of Westport’s recent 130-foot superyacht.  Photo: Courtesy of Westport

Its line of the W112, W125, W130 and W164 are contemporary but not ostentatious, with high levels of fit and finish across the yacht. That type of production mentality, which allows for a certain degree of customization, means the yachts are built to the same high standards.

Westport clients appreciate that level of reliability, not to mention resale value, when it comes to yacht ownership.

Delta Marine shipyard.

Delta Marine shipyard.  Photo: Jeff Brown

Delta Marine

Delta Marine is not given much to self-promotion, but the Seattle yard shares the same type of pedigree as many of the top European builders.

Delta Marine Invictus.

Delta Marine Invictus.  Photo: Jeff Brown

Its production quality, skilled labor, and proven ability to turn intricate, complex designs into beautiful, custom superyachts has earned it a place among the world’s top builders. The yard comprises a 25-acre complex in Seattle, with 300,000 square feet of manufacturing space in its state-of-the-art facility. With Boeing headquarters just down the road, and Seattle being a leading tech center, the trickle-down influence on the shipyard is noteworthy. Its collection of custom yachts includes 216-foot  Invictus , 164-foot  Arianna , and 240-foot  Laurel . Recently, an unnamed 204-foot launch was seen on sea trials near the yard.

Overmarine Mangusta El Leon superyacht

Mangusta El Leon launch.  Photo: Emilio Bianchi

The Overmarine Group’s Mangusta brand has been known for speed during its 34-year-history. The Balducci family defined their niche, though the range has expanded to maxi open yachts and long-range yachts. The line extends from 94 to 215 feet LOA, with 300 yachts produced over the years. Its Mangusta Maxi Open series, ranging from 94 to 215 feet, offers speed as well as quietness and stability, in a stylish package. Its 50M (164-footer) is considered an industry icon. The Mangusta Oceano are long-range yachts with ranges up to 5,000 miles.

Mangusta Oceano 46 Q95 superyacht Monaco Yacht Show

Mangusta Oceano 46 Q95.  Photo: Courtesy of Mangusta

The Mangusta GranSports are a combination of the two lines, fast-displacement yachts capable of covering long distances. The group has 10 production facilities in Tuscany and Viareggio, Massa, and Pisa that total around two million square feet of indoor and exterior space. It has two wharfs in Viareggio where it does the final work on its yachts. Overmarine is vertically integrated, from the initial design to making the molds, to installing the electronics. The company celebrated a milestone in December: Its Gransport El Leon  (shown above) crossed the Atlantic, the first Mangusta to ever accomplish that feat.

Southern Wind Kiboko Tres sailing yacht South Africa

Southern Wind Kiboko Tres.  Photo: Courtesy of Southern Wind

Southern Wind

This 25-year-old builder has design offices in Italy and a modern yard in Johannesburg, South Africa, where it builds advanced composite sailing yachts from 82 to 115 feet in length. Over the years, it has worked with renowned sailing yacht designers, Farr Yacht, Reichel/Pugh, and Nauta Design. Most launches are semi-custom projects built on proven running surfaces, giving the owner the choice to customize interior and exterior. Southern Wind ’s most  recent launch is SW105 Kiboko Tres , the second of its performance cruiser series. Designed for offshore sailing but with the comforts of a superyacht, Kiboko Tres passed the ultimate sea trial: 7,000 miles from Johannesburg to Italy, on its way from the shipyard to the offices in Italy.

Christensen Yachts Chasseur

Christensen Chasseur.  Photo: Jeff Brown

Christensen

Rare among superyacht builders, Christensen Yachts does virtually all of its work in house. The Vancouver, Washington–based yard has its own metal department for completing stainless handrails, stairways, anchor pockets, and other custom pieces, as well as a stone shop for marble, onyx, quartz, granite, and limestone used in the inlaid floors, countertops, and panels; and shops for woodworking, painting, and upholstery. Vertical integration allows the yard to deliver exceptional details for its yachts, which run up to 164 feet. Christensen’s Chasseur won top award in its category in the 2017 International Superyacht Society, in part for the intricate interior.

Christensen's Vancouver shipyard.

Christensen’s Vancouver shipyard. 

Located on a seven-acre marina, the shipyard has a dozen bays enclosed in 180,000 square feet of climate-controlled space.

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Best Luxury Yacht Brands: 25 Shipyards Which Build The Best Superyachts

By Brody Patterson

Updated on January 14, 2023

Heesen Yachts Project Altea

The superyacht industry is a world that offers you luxurious adventures around the globe, from the United States, all the way to the UK, Netherlands, Germany, or the beautiful Italian coast. From the crystal clear waters of the Caribbean to the Mediterranean, these stunning yachts are built by highly skilled professionals, who provide you with nothing but the best craftsmanship.

As a potential yacht owner, you can get inspiration from any of these companies and choose what is best suited to your needs. There is so much to take into consideration, hence we compiled a detailed list of the 25 best yacht building companies in the world to help you out.

For example, you need to figure out first what size yacht you want, as they range from 30-50 feet vessels, all the way to the larger than 260 feet superyachts, and everything in between. Are Eco-friendly details important to you, or is cutting-edge technology and speed an absolute must to you?

We will do our best to cover all these points and more, so let’s start looking at the best yacht brands in the world right now. 

Wally 118 WALLYPOWER Yacht

One of the best yacht brands in the 30-50’ range, Wally is an Italian company that specializes in fast motor yachts, but they’re also buiding gorgeous sailing vessels. For those of you who enjoy speed, you will be happy to hear that most of their yachts are made out of angular carbon composite and fiberglass, which enables you to blast through the waves.

Wally 165 WALLYPOWER

Not so much for leisurely cruising, their 36-meter superyacht has luxurious accommodations for up to six guests and six crew members. Its prowess is due to the three Vericor TF50 gas turbines, which have a total power output of 16,800 hp. With its 60 knots top speed, it is one of the fastest yachts in the world.

Riva Dolceriva yacht

Founded in 1842 on Lake Iseo of Italy, Riva quickly became a racing yacht legend, and it has upheld its reputation since. One of the best cruising yachts in the world in the 30-50 feet category, Riva offers sleek looks and impressive performance.

Riva Aquariva Super

Solid stainless steel bow rails, an 800 hp engine, a 13-foot beam, and a 3-foot draft along a non-skid deck make this a very desirable vessel. Customizable to your tastes, you can cruise the waters in style.

Azimut Grande Trideck yacht

Aesthetic appeal along with classic Italian design makes this company one of the most sought after. The Italian shipyard develops innovative solutions like crafting hybrid engines and using nanotechnologies, which make the long-lasting coatings on their vessels have a lower impact on marine life.

Azimut Grande 35 Metri yacht

Equipped with options such as Twin Gens, Twin Watermakers, Stabilizers, Bow Thrusters and powered by DDEC 12V92’s with Ulstein forward-facing drives, the Grande 35 Metri reaches 25.5-knot max speeds. A stylish, yet competitive yacht.

  • 22. Dynamiq

Dynamiq-GTT135-CARAT yacht

An Italian superyacht brand located on the Tuscan coast, with yachts engineered to the highest standards set by naval architects in the Netherlands. Designed in Monaco, Dynamiq’s vessels will surely meet the needs of the forward thinkers in the yacht building industry. Some of the options available are hybrid technology, with chic and efficient features that are easy to customize.

Dynamiq GTT 160 yacht

Ranging from 90 to 165 feet, you can build your own vessel according to your needs. Not only do they look impressive with their cool design, but they also offer you great performance. Impressive specs such as the aluminum hull, with a range that varies from 900nm at 15 knots all the way up to 5000nm at 10 knots and two engines Man at 882 kW.

  • 21. Sunreef

Sunreef 49m Power yacht

Leading the world of catamaran yacht brands, the company produces its signature models, 60 to 100 feet vessels, along with the supreme models and the 150-210 feet power trimarans superyachts. Their shipyard is located in Gdansk, Poland, a seafaring city rich in naval building traditions.

Sunreef 40m Explorer Catamaran yacht

They are also known for building eco-friendly electric engines that are great for the environment with their innovative propulsion solutions. Their sustainable materials feature basalt and linen-based structures in the production of their hulls, superstructures, and yacht manufacturing.

  • 20. Ferretti

Ferretti Yachts 500 Yacht

Another famed Italian shipyard is innovative with its human interface, which makes their vessels super easy to use. Ferretti’s fleet varies from the 500 to the 1000 projects, but they are all designed with your wellbeing and comfort in mind. You can choose from different mood palettes for your interiors, such as classic or contemporary.

Ferretti Yachts 1000 Yacht

Their MTU engine, with a cruising speed of 20 knots and a max speed of 24 knots, along with many other impressive specs, makes this brand an experience that embodies luxurious style and performance in one.

  • 19. Fincantieri

Fincantieri Concept Blanche Yacht

Fincantieri has a network of 18 shipyards across four continents, two design centers, and a research center, and throughout their 230-year history they have built more than 7,000 vessels. If that is not impressive enough, they will surely convince you with their luxury yachts, designed to your pleasure.

Fincantieri 113m Ganimede Yacht

High-tech, high quality, and high performance – these would be the features they stand for, and their unique designs are complemented by state-of-the-art technology. Aesthetic perfection along with the best technological expertise in the industry will deliver the luxury you crave.

  • 18. Nautor’s Swan

Nautor’s Swan ClubSwan 125 Sailing Yacht

A Finnish yacht brand founded by Pekka Koskenkyla back in 1966, they specialize in high-performance sailing yachts . Beautiful wood interiors are their signature touch, and their high-tech amenities are up-to-date in order to keep up with a very competitive industry.

Nautor’s Swan Solleone Yacht

Their fiberglass material has brought them to the top in the racing sailboats category, along with the ingenuity of Sparkman & Stephens. They eventually partnered with German Frers Design, who is responsible for many of their Swan designs.

  • 17. Sanlorenzo

Sanlorenzo SX112 Yacht

Ranked in the top three over 80-feet yachts builders in their category, Sanlorenzo has introduced a variety of new yachts in the last couple of years. Their signature light-blue steel hull is predominant in all their models, such as the SL102 Asymmetric yacht, or their 171-foot custom Seven Sins.

Sanlorenzo 44 Alloy Yacht

Among other designs worth mentioning are their new additions SX112, 164-foot 500EXP Ocean Dreamwalker lll, or the 210-foot 64Steel. One thing they all have in common is that they cater to the American lifestyle.

  • 16. Rossinavi

Rossinavi Enrico Gobbi Alfa 50 Yacht Concept

Rossinavi has worked with some of the world’s best designers available to come up with unique and futuristic designs. Some of their most popular superyachts in the last few years have got to be 160-foot Endeavour ll and the 161-foot Aurora. Achille Salvagni is responsible for both designs, but they are quite different from one another.

Rossinavi Pininfarina Aurea Concept

The Alfa 50, with its sleek modern look, was designed by Enrico Gobbi. Pininfarina, who has put their signature touch on Ferrari, has unveiled some of Rossinavi’s new concepts, which make them stand out from other brands.

  • 15. Baglietto

Baglietto 38M

Another Italian company, they have been around since 1840, when Pietro Baglietto started building wooden fishing ships in his backyard. He expanded his company by manufacturing boats for kings and popes, and in 1906 built his first combustion engine.

Baglietto-43m-Explorer-Yacht

Eventually, the company was saved from bankruptcy by the Gavio Group and they got a facelift with the introduction of their new model line, which ranges from 43 to 230 feet yachts. Their Silver Fox, which was launched in 2018, is designed by Francesco Paszkowski and it could easily be considered a true work of art.

  • 14. Mangusta

Mangusta Sport 104

The company is owned by the Balducci family and it was started in 1985. They specialize in luxury sports yachts and voyage superyachts, all of which you can customize to your personal tastes. They have built more than 300 yachts in their 34 year career, and they are still going strong.

Mangusta Oceano 50m

The Mangusta Oceano, for example, is one of their long-range yachts with ranges up to 5,000 miles. The Mangusta Maxi Open series offers speed, stability and quietness. And their GranSports is a fast-displacement series that covers long distances.

  • 13. Princess Yachts

Princess Yachts 25m X80

Established in 1965, this British company has grown into a conglomerate with multiple production sites over the years. They build contemporary yachts in seven classes, ranging from open boats to megayachts. Their flagship Imperial Princess, a 131-foot 40M superyacht, has a large interior and lots of natural light.

Princess Yachts Y95

It is built on the South Yard, which was formerly a 17th century naval yard. Their R35, one of their most innovative models, is built with a foil system which reduces drag and can revolutionize yachting, and was designed by Pininfarina, the same acclaimed design studio that works with Rossinavi as well.

CRN 142 Superyacht

The crown jewel of the Ferretti group, CRN is famous for their landmark Chopi Chopi, a 262-foot megayacht. The different ranges of the military style 180-foot Atlante, the sleek hull of the 239-foot Yalla, or even the high-tech Cloud 9 yacht show the different customizable possibilities from CRN Yachts.

CRN Atlante Yacht

Ferretti invested lots of money into their Ancona Yard, and their tri-deck motor yacht, as well as the Superconero are just some of the upgraded versions of the staples that brought them on the map in the first place.

  • 11. Sunseeker

Sunseeker 161 Yacht

One of the UK’s most important shipyards, Sunseeker manufactures most of its vessels in Poole, Dorset. Their place in the yachting world is secured with four superyacht models ranging from 116 to 161-foot, and their 76 to 100-foot motor yachts. They also manufacture high performance boats, alongside sports and 52 to 744-foot cruise yachts.

Sunseeker Ocean Club 42 Yacht

It used to only build out of composite, but has since expanded to aluminum with its 161 Yachts. Their ICON expertise, design and market savvy is keeping them competitive in the yachting world.

  • 10. Royal Huisman

Royal Huisman Sea Eagle II

One of the oldest shipyards from Holland, they have been around since 1884. They have three large facilities, one in Vollenhove, one in Amsterdam, and a third in Emden, where they can build large yachts up to 266 feet. Their fleet is well known for their sailing superyachts Gliss, Antares and Sea Eagle among many others.

Royal Huisman Apex 850

The Ngoni, a 190-foot is built with an eclectic interior, and the 184-foot classic Aquarius are some of their popular models. Project Phi is their newest addition to an already solid fleet and the Apex 850 concept will be probably turned into reality too. 

  • 9. Perini Navi

Perini Navi Maltese Falcon

Two yards in Italy and a third in Turkey are the places where the newest additions to their line up are being built right now. Restructuring of the company’s management in 2017 resulted in a major refresh of their fleet too. New lines such as the E-volution Yacht series, the Argonaut, Heritage and Voyager are going to be the new focus for Perini Navi.

Perini Navi 47m E-volution Yacht

Sometimes a change is needed, and their new innovations have proven successful. Their hybrid-powered models such as the Eco-tender are built to keep up with the changes necessary for the environment.

  • 8. Nobiskrug

Nobiskrug Sailing Yacht A

Located in Northern Germany, Nobiskrug operates from two facilities which build vessels ranging from 197 to 1,398 feet. The 115 year old company is a pioneer in the superyacht division with their 2000 Tatoosh model. They employ more than 1,000 professionals who excel in the business.

Nobiskrug 56m Yacht by Vripack

The 262 foot Artefact was launched only last year, and at 2999 GT it is the largest superyacht by volume in the world. It is also the first in the world to meet IMO Tier lll emissions regulations. In-house production of everything from hull construction to mechanical work makes them one of the most diverse and eco-friendly companies in their category.

  • 7. Feadship

Feadship 58m Larisa Yacht

The famous Dutch company comprises De Vooght Naval Architects, De Vries and Van Lent family yards, with locations in Amsterdam, Aalsmeer, Kaag, and Makkum. Responsible for dozens of custom launches over the last seven decades, they are considered Holland’s powerhouse.

Feadship Eco Explorer Yacht Concept

Symphony, a 333-foot pioneer to cross the 100-meter mark, and the 312-foot Faith has its own helicopter pad with hangar on the foredeck, and on the aft deck a glass floor swimming pool. They are just some of their more famous models, they have many others you can research if interested.

Amels 206 Yacht

One of the best superyacht builders in the world, this Dutch company is based in Vlissingen. Operating for more than 100 years, they offer the Full Custom and Limited Editions, ranging from 108 to 272 foot LOA. The facilities are used for both military and commercial vessels, and they employ the most skilled workers in the industry.

Amels 60 Yacht

Their most noteworthy launches in the last couple of years are the 243-foot Universe, the 205-foot Sea & US, along the 189-foot Volpini 2. The potential owners are able to customize both interiors and exteriors according to their taste.

Benetti Oasis 40M

One of the oldest and largest superyacht builders in the world, Benetti has been making custom and semi custom builds since 1875. They currently have 97 yachts under build larger than 78 feet. The Ironman, Metis and Spectre are some of their newest additions. The FB277 351-foot gigayacht is currently being under construction at the Livorno yard.

Benetti Oasis 135

Their Luminosity is believed to be valued at more than 200 million EUR and became one of the top 10 largest Superyachts delivered in 2019. Pretty amazing!

Heesen Yachts Project Maximus

Founded in 1978, this Dutch superyacht brand specializes in custom-made builds. Therefore, their fleet is limited, so there are three different ways to own a Heesen boat. Through the Pure Custom program the buyer can order a unique individual design and engineering.

Heesen Yachts Maia

The Platform Concept program offers custom exterior design but standard engineering, and the third option is to buy a brand new custom superyacht as soon as it is made available for purchase. The Galactica Super Nova is their largest built at 230 feet, and their Maximus, with an open cockpit and a swimming pool with a waterfall is a special yacht someone will surely enjoy.

Oceanco Project-Bravo

A fairly young company, this Dutch company based in Alblasserdam has been around since 1987. They specialize in custom expedition yachts ranging from 262 to 459 feet. The builder launched Project Bravo in 2018, which is a fuel efficient and eco-friendly innovative design. Their green technologies are predominant in their newest addition to their fleet.

Oceanco Esquel Yacht Concept

Their most famous superyachts are the 311-foot Indian Empress and the 300-foot Equanimity. Their Black Pearl, a 350-foot technically advanced designed sailing superyacht stands on its own.

  • 2. Abeking & Rasmussen

Abeking & Rasmussen Soaring

Successful in setting new technological standards, this family business is located across the river from Lurssen in Germany. They have been the best in the making of naval vessels since 1917, and they also specialize in coast guard and patrol vessels, as well as custom yachts. German engineering at its best, A & R has been an innovative company who is not scared of change.

Abeking & Rasmussen Excellence

They are developing a hybrid fuel cell powered by methanol that emits only clean steam, the first hydrocarbon emission free in the world. The Aviva, a 321-foot flagship has its own paddle-tennis court on the premises.

Lurssen ELYSIAN yacht

Lürssen is a family business who believes in producing the best quality yachts in the world. Focused on excellence, this German company is another leader in the luxury yachting world. Their eight shipyards located in the northern part of the country have been responsible for building more than 13.000 vessels since 1875.

Lurssen Azzam Superyacht

They do everything from building new yachts, as well as refitting, repairing and providing maintenance services on the premises. The iconic Azzam, the largest superyacht in the world is 590 feet long , is designed with the best quality woodwork and custom furniture inside a high-tech hull.

One thing is certain if you’re in the market for a luxury yacht, you have so many options available right now. The biggest problem will be choosing only one brand to work with when designing your dream yacht.

We hope you got all the inspiration you needed from our list, so happy sailing.

Abeking & Rasmussen Excellence

About Brody Patterson

Brody has worked as a full time staff writer for Luxatic for over five years, covering luxury news, product releases and in-depth reviews, and specializing in verticals on the website alongside the tech & leisure section, as well as men's fashion, watches and travel. Learn more about Luxatic's Editorial Process .

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Best yacht builders & brands | ultimate guide + financing.

 October 23, 2019

The wealthiest among us have a tender spot for megayachts. But you don’t have to be a billionaire to afford a yacht if you get the right financing. That’s why we provided this article on the world of the best yacht builders. It includes custom yacht builders, luxury yacht builders, and megayacht builders – indeed, the top 10 yacht manufacturers.

Then we’ll provide a geographic breakdown of the best yacht manufacturers, starting with American yacht builders. The yacht builders in the USA include Maine and Florida yacht builders. Next we’ll tell you how Assets America ® can help with yacht financing. Finally we’ll conclude with a few frequently asked questions about custom yacht builders.

You may also be interested in our companion article How Much Does A Yacht Cost? (Ultimate Breakdown Guide) and our Complete Guide to Yacht Financing .

Top 10 Yacht Builders in the World

When you are going to spend a small or large fortune on a yacht, your choice of shipyard is critical. Generally, many yachts conform to a buyer’s spec, and many buyers choose a builder in their own country. But the top 10 yacht builders span the world, and we report them here.

  • Lurssen and Blohm + Voss

Company Overview

Recently, Lurssen acquired the Blohm + Voss shipyard, creating one of the top German yacht builders. The combination gives the parent company, Imperial, the ability to build a new yacht and refit/repair existing ones. Clearly, Lurssen is a world-class builder of iconic superyachts and megayachts in Bremen, Germany.

Impressively, it has been producing yachts since 1875, allowing it to cultivate advance technologies and refined skills . Indeed, the company has built more than 13,000 ships, including yachts, racing boats, and specialized ships. Recently the company reported annual revenues just under $1 billion.

Lurssen acquired B+V in 2016. It brings world-class ship refitting capabilities to the Lurssen portfolio. Note that Lurssen has shipyards in several German cities, including:

  • Wilhelmshaven

Famous Models

The yachts are generally custom, ranging from 200 to 600 feet in length. The company is famous for producing celebrated yachts, include Arkely , Amadea , and Flying Fox . Geographically, Blohm + Voss (B+V) resides in Hamburg, and has a storied history building vessels from yachts to battleships.

In 2013, it delivered the world’s longest yacht to that date, the Azzam . In 2019, in addition to the 446-foot Flying Fox , the company delivered the 380-foot TIS and the 322-foot Madsummer .

How Assets America ® Can Help

Assets America ® can finance the purchase of a new or used yacht (or mega yacht or super yacht) with financing starting at a minimum of $10 million.  We have an extensive network of funding sources including private lenders and banks that are happy to provide funding for a yacht loan.  Depending on the transaction and purpose of the yacht, we can even fund deals up to 100% loan to value! Call us today at 206-622-3000 for a free consultation, or simply fill out the below form and expect and prompt response!

Apply For Financing

Amels holland b.v..

Amels is the largest Dutch yacht builder for motor yachts up to 600 feet in length. As you might know, its two shipyards reside in Vissingen, Netherlands, where it celebrated its centennial in 2018. Impressively, the facilities include large, climate-controlled dry docks that can house yachts of 600 feet and more.

Specifically, Amels builds fully custom yachts as well as yachts adapted from its Limited Edition (LE) series. Initially, LE yachts start as a framework built upon a well-proven platform. Then buyers specify the yacht’s design and layout. Importantly, the company recently announced that a new LE yacht, the Amels 60, is available for delivery in 2022.

The company also offers complete refit services. Note that Amels is part of the Damen Shipyards, which it joined in 1991. Critically, the combination with Damen gives Amels access to extensive research and development resources.

Amels’ recent yacht deliveries include Here Comes the Sun , Sea & Us , Volpini 2 , Eji , and Universe . Furthermore, its largest motor yacht is the 246-foot Montkage , built in 1995. Other important launches include the Ilona in 2004 and the 2005 Tigre d’Or .

Christensen Shipyards

Christensen Shipyards is a world leader in composite fiberglass yachts. Historically, Dave Christensen founded the business 40 years ago. Generally, Christensen builds custom and semi-custom yachts ranging in length from 110 to 164 feet.

Located in Vancouver, Washington (technically the largest suburb of Portland, Oregon), its advanced shipyard occupies 180,000 square feet including a large marina. Impressively, the company employs 120 boat builders with 1,000 person-years of experience building boats.

The company is currently constructing a yacht facility in Lake Tellico, Tennessee, which will be the biggest in America. Once completed, the new 55-acre shipyard will be able to build yachts up to 225 feet.

Notably, it will feature 13 large bays for manufacturing and assembly operations in 450,000 climate-controlled square feet of space. Naturally, the new facility will extend the company’s market presence to the East Coast.

Christensen uses state-of-the-art construction processes that utilize large-scale vacuum infusion and proprietary techniques. The result is a strength-to-weight ratio seven times greater than steel’s. That’s why you can travel the world in its transoceanic yachts.

The yachts it builds are not the biggest, but there are none better. Notably, its fleet comprises 35 superyachts, including the large motor yachts Silver Lining and Casino Royale . The latter was renamed after it was featured in the James Bond movie of the same name. You may be able to charter it for $72,000/week .

Feadship stands for the First Export Association of Dutch Shipbuilders. Specifically, it is a joint venture between Royal Van Lent and Koninklijke De Vries Scheepsbouw. Impressively, each owns two royally chartered shipyards.

The two partners also share the De Voogt Naval Architects engineering and design center. The partners have an illustrious history dating back to 1849, and today they are one of the world’s great yacht-builders. Notably, the company’s facilities reside in the following Dutch cities:

Clients invariably work closely with Feadship to develop each yacht design . Usually, the design process takes four to five months, and includes specifying the layout, styling, size, and power. After refining all the details, the shipbuilder begins construction by laying the keel. It may take another two years to complete and christen the yacht. The company is famous for flawless craftsmanship and artistry.

As one of the best Dutch yacht builders, Feadship has built many iconic yachts, including Venus (built for Steve Jobs), Savannah , and Aquarius . To be sure, all of its yachts are pure custom builds. Specifically, every design starts with a blank page and develops as a unique yacht.

Oceanco is another one of the top Dutch yacht builders, located in Alblasserdam, Netherlands. An Omani billionaire owns Oceanco , which owned constructs yachts in the range of 260 feet to 360 feet.

Though the company started in 1987, it has built about 30 superyachts with up to five more under simultaneous construction. That works out to two new yachts per year. Oceanco completely rebuilt its facility in 2010, creating an advanced covered dry-dock.

Notably, the shipyard has direct access to the North Sea via an inland waterway system. The company delivers magnificent yachts, including the 280-foot Sunrays , the 290-foot Nirvana , the 300-foot Tranquility ( renamed from Equanimity after a scandal ), and the 360-foot Jubilee .

It’s latest vessel is the 295-foot Dreamboat , a collaboration between Terence Disdale Design and Espen Øino International . Dreamboat can accommodate 33 crew members and 23 guests. It also features a full carbon canopy mast house and mast, as well as a complex onboard computer operating system.

Fincantieri Yachts

Fincantieri Yachts is one of the top Italian yacht builders. Since 2005, Fincantieri has built custom luxury yachts starting at 230 feet in length. With headquarters in Trieste, its parent company, the largest European shipbuilder, earned revenues of $6.02 billion 2018.

Importantly, its parent company builds ocean liners, giving Fincantieri Yachts unusual skill at handling complex projects. It builds fully custom megayachts as well as semi-custom yachts of various sizes. The company’s Yacht Design Center resides in Muggiano and employs more than 50 expert designers and engineers. Their approach emphasizes:

  • Engineering Techniques: Creates quiet and vibration-free yachts for exceptional onboard comfort.
  • Design: Interior and exterior designers closely collaborate to fulfill the buyer’s requirements while satisfying material-certification and fire-safety regulations.
  • Green Solutions: Applying comprehensive technical expertise is a key factor and innovative theme.

Buyers can adapt semi-custom designs to meet their expectations for a yacht’s profile, layout, and interior styling. The shipyard is exceptional for allowing the buyer’s team to work side-by-side for the entire process.

In 2009, Fincantieri expanded into North America with shipyard purchases in Wisconsin and Ohio. It currently has projects for yachts ranging in length from 230 feet to 525 feet. Two yachts recently launched are the 440-foot Serene and the 460-foot Ocean Victory .

Heesen, one of the Dutch yacht manufacturers, specializes in high-quality, sporty, custom superyachts with singular styling. Oss, Netherlands is the site of Heesen’s 4.4 acre-shipyard, with five dry-docks and nine construction sheds.

In 2016, it added a new 279-foot dry-dock and 295-foot construction hall. The maximum size yacht possible is now 272 feet in length. Heesen has built 170 yachts since its founding in 1978.

Customers celebrate Heesen for innovative engineering and design creating fast-displacement motoryacht hulls and metal yachts . Fast-displacement hull form is a design concept that reduces resistance by 15% to 20% while increasing onboard comfort. Originally specializing all-aluminum designs, it expanded production in 1992 to encompass steel-hulled yachts.

The Galactica Star and Galactica Supernova are examples of its revolutionary designs. Heesen’s fleet includes the speed-record-breaking Octopussy and its sister design, Mirage , with triple waterjet propulsion.

Heesen also builds large sport-fishing yachts. In 2017, Heesen delivered the 164-foot Home , the first hybrid-powered fast-displacement superyacht. Power flows from two electric shaft motors and two conventional engines for fuel-efficiency. Furthermore, Heesen’s Alive implements a Hull Vane system, an underwater, stern-mounted fixed foil that improves fuel efficiency and seakeeping. In 2019, Heesen delivered two 164-foot yachts, Aster and Boreas .

  • Westport Yachts

Westport Yachts designs, engineers, and hand-builds yachts in Vancouver, Washington. It is the largest North American yacht builder, having launched more than 200 vessels since 1964.

Westport prides itself on delivering its yachts on time and on budget. Early on, it adopted advanced composite technology and modular construction techniques to create strong, fast yachts. Indeed, construction utilizes infusion, resin impregnation, and advance coring materials, avoiding corrosion-vulnerable and high-maintenance metals.

Largely, Westport’s popularity comes from raised pilothouse and tri-deck models. Yacht lengths extend from 112 to 164 feet and meet standards for draft, range, speed, and seakeeping abilities. Processes such as computer-driven milling guarantee every part will have a perfect finish. These processes also support more features per part, increasing structural integrity and reducing the number of mechanical fastenings.

The largest model is the W164, which sleeps 12 guests in six en-suite staterooms plus a crew of 12. This tri-deck motoryacht has a cruise speed of 20 knots and a maximum speed of 24 knots. Even more importantly, the fully equipped W164 boasts unsurpassed luxury, predictable performance, and on-time delivery.

Sunseeker is the pride of the British yachtbuilding trade. It is world-famous for its performance yachts and superyachts from 50 to 155 feet long. Sunseeker customizable models are sporty and fast, as epitomized by the Predator series .

Founded in 1960, it is a subsidiary of a Chinese conglomerate residing in Poole, England. Sunseeker’s facilities include seven shipyards and production plants, plus another deep-water shipyard for larger vessels. In addition, it has expanded with a new Isle of Portland site and a new factory in Poole.

Sunseeker yachts are prominent supporting stars in four James Bond movies. Today, the company employs 2,500 expert designers, engineers, and master craftspersons building 150 yachts a year for 74 countries.

The company’s newest superyacht is the Sunseeker 161 , a tri-deck design with outstanding space and volume. The interior is nothing less than opulent, sleeping 10 guests in five cabins. The 161 will launch in 2021.

Nobiskrug is one of the top German yacht builders. It’s a 114-year-old German shipbuilder that began manufacturing yachts in 2000 with the 301-foot Tatoosh . It has since created an enviable portfolio of custom superyachts that are strong on innovation.

The Nobiskrug shipyard resides in Rendsburg, Germany on the Eider River and employs 400 skilled professionals. All work proceeds in two high-tech facilities.

Firstly, the Rendsburg facility extends over 1.9 million square feet, including more than 470,000 square feet of covered sheds. The facility also includes two drydocks, two slipways, and two quays. Secondly, the Kiel-Gaarden shipyard occupies 2.7 million square feet and includes 538,000 square feet of covered sheds. Also housed there are two dry-docks, two piers and a yard harbor.

Nobiskrug’s latest superyacht is the 262-foot Artefact , featuring solar panels, a diesel-electric Azipod propulsion system and wastewater recycling. In addition, Artefact incorporates an 8,000-square-foot, floor-to-ceiling central section with 60 tons of curved glasswork.

The shipbuilder’s largest vessel is the 469-foot Sailing Yacht A weighing in at 12,600 gross tons. Impressively, the three-mast vessel has an underwater observation pod, advanced navigations systems, and a hybrid diesel-electric propulsion system. Sailing Yacht A boasts a steel hull and superstructure plus composite fashion plates.

Best Megayacht Builders

Loosely, a megayacht is a luxury yacht greater than 200 feet long holding more than a dozen guests. These are the biggest of the big yachts, produced for the billionaire community. The world harbors about 10,000 megayachts, with about 150 new deliveries per year. Here are the best three megayacht builders who specialize in megayachts:

1.     Lurssen and Blohm + Voss (Germany)

2.     Amels Holland B.V. (Netherlands)

3.     Feadship (Netherlands)

We describe all three companies above.

Yacht Builders by Country

Here is a rundown of yacht manufacturers by country.

Yacht Builders USA

  • Christensen Shipyards (Washington): See above.
  • Westport Yachts (Washington): See above.
  • Derecktor (New York): Derecktor is a leading builder of custom explorer and motor yachts. Its yachts feature tall forward-positioned superstructures and abundant space aft-deck.
  • Hatteras (North Carolina): Builder of beautiful, high-speed motor yachts, especially sportfish. Sleek, streamlined exterior and sporty designs are characteristic.
  • Trinity (Mississippi): Famous for large luxury yachts up to 400-feet long. Designs feature sleek superstructures with abundant glass, opulent staterooms, and spacious salons.
  • Broward Marine (Florida, Michigan): Delivers custom yachts exceeding 100 feet in length. Features vessels with tri-diesel power, raised pilothouses, high performance, country kitchens, and open deck plans.
  • Hargrave (Florida): Maker of inspiring yachts since the 1950s. Specializes in 80- to 150-foot custom yachts with raised pilothouses and tri-deck designs.
  • Horizon (Florida): Produces distinctive, stately motor yachts featuring classic details, large windows, tri-deck designs, raised pilothouses, and power catamarans.
  • Burger (Wisconsin): Historic shipbuilder founded in 1863 producing custom tri-deck motor yachts up to 214 feet long. Yachts feature wrap-around decks and unique outside lounge areas.
  • Delta Marine (Washington): Builder of sleek motor yachts with flowing, clean lines in raised-pilothouse and tri-deck designs.

Maine Yacht Builders

Luxurious yacht builders in Maine include:

  • Artisan Boatworks
  • Back Cove Yachts
  • Brooklyn Boat Yard
  • Calvin Beal Boats
  • Front Street Shipyard
  • Hinckley Yachts
  • Hodgon Yachts
  • Lyman-Morse Boatbuilding
  • Morris Yachts
  • Sabre Yachts
  • SW Boatworks
  • Wilbur Yachts

Florida Yacht Builders

Luxurious yacht builders in Florida include:

  • American Custom Yachts
  • Bertram Yachts
  • Catalina Yachts
  • Derecktor Shipyards
  • Hargrave Custom Yachts
  • Horizon Yacht USA
  • Huckins Yachts
  • Island Packet and Seaward Yachts
  • Merritt Island Boat Works
  • Stamas Yacht

Netherlands Yacht Builders

  • Hartman Marine
  • Royal Huisman
  • Van der Walk

Video:  Yacht Builders of the Netherlands – Heesen, Moonen, Mulder, Hakvoort

Italian Yacht Builders

These are the best yacht builders in Italy:

  • Fincantieri
  • Perini Navi

Taiwan Yacht Builders

These are the top Taiwan yacht builders:

  • Kadey-Krogen
  • Ocean Alexander

Australian Yacht Builders

These are the top Australian Yacht Builders:

  • SilverYachts

Yacht Builders FAQs

How much do yacht builders make.

In 2019, the average annual salary of a boat builder is $55,645, and average total compensation of $57,928. Typically, salaries range between $45,760 and $67,807. Total compensation ranges between $46,056 and $68,316.

How many boats do yacht builders make per year?

It depends on the size. It can take two years or longer to build a large yacht. Some luxury yacht builders deliver only a few vessels per year, but the bigger ones can launch five or more. The total annual output of superyachts is about 150.

Is a luxury yacht a good investment?

Yacht ownership is more a lifestyle choice than a financial investment. Nonetheless, finance is a consideration. Know that yachts do not necessarily depreciate the way cars do. However, yachts have high maintenance costs. 

  • Check out Superyacht Times for news about the best yacht builders and constructions .
  • Fraser Yachts also has news about new yacht constructions across the world .
  • Wikipedia is the best place to find an exhaustive list of yacht builders and manufacturers globally .

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Ronny was a pleasure to work with and is extremely knowledgeable. His hard work was never ending until the job was done. They handled a complex lease and guided us through entire process, including the paperwork. Not to mention a below market lease rate and more than all the features we needed in a site. We later used Assets America for a unique equipment financing deal where once again Ronny and team exceeded our expectations and our timeline. Thank you to Assets America for your highly professional service!

Great experience with Assets America. Fast turn around. Had a lender in place in 30 minutes looking to do the deal. Totally amazing. Highly recommend them to anyone looking for financing. Ronny is fantastic. Give them a call if the deal makes sense they can get it funded. Referring all our clients.

Assets America guided us every step of the way in finding and leasing our large industrial building with attached offices. They handled all of the complex lease negotiations and contractual paperwork. Ultimately, we received exactly the space we needed along with a lower than market per square foot pricing, lease length and end of term options we requested. In addition to the real estate lease, Assets America utilized their decades-long financial expertise to negotiate fantastic rates and terms on our large and very unique multimillion dollar equipment purchase/lease. We were thankful for how promptly and consistently they kept us informed and up to date on each step of our journey. They were always available to answer each and every one of our questions. Overall, they provided my team with a fantastic and highly professional service!

Assets America was responsible for arranging financing for two of my multi million dollar commercial projects. At the time of financing, it was extremely difficult to obtain bank financing for commercial real estate. Not only was Assets America successful, they were able to obtain an interest rate lower than going rates. The company is very capable, I would recommend Assets America to any company requiring commercial financing.

Assets America was incredibly helpful and professional in assisting us in purchasing our property. It was great to have such knowledgeable and super-experienced, licensed pros in our corner, pros upon which we could fully rely. They helped and successfully guided us to beat out 9 other competing offers! They were excellent at communicating with us at all times and they were extremely responsive. Having them on our team meant that we could always receive truthful, timely and accurate answers to our questions. We would most definitely utilize their services again and again for all of our real estate needs.

Assets America is a great company to work with. No hassles. Recommend them to everyone. Professional, fast response time and definitely gets the job done.

Ronny at Assets America has been invaluable to us and definitely is tops in his field. Great experience. Would refer them to all our business associates.

We were very pleased with Assets America’s expertise and prompt response to our inquiry. They were very straight forward with us and helped a great deal. We referred them to all our business associates.

I’ve worked with this company for decades. They are reputable, knowledgeable, and ethical with proven results. I highly recommend them to anyone needing commercial financing.

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Assets America helped us survive a very difficult time and we most definitely give them 5 stars!

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My business partner and I were looking to purchase a retail shopping center in southern California.  We sought out the services of Ronny, CFO of Assets America.  Ronny found us several commercial properties which met our desired needs.  We chose the property we liked best, and Ronny went to work. He negotiated very aggressively on our behalf. We came to terms with the Seller, entered into a purchase agreement and opened escrow.  Additionally, we needed 80 percent financing on our multimillion-dollar purchase.  Assets America also handled the commercial loan for us.  They were our One-Stop-Shop. They obtained fantastic, low, fixed rate insurance money for us.  So, Assets America handled both the sale and the loan for us and successfully closed our escrow within the time frame stated in the purchase agreement.  Ronny did and performed exactly as he said he would. Ronny and his company are true professionals.  In this day and age, it’s especially rare and wonderful to work with a person who actually does what he says he will do.  We recommend them to anyone needing any type of commercial real estate transaction and we further highly recommend them for any type of commercial financing.  They were diligent and forthright on both accounts and brought our deal to a successful closing.

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top 10 yacht manufacturers

Top 10 yacht manufacturers

If you’re in the market for a yacht, there’s a lot to consider. What size should you get? What features are most important? And, most importantly, which yacht builder should you trust with your investment? To help you make an informed decision, we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 yacht builders, including their locations and flagship vessels.

Lürssen Yachts – Located in Bremen, Germany, Lürssen Yachts has been building luxury yachts for over 150 years. Their flagship vessel, the Azzam, is the largest yacht in the world, measuring 180 meters in length. Feadship – Feadship was founded in 1949 and is based in the Netherlands. Their flagship vessel, the Symphony, is a 101.5-meter yacht that boasts an impressive range of over 5,000 nautical miles. Oceanco – Oceanco is a Dutch yacht builder with headquarters in Alblasserdam. Their flagship vessel, the Jubilee, measures 110 meters in length and features a luxurious interior designed by Sam Sorgiovanni. Amels – Amels is a Dutch yacht builder that has been in operation for over 100 years. Their flagship vessel, the Plvs Vltra, is a 74-meter yacht that features a stunning exterior design by Tim Heywood. Benetti – Founded in 1873, Benetti is an Italian yacht builder with headquarters in Viareggio. Their flagship vessel, the Luminosity, measures 107 meters in length and features an innovative hybrid propulsion system. Abeking & Rasmussen – Abeking & Rasmussen is a German yacht builder that has been in operation since 1907. Their flagship vessel, the Excellence V, is a 60-meter yacht that features a sleek exterior design by Reymond Langton. Heesen Yachts – Heesen Yachts is a Dutch yacht builder that has been in operation since 1978. Their flagship vessel, the Galactica Super Nova, is a 70-meter yacht that features a unique Fast Displacement Hull Form. Fincantieri Yachts – Fincantieri Yachts is an Italian yacht builder that is part of the Fincantieri Group, a global leader in shipbuilding. Their flagship vessel, the Serene, measures 134 meters in length and features a luxurious interior designed by Reymond Langton. Palmer Johnson Yachts – Palmer Johnson Yachts is a US-based yacht builder with headquarters in Wisconsin. Their flagship vessel, the Khalilah, is a 48-meter yacht that features a striking gold exterior. Codecasa Yachts – Codecasa Yachts is an Italian yacht builder that has been in operation since 1825. Their flagship vessel, the Gazzella, measures 65 meters in length and features a classic exterior design. Navigating the world of yacht purchasing can be overwhelming, but fortunately, Marine Sales and Charters can help. With their expertise and connections, they can guide you through the process and ensure that you find the perfect yacht for your needs. Whether you’re looking for a massive superyacht or a more modest vessel, Marine Sales and Charters has the knowledge and experience to make your dream a reality.

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The Top Sailboat Manufacturers (According to Sailors)

Whether you are buying or chartering a boat, or whether you simply want to stay informed, you might be asking the question: who are the top sailboat manufacturers? As is the case with most 'who's the best' questions, the answer isn't simple. So this article takes a stroll among the crowds and asks - “who's your favorite?” .

top 10 yacht manufacturers

What are the top sailboat manufacturers?

Groupe beneteau.

This is the ultimate all-star list. Now let’s see why.

First of all - I want to make this lineup relatively short. There are tens of names that bounce around when you ask about favorite manufacturers, and if I had made this a long list, in the end, it wouldn’t represent the famous all-stars that really stand out in the eyes of the people. If you want a longer, less detailed list, check out our article about 50 popular sailboat brands . This time though, we are looking only at the manufacturer champions of the ‘popular choice’ contest.

“This is a loaded question!”, the internet forums yell, “there are thousands of options!”, they cry, enraged, “it’s not about the boat, but about the crew!” they scream. But we don’t give up and continue, determined to find out who you all like the most.

Cover Image : Bavaria Cruiser 55 - Copyright BavariaYachtbau under CC BY-SA 4.0

I know, I know, I hear you. Let’s start with the cons of these boats to quench the thirst of the bloodthirsty critics. Yes, Wallys are very costly, they go all the way up to tens of millions of dollars and so won’t be more than a bedroom poster for most of the readers.

That’s about it when it comes to the negatives, though. The reason they made it on this list despite their price tag is that they are pioneers in many aspects. Visually they are beyond gorgeous, and their price allows for exquisite build quality. The cost of these hi-end racer/cruisers means they aren’t particularly user friendly since most users won’t be able to use them, but just as Rolls Royce belongs on the list of the best cars, Wally belongs on the list of the best boats. They are the brainchild of Luca Bassani, founder and chief of the brand, a stylish Italian man who knows what’s right.

And it is this poster worthiness that gained them popularity among the crowds. A video of a simple Atlantic crossing on a 100 foot Wally has millions of views not necessarily because that particular journey would be exciting, in fact, it is quite an uneventful one, but because it is on a boat that makes the design junkies salivate. The Wally designs alone were the reason these boats made it into Hollywood feature films and series, and if you look at one, you’ll understand why. This is what happens when extravaganza meets good taste and has all the money in the world to realize the idea.

What do they make in terms of sailboats? Superyachts around 100 ft long, each focused on sporty cruising, design, and comfort. They only make custom sailboats, no factory models here. Buying a used one is a safe situation, they hold up even after a long time both in terms of quality, performance as well as design. During their existence, Wally only made a handful of boats, so if you ever stumble upon one, take a selfie. It is like meeting a celebrity.

top 10 yacht manufacturers

To level the scales, let’s now jump at the opposite side of the spectrum and have a look at Catalina, the people pleaser. If Wally was the Rolls Royce of the boating world, Catalina is the Ford, making, as they say, “honest, sturdy boats that hold up to real-world conditions, perform well and cost less to maintain”. The mission of this company then seems to be to make boats as practical as possible for the common folk. That means: a practical interior layout, practical handling, and last but definitely not least, a practical price.

And this strategy has worked out well - according to experiences of hundreds of thousands of sailors, Catalinas stand up to their reputation of a boat that’s got your back. It is one of the largest boat producers in the world, with over sixty thousand of its boats sailing the world. Boat manufacturers oftentimes go through quite a lot of rough patches, that turn into bankruptcy for many, it isn’t an easy business to be in, but Catalina has been on a roll for decades. And this success has come with its perks - the business stability allowed for some impressive manufacturing facilities, which helps mass production, which in turn helps drive the price down. So with Catalina, you’ll likely be getting more bang for your buck than from their competition.

They make boats ranging from tiny daysailers all the way to 50-foot seaworthy vessels. What made them the most famous though are their mid-sized cruisers - the staple of the classical American sailing fan. Whether you like it or not, slow and steady is the name of the game when it comes to mainstream, and that is precisely what Catalina understands so well. They don’t take large risks. Their models are long-running with slight tweaks and facelifts, concepts that don’t surprise or insult, but offer stability. This conservativeness has been what some sailors hold against Catalinas, which is easy to understand when looking at many other brands that offer more in terms of fanciness, but this is the Catalina way, and it has worked out splendidly for them.

The long years of experience make for a great manufacturer that makes boats which won’t be the fastest, won’t be the prettiest or the boldest in terms of design or technological innovation, but they will do precisely what they are made to do - their job.

top 10 yacht manufacturers

Bavaria is to Europe what Catalina is to the United States. Affordable, practical, nothing special, but does what it’s supposed to. It is the main diet of many Mediterranean sailors. To stay with the cars equivalent, just because I like it so much, if Catalinas were the Ford, Bavarias would be the Volkswagen. They are generally cheaper than Catalinas but don’t see that as an indicator, sailors can’t seem to find one or the other significantly worse or better in build quality. There are of course a few voices rooting for one or the other, but that can be assigned to fandom rather than to actual benefits. The price difference is there partly due to a different manufacturing process, the Bavaria factories are more efficient (they are German after all), and the production is more streamlined, allowing cutting costs without cutting corners.

Reliability, ease of use, and affordability are aspects that lead the design decisions here - which is what makes them so prevalent in charter companies. Even a nonexperienced sailor can get on a Bavaria and operate it with relative ease. But as I’ve been told by the boss of an unnamed charter company, after five or so years, you will start to feel the lower price tag as their reliability starts to go down unless money is put into repairs. With an older Bavaria, you will feel its age more than with other manufacturers. As one owner puts it, they tend to get “quite exhausted”.

So in case you belong among the Bavaria fans and have your eye on a used one, keep the above sentences in mind and when shopping, make sure you understand the ‘health’ of the boat in question. Moreover, be aware of the difference between a boat that was used by a handful of sailors over the years versus one that was chartered to more people than you could count. In other words, you wouldn’t want to buy a few-year-old rental car because who knows what the poor thing had to suffer, - especially since you can bet that many of the clients weren’t particularly good sailors due to generous sailing license policies in Croatia, which allows virtually anybody to ‘become a sailor’ within hours for a friendly fee.

What can you expect when you get on one? Good things - the manufacturers know what their products are used for, and that is why Bavarias are designed as easy comfortable cruisers. Everything you need to have within reach will be within reach, to the point of you having something to hold on almost all the time wherever you go through the boat - Bavaria knows well that many of its users won’t have their ‘sea legs’ and act accordingly. Even smaller models have generous amounts of space because it is the smaller models that are charter kings - Bavaria gives a lot of attention to them. The layouts will be comfy, so Bavarias make good boats for longer voyages - pair that with reliability and price and you will understand why the vox populi speaks so fondly of them.

top 10 yacht manufacturers

The reason I am mentioning the name of the parent company here is that they own both Beneteau and Jeanneau, brands that are distinguishable on the surface, but if you look close enough, you will find them pretty similar, down to the fact that they are produced in the same factory. So since both Beneteau and Jeanneau are very popular sailor’s choices, both deserve a place on this list, but dedicating a subchapter to each would feel like making a duplicate.

By the way, Groupe Beneteau also owns Lagoon, a renowned catamaran maker, Prestige, luxury yacht manufacturer, Monte Carlo Yachts, CNB Yacht builder, the semi-custom sailboat maker, Four Winns, Glastron, Scarab, Wellcraft, Excess, and Delphia… some of these make motor yachts only, but if you combine fans of all of these, you get a sizable crowd. This company has figured out what people of various tastes want and serves quite a few of these niches.

top 10 yacht manufacturers

Business aside, let’s see how this French company managed to find its way into the hearts of so many. Well, first of all, they are French. So chic style is to be expected. And with this, fans come. Image wise (and design-wise to a bit) Jeanneau is the sporty one that sails better, while Beneteau aims at the family comfort market. But on both, you will feel loved by the designer. They are made to make you feel good when you use them, and they’ll spoil you with luxury that fits within the specific price tag.

Comfort is a big deal here. On Jeanneaus for instance, you will sometimes find quite unique layouts, often different from the traditional ones, to really pamper the sailors - such as their two master bedroom setup, with the stern one being under the cockpit. A lot of them come with the 360 docking system, which allows you to move the boat around with a joystick and makes maneuvering in marinas so easy you feel like you are cheating. Or consider their decision to make the hull finer to cut through the water better, resulting in less movement - something that helps with comfort. All of this comes for a price but less so than you would expect since the buying power of the enormous Groupe Beneteau helps with shaving off dollars where smaller manufacturers couldn’t. This is, for instance, the reason why they can afford to use wood on their crafts to an extent you wouldn’t expect from a production boat for that price - again, buying volume allows for this even without you necessarily having to pay the expected premium.

Of course, you will mostly find them in Europe, where they are plentiful in marinas, though the aforementioned Bavarias dominate as far as numbers go. But that is mostly because of charters, since last year, over 80 percent of chartered boats were Bavarias. As personal boats, products of Groupe Beneteau belong among the top choices.

top 10 yacht manufacturers

Now, this is a bit of a tricky one. The manufacturer doesn’t exist anymore, in fact, it produced boats from 1960 to 1989, making it over thirty years old, but despite that, the Cal models are still a favorite and worthy member of the cruising as well as performance world.

During the company’s existence, almost twenty thousand boats were built, partially because they were one of the first brands to mass-produce fiberglass sailboats. That, along with Cal models winning impressively in races, helped them to make a name for themselves, a name that still sounds to this day.

top 10 yacht manufacturers

Why is it on this list? Partially because of its prevalence on the seas, partially because of its prevalence in internet forums and pub talks. Cal sailboats are loved by their owners mostly for their responsiveness when under sail, good build quality, (even though many say the interior could have been done way better) as well as reliability even after long years of use. Many of the design features have indeed been improved since, so if thirty years ago you could dominate races with Cals, today you won’t be on the lightest and most up to date boat around anymore. But you won’t be sailing a cruiser either. The boat might not be a pureblood racer, but it was built with racing in mind. Which might give the more sporty ones of your peace of mind that no Bavaria or any traditional cruiser will provide.

Quite a few owners say though that the success from the sixties gained Cal a name that you will pay for when buying one. If you are one of those who want to make sure they are paying for physical value rather than reputation, this might be a dealbreaker for you. There is a certain portion of slight arrogance that comes with racing success, one that shows in later models. But given the brand’s popularity, this is not too big of a deal.

So if cruising is your goal, if long crossings are what you desire, if you simply want a boat that was built with honesty and can take you basically anywhere you want, Cals are a safe bet. You’ll be joining a big, happy and an old family. And an affordable one at that.

In conclusion

To sum it all up, it seems that practicality, affordability, and reliability are the main factors that influence whether a sailboat manufacturer will become popular among sailors or not. As well as extravagant design and beauty, but that’s another story.

There have been many shipyards throughout the ages, some long-lasting, some surviving but a couple of years. Each tried to come up with an angle to sell well. Sometimes it was quirky design, and sometimes it was an intriguing feature, sometimes it was the use of new technology. Sometimes it worked out quite well, other times it did not. But in the end what sailors seem to want is a boat that will not fail them when they need it the most, a boat that is well built enough to cross oceans, because that gives one a sense of freedom and a boat that is built with the user-friendliness in mind. Simply, a boat that is your good friend.

A road to a sailor’s heart is simple, after all.

Daniel O'Connell

Really good article. I was enlightened.

Dan O’Connell

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Yachting World

  • Digital Edition

Yachting World cover

Best luxury yacht: 7 ultimate luxury cruisers you can buy

  • Toby Hodges
  • March 14, 2024

Toby Hodges takes a look at all the nominees and the winner of the best luxury yacht category in the European Yacht of the Year Awards

The definition of the best luxury yacht will differ according to personal opinion and from boat to boat. This year’s nominees in the luxury yacht category of the European Yacht of the Year Awards proved that perfectly.

The European Yacht of the Year awards are selected by a broad panel of expert judges from across the globe. These are people who spend their professional lives sailing and comparing yachts, so you can be certain that the yachts which stand out in this field are truly the best of the best on the market.

The best luxury yachts

Best luxury yacht winner 2024 – arcona 50.

When you enter the fiercely competitive 50ft luxury performance yacht market you better get it right. And the jury felt Arcona managed that. This watershed design for the traditional Swedish brand, by X-Yachts co-founder and former designer Niels Jeppesen, is a big, contemporary new Arcona, one that sees it move away from its cruiser-racer heritage and classic interiors.

The on trend styling inside and out is backed up by a premium level of build and finish quality and sailing performance – particularly if you have the performance sails, traveller and deep (2.95m) keel options the test boat carried, although the latter does limit your berthing and anchoring options.

While I doubt it’ll be raced or will suit typical bluewater use, it offers a purity of performance push-button sailing: a handsome prospect upwind in a light breeze, it transforms into a powerful reaching machine with stacks of control.

As chairman of our jury, Jochen Rieker, puts it: “The boat certainly did not win for her somewhat borrowed looks. She wins by checking all the boxes in all other respects. Slipping along gracefully in the lightest of airs, holding her stride and her balance in more demanding conditions, offering warmth, light and this reassuring feeling of utter quality down below – there simply isn’t anything to fault.”

Contest 50CS

The Contest 50CS, for example, is an archetype luxury cruising yacht, one built to the highest standards and that could take you to most waters in impeccable comfort. This model is, uniquely, available in two versions: this more conventional 50CS with aft master cabin, or the forward owner’s suite version on the aft cockpit Contest 49CS . We ran a full test on the latter after spending two days aboard in the North Sea, where that noticeably high freeboard, which may not aid boarding nor windage, helped keep us dry on deck in a steady Force 6 gusting 7.

As the 50CS proved, this Judel/Vrolijk design keeps slipping along in the light stuff too, providing enjoyable sailing in 6 knots breeze under a code sail. The centre cockpit offers a deep protected guest area, but also links well to the spacious aft deck.

And the Wetzels-Brown-designed interiors of Contests today are stunning and hard to match. The engineering, access to usable stowage, details and finish on the 50CS is first class and to get this level of quality at this size is special.

Both Contest and X-Yachts are early adopters of hybrid power, offering their bluewater cruisers with optional electric drives. For the XC 47 this was designed-in from the start to offer Oceanvolt’s award-winning new 25kW regenerative drive.

The XC 47 is another wonderfully engineered and thought out yacht for distance cruising, in particular for those who also enjoy hands-on helming pleasure. That should come as no surprise to any X aficionados, but what really struck me most about this yacht was the stowage, and the forethought needed to create that, together with how practical it has been made.

That may sound slightly anticlimactic but ask any long-term cruiser and stowage is always a priority. On deck, this constitutes a huge lazarette and sail locker, plus clever systems for launching a dinghy via davits and a liferaft canister, while below decks every square inch of space has been used effectively, with lockers hinged with gas struts.

It’s clear the Danish yard went to considerable time and effort, even building a full mock up of the interior that could be canted 20° each way.

If the deck saloon style looks didn’t sell this model to all – this is the first full non-Jeppesen designed X – the jury were converted once they’d taken the helm. ‘Quirky’ became ‘muscular and bold’. The ease with which it can be sailed from the cockpit was also appreciated.

While I understand many offshore cruisers like a protected centre cockpit and more sun protection, the attention to detail, stowage and practicalities, combined with the direct steering, motion and enjoyable sailing this X offers make it a standout new offering.

Jeanneau Yachts 55

Meanwhile the Jeanneau Yachts 55 stands out for different, unique reasons in this category, offering a completely new concept in comfort on deck while at anchor and a novel accommodation layout. Its focus is on outdoor living space.

What helps place this in a luxury bracket is not simply the price or the creative input of superyacht specialist design duo Philppe Briand and Andrew Winch, rather that its layout creates a palatial amount of private space for the owner’s suite. Guest cabins have their own direct access from the extensive cockpit via gullwing doors.

It certainly makes sense for solo owners or couples using it as a warm water apartment. How many people this will suit is another question, as it segregates any guests, crew or children from the galley and saloon.

I used the term monocat when I first viewed it, as the 55 really does attempt to mix the two worlds, particularly in terms of providing owner privacy and lounging space. Choose the rigid hard top and windshield and there’s a vast amount of covered area including a dinette and chart table – plus a bimini can shade all that extensive aft deck too.

The penalty comes in additional weight and wetted surface, and is felt in the handling and performance, the latter particularly in lighter breeze with the optional in-mast furling, self tacking headsail and shallow draught package we had. However, it’s set up to be easily managed from the mid cockpit with good visibility from the twin helms and easy circulation thanks to the ramped side decks. Full report in YW February 2024.

Best luxury yacht 2023

Best luxury yacht winner – oyster 495.

It is hard to imagine that the decor of a yacht can change its look and feel quite this much, yet the layout of this second 495, Eddie Jordan’s dramatic looking Tuga , is in fact identical to the first boat that I spent several days aboard last summer.

At its heart is a wonderfully (Humphreys) designed and engineered luxury bluewater cruiser conceived from the ground up, built in a new dedicated facility to a repeatable quality very few yards are capable of.

The 495 offers consistent passage making speeds in real voluminous comfort – whether enjoyed from the deep cockpit or the best-in-class aft cabin. Deck stowage and mechanical space is also superb.

Then factor in the family appeal of Oyster’s after sales and world rally programme and you start to appreciate the premium world this sub 50-footer gives access to.

The first yacht fully conceived under CEO Richard Hadida’s reign, this is also the smallest completely new Oyster 495 since 2005 – and it’s a triumph. It was our September 2022 cover star in which we featured the full review from our Oyster 495 three day test .

Beneteau Oceanis Yacht 60

The Oceanis Yacht 60 is a very different beast indeed to the 62 it replaces as flagship for the Beneteau range. The yard has learned plenty from the success of the First 53/OY 54 and wanted to create a 60 in this style and with the same deck layout (albeit larger and wider) and ease of circulation.

The construction experience of the smaller model clearly helped too, as this is a whopping five tonnes lighter than the bulky OY62 and with a deeper (2.6m) keel. The telling result is on the water. It feels sporty to helm and we averaged a knot slower than the single figure 6-8 knot windspeeds upwind and matched them reaching with Code 0 and a slight swell.

The vast cockpit works well, sheltered below the semi rigid bimini, it has plentiful lounging space with sailing systems led aft to the twin helms. The interior sees a 3+3 layout, where Beneteau wanted to get rid of the corridor effect of the OY62. The galley is forward to help open out space, while the forward suite with offset berth and headboard aft works well to give space with privacy.

This is an attractive, voluminous yacht that leaves a good overall impression whether under sail, on or below decks.

Ice 62 Targa

It all looks pretty funky below decks on the Ice 62 Targa too, especially if you’re watching the masthead fore and aft cameras (plus bow and prop cam) on central displays mounted in the saloon while you slip out of the dock! The Ice is a seriously impressive, contemporary yacht, one that in looks, performance and execution, won over many of the judges.

The first to launch is a highly customised project for a passionate sailing owner who covers long distances solo – he’d already sailed it 3,000 miles around the Med that autumn. It’s impressively stiff, sails handsomely and, thanks to a telescopic keel, points well. We matched single figure windspeeds, and clocked up to the high 9s in 12 knots wind.

Umberto Felci’s team spent 4,000 hours on the design, providing lots of space and light to the interior and a chillout zone in the semi raised saloon. This was easily the coolest looking yacht, with its aggressive reverse bow, chamfered gunwales and carbon T-top bimini, and all engineered and built to a high standard.

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best boat brands and manufacturers

10 Best Boat Brands & Manufacturers: 2024 Edition

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Last Updated on May 23, 2024 by Boatsetter Team

A key advantage of booking through Boatsetter is that you can try before you buy with all kinds of boat sizes, boat styles and boat brands.

At first, though, the sheer quantity of brands may feel overwhelming, especially if you’re new to boating and just learning about all the different boat manufacturers. A good place to start is with some of the top-selling, well-established boat brands that have been around for a while, so you can get a feel for the wide variety of boats and models that exist.

Here’s a look at 10 of the best boat brands and manufacturers to get you started ( listed in no particular order, and selected by category ).

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2013 beneteau oceanis 37

10 Best Boat Brands & Manufacturers: 2023 Edition is now available!

1. Beneteau

Category: Best Sailboat Boat Brand

Beneteau is a French boat brand that got its start way back in 1884. Today, Beneteau builds powerboats and sailboats alike, with six lines and 19 models of sailboats alone. Sailboats that Beneteau calls its heritage models—meaning they are no longer available new—are often available for bookings. Many owners keep their Beneteau sailboats for years or decades, because the boat brand is a proven pedigree that includes smart, comfortable features for sailing.

Explore All Beneteau Boats Available for Rent

super air nautique boats

2. Nautique Boats

Category: Best Watersports Boat Brand

Nautique , which is well known for building the line of Super Air Nautique models, specializes in boats for wakeboarding, wakesurfing, and other watersports , and they also have Ski Nautique models for water skiing. A Super Air Nautique boat, in particular, will have different styling and features than other boats the same size, to create things like better behind-the-boat wakes, and to make sure everybody on board has a good view of the action. The Nautique boat brand is also a leader creating “sculpted” wakes for surfing, with ballast , wave plates, and digital controls that work together to allow individuals to choose the shape and size of the wakes they ride.

You’ll find a few of the Super Air Nautique models listed within our Electric Boats page.

boston whaler

3. Boston Whaler Boats

Category: Best Saltwater Fishing Boat Brand

Boston Whaler is a Florida boat manufacturer that got its start building boats over 60 years ago, often for local fishing guides as well as family anglers. Today, Boatsetter customers can often find Boston Whaler models that owners have decked out for whatever kind of fishing is best in their local waters. Features can include lighted baitwells, insulated fishboxes, out-of-the-way stowage for fishing rods, casting decks and more. Some also have booming sound systems for rock ’n’ rolling your way to and from the fishing grounds. Best of all, these boats are known for being completely unsinkable thanks to a fiberglass-foam-fiberglass construction method. That adds some serious peace of mind when you take the kids out for a day of fishing.

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tracker boats bass boat

4. Tracker Boats

Category: Best Freshwater Fishing Boat Brand

The manufacturer Tracker Boats is based in Missouri, where it builds numerous types of boats with a specialty in modified-V, deep-V, and Jon boat style aluminum fishing boats. Its Bass Tracker is—as you might guess from the name—all about fishing. Most Bass Trackers are equipped with an electric trolling motor , which is quieter than a traditional outboard motor so there’s less chance of scaring away the fish. These boats also usually come with features like fishfinders, pedestal fishing seats, and livewells, which makes them some of the best freshwater fishing boats around.

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sea ray sundancer

Category: Best Yacht Brand

Sea Ray is one of the most popular boat brands on the water and is part of Brunswick Corporation, which owns more than a dozen boat manufacturers as well as companies that make boat engines, parts and accessories. The company builds many different boat models ranging from runabouts to yachts, but its Sundancer series is so popular that it dates back more than 40 years. Sea Ray Sundancers come in various sizes and both outboard and stern drive versions, and are outfitted for family fun on the water, with safely enclosed seating up front for the kids, comfortable cabins, and protection from the sun when needed.

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godfrey pontoon boats

6. Godfrey Pontoon Boats

Category: Best Pontoon Boat Brand

Godfrey Pontoon Boats has been in business for more than 60 years. It builds seven different styles of pontoon boats which account for more than two dozen models in all. These boats can be found with quite a few types of layouts, with some better for lounging, others better for onboard dining, and still others better for fishing or entertaining. Godfrey Pontoon Boats are a good option for anyone wanting to try before they buy, because this boat brand can help you experience different types of boating in the same overall length of pontoon boat.

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bayliner element 18 2019

7. Bayliner

Category: Best Day Cruising Boat Brand

Bayliner is another boat brand that is part of Brunswick Corporation. Bayliner builds deck boats, center consoles and runabouts—which are different styles of boats that families tend to choose for a day of cruising with a little bit of watersports fun or fishing mixed in. Unlike specialty fishing or wakesports boats, Bayliner boats are more versatile, for people who want to try a bit of everything. These boats can be fully open to the sun or (in the case of center consoles) have hardtops that provide some shade.

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seadoo spark

Category: Best Personal Watercraft (PWC) Brand

Sea-Doo was one of the first-ever personal watercraft (PWC) brands to be mass-manufactured, and it is still a leading manufacturer of personal watercraft today. Various versions of Sea-Doos are made for all kinds of fun on the water: basic touring with one or more riders, performing jumps and tricks, and they even have a line with three models designed for fishing. Sea-Doos can have sound systems on board, as well as space to pack a cooler. The ride they provide is thrilling, and many models can achieve speeds of over 60 mph.

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duffy boats 18 snug harbor

9. Duffy Boats

Category: Best Electric Boat Brand

Duffy is a boat manufacturer whose name is synonymous with electric boats. The company has built them since 1970 for people who want to enjoy shorter-distance cruises, slower speed (top-end in this case is six mph), and near-silent boating in a relaxed way with friends and family. There are four Duffy models from 18’ to 22’, and all of them offer a canopy or hardtop to provide some shade from the elements. Duffy boats have lots of seating as well as tables for onboard dining, depending on how they are outfitted.

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yamaha boats

Category: Best Speedboat Brand

Yamaha boats could easily be the top pick for the Best Jet Boat as well as Best Speedboat, since every model in their huge lineup (with over 30 different choices) is powered by high-pressure waterjets. These are incredibly popular boats and you’ll see a wide range of Yamaha boats for rent on Boatsetter , from 19 to 27 feet. All offer sporty performance, fast top-end speeds, and make great boats for watersports as well as just zipping across the lake or bay. Added bonus: with jet drives there’s no propeller in the water, so you can let the kids jump off the back and swim worry-free.

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Lenny-Rudow

With over three decades of experience in marine journalism, Lenny Rudow has contributed to dozens of boating and fishing publications and websites ranging from BoatU.S. Magazine to BDOutdoors.com. Rudow is currently the Angler in Chief at Rudow’s FishTalk , he is a past president of Boating Writers International (BWI), a graduate of the Westlawn School of Yacht Design, and has won numerous BWI and OWAA writing awards.

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The world’s best 50 yacht brokers

Home > LUXURY/UHNW Trends > The world’s best 50 yacht brokers

Posted by Joanna Lewis , 21 Apr 2023

The world’s best yacht brokers are relied upon for their expertise, market intelligence, and vast network of industry contacts by the most discerning yachting enthusiasts. The leading brokers work for global yacht brokerages facilitating transactions across yacht sales, yacht charter, yacht management, yacht refit, and new builds, including for the most luxurious motor boats and sailing yachts on the planet.

Relevance Yacht is the go-to digital marketing agency for the yachting industry and has helped the world’s leading brokers market their yachts and services to a qualified global audience. 

Here are the world’s 50 top yacht brokers,  in no particular order , that the world’s richest trust when it is time to buy, sell, charter, or build a boat. 

The world’s top 50 yacht brokers

David seal – northrop & johnson – yacht broker & head of video production .

David Seal is a veteran yacht broker and YouTube star based in Monaco with more than 226,000 subscribers on his Yachts For Sale channel, making it one of the most watched yacht channels on the internet. He broke into the industry following a move to Italy, where he started teaching English to yacht builder Norberto Ferretti. He later became sales manager for the CRN shipyard, part of the Ferretti group. Seal quickly differentiated himself by doing walk-through videos of yachts for sale before digital marketing became mainstream. He now works for Northrop & Johnson through an exclusive licensing agreement. 

Rosanna Arcamone  – Silver Star Yachting  – Yacht Charter Broker

Rosanna Arcamone’s career has been rooted in yachting, first as crew on the world’s finest superyachts, including as a chief stewardess, and then as a charter broker and co-founder of Silver Star Yachting. Arcamone boasts a wealth of industry contacts and a keen understanding of the demands of the world’s wealthiest travellers, regularly arranging charters on the world’s most lavish superyachts, including the award-winning 93-metre LADY S and the 85-metre O’PTASIA.

Ann Avery – Northrop & Johnson – Yacht Broker

Ann ‘Annie’ Avery is a sales broker with Northrop & Johnson , specialising in luxury sailboats. Her passion and success in this field led her to be awarded the IYBA Sailboat Broker of the Year in 2020, 2021, and 2022. She is also deeply passionate about conservation, producing audio interviews related to the health of the ocean. US-born and raised, Annie has over 30 years of experience in the industry, including 20 years with Northrop & Johnson. She is based in Northrop & Johnson’s Fort Lauderdale office. 

MATT PALMER – Northrop & Johnson – Yacht Sales Broker

Matt Palmer is a broker with Northrop & Johnson. He has been sailing since his youth, navigating the waters of the Channel Islands, where he grew up. Following a degree in law, Palmer joined a firm specialising in the structure and management of superyachts, enabling him to hone his skills regarding yacht ownership. Having begun his sales career in one of the largest brands in yachting, it didn’t take long before he transacted over 100 million Euros in sales. He champions professionalism and proactivity with strong traditional values and thrives on the true independence that Northrop & Johnson provides.

Nigel Beatty – YACHTZOO – Yacht Broker 

British-born Nigel Beatty is a yacht broker with YACHTZOO. He started his maritime career in the Royal Navy. In 1995 Beatty became a captain on private and charter superyachts around the world, giving him a unique insight into global yachting. He came ashore in 2005, starting six separate companies over a decade, all of which are still operating today. In 2015 he joined the YACHTZOO team in Florida and set up YACHTZOO’s Japan base shortly after. Nigel is the Chairman of APSA (Asia Pacific Superyacht Association) and lives in Monaco and Japan.

Charlie Birkett – Y.CO – Yacht Broker 

Charlie Birkett is a leading yacht broker and co-founder and CEO of Y.CO , based in Monaco. He started his career aged 16 when he left school to follow his passion for sailing. It took him all over the world in several positions, both shoreside and on board, supporting some of the world’s largest, most complex yacht operations, including M/Y CALIXE and M/Y TATOOSH. He founded Y.CO in 2004, along with his friend and business partner Gary Wright, growing the business into one of the world’s leading full-service yacht companies. With the company 100% founder-owned and founder-led, Birkett is known for his dedication to client relationships and treats every Y.CO client as the only client.

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Alex Lees-Buckley – Camper & Nicholsons – Sales and New Build Yacht Broker 

Alex Lees-Buckly is a leading superyacht broker with Camper & Nicholsons .  A British native, he is a lifelong yachter with in-depth industry knowledge gleaned from 30 years of experience. Superyacht Times describes him as one of the “world’s most accomplished brokers” and, as such, boasts a loyal clientele with many multi-repeat clients. He has managed some of the biggest new build projects, including the 140-metre Fincanetieri OCEAN VICTORY, and is a leading sales broker for pedigree shipyards, including Benetti, Feadship, and Perini Navi. In 2016, Lees-Buckly was awarded the first Richard Earp Award from Fraser. 

Melanie Burke – Fraser – Yacht Charter Broker 

Melanie Burke is an award-winning charter broker and a recipient of the IYBA Charter Professional of the Year 2020. Based in Fraser’s Fort Lauderdale offices, Burke has been immersed in the yachting industry for over 30 years. She has worked as crew on charter yachts, sailed competitively, and managed yachts and marinas. She is now one of the world’s most recognised charter brokers, helping plan bespoke yacht charter experiences for the world’s wealthiest audiences.  

Marcel Busse – YACHTZOO – Yacht Charter & Sales Broker 

Marcel Busse has over 28 years of experience in the yachting industry as a captain with extensive knowledge of key cruising areas across the globe and superior expertise in vessels ranging from sport fishers to large superyachts. Born in South Africa, Busse has a stellar reputation for return clients and an excellent charter record. He is part of the global yacht brokerage YACHTZOO, where he works as a charter and sales broker specialising in high-end movie charters and yachts in excess of 60-metres.

Chris Callahan – Moran Yacht & Ship – Yacht Sales & Charter Broker 

Chris Callahan is a top yacht sales and charter broker and marketing director at Moran Yacht & Ship . Based in Fort Lauderdale, Callahan has over a decade of experience in the yachting industry and has facilitated yacht sales, charters, and new build projects. 

Tim Carbury – Moravia Yachting – Yacht Sales Broker 

Tim Carbury is a leading sales broker with Moravia Yachting . He was born and raised on the south coast of England, where he developed his passion for yachting, completing his first of many Fastnet races at just 15 years of age. He started his career in yachting at age 18 and has since covered many yachting industry touchpoints, including working as a yacht captain and marine engineer. Carbury is a versatile and adept broker and has successfully represented both buyers and sellers. He is based in Palma. 

Kent Chamberlain – Chamberlain Yachts – Yacht Broker 

Having owned and operated multiple successful yacht sales organisations in California and Florida, including San Diego Yacht Sales, Bradford Yacht Sales, Westship World Yachts, and Merle Wood & Associates  – where he previously served as Interim CEO – Chamberlain is a well-established and accomplished broker with extensive experience in sales, management, and charter. He has been instrumental in the creation of PartnerShips, the fractional yacht sales concept. Additionally, he is the founder and chairman of the Superyacht Network, a private group of top-tier superyacht brokers who regularly share industry information. Chamberlain is respected by his peers as a broker with an unwavering work ethic and high integrity. 

Jeremy Comport – Ocean Independence – Yacht Sales Broker 

Jeremy Comport is a leading yacht sales broker and group director with the brokerage Ocean Independence . He boasts decades of experience managing complex brokerage deals and new builds. Yachting is in Comport’s blood, having grown up around boats, notably sailboats. He kick-started his career in the yachting industry, working on yachts on the French Riviera. He later forged a career as a yacht broker and hasn’t looked back. Notable sales include the 56-metre Feadship built BROADWATER, which sold just three months following its listing, and the 44-metre Burger motor yacht PURE BLISS.  

Liz Cox – Cecil Wright – Yacht Management Broker 

Liz Cox is a senior partner highly specialised in management at Cecil Wright based in the Monaco office. She fell in love with yachting and the French Riviera some 30 years ago and helps owners enjoy worry-free yacht ownership that exceeds expectations. Throughout her career, Cox has helped manage and build some of the world’s finest superyachts, including overseeing the build of the 58-metre Amels, GU, the 68-metre Abeking and Rassmussen AVIVA II and SHERPA, a 73.6-metre Feadship, delivered in 2018. She currently heads up the charter management side of the business, including the management of one of the most successful charter yachts in the global fleet, the 60.9-metre Abeking and Rassmussen, ARIENCE .  

Robert Cury – RJC Yacht Sales and Charter – Yacht Sales Broker 

Robert ‘Bob’ Cury heads up RJC Yacht Sales and Charter , which he founded in 1997. He brings over 30 years of yacht expertise spanning design, brokerage, and new construction. He specialises in the sale of larger, late-mode pedigree motorboats and sport fishing vessels. RJC has represented some of the world’s most prestigious boats, including the 50-metre Trinity M/Y IMPROMPTU. 

Ed Dickinson – Northrop & Johnson – Yacht Sales Broker 

Ed Dickinson is a Monaco-based sales broker with Northrop & Johnson. He represents a wide variety of clients and yachts and has negotiated transactions on vessels from 24 to 70-metres plus. Many of his transactions are from repeat clients or through referrals. Hailing from Guernsey in the Channel Islands, he kick-started his passion for yachting as crew on a superyacht based in the Mediterranean. Dickinson is known for his industry insights and for always going the extra mile for his clients.

Mat Emerson – Camper & Nicholson – Yacht Sales & Charter Broker  

Mat Emerson is a senior partner and director of Americas with Burgess and was previously president of Camper & Nicholsons US. He has over 29 years of experience in the superyacht industry and is focused on sales and charter. He recently sold the 92-metre superyacht TATOOSH, acting as a co-central agent with Fraser’s Stuart Larsen. 

Richard Gray – IYC – Yacht Sales Broker 

Richard Gray is an accomplished yacht broker with a wealth of experience and expertise in the industry. As a broker at the prestigious yacht brokerage firm, IYC , Richard has established himself as a leader in the field, thanks to his extensive knowledge of the global yacht market and exceptional sales skills. Throughout his career, Gray has maintained a strong dedication to his clients, providing them with exceptional service and guidance through every step of the buying or selling process. He has a keen eye for detail, extensive knowledge of the technical aspects of yachts, and a deep appreciation for the beauty and artistry of yacht design. Richard has a sterling reputation in the industry and is respected by his peers and clients for his professionalism, honesty, and integrity. 

Darrell Hall – YACHTZOO – Yacht Sales Broker 

Darrell Hall is a leading yacht broker and the founder of YACHTZOO . He left his native South Africa to become a captain, navigating the world for over a decade until he settled down as a broker in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Hall’s experience as a captain of both private and charter yachts has provided a solid client base and invaluable knowledge of yachts. Since his arrival in Monaco, he has established himself as a well-known and respected sales broker in the capital of yachting for all matters across motor yachts, sailing yachts, and new constructions of all sizes.

Richard Higgins – Northrop & Johnson – Yacht Sales Broker 

Richard Higgins is one of the world’s top 50 yacht brokers with Northrop & Johnson, based in their Monaco brokerage. He specialises in a wide range of vessels, both motor yachts and sailboats, drawing on over a decade of experience. Higgins is known for his technical acumen, exemplary service, and dedication to supporting his clients at every stage of their yachting journey. 

Jonathan Hind – Burgess – Yacht Sales Broker 

Jonathan Hind is a top yacht broker with Burgess and managing director for the brokerage’s Dubai office. He has over 16 years of industry experience spanning four continents and boasts a strong track record of project management, equally at home on small or large yachts. He most recently sold the 72-metre Delta Marine superyacht ALBATROSS just 11 weeks after she entered the brokerage market. Other notable yacht sales include the 50-metre Benetti motor boat BLUE NIGHT, with Hind representing the seller. 

Kyle van Huizen – YACHTZOO – Yacht Sales Broker 

Kyle van Huizen is a sales broker with YACHTZOO after moving ashore to be based in Monaco. He has many years of experience as a captain on modern and classic sailing yachts. He is highly professional and well-respected in the yachting industry. Since starting as a broker, van Huizen has proved an invaluable and prolific member of the YACHTZOO team, able to handle all types of sales, new and pre-owned, motor and sailing yachts as well as berth sales and some charters for select clients. Originally from South Africa, he is highly proactive and in the know for all yachting matters and new technologies.

Nicola Iacono – Silver Star Yachting – Yacht Charter Broker

Italian-born Nicola Iacono is a leading yacht charter broker and co-founder of Silver Star Yachting . Iacono has unique knowledge of the yachting industry and the needs of the world’s richest individuals, having worked as a consultant for luxury brands and leading shipyards before establishing Silver Star Yachting. He regularly arranges charters on the world’s most luxurious superyachts, including the 85-metre Oceanco yacht SUNRAYS and the 59-metre motor yacht IDYLLIC, built by Benetti.  

Peter Insull – Peter Insull’s Yacht Marketing – Superyacht Broker

Recipient of the prestigious Richard Earp Award, Peter Insull is a leading superyacht broker and principal of Peter Insull’s Yacht Marketing , headquartered in France. Insull is acknowledged as a leading broker for large yachts with an impressive track record of success, representing the interests of buyers and sellers. 

Tim Johnson – TJB Superyachts – Superyacht Broker 

Tim Johnson is the founder and CEO of TJB Superyachts and a leading yacht broker known for his boutique, modern approach. His career has been a varied one, including in management consultancy, tours in Afghanistan as part of the British Army Reserve, and private aviation. He discovered his passion for the yachting industry and has become a recognised force within the charter and sales market. He is based in TJB Superyachts’ London headquarters.

Carol Kent – Carol Kent Yacht Charters International – Yacht Charter Broker 

Carol Kent is the CEO of Carol Kent Yacht Charters International . She is a globally recognised yacht charter broker and recipient of the IYBA Charter Professional of the Year 2017, in recognition of her outstanding deduction and contribution to the yachting industry. Kent specialises in crafting vacations of a lifetime aboard some of the world’s finest vessels, partnering with all the major yacht brokerages, including Northrop & Johnson, Burgess, Fraser, and Camper & Nicholson. 

Brandon Kummer – Kitson Yachts – Superyacht Sales Broker 

Brandon Kummer, a co-founder of Kitson Yachts, began his yachting career at the early age of 18. In 2019, he became the recipient of the coveted IYBA Outstanding Young Professional in Yachting award. His astronomical sales record precedes him, and he is the first superyacht broker under the age of 30 to sell two Feadships. Based out of Miami, Brandon’s professional network and A-list clientele are built upon – and nurtured through – a reputation of impeccable trust and discretion, spanning the world over. In his decade-plus of industry experience, he has positioned himself as one of the most succe ssful yacht brokers in the world. 

Stuart Larsen – Fraser – Yacht Sales Broker 

Stuart Larsen is an internationally recognised yacht broker with Fraser. Based in Fraser’s Fort Lauderdale offices, Larsen has a remarkable sales record spanning three decades, representing buyers and sellers. He recently sold the iconic 92-metre Nobiskrug-built M/Y TATOOSH, which was showcased at the 2022 Monaco Yacht Show. Other notable yachts include the 126-metre explorer vessel OCTOPUS. Larsen also has extensive experience across new build projects, boasting a network of contacts with the world’s leading shipyards.  

Sean McCarter – Northrop & Johnson – Sailing Yacht Broker 

Sean McCarter has a long-held passion for the sea, growing up around boats in the UK. As an experienced sailor, he specialises in sailing yachts, offering expert advice drawn from firsthand experience. He joined the yachting industry during the America’s Cup in Valencia, 2005 to 2077, and progressed to skipper of power and sailing yachts up to 2000GT, including a round-the-world race and cruise. He has sailed 12 Atlantic crossings in varying directions. McCarter is based in Northrop & Johnson’s Palma office. 

Kevin Merrigan – Northrop & Johnson – Yacht Sales Broker 

Kevin Merrigan is the chairman, former owner, and a leading yacht broker with Northrop & Johnson, having negotiated purchase and sales agreements for more than 300 of the world’s finest boats, closing deals in over 15 countries. He oversaw the firm’s growth from an American-based brokerage with seven offices to an international powerhouse with offices in every global yachting hub. Kevin is the founder of the International Yacht Council and has served on the Board of Directors of the Florida Yacht Brokers Association and the International Yacht Council.

Robert Moran – Moran Yacht & Ship – Yacht Sales & New Build Yacht Broker 

Robert Moran is president of Moran Yacht & Ship and a top yacht broker based in Fort Lauderdale. He started his career as a deckhand working his way up the ranks to captain. On dry land, he founded Moran Yacht & Ship in 1988, establishing the company as a leading yacht brokerage. Amongst its most notable yachts is AHPO, which Moran oversaw the build of. It is listed for sale with Moran and is the world’s most expensive yacht currently on the market.

Sean Moran – Moran Yacht & Ship – New Construction Yacht Broker 

Sean Moran is a yacht broker and managing director of Moran Yacht & Ship in Fort Lauderdale. He grew up in the world of yachting as a son of a yacht captain and yacht chef. Moran started his career as a deckhand, working his way up through the ranks to First Officer. Over the years, he has developed in-depth technical and operational management expertise, helping him to guide his clients through the more technical aspects of yacht ownership. He specialises in new yacht construction projects and has worked on some of the world’s most luxurious new build projects.  

Juan Morillo – United Yacht Sales – Sales Yacht Broker 

Juan Morillo is a top-performing Florida yacht broker with United Yacht Sales , known for his level of service and passion for yachting. He is focused on new builds and pre-owned yachts and boasts vast experience in sales and consulting on complex acquisitions. Morillo introduced the buyer for the 62-metre M/Y CLOUD 9 in 2022. 

William Molloy – Moravia Yachting – Yacht Charter Broker 

William Molloy is head of charter and a senior charter broker at Moravia Yachting, with over 200 charters completed, including on some of the world’s most iconic superyachts. His passion for yachting stems from his early career as professional yacht crew and a degree in maritime studies. He represents both families looking for quiet getaways to corporate hospitality at major global events. He is known for his bespoke approach and his ability to cater to clients’ individual needs.  

Tim Morley – Morley Yachts – Yacht Sales Broker 

Tim Morley is an experienced and knowledgeable yacht broker with Morley Yachts . He has extensive knowledge of the international yacht market, allowing him to quickly identify market trends and changing values. With over a decade of experience working in sales, Morley is well-versed in both the technical and practical aspects of selling and buying yachts. He takes great pride in helping his clients find the perfect boat at the right price, offering years of experience and expertise to ensure a successful transaction. He is committed to providing first-class customer service, working hard to ensure that the entire process goes smoothly from start to finish. 

Adam Papadakis – Moravia Yachting – Yacht Sales Broker 

Adam Papdakis is head of sales and a senior broker with Moravia Yachting. As one of the world’s leading top 50 yacht brokers, he brings over two decades of expertise and has been involved with several iconic new-build commissions and high-profile superyacht sales. He boasts an impressive network of contacts and is respected for his eye for detail and genuine care of his clients. 

Todd Rittenhouse – Northrop & Johnson – Yacht Sales Broker 

Todd Rittenhouse brings close to two decades of experience as a yacht sales broker. He specialises in high-end power and sail transactions, both new and used. His career has been spent ‘at sea’ starting in the merchant marines working aboard tankers, drill ships, and ocean-going tugs, logging over 150,000 sea miles. His experience working on yachts and large commercial vessels enables Rittenhouse to provide his clients with unique insights to help them make informed decisions. He works for Northrop & Johnson, based in their Newport Beach office. 

Glen Runyan – Seattle Yachts – Superyacht Sales Broker 

Glen Runyan of Seattle Yachts is an accomplished top 50 yacht broker with a comprehensive background in the boating industry. Based in Fort Lauderdale, he has negotiated sales on some of the world’s largest superyachts, including the 74-metre M/Y ELANDESS, where he represented the buyer. 

Wes Sanford – Northrop & Johnson – Yacht Sales Broker 

Wes Sanford is a yacht broker with Northrop & Johnson, working out of their Fort Lauderdale office. He specialises in new deliveries, including large yachts from 70-metres plus. He takes a holistic approach, having been immersed in the yachting world from a young age. He worked as a mate, engineer, and then charter captain on some of the world’s most luxurious yachts for some 12 years. Following the birth of his daughter, he decided to retire from the bridge and instead forge a career on dry land as a yacht broker. He is known for his confidentiality, integrity, and dedication to his clients.

Henry Smith – Cecil Wright – Yacht Sales Broker 

Henry Smith is a highly regarded yacht broker, partner and director of the Monaco office of yacht brokerage Cecil Wright . Smith has a life-long passion for yachting, having sail ed competitively since childhood. A career in the industry was, therefore, a natural fit. With in-depth knowledge of mechanics and engineering gleaned during his time at university, he can advise on more than simply the cosmetics of a boat. He is known for his in-depth knowledge and trusted expertise, especially on northern European pedigree yachts. His most notable sales include the 62-metre Feadship NEW HAMPSHIRE, the 56- metre Feadship HAMPSHIRE I, and the 55-metre Amels LA MASQUERADE. His most notable new build is the 80-metre Nobiskrug Project BULLSEYE which is currently under construction.

Jeffrey Stanley – Gilman Yachts – Yacht Sales Broker 

Jeffrey ‘Jeff’ Stanley is a broker with Gilman Yachts and recipient of the 2021 IYBA Lifetime Achievement Award. A career yacht broker with 40 years of expertise and over 900 closings under his belt, he represents both buyers and sellers of yachts from 30-metres plus. Stanley also has experience with new build projects, his most notable being the 36-metre Crescent built M/Y IMPETUOUS. He previously served on the IYBA board from 1998-1999. 

Matthew Stone – IYC Yachts – Yacht Sales Broker & New Construction Specialist 

Matthew Stone is a multi-award-winning yacht broker and managing partner for IYC Yachts’ California-based brokerage, who has devoted more than half his lifetime to the yachting industry. In 2018 and 2019, he was named Broker of the Year, and then in 2020, he was nominated for the coveted IYBA Outstanding Young Professional in Yachting award. Stone has a passion for new construction builds and has spent time touring the world’s most prestigious shipyards. He is a regular on AWE’s network television series, Selling Yachts, and is regularly featured in industry publications. 

Lukas Stratmann  – Ocean Independence – Pre-Owned & New Construction Superyacht Broker 

Lukas Stratmann is a top yacht broker based in Dusseldorf with Ocean Independence. His completion of German National Naval Service, degree in yacht manufacturing and servicing, and 18-month tenure at Abeking –  where he gained in-depth insights on the above 100-metre range – ensures he brings incredible acumen and outstanding management services to his clients. He provides expert advice for pre-owned and new construction projects, as well as legal, financial, and administrative matters. Stratmann holds his Yachtmaster Ocean Certificate and has worked on superyachts in the North Sea, Mediterranean, and North Atlantic. Notable recent sales include the 34-metre Baltic sailing yacht NILAYA, and the 32-metre HARMONY 1 motor yacht.

Michael Tabor – Kitson Yachts – Yacht Sales Broker 

Michael Tabor, a co-founder of Kitson Yachts , brings a strategic vision and a sophisticated approach to a business built upon leisure. Supremely dedicated to his craft, Michael has a background and award-winning track record in capital markets, but his family heritage – three generations of shipbuilders – has brought him back to his passion for the sea. Michael quickly rose to the #1 producing broker at his previous firm before co-founding Kitson Yachts. Tabor now stands as one of the top global leading superyacht brokers, with a speciality in new construction and over 1,400 Linear feet of yachts presently under construction. 

Ross Tannock – Moran Yacht & Ship – Yacht Sales & Charter Broker 

Scottish-born Ross Tannock is a sales and charter broker with Moran Yacht & Ship with over a decade of experience. Based in Fort Lauderdale, he started his career in professional sports and sports marketing, building a network of contacts with global business leaders. Notable sales include the 75.4-metre Lurssen M/Y NORTHERN STAR, the 50-metre Mangusta M/Y INCOGNITO, and the 58.5-metre Lurssen CAPRI.  

Peter Thompson – Thompson of Monaco – Yacht Sales Broker 

Peter Thompson is an experienced yacht broker and industry expert with decades of experience. Having worked for some of the most prestigious yacht brokers and shipyards worldwide, including Worth Avenue Yachts, TWW Yachts, and Yachting Partners International, Thompson brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise. Throughout his career, he has established himself as a respected and trusted broker, thanks to his industry experience, sales skills, and exemplary customer service. He is knowledgeable about all aspects of yacht sales, from market trends and valuation to negotiations and contract management. 

Simon Ting – SuperYachtsMonaco – Yacht Charter & Sales Broker 

Simon Ting boasts 20 years of yacht industry experience, focusing on large yacht charters and sales. He is based in Monaco with the yacht brokerage SuperYachtsMonaco . He recently represented the seller for the 72-metre superyacht STELLA MARIS, built by Viareggio Superyachts. She was one of the largest and most luxurious vessels to sell in 2022. 

Edouard Vignal – Ocean Independence – Yacht Sales Broker 

Edouard Vignal is an experienced yacht sales broker specialising in pedigree yachts, including Custom Line, Benetti, Sunseeker, Princess, and Azimut. His global background and previous career in asset management consultancy enable him to provide highly astute advice based on the latest market analysis. Recent sales include hull no.07 from the celebrated Custom Line 120’ and the 32-metre M/Y HARMONY 1. Vignal is based in Ocean Independence’s Monaco brokerage. 

Chris Cecil-Wright – Cecil Wright – Yacht Broker 

Chris Cecil-Wright is the founder of Cecil Wright and has been a leading yacht broker in the industry for nearly 30 years. His passion for yachting comes from his love of all things nautical, sparked by sailing dinghies on the Solent in the UK and later as a skipper on luxury yacht charters. He started his career at Camper & Nicholsons and later set up Edmiston with Nick Edmiston before creating his own brokerage, Cecil Wright, in 2013. Chris has worked across every touchpoint of the yachting industry and is known for his trustworthiness, integrity, and market intelligence. Career highlights include the builds of the 99-metre Feadship MADAME GU, the 77.7-metre Feadship TANGO, and the 78.5-metre Feadship HAMPSHIRE II and the sale of the 81-metre Abeking and Rassmussen KIBO, the 72-metre Feadship UTOPIA (twice), and the 70-metre AMADEUS.  

We are expanding our top broker list to 100. If you are a yacht broker, then let us know why you should be included. Please email marketing@relevance.digital with your biography.

Relevance Yacht is the go-to yacht marketing agency. For over a decade, our team of yacht marketing experts has worked with the world’s best yacht brokers, helping them reach the world’s most affluent yachting enthusiasts. If you need help marketing your yachting brand, contact our team. 

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    top 10 yacht manufacturers

  2. Best Luxury Yacht Brands: 25 Shipyards Which Build The Best Superyachts

    top 10 yacht manufacturers

  3. Best Luxury Yacht Brands: 25 Shipyards Which Build The Best Superyachts

    top 10 yacht manufacturers

  4. Future of Luxury Yachting: The 25 Best Yacht Brands

    top 10 yacht manufacturers

  5. Future of Luxury Yachting: The 25 Best Yacht Brands

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  6. Future of Luxury Yachting: The 25 Best Yacht Brands

    top 10 yacht manufacturers

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COMMENTS

  1. The Top 10 Best Yacht Builders In The World

    Heesen builds motoryachts between 100' to 265' (30m to 80m) in length at its Oss shipyard. View current Heesen yachts for sale. Now owned by Lurssen, Blohm + Voss is a yachting powerhouse in its own right, constructing magnificent large superyachts including the iconic MOTOR YACHT A and 531' (162m) M/Y ECLIPSE, currently the third-largest ...

  2. Top 10 luxury yacht builders & shipyards

    5. Heesen Yachts, Netherlands. Heesen Yachts is known as one of the world's luxury yacht builders, specialising in custom superyachts in the 30- to 65-metre (98- to 213-foot) range, but with the additional capability of building vessels of 80 metres (262 feet) and above. With a focus on quality and innovation, Heesen has created many custom ...

  3. Top 100 Yacht Builders

    The Netherlands and Germany top the yachting industry for delivering yachts over 50m with large volume and a high value. German builders Lürssen, Abeking & Rasmussen and Nobiskrug deliver full-custom yacht projects, while Dutch builders like Amels/Damen Yachting, Heesen and Moonen build high-end semi-custom yachts based on model platforms.

  4. Future of Luxury Yachting: The 25 Best Yacht Brands

    Top VanDutch yachts for sale. 2020 VanDutch 75, 75′ (22.8 m) (approx. $4,522,202). View the listing. A Dutch yacht brand with its genesis in 2008, VanDutch impresses with its ultra-modern design and technical innovations. The company started by manufacturing 30-40 ft. boats for day cruising.

  5. Top 10 American Luxury Yacht Builders

    3. Derecktor. Derecktor is one of the country's oldest yacht builders. It was founded on Long Island, NY in 1947, and during its early years, the company produced commercial fishing and passenger vessels. (Even today, Derecktor manufacturers high-speed ferries for cities around the world.)

  6. The Best Luxury Yacht Builders in the World

    Lürssen. Europe rules the roost when it comes to the top yacht builders in the world - the fifth in our list hails from Germany, with eight yards dotted throughout the country including main sites in Bremen, Hamburg and Rensburg. As with most yacht building companies, Lürssen is family run having been first founded in 1870 by Friedrick ...

  7. 10 Top Luxury Yacht Builders

    Blohm+Voss: Biggest Yacht with Diesel-Electric Propulsion. Until the launch of Azzam in 2013, the 533-foot Eclipse held the distinction of being the largest private yacht in the world. Eclipse launched from the Blohm+Voss shipyard in Germany in 2010 as the largest yacht built with a diesel-electric propulsion system.

  8. World's Best Superyacht Builders

    However, a few boat builders not only achieve the delicate balance, but continue to push boundaries and surpass expectations. Let's take a look at these top superyacht builders in more detail. Oceanco. Lürssen. Feadship. Nobiskrug. Fincantieri & Vard. Blohm & Voss. Damen & Amels.

  9. World's Best Superyacht Shipyards

    The German name tops the list, having built 11 out of 20 of the world's largest superyachts in the last two decades. The 145-year-old family shipyard's largest yacht, Azzam, spans 592 feet, 6 ...

  10. Top 10 Luxury Yacht Builders

    Discover the world's top 10 luxury yacht builders and explore their unique approaches to crafting these magnificent vessels. From the Dutch craftsmanship of Amels to the Italian flair of Fincantieri Yachts, we delve into each builder's strengths and controversies. Join us as we discuss the quality, innovation, and sustainability of the yacht-building industry and gain a deeper understanding of ...

  11. Best Luxury Yacht Brands: 25 Shipyards Which Build The Best ...

    21. Sunreef. Sunreef 49m Power. Leading the world of catamaran yacht brands, the company produces its signature models, 60 to 100 feet vessels, along with the supreme models and the 150-210 feet power trimarans superyachts. Their shipyard is located in Gdansk, Poland, a seafaring city rich in naval building traditions.

  12. Best Yacht Builders & Brands

    It includes custom yacht builders, luxury yacht builders, and megayacht builders - indeed, the top 10 yacht manufacturers. Then we'll provide a geographic breakdown of the best yacht manufacturers, starting with American yacht builders. The yacht builders in the USA include Maine and Florida yacht builders.

  13. Celebrating American Yacht Builders

    Monaco Grand Prix 2024. Discover the some of the best American yacht builders with Fraser. View the top shipyards for American boats & learn about America's top luxury yacht builders.

  14. Top 10 yacht manufacturers

    Amels - Amels is a Dutch yacht builder that has been in operation for over 100 years. Their flagship vessel, the Plvs Vltra, is a 74-meter yacht that features a stunning exterior design by Tim Heywood. Benetti - Founded in 1873, Benetti is an Italian yacht builder with headquarters in Viareggio.

  15. The Top Sailboat Manufacturers (According to Sailors)

    Groupe Beneteau. Beneteau First 25. The reason I am mentioning the name of the parent company here is that they own both Beneteau and Jeanneau, brands that are distinguishable on the surface, but if you look close enough, you will find them pretty similar, down to the fact that they are produced in the same factory.

  16. 10 Best Boat Brands & Manufacturers: 2023 Edition

    Let's look at 10 of the leading boat manufacturers and brands up-to-date together: Cruisers Yachts Sea Ray Azimut Monterey Chaparral Leopard Everglades Grady White Bennington Malibu Rent, Charter, Share— Only at Boatsetter. Cruisers Yachts. Wisconsin-based Cruisers Yachts has been building boats since 1904. It currently has Cantius and GTS ...

  17. Best Boat Brands

    Selecting the top 10 best boat manufacturers or brands is challenging, given the vast distinctions among the best fishing boats, premier best cruisers, and best daysailers. Nevertheless, certain brands consistently stand out over the years. While there are compelling arguments for numerous boat brands to be featured on this list, based on ...

  18. SAIL Top 10 Best Boats for 2023

    Every year, sailboat manufacturers around the world launch their latest models, and every year, SAIL magazine's experienced boat reviewers spend days and weeks learning what's new, talking with boatbuilders, examining the boats top to bottom dockside, and finally taking them sailing.This culminates at the U.S. Sailboat Show in Annapolis, where our review team gets together and makes its ...

  19. List of sailboat designers and manufacturers

    This is a list of notable sailboat designers and manufacturers, which are described by an article in English Wikipedia. Sailboat design and manufacturing is done by a number of companies and groups. Notable designers [ edit ]

  20. Best luxury yacht: 7 ultimate luxury cruisers you can buy

    Best luxury yacht winner 2024 - Arcona 50. When you enter the fiercely competitive 50ft luxury performance yacht market you better get it right. And the jury felt Arcona managed that. This ...

  21. 10 Best Boat Brands & Manufacturers for 2024

    Explore the top 10 boat manufacturers for 2024, including well-known brands like Sea Ray, Tracker, Sea-Doo, Bayliner, Chaparral, and others. ... Here's a look at 10 of the best boat brands and manufacturers to get you started (listed in no particular order, and selected by category).

  22. Best Boat Manufacturers and Brands in 2022

    The most searched boat brands on Boat Trader include those listed above from major manufacturers such as Sea Ray Boats and Yamaha, but in comparison, when looking at the brands with the most listings (a closely related metric), brands like Bennington, Tracker, and Malibu regularly feature in the top 10 replacing brands like Bertram, Lowe, and ...

  23. The world's best 50 yacht brokers

    Richard Higgins - Northrop & Johnson - Yacht Sales Broker. Richard Higgins is one of the world's top 50 yacht brokers with Northrop & Johnson, based in their Monaco brokerage. He specialises in a wide range of vessels, both motor yachts and sailboats, drawing on over a decade of experience. Higgins is known for his technical acumen ...