Yachting experts, journalists, brokers, even the U.S. Coast Guard, have a theory as to how many yachts there are in the world – and the numbers are all over the map. Want to discover other superlatives – most, largest, best – in the world of yachting? Keep reading.
How Many Luxury Yachts Are There in the World?
In 2016, it was estimated that there were about 10,000 luxury yachts 79 feet in length in the world – 20 percent of them were sailing yachts. Another number that surfaces regularly is 8,651. In-depth research results in a more likely approximation of 5,000+ luxury yachts cruising our waters today.
Which Country Builds the Most Yachts?
The country that builds the most superyachts each year is the United States (158 in 2019) followed by Italy, Spain, France and Greece. All five countries have a long history of successful yacht building, modern shipyards, experienced and skilled craftsmen as well as ocean access.
How Many Yachts Are There in the United States?
In 2020, there were approximately 11.84 million registered recreational vessels in the United States.
About 95 percent are small, towable boats under 26 feet, which means there are about 592,000 yachts in the United States.
A record number (1,024) of superyachts were under construction as of December 2021.
Who Owns the Most Yachts in the World?
Currently, Middle Easterners own the most yachts in the world. In fact, almost one-third of the world’s top 200 super yachts are owned by millionaires and billionaires from countries such as Russia, Uzbekistan, Oman and the United Arab Emirates.
Who Owns the Largest Yacht in the World?
As of June 2021, Russian billionaire Alisher Usmanov owns the largest yacht in the world. Built by Lurssen in 2016, the 512-foot Dilbar ranks fourth in length, but it’s the displacement tonnage of 15.917 gross tons that earns it the title of largest yacht in the world. Dilbar, which means “beautiful” or “close to my heart,” has a yacht crew of 96 and can accommodate 36 guests.
What Is the Most Expensive Yacht in the World?
Until 2011, ECLIPSE, built by Blohm + Voss and owned by Roman Abramovich, was the most expensive yacht in the world. Launched in 2009, it cost over $1 billion to build. Today, the most expensive yacht in the world is the HISTORY SUPREME, designed/built by Stuart Hughes and owned by Robert Knok. The 100-foot yacht had a $4.8 billion price tag thanks to the 22,000+ pounds of platinum and gold fixtures and embellishments throughout.
What Is the Most Expensive Boat Brand?
It’s difficult to pin down the most expensive boat brand, because each model has so many variables. And just because it’s expensive, doesn’t make it the best.
Here are 16 brands – not necessarily the most expensive – with decades of satisfied clients and thousands of boats afloat:
- Abeking & Rasmussen Yachts (Germany, Europe, 1907)
- Amels Yachts (Netherlands, Europe, 1918)
- Benetti Yachts (Italy, Europe, 1873)
- Dynamiq Yachts (Russia, Europe/Asia, 2014)
- Feadship Yachts (Netherlands, Europe, 1849)
- Fincantieri Yachts (Italy, Europe, 1792)
- Golden Yachts (Greece, Europe, 2006)
- Heesen Yachts (Netherlands, Europe, 1978)
- Lurssen Yachts (Germany, Europe, 1860)
- Nobiskrug Yachts (Germany, Europe, 1905)
- Oceanco Yachts (Netherlands, Europe, 1967)
- Pride Yachts (China, Asia, 1992)
- Sanlorenzo Yachts (Italy, Europe, 1958)
- Turquoise Yachts (Turkey, Europe, 2001)
- Westport Yachts (United States, North America, 1964)
- Yachtley Yachts (Turkey, Europe, 2005)
Yachts and the people who own them capture our imagination.
To learn even more about the irresistible world of cruising, browse our website and investigate the thousands of yachts we have for sale, including those from our list of best brands. Then contact a broker from our broker finder when you find your dream yacht. He or she will direct you, give you sound advice, and help make that dream a reality.
