The world’s billionaires were not holding back in 2014, with overall superyacht sales topping €300 billion and two sales of an estimated $150 million each, as this list of the 10 most expensive superyachts sold in 2014 shows.
Superyacht brokers may tell us that prices have yet to fully recover and that well-educated buyers are driving a hard bargain, but our list of the 10 most expensive superyachts sold in 2014 boasts some eye-watering sums. The market overall has seen more activity than at any time since the global downturn, which can only be good news for buyers, sellers and those in the industry.
Our top 10 list, which is based on the asking prices at the time of sale, features a vast range of boats, from the sleekest planing hulls, to ice-breaking polar exploration vessels, to classics that are still doing loyal service decades after their build. You really can buy any kind of superyacht, for the right price….
The 10 most expensive superyachts sold in 2014
1. Lloyd Werft/ Stahlbau Nord 115m *Luna*
One of two superyachts in our list of the 10 most expensive superyachts sold in 2014 that was formerly owned by Roman Abramovich, the expedition yacht Luna sold for an undisclosed sum which we believe to be northwards of $150 million. Perhaps there’s value in the name of the man who commissioned her to explore the Scandinavian fjords and higher latitudes, but her ice-ready build and exceptional level of on board luxury will have been worth paying for too. Delivered in 2010, Luna made number two in our list of the top 20 expedition yachts.
2. Lürssen 88m *Quattroelle*
Sales in 2013 proved to be the best superyacht brokers had seen since the global recession, so hopes were high that 2014 would continue this trend. When luxury yacht Quattroelle was sold in February for a price estimated at around the $150 million mark, it looked like those hopes might not be misplaced. If the second most expensive superyacht sold in 2014 doesn't make headlines with her price or size, her gym, designed by Usain Bolt, probably will.
3. Feadship 75.75m *Ocean Victory*
This stunning Feadship was only delivered in 2009, so she was unlikely to command a less than premium asking price. Ocean Victory was the largest yacht Feadship had built and since then has been used privately, never chartered, further boosting her desirability. The price tag at the time of sale was $120 million, pushing her to third place in our list of the 10 most expensive superyachts sold in 2014.
4. Derecktor 85.6m *Cakewalk*
Cakewalk eventually sold in December this year. With an asking price of $119 million, not an insignificant sum by anyone’s standards, her original asking price had been $179.5 million. This sale makes the Derektor superyacht the fourth most expensive superyacht sold in 2014. Cakewalk is the largest yacht built in the USA since the 1930s and the biggest superyacht ever built in the USA by volume.
5. Feadship 86m *Ecstasea*
This monster superyacht surely went to an owner who values power and speed as highly as comfort. Fitted with no less than four MTU 16V4000 diesel engines as well as a gas turbine driving a fixed KaMeWa water jet, the 86m vessel is capable of hitting 35 knots. The second on our list that was originally built for Roman Abramovich, and sold by him in 2009, Ecstasea changed hands again for an undisclosed sum estimated to be more than €70 million, making her the fifth most expensive superyacht sold in 2014.
6. Pride Mega Yachts 88.8m *Illusion*
Due for delivery in 2015, Illusion is currently in build in China and is the biggest yacht ever built in the country. She boasts six decks and is said to be fitted out with the highest level of on-board luxury. Illusion was sold in August 2014 and is one of the most expensive superyachts sold in 2014.
7. Feadship 65m *Pestifer*
65m motor yacht Pestifer was first listed for sale in August 2013 and she sold a year later in an in-house deal. Her asking price had been €69.75 million, placing her in the 10 most expensive superyachts sold in 2014. Built by Feadship in 2010 to Lloyd’s class and MCA compliant, she accommodates 12 guests in six staterooms and includes an elevator serving all five decks. Twin 2,360hp MTU engines give her a cruising speed of 15 knots. She’s now been renamed Tanusha.
8. Royal Denship 79m *Pegasus V*
Eleven years old but still in impeccable condition and with looks to match, Pegasus V was sold in June with an asking price of $84.9 million. She was built by Royal Denship and is known for her massive beach club at the stern with a tender bay that converts to a swimming pool. Pegasus V takes eighth place in our list of the 10 most expensive superyachts sold in 2014.
9. Lürssen 60m *Solemates*
The Lürssen 60m Solemates was delivered to her new owner in 2010, with an asking price of $65 million. Four years later, she changed hands again, reportedly selling close to her asking price of €57.5 million and becoming the ninth most expensive superyacht sold in 2014. Among her many luxury features is an on board facility to print global daily publications.
10. Icon Yachts 68m *Icon*
The cheapest boat on our list of the most expensive superyachts sold in 2014 came with a price tag of just €45 million. Icon was the first superyacht launched from Holland’s Icon yard, hence her eponymous title. In September this year the Icon yard completed a major refit which added five metres to her length and created a large infinity pool at her transom. She sailed with her new owner to the Caribbean late this year.