The most extreme superyacht concepts in the world

Extreme feature: a spider-like exterior design with four legs

Realised by Christian Leyk of coquine![design], Tobiko translates from Japanese as "flying fish roe". The 40-metre concept, with its imposing arachnid-like design, is a SWATH (small waterplane area twin hull) vessel that gives the illusion of flying low over the water. Although the yacht has parts that remain below the sea's surface, the living platform is "virtually unaffected by the waves", according to the designer. Most of the hull of this extreme superyacht concept does not exist, with just a shield against the waves and tender garage clipped to it. Instead, the studio strengthened the backbone of its inter-deck space and put all the yacht's systems inside. There’s one lounge, two guest suites, a semi-open galley area and a small crew space, while the upper deck has a bridge and sundeck space.

Standout feature: hybrid superyacht-submarine engineering

Believing in the future of "submersibles" as a new category of private vessels, Migaloo PSY had designed a superyacht able to function underwater for approximately four weeks. The 165.8-metre can accommodate between 14-20 guests and 32-40 crew, dependent on the owners' preference in ratio. Leisure highlights include a 200-square-metre spa, an outdoor cinema and a helipad. There are also two "Midget Submarines" on hand for deep sea exploration, while a 12.5-metre limousine tender and two expedition vehicles facilitate adventures on the surface.

Extreme feature: a blimp docking station

Lazzarini Design Studio is the mind behind this 204-metre superyacht, constructed entirely in carbon-fibre with a build cost of $1 billion. Colossea functions as a floating docking station for an airship and is inspired by the airship Norge, the first aircraft to fly over the polar ice cap that separates America and Europe. The vessel can accommodate up to 44 guests and has incredibly spacious decks that lend themselves well to several sunloungers and swimming pools.

Extreme feature: a set of computer-controlled sails

M51 and Anthony Glasson's 95-metre concept aims to combine the eco-minded features of a sailboat with the comfort, propulsion and range of a motor yacht of its size. The motorsailer is designed with two inflatable, computer-controlled wing sails, a newly developing technology that reduces the need for complex deck equipment such as winches and halyards. As it stands, this feature would have to be used in conjunction with the prop drive to reduce fuel consumption, but Glasson stated that “as technology improves, one day they could be used alone on a vessel this size.”

Extreme feature: can cruise underwater for six hours

With a depth rating of over 200 metres, Nautilus is a 37.5-metre underwater superyacht by Dutch submersible specialist U-Boat Worx. The diesel-electric model has a surface cruise speed of nine knots and an underwater speed of four knots and it will able to stay underwater for up to four days at a time. At cruise speed, the underwater endurance is six hours. The interior includes a 50-square-metre dinner and lounge area with four four-metre circular windows and elsewhere houses a pressure-resistant electrical tender called Aronnax, which may also be used for transporting five scuba divers underwater to the intended dive spot.

Extreme feature: an exterior inspired by a species of shark

London-based studio State of Craft has released designs for a 120-metre concept named Mako. The superyacht is an adventurous take on explorers and features long-range ice cruising capabilities. Inspired by the Mako species of shark, it will be powered by a propulsion system that combines hydrogen, fuel cells and electric engines to be able to operate with a zero-carbon footprint. Situated above the top deck is a "pavilion" space, intended to be used as an observatory, panoramic lounge, fitness studio or yoga space. Having already created numerous residential developments and private homes, Mako is the first nautical design from State of Craft.

Extreme feature: an experimental take on an open-plan layout

Rob Doyle Design and Van Geest Design collaborated to present Domus, a 40-metre sailing trimaran with an interior volume that rivals a 60-metre motor yacht. The word Domus means a single-storey house built around an atrium, with many rooms opening up off the central atrium. The yacht borrows aspects of this design to create a lofty, open feeling on board. With the aim to become the first truly zero-emission yacht over 750GT, Domus will be able to heel at an angle of two degrees, also ensuring a comfortable cruise with minimal rolling. Amenities include a cinema room, gym and saloon with a bar and also hosts a spa area with a swimming pool. Alongside the 40-metre concept, the design duo are working on a larger version of the concept.

Extreme feature: revolutionary self-heating masts

Steve Kozloff lifted the lid on an 170-metre superyacht concept that comes complete with foldable masts and its own dedicated aircraft hangar. The masts represent a groundbreaking feat of engineering that would be able to rotate, tilt, heat up to avoid icing and set their own sails. The yacht is a luxury vessel first and foremost, but it has also been designed with scientific research in mind and will boast an ice-classed hull.

Extreme feature: a huge indoor garden

This entirely carbon-neutral, 110-metre superyacht was revealed by German studio 3deluxe and comes complete with a "garden-like" interior. VY-01 will be powered by fuel cells driven by hydrogen and recharged by bio-methanol alongside silent electric engines, for a range of 3,240 nautical miles. Described by the studio as "a floating garden of Eden", the interiors benefit from sensor-controlled louvers that wrap around the superstructure.

Extreme feature: its delicate folded superstructure

ilGatto's origami-esque lines are courtesy of Turkish designer Aras Kazar, who was inspired by "the regal spirit of the Leo zodiac". Built in aluminium and tempered, lightweight glass, the design sees all glazing able to be fully opened – heightening guests' connectivity with nature and allowing ocean air to circulate throughout the vessel. It also encourages outdoor play with an expansive floating dock and tender garage, able to store limousine tenders and a variety of water toys. Leisure features abound on this 140-metre model, including a helipad, swimming pool, cinema room and fully-equipped gym.