16 images

The biggest superyacht launches from every country in 2024

17 December 2024 • Written by Gemma Harris

Southern Wind announces largest sailing yacht project to date

Why the J Class’s classic lines and powerful performances continue to capture hearts

Jet pack: Putting the water-jet propelled Vespro 55 dayboat to the test off the port of Cannes

Construction progresses on largest superyacht build in Italy

Each year, shipyards worldwide push the boundaries of design and engineering with even more impressive builds, and 2024 was no exception. With a growing number of superyachts surpassing the 100-metre mark, the industry continues to thrive. BOAT takes a closer look at the standout launches from each region, kicking off with The Netherlands’s impressive contribution to the global fleet…

The Netherlands

Project 821

Builder: Feadship
Length: 119m

Project 821 is the largest yacht to launch from The Netherlands this year, overtaking the 118-metre Launchpad. At 118.8-metres, this is the world’s first fuel-cell powered superyacht, able to store liquid hydrogen to generate electrical power for hotel load and coastal cruising. Designed by RWD, the yacht boasts more hull openings than the Dutch yard has ever attempted before, with 14 balconies and seven unfolding platforms. Accommodating 30 guests across 12 cabins and supported by 44 crew, the Feadship yacht features a semi-submerged Neptune lounge, 8.2-metre pool, cinema, hospital, and library. She completed sea trials this November, and Jamie Edmiston, CEO at Edmiston, has praised the flagship project as "the best yacht ever built".

Turkey

Al Reem

Builder: Bilgin Yachts
Length: 80m

The third and final unit in the Bilgin 263 series, Al Reem follows sisterships Leona – who won at the BOAT International Design & Innovation Awards for outstanding exterior design – and Tatiana, who was delivered in 2021 as the largest yacht ever built in Turkey. Al Reem offers almost 100GT more volume, including 20 per cent more exterior decking, and a larger, more striking mast than her predecessors. She has a slender, "metallic grey-white" and black exterior created by Unique Yacht Design, with interiors by British studio H2 Yacht Design.

Italy

Platinum

Builder: Admiral
Length: 78m

Admiral’s largest superyacht to date is the 78-metre Platinum. Her debut at the Monaco Yacht Show this year was highly anticipated after much of the yacht’s details had been kept under wraps since construction began in 2019. Her soft lines and sculptural overhangs are the works of Igor Lobanov, with naval architecture from Azure Yacht Design. Exterior details include an infinity pool on the aft deck, a helipad and a sundeck bar. Meanwhile, her interiors are thanks to Sinot Yacht Architecture & Design.

Croatia

Resposado

Builder: Tramontana Yachts
Length: 51.9m

A big splash was made from Croatia earlier this year by Tramontana's flagship, the 51.9-metre Reposado. The custom-built motor sailing yacht encompasses contemporary interiors by Natala Orlovic of NO.mad Design which are inspired by nature and let in plenty of natural light. Elsewhere, the vast sundeck is a social hub with a Jacuzzi, fire pit, TV projector, and open-air kitchen. Available for sale and charter with IYC, the yacht also benefits from six convertible cabins, an array of water toys and an optional chase boat, wheelchair-friendly access and pet-friendly spaces.

Poland

Extra Time

Builder: Conrad
Length: 44.3m

The second hull in the shipyard’s acclaimed C144S line, Extra Time took the best new series award at this year’s BOAT International Design & Innovation Awards. This Conrad yacht was commissioned by a family making their first foray into yachting and designed by Reymond Langton Design, with naval architecture by Diana Yacht Design. The clean, contemporary and minimal interiors are thanks to M2 Atelier, with personal touches such as an electric piano and a King Kong sculpture. Extra Time was delivered in spring this year and is now available for charter with Cecil Wright.

UAE

Simplicity

Builder: Gulf Craft
Length: 43.1m

Earlier this year, the 43.1-metre Simplicity emerged from the Gulf Craft's sheds, taking the lead for the UAE. She is the sixth unit in the yard's third largest series, the Majesty 140. The trideck layout includes five cabins, including a main deck owner's suite with "one touch" drop-down balconies. Cristiano Gatto was responsible for the sleek and contemporary interiors. She also features an expansive beach club, two aft balconies, and a waterfall into the Jacuzzi on the sundeck.

Brazil

Hygge

Builder: MCP Yachts

Length: 40.7m

Hygge is a 40.7-metre full-custom explorer yacht. She represents the Brazilian shipyard’s most ambitious project, being the longest yacht that its facility can accommodate. Designed by Vripack, the yacht challenges traditional size limitations with an innovative approach to space and volume. Boasting a 376GT volume, she is the largest full aluminium motor yacht built in South America. Alongside al fresco dining and entertaining spaces, she hosts a lower deck beach club and spa complete with a gym and sauna.

Australia

Reduce

Builder: Silver Yachts
Length: 35.5m

Silver Yachts has claimed the trophy for Australia’s biggest launch this year with its first SpaceCat model. Conceived by the partnership of Guido Krass and Espen Oeino, the 35.5-metre catamaran Reduce takes design cues from the yard’s efficient slender monohulls. She boasts an impressive 400-square-metres of interior space and a substantial 483GT volume. Characterised by large windows and high ceilings, interior volume has been prioritised, with the yard affirming that she is "more a house than a yacht".

New Zealand

Gramac VII

Builder: Yachting Developments
Length: 34.9m

Gramac VII was designed solely by Warwick Yacht Design, and is the largest yacht to hit New Zealand waters. The 34.9-metre carbon fibre yacht has been tailored to sportfishing activities with an elevated mezzanine cockpit for viewing purposes, and extra kit including a live bait tank. The open-plan interior layout can host up to 10 guests in four cabins. She boasts a cruising speed of over 20 knots, enabling guests to cover plenty of fishing grounds, while her 1.9-metre draught welcomes flexibility when anchoring.

United Kingdom

Fox

Builder: Pendennis
Length: 34.9m

The biggest project to be launched in the UK was the 34.86-metre Fox. The Pendennis explorer pays homage to Robert Were Fox the Younger, a 19th-century scientist renowned for his compass designs. Penned inside and out by Q London, with Diana Yacht Design responsible for naval architecture, the yacht is bold and practical. She features a versatile configuration with a large open aft deck capable of storing two 7.5-metre tenders and other adventure equipment, including Jet Skis and quad bikes with the option of submersibles. The yacht for sale with Burgess is ready for an adventurous owner to take the reins.

Taiwan

Miss Michelle

Builder: Horizon
Length: 37.2m

The latest of Horizon’s RP110 models, the 37.2-metre Miss Michelle made a splash in August and became Taiwan's largest launch of 2024. This yacht accommodates ten guests across five cabins and was designed inside and out by Espinosa Yacht Design. A double chine hull design by Donald Blount provides excellent seakeeping, with stability and enhanced hydrodynamics to minimise drag and improve overall performance.

South Africa

Kiboko 4

Builder: Southern Wind Shipyard
Length: 35.5m

The second unit in the SW108 series, Kiboko 4 hit the water in November and secured her spot as South Africa's largest launch. As with the first hull, Southern Wind collaborated with Farr Yacht Design on the naval architecture and Nauta Design on the interiors. Southern Wind CEO Marco Alberti explained: "Our design priorities for Kiboko 4 focused on weight optimisation, performance, and aesthetics while maintaining the light, airy Mediterranean ambiance of her interiors." The yacht’s captain was also "deeply involved" in the build process from start to finish.

Finland

DreamCatcher

Builder: Nautor Swan
Length: 28.3m

DreamCatcher, delivered to her owner this July, marks the Finnish shipyard’s first hybrid sailing yacht. Featuring "feminine exterior lines" courtesy of Swan designer German Frers, she showcased at the Cannes Yachting Festival 2024. For racing, highlights include a four-metre draught with options for shallower and telescopic performance keel. Her warm, classic interiors by Misa Poggi provide accommodation for ten guests.

Spiip

Builder: Nautor Swan
Length: 28.3m

The Finnish shipyard takes a joint top spot with its second Swan 88 series yacht, Spipp, launched just after her sistership DreamCatcher. For performance, she boasts a high modulus mast, square top mainsail and winch upgrades to optimise sailing efficiency. Naval architecture is thanks to the veteran Swan designer German Frers, with exterior lines from Lucio Micheletti. Meanwhile, the neutral and modern interiors are designed by Misa Poggi. A key highlight is the "sunset lounge", forward of the mast.

USA

Priceless

Builder: Westport
Length: 35.8m

Across the pond, Westport made the biggest splash with the launch of the first unit in its W117 series, named Priceless. The model was first developed with "three-dimension modelling and structural software", as used in the aviation industry, with construction beginning in 2022 following the relaxation of COVID restrictions. Highlights include a 7.7-metre beam for a "dramatically open and spacious" main saloon, a flybridge bar and barbecue and an owner's cabin on the main deck.

France

Agave

Builder: Gunboat
Length: 24.7m

Agave was launched earlier this year, joining her sistership Highland Fling XVIII on the water. Her sleek, low profile is the work of Chedal Anglay and Patrick Le Quement, with VPLP Design in charge of the engineering. The upgraded rigging and deck hardware, alongside the t-foils, which claim to reduce pitching "by around 30 percent," enhance the already high-performing sailer.