As 2012 draws to a close, we take a look at some of the highlights from the last twelve months, starting with the largest superyachts to hit the water.
The total length of the top 10 superyachts launched this year (875m) is slightly more than those in 2011 (867m), but the pedigree remains the same with the established Dutch and German shipyards dominating once more. Indeed, it has been a stellar year for Lürssen, which has no less than three impressive projects in the top 10.
Topaz | 147.25m | Lürssen
Topaz was technically launched in May when she emerged from her floating shed at Lürssen’s Aumund yard. She is the second largest yacht ever launched by the German yard. Her exterior design is by Tim Heywood, while Andrew Winch is responsible for her interior. Read more about the launch of Topaz
Nirvana
88.5m | Oceanco
Nirvana is the second largest superyacht ever built by Oceanco. Designed by Sam Sorgiovanni, this beautiful yacht is already for sale at €230 million. She features in the January 2013 issue of Boat International. Read more
Quattroelle
88m | Lürssen
Previously known under the project name Bellissimo, the 88m Lürssen superyacht Quattroelle hit the water in August 2012. She's built in steel and aluminium to a design by Nuvolari & Lenard.
Read more
Ace
87m | Lürssen
Being one of the first yachts launched in 2012, the 87 metre Lürssen superyacht Ace was previously known under the project name Rocky. Andrew Winch is responsible of her unusual profile with large side arches surmounted by oval side balconies. Read me
Y708
85.6m | Oceanco
Still known under the hull number Y708, this superb Oceanco superyacht designed by Igor Lobanov is supposed to be delivered before the end of the year. Read more
Hampshire II
78.5m | Feaship
Launched in April 2012, the 78.5m Feadship motor yacht Hampshire II, hull number 806, is designed by Redman Whiteley Dixon. She features a helicopter landing platform on the foredeck which can be transformed into a playing field. Read more
Venus
78.2m | Feadship
Venus is a 78.2 metre Feadship aluminum yacht engineered by De Voogt Naval Architects with styling by Philippe Starck.
Read more
Sea Stallion
77m | Hanseatic Marine
Launched in mid March 2012 under the name Smeralda, Sea Stallion is the third motoryacht in its series of Espen Oeino’s distinctive long, narrow, fuel-efficient designs.
Read more
Plan B
73m | ADMK/Nobiskrug
Plan B is a 73 metre steel and aluminium superyacht designed by Focus Yacht Design. She's built by Abu Dhabi Mar Kiel (ADMK) and Nobiskrug.
Read more
Vicky
72.64m | Proteksan-Turquoise
Launched in early May 2012, the 72.64m motor yacht Vicky becomes the flagship of the Proteksan-Turquoise yard. She's styled by H2 Yacht Design.
Read more