Where are the Superyachts? Part I

Spotted: Where to find the world's coolest superyachts

The global superyacht fleet is always on the move. In fact, last year, the fleet travelled a cumulative total of 19.9 million nautical miles. BOAT keeps track of some of the most famous yachts in the world, spotting them in locations such as Dubai, Antarctica and Thailand.

Ocean Emerald in Dubai

One of the world's quirkiest superyachts was recently photographed while cruising in Dubai. The 41-meter Ocean Emerald was built by Italian yard Rodriquez to a design by famed British architect Lord Foster, the man behind the Yacht Club de Monaco and London's "gherkin" tower. The arched, slatted superstructure results in interiors that are both private but incredibly light and airy, enjoyed best in the full-beam master suite (and its two private terraces) or the panoramic, "beach house" saloon on the upper deck. Interestingly, Ocean Emerald was the first superyacht to get a charter license in Thailand, with the country's strict bureaucracy meaning that only a few have followed in her footsteps.

Ulysses in Miami

Owned by New Zealand's wealthiest man, the 102.6-meter Ulysses was photographed in Miami, Florida in early January 2025. She has an all-Dutch pedigree, with Feadship as her builder, Azure Yacht Design behind the naval architecture and a trim, angular exterior by Sinot Yacht Architecture & Design. January is a relatively balmy month for Miami, with those on board Ulysses no doubt enjoying her four exterior hot tubs and swimming pool, with the latter covering the entire height of the main deck. According to BOATPro, the superyacht has since departed the Floridian capital and is now settled in Grenada, one of the smaller Caribbean islands.

Al Mirqab in Monaco

One of the world's largest superyachts was spotted in Monaco last summer. The 133.2-meter Al Miqrab can be seen here anchored in front of the 88.5-meter Olivia O (widely known as one of the quirkiest yachts on the water). Al Miqrab was built for the former prime minister of Qatar and marked the beginning of a partnership between Tim Heywood and Andrew Winch, who would later collaborate on several successful Amels models. Highlights include an indoor swimming pool, fountains in the main saloon, a "pirate-themed" underwater viewing room and a helipad on the sundeck. BOAT International was invited on board Al Miqrab to speak to the designers in 2021.

Sakura in Portofino

Following her maiden voyage in August 2024, Sakura was spotted cruising along Marseilles, Nice, after which she settled in Portofino, Italy. Construction began in 2021 according to BOATPro, with exterior and interior design by Sinot Yacht Architecture & Design. From the imagery that has been released, Sakura is known to have a glass-fronted swimming pool, a beach club with unfolding terraces, a forward-loading tender garage and a bow that appears to be heli-capable.

Marala in Venice

The 58.8-meter class motor yacht Marala was photographed against the backdrop of Venice, Italy last summer. A true classic, she was launched by Camper & Nicholsons in 1931 and has had only four owners across her 93 years on the water. A consequential rebuild at Pendennis – which saw more than 100 tonnes of steel replaced – resulted in her winning the Neptune for Best Rebuilt Yacht at the 2023 World Superyacht Awards. Accommodation is across six cabins with individually designed interiors, including a "Japan" cabin outfitted in goat skins (dyed red), orchids and feudal artwork.

Savarona in Istanbul

In August 2024, the historic 135.9-memeter re Savarona was photographed while moored in a restricted area of the Pendik Naval Shipyard in Istanbul, Turkey. The classic yacht was launched in 1931 by German shipyard Blohm+Voss for American heiress Emily Roebling Cadwalader, and was sold to the Turkish government six years later to serve as the presidential yacht for Kemal Atatürk, the founder of modern Turkey. She is seen here following a multi-year refit and relaunch. Key features include a Turkish Hammam bath that spans the yacht's 16-meter beam, a swimming pool, a gold-trimmed grand staircase, a private cinema and a library suite.

Venus in Nerano, Italy

Last summer, Feadship's 78.2-meter Venus was seen cruising along near Nerano, a small fishing village in Italy. She was commissioned by Apple founder Steve Jobs, though he never had the chance to see Venus completed before his untimely death in 2011. The superyacht has been used by widow Laurene Powell Jobs ever since. The public has never seen the inside of Venus, but photographers who have managed to get up close have noticed something quite unusual. The yacht has no ordinary bridge – instead, multiple Mac computer screens line the inside of the bridge windows. This sighting occurred a week before the yacht was involved in a collision with the 104.6-meter Lady Moura.

Aviva in Dartmouth, UK

British businessman Joe Lewis is the majority owner of Premier League football team Tottenham Hotspur and counts the 98.4-meter Abeking & Rasmussen superyacht Aviva among his possessions. Lewis enjoyed a staycation last summer, with Aviva photographed in Dartmouth Harbour, a natural port in Devon, UK. The superyacht's standout feature is her huge padel tennis court, measuring 20 meters long by 10 meters wide. She also has two bistros on board instead of a dining area and an owner’s wardrobe that designer Andrew Langton claimed was "bigger than my house in France".

Almax and American Magic in La Spezia

Two of Sanlorenzo's most groundbreaking launches were spotted crossing paths close to the Gulf of La Spezia in July 2024. The 49.9-meter  Almax is a world-first in fuel-cell powered propulsion, with the ability to store methanol on board that is then converted into hydrogen to power the yacht's hotel load. The yacht has an interesting split-level interior by Lissoni that borrows design cues from retro sources, with colourful tiles in the bathrooms and a vintage-inspired glass bar. Alongside her was the America's Cup chase boat from Sanlorenzo's sister brand Bluegame, which is powered by hydrogen. American Magic foils above the water and can reach a top speed of fifty knots, making her exceptionally high-performance, while remaining compact at 10 meters.

Katara in Antibes

The 124.4-meter Lürssen superyacht Katara was photographed cruising in Antibes, France in July 2024. She was launched in 2010 as one of the world's largest superyachts, with exterior design by Espen Øino and interior styling by Alberto Pinto. Little else is known about the build, though imagery reveals a helipad, an upper deck Jacuzzi and davits that carry both her tenders and her SOLAS rescue boats. The yacht is believed to be owned by Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the former Emir of Qatar. According to BOATPro, she has since left Antibes and is now moored near the Italian island of Capri.

Savannah in Dartmouth, UK

Currently one of the most expensive superyachts in the world, the 83.5-meter Feadship superyacht Savannah was spotted cruising through Great Britain's waterways in July 2024. The yacht was in Dartmouth to take delivery of a custom Ribeye Tender. The metallic yacht (one of the largest metallic-painted objects in the world), hides a host of incredible features behind her sharp lines, including a huge pool, a semi-submerged Neptune Lounge below the waterline and video walls that flank the main deck companionway. Chartering a yacht of this calibre would set you back €1,200,000 per week.