fastest 100 foot yacht

• THE PRINCESS PASSPORT
• Email Newsletter
• Yacht Walkthroughs
• Destinations
• Electronics
• Best Marine Electronics & Technology
• Boating Safety

AB Yachts’ Speedy Superyacht

• By Diane M. Byrne
• April 22, 2022

Dating back to its founding 30 years ago, AB Yachts has focused on high-performance yachts equipped with water jets. Given that AB Yachts is an Italian shipyard, that emphasis on speed comes packaged with sleek styling. The builder continues to add larger models, and when it launched Hull No. 1 of its 100-foot AB 100 series in 2016, it announced a 52-knot top-end speed. Other semicustom maxis existed in this size range, but none clocked on the radar gun quite like this one did. Advances in engine technology and lightweight construction have since allowed the shipyard to make the yacht even faster. The same series is now reportedly capable of a 54-knot maximum speed.

Which wasn’t enough for one particular customer—or for AB Yachts.

Together, they created the AB 100 Superfast, with what the yard says is a 59-knot maximum velocity and a cruising speed of 53 knots. This makes the AB 100 Superfast not just the fastest boat in the builder’s range but also a boat that’s faster than most, if not all, other yachts of its size from any shipyard. In fact, the AB 100 Superfast’s top speed is about 25 knots higher than that of other high-profile maxis in the 100- to 110-foot range.

The owner and shipyard shared the belief that an invitation to customize a semicustom yacht should indeed mean customization. AB Yachts allows clients to tailor exterior styling and interior design, and the AB 100 Superfast differs from its predecessor in several ways. The avid cruiser wanted to take his personal bond with the sea to a higher level. “That was the key goal that we interpreted in the interest of our owner,” says Gennaro Candida De Matteo, the CEO of AB Yachts’ parent company, Next Yacht Group.

The first hint is seen in the AB 100 Superfast’s profile, which has more glass than the AB 100. Along the main deck, the glass is nearly sole-to-ceiling, complemented by glass insets in the lowered bulwarks. The dark tint lends the illusion that the glass wraps uninterrupted from one side of the yacht and around to the other. Belowdecks, the small oval ports are gone, replaced with two long stretches of glass to port and starboard.

Aft, like any large yacht, the AB 100 Superfast has a table and settee. The setup seems unassuming enough for enjoying alfresco meals or the spirited ride. But at the press of a button, both the table and the settee’s backrest lower to ensure that the owner and his guests truly have uninterrupted views when they’re seated inside the open-plan main deck. (On a related note, the owner opted to increase the perception of volume inside by eliminating the bulkhead between the helm and dining area.) A similarly lowering settee backrest is on the flybridge too.

Two more cruise-enhancing surprises are at the waterline. The first: The yacht has a nearly full-beam settee nestled against the transom, providing the ultimate front-row seat to the swimming and water-toy action. Consider it a permanent open-air beach club. The second surprise is how the toys launch.

“This is one of the most interesting features of this boat,” De Matteo says. At the press of a button, the backrest rises up to reveal the garage. The transformer-type swim platform rises too, so a RIB or other toys can slide directly into the water.

When peace and quiet are what the owner and his guests want, they can retire belowdecks, where there are accommodations for eight. This owner chose two twins, a VIP and a full-beam master stateroom. While some maxi opens look and feel tight below, the AB 100 Superfast doesn’t—even with its 22-foot-3-inch beam being comparable to that of slightly larger maxis from other builders. Adding to the owner’s comfort, a port within the picture window in his stateroom opens.

Even with the emphasis on his own enjoyment, the owner and AB Yachts didn’t overlook the practical needs of the four-person crew. For example, stairs by the inside helm—which the owner designed with the shipyard to achieve an automotive-type look in carbon fiber and leather—lead directly down to the Corian-outfitted galley and crew mess. The laundry area is right here as well. The foredeck leisure area, meanwhile, has significant stowage beneath the equally sizable sun bed.

Most people who end up seeing the AB 100 Superfast cutting across the horizon will probably consider the yacht to be a maxed-out maxi. Yes, it is an unabashedly fast yacht—and one of the fastest superyachts in the world to boot. But from the American walnut soles and furnishings to the view-enhancing features and re-imagined use of space, the AB 100 Superfast also reflects a clear, custom vision.

One that just happens to be capable of nearly 60-knot speeds.

Power Punch

The AB 100 Superfast gets its head-turning performance from triple 2,600 hp MANs with water jets. The AB 100, by comparison, had three 1,900 hp MANs and water jets. Kevlar and carbon-fiber construction keep weight down, part of the shipyard’s practice across its models.

American Success Story

While AB Yachts’ American clients are similar to European counterparts in being attracted to speed, the AB 100 series’ 4-foot-3-inch draft has more specifically led to sales stateside. Clients who regularly cruise between South Florida and the Bahamas need the shallow-water access.

Next Yacht Group’s Next Move

GB Investment Holdings, which has interests in artificial intelligence and luxury properties, is AB Yachts’ parent company. It named its yachting division Next Yacht Group to reflect a future focus. It plans to leverage its AI and resort knowledge to improve the yachts and customer experiences.

Take the next step: abyachts.com

• More: March 2022 , Reviewed , Superyachts , Yacht Reviews , Yachts
• More Yachts

Tankoa Introduces 230-Foot Milano

New flagship for bering yachts: the b165, power catamaran popularity rising, “energy observer” zero-emission boat showcases sustainability, for sale: 127-foot burger motoryacht, new to the yacht charter fleet, for sale: princess yachts f55.

• Digital Edition
• Customer Service
• Privacy Policy
• Email Newsletters
• Cruising World
• Sailing World
• Salt Water Sportsman
• Sport Fishing
• Wakeboarding

The global authority in superyachting

• NEWSLETTERS
• Yachts Home
• The Superyacht Directory
• Yacht Reports
• Brokerage News
• The largest yachts in the world
• The Register
• Yacht Advice
• Yacht Design
• 12m to 24m yachts
• Monaco Yacht Show
• Builder Directory
• Designer Directory
• Interior Design Directory
• Naval Architect Directory
• Yachts for sale home
• Motor yachts
• Sailing yachts
• Explorer yachts
• Classic yachts
• Sale Broker Directory
• Charter Home
• Yachts for Charter
• Charter Destinations
• Charter Broker Directory
• Destinations Home
• Mediterranean
• South Pacific
• Rest of the World
• Boat Life Home
• Owners' Experiences
• Interiors Suppliers
• Owners' Club
• Captains' Club
• BOAT Showcase
• Boat Presents
• Events Home
• World Superyacht Awards
• Superyacht Design Festival
• Design and Innovation Awards
• Young Designer of the Year Award
• Artistry and Craft Awards
• Explorer Yachts Summit
• Ocean Talks
• The Ocean Awards
• BOAT Connect
• Between the bays
• Golf Invitational
• Boat Pro Home
• Pricing Plan
• Superyacht Insight
• Product Features
• Premium Content
• Testimonials
• Global Order Book
• Tenders & Equipment

The top 10 fastest superyachts in the world

Despite their larger size, superyachts can still reach an impressive speed on the water – as this official list of the world’s fastest superyachts shows. For now, the list is topped by 41.5 metre Foners as the world’s speediest superyacht. Able to reach top speeds of 70 knots – equivalent to 80 miles per hour – the Izar-built yacht has been outpacing her contenders for more than 20 years. But her challengers are not far behind. For adrenaline-seekers with a need for speed, get your pulses racing with our definitive list of the quickest superyachts on the water.

Foners | 70.1 knots

Clocking in at a thrilling 70.10 knots, the 41.5 metre Foners has raced to the top spot as the world’s fastest superyacht. She’s been difficult to catch up with, having maintained her position for over 20 years since her delivery in 2000. 

Her zippy speed is produced by two 1,280hp MAN engines coupled with three Rolls Royce 6,700hp gas turbines that drive three KaMeWa water jets. But she is not just about speed; her interior, designed by Studio Spadolini is quite literally fit for a king. Originally built by Spanish shipyard Izar as the King of Spain’s royal yacht , the DLBA-designed Foners features interiors finished in elegant gloss sycamore wood panelling with stitched tan leather detailing. She can accommodate eight guests and six crew on board, and her superstructure has been lined with Aramid fibre for the express purpose of making it bullet proof. There is a formal dining room indoors, while the deck spaces are vast offering plenty of opportunities for al fresco entertaining. At a cruising speed of 12 knots, she has a range of 1,800 nautical miles.

• Builder: Izar
• Country of build: Spain
• Delivery year: 2000
• Length Overall: 41.5 m
• Beam: 9.2 m
• Gross Tonnage 180 t

More about this yacht

More stories, world is not enough | 67 knots.

World Is Not Enough comes second to Foners by just a fraction, able to reach a respectable top speed of 67 knots. She was delivered in 2004 by Millenium Super Yachts and designed by Dutch naval architect Frank Mulder . She is propelled by two Paxman diesel engines and two Lycoming gas turbines, producing a staggering 20,600hp. She also boasts an impressive cruising range of 3800 nautical miles at a comfortable speed of 10 knots.

World Is Not Enough measures 42.4 metres LOA and can accommodate 10 guests on board in five luxurious cabins, along with seven crew members. When not ploughing through the waves at full throttle, she offers plenty of space for relaxation, with al fresco dining and lounge spaces available on all decks and an additional formal dining space and bar indoors. Her interiors have been designed in a classic style by Evan K Marshall and feature marble finishes, opulent mirrors and glossy wood panelling. She was last refitted in 2011.

• Builder: Neptunus - Millennium
• Country of build: Netherlands
• Delivery year: 2004
• Length Overall: 42.4 m
• Beam: 8.25 m
• Gross Tonnage 291 t

Destriero | 66 knots

In third place is the 68.18 metre Destriero . Launched in 1991, she was built by Italian shipyard Fincantieri to a design by Donald Blount and Pininfarina . Powered by a Codag engine with three GE Aviation LM1600 gas turbines totalling 54,000hp, she is able to reach a top speed a 66 knots. The construction of Destriero was sponsored by Aga Khan IV for the purpose of achieving the Blue Riband, a record awarded to the fastest vessel to cross the Atlantic Ocean.

Shortly after her launch, Destriero crossed the Atlantic in 1992 twice without refuelling. Her first westbound voyage took her from Tarifa Point in Spain to Ambrose Light in New York. The return voyage saw her travel from Ambrose Light to Bishop Rock in the Isles of Scilly, a total distance of 3,106 nautical miles which she covered at an average speed of 53.09 knots and completed in a record time of 58 hours, 34 minutes and 5 seconds. Although Destriero was ultimately denied the Blue Riband’s Hales Trophy on the basis that the award can only be given to passenger vessels and not private yachts, she did receive the Virgin Atlantic Challenge Trophy awarded by former record-holder Richard Branson for the fastest crossing by any vessel. She also won the Columbus Atlantic Trophy sponsored by the Costa Smeralda and New York Yacht Clubs for the fastest trans-Atlantic round-trip.

• Builder: Fincantieri
• Country of build: Italy
• Delivery year: 1991
• Length Overall: 68.18 m
• Beam: 12.91 m
• Gross Tonnage 1376 t

Galeocerdo | 65 Knots

The sleek lines and futuristic design of Rodriquez Yachts’ Galeocerdo is the result of exhaustive research and design development programme by Wally founder Luca Bassani. Created with the aim of maintaining high speeds in rough seas, the 36-metre Wally Power 118 superyacht was launched in 2003 following tank testing at the SSPA facility in Goteborg, Sweden, and wind tunnel testing at the Ferrari facility in Maranello, Italy. Lazzarini Pickering Architetti and Intermarine also collobroated on the design of Galeocredo.

Galeocerdo is driven to a top speed of 65 knots by three Vericor TF50 gas turbines, each driving a Rolls-Royce Kamewa water jet. The titanium exhaust system is lightweight while extremely resistant to the high temperatures generated by the gas turbines, and can muster up to 16,800hp. At a cruising speed of 45 knots, she can cover a range of 1,500 nautical miles. Her interiors offer room for six guests and six crew on board.

• Builder: Rodriquez Yachts
• Delivery year: 2003
• Length Overall: 36 m

Gentry Eagle | 63.5 knots

Gentry Eagle was built by Vosper Thornycroft and launched in 1988 for the late Tom Gentry, who set nearly every powerboat speed record in existence during his lifetime. His passion to win powerboating's most coveted honour, the Blue Riband for the fastest passage across the Atlantic, drove him to commission the 34.1 metre Gentry Eagle , capable of 63.5 knots. She was designed by Peter Birkett and Grant Robinson , and her interiors by Robin Rose can host six guests and four members of crew.

In 1989, he finally won the Blue Riband on board Gentry Eagle . His record time of 62 hours and seven minutes beat Richard Branson's previous record by an astonishing 23 per cent. Gentry Eagle was relaunched as a private superyacht in 1992.

• Builder: Vosper Thornycroft
• Country of build: United Kingdom
• Delivery year: 1988
• Length Overall: 35.66 m
• Beam: 7.32 m
• Gross Tonnage 166 t

Kereon | 62.3 Knots

Launched in 2004 by Italian yard AB Yachts, Kereon can blast through waves at a top speed of 62.3 knots. This punchy performance is made possible by a triple 6,300hp CRM diesel engine set-up fitted to a fast planing hull designed by naval architect Angelo Arnaboldi . Inside Kereon can accommodate up to six guests in three cabins, while her 12,000 litre fuel tank means a maximum range of 900 nautical miles is possible at her fast cruising speed of 50 knots. The 35.66 metre superyacht features sharp exterior lines and a distinctive metallic silver superstructure that contribute to her sporty allure.

• Builder: AB Yachts - Next Yacht Group
• Length Overall: 27 m
• Beam: 6.4 m

Oci Ciornie | 60 Knots

Prolific naval architect Don Shead teamed up with American yard Palmer Johnson and Dutch shipbuilders Vripack in 1998 to create Oci Ciornie . This aluminium-hulled speed machine was fitted with twin 1,800hp MTU 16V 2000 M90 engines, a 4,600hp AVCO Lycoming gas turbine and Arneson surface drives for a staggering top speed of 60 knots.

Her interiors can accommodate up to eight guests in three cabins consisting of a master suite, double cabin and twin room with a pair of pullman berths. The deck saloon and forward outside spaces are all located on one level for a streamlined look, and the interior of the main saloon takes design cues from vintage aircraft design. The 25 metre superyacht can also accommodate two crew on board.

• Builder: Palmer Johnson
• Country of build: United States of America
• Delivery year: 1998
• Length Overall: 25 m
• Beam: 6.22 m

Azimut Atlantic Challenger | 60 knots

Designed purely for the purposes of collecting the Blue Riband award, the Azimut Atlantic Challenger was launched by Benetti in 1988 with exterior details by Pininfarina . The 26.82 metre aluminium monohull can reach a top speed of 60 knots under the power of four CRM diesel engines offering 7,400hp. At a cruising speed of 40 knots, she has a range of 3,000 nautical miles. Unfortunately, her attempt to procure the Blue Riband shortly after her launch in 1988 but was ultimately fruitless.

• Builder: Benetti
• Length Overall: 26.82 m
• Beam: 7.5 m

Brave Challenger | 60 Knots

Powered by three Rolls-Royce Proteus gas turbines totalling 13,500hp, the 31 metre Brave Challenger has proven top speeds of over 60 knots and can achieve higher speeds using its alternative Vosper-developed high-speed propellers.

Built by Vosper Ltd in Portsmouth in 1961, Brave Challenger is the only surviving example of the Brave Class fast-patrol design that was designed and built for the Royal Navy. Built alongside the Royal Navy’s HMS Brave Borderer and HMS Brave Swordsman , Brave Challenger was completed with a special consent of the Admiralty and Royal Navy to be equipped for private use.

First acquired by owner W.G. Haydon-Baillie in 1979, Brave Challenger was rebuilt to flagship standard at a purpose-built facility as part of the Haydon-Baillie Aircraft and Naval Collection in Southampton over a period of 10 years and 2.2 million man hours from 1979 – 1989. From 2017 – 2021, Brave Challenger has been undergoing a full restoration by the Haydon-Baillie Maritime Heritage Team at the superyacht refit yard Trafalgar Shipyard in Portsmouth. Its dedicated support base now includes 54 spare Rolls-Royce Proteus gas turbine engines, extensive spares, 10 spare V-Drive gearboxes and 12 spare propellers.

"Brave Challenger ’s speed of 60 knots+ was officially recorded under Lloyds Supervision over the Measured Mile off Portsmouth, UK, - and is fully repeatable at all times as part of its design and everyday operating potential," according to owner W.G Haydon-Baillie. "It is often considered that only the fastest yacht speeds that are officially recorded and are not one-off events - and are fully repeatable as part of the yacht's design and everyday operating potential are relevant to include in the top ten fastest claims."

• Builder: Vosper
• Delivery year: 1960
• Length Overall: 31.39 m
• Gross Tonnage 209 t

Jet Ruban Bleu | 60 knots

In 10th place, but still neck-and-neck with Brave Challenger , Azimut Atlantic Challenger and OCI Ciorinie is the 25 metre Jet Ruban Bleu . Delivered in 1990 by Multiplast , and designed by Gilles Ollier together with Coste Design & Partners , she is powered by a single MTU 3,500hp engine and can reach a top speed of 60 knots. At a speed of 50 knots she has a cruising range of 3,000 nautical miles. She features a planing GRP hull and superstructure, with her decks also constructed from GRP.

• Builder: Multiplast
• Country of build: France
• Delivery year: 1990
• Beam: 4.39 m

Sponsored listings

Yachting World

• Digital Edition

Fastest yacht: The giant record breakers

• Toby Heppell
• October 29, 2021

Skorpios is the latest in a long list of giant monohulls designed with a view to becoming the fastest yacht on the planet. We take a look at some of her predecessors

Every so often the yacht racing world sees an ambitious owner with pockets deep enough to want to step things up a gear and produce a new record-smashing fastest yacht.

The latest of these to hit the water is the jaw-dropping ClubSwan 125 Skorpios built for its Russian owner, Dmitry Rybolovlev. Almost everything about this new monster yacht is bigger, stronger, faster and higher tech than any boat which came before it.

Pretty much any metric you care to look at on Skorpios is mind-boggling. The five-spreader Southern Spars mast stands at 175 feet tall, and she can carry 11,324 square feet of sail upwind, and 21,108 square feet downwind.

Enough sail? Skorpios off the Dorset coast. The ClubSwan 125 is named after owner Rybolovlev’s famous Greek island, where Jackie Kennedy married Aristotle Onassis. Photo: Mark Lloyd / Lloyd Images

Skorpios has been built with the express brief to break offshore records as the world’s fastest yacht. Her recent win in the 2021 Fastnet Race – only weeks after hitting the water for the first time – shows she certainly has what it takes to take line honours in big races.

And the numbers Skorpios has shown while racing initially seem to indicate that it is really only a matter of time until she starts claiming some of the biggest records on offer in the sailing world.

But Skorpios is only the latest in a long line of new yachts built with the express purpose of winning line honours and taking records, each bigger, faster and more technologically advanced than that which came before.

The current transatlantic record holder, Comanche , is probably the yacht that most readily springs to mind when we’re looking at the development path for Skorpios .

Before Skorpios , Comanche was the most recent, highly ambitious racing yacht on the planet. She was built with one thing in mind and one thing only, to break ocean records and win line honours in some of the world’s most famous races.

Comanche showing off her considerable beam. Photo: Carlo Borlenghi

“The design office were told specifically by me that if this boat wasn’t the worst rated boat in history they have failed,” stated the owner Jim Clark on Maxi, Comanche ’s launch, reaffirming the aim of the boat to break records and win line honours without any consideration for handicap wins.

Comanche was something of a revelation when she was first launched. Over the years boats had been carrying more beam (width) towards the transom to create more power – at the expense of outright light weather, upwind and VMG running performance.

Comanche took this line of thought to the extreme with what seemed an impossibly wide stern, which led to the boat being nicknamed the aircraft carrier.

Although Skorpios is technically beamier than Comanche (8.75m vs 7.85m) the ClubSwan’s hull shape has a more modest beam-to-length ratio, and far greater internal volume and higher freeboard, all products of the project starting out with some focus on cruising in addition to outright performance.

But despite a slightly less powerful hull shape compared to Comanche , when you look at the rig, you see that this will likely be overcome by sheer grunt in terms of sail area. Skorpios ’ mainsail alone is 7,093 square feet, compared to Comanche ’s 4,413 square feet.

Comanche was, indeed is, a yacht that pushed technology to the absolute limit and when she was launched her extreme design caused quite a stir.

She is still considered one of the fastest yachts on the face of the earth and, in addition to her transatlantic record, Comanche also holds the monohull 24 hour sailing record at an impressive 618.01nm (averaging 25.75 knots) in a 24 hour period.

These two records will almost certainly be two of the key prize scalps Skorpios will be hoping to take.

Mari Cha IV

Although for many Comanche is the most obvious boat to which Skorpios can be compared, arguably a closer comparison could be that of Mari Cha IV , particularly when you consider length and ambition to break oceanic records.

The 140ft Mari Cha IV was launched in 2003, at this size both Mari Cha IV and (140ft) Skorpios face a similar problem, there are several top races that have an upper LOA limit of 100ft – neither could take part in the Sydney Hobart race for example.

Mari-Cha IV held the Atlantic record for 12 years. Photo: Thierry Martinez

In 2003, Mari-Cha IV set a new west-east transatlantic record with a total time of 6 days, 17 hours. During the run, she also set a new 24 hour monohull distance record of 525.5 nautical miles . This record stood until Comanche snatched the crown in 2016.

Due to her size and the sail area needed to power the giant, Mari Cha IV was built as a two-masted schooner. This meant that each mast could be smaller – within the bounds of the technology available at the time.

The twin rig on Mari Cha IV also meant each of the sails could be smaller than would be needed on a single masted yacht, reducing loads and enabling the boat to be sailed without resorting to powered winches.

That Skorpios is a single masted 140 footer demonstrates two things. The ClubSwan 125 shows the advances in technology with a single 175ft mast now being much more easily managed and understood – thanks, in no small part to advancements in load sensing technology which have filtered down from the America’s Cup and high tech offshore yachts such as the Ultime trimaran and IMOCA 60 fleets.

However, sail handling for sails of the size needed on Skorpios is still an issue and the ClubSwan 125 still needs powered winches, which will put her out of contention for a number of records that require exclusively human power.

In 2008, Speedboat was launched . The Juan Kouyoumdjian -designed 100ft Maxi was a yacht designed to produce blistering speeds and was built with the express purpose of ocean record breaking.

Speedboat , Newport Bermuda Race 2010

The yacht was built by Mick Cookson at Cookson Boats in New Zealand and her radical underwater features, including an incredibly flat run aft were all features that would later be included in the design of Comanche – features that demonstrate a yacht built for record breaking as they offer serious compromises in lighter winds.

In many respects Speedboat was the first to take the wide flat hull concept and transplant it wholesale into a 100ft Maxi.

Speedboat was also the first Maxi to have a deck-stepped rig, which was produced by Southern Spars, and she has plenty of other radical features.

To an extent Speedboat was built as a scaled up version of the Volvo 70 ’s which had been impressing in the Volvo Ocean Race . As such it is hardly a surprise the boat was the product of Kouyoumdjian’s design house, as he had created several of the fastest Volvo 70s then racing.

Unfortunately Speedboat arrived at the very start of the financial crisis and she only sailed in a number of events before she was mothballed and eventually sold.

She went through a couple of incarnations before being purchased by George David and was sailed as Rambler 100 during which time she dramatically lost her keel and capsized while competing in the Fastnet Race .

For his part David would go on to commission Kouyoumdjian to draw Rambler 88 , an impressive bit of kit in its own right and aimed at winning line honours and races outright in an 88ft package.

Wild Oats XI

No list of record breakers and record holders would be complete without a mention of Wild Oats XI , the 100 ft Maxi belonging to the Oatley family, which has won the Sydney Hobart no less than seven times.

Wild Oats XI ( WOXI for short) was actually launched back in 2005 and is a prime example of what can be done to a yacht to keep her on pace with current trends and developments.

In 2009 she was lengthened at bow and stern from 98ft to 100ft. In 2011 her forward balanced spade canard was removed and twin daggerboards were added amidships. In 2012 she received a bow centreboard as well as caudal fin winglets on her torpedo bulb.

Wild Oats XI . Photo: Kurt Arigo / Rolex

In 2013 she was equipped with a Dynamic Stability System (DSS) foil, which is a retractable horizontal foil deployed on the leeward side of the boat.

In 2015 her stern was shortened by 2m and her 12m forward sections were replaced by a 14m longer, sleeker bow, keeping her midship sections unmodified and in effect moving her entire existing sailplan aft by 2m, a trend which had been seen in many of the newer maxis to be produced since.

The various appendages which have been added and removed over the years have lent the yacht the affectionate nickname the ‘Swiss army knife’.

By today’s standards WOXI remains a very skinny boat in the Maxi world – she and almost-sistership at the time of launch, Alfa Romeo II both had a max beam of a little over 5m.

Wild Oats XI remains a potent race boat and particularly for races like the Sydney Hobart, her relatively narrow beam gives her an edge in light winds, VMG running and beating, all of which mean she is still very hard to beat over a race with mixed conditions – if ultimately working against her should she ever look to set oceanic records.

Leopard 3 ( ICAP Leopard as she was launched) hit the water in 2007 for serial Maxi owner, Mike Slade. The Farr design had a number of unique features at the time of launch, which made her one of the most impressive superyachts on the circuit.

ICAP Round Britain and Ireland Race 2010

Leopard ’s mast was a towering 154ft and she could set a total downwind sail area of 17,265 sq ft. At the time this was a vast amount of sail – though Skorpios ’ 21,108 sq ft is something of a stark comparison.

Leopard is capable of speeds of over 35 knots. But her similarities to Skorpios actually centre around the plans the British boat had from the start to enable cruising and racing in a little more comfort.

Leopard featured a luxurious removable interior, which could be removed for racing and refitted for cruising or for charter – for which she had also been specifically designed and built.

Although Skorpios does not go quite as far as a fully removable interior, there is, at least, a nod to comfort in her design when compared to the out and out racer that is Comanche .

If you enjoyed this….

Yachting World is the world’s leading magazine for bluewater cruisers and offshore sailors. Every month we have inspirational adventures and practical features to help you realise your sailing dreams. Build your knowledge with a subscription delivered to your door. See our latest offers and save at least 30% off the cover price.

• Nautic Shows
• America’s Cup
• Classic Yachts
• Motor Yachts
• Sailing Yachts
• Superyachts
• Yachts News
• Destinations
• Yacht Clubs
• Boat Racing
• Meta Yachts

These boats prove that size doesn’t have to mean slow.

When American businessman John Staluppi embarked on his yachting journey, it was to break records. He wanted his first yacht to be the first boat over 100 feet to exceed 30 knots, or 34.5 mph. He achieved it with the 118-foot  For Your Eyes   Only,  delivered in 1985. It was also the first motoryacht in the US to have a combination of MTU diesel engines with water-jet propulsion.

His second yacht would smash all previous records. Delivered by Heesen in 1988,  Octopussy  fulfilled the Bond enthusiast’s aim to break the then 50-knot barrier with a top end of 53.17 knots (61 mph)—a speed that every other shipyard at the time said couldn’t be done.  Octopussy  immediately entered the record books as the world’s fastest yacht.

“That record was important to me because when you pull into any place there’s always a bigger boat or a prettier boat, but there aren’t many people who can say, ‘Hey, this is the fastest yacht in the world,’” Staluppi told  us .

Heesen’s latest delivery, the 197-foot Ultra G, is one of the Dutch yard’s fastest projects these days, with a propulsion package totaling 22,000 horsepower, including four water jets that deliver a top speed of 37 knots (42.57 mph).

Of course, 43 mph is a paltry number compared to many of the yachts on this list, including the new Bolide 80. That Italian stallion, which will make its debut at the Monaco Yacht Show, runs at a blistering 84 mph. It shows that speed, even in the large motoryacht category, is very much alive.

Here are 13 of the fastest motoryachts, past and present, that have ever been on the water.

Photo : Victory Design

1. Bolide 80 | 84 mph

Victory Marine calls the Bolide 80 its first “Hyper Muscle Yacht,” which will be part of a limited-edition series from 60 to 170 feet. Designer Brunello Acampora and his tema of engineers pulled out all the stops on this 80, creating a full-carbon-fiber boat with more than 6,000 horsepower. The multi-stepped hull helps propel the Bolide to its top speed of 70 knots (84 mph), while accomplishing the seemingly impossible task of burning about half the fuel of a much smaller flybridge motoryacht at lower cruising speeds. The designer took care to give the Bolide a streamlined profile, with aerodynamic shapes to reduce resistance. The interior includes the captain’s cabin, a full-sized galley, open salon, and a forward owner’s area with a bedroom, en suite and wardrobe area. It will make its global debut at the Monaco Yacht Show.

Photo : Wikipedia

2. ‘Foners’ | 80.56 mph

Clocking a thrilling 70.10 knots (80.56 mph), the 136-foot  Foners  has maintained pole position as the world’s fastest superyacht for over 20 years. Powered by two 1,280hp MAN engines coupled to three Rolls-Royce 6,700 hp gas turbines driving three KaMeWa water jets, the all-aluminum boat is less about piercing waves and more about parting the seas. Delivered in 2000 by Spanish shipyard Izar as the King of Spain’s royal yacht, no expense was spared, including a superstructure lined with Aramid fiber for the express purpose of bulletproofing the interior.

Photo : File photo

3. ‘World Is Not Enough’ | 77.1 mph

You need to only look at the 007-inspired name to know that  World Is Not Enough  is another rapid racer commissioned by John Staluppi, this time with an opulent interior designed by his wife Jeanette in partnership with Evan K Marshall. Delivered in 2004 by Millennium Super Yachts, the 139-footer is powered by two Paxman diesel engines and two Lycoming gas turbines to produce a staggering 20,600hp and a breathtaking 67 knots (77.1 mph). When not leaving other boats behind,  World Is Not Enough  has a cruising range of 3800 nautical miles at a comfortable speed of 10 knots.

Photo : File/Rodriguez Yachts

4. ‘Galeocerdo’ | 74.8 mph

Wally founder Luca Bassani designed the 118-foot  Galeocerdo  to maintain speed in rough seas. Launched in 2003 by Rodriquez Yachts, the boat racks up an eye-watering 65 knots (74.8 mph), thanks to its three Vericor TF50 gas turbines, each driving a Rolls-Royce KaMeWa water jet. Another performance-enhancing feature is the lightweight titanium exhaust system designed to resist the extreme temperatures generated by the gas turbines. Wind tunnel tested at the Ferrari facility in Maranello, Italy, the boat generates 16,800hp and a 45-knot (51.8-mph) cruising speed that’s faster than most motoryachts running flat out. It also enjoys a highly futuristic exterior design.

Photo : Italian Sea Group

5. Tecnomar for Lamborghini 63 | 72.5 mph

When Italian supercar brand Lamborghini teamed up with yachting stalwart The Italian Sea Group, the end result had to be style and performance. The Tecnomar for Lamborghini 63 is all about the power of ‘63’. Designed and built to celebrate the year 1963 when Ferruccio Lamborghini founded his car company, the 63-footer delivers a whiplashing top speed of 63 knots (72.5 mph). And naturally, it’s one of just 63 in the series that will ever be made. Built out of carbon fiber, it’s fitted with two MAN V12-2000HP engines. MMA fighter Conor McGregor took delivery of hull number one in 2020, which reportedly cost $4 million.

Photo : Courtesy Baglietto

6. ‘Chato’ | 71.9 mph

Back in the mid-1980s, passionate Baglietto customer and leading US Porsche and VW dealer Baron John von Neumann, commissioned a new 85-ft. speed demon from the Italian builder. The entrepreneur was tired of his 34-knot (39-mph) Baglietto getting creamed from Monaco to St. Tropez by faster cruisers. With a hull design by the legendary Alcide Sculati, the all-aluminum  Chato  came with MTU’s latest 3,480hp V16s coupled to KaMeWa waterjets. Weighing 60 tons, and packing almost 7,000 hp, the military-looking superyacht with its battleship-gray paint and bright-red diagonal hull stripes, hit an astonishing top speed of 62.5 knots (71.9 mph) during sea trials.  Chato  is currently for sale in the South of France for $715,000.

Photo : Palmer Johnson

7. ‘Oci Ciornie’ | 69.04 mph

Oci Ciornie’s Vripack-designed interior may take inspiration from aircraft designs, but it’s the boat’s naval architecture by Don Shead and the combination of two 1,800hp MTU 16V 2000 M90 engines, a 4,600 hp AVCO Lycoming gas turbine and Arneson surface drives that put it on this list. Delivered in 1998 by Palmer Johnson with an aluminum hull, the 82-foot boat thrusts through water at 60 knots (69.04 mph), giving all eight guests the waterborne ride of their lives.

Photo : Courtesy Fincantieri

8. ‘Destriero’ | 68 mph

The numbers almost defy logic. With a length of 224 feet, the all-aluminum superyacht  Destriero  is massive. Now add a trio of GE Aviation LM1600 gas turbines totaling an insane 60,000 hp and the incredulity only increases. Flat out,  Destriero  could scythe through waves at a staggering 59 knots, or 68 mph. Back in 1992, just one year after its launch, the Fincantieri-built rocketship showed its chops by challenging the famous Blue Riband trans-Atlantic speed record. Averaging 53.09 knots for the 3,106 nautical-mile run,  Destriero  shattered the record, only to be denied the trophy for being classed as a private yacht and not a commercial passenger vessel. Sadly, today the iconic yacht lies largely abandoned at one of Lurssen’s yards in Germany, awaiting rescue.

Photo : McMullen & Wing

9. ‘Ermis²’ | 65.59 mph

Some yachts feature slippery hull designs, others are propelled by rockets, but the McMullen & Wing-built  Ermis²  is one of the fastest yachts on the superyacht circuit thanks to its lightweight materials. Built from a combination of carbon/epoxy, aerospace grade carbon fiber and titanium, the 123-foot boat taps out at 57 knots (65.59 mph.) Delivered in 2007, its 10,944 horsepower comes from three MTU 16V 4000 M90 engines. Designed inside and out by Rob Humphreys, its classic looks disguise the speed demon within.

Photo : Overmarine

10. ‘Why Not U’ | 63.3 mph

Why Not U  is a yacht that comfortably cruises at 47 knots (54.1 mph)—a speed most owners only dream of reaching. When time is of the essence, the boat cranks up its Vericor TF40 gas turbine engines to max out at 55 knots (63.3 mph). Delivered by Overmarine in 2001,  Why Not U ’s 4.3-foot draft makes it well suited for cruising shallow waters, while its sunbathing areas allow guests to catch some rays traveling at the speed of light.

Photo : File Photo

11. ‘Alamshar’ | 52 mph

Alamshar  is another custom collaboration between Donald Blount and Pininfarina commissioned by Aga Khan IV, this time with interiors by Redman Whiteley Dixon. It was reportedly built for an estimated $200 million at the Devonport shipyard in Falmouth, United Kingdom, and took 13 years to complete. When it was eventually delivered in 2014, Alamshar’s top speed of 45 knots (51.78 mph), generated by twin Rolls-Royce Marine engines and three waterjets, seemed worth the wait.

Photo : Camper & NIcholsons

12. ‘Moon Goddess’ | 51.78 mph

Exterior designed by Espen Øino with an interior by Franco Zuretti, the all-aluminum Moon Goddess is a 115-foot yacht with a turquoise hull that matches the color of its oversized leather sunpads. When cruising at 30 knots (34.52 mph) or tearing up the oceans at 45 knots (51.78 mph), most other boats just catch a glimpse of sea spray that the planing yacht leaves in its wake. It’s powered by twin MTU 16V 4000 M90 diesel engines with twin water jets, which generate a combined 7,498 hp.

Photo : Courtesy Lurssen

13. ‘Azzam’ | 35.7 mph

At a staggering 590 feet bow-to-stern, the Lurssen-built  Azzam  earns the title of world’s longest privately owned gigayacht. But with its remarkable-for-the-size top speed of 31 knots (35.7 mph), it’s also the fastest. Twin 12,000hp MTU V20 turbo-diesels do the day-to-day powering at up to 18 knots (20.7 mph). But crank up the twin GE LM2500 gas turbines, coupled to four Wartsila waterjets, and there’s a staggering 94,000hp on tap. Of course, like  Azzam ‘s original owner, it helps if you own a few oil wells: At max speed, the yacht reportedly burns 13 tons of fuel an hour. Launched in 2013 at a reported cost of some $600 million,  Azzam  accommodates 30 guests pampered by up to 80 crew.

• superyachts

RELATED ARTICLES

Zeelander yachts reveals stylish interior to keenly awaited new flagship yacht zeelander 8, damen yachting launches second yacht support 53, conrad shipyard launches extra time, enter a new era of superyacht design: sunseeker unveils the latest on the groundbreaking 120 yacht, wider launches its first wilder 60, world’s largest sportfish 52m project 406 launched in amsterdam.

Subscribe to our newsletter

To be updated with all the latest news, offers and special announcements.

LATEST ARTICLES

Black foils triumph in dramatic sailgp christchurch races, editor picks, canadian beau lake introduces the tahoe ’14 and lugano ’14 electric runabouts, underwater adventure and exploration with deepflight’s super falcon 3s, driving performance on land and on water: 41′ amg carbon edition, popular posts, young designer of the year 2022: ioana valentina corcodel reveals 65m ophelia concept, mirabaud sailing video of the century: celebrating 2 decades of passion, superyacht the flying fox seized in the dominican republic, popular category.

• Regatta 805
• America's Cup 383
• Motor Yachts 261
• Boating 215
• Superyachts 183
• Sailing 176
• Yachts News 174
• Sailing Yachts 162

Principal Characteristics & Technical Specifications

The all-new Sunseeker 100 Yacht is the epitome of a luxury yacht. Powered by MTU 12V 2000 M96X as standard or MTU 16V 2000 M96L engines as an option, the 100 Yacht accommodates up to twelve guests and five crew in complete luxury, reaching speeds of up to 30 knots.

A striking Owner Stateroom forward with a private bow terrace, sunbathing hideaways, a breathtaking single-level exterior deck from flybridge to foredeck, a beautifully proportioned open-plan interior and generous ‘Beach Club’, just a few of her magnificent features. 

The revolutionary Sunseeker ‘Beach Club’ provides an exceptional area to relax at water level. The tender garage can accommodate a Williams 460 Sportjet and GTX255 jet ski, with plentiful stowage for SeaBobs, diving equipment and paddleboards. The innovative X-TEND™ system offers several seating arrangements, facing aft in its lowered position or, at the flick of a switch, forward at cockpit level.

The vast flybridge on board the 100 Yacht flows seamlessly into the foredeck with uninterrupted walk-around access on both sides. The foredeck provides a social space with two separate seating arrangements plus an oversized sunpad. The essential raised pilot house, central to this yacht’s innovative design, incorporates a glazed sliding door aft, allowing uninterrupted views forward from the flybridge.  

Its unique main deck, penthouse-style saloon and luxurious staterooms offer a new-found design direction and material selection providing elegant interiors to enchant any owner. The layering of textural elements and the mix of furnishings and fabrics feels timeless with a modern twist that exudes simplicity and sophistication. Floor-to-ceiling glazing floods the generous saloon with natural daylight, complemented by sliding doors to starboard, helping to bring the outdoors in. A stunning feature wall forward of the dining room showcases exposed and seemingly floating stair treads leading to the wheelhouse above on the port side and lower deck access to starboard. The large, fully equipped galley forward is concealed behind a feature bulkhead, and offers plentiful space and direct side deck access for crew.

The unique main deck layout includes the Owner's Stateroom forward for even greater flexibility and freedom on board. This full-beam stateroom offers a large lobby entrance, walk-in wardrobe with feature shelving, an office and generous en suite. Bathed in natural light courtesy of expansive panoramic glazing, owners can access a first-in-class bow terrace for ultimate privacy through a cleverly sculptured, fully-glazed sliding door forward.

The yacht can be specified as a four or five cabin boat, ideal for the charter market. In either case, the twin amidship cabins can be fitted with Pullman berths for added flexibility. The crew cabin is also worthy of mention, featuring a Captain’s cabin with en suite, two twins each with en suite, a highly specified crew mess.

news & innovation

SUNSEEKER USA TO EXHIBIT ITS LARGEST DISPLAY AT THE PALM BEACH INTERNATIONAL BOAT SHOW

SUNSEEKER SHOWCASES ITS LARGEST LINE UP AT MIAMI, INCLUDING THE US DEBUT OF THE 100 YACHT

SUNSEEKER 100 YACHT RECEIVES THREE NOMINATIONS AT THE BOAT INTERNATIONAL DESIGN & INNOVATION AWARDS 2023

SUNSEEKER 100 YACHT KEY FEATURES OVERVIEW

SUNSEEKER 100 YACHT WINS ‘BEST EXTERIOR DESIGN’ AWARD AT THE 2022 WORLD YACHTS TROPHIES

SUNSEEKER REVEALS TWO DEBUTS AT CANNES YACHTING FESTIVAL

SUNSEEKER 100 YACHT REVEALED

FIND YOUR SUNSEEKER DISTRIBUTOR

DEALER LOCATOR

FIND YOUR PREFERRED DISTRIBUTOR

Dealer Locator

© 2024 Sunseeker. All Rights Reserved.

Accommodations

Registration, fastest 100 foot yacht takes the seas.

The Nomad IV is taking the world by storm, as the fastest 100 foot yacht in the ocean. According to reports from Yachting World, the “raw sensation of power” on the Nomad IV is similar to being aboard one of the muscle boats, like the Volvo 65 or the Vendee Globe racer. These crafts are known for their power and speed, but the Nomad IV, a carbon super cruiser designed in the spirit of ocean racing boats, combines both these elements with its impressive size, Florida yachting groups say.

The owner of the Nomad IV is a French IT and telecoms entrepreneur, who was looking for a 100-foot yacht that he could cruise around the world in, racing and chartering. He wanted the craft to be able to withstand the demands of ocean races such as the Middle Sea Race, Sydney-Hobart, and the Fastnet. His directions for the designers included the stipulation that the yacht should be able to enter shoal waters without heeling upwind to more than 12 degrees, and that the yacht can cruise through shallow anchorages with keel lifts from 5.4m to 3m. But his main directive was simple—make the Nomad IV for fast sailing.

Pascal Conq, the yacht’s lead designer, began work in 2010, and took three years to build the Nomad IV, working mostly at the Maxi Dolphin yard in Italy. Her first launch was this year. Over the past 30 years of his career, Conq has worked on several new designs and plans for specialty yachts, but the Nomad IV is the first yacht of its size that he and his design team have been commissioned to build. Conq said that the boat was a challenge: “There is a lot of volume, and the boat is very beamy, very powerful and stable. It was a big step-up in size, but we have been able to apply what we’ve learned from our racing boat experience.”

The Nomad IV is built with a 120-foot mast that rises from the middle of the boat. The yacht’s fully battened square top mainsail, J2 and J3 staysail, and J1 headsail on a hydraulic furler are all removable, to make tacking easier. The upwind sails are made with lighter, more durable North 3di carbon/Dyneema laminate, to facilitate faster speeds for such a large boat. Conq said that the yacht “posed some architecture problems; the power of the shape, the keel structure, and the load points,” but with compensating features such as these, the Nomad IV is being called the world’s fastest 100ft cruising yacht.

At Neptune Group Yachting International, a leading Neptune yacht charter, we are always keeping our eyes open for up-and-coming yacht designs and innovative new features, so that we can continue to provide our clients with quality and originality. As technology advances, we are able to charter specialty yachts to bring you the best in design and modernization, and provide you with a one-of-a-kind experience. To discuss the options available, and book your yacht, contact Neptune Group Yachting today.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Ocean Club Yacht

• 954-763-1050
• [email protected]

408 SE 21st Street , Fort Lauderdale , Florida 33316 USA

• Privacy Policy
• A PaperStreet Web Design

The 20 Fastest SuperYachts in the World

By Alex Holmes

Updated on August 14, 2023

Yachts were always associated with leisure, comfort, and luxury, floating gently in a gorgeous location or cruising unhurried to the next, but somewhere along the way, something changed. Yachts started becoming faster and more powerful, and their owners more obsessed with these characteristics than anything else. But that’s the way with every kind of vehicle these days, isn’t it?

Mankind is obsessed with speed. That’s a given. And it applies to everything, including superyachts, which, despite their size, can achieve impressive speeds over water.

Whether that speed is actually needed is debatable, but one can’t ignore that there are quite a few capable yachts out there and that the competition for the fastest superyacht in the world is a fierce one, as in everything that involves the man’s thirst for speed.

The following superyachts manage to blend both the need for speed and the craving for luxury. But these are above everything else, the fastest yachts in the world right now.

Let’s have a look.

• 20. Cara Montana – 45 knots

Cara Montana is a smaller yacht, manufactured in 2019 by a shipyard based in Genoa, called Otam. It’s a gorgeous maritime vehicle which spans only 25.9 meters in length, but is beautiful and powerful enough to impress.

Powered by twin MTU engines, outputting a total of 5,200 hp together, and equipped with twin surface drives, Cara Montana is able to reach a top speed of 45 knots, or just under 52 mph.

• 19. Alamshar – 45 knots

Completed in 2014 after a waiting time of 13 years spent in the manufacturing process, the Alamshar yacht can reach 45 knots, thanks to its twin Rolls-Royce Marine engines and three waterjets.

The naval architecture of the vessel was made by Donald L. Blount & Associates, the exterior design by Pininfarina, and the interior by Redman Whiteley Dixon. The whole project was put together by the Devonport shipyard in Falmouth, United Kingdom.

The Alamshar is 50 meter long, and costed a jaw dropping $200 million, paid by Aga Khan IV, for whom the custom yacht was made.

• 18. Moon Goddess – 45 knots

Another lovely vessel from the superyacht world is the Moon Goddess. It’s on the smaller size, being only 35 meter long, but it’s capable of reaching 45 knots. The ship was built by Danish Yachts, with the naval architecture and exterior designs made by Espen Øino, a superyacht design icon.

The Moon Goddess can take up to six guests in three posh cabins, two twins and one for the owner, plus a crew of five. It’s propelled to a cruise speed of 25 knots, or the maximum of 45, by twin MTU 16V 4000 M90 diesel engines which generate a combined 7,498 hp.

• 17. Shergar – 45 knots

The acclaimed German shipyard Lürssen built Shergar in 1983 to be among the fastest yachts in the world. Decades later, it still holds its own among better and more technological advanced vessels.

Equipped with two MTU 12V 396 TB83 diesel power plants, and two Allison 571-KF gas turbines, the Shergar is capable of cruising at 40 knots and reaching a top speed of 45 knots.

• 16. Seafire – 46 knots

Seafire is a super yacht manufactured by AB Yachts, an Italian shipyard known for some impressive vessels. This one is among their fastest, able to reach a top speed of 46 knots.

The 42 meter super yacht is powered by a setup of three MTU 16V M94 units and three waterjets, giving it the possibility to cruise at an impressive speed of 43 knots, only 3 below its top speed.

• 15. Octopussy 007 – 53.2 knots

Built back in 1988 by the renowned Dutch shipyard Heesen Yachts and carrying a little of James Bond in its name, the Octopussy 007 is a 43.5 meter super yacht that can accommodate up to 10 guests and 7 crew members.

The vessel is powered by three MTU diesel engines that deliver 10,440 hp together, propelling the Octopussy forward at a cruising speed of 25 knots and a top speed of 53.2 knots.

It was on display at multiple boat shows around the world, and it changed owners for the last time in 2021. The naval architecture was done by Mulder Design, the exterior by Gerhard Gilgenast, and the interior by Art Line and Joachim Kinder Yacht Design.

Inside, it comes with 5 posh and extremely comfortable guest cabins, 1 master, 1 twin, and 3 double.

• 14. Daloli – 54 knots

The Daloli, also known as Pandion, built by Heesen Yachts, is a 36.5 vessel that enters the category of super yachts and impresses with a top speed of 54 knots, the equivalent of just over 62 mph.

The ship has a crew capacity of 6 and can host up to 8 passengers. There’s four cabins in total on its three decks, and the sheer beauty of its design can be seen both inside and on the outside.

It’s a real beauty, and a fast one as well.

• 13. Why Not U – 55 knots

Originally named Nobody, the Why Not U was designed in 2001 by Overmarine as a deluxe super yacht that’s capable of getting his 9 guests and 3 crew to their next dream destination with a top speed of 55 knots. The power comes from a setup of Vericor TF40 gas turbine engines.

When it comes to living on it, it offers an impressive range of amenities on its teak decks. There’s several dining spots, entertainment and lounge rooms, sun bathing areas, and plenty more to be had on board of this stunning super yacht.

• 12. Ermis² – 57 knots

The 37.5 meter super yacht Ermis², manufactured from special materials by the New Zealand shipyard McMullen & Wing, is among the fastest vessels out there, capable of a top speed of 57 knots, which is just a little over 65 mph.

The ship came out in 2007, but is still among the most innovative yachts in the world given the mix of composite materials, aerospace grade carbon fiber and titanium for its lightweight body.

That low weight, combined with the 10,944 hp outputted by the three MTU 16V 4000 M90 engines, allow this stunning yacht to reach that max speed of 57 knots.

• 11. Chato – 57 knots

Chato is another small sized and powerful super yacht. It was built in 1986 by Baglietto from aluminium and was equipped with twin MTU 16V 396 TB94 diesel engines, which push it to a cruise speed of 35 knots and a max speed of 57 knots.

Chato is only 25.79 meters long, and that helps with a lower weight and a smaller profile under the surface of the water.

• 10. Azimut Atlantic Challenger – 60 knots

The Azimut Atlantic Challenger strays away from the usual design of luxury yachts, but that only because it was built for a very different purpose, which was to win the Blue Riband award, an unofficial accolade given to a ship for making the fastest transatlantic crossing.

Unfortunately, the Azimut Atlantic Challenger failed to win, but it remained one of the fastest super yachts in the world, currently holding the 10th position, with a top speed of 60 knots.

It was built in 1988 by the Italian shipyard Benetti, with the exterior designed by Pininfarina. It’s a 26.82 meter aluminum monohull vessel and is powered by four CRM diesel engines, capable of outputting a combined 7,400 hp.

• 9. Jet Ruban Bleu – 60 knots

The French built Jet Ruban Bleu is on par with the Azimut Atlantic Challenger and two other super yachts, at least when it comes to the top speed. They can all do 60 knots.

Jet Ruban Bleu is 25 meter long, was designed by Gilles Ollier and Coste Design & Partners and created by Multiplast. It was outfitted with a single MTU engine capable of 3,500 hp alone.

• 8. Oci Ciornie – 60 Knots

Oci Ciornie was a super yacht project that was realized by American shipyard Palmer Johnson, the Dutch Vripack, and the well known naval architect Don Shead in 1998.

The vessel features an aluminum hull, and uses two 1,800 hp MTU 16V 2000 M90 engines, a 4,600 hp AVCO Lycoming gas turbine, plus Arneson surface drives. This combination propels the Oci Ciornie with a top speed of 60 knots.

The ship is able to carry up to eight guests in a master suite, a double cabin, and a twin room. There’s a nice and streamlined deck that features a superb saloon and outside areas for relaxation, while the interior takes inspiration from aircraft designs.

• 7. Brave Challenger – 60 Knots

With the same 60 knot top speed of the above ships, the Brave Challenger is to be lauded, since it’s much older, being built back in 1960. The project was completed by Vosper Ltd in Portsmouth, United Kingdom, with the intention of becoming a Brave Class fast patrol boat. It was only later that the ship was converted for private use.

The Brave Challenger is powered by three Rolls-Royce Proteus gas turbines, which output a total of 13,500 hp, which combined with the only 31 meter length and lower weight, can push the boat to the top speed of 60 knots.

• 6. Kereon – 62.3 Knots

The Italian yard AB Yachts, the one behind Seafire above at number 16, built in 2004 one of the fastest super yachts in the world, the Kereon. It’s capable of hitting a top speed of 62.3 knots, and that thanks to the three CRM diesel engines that produce a good 6,300 hp.

Since the total power is so low in comparison to others on this list, it makes sense that a shorter length of 27 meters and a performant hull design are at play to aid in reaching those speeds.

The ship has a very sporty aesthetic, all metallic silver, and can cruise at 50 knots for about 900 miles.

• 5. Gentry Eagle – 63.5 knots

Gentry Eagle was a special project done by Vosper Thornycroft in 1988 for the legendary Tom Gentry, who achieved almost everything he could achieve in terms of powerboat speed records during his lifetime, including the coveted Blue Riband. The vessel, capable of 63.5 knots, helped him win the Blue Riband in 1989, with a record time of 62 hours and 7 minutes.

Gentry Eagle’s design was done by Grant Robinson and Peter Birkett, with the interior by Robin Rose. In 1992, the ship became a private super yacht.

• 4. Galeocerdo – 65 Knots

Galeocerdo is a very futuristic looking ship, with sleek lines and a hull designed to maintain high speeds in rough sea conditions. It measures 36 meters in length, and is capable of hitting 65 knots.

The vessel was built in 2003 in Italy, by Rodriguez Yachts and is powered by three Vericor TF50 gas turbines, each tied to a Rolls-Royce Kamewa water jet. The total power output rises to a whooping 16,800 hp.

• 3. Destriero – 66 knots

Destriero was launched back in 1991 by the Italian shipyard Fincantieri. It has a length of 68.18 meters and features a design made by Pininfarina and Donald Blount. This ship was again built with the sole purpose of winning the Blue Riband by breaking the old record of crossing the Atlantic.

She did it in 1992, after it crossed the ocean twice without refueling, setting a new record of 58 hours, 34 minutes, and 5 seconds. but the Blue Riband award was denied for her, since it’s awarded only to passenger vessels and not private yachts.

What allowed Destriero to set a new record was the power of 54,000 hp, given by the Codag engine and the three GE Aviation LM1600 gas turbines, pushing the ship to a max speed of 66 knots, or 76 mph.

• 2. World Is Not Enough – 67 Knots

The Dutch superyacht World Is Not Enough, built in 2004 by Millenium Super Yachts, comes second place with a top speed of 67 knots. The vessel is powered by two Paxman diesel engines and two Lycoming gas turbines, which give an output of 20,600 hp, and a good 3800 nautical miles cruising range at a cruising speed of 10 knots.

With its 42.4 meters of luxury and beauty, World Is Not Enough can accommodate up to 10 guests and 7 crew members in five extravagant cabins, offering plenty of comfort and areas for relaxation. The vessel features formal dining spaces, indoor bar, and al fresco dining and lounge areas on all decks, for the ultimate pleasure away from civilization.

• 1. Foners – 70.1 knots

The Foners is currently the fastest super yacht in the world, with a 70.1 knots top speed, keeping the first spot since its delivery back in 2000. The power behind its top speed comes from two MAN engines and three Rolls Royce gas turbines, combining together to output a whooping 21,380 hp.

Her cruising speed is 12 knots, and allows her to reach a range of 1,800 nautical miles.

But of course speed isn’t everything here, as the eye is impressed a lot when stepping on board. Built by the Spanish shipyard Izar, Foners comes with splendid interiors, formal dining rooms, and plenty of space on the decks for al fresco dining. Its 6 crew and up to 8 guests can be accommodated on board, in luxurious cabins.

These are the fastest super yachts in the world, a competition that keeps on going, dominated for the last two decades by the Spanish vessel Foners.

As technology progresses, it will be interesting to see how it holds up against newer yachts.

About Alex Holmes

With over 10 years of experience in media and publishing, Alex is Luxatic's director of content, overlooking everything related to reviews, special features, buying guides, news briefs and pretty much all the other content that can be found on our website. Learn more about Luxatic's Editorial Process .

2 thoughts on “The 20 Fastest SuperYachts in the World”

Bolide by VICTORY DESIGN is now by far the fastest yacht; speeds up to 76 knots have been recorded by this 80ft full carbon pleasure Yacht, powered by three MAN V12 2000 diesel engines.

Leave a Comment

More from luxatic.

20 Largest Explorer Yachts in the World

Best Luxury Yacht Brands: 25 Shipyards Which Build The Best Superyachts

By Brody Patterson

The 20 Best Airlines in the World Right Now

By Adrian Prisca

The Longest & Shortest Runways in the World!

By Vlad Craciun

Sailing in Style: The World’s Most Beautiful Yacht Charter Destinations

These are The 15 Fastest Planes of All Time

These Are The 25 Biggest Yachts in the World!

20 Best Electric Motorboats You Will Surely Love

The 15 Best Small Planes That You Can Buy Right Now

The 15 Biggest Planes in the World

The 15 Best Personal Submarines For Superyacht Owners

By Victor Baker

The 10 Longest Range Private Jets in the World in 2023

Find anything you save across the site in your account

This New Superyacht Will Be One of the World’s Fastest

By Katherine McLaughlin

Depending on who you ask, bigger may not always mean better, but in the world of superyacht designs , it does usually mean slower. However, this may soon change with Vanquish’s VQ115 Veloce , which the company has promised will be one of the fastest superyachts in the world more than 30 meters (about 98.5 feet) long.  

The VQ115 is designed for entertaining. 

Commissioned from the Dutch luxury yacht company by a repeat client, the VQ115 reaches an impressive 51 knots, which is a little under 59 miles per hour, and spans 35 meters or 114.8 feet. The 32-seat, three-deck powerboat is set to be delivered to its owner in North America later this year. 

To power the nearly 100-ton boat, Vanquish plans to install three MTU Rolls-Royce 2600s engines that surface drives will back up. When running on the two engines, the vessel will have upwards of a 500-nautical-mile range in addition to an extra fuel tank, which can be used for cruising at 15 knots. 

The yacht has a spacious saloon that leads to an outdoor deck.

A jacuzzi makes it easy to enjoy the water without getting into the ocean. 

The Vanquish team tapped the expertise of Studio Delta, a naval architecture firm, to design the yacht’s hull to minimize drag and increase efficiency when pacing at top speeds. The rest of the exterior, designed by Guido de Groot, is similarly sleek and modern and made from aluminum. 

On board, there will be no shortage of entertainment options. Two smaller Vanquish watercrafts, the VQ16 and VQ11, will respectively be housed on a tender bay and second starboard garage. A live bait tank, bar, saltwater jacuzzi, office space, cinema room, and multiple outdoor lounging and dining area are also part of the design. 

Cabin space was less of a priority as the client wanted more room for socialization. 

Despite its monstrous size, the VQ115 notably lacks cabin space—there are only three sleeping rooms. However, this isn’t an oversight, rather the client’s specific desire for a vessel designed for entertaining and interaction. At its size, the superyacht is sure to deliver on that front in a large way. 

By Aleks Gallardo

By Jennifer Beck Goldblatt

By Karalyn Hoover

By Danine Alati

Try now - Live tracking map for yachts and other vessels

Real time world map for tracking yachts and all other vessels like speed boats, cargo or tankers! Tracking yachts and other vessels was never so easy!

The Need for Speed: Exploring the World’s Fastest Superyachts

In the realm of luxury yachts, where luxury knows no bounds, there exists a class of vessels that stands apart – vessels that blend luxurious living with exhilarating speed. Welcome to our exploration of “The Need for Speed: Exploring the World’s Fastest Superyachts.” In this exhilarating journey across the high seas, we unveil the marvels of modern engineering and design, showcasing a selected group of superyachts that defy convention with their remarkable velocity. From cutting-edge propulsion systems to breathtaking top speeds, join us as we delve into the world of high-performance yachting, where luxury knows how to pick up the pace.

Cutting-Edge Propulsion Technologies in World’s Fastest Superyachts

Conventional diesel engines.

Many superyachts, even the fastest ones, are powered by conventional diesel engines. These engines typically run on marine-grade diesel fuel.They use a system of pistons and crankshafts to convert the energy from diesel combustion into mechanical power, which turns the yacht’s propellers. These engines are reliable and fuel-efficient, providing the necessary power for cruising.

Gas Turbine Engines

Some high-performance yachts, especially military and custom-built vessels, use gas turbine engines. These engines are known for their exceptional power-to-weight ratio. They have the ability to provide a high amount of thrust, which results in impressive speeds. Gas turbine engines are often used in combination with other propulsion systems or in hybrid setups for improved efficiency.

Hybrid Propulsion Systems in Fastest Superyachts

In recent years, there has been a trend towards hybrid propulsion systems. They combine traditional diesel engines with electric motors and batteries. These systems offer greater flexibility, allowing yachts to operate in all-electric mode for silent and emission-free cruising at lower speeds, and then switch to diesel power for high-speed operation. Hybrid systems are more environmentally friendly and can improve fuel efficiency.

Waterjet propulsion is a technology commonly used in high-speed yachts. Waterjets draw water into the yacht and expel it at high velocity through a nozzle at the stern. This system provides excellent maneuverability, shallow draft capabilities, and reduced vibration, making it suitable for fast and agile yachts.

Pod propulsion systems, such as those manufactured by companies like Volvo Penta and Caterpillar, involve the use of pods (outdrive units) that are mounted below the yacht’s hull. These pods can rotate, providing thrust in various directions, resulting in increased maneuverability and efficiency. They are often used in combination with diesel engines for both power and control.

Advanced Hull Designs

Beyond propulsion systems, the hull design of a yacht plays a crucial role in achieving high speeds. Yachts with planing hulls are designed to lift out of the water at higher speeds, reducing hydrodynamic drag and allowing for increased velocity.

Crafting the Perfect Propulsion Strategy for Fastest Superyachts

The selection of a propulsion system for a superyacht is a multifaceted decision that hinges on several critical factors, including the vessel’s size, intended purpose, and the preferences of its owner. Each propulsion method comes with its unique set of advantages and trade-offs, making it crucial to tailor the choice to suit the yacht’s specific requirements. Moreover, it’s not uncommon to witness a synergy of multiple propulsion systems within a single yacht, a testament to the industry’s dedication to optimizing both performance and efficiency. The pursuit of the perfect balance between speed, range, maneuverability, and environmental impact underscores the meticulous craftsmanship and innovation inherent in the design and engineering of these high-speed marvels.

If you want to explore other mega yachts  CLICK HERE

Or if you feel lucky and you think that you can find some of these yachts on a map,  CLICK HERE  to visit our Live tracking map for luxury yachts and other vessels.

Related Images:

Share this with your friends:.

• Yacht Tracking Map Find mega yacht
• Fun Map Map The World
• Privacy Policy

• Seller Market Analysis
• Trade Your Yacht
• Vessel Donation
• Sold Yachts
• We Buy Boats
• Exclusive Listings
• Yachts for Sale
• New Yacht Builds
• Nautor Swan Yachts
• Sichterman Yachts
• Luxury Yacht Charters
• Search Charter Yachts
• Charter Management
• Luxury Events
• Team Members
• Boat Show Events
• North Report Magazine
• Testimonials
• +1.954.900.9988

Blog | Yachts to Consider Between 80 to 100 ft.

2015 Ocean Alexander 100′

Enroute to Fort Lauderdale A natural successor to the highly popular 90’ motoryacht, she has the feel of a larger yacht while comfortably fitting into most size restricted marinas around the globe. This particular owner moved up from a Feretti 85 , falling in love with the contemporary, modern sleek lines offered by Ocean Alexander. The Ocean Alexander 100 Motoryacht is visibly larger than other yachts in its class, right down to the galley, giving it above-average charter features and a trifecta balance of precision, performance and comfort. [/Twenty_Six_Col_One_Half][Twenty_Six_Col_One_Half]

[/Twenty_Six_Col_One_Half][/Twenty_Six_Row] [Twenty_Six_Box bgcolor=”f7f7f7″ title=”PRICING” subtitle=”Specs, photos & video” url=”https://www.26northyachts.com/model/?id=219235-Motor-Yacht-100-Ocean-Alexander-100-Hull-#2″ link_name=”REVIEW SPECS”]When boarding the 100′ Ocean Alexander note aluminum-beam engineering offering massive window views and increased spaces in the galley and crew area, perfect for private ownership or charter.[/Twenty_Six_Box]

[Twenty_Six_Row][Twenty_Six_Col_One_Half]

2016 Horizon E88 Flybridge

Enroute to Florida The Horizon E88 is drawing critical acclaim for balancing cutting-edge technologies and traditional charms and practalities desired by an American audience. Enjoy an open flybridge for al fresco entertaining, intelligently proportioned keels for cruising performance, and immense luxurious interiors with extremely high levels of finishing. Also note her single main deck level that allows for an uninterrupted transition between the salon and galley areas. Regular visitors to our site will note the general appeal and value of 80-90′ Horizons yachts currently on the market.

[/Twenty_Six_Col_One_Half][Twenty_Six_Col_One_Half]

[/Twenty_Six_Col_One_Half][/Twenty_Six_Row] [Twenty_Six_Box bgcolor=”f7f7f7″ title=”PRICING” subtitle=”Specs, photos & video” url=”https://www.26northyachts.com/model/?id=107907-E88-89-E88-%28New-Boat-Spec%29″ link_name=”REVIEW SPECS”]The Horizon E88 is both luxurious and functional, featuring a 21’ beam and spacious four stateroom layout with separate crew accommodations.[/Twenty_Six_Box]

2009 Azimut 85 Solo Contigo

Now docked in Miami Recently upgraded with four stunning guest cabins gives this 85 Azimut a youthful quality. In addition to her Track fin stabilizers and updated AV equipment, knowledgeable buyers will appreciate functional features including teak over integral fiberglass swim platform, steps to aft deck (three port and three starboard, with stainless steel handrails), two 100-amp Cablemasters and waste pumpout in starboard locker. the Master staterooms feature carpeted sole, vinyl overhead with indirect lighting, custom wood panels, recessed lights, King-sized berth, centerline, with storage and built-in nightstand, port and starboard. Compare to other 80-100 Azimuts yachts for sale on the market

[/Twenty_Six_Col_One_Half][/Twenty_Six_Row] [Twenty_Six_Box bgcolor=”f7f7f7″ title=”PRICING” subtitle=”Specs, photos & video” url=”https://www.26northyachts.com/model/?id=215316-85-Solo-Contigo” link_name=”REVIEW SPECS”]The Azimut 85’ is one of Azimut Yacht’s top selling models jam-packed with features one needs for a long cruising voyage with friends and family.[/Twenty_Six_Box]

2007 85’ HORIZON SKY LOUNGE

Now docked in South East Florida In “PERFECT CONDITION” this meticulously customized 85’ Horizon may be one of the most feature-laden yachts in its size range bearing a large, custom-enclosed sky lounge that accommodates a day head, a 4-stateroom layout (plus 2 crew cabins) and beautifully updated interiors completed in 2014. Note the custom “him and hers” baths in the master and a comfortable main salon with formal dining area and gourmet galley. No expense has been spared to keep NINE STARS in pristine condition.

See similar models below and contact us for pricing!

2010 85’ PACIFIC MARINER

Now docked in Fort Lauderdale The thoughtful evolution of Pacific Mariner’s first 65-footer into the Pacific Mariner 85, attracted the attention of Westport Yachts who purchased the builder, smartly benefiting from an entry-level model that’s small enough to be handled by an American family, yet also appeals to a seasoned skipper. Large windows, impeccable joinery, well-appointed staterooms, with quiet acoustics make this yacht a remarkable cruising and entertainment vessel. Beautiful contouring and William Garden designed hulls offer smooth cruising for those guests residing in the three forward suites (on the lower deck) and those couples lucky enough to sleep in the full-beam master (with private access just aft.)

2012 Cheoy Lee Bravo 84

Now docked in Fort Lauderdale The 84’ Cheoy Lee eliminated the layout constraints of its predecessor, the 81’ Cheoy Lee, by incorporating separate crew quarters (for two aft) and extending the after/boat deck. The ability to carry professional crew is a major selling point but it does not stop there: “Jaunky” only has 270 hours on her C32 Caterpillars plus Caterpillar Engines Platinum Plus Extended Warranty Until 2017. A large cockpit which separates it from standard Bravo series models. This Tom Fexas design is cored above and below the waterline and is supported by fiberglass stinger system and foam-cored bulkheads.

2015 Horizon E84

Now docked in Fort Lauderdale The Horizon E84 motoryacht satisfies a number of requirements for an American family seeking to operate a world-class luxury motoryacht with a smaller crew. Flexible layout options with regards 3 or 4-stateroom layouts, open bridge, skylounge or cockpit exterior configurations, continue into the entertainment areas where guests can enjoy formal dining, an open flybridge and and comfortable aft deck. A major attraction is the mini lower helm which is a great part of the forward main deck while still allowing for a comfortable, open dinette seating design. The E84 is the second biggest yacht in the builder’s extensive E range and compelling buy in the current marketplace.

[/Twenty_Six_Col_One_Half][/Twenty_Six_Row] [Twenty_Six_Content item=”listings_worldwide” para=”horizon” length=”82-86″ condition=”new,used” content_id=”listings_worldwide3″ background=”white” ] [Twenty_Six_Box bgcolor=”f7f7f7″ title=”WANT MORE?” subtitle=”Specs, photos & video” url=”https://www.26northyachts.com/contact-us/” link_name=”CONTACT US”]This Horizon E84 is built with one-piece hull SCRIMP cored lamination w/ deep skeg & longitudinal girders offering one of the strongest and most performance-orientated hulls on the water today. Contact us for full color PDF brochure.[/Twenty_Six_Box]

2007 Hargrave 82 AUTO SEA

Now docked in Fort Lauderdale The 4-stateroom, 1 crew cabin Hargrave 82 was updated with new decors in early 2015 including new New carpeting, couches, chairs, fabrics, blinds, cushions, sconces and bedding throughout. She is powered by 2 Diesel Caterpillar C-30 1550 HP engines and can reach speeds up to 23 knots. She is flush deck motoryacht designed for an experienced owner who wants a family-friendly layout. The layout includes an extremely spacious galley with forward facing seating area backed to the galley counter giving it a view forward across an impressive helm console.

2004 Lazzara 80’ Skylounge

Now docked in Fort Pierce This beautiful, well-maintained 80’ Lazzara Skylounge model only has 2,100 recorded engine hours with a full beam width main salon with separate dining area, large galley forward with with country kitchen style dining area, and day head. Midship stairs lead up to the upper helm area and upper salon (fully enclosed and air conditioned). The layout on the lower deck consists of three staterooms amidships with ensuite heads and showers and two staterooms forward with ensuite heads and showers. The Lazzara 80SC has outstanding performance with the Caterpillar 1550 HP engines, Trac stabilizers with the latest upgraded circuitry, and a very desirable 4′ 6″ draft.

2007 80’ Ocean Alexander

Now docked in Fort Pierce Simplicity, functional design and a massive dose of Ocean Alexander engineering and Ed Monk Jr style have combined to thrill and enchant all those who have sailed and boarded the Ocean Alexander 80’ during her time on the East Coast. She can reach speeds of 20 knots with powerful C-32 Caterpillar engines without raising a sweat, aided by smooth and stable hull construction. You can board either amidships or via the swim platform. She accommodates six owners and guests in three private suites plus crew. Her galley is gorgeous while guests marvel at stainless steel framed glass doors which enter into the spacious, luxury saloon area. She has been painstakingly maintained by the owner and is an excellent buy.

[Quote name=”Florida Yacht Management”]Upon purchase, strategically reduce your operating costs up to 30% by partnering with our full-service yacht management platform. [/Quote] [Twenty_Six_Row][Twenty_Six_Col_One_Half]

EASY. TRANSPARENT. EFFORTLESS.

100% of all our motor yacht buyers have elected to place their newly purchased yacht into our on-demand management program, illustrating its success in a highly competitive market.

[/Twenty_Six_Col_One_Half] [/Twenty_Six_Row] [Twenty_Six_Box title=”EXPLORE” subtitle=”A revolution in yacht management” url=”https://www.26northyachts.com/motoryacht-management/” link_name=”REVIEW FYM” bgcolor=”f7f7f7″]On Demand Yachting offers options such as monthly management, crew hiring, mechanical servicing, flights, itinerary planning,charter, calendar solutions, insurance and dockage.[/Twenty_Six_Box]

[Twenty_Six_Box title=”DISCLAIMER” bgcolor=”fcefc3″ subtitle=”Important Notice”]The listings referenced above may be centrally listed with another broker, and is offered as a convenience by this broker/dealer to its clients. It is not intended to convey representation of a particular vessel.[/Twenty_Six_Box]

Recent Stories

Discover bliss: a guide to relax & renew at miraval life in balance spa aviara, unlocking value: why yacht owners should consider putting their yacht in charter.

Talk to us Contact Our Team  

I understand that by signing up I agree with 26 North’s  Privacy Policy .

Welcome aboard!

We have added you to the newsletter.

We have received your information and an agent will get back to you ASAP

Sign up for Yoga On the Docks Tuesdays at 8 AM  

We have received your registration. See you on the docks!

What Are The Fastest Sailboats? (Complete List)

Last Updated by

Daniel Wade

August 30, 2022

Whenever you are looking into buying a sailboat, they often tell you how fast it can go. So naturally, customers want to know, what are the fastest sailboats?

Depending on the model and brand of a sailboat, in addition to the right conditions out on the water, this answer can vary. But which sailboats are known to be the fastest?

Each style of sailboat has its advantages that make it fast. The V.O 60, X-Yachts X4.0, and Beneteau Oceanis 30.1 are great examples of fast monohull boats. For multihull boats, Rapido 60 (Trimaran), Dragonfly 40 (Trimaran), and ICE Cat 61 (Catamaran) are some of the fastest in that category.

The list can go on when you are talking about specialized performance boats, foiling boats, and even windsurfers. However, the most common sailboats that people can relate to are either monohulls or multihulls.

According to sailing experts, fast can mean 12 knots if you are only used to going about half that speed. But when you speak about the fastest sailboats, they usually top around 30 knots or more out on the water.

Table of contents

‍ What Makes a Sailboat Fast?

A lot of variables come into play to help a sailboat reach its maximum potential for going fast. While the person running the boat is the one responsible for making it go fast, the weather conditions and type of boat have to be good in order to reach top speeds.

If a boat is not designed to handle rougher conditions, you will struggle with performance in those situations. If you have a boat that is built for anything nature throws at it, you might have better stability but considerably less speed even in good conditions.

Weight and Power of Boat

If you were to have two objects with different weights and put the same amount of force on them, the lighter object moves faster. This is why lighter boats move quicker than heavier boats.

So if you were to put two boats at one end of a race head to head with the same conditions of wind and sailing area, the lighter boat wins. This is because the lighter boat is able to gain speed quickly due to the less weight it holds.

The weight of the hull is only one part of the equation, as the mast can hold a lot of weight too. If there is a way to reduce the weight on the boat, you will have a better chance at going faster.

This is why fast boats typically are made out of materials such as carbon fiber or fiberglass. If the boat is a multi-hull without a keel, this also cuts down on weight.

Friction and Wetted Surface

Water adds a ton of friction to the boat, so a fast boat needs to be able to cut through it efficiently. In addition, some boats have finely polished exteriors to help glide through the water and reduce drag.

Depending on the shape of the hull and how much wetter surface it has can greatly affect the amount of drag it has. For example, displacement hulls change as the boat heels in the water.

For multihulls, these lift the hull out of the water slightly to reduce drag. Hydrofoils are another example that lifts the entire boat out of the water to greatly reduce the wetted surface.

Sail Area and Wind

The bigger the sails are on a boat does not necessarily mean the boat will be the fastest. While the sailing area is critical for speed, it has to match the sailing area to displacement ratio.

The sail area needs to be more about the lift of the sails rather than the size of them. If the proper sails are there, then the boat should be able to reach its maximum potential if the wind conditions are right.

Fastest Sailboat Types

The type of sailboat makes a big difference in speed since it has different characteristics. These include HP monohulls, catamarans, and trimarans.

Each boat type will have a unique position in the water, making it potentially faster than another type. If you want to compare boats in perfect conditions, you can see how one stacks up to another.

HP Monohulls

HP monohulls gain a lot of their speed by being powered by a motor. While they have the capability to sail using the wind, they have the convenience of a motor to help push them along.

So the outboard motor needs to be able to handle the weight of the boat efficiently in order to help reach top speeds. A lot of larger boats need to be pushed along by multiple motors.

Monohulls in general are favored by many sailors since they have that traditional look to them. They also happen to be very common, but multi-hulls are making things competitive in the market.

Catamarans do not have a keel and it helps reduce the weight of the boat. They also displace less water compared to a monohull. However, not all catamarans go fast.

Depending on the catamaran and its capabilities, there is some that glide effortlessly on the water. These ideally work best in good conditions but will be a bumpy ride if the water is a little choppy.

They offer one of the safest rides on the water and are essentially unsinkable due to their design. They spread out their weight over a larger area on the water, making them more stable than a monohull.

In addition, the living space on a monohull is huge compared to a monohull. With about a 40-foot catamaran, it has around the same living space as a 60-foot monohull.

Trimarans are another unique style of sailboat similar to a catamaran. They have three hulls side by side instead of two, making it very stable.

They also have a wide sail area and make for quick spurts out on the water. However, they also need good conditions to operate their best to move fast.

These displace water similar to a catamaran and are more stable. They also tend to go faster in the right conditions than a catamaran.

Both catamarans and trimarans generally have shallow drafts and can be beached. In coastal waters, monohulls have to watch out for their draft since they have a keel.

Fastest Monohull Sailboats

Some of the fastest monohull sailboats have unique characteristics that set it apart from other monohulls. These include sail area, weight, and wetted surface.

The beauty about monohulls is the keel, which has its advantages in tougher conditions. If you were to race a monohull against a multihull in moderate conditions, the monohull has a better chance at navigating through the water due to the keel and potentially going faster. The keel allows the boat to heel from one side to the other and come back to the center.

The Volvo Ocean 60 is one of the fastest monohull sailboats you can find. It is a perfect example of an offshore sailboat that is usually handled by four professional sailors and eight mates on deck.

This boat is roughly 64 feet long and sits about 12 feet in the water. The fastest that these boats go ranges around 35 to 40 knots, but it takes the right conditions and a little bit of patience for that large of a boat.

2. X-Yachts X4.0

The X4.0 yacht was a winner of the European Yacht of the Year award in 2020. It is a fairly new boat design, as it debuted in 2019.

This 40 foot luxury yacht is a top-of-the-line performance cruiser that is built for speed and is lightweight. Sitting about eight feet in the water, this boat can reach up to 10 knots or potentially more with the right conditions. You can quickly reach these speeds due to its size and weight.

3. Beneteau Oceanis 30.1

The Beneteau Oceanis 30.1 is another great example of a power cruising yacht that is new to the scene in 2019. At around 31 feet, it is one of the smaller yachts on the list but packs a powerful punch in performance and speed.

The max draft of this one is just shy of 6.5 feet and it received the Best Performance Cruiser in 2020. While this one, in particular, is built more for luxury and comfort, you can easily see top speeds ranging from 7.5 to 10 knots.

4. Santa Cruz 52

The Santa Cruz 52 is a perfect combination of a lightweight sloop and a blue water racer. At 53 feet long and a draft of nine feet, this boat is a beauty to see go fast.

These are often compared to the original Swan sailboats around the same length, as far as the class and style of the boat. In good conditions, they top around eight knots on a good day.

The Amel 60 is another beauty of a luxury yacht cruiser spanning almost 60 feet in length and nearly an eight-foot draft. This boat began production in 2019 and received the 2020 European Yacht of the Year Luxury Cruiser award.

With a reliance on the engine, you can push the boat a little harder in good conditions to gain more speed. While topping out the engine, you are looking at anywhere between eight and 10 knots.

Fastest Multihull Sailboats

Multihull sailboats are generally faster than monohull sailboats due to their lack of extra weight. These are up to 30 percent faster in that situation.

The only downside is that if you want to reach those maximum speeds, you cannot add a lot of extra weight to the vessel. So for sailors that want to utilize a multihull’s full potential, they need to consider what they bring on board and how many people they have.

1. Rapido 60 (Trimaran)

The Rapido 60 is one of the fastest multihulls out there for its size. At nearly 60 feet in length and almost 11 feet in draft, this unsinkable trimaran can speed up to 25 knots.

These were first built in 2015 and are a popular trimaran to look at if you are wanting the space. In the right conditions, the manufacturer says you can easily reach 30 knots if not more.

2. Dragonfly 40 (Trimaran)

The Dragonfly 40 is one of the few 40-footers out there that you can operate shorthanded. While it typically accommodates six to eight people, the boat’s design allows it to be easily handled.

According to the manufacturer, they claim it can reach 24 knots. Assuming the conditions are perfect, it could potentially reach more.

3. ICE Cat 61 (Catamaran)

The ICE Cat 61 is just a tad over 61 feet long and is one of the more beautiful catamarans you will ever see. For its size and design, it is impressive to see it reach top speeds.

With just the motors alone, you can easily reach 13.5 knots. If all the right conditions are in play, you can expect to reach up to 25 knots.

4. SIG45 (Catamaran)

The SIG 45 is a 45-foot racing cruiser that can comfortably hold about six people. With features like low dragging bows, carbon fiber material found in spars and bulkheads, and around 1,400 square feet of sailing area to play with, you can expect top performance all the way around.

It is estimated that this boat can safely top out around 20 knots. However, there is room for more knots in the best conditions.

5. Lagoon 67 S (Catamaran)

The Lagoon 67S is one of the rarest catamarans you will ever see. There were only four built from 1993 to 1995 by Jeanneau Technologies Avancées and are a gorgeous sight to see.

Regardless of the age of this boat, it still flies in the right conditions like the newer catamarans you see today. You can expect to reach a little over 20 knots for this 67 footer and about five feet of draft.

Related Articles

I've personally had thousands of questions about sailing and sailboats over the years. As I learn and experience sailing, and the community, I share the answers that work and make sense to me, here on Life of Sailing.

by this author

Best Sailboats

Learn About Sailboats

Most Recent

Affordable Sailboats You Can Build at Home

September 13, 2023

Best Small Sailboat Ornaments

September 12, 2023

Important Legal Info

Lifeofsailing.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon. This site also participates in other affiliate programs and is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies.

Similar Posts

Best Small Sailboats With Standing Headroom

December 28, 2023

Discover the Magic of Hydrofoil Sailboats

December 11, 2023

Best Bluewater Sailboats Under $50K

Popular posts.

Best Liveaboard Catamaran Sailboats

Can a Novice Sail Around the World?

Elizabeth O'Malley

June 15, 2022

4 Best Electric Outboard Motors

How Long Did It Take The Vikings To Sail To England?

10 Best Sailboat Brands (And Why)

December 20, 2023

7 Best Places To Liveaboard A Sailboat

Get the best sailing content.

Top Rated Posts

Lifeofsailing.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon. This site also participates in other affiliate programs and is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. (866) 342-SAIL

© 2024 Life of Sailing Email: [email protected] Address: 11816 Inwood Rd #3024 Dallas, TX 75244 Disclaimer Privacy Policy

Used Yachts For Sale From 91 To 100 Feet

Listed below are used yachts for sale worldwide from 91 to 100 feet. Use the search tools to narrow your exploration. SYS Yacht Sales offers a wide range of used yachts for sale, including explorer yachts, luxury cruisers, motor yachts, trawlers, pilothouse yachts, sailing yachts and everything in between. Search top brands like Hargrave, Princess, Ferretti, Sunseeker, Azimut, Benetti and much more. Need assistance? Contact our experienced yacht brokers. We look forward to helping you find the yacht that's right for you.

Horizon FD100

Fd100-908 - in production.

All Ocean Yachts Tri-Deck Explorer Yacht

All ocean yachts 100' steel or fiberglass.

Nautor Swan 100

Mangusta 100

Palmer Johnson Motor Yacht

Azimut 100 Grande

Azimut 100 Jumbo

Motor Yacht 100 Ditmar & Donaldson

Azimut 98 Leonardo

Canados Oceanic 100 Tri-Deck

Custom Line Custom Line 100

Ocean Alexander Skylounge

Numarine 30XP

Numarine 30xp.

Custom 100' Sailing Yacht

Benetti Tradition 100

Hatteras 100 Raised Pilothouse

Magnum ride.

Burger Classic

Custom Boathouse / Dry Dock

Eagles nest.

Custom Colvin Schooner

Baia ONE HUNDRED

Ocean Alexander 100 Motor Yacht

Majesty 100

• Event Details

• Motorcycles
• Car of the Month
• Destinations
• Men’s Fashion
• Watch Collector
• Art & Collectibles
• Vacation Homes
• Celebrity Homes
• New Construction
• Home Design
• Electronics
• Fine Dining
• Baja Bay Club
• Costa Palmas
• Fairmont Doha
• Four Seasons Private Residences Dominican Republic at Tropicalia
• Reynolds Lake Oconee
• Scott Dunn Travel
• Wilson Audio
• 672 Wine Club
• Sports & Leisure
• Health & Wellness
• Best of the Best
• The Ultimate Gift Guide

10 Small Superyachts That Offer Supersized Interiors

These sub-100-footers combine broad beams with unconventional interiors to create the space of superyachts that are sometimes twice as long., howard walker, howard walker's most recent stories.

• This 1967 Shelby GT500 Has Been Reimagined to Perfection. Now It’s up for Grabs.
• One of Ferrari’s Earliest Formula 1 Cars Is Now Up for Grabs
• Aston Martin Unveils Its Fastest Vantage Road Car Ever. Here’s What We Know.
• Share This Article

For many yacht owners, the solution to finding more space aboard for friends and family is summed up by that immortal line by Chief Brody in Jaws : “You’re gonna need a bigger boat.”

Until now, bigger has typically meant longer. But that’s quickly changing as more and more builders are creating interior volume by going wider and taller. For disrupter builder Wally Yachts and its polarizing new Wallywhy 150—which refers to its internal volume rather than the boat’s length—the quirky design is said to deliver 50 percent more space than more traditional 78-footers.

Other builders like Princess have been in the game since 2021. Its X95 first appeared several years ago, effectively throwing down the gauntlet as a way forward for sub-100-foot yachts to supersize both interior and exterior volumes.

Since then, many other builders of small superyachts have jumped on board, with designs that typically have somewhat bloated profiles, far-forward main suites, and open transoms—features all designed to maximize space but minimize length.

Here are 10 new yachts 100 feet and under that are breaking the mold in an attempt to dominate the nautical space race.

wallywhy150

It’s no wonder that disrupter Italian builder Wally—now part of the Ferretti Group—calls its latest head-turner a “spaceship.” Claiming up to 50 percent more space than comparable 78-footers, the 150 (named after interior volume rather than length) has standout features like a main salon with over eight feet of headroom, and a beam of more than 22 feet. The pragmatic design includes a one-level main deck attached to an open rear cockpit that offers easy access to the water. Its most noteworthy feature is the rule-breaking, full-beam master suite tucked into the bow on the main deck. It has wraparound glass—stretching all the way around the bow—for panorama-like views from the main bedroom. Priced from about $6.7 million.

Lazzara UHV 87

Short for Ultra High Volume, this new Turkish-built pocket superyacht is a sistership to Lazzara’s UHV 100 and 125 models. The newest Lazzara boasts an impressive 2,153 square feet of interior space in its 87-foot length. Arguably, the boat is not pretty in a classic sense. The towering hull sides, blunt, plumb bow, and dark-tinted glass make it look more like a dinner cruiser than a mini-superyacht. But the interior space is astonishing, from the cavernous Sky Lounge, with its floor-to-ceiling windows, to the salon with a separate, chandelier-lit dining area and chef’s galley. With a fuel capacity of 3,000 gals, the twin 1,000 hp Volvo D13s deliver a top speed of 16 knots. The boat also has transatlantic range. Base price starts at about $10.9 million.

Sunseeker 100 Yacht

Movie nights under the stars should have a whole new appeal aboard UK builder Sunseeker’s brand-new 98-footer. Lie back on the yacht’s extra-wide foredeck sunpad and watch the latest blockbuster on a 140-inch screen with laser projection. Or, if you’re the lucky owner, stargaze from your private terrace tucked away in the bow, just steps from the full-beam main-deck master suite, with atrium-style glass sliding doors. One of the best innovations here is the wide, uninterrupted walkway around the entire top deck, which provides safe, easy access from the flybridge to the forward entertaining space. With its twin 2,600 hp V16 MTU diesels, top speed is an impressive 29 knots. Priced from about $10.5 million.

Azimut Grande 26M

For its brand-new Grande 26M compact superyacht, Italian builder Azimut has gone extra wide to create massive interior and exterior spaces. Spatial highlights include a full-width flybridge that’s almost 20 feet across and close to 40 feet long, and a foredeck entertaining area that seems more like an outdoor patio. The Alberto Mancini-styled go-fast cruiser is crammed with space-enhancing innovations, such as a teak-decked garage door that, at the touch of a button, hinges upwards to extend the rear cockpit by almost five feet. New ZF pod drives coupled to the yacht’s twin 1,650 hp MAN V12 diesels also save space. It is priced from about $6.2 million.

Princess X95

As we said during our 2021 tour of Britain’s Princess Yachts’ tri-deck X95 “When it comes to the polarizing, head-spinning design, there are no half-measures, no in-betweens. You either love it. Or loathe it.” But what those eye-popping lines hide is perhaps the most spacious 95-foot luxury cruiser in the category. Reckoned to be some 40 percent roomier than cruisers with the same length, the X95 has stretch-out accommodations for up to 10 in five cabins and living spaces that rival most apartments. The flybridge covers almost the entire length of the yacht. The 100 is also fast, with twin 1,990 hp MAN V12s delivering a top speed of 23 knots. Prices start at about $12 million.

Extra X96 Triplex

This broad-beamed 96-footer is from the Italian builder Extra Yachts, which is part of the Palumbo Superyachts Group. While it’s called the Triplex, there are actually four levels if you include the cozy upper sundeck with its outdoor kitchen, dining area, and oversized sunpads. The exterior comes courtesy of Italian designer Francesco Guida, while interiors are by Milan-based Hot Labs. Both teams have made the most of the yacht’s class-leading 25-foot beam. Notable features include a vast full-beam master on the main level and an upper salon dedicated entirely to dining, with a table for 10, an open chef’s galley, and an adjoining outdoor bar. Twin Volvo IPS1350s deliver a 16.5-knot top speed. Priced from $12 million.

Sunreef 100

This Sunreef power catamaran’s beam spans a staggering 44 feet, offering the kind of interior and exterior spaces you only get with superyachts twice the length. Every element of the yacht is XXL-size—from the massive hydraulic swim platform to the full-width flybridge that covers almost 1,000 square feet. Down in the salon is a huge 11-seat U-shaped bar that would delight any mixologist. The five staterooms in the twin hulls have space for 10. A pair of 1,300 hp MAN V8 diesels delivers a six-knot top speed. It is priced from about $15.3 million.

Absolute Navetta 75

In Italian, the word “navetta” translates to “little ship.” Which is a perfect description for Absolute’s new 75-foot fast cruiser. It’s an evolution of the strong-selling Navetta 73 but with nearly two feet of extra length. The yacht’s expansive interior volumes will remain the same, with features like a forward master stateroom on its own level that has a private entrance steps away from the main salon. The salon features floor-to-ceiling glass, with full views of the water, courtesy of open bulwarks. Twin 1,000 hp Volvo IPS1350 diesels deliver a top speed of 25 knots. Pricing starts at about $4 million.

Arcadia A96

Cross a spacious Miami high-rise penthouse with a Canyon Ranch spa and the result could be this new 96-foot superyacht from Italian builder Arcadia. Boasting a remarkable 4,300 square feet of total living space, there’s room for 12 guests and five crew. And the living spaces even expand, courtesy of fold-down terraces in the main salon and on the rear deck. But the yacht’s focus on wellness and healthy living sets it apart. That expansive, teak-decked foredeck, spanning over 500 square feet, is perfect for yoga sessions or meditation, while the cockpit and beach club offer another 1,000 square feet of social space. For extra peace and quiet at anchor, solar panels can provide up to nine hours of generator-free power.

Numarine 26XP Fast

Think of it as offering pace, with space. Turkish yard Numarine has been building its bold 85-foot 26XP explorer style mini-superyacht since 2018, but later this year, it will launch the U.S.-focused 26XP Fast. Instead of slow-churning 435 hp diesels and nine-knot cruising, it’s bolting-in a pair of mighty 1,800 hp MAN V12s and modifying the hull to deliver a top speed of 31 knots. What hasn’t changed is the XP’s cavernous interior and expensive deck space. Take the top-deck flybridge which, thanks to the yacht’s 21-foot beam and far-forward helm, spans over 700 square feet. That space will include a dining table for eight, a full outdoor kitchen, and more lounges than a Saint-Tropez beach bar. Prices start from $6.95 million.

Read More On:

• Azimut Yachts
• motoryachts
• Princess Yachts

More Marine

Lexus Just Unveiled a Speedy New 68-Foot Yacht

This New High-Performance Electric RIB Can Hit a Ferocious 50 Knots at Full Tilt

This New 144-Foot Superyacht Has a Glassed-In Dining Room With Ocean Views

This Insane Submarine Concept Doubles as a 107-Foot Superyacht

Culinary Masters 2024

MAY 17 - 19 Join us for extraordinary meals from the nation’s brightest culinary minds.

Give the Gift of Luxury

Latest Galleries in Marine

Lexus LY680 Yacht in Photos

From Diving Shipwrecks to Kayaking Luminous Waters: 10 Caribbean Experiences You Can Only Access by Boat

More from our brands, these louis vuitton trunks hold precious olympic cargo, disney breathes easy as ratings titan iowa advances to the sweet 16, fantastic fest horror hit ‘strange darling’ lands wide theatrical release from new bob yari venture (exclusive), moma apologizes for denying entry to visitor with keffiyeh: ‘we made a mistake’, the best yoga blocks to support any practice, according to instructors.

Advertisement

How the Key Bridge Collapsed in Baltimore: Maps and Photos

By Weiyi Cai ,  Agnes Chang ,  Lauren Leatherby ,  Lazaro Gamio ,  Leanne Abraham and Scott Reinhard

On Tuesday, a major bridge in Baltimore collapsed into the water seconds after it was struck by a cargo ship, sending vehicles on the bridge into the river below. The ship lost power and issued a mayday call shortly before it hit the bridge.

The ship, a 948-foot-long cargo vessel called Dali, was about a half hour into its journey toward Colombo, Sri Lanka, when it hit a main pillar of the bridge. All crew members are safe, according to the ship’s owners.

Follow our live coverage .

A mayday call from the ship gave officials enough time to stop traffic at both ends of the bridge. The waters where the bridge collapsed are about 50 feet deep. By Tuesday morning, six construction workers who had been fixing potholes on the bridge remained missing as divers and other emergency workers on boats and helicopters continued to search for them. Two others had been rescued, and one was in the hospital.

Francis Scott

Patapsco River

The ship left the Port

of Baltimore around

1 a.m. on Tuesday.

Where impact occurred

Direction of the ship

The ship hit the

bridge at 1:28 a.m.

The ship hit the bridge at 1:28 a.m.

Where impact

Source: Spire Global

The New York Times; satellite image by Google Earth

The lights of the ship flickered on and off as it lost power in the minutes before the ship changed bearing and hit the bridge.

Ship approached from

the Port of Baltimore

Road repair crews

Ship changed heading

as it neared pillar

Ship hit pillar

Southern and central spans

of bridge began to collapse within

seconds of impact

Northern span began to

collapse seconds later

Within 30 seconds of impact,

the central part of bridge had

entirely collapsed.

Source: StreamTime Live via YouTube

Timestamps are from StreamTime Live video.

The New York Times

The Francis Scott Key Bridge was opened in 1977 and carried more than 12.4 million vehicles last year. The bridge was one of the three major ways to cross the Patapsco River and formed part of Baltimore’s beltway.

The Port of Baltimore is a major trade hub that handled a record amount of foreign cargo last year. It is an especially important destination — the nation’s largest by volume last year — for deliveries of cars and light trucks.

Ship impact

To Chesapeake Bay

Sources: Maryland Port Administration, OpenStreetMap, MarineTraffic

Note: Ship positions are as of 2:46 p.m. Eastern time.

Overall, Baltimore was the 17th biggest port in the United States in 2021, ranked by total tons, according to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics. The bridge collapse brought marine traffic there to a standstill, with seven cargo or tanker ships stranded in the harbor as of Tuesday afternoon.

Gov. Wes Moore declared a state of emergency for Maryland and said that his office was in close communication with Pete Buttigieg, the U.S. transportation secretary. The White House issued a statement saying that President Biden had been briefed on the collapse.

Erin Schaff/The New York Times

• Share full article

• Accommodations

Fastest 100 Foot Yacht Takes the Seas

The Nomad IV is taking the world by storm, as the fastest 100 foot yacht in the ocean. According to reports from Yachting World, the “raw sensation of power” on the Nomad IV is similar to being aboard one of the muscle boats, like the Volvo 65 or the Vendee Globe racer. These crafts are known for their power and speed, but the Nomad IV, a carbon super cruiser designed in the spirit of ocean racing boats, combines both these elements with its impressive size, Florida yachting groups say.

The owner of the Nomad IV is a French IT and telecoms entrepreneur, who was looking for a 100-foot yacht that he could cruise around the world in, racing and chartering. He wanted the craft to be able to withstand the demands of ocean races such as the Middle Sea Race, Sydney-Hobart, and the Fastnet. His directions for the designers included the stipulation that the yacht should be able to enter shoal waters without heeling upwind to more than 12 degrees, and that the yacht can cruise through shallow anchorages with keel lifts from 5.4m to 3m. But his main directive was simple—make the Nomad IV for fast sailing.

Pascal Conq, the yacht’s lead designer, began work in 2010, and took three years to build the Nomad IV, working mostly at the Maxi Dolphin yard in Italy. Her first launch was this year. Over the past 30 years of his career, Conq has worked on several new designs and plans for specialty yachts, but the Nomad IV is the first yacht of its size that he and his design team have been commissioned to build. Conq said that the boat was a challenge: “There is a lot of volume, and the boat is very beamy, very powerful and stable. It was a big step-up in size, but we have been able to apply what we’ve learned from our racing boat experience.”

The Nomad IV is built with a 120-foot mast that rises from the middle of the boat. The yacht’s fully battened square top mainsail, J2 and J3 staysail, and J1 headsail on a hydraulic furler are all removable, to make tacking easier. The upwind sails are made with lighter, more durable North 3di carbon/Dyneema laminate, to facilitate faster speeds for such a large boat. Conq said that the yacht “posed some architecture problems; the power of the shape, the keel structure, and the load points,” but with compensating features such as these, the Nomad IV is being called the world’s fastest 100ft cruising yacht.

At Neptune Group Yachting International, a leading Neptune yacht charter, we are always keeping our eyes open for up-and-coming yacht designs and innovative new features, so that we can continue to provide our clients with quality and originality. As technology advances, we are able to charter specialty yachts to bring you the best in design and modernization, and provide you with a one-of-a-kind experience. To discuss the options available, and book your yacht, contact Neptune Group Yachting today.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Six presumed dead after cargo ship crash levels Baltimore bridge, company says

BALTIMORE — A major Baltimore bridge collapsed like a house of cards early Tuesday after it was struck by a containership, sending six people to their deaths in the dark waters below and shutting down one of the country’s busiest ports.

Jeffrey Pritzker, executive vice president of Brawner Builders, confirmed that six were presumed dead and one survived in a telephone interview. Their names were not released.

Pritzker's announcement came just hours after Maryland Gov. Wes Moore insisted there was still hope that the crew, who vanished after the Francis Scott Key Bridge disintegrated from the impact, might still be found alive despite having been in the freezing water for hours.

It was a crushing blow to the loved ones of the missing men, who had waited for hours at a Royal Farms convenience store near the entrance of the bridge for word of their fate. 

Follow live updates here

The tragic chain events began early Tuesday when the cargo ship Dali notified authorities that it had lost power and issued a mayday moments before the 984-foot vessel slammed into a bridge support at a speed of 8 knots, which is about 9 mph.

Moore declared a state of emergency while rescue crews using sonar detected at least five vehicles in the frigid 50-foot-deep water: three passenger cars, a cement truck and another vehicle of some kind. Authorities do not believe anyone was inside the vehicles.

Investigators quickly concluded that it was an accident and not an act of terrorism.

Ship was involved in another collision

Earlier, two people were rescued from the water, Baltimore Fire Chief James Wallace said. One was in good condition and refused treatment, he said. The other was seriously injured and was being treated in a trauma center.

Moore said other drivers might have been in the water had it not been for the “folks” who, upon hearing the mayday, blocked off the bridge and kept other vehicles from crossing.

“These people are heroes,” Moore said. “They saved lives. They saved lives.”

Nearly eight years ago, the Dali was involved in another collision. In July 2016, it collided with a quay at the Port of Antwerp-Bruges in Belgium, damaging the quay.

The nautical commission investigated the accident, but the details of the probe were not immediately clear Tuesday.

The Dali is operated and managed by a company called Synergy Group. In a statement, the company said that two port pilots were at the helm at the time of Tuesday's crash and that all 22 crew members onboard were accounted for.

The bridge, which is about a mile and a half long and carries Interstate 695 over the Patapsco River southeast of Baltimore, was "fully up to code," Moore said.

A 24-person team of National Transportation Safety Board investigators was already at the crash site.

NTSB Chairwoman Jennifer Homendy said her agency will lead the investigation. She said a data recorder on the ship could provide more information.

"But right now we're focusing on the people, on the families," she said. "The rest can wait."

President Joe Biden vowed to rebuild the bridge and send federal funds.

"This is going to take some time," Biden warned. "The people of Baltimore can count on us though to stick with them, at every step of the way, till the port is reopened and the bridge is rebuilt."

Speaking in Baltimore, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg echoed the president's promise.

"This is no ordinary bridge," he said. "This is one of the cathedrals of American infrastructure."

But Buttigieg warned that replacing the bridge and reopening the port will take time and cost money and that it could affect supply chains.

The Port of Baltimore, the 11th largest in the U.S., is the busiest port for car imports and exports, handling more than 750,000 vehicles in 2023 alone, according to data from the Maryland Port Administration.

The Dali was chartered by the Danish shipping giant Maersk, which said it will have no choice but to send its ships to other nearby ports with the Port of Baltimore closed.

Writer David Simon, a champion of Baltimore who set his TV crime drama "The Wire" on the streets of the city he once covered as a reporter, warned online that the people who will suffer the most are those whose livelihoods depend on the port.

"Thinking first of the people on the bridge," Simon posted on X . "But the mind wanders to a port city strangling. All the people who rely on ships in and out."

Timeline of crash

Dramatic video captured the moment at 1:28 a.m. Tuesday when the Dali struck a support and sent the bridge tumbling into the water. A livestream showed cars and trucks on the bridge just before the collision. The ship did not sink, and its lights remained on.

Investigators said in a timeline that the Dali's lights suddenly shut off four minutes earlier before they came back on and that then, at 1:25 a.m. dark black smoke began billowing from the ship's chimney.

A minute later, at 1:26 a.m., the ship appeared to turn. And in the minutes before it slammed into the support, the lights flicked off and on again.

Maryland Transportation Secretary Paul Wiedefeld said the workers on the bridge were repairing concrete ducts when the ship crashed into the structure.

At least seven workers were pouring concrete to fix potholes on the roadway on the bridge directly above where the ship hit, said James Krutzfeldt, a foreman.

Krutzfeldt, who was not working on that job, said one is another foreman whom he considers his mentor and “work dad.”

"I'm still kind of in shock," he said.

Earlier, the Coast Guard said it had received a report that a “motor vessel made impact with the bridge” and confirmed it was the Dali, a containership sailing under a Singaporean flag that was heading for Sri Lanka.

Bobby Haines, who lives in Dundalk in Baltimore County, said he felt the impact of the bridge collapse from his house nearby.

"I woke up at 1:30 this morning and my house shook, and I was freaking out," he said. "I thought it was an earthquake, and to find out it was a bridge is really, really scary."

Families of bridge workers wait for updates

Earlier in the day, relatives of the construction crew waited for updates on their missing loved ones.

Marian Del Carmen Castellon told Telemundo her husband, Miguel Luna, 49, was among those working on the bridge.

“They only tell us that we have to wait and that they can’t give us information,” she said.

Asked how she was holding up, Castellon said, "Devastated, devastated because our heart is broken, because we don’t know how they have been rescued yet. We are just waiting for the news."

Luna's co-worker Jesús Campos said he felt crushed, too.

“It hurts my heart to see what is happening. We are human beings, and they are my folks,” he said.

Campos told The Baltimore Banner that the missing men are from El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Mexico.

Some of the construction workers who still have not been found had babies recently, said Earl Schneider, a structural foreman with the company. 

“I know everybody on that crew personally," Schneider told NBC News. "They’re all great people. It’s tough. It’s been a rough morning.”

Earlier, Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott urged his constituents to pray for the workers — and the first responders struggling to locate them.

"This is an unthinkable tragedy," Scott said.

'A long road in front of us'

Built in 1977 and referred to locally as the Key Bridge, the structure was later named after the author of the American national anthem.

The bridge is more than 8,500 feet long, or 1.6 miles. Its main section spans 1,200 feet, and it was one of the longest continuous truss bridges in the world upon its completion, according to the National Steel Bridge Alliance .

About 31,000 vehicles a day use the bridge, which equals 11.3 million vehicles per year, according to the Maryland Transportation Authority.

The river and the Port of Baltimore are both key to the shipping industry on the East Coast, generating more than $3.3 billion a year and directly employing more than 15,000 people.

Asked what people in Baltimore can expect going forward, the state's transportation secretary said it is too early to tell.

"Obviously we reached out to a number of engineering companies, so obviously we have a long road in front of us," Wiedefeld said.

Julia Jester reported from Baltimore, Patrick Smith from London and Corky Siemaszko from New York City.

Julia Jester is a producer for NBC News based in Washington, D.C.

Patrick Smith is a London-based editor and reporter for NBC News Digital.

Corky Siemaszko is a senior reporter for NBC News Digital.