Recessions don’t necessarily result in fire-sale prices for megayachts. Just take a look at some of the yachts available on the brokerage market right now. You’ll see that some owners are still expecting top-dollar results. They each have their reasons: Perhaps their yacht has a pedigree; the engineering level is high; you name it.
The following are the six superyachts with the highest listing prices. All figures, except where noted, are originally quoted in euros, so the U.S. dollar equivalent is given in parentheses, accurate at press time. (Note: Megayachts that are quietly for sale and therefore not actively promoted are not included. The same holds true for concept projects and ones not yet launched.)
1. Northern Star. Nearly 248 feet LOA, Northern Star was a repeat build for her owner at Lurssen, launched in 2009. Despite her rugged exterior, the interior is much like a fine English country home. Twelve in the owner’s party and 22 crewmembers are accommodated. Moran Yacht & Ship holds the central listing. Price: €129 million (about $177.375 million).
2. Kismet. Kismet (above) is among a handful of Lurssen-built megayachts styled by Espen Øino. Launched in 2007, she measuers 223 feet. She’d make for a terrific party platform, given an “entertainment deck” with a barbecue and beer on tap, plus a disco, glass-bottomed Jacuzzi tub, a massage room, and a sauna. Central listing with Moran Yacht & Ship. Price: €95 million (about $130.6 million).
3. Nero. It’s easy to assume that Nero is far older than her 2008 launch date, given early-20th-century styling. She’s a replica of the steam yacht Corsair. Coming in at 296 feet, she was built by Raffles Shipyard under the direction of Corsair Marine. Three doubles and two twins accompany the master stateroom. While she looks every inch the classic yacht in decor, she also has modern touches, like an outdoor cinema on the boat deck. Central listing with Burgess. Price: €75 million (about $103.125 million).
4. Sapphire. Just launched and nearing completion at Nobiskrug, the 241-foot Sapphire has floor-to-ceiling windows on her main deck. The saloon, dining area, and master suite benefit from these. There’s also a cinema aboard, and the sundeck contains a large pool and skylights in the small hardtop above the bar. Edmiston & Company holds the central listing. Price: €75 million (about $103.125 million). Note that she’s the same price as Nero, so LOA dictated rank.
5. April Fool. Built in 2006 by Feadship, April Fool (above) measures 200 feet LOA. Just four guest staterooms are on the lower deck, since the owners planned private usage. There’s also an entertainment room dedicated to the owners’ grandkids. Oak is the dominant wood onboard, for a subtle decor. Cute story behind the name: The owners met on April Fool’s Day, the same holiday that subsequently marked the megayacht’s launch. Central listing with Burgess. Price: €67.5 million (about $92.8 million).
6. Lady Anne PB. Styled by the late Walter Franchini, this six-deck Amels measures nearly 225 feet LOA. Delivery took place in 2006. The owners were intimately involved in every aspect of the design. They closely collaborated with Franchini on the decor selection, using rosewood, Macassar ebony, goatskin parchment, and more. These, plus period furnishings and modern pieces, echo the feel of early 20th century ocean liners. Six staterooms accommodate 13 people. Burgess holds her central listing. Price: $86 million.
Leave a Reply