Against the backdrop of this year's economic slowdown, the superyacht industry has shown amazing dynamism, completely breaking the market's inherent expectations. Data shows that in the past 12 months, the total sales of the industry have increased by 83%, which is amazing. Although some of the details of the most important transactions have been kept low-key (such as the recently traded "Aquijo", whose sky-high price is even rumored to be in the nine figures), the total value has increased from 3.6 billion euros in 2022 to 3.9 billion euros in 2023.
As the new year begins, this article shares some of the biggest and most exciting yacht deals of 2023. The story begins with a landmark yacht brokerage sale in history.
apho
Length: 1151 meter.
Asking price: 3300 million euros.
The superyacht industry came to a standstill when the news broke that Lürssen's "AHPO" had been **, which was considered the largest brokerage deal in history. If that wasn't enough, her immense influence pushed her to May 2023 to be the highest month for brokerage sales on record. Designed by Nuvolari Lenard and inspired by high-performance sports cars, the striking shape of the "AHPO" features a tapered deck, a two-tone color scheme and the iconic half-moon windows. The interior of the yacht is also nature-themed, as can be seen in the choice of artwork, the staircase (where an olive tree is depicted) and the winter garden on the aft deck.
The "AHPO" is sold by the brokerage company Moran Yacht &Ship on an internal exchange**.
Designers Peder Eidsgaard and Laura Sessa teamed up with German shipyard Lürssen Yachts to create the award-winning "Madsummer" in 2019 for an owner looking for a new yacht and new aircraft. Their efforts have resulted in a subtle and masculine superyacht with a colourful interior and a dedicated deck for the husky seaplanes accompanying the owner. Other highlights on board include a fully certified *** deck at the bow, a 12-metre swimming pool, and brightly coloured cabins that can accommodate up to 12 guests.
The "Madsummer" is sold by the brokerage company Moran Yacht &Ship on an internal exchange**.
here comes the sun
Length: 89 meters.
Asking price: 1$9.5 billion.
The former yacht for sale was sold in August this year just four months after being listed on the brokerage market. Originally delivered in 2017, the 'Here Comes the Sun' remains Dutch shipbuilder Amels' largest yacht to date, and was recently completely rebuilt in 2021 with Azure N**al Architects expanding the stern by 6 metres, constructing a second *** tarmac and spraying it with brand new navy blue and white paint. The superyacht was subsequently awarded the "Neptune" award for Best Retrofit Yacht at the 2022 World Superyacht Awards, with the judges applauding its new elegance and clever interior layout.
Here Comes The Sun" is represented by the brokerage company Fraser on behalf of both the buyer and seller.
whisper
Length: 952 meters.
Asking price: 14.9 billion euros.
With the help of Cecil Wright yacht brokerage, the Lürssen yacht, known as the Whisper (formerly Kismet), was sold in just three months – just before she was scheduled to attend this year's Monaco Yacht Show. The yacht was commissioned by billionaire businessman Shahid Khan, who wanted to own a "champagne and caviar superyacht" for family and corporate entertainment. Renowned design designer Espen Ino, as always, opted for a champagne-coloured hull and added a host of sought-after amenities to the Art Deco-inspired interior. Some of the most striking design features include a multi-level swimming pool, a Persian-style spa, and a 350-kilogram crystal caviar chandelier.
'Whisper' is a deal between Cecil Wright & Partners and Christie Yachts.
arrow
Length: 75 meters.
Asking price: 139.9 billion euros.
The 75-metre Arrow and the AHPO were sold in the same month, the second transaction in May to sell for more than nine figures. London-based studio H2 Yacht Design conceived her sloping bow and low sides, and he is also responsible for the yacht's sleek, modern interiors. The Arrow also utilizes the latest hybrid technology from the Dutch shipyard, with an advanced waste heat** system that improves the overall efficiency of the yacht. Six cabins can accommodate 12 guests, with an additional cabin for 19 crew members.
Arrow" was carried out by Fraser on behalf of the seller and Kitson Yachts on behalf of the buyer.
starlust
Length: 682 meters.
Asking price: 88 million euros.
Abeking & Rasmussen's 'Stalust' was sold in March and has since been renamed 'Starlust'. Delivered in 2020, her original owner commissioned Focus Yacht Design to design a look that "wouldn't be mistaken for any other yacht", culminating in the yacht's distinctive fan-shaped windows, 'olecranon' bow and vivid orange waterlines to match the light grey hull. The Starlust is also equipped with two custom-built tenders, each with a recognisable orange waterline at the bottom, echoing the style of the parent yacht.
Stalust was made up of insider trading by the brokerage firm Ocean Independence.
lusine
Length: 60 meters.
Asking price: $82 million.
At 60 metres long, the newly delivered "Lusine" in the Netherlands is Heesen's largest steel superyacht to date, with an exterior design from Omega Architects. She received a jury commendation at the 2023 World Superyacht Awards and that year's Design & Innovation Awards. The yacht's delicate and sophisticated lighting scheme is particularly striking, showcasing elegant joinery, rich textures and rare stone surfaces (including actual lunar meteorite fragments that dovetail with her lunar theme).
Lusine" was introduced by Fraser to the buyer, with Burgess and Kayz Marine both representing the seller**.
felix
Length: 745 meters.
Asking price: €71.5 million.
Felix", the most popular charter yacht joined the brokerage market just a few years after a major refit by Pendennis in 2020. The work revolves around a 6-metre stern extension that creates an additional 120 square metres of guest space. Her additions include an expanded beach club area that doubles as *** as well as a health and wellness centre with a Turkish bath, fully equipped gym and counter-current swimming pool.
Felix" was **, Fraser and Burgess represented the seller and Fraser represented the buyer.
Q Length: 682 meters.
Asking price: €69.5 million.
Originally delivered as a multi-purpose supply vessel in 2012, the Q (formerly Ragnar) was converted into a round-the-world expedition yacht by Dutch shipyard Icon Yachts in 2020. The exterior of the RWD design is rumored to be inspired by the helmets of medieval Vikings, while the interior borrows visible design cues from cozy ski lodges and Scottish castles. Among her extensive expedition boat qualifications, the "Q" has a diesel-electric propulsion system with icebreaker propellers, an industrial-grade crane and a certified *** deck designed to support the Airbus EC145***
The Q was sold in a transaction** between Arcon Yachts and FGI Yacht Group.
casino royale
Length: 72 meters.
Asking price: 66 million euros.
In the top 10 of this year's list is Italy's Tankoa's flagship Casino Royale, a superyacht that shed its characteristic beige hull at the Amico shipyard last winter in favour of an all-white outer crutch. Francesco Paszkowski Design has teamed up with Margherita Casprini to give the yacht a modern look and a dark, slightly masculine interior. According to Paszkowski, one of the main design features of the yacht is the beach club, which gets natural light from the glass-bottomed pool above and is connected to the on-board wellness center, complete with hammocks and multiple folding terrace balconies.
The "Casino Royale" number is traded within Edmiston**.