The global demand for superyachts is reaching new heights — and so is their size. Once a symbol of extravagant luxury, today’s superyachts are evolving into floating palaces that offer both privacy and functionality for the ultra-wealthy.
According to industry data from Boat International, 1,203 superyachts were built or ordered globally in 2023 — an all-time record. While the overall number is expected to dip slightly in 2025 to 1,138, the yachts themselves are getting significantly larger. This year alone, 61 vessels measuring 76m or more are under construction, up from 55 last year. Meanwhile, orders for the smallest category of superyachts (24m–27m) have declined.
The appetite for more space and grandeur appears to have been accelerated by the pandemic. “After Covid, people started treating their yachts as personal safe havens,” says Barbara Armerio, co-owner of Italian luxury yacht builder Amer. “They want bigger windows, more outdoor space and better access to the sea.”
Italian lawyer and superyacht enthusiast Paola Trifirò agrees. She and her husband have owned more than a dozen superyachts over the years, often exceeding 50m in length. “Whether it’s sailing alongside whales or being greeted by fishermen in Fiji, I like to feel strong and safe at sea,” she says. She’s personally involved in the design of her yachts — with ample kitchen space for gourmet meals a non-negotiable. “If you’re used to eating well, you can’t always rely on local restaurants,” she adds.
Superyachts are typically defined as privately owned luxury vessels measuring 24m or more in length and professionally crewed. Today’s models go far beyond basic opulence. From helipads and cinemas to saunas and beauty salons, naval architects are constantly pushing the boundaries of onboard design.
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