how many super maxi yachts are there in the world

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What Is A Maxi Yacht?

Wondering what is a maxi yacht? This type of large sailing vessel is extremely popular in the Whitsunday Islands , which happens to be one of the world’s most breathtaking sailing destinations! So if you’re planning a boat trip through the Whitsundays , you may want to brush up on your knowledge of maxi yachts and consider hopping on one for your exploration of the Coral Sea!

A maxi yacht generally refers to a racing yacht that is over 21 or 22 meters in length (68-71 feet). Though they are often built and designed for racing, many maxis are converted into tour boats after their racing careers. But many maxis have fascinating histories, whether it’s competing in the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race or taking on global sailing expeditions. 

Because these boats are built with premium materials and engineering processes, they have superior speed and sailing capabilities compared to other catamarans or power boats. A maxi yacht can cost millions of dollars to build and maintain, so you can be sure you’re stepping aboard a top-notch vessel when you hop onto a maxi! 

Maxi Boat Tours In The Whitsundays

If you’re looking for the ultimate sailing experience in the Whitsundays , a maxi yacht boat tour is the way to go. They are some of the fastest boats, meaning you can cover more ground and see more sights in less time. Most maxi tours are 2 nights, with either 2 or 3 days for exploring. So you’ll get to pack in so much sightseeing in the Whitsundays during your tour!

Super maxi yachts are also the most spacious options for boat tours in the Whitsundays. There are often extensive cabins and saloons that allow ample space for relaxing on board. Often carrying groups of around 20-30 passengers, you’ll have a fun, social experience aboard a maxi yacht. 

Check out our top maxi tours here!

Best Super Maxi Yachts in the Whitsundays

Once you’ve decided to board a maxi yacht for your Whitsunday adventure, you may be wondering what are the best super maxi boat tours to choose from. Here is a quick overview of the top maxi yachts where you can have the sailing experience of a lifetime in the beautiful Whitsunday Islands . 

All maxi sailing tours visit the iconic Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet Lookout , as well as numerous marine life-rich snorkeling spots . They also include all food throughout the tour, and many are BYO alcohol. 

British Defender

British Defender is one of the most incredible maxis in the Whitsundays! At 77 feet long, this sturdy and spacious vessel was built in 1989 and has sailed all over the world. There are 3 bathrooms on board, each with a hot shower, as well as single and double bunks that can fit a total of 28 guests. 

As you sail to Whitehaven Beach and numerous excellent snorkeling spots over 2 day and 2 nights, passengers can get involved and help the crew with sailing! British Defender is also the only maxi in the Whitsundays with air-conditioning! If you’re visiting Tropical North Queensland during the hot summer months, you’ll definitely want that air-con so you can eat, sleep, and relax in comfort. 

British Defender is also available for private charter!

This 3-day, 2-night maxi tour is another one of the top sailing tours. Apollo has an extensive and successful racing history! This boat has won every major race on the east coast of Australia and is now one of the most comfortable tour boats in the Whitsundays. 

On your tour with Apollo, you’ll visit gorgeous local spots like Stonehaven Bay, Nara Inlet, Langford Reef, and of course, Whitehaven Beach . Apollo also offers the perfect balance of fun and relaxation. This 75-foot-long maxi has space for 26 guests, so you can make new friends but it’s not a party boat so you’ll be able to enjoy some serenity on your tour as well. After being fully refitted in 2022, Apollo is running better than ever!

Apollo is also available for private charter!

Siska offers a 2-day, 1-night tour that is the perfect social experience for young people ages 18-35. With only 24 guests on board, you’ll be able to make new friends without feeling too crowded on this luxurious maxi yacht. 

There is a spacious saloon with two dining tables, and an extensive awning that will provide some shady relaxation spots when anchored. Because Siska only runs for 2 days and 1 night, it’s a great overnight maxi tour for those who are short on time. But if you have at least 2 nights to spare exploring the Whitsundays, British Defender or Apollo are the ideal options!

Siska is also available for private charter!

Live chat with our travel experts or call us at +61 7 4914 2425 if you have any questions about planning your Whitsunday sailing trip!

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The (Really) Big Boats Have Arrived

Those enormous, pricey Maxi yachts have joined the Caribbean racing season and will be at Les Voiles de St. Barth.

By John Clarke

It has taken a few years, delayed by the pandemic, but formal Maxi yacht racing is coming to the Caribbean, considerably increasing the competitive opportunities sailors have to race their sleek monohull behemoths that can reach 100 feet long.

Les Voiles de St. Barth Richard Mille, which begins on Sunday, will join the inaugural I.M.A. Caribbean Maxi Challenge, a four-stop event created to increase the participation of Maxis in those regattas and draw more Maxis to the Caribbean sailing circuit.

“Maxi sailors are really excited because this increases the standards and quality, and the number of regattas they can sail,” said Benoît de Froidmont, president of the International Maxi Association . “Now we will have proper starts and courses.”

And more opportunities to sail their boats, which are expensive to maintain and cost as much as $10 million — owners want to get as much out of their boats as possible. “The biggest sin is to let these boats just sit,” said Ken Keefe, a former America’s Cup sailor who manages and sails on Vesper, a Maxi 72.

After a two-year pause for many regattas around the world because of the pandemic, sailors are excited about the new series, Keefe said. But many are also practicing a degree of restraint because of Covid and the war in Ukraine.

“Everyone is still a little shellshocked coming out of Covid,” he said. “We are all counting our blessings, but are more reserved this year — we won’t be dancing on tables. But the overall feeling is: Let’s get back to sailing, let’s get the band back together.”

Modeled after the races in the Mediterranean Maxi circuits, the Caribbean challenge invites Maxis over 60 feet long to compete February through May at the Caribbean 600 in Antigua, the St. Maarten Heineken Regatta, Les Voiles de St. Barth, and at Antigua Sailing Week.

To qualify for the series, sailors must compete in a minimum of two of the events, though this may eventually be increased to three once the circuit is better established, said James Boyd, an I.M.A. spokesman. Teams that compete in more than two events get to discard their worst result.

Technically, the addition of the Caribbean Maxi Challenge adds to I.M.A.-sanctioned Maxi events, but not all Maxi sailors were planning on sailing all four of the Caribbean events. Many will sail in just two or three and win on cumulative performance points, de Froidmont said.

Keefe, who manages logistics for Vesper, which includes transporting the boat around the world, said it would be possible to do all four of the Caribbean regattas and still take part in the Mediterranean sailing seasons.

“It can work out to move these boats around and boat in nice places and do it in a safe manner,” Keefe said. “The trick is to get the boat out of the Caribbean as soon as the series ends to avoid the hurricane season.”

The first stop of the series was the Caribbean 600 in Antigua. Comanche, a 100-foot Verdier design, won the regatta, followed by the VO65 Sailing Poland and the VO70 I Love Poland.

Conditions were challenging. One sailor told the I.M.A website that the race was one of the hardest in the world.

“It is like a heavyweight boxing match — the lefts and the rights just keep coming at you and you wait for that knockout punch,” said Richard Clarke, a tactician for Warrior Won. “No lead is safe until the very end.”

The Russian-owned Comanche, a recent trans-Atlantic ocean race winner and a dominating presence in regattas, withdrew from the Caribbean Maxi Challenge after World Sailing, the sports’ governing body, banned Russian participation because of the war in Ukraine. Skorpios, a ClubSwan 125 Maxi yacht, also withdrew under similar circumstances.

“There’s an awareness of what’s going on in Ukraine,” Keefe said. “The Russians have touched our sport in a strange way.”

The second stop, the St. Maarten Heineken Regatta, held in early March, was four days of racing. Sailing Poland took first, Janssen de Jong-DutchSail second and I Love Poland third.

The third stop is the Les Voiles de St. Barth, and the fourth and final is Antigua Sailing Week, which starts April 30.

The winners of Maxi racing receive only a trophy and bragging rights. “It remains an ancient sport,” de Froidmont said. “There is no prize money, just very passionate people who enjoy the challenge.”

The number of Maxis competing has increased over the past several years, he said, and should continue to rise.

Boyd, the I.M.A. spokesman, said it might take a few years to build a deep fleet for the Caribbean Maxi Challenge.

“This is the first year,’’ he said, “so we imagine it will take a few years for this to gain traction fully. Nonetheless, we are pleased with the Maxi turnout.

“The Maxi participation in Les Voiles de St. Barth is also looking strong with I.M.A. members participating from both sides of the Atlantic,” Boyd added. Twelve Maxis are scheduled to race.

Currently leading the series is the VO70 I Love Poland ahead of the Farr 100 Leopard 3.

“But neither is competing in St. Barth, so it could be that we will see some new teams move into the lead after St Barth and Antigua,” Boyd said.

“We have some incredible competition this year,” said Keefe, who has won the Voiles de St. Barth four times. “I can’t wait.”

How Many Super Yachts Are There In the World?

Among the countries with the highest number of super yachts along their coastlines, Italy ranks first, followed by the United States. It's no surprise that popular yachting destinations like the Mediterranean and the Caribbean often see these luxurious vessels gracing their waters. Although the number of super yachts fluctuates due to factors like global economic trends, the desire for these incredible vessels doesn't appear to be waning.

There are currently 1,017 superyachts in the world that fall within the 200 to 300 feet range. These luxury vessels can cost upwards of $20 million and are often owned by ultra-wealthy individuals. Europe has the most number of superyachts with 123, where 38 of them are in Italy.

The number of superyachts can vary depending on how you define the size range and which countries you include in the count. However, based on this report, there are just over 1,000 superyachts in the 200 to 300 feet range currently in operation.

• Superyachts, typically ranging in size from 200 to 300 feet, are luxurious symbols of wealth and prestige.
• Three distinguished builders of superyachts include Lurssen, Feadship, and Benetti.
• Europe has 123 superyachts, and Italy has 38 of them, making it the country with the highest number of superyachts.
• Businesses and corporations own 20% of superyachts, while private individuals own 80%.

On this page:

Current number of super yachts, defining the super yacht, top manufacturers of super yachts, super yacht ownership.

In this section, we'll explore the distribution of yachts within the 200 to 300 feet range. This information can give you a better understanding of where these luxurious vessels are most prominent.

As of now, there are approximately 5,000 super yachts globally , although this number may have increased since the given data is from 2019.

Your curiosity may lead you to wonder where these superyachts are concentrated. Well, the majority of super yachts are owned by wealthy individuals hailing from North America, Europe, and the Asia-Pacific. Moreover, the industry seems to be growing, as evidenced by the 1,024 projects in construction or on order for 2022 , a substantial increase from the previous year.

First, let's start with Europe . The continent is renowned for its thriving yacht industry, with countries like Italy, Spain, France, and Greece ranking among the top nations in terms of super yachts. Italy, in particular, stands out for its numerous shipyards and commissions. You'll also find that the Mediterranean is a popular cruising ground for these luxury vessels during the summer months. The average cost of a superyacht in Europe is around €30 million to €50 million ($35 million to $60 million USD) .

Next up is North America . Despite the vast coastline and numerous marinas, the concentration of super yachts in this region is relatively lower than in Europe. Nevertheless, notable cities like Miami and Fort Lauderdale in Florida are considered hotspots for yachting enthusiasts. The Caribbean also attracts a significant number of super yachts during the winter, providing a warm, tropical haven for yacht owners and guests. The average cost of a superyacht in North America is around $40 million to $50 million USD.

Average Cost of Buying & Owning a Yacht in India (with 4 examples)

Now, let's take a look at the Asia-Pacific region . Although yachting is still a growing industry here, countries like China and Singapore are quickly catching up with their Western counterparts in terms of yacht ownership and production. With rapid economic growth and an expanding wealthy class, it's only a matter of time before the number of super yachts in this region increases significantly. The average cost of a superyacht in Asia-Pacific is around $30 million to $50 million USD.

Lastly, we'll touch on the Middle East . While the number of super yachts based in this region may not be as high as in Europe or North America, the wealth generated from the oil and gas industries in the area has led to some of the largest and most extravagant yachts being owned by Middle Eastern billionaires. The United Arab Emirates, for example, is home to a number of super yachts, including some owned by the country's royal family. The average cost of a superyacht in the Middle East is around $100 million USD.

Average Cost of Buying & Owning a Yacht in Dubai (2023)

What country has the most superyachts?

According to the 2021 Global Order Book report by Boat International, Italy has the most superyachts in the world, with a total of 38 yachts in the 200 to 300 feet range in length. Other countries with a significant number of superyachts include the United States, the Netherlands, Turkey, and the United Kingdom.

It's worth noting that the number of superyachts in each country can vary depending on how you define a superyacht and which countries you include. However, based on this report, Italy currently has the highest number of superyachts in the world.

When discussing super yachts, one of the key factors that defines them is size. In this context, we are focusing on yachts with a size range of 200 to 300 feet . To put it into perspective, these magnificent vessels are about the length of two to three basketball courts. Given their impressive size, these yachts offer ample space for luxurious accommodations and a variety of amenities designed to provide the ultimate experience in comfort and style.

If you're wondering at what size is a boat considered a yacht , here's our article that goes into detail.

Aside from their impressive dimensions, another aspect that sets super yachts apart is the unparalleled level of luxury they offer. Onboard a super yacht, you can expect to find opulent living spaces, state-of-the-art technology, and top-of-the-line amenities . Imagine multiple decks outfitted with luxurious staterooms, expansive common areas, and even lavish amenities such as swimming pools, helipads, or cinemas.

The attention to detail on these yachts extends beyond the extravagant interiors, with custom designs and engineering tailored to the owner's desires. In addition to these features, superyachts are equipped with advanced navigation and communication systems , as well as high-speed internet and entertainment systems .

Superyachts are known for their advanced features, comfort, and space to accommodate groups. They often have multiple decks with expansive living areas, including large salons, dining rooms, and entertainment areas. They also feature luxurious cabins, including a master suite and several guest cabins, all with en-suite bathrooms.

Superyachts often have a variety of high-end amenities, such as swimming pools, hot tubs, spas, saunas, gyms, and movie theaters. They also typically have a variety of water toys , such as jet skis, water skis, kayaks, and paddleboards, as well as tenders for shore excursions.

Superyachts are designed for extended periods of time on the water and often come with a professional crew to cater to the owner's every need. The crew aboard a super yacht is highly-skilled and dedicated to providing the finest service, ensuring your every need is met. They require a large crew to operate and maintain the vessel, including a captain, engineers, chefs, stewards, and deckhands. But what yacht size requires a crew ? Here's our article to answer it.

In this section, we'll introduce you to some of the top manufacturers of super yachts, that is, yachts with a size of 200 to 300 feet. The following shipyards are well-known for their expertise in building these luxurious vessels:

This German shipyard has a long history of crafting high-quality superyachts. In fact, it is responsible for 13 of the world's top 25 largest yachts. Their work is characterized by innovative designs, cutting-edge technologies, and a commitment to producing seaworthy, comfortable vessels.

Here are some examples of famous superyachts built by Lurssen:

• Phoenix 2 (90 meters/295 feet)
• Kismet (95 meters/312 feet)
• Madsummer (95 meters/311 feet)
• TV (78.5 meters/258 feet)
• Martha Ann (70 meters/230 feet)

A few key features of Lurssen yachts you might appreciate include their spacious interiors, extensive amenities, and state-of-the-art engineering. If you're in the market for a super yacht, you can't go wrong with a vessel from this prestigious builder.

The average cost of a superyacht built by Lurssen is around €50 million to €100 million ($60 million to $120 million USD). Some of the most expensive superyachts built by Lurssen, such as the Azzam and Dilbar, are estimated to have cost over $500 million USD.

Feadship is another renowned manufacturer of superyachts . Based in the Netherlands, they have been in the yacht-building business since 1949, and have earned a reputation for their exceptional craftsmanship, innovative designs, and commitment to quality.

Here are some examples of famous superyachts built by Feadship:

• Aquarius (92 meters/302 feet)
• Fountainhead (87 meters/285 feet)
• Hampshire II (78.5 meters/257 feet)
• Venus (78.2 meters/256 feet)
• Musashi (87 meters/285 feet)

If you choose a Feadship yacht, you can expect top-of-the-line materials and unrivaled attention to detail. Their dedication to innovation ensures that every vessel they produce offers contemporary looks, the latest in marine technology, and exceptional performance.

The average cost of a superyacht built by Feadship is around $50 million to $100 million USD. Some of the most expensive superyachts built by Feadship, such as the Symphony and Aquarius, are estimated to have cost over $100 million USD.

For those with an appreciation for Italian elegance and style, Benetti is a great choice. As one of the oldest yacht builders in Italy, they have a storied history in creating some of the most beautiful and technologically advanced yachts on the water.

Here are some examples of famous superyachts built by Benetti:

• Lionheart (90 meters/295 feet)
• IJE (108 meters/354 feet)
• Seasense (67 meters/220 feet)
• Diamonds are Forever (60 meters/196 feet)
• 11.11 (63 meters/207 feet)

Their attention to aesthetics is evident, with sweeping lines, luxurious interiors, and the finest materials used throughout each vessel. If you're interested in an artful blend of style and performance, a Benetti super yacht won't disappoint.

The average cost of a superyacht built by Benetti is around €30 million to €50 million ($35 million to $60 million USD). Some of the most expensive superyachts built by Benetti, such as Lionheart and IJE, are estimated to have cost over $100 million USD.

According to a report by SuperYacht Times, the majority of superyachts are owned by private individuals or families. The report estimates that around 80% of superyachts are owned by private individuals, while the remaining 20% are owned by businesses, corporations, or governments.

Private individuals own majority of superyachts globally

Owning a super yacht is the ultimate display of wealth and luxury. As you may already know, these vessels are typically between 200 and 300 feet in size. In fact, there are approximately 5,000 superyachts in the world today. Most of these extravagant ships are owned by private individuals like you, who enjoy the freedom and extravagance that come with owning such an impressive vessel.

As a private owner, you can take full advantage of all the amenities a super yacht has to offer. Imagine unwinding in opulent staterooms, dining on gourmet cuisine prepared by your personal chef, and relaxing in a jacuzzi with an awe-inspiring ocean view. You can also choose to travel the world at your leisure, visiting exotic destinations and hosting exclusive on-board parties for your closest friends and family.

Are you familiar with Below Deck? Here's our article showcasing the show's superyachts and their owners .

However, it's important to remember that owning a superyacht comes with significant responsibilities. This includes the costs of maintaining and operating the vessel, hiring and managing the crew, and complying with maritime regulations.

Corporate ownership of superyachts

Businesses and corporations may purchase a super yacht to be used as a floating office, executive retreat, or a unique venue for entertaining clients and guests. Their aim is to create an impression of exclusivity and success, as a super yacht can provide a truly unparalleled experience. By opting for corporate ownership, companies can benefit from tax advantages and, in some cases, even charter their yacht to offset costs.

It's noteworthy that regardless of the purpose of ownership, both private and corporate owners share the need to manage their super yachts carefully. This includes ensuring proper maintenance, optimizing operational costs, and fostering good relationships with the crew members who make the yacht experience unforgettable.

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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 .

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The super maxi (racing yachts under 100’ or 30m) are increasingly popular and as more yachts are launched the competition gets better. Super maxis are raced in all the large worldwide yacht events from the Fastnet to the Sydney to Hobart to the Middle Seas race.

LEOPARD 3 is a racing sailing yacht, as launched in 2007. She is a new concept for a 100ft super maxi from Farr Yacht Design.  LEOPARD 3 meets the demanding requirements of a luxurious, signature charter yacht, as well as a passage record breaker and a race winning super maxi in a fantatic new concept developed by Farr Yacht Design.

Racing maxi ‘Maximus’ is definitely the latest and most impressive super maxi to ever appear on the world stage.  She may even represent one of the biggest design leaps in all monohull yachting. The name comes from Maximus' unbridled maximum power to weight ratio. Maximus is quite a step forward in design and technology in the world of yachting and when compared to other super maxi designs (notably Zana/Conical Minolta & Scandia). This is perhaps not surprising given the project mission – To design, build and successfully race the world’s fastest and most innovative monohull under 100 ft with adherence only to the rules of science and experience. There are no class rule handbrakes here!

Why is Maxims set to be the fastest thing afloat and beat every other monohull she mixes with? Simple really - her team. She has the best possible design and building team, willing and extremely capable owners and a fantastic sailing crew. As with anything, if you want to do something great you need to gather around great people. EBS Yachting (Maximus) has achieved this without compromise.

Every now and then in history you can get a congregation of amazing people in one area and place – a class of genius. The Maximus team is comprised of perhaps the most outstanding individuals and companies in ocean yachting in the world. As it turns out they are almost all New Zealanders. Anyone heard of Greg Elliot, Clay Oliver, Chris Mitchell, Southern Spars, North Sails, Cookson Boat Builders? Why not throw in a nuclear physicist/innovator and a very successful race campaigner and businessman as the owners, into the mix!

At her launch Maximus was dressed in modernist silver and measured in at 100 feet or 30.5 meters in length overall, weight unknown. She made quite an impressive sight. In the words of Stewart Thwaites who was there (the owner, campaigner and racer of super maxi Konica Minolta): “It just looks beautiful really…”.  The old adage in Aeronautics that ‘if the plane looked good to the eye, she would fly well’, perhaps rings true here with yachting also.

The key with making a yacht fast is high power to weigh ratio, achieved with strategic weight distribution, high righting moment and low weight, yet strong materials. When righting moment is high, more horse power can be designed into the rig and sails. The hull, spars and sails therefore need to be light and the bulb on the keel deep and heavy. Class rules traditionally hamstring a designer from the challenge of taking design and technology to its full potential. This is not the case with Maximus. Throw in a streamlined, easily driven hull and a skillful crew and you have all the ingredients for speed.

Weight to power ratio and righting moment has been maximized in Maximus by an extremely frugal addition of weight throughout all parts of the yacht. The hull and much of the equipment and fittings are completely composed of carbon. So too are the spars – the mast could be lifted by one very well balanced Scottish caber tosser! Further weight is stripped down with the absence, rather alteration, of some fittings normally found on yachts, such as cleats and many usually conventional winches – the luff is tensioned down rather than pulled up with a halyard. The winches that are used are also made from carbon. Add to this a revolutionary rotating mast (the first for a monohull) for more efficient use of the wind (and less drag) and a keel which telescopes into itself and cants to a larger angle than ever before.

Perhaps unexpectedly, safety has not been compromised is favour of performance alone. Crash bars have been fitted in strategic places (carbon fiber off-course) and the hull has been designed, by Greg Elliott, with higher than necessary top sides to minimize the crew’s exposure to fast moving deck wash. Maximus is fully equipped with safety gear, has a strengthened canting keel and is able to function completely manually, without auxiliary power. It is not hard to understand why the team has a particular emphasis on safety and prudence as they are in uncharted territory in yachting with respect to boat speeds and pressures.

The Velocity Prediction Analysis suggests that Maximus will smash speed records with her long straight lines, low drag, high righting moment, maximum power to weight ratio, efficient and huge sail area, rotating mast, and extra canting keel. Add to this an excellent managerial and sailing team and she is likely to not only find racing regatta line honors but dissolve opponent’s spirits in her wake in the process.

LawConnect training for the 2021 Sydney Hobart. Pic - Andrea Francolini/Law Connect

Sailing on Sydney Harbour. Pic - Salt Lab Productions

Getting the bowsprit ready. Pic - Andrea Francolini/Law Connect

From left to right: Lucas Chapman, Charlie Wyatt, Christian Beck, Ty Oxley, Selma Raso and Rachel Williams. Pic - Andrea Francolini/Law Connect

Sydney Hobart super maxi’s secret weapon

It took a few goes for the LawConnect team to smash the champagne bottle on the newly extended bowsprit of Christian Beck’s 100ft super maxi, but they eventually got there, christening the rebranded Juan-K 100 ahead of the 2021 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race.

It was a strong turn out, with over 50 in attendance to celebrate the yacht’s official partnership reveal with LawConnect.

The partnership company is a lawyer directory website, where individuals and groups can find the right lawyer who meets their specific needs.

At the event, a very impressive looking bowsprit was a talking point. According to Beck, the super maxi, formerly known as InfoTrack and before that Perpetual Loyal, boasts the largest sprit in the fleet, and potentially the world.

The purpose of the extended bowsprit is to increase the yacht’s overall performance. It increases the sail area by 15 per cent and allows the yacht to better perform upwind by having the sails sitting further forward. In addition, the crew can run three sails at once rather than two and in lighter winds it provides extra power and speed.

Beck, entrepreneur and founder of Leap Legal Software (creator of LawConnect) said the extended bowsprit could be the difference between first and second place.

“We’re on a trajectory here,” he said. “This will be my fourth Sydney to Hobart [aboard the super maxi]. The first year we came 24 th , the second year we came fourth and the third year we came second. So, if this trend continues, we should come first this year.”

It wouldn’t be the first time the yacht took line honours the 628-nautical-mile race. In 2016, Perpetual Loyal, owned Anthony Bell at the time, broke the race record, finishing in one day, 13 hours and 31 minutes (the record was broken by Jim Cooney and Samantha Grant’s LDV Comanche in 2017).

On board for the 2016 record was long-time crew member and Boat Captain Ty Oxley, who will be racing in his 19 th Sydney Hobart this year. The 46-year-old has won line honours three times, the first aboard Ludde Ingvall’s maxi Nicorette in 2004, then on Anthony Bell’s Investec Loyal in 2011, and the last time aboard Perpetual Loyal (also owned by Bell). Oxley is looking to turn his three wins into four. To win, there is no room for error.

“The gel of the team is really good,” Oxley said at the launch. “Last time I won [line honours] the Hobart race it was exactly the same, it was the teamwork that led us to beat Wild Oats and hopefully it’ll be the same again.”

The super maxi has 15 professional crew on board, in addition to Beck, and five Leap employees.

“It takes time to build the team, get the boat right. But I think we’re at that stage now,  where we’re getting to the peak of what our performance should be,” Oxley said.

The win won’t come easy. Beck and team will be kept company by the two other super maxis in the fleet: Peter Harburg’s RP 100 Black Jack (2009 line honours winner under the name Alfa Romeo) and Seng Huang Lee’s Dovell 100, SHK Scallywag 100.

The three yachts will compete against one another for the first time this year in the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia’s (CYCA) Blue Water Pointscore Cabbage Tree Island Race, 1.4km off the entrance to Port Stephens (to be held this weekend). The 172-nautical-mile race will be LawConnect’s first race with the new bowsprit.

Oxley said he and the team have 14 to 16 consecutive days of training planned (including Cabbage Tree Island and the SOLAS Big Boat Challenge on Sydney Harbour), to ensure that everything, from crew work to the new bowsprit, is in top form.

They’ll also use this time to train the five Leap employees chosen for the experience of a lifetime.

“They’re part of our crew so there’s not anyone who’s just a passenger. They’ve got a crew number and they’re able to participate in the race,” Oxley said.

Leap sales director Selma Raso is one of the lucky ones, sailing in her first Sydney Hobart, with little sailing experience, on a super maxi.

But the 32-year-old is up for the challenge.

“It’s the kind of stuff you don’t say no to,” Raso said. “And it’s hopefully going to send a message as well. I run a team of sales people, with quite a lot of females on the team. If anything, I want them to lead a fearless life. Just to have them see [what I’m doing] as something they can aspire to is rewarding.”

Raso, along with four other amateur sailors, will be on sail handling duties. Raso is looking forward to finding out what that entails in the intensive training period.

“I hope that means carrying sails not selling because I’m a sales manager. Please don’t tell me I’m doing that, I thought this would be a break!”

Raso couldn’t be happier about being on board a Sydney Hobart line honours contender.

“It would be incredible if they do [win], particularly after last year and the race not happening. I know everybody worked so hard,” she said.

The Sydney Hobart was cancelled last year, days before the start date, due to a NSW Covid-19 outbreak that translated to a 14 day lockdown in Tasmania for all taking part.

The crew couldn’t be more excited to get to Hobart, preferably with the other 105 competitors in their wake, following a year off.

“My dream as a child was to do the race,” Beck said. “I used to watch it as a kid on the TV. And once I did it, I decided I wanted to win it. We’ve been working very hard to do that.”

And could another race record be in the books? Oxley’s not ruling it out.

“It’s a bit early yet [to make that prediction]. I’ve broken the record before, so let’s just wait and see.”

By Greta Quealy

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The 10 countries with the most superyachts in the world: RANKED

• Bloomberg ranked the top 10 countries in the world with the most superyachts on their coastlines.
• The US came in first place, with 158 superyachts counted in April 2019.
• Italy , Spain , France , and Greece round out the top five.
• Spain saw the largest increase in the number of yachts as compared to 2018.
• Visit BusinessInsider.com for more stories .

When you think of the world's top yachting destinations, the Mediterranean coastline and the Caribbean islands probably come to mind.

But what about the Netherlands , or the United Arab Emirates ?

Bloomberg just ranked the top 10 countries in the world with the most superyachts on their coastlines, and a few countries on the list might surprise you.

The US came in first place, with 158 superyachts counted in April 2019, followed by Italy , Spain , France , and Greece rounding out the top five. 

Read more : Calling all yacht crew: Tell us what life is really like working on board a yacht, from the good to the bad to the downright wild

France saw the largest increase in the number of yachts as compared to last year, with 29 more yachts spotted off its coast in April 2019 than in April 2018.

The US and Australia, on the other hand, both saw a decrease in their number of yachts.

Bloomberg noted that the April 2019 count includes all yachts reported within two miles of the country's coastline between April 15 and April 18, 2019. The April 2018 count is based on April 9 through April 13 data. The median yacht length in the study was 160 feet. 

While there is no official definition of what makes a yacht a superyacht, the industry generally considers it to be a yacht that's longer than 79 feet and that requires a professional crew.

Here are the 10 countries with the most superyachts in the world.

10. The Netherlands

Number of yachts in April 2019 : 18

Number of yachts in April 2018 : 10

9. Australia

Number of yachts in April 2019 : 19

Number of yachts in April 2018 : 26

8. United Arab Emirates

Number of yachts in April 2019 :  22

Number of yachts in April 2018 : 21

Number of yachts in April 2019 : 41

6. The Bahamas

Number of yachts in April 2019 : 45

Number of yachts in April 2018 : 35

Number of yachts in April 2019 : 82

Number of yachts in April 2018 : 62

Number of yachts in April 2019 : 118

Number of yachts in April 2018 : 89

Number of yachts in April 2019 : 133

Number of yachts in April 2018 : 113

Number of yachts in April 2018 : 129

1. United States

Number of yachts in April 2019 : 158

Number of yachts in April 2018 : 162

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The biggest yachts competing at the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup

The Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup gets underway next month and is set to be one of the biggest gatherings of racing royalty in the Mediterranean this summer. Taking place from 3 to 9 September, the regatta will welcome 50 competitors to Porto Cervo for a week of rail-to-rail racing through the Maddalena Archipelago. Take a look at some of this year's contenders...

Kauris IV is not only the largest contender competing in this year's Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup, but also one of the newest. This Wally 145 was built by Persico Marine and delivered in 2020 as a vessel that can be enjoyed as a family boat but also compete around the cans. Kauris IV has a lifting keel with a 67-metre-tall mast and flies an area of 1,968 square metres of sail. 

The largest (and newest) member of the J Class fleet, the 44-metre Vitters yacht Svea will be back racing in Sardinia after being crowned overall winner of the J Class last year. The original lines for this Super J were designed by Tore Holm in 1973 and Hoek Design Naval Architects was called on to revive the 75-year-old drawings and bring her up to date, complete with a 53.75-metre carbon fibre main mast. As a result, Svea displaces just 182 tonnes — two tonnes less than her fellow J Hanuman and six tonnes less than Ranger . 

After a fourth-place finish in last year's Maxi Rolex Cup, Topaz and crew have some work to do. The Holland Jachtbouw J Class is based on an unbuilt 1938 design and was revisited by Andre Hoek . Topaz ’s hull design features a reduced wetted surface and higher keel aspect ratio to her 27-metre waterline length, making her quick.

Velsheda is the only original J Class racing at this year's Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup and, after securing third place in 2022, is back to see if she can beat her result. This 38.5-metre yacht is the only original J Class not to have been built for the America's Cup , commissioned in 1933 by the chairman of Woolworths and named after his three daughters: Velma, Sheila and Daphne.

The 36-metre Viriella will be returning to Porto Cervo after a fifth-place finish in the Maxi class last year. She is the flagship of the Maxi Dolphin fleet, designed by German Frers , and features a lifting keel with a Southern Spars carbon fibre mast.

Delivered as Highland Fling 15, this 35-metre Swan 115 was born into a racing dynasty. She changed ownership in 2021 and was renamed Moat and it was under her new name that she and her crew were crowned winners of the inaugural Ibiza JoySail regatta. Moat finished just two points behind second place at the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup in 2022 and will be eager to climb the finishing order this time around.

Geist is the flagship of British shipyard Spirit Yachts. She is undeniably beautiful but also a powerhouse on the racecourse. In 12 knots of true breeze, she beats upwind at nine knots, and while she’s clearly a very large yacht, she’s also a proper sailing boat with all the feel you’d expect of something a third of her size. After coming second in last year's event, Geist will be eyeing the top spot in the Maxi class. 

Inoui is a lean, green, racing machine. A regular on the regatta circuit, she was built by Vitters to a design by Philippe Briand and is built entirely from carbon with a square-top mainsail, shallow sloping reverse-transom and a retractable fin-and-bulb keel. She will be competing off the back of a win at the Giorgio Armani Superyacht Regatta.

Y3K is a competitive racer with a powerful sail plan (she flies 1,162 square metres of sail downwind). She won three consecutive Maxi Yacht Rolex Cups from 2009 to 2011 and will be racing once again in the Maddelena archipelago. She was the third Wally to be ordered by German yachtsman Claus-Peter Offen. He and his racing team have won 11 Wally regattas over the years, both on Y3K and on his previous Wally Galma .

Magic Carpet ³

With wins at the Giorgio Armani Superyacht Regatta, Rolex Giraglia, Maxi Worlds and Les Viles de St Tropez, Magic Carpet 3 is a fierce competitor. She was launched as the second in a series of next-gen performance cruisers by Wally, named the Wallycento and has a displacement of just 50 tonnes (if you remove the keel and the mast, that figure drops to 18 tonnes), which makes her one of the lightest cruising boats ever built. During her construction, every item was weighed, right down to the titanium screws holding it all together. Her Southern Spars rigging flies 640 square metres of sail while a lifting keel reduces her draft by two metres.

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