Why are superyachts getting bigger and bigger?

Worldwide demand for superyachts is rising sharply. Wealthy and famous people are especially turning their attention to personal floating luxury "palaces." And they want them to be bigger, more spacious, and more comfortable than ever.

Italian Paola Trifiro and her husband, who have years of experience in the superyacht industry, have owned dozens of yachts. According to them, modern superyachts are essentially five-star hotels on the move. Ms. Trifiro personally takes part in the design process and insists on a large kitchen for the crew. The reason is simple — “If you're used to quality food, it's hard to find such restaurants everywhere in the world,” she says.

She also says she feels safer on larger vessels: “Whether it's swimming with whales or meeting fishermen in the Fiji Islands — my vessels give me strength and security.”

What is a superyacht?
Although there is no official definition, Boat International defines a superyacht as a private vessel longer than 24 meters, luxurious, and operated by a professional crew.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the industry boomed. When hotels were closed, the wealthy turned to superyachts as private, isolated, and comfortable alternatives. In 2022, 1,024 new superyachts were built or ordered worldwide, rising to 1,203 in 2023 — the highest figure in history.

While the number of superyachts is expected to slightly decline in 2025, their average size is increasing significantly. For example, the number of vessels longer than 76 meters reached 61 this year — a significant increase compared to 55 last year. Yachts in the 46–60 meter range are also growing in number, while smaller ones (24–27 m) are declining.

Italy’s famous superyacht manufacturer Amer confirms this trend. Its owner, Barbara Armerio, says: “After the pandemic, people began to see superyachts as safe islands for themselves and their loved ones. Now they want more open space, bigger windows, and closer proximity to the sea.”

Today, a new, smaller superyacht starts at 36 million euros (about 41 million dollars). A 105-meter vessel with all luxury features can reach up to 295 million euros. Jeff Bezos’s yacht Koru reportedly cost 500 million dollars.

Italy leads in superyacht production. Ships with a total length of over 22 kilometers are currently being built there. Turkey, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom follow.

In 2023, Italy’s shipbuilding industry reached a record export income of 8.3 billion euros. Barbara Armerio attributes this to local craftsmen, high-quality raw materials, and convenient logistics: “We can get Tuscan marble delivered in just a few hours. That’s a big advantage,” she says.

According to Boat International, the largest buyers remain U.S. citizens. However, new wealthy individuals are emerging in Turkey, Indonesia, and Mexico. These countries are experiencing ongoing economic growth. Meanwhile, the number of buyers from Russia has sharply declined due to sanctions.

Why do people buy superyachts?
Paola Trifiro answers: “My curiosity to explore new places drives me to sail across oceans. And I like to be in control of it myself.”

According to her, keeping a skilled crew is also important. That’s why she pays her sailors twice as much as they’d earn on land: “Our captain has been with us for 22 years.” Read 'Zamin' on Telegram!