Why the world’s superyachts are getting bigger than ever

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.

Prices reflect the scale and sophistication. A smaller 36m yacht can command €36 million, while 100m-plus custom builds can exceed €295 million.

Italy remains the heart of the industry, producing over half of the world’s superyachts — with a combined production length exceeding 22km. In 2023, the country’s shipbuilders earned €8.3 billion in revenue. Italy’s dominance is supported by a vast network of local artisans and raw materials — from Tuscan marble to Ligurian craftspeople.

“We only produce a few high-end masterpieces each year,” says Armerio. “Every detail is unique.”

While American buyers still dominate the market, interest is rising from new wealth markets such as Turkey, Indonesia and Mexico. Sales to Russian clients, once significant, have plummeted due to international sanctions.

For buyers like Ms Trifirò, it’s about more than luxury — it’s about exploration and control. “My curiosity pushes me to keep cruising the oceans — and I love to be in the driver’s seat,” she says. Her long-serving crew are paid generously, with her captain having worked for the family for over 20 years.

As the market grows and expectations rise, one thing is clear: in the world of the super-rich, bigger really is better.

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Why the world’s superyachts are getting bigger than ever