Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich’s Eclipse tops Superyachts com list

While uncertainty still dominates the global economy, 2010 is set to be a ground breaking year for the superyacht industry worldwide, as bigger, longer and more luxurious boats are being delivered in record numbers and a new dedicated web portal, superyachts.com, is bringing new life to this traditionally closed and secretive industry.

In 2010, 19 new yachts are expected to launch themselves into the Superyachts.com Top 100 list. That’s almost 20 new builds delivered of 73 metres or over in length in one year, up from 5 in 2009. Bolder superyachts are being released also thanks to new composite materials and pioneering designs, which help to reduce price and negative impact on the environment. German and Dutch shipyards lead, however, is being challenged by new entrants from countries such as Chile.

Like most opulent products destined for wealthy owners, details of the upcoming deliveries remain well-protected by the shipyards and designers lending their talents. With each of the yachts still shrouded in secrecy, predicting a future top 100 list is a difficult task. If speculation proves to be correct however, Roman Abramovich’s giant motor yacht Eclipse built by the Blohm + Voss will become the new number one spot holder in the Superyachts.com Top 100, surpassing the 162m Dubai.

“This frenzied fervour for a spot amongst the world’s largest superyacht at the height of the boom years has led us to 2010; this is not likely to be seen again in this industry for several years to come », said Glen Rogers, co-founder of Superyachts.com, the new leading portal dedicated entirely to the superyachts industry.

Long gone are the days when delivering a 60 metre vessel would earn a place amongst world’s largest yachts. As it stands the bare minimum to appear on the Superyachts.com Top 100 jumps to an impressive 73 metres. Back in 2007, just 62 metres would have earned a place in the Top 100 world’s largest yachts listing, whilst 60.3 metres in 2006 would have been sufficient.

Not only will 2010 see a new world number one in terms of length, it will also see the largest in terms of volume when the 85.6m Cakewalk built by US shipyard Derecktor jumps into a projected 48th spot.

The influx of superyachts joining the Superyachts.com Top 100 in 2010 also sees a shift in the spread of countries producing the giant vessels. As to be expected, the German and Dutch powerhouses remain top of the shipyards with German companies building a believed seven of the new entries and those based in the Netherlands thought to be delivering three. A promising deviation from the yacht building meccas however can be seen with Chilean company Marco Yachts, anticipated to produce two new entries for the Top 100 list.

The New Year is not only set to ignite the superyacht world for the astounding number of large yachts jumping into the Superyachts.com Top 100, but also for the innovations these vessels bring to the realm of superyacht design. With recent advancements in composite construction technology, builders have found they can construct bigger and bolder superyachts while minimising price and negative impact on the environment. The beauty of composites seems to finally have caught the attention of modern yacht owners who have taken advantage of its flexible moulding capabilities and opted for aesthetically appealing, multi-curved deck structures. While making for a decidedly distinctive and contemporary design, the low weight of composites also allows a yacht to reduce vessel mass overall rendering it more stable and easy to navigate.

When the Blohm + Voss-built motor yacht ‘A’ hit the water in 2008, her design by Philippe Starck was a revelation and a complete departure from anything before seen on a superyacht. But the current fleet of yachts under construction in shipyards across the world are about to make their own distinctive marks on the water, with many opting for fresh, slim, and unique designs over the traditional shape of large superyachts.

Amongst the most stunning in design is the Swift 141 from ADMShipyards forecasted to slip into spot six in the Top 100 listing. Based on the hull of a former Royal Dutch Navy frigate, the superyacht features a narrow beam, assisting the yacht’s fast speed, and futuristic styling by the Paris-based Pierrejean Design Studio which has ensured stand-out status on the water. Building Swift 141 on an existing frigate hull has also enabled a faster build time for this impressive yacht.

Another mould-breaking design comes in at an estimated number 30, with the 96 metre Project Orca from Blohm + Voss and designer Michael Leach. The motor yacht displays a futuristic exoskeletal curving superstructure, aggressive lines and innovative glazing.

Motor yacht Luna, anticipated to dive into the number 20 spot, is one who has opted to remain in traditional superyacht styling. Built by German shipyard Lloydwerft and Stahlbau Nord Shipyards, the 115m explorer yacht was designed for long-range expedition and favours function over fashion with her sturdy appearance. Other believed new entries sporting classic but modern design include the 110m motor yacht Radiant at number 23, and the 84.3 metre J 24 at number 55.

Whether the streamlined, futuristic shapes are a sign of things to come in general superyacht design or if the tried and tested traditional design of the luxury vessels will prevail is yet to be seen, but eager trend-watchers are sure to be keeping a keen eye on the Superyachts.com Concepts database.

Top of the concepts-to-watch list is the 200m motor yacht design by Donald Starkey, which would become the largest private yacht ever to grace the water upon delivery. Originally thought to be a top secret under construction vessel coined Everest, this super-sized concept is anything but a rumour and brings promise that even well after the excitement of 2010 has passed, there will be plenty to look forward to in the world of superyacht design.

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Tags: Superyacht Industry

Category: Industry