The World's Largest Yachts 2010
Super yachts are privately owned vessels that are professionally crewed and are found in the greatest abundance in the Mediterranean, Caribbean and the Middle East. Each year, SuperYachts.com compiles a list of the largest yachts currently on the water, giving owners the bragging rights of having one of the world's largest boats, and at times, competing with each other.
Although some of these yachts have not yet had their first voyage, the vessels not yet on the water are expected to be delivered before the end of 2010.
1. Eclipse
Length: 533 feet
Top speed: 25 knots
Total power: N/A
With a reported price tag of nearly $1.2 billion, the Eclipse is not only the largest yacht, but also the most expensive. The Eclipse is due to be delivered later this year to Russian Billionaire Roman Abramovich, who is known worldwide for big spending on everything from super yachts to England's Chelsea Football Club.
The Eclipse has two helicopter pads, 11 guest cabins, 2 swimming pools, exterior fireplace and a dance hall. The vessel is also equipped with intruder detection systems and a German-built missile defense system, while bullet-proof glass and armor plating in the master suite and bridge. Abramovich also made news in 2009 when he had an "anti-paparazzi" shield installed, which reportedly uses lasers to detect a camera and ruin any photographs taken by it with a flash of light.
The Eclipse also features a three-person submarine and can accommodate up to 30 guests and 75 crewmembers. Although much of the details of the ship have yet to be confirmed, estimates place the ship between 533 and 557 feet long. It was delivered for testing in September 2010 and is expected to be delivered to Abramovich before the end of the year.
2. Dubai
Length: 531 feet
Top speed: 26 knots
Total power: 38,500 hp
Although currently owned by Sheik Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum, the ruler of the Emirate of Dubai, the yacht was originally commissioned by Prince Jefri Bolkiah of Brunei. The construction was originally delayed until 2001 when Sheik Mohammed bought out the project for a rumored $300 million.
The vessel includes luxurious interior designs, including fine fabrics and handmade mosaics, a dramatic spiral staircase with color-changing glass steps, numerous VIP and guest suites and 7 decks. She also has a mosaic swimming pool, several Jacuzzis and the helicopter pad can service a helicopter in excess of 10 tons. The Dubai has room for 115 people including crew and guest staff and boasts a range of 8,500 miles.
Sheik Mohammed has also been reportedly considering an extension to the Dubai, adding up to 8 feet in order to reclaim the title of world's largest. For now, however, it remains at the number 2 spot.
3. Al Said
Length: 508 feet
Top speed: 25 knots
Total power: 21,992 hp
Another royal super yacht makes the list, owned by the Sultan of Oman. The vessel features 6 decks and a concert room capable of accommodating a 50 piece orchestra. At its widest point, the ship measures nearly 79 feet across.
The Al Said was completed in 2008 and was designed by Espen Oeino International, which is the same company that designed Paul Allen's Octopus. The yacht can accommodate as many as 70 guests and up to 154 professional crewmembers.
4. Prince Abdulaziz
Length: 482 feet
Top speed: 22 knots
Total power: 15,600 hp
Owned by the Saudi Royal Family, the Prince Abdulaziz was the largest yacht built in the 20th century, first setting sail in 1984. The vessel is used by the Saudi Royal Family for both official business and personal voyages.
At its widest point, the Prince Abdulaziz measures 60 feet and has a superstructure and hull composed of steel. She can accommodate up to 64 guests and 65 crewmembers, carrying a gross tonnage of 5092 tons.
5. El Horriya
Length: 478 feet
Top speed: 16 knots
Total power: 19,550 hp
The fifth largest yacht in the world is also one of the oldest super yachts still in operation. El Horriya was originally built in London in 1865 for the King of Egypt and the length was extended in 1872 and in 1905 and last refitted in 1987.
The yacht is berthed out of Alexandria and is listed as a training ship by the Egyptian Navy, but it still has the capacity for carrying up to 160 crewmembers.
6. Al Salamah
Top speed: 22 knots
Total power: 17,540 hp
The sixth largest yacht in the world is the Al Salamah, owned by Saudi Arabia's defense minister Prince Sultan bin Abdul Aziz. Built in Germany by HDW and Lurseen Yachts, much of the ship is kept secret, but it is believed to have over 80 rooms, a helipad and an indoor swimming pool with a glass roof.
During its construction it was code named "Mipos," standing for "Mission Impossible" because it was built after only 2 years and cost in excess of $200 million. She can accommodate up to 40 guests and 96 crewmembers and was last refitted in 2009, a decade after her first launch.
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