World’s 100 Largest Yachts 2008

Missile detection systems. Fifty Navy SEALs and/or Royal SAS servicemen as crewmembers. Escape pods that jettison under water to let their high-profile owners get away from paparazzi or pirates. These are just some of the crazy concepts the mainstream media has about megayachts.Christopher SuffeleersOh,

By Mike Smith

August 1, 2008

Christopher Suffeleers

Oh, mega: Which yachts here are too small for our list?

And no wonder. The secrecy surrounding so many launches these days is akin to that accorded to a head of state visiting a foreign country. Whether due to misunderstanding or deliberate misinformation, reporters are coming up with some of the most outrageous stories, and magazines and newspapers are printing them. (Google “Roman Abramovich yacht” to see a bunch, one of which is from the normally well-respected The Sunday Times in England. It’s complete with recycled quotes and so-called facts about a new launch that are in reality rumors about three different yachts.)

Never fear, gentle reader; PMY is here. For 23 years we’ve been touring and keeping tabs on the largest private yachts in the world, sorting fact from fiction. Sure, sometimes “The Power & Motoryacht 100″ has fallen prey to a crazy claim or two, but we’ve always tried to provide you with the most accurate compendium around. Forget what you’ve read about missile launchers (even in some other marine magazines with similar lists)—the only launching that goes on is when a happy guest launches him- or herself off the aft deck into the water. And if we do print something that stretches the imagination, well, we make it clear it’s just a rumor.

So without further ado, here is the 2008 edition of “The Power & Motoryacht 100.” In it you’ll find some super new superyachts and get the scoop on their ultra-luxurious amenities and tricked-out systems. You’ll also see some of the most innovatively styled new vessels on the water. And yes, you’ll read a tall tale or two.

After all, if we didn’t, what would we all gossip about at the watercooler?

KEY: L=length; Y=year launched (where two dates are given, the second is a refit date); B=builder; N=naval architect; H=hull material; E=engines (The 2007 Power & Motoryacht 100 ranking is in parentheses.)

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WORLD’S 100 LARGEST YACHTS 2008

The State Yachts

With so many mega-size megayachts being built particularly for heads of state, we’re often asked why we restrict “The Power & Motoryacht 100″ to privately owned yachts. After all, the inquiring minds say, a yacht is a yacht is a yacht. Well, the reason is simple: Public records show that these vessels are registered to the country’s navy, so naturally that means government funds—and therefore the loyal subjects’ funds—pay for their upkeep.

This year, instead of featuring five state yachts, we’re including six. Because just like in the soap operas, scandal and intrigue seem forever linked to government yachts (particularly ones formerly belonging to Saddam Hussein, as you’ll find out).—D.M.B.

1.Dubai
2.Al Said
3.Prince Abdulaziz
4.Al Mirqab
5.Isham Al Baher
6.Ocean Breeze