Largest Yacht in the World 2026: Top 10 Megayachts Ranked by Length

Every year, aficionados of extreme marine luxury ask the same captivating question: what is the largest yacht in the world? In 2026, the answer sits at a remarkable 180.65 meters — the extraordinary length of Azzam, the Lürssen-built UAE royal megayacht that has occupied the top of the global rankings since its delivery in 2013. But the complete picture of the largest yachts in the world in 2026 extends well beyond Azzam — encompassing a Top 10 list of vessels that collectively represent humanity’s most ambitious private maritime achievement, combining colossal scale with engineering virtuosity and interior luxury that exceeds virtually any land-based comparable experience.

In 2026, the largest yachts in the world are increasingly diverse in purpose — from pure private pleasure vessels to expedition-capable megayachts to the remarkable REV Ocean, a research-focused vessel approaching delivery that will likely claim the top spot before the year is out. The owners range from Gulf royalty to Russian oligarchs (some of whose vessels are subject to sanctions complications) to Norwegian philanthropists with ocean conservation missions. Each vessel in the top 10 has a story, a purpose, and a claim on history that extends well beyond its mere dimensions.

This definitive guide ranks and describes the Top 10 largest yachts in the world in 2026 — with full specifications and context — and connects those inspired by their extraordinary scale to charter options available through yachtandcoast.com.

Background and History: How the Ranking Has Evolved

The concept of ranking private yachts by length has driven yacht construction ambition for over a century — from the enormous J-class racing yachts of the 1930s to the modern monster motorcraft era beginning in earnest in the 1980s. The 1990s and 2000s saw the race intensify dramatically: Saudi princes, Russian oligarchs, and American technology billionaires all commissioned record-challenging vessels from the world’s most capable shipyards.

Lürssen in Bremen became the definitive champion of the “biggest” category — building multiple record-holders and cementing its reputation as the yard where wealth and ambition can accomplish things no other builder could achieve. Blohm + Voss, Feadship, Oceanco, and specialized builders like Nobiskrug have all contributed landmark vessels to the top 20.

The key shift in 2026’s environment: following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, several of the top 10 largest yachts — those owned by sanctioned Russian individuals — were detained in European waters or had their ownership status complicated by legal proceedings. This has created a complex and evolving landscape at the very top of the rankings.

Key Features: Top 10 Largest Yachts in the World 2026

Rankings by Length (LOA – Length Overall)

Note: Due to the complexity of sanctioned vessel ownership disputes, rankings in this area are subject to change. Eclipse, Dilbar, Nord, and Ocean Victory’s current operational status is disputed or legally complex as of March 2026. Sailing Yacht A is also subject to legal proceedings. The table represents factual vessel dimensions, not current operational status.

Forthcoming Addition:

• REV Ocean (~183m, VARD, expected 2026/2027) — will claim #1 position upon delivery

2026 Latest Updates: Sanctions Impact on the Rankings

The 2022 Russia-Ukraine war and subsequent EU/US sanctions have had a profound impact on the composition of the “largest yachts” list.

Vessels Subject to Sanctioned Owner Complications:

• Eclipse (Abramovich): Detained in European waters; ownership and operational status subject to ongoing international legal proceedings
• Dilbar (Usmanov): Detected and seized by German authorities; legal proceedings ongoing
• Nord (Mordashov): Left European waters before sanctions could be enforced; reported in UAE waters
• Sailing Yacht A (Melnichenko): Detained in Spain; contested legal proceedings
• Ocean Victory (Rashnikov): Complex sanctions situation; current status requires verification

These complications mean that approximately 4–5 of the top 10 largest yachts in the world are, as of 2026, in disputed legal status — a remarkable situation with significant implications for the future of extreme-scale private yacht construction by Russian owners.

Vessels Unaffected by Sanctions:

• Azzam (UAE Royal family): Fully operational, private
• Flying Fox (non-Russian owner): Active charter program
• Koru (Jeff Bezos): Fully active, private voyages
• Amadea: Currently in active charter following legal proceedings

Charter Options: Charter Your Way Into the Top 10 Experience

While most of the world’s 10 largest yachts are either privately operated or legally complicated, the charter market offers extraordinary large-scale experiences:

Top Large Yacht Charters in 2026 (100m+):

Flying Fox, at 136 meters, is particularly significant: not only is it the world’s largest vessel available for charter, it is also one of the finest charter experiences available at any price point — combining record-breaking scale with an interior program, crew, and amenity suite that ranks among the very best in the industry.

Contact yachtandcoast.com for Flying Fox and other large-scale charter availability in 2026.

Individual Profiles of the World’s 10 Largest Yachts

#1: Azzam (180.65m)

The undisputed current holder of the world record. Built by Lürssen for the late President of the UAE, Azzam’s gas-turbine hybrid propulsion makes it the fastest yacht of its size (31+ knots). Azzam holds the current record for longest private motorized vessel and will retain this title until REV Ocean’s delivery.

#2 (Sailing): Sailing Yacht A (143m)

The world’s largest sailing yacht, designed by Philippe Starck and built by Nobiskrug. Subject to EU sanctions complications as of 2022 (see Melnichenko). Extraordinary design.

#3: Eclipse (~162m)

Built for Roman Abramovich at Blohm+Voss, Eclipse held the world record from its delivery in 2010 until Azzam’s arrival in 2013. Subject to complex ownership and sanctions proceedings following 2022.

#4: Dilbar (~156m)

Built by Lürssen for Alisher Usmanov. Seized by German/Swiss authorities following 2022 sanctions. Gross tonnage (15,917 GT) is the highest of any yacht in the world.

#5: Nord (~142m)

Built by Lürssen for Alexei Mordashov. Departed from European waters before seizure orders could be executed in 2022. Reported in UAE/Asian waters subsequently.

#6: Flying Fox (136m)

The outlier in this list — an active, fully operational charter vessel. Built by Lürssen for a private owner, now available for charter through Imperial Yachts and other brokers. The world’s largest charter yacht and an extraordinary experience at scale.

#7: Koru (127m)

Jeff Bezos’s extraordinary three-masted sailing superyacht built by Oceanco. Delivered 2023. Actively operated as a private vessel across Mediterranean, Pacific, and Caribbean waters.

#8 (approx): Ocean Victory (~140m)

Built for Victor Rashnikov at SSW Bremerhaven. Subject to sanctions complications.

#9: Amadea (106m)

Built by Lürssen for a private owner. Following a complex legal situation related to the 2022 sanctions, Amadea is currently managed for charter purposes.

#10: Jubilee (110m)

Built by Oceanco and originally operated privately; now in active private ownership.

Best Destinations for the World’s Largest Yachts

The world’s 10 largest yachts require destinations with specific infrastructure — deep-water anchorages, large marina berths, and supporting infrastructure for crew of 40–80:

Mediterranean:

• Monaco: 160m berths available at Hercule Harbour
• Antibes: Port Vauban has specific “superyacht” quays for mega vessels
• Porto Cervo, Sardinia: Premium Aga Khan deep-water berths
• Corfu, Rhodes, Dubrovnik: Islands with deep natural harbors

Middle East:

• Abu Dhabi: World-class marina infrastructure
• Dubai Marina / Port Rashid: Extensive deep-water facilities
• Muscat, Oman: Developing premium large-yacht infrastructure

Caribbean:

• Gustavia, St. Barts: Famously accommodating to mega yachts
• English Harbour, Antigua: Historic but deep
• Philipsburg, St. Maarten: Famous for largest yacht visits

Why the World’s Largest Yachts Matter

• Engineering Milestones: Each of the top 10 largest yachts has pushed engineering, design, and marine architecture forward in ways that benefit the entire industry
• Economic Impact: Ten vessels in the top 10 largest yachts employ collectively hundreds of professional crew, dozens of management staff, and support entire regional economies through provisioning, maintenance, and marina fees
• Cultural Significance: The world’s largest yachts have become cultural touchstones — symbols of ambition, controversy, beauty, and excess that any engaged global citizen has an opinion about
• Charter Inspiration: Even those who will never own a vessel approaching this scale can experience comparable luxury aboard the world’s finest charter yachts — and the top 10’s existence has elevated charter guest expectations industry-wide

Conclusion

The largest yachts in the world in 2026 represent the most extraordinary concentration of maritime ambition ever assembled — 10 vessels that redefine what it means to travel on the water, each with its own story, owner, engineering marvel, and claim on yachting history.

With REV Ocean preparing to take the top spot later in 2026 or 2027, the record books are about to be rewritten — and the world’s most purposeful massive vessel will soon hold the crown once held by UAE royalty, Russian oligarchs, and Amazon’s founder.

Ready to experience world-class megayacht luxury in 2026? Visit yachtandcoast.com today to explore charter alternatives to the world’s largest yachts — from Flying Fox to Amadea and beyond!

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Image Sourcing & Placement Guide

Image 1

• Position: After Introduction
• Search phrase: “largest yachts world comparison 2026 top 10 Azzam Eclipse size profile ranked”
• Source: Boat International “Largest Yachts” annual feature / SuperYacht Times top 10 ranked profile
• Caption: The world’s largest yachts of 2026 — a visual ranking of humanity’s most ambitious vessels
• Alt text: Largest yacht world 2026 top 10 ranking comparison Azzam Eclipse profile superyacht

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• Position: Under ## Background and History
• Search phrase: “Lürssen shipyard Bremen 2010s largest yacht construction superyacht biggest yard”
• Source: Lürssen official photography / Boat International Lürssen shipyard dominance feature
• Caption: Lürssen’s Bremen yard — the birthplace of more of the world’s largest yachts than any other
• Alt text: Lürssen Bremen shipyard largest yacht construction 2026 Azzam Eclipse Dilbar history

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• Position: Under ## Top 10 Rankings Table
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• Source: Boat International Azzam profile / Lürssen Azzam official press imagery
• Caption: Azzam at 180 meters — the current world’s biggest yacht in all her extraordinary proportions
• Alt text: Azzam 180m aerial largest yacht world 2026 comparison top ranked Lürssen UAE profile

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• Search phrase: “Eclipse yacht Abramovich OR Dilbar yacht Usmanov detained sanctions 2022 largest”
• Source: Reuters / AP news wire photography Eclipse Dilbar sanctions 2022
• Caption: Sanctions have complicated the ownership of multiple top-10 largest yachts since 2022
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• Position: Under ## Charter Options
• Search phrase: “Flying Fox 136m largest charter yacht aerial Lürssen Mediterranean luxury 2021”
• Source: Lürssen / Imperial Yachts Flying Fox charter photography
• Caption: Flying Fox at 136m — the world’s largest charter yacht and the top 10 list’s only accessible entry
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Image 6

• Position: Under ## Individual Profiles (Koru)
• Search phrase: “Koru Jeff Bezos yacht Oceanco 127m sailing three masts Mediterranean 2023 2024”
• Source: Boat International Koru feature / news wire photography Koru Mediterranean
• Caption: Koru at 127 meters — the world’s largest private sailing yacht, joining the top 10 in 2023
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Image 7

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• Position: Before Conclusion
• Search phrase: “REV Ocean Norway largest yacht world future 2026 2027 research vessel VARD”
• Source: REV Ocean Foundation / VARD official renderings or construction photographs
• Caption: REV Ocean — when delivered, the world’s new largest yacht and most purposeful vessel
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