Who Owns the Largest Yacht in the World
The largest yacht in the world is the sailing yacht A, owned by Russian billionaire Andrey Melnichenko. The vessel measures 142.81 meters (468.5 feet) in length and is classified as a sailing yacht motor vessel. It was delivered in 2017 after construction at the German shipyard Nobiskrug in Rendsburg, with naval architecture by Philippe Starck and design by the Italian studio Studio Scanu. According to yacht valuation sources, the estimated construction cost exceeds 300 million euros, and the vessel is registered in the Cayman Islands.
Ownership records link the yacht to Andrey Melnichenko through corporate structures and maritime registries, though direct personal ownership details are limited by privacy layers. The yacht is managed by a professional crew and has been documented in port calls across Europe and the Mediterranean. Its size and technical specifications place it at the top of superyacht rankings by length and gross tonnage among sailing vessels.
Key Specifications and Features
The yacht A features a steel hull and aluminum superstructure, with a beam of 23.6 meters and a draft of 5.9 meters. It is powered by twin diesel engines supplemented by a retractable sail rig, designed by the German engineering firm Naval Group. The vessel accommodates up to 14 guests in eight cabins and requires a crew of approximately 60. Onboard facilities include a beach club, helicopter landing pad, swimming platform, and multiple lounges.
Performance data shows a maximum speed of 22.5 knots under sail and motor, with a range of approximately 6,000 nautical miles at 12 knots. The yacht carries two custom 10-meter tenders and a selection of water toys, including jet skis, a submarine, and diving equipment. Its interior design emphasizes minimalist aesthetics with floor-to-ceiling glass panels and open deck spaces.
Comparison With Other Largest Superyachts
The yacht A ranks first among sailing superyachts by length, but the largest superyacht overall by gross tonnage is the motor yacht Dilbar, owned by Alisher Usmanov. Dilbar measures 156 meters (512 feet) and has a gross tonnage of 15,917 GT, making it the largest yacht in the world by volume. Other top vessels include the 140-meter Sailing Yacht A and the 126-meter motor yacht Azzam, owned by the Abu Dhabi royal family.
Global superyacht registries track hundreds of vessels over 80 meters, with the majority owned by individuals from Russia, the Middle East, and the United States. The market for yachts over 100 meters remains limited, with fewer than 30 vessels meeting that threshold as of recent surveys. For a broader overview of the superyacht industry and ranking methodology, refer to the superyacht tracking resources provided by Boat International.