For those of us who love watching the evolution of superyacht design and market trends, there’s a whole lot to be learnt from looking at the current fleet of superyachts for sale – particularly when you examine the most popular yachts on the market. By looking at the most-searched yachts on leading yacht brokerage websites, you can discover what the elite yacht buyers of today prioritise when looking for a superyacht for sale.
That’s why, earlier this month, we dove into cutting-edge global brokerage YACHTZOO’s most-viewed yachts for sale (some of which are also available to charter) to find out what is bang on-trend in today’s market. What we found is some recurrent design themes which are appearing in the world’s most sought-after yachts, from hybrid propulsion and exploration capabilities to convertible spaces and seamless indoor-outdoor living. The yachts featured in the list also reflect the staggering diversity of the modern superyacht fleet, from vast new-build projects to elegant classic motor yachts.
So, what are the most-searched superyachts for sale in 2019, and what trends do they represent?
YACHTZOO’s most popular superyachts for sale in 2019
M/Y ANNA I: 67m, Feadship
Some of the most forward-thinking yachts aren’t brand new, and this is definitely the case for the superb 67m ANNA I from the innovative Dutch yard, Feadship.
This yacht, despite being launched in 2007, exhibits many of the cutting-edge modern trends we’re seeing on the market today, including ‘bringing the outdoors in’ with drop-down balconies and sliding doors opening up the dining room. Convertible spaces also feature prominently, with a sky lounge that converts into a cinema and a salon into a dance floor, while the double-height master with its sumptuous four-poster bed is genuinely spectacular, with stairs leading up to a private observation lounge and a private deck.
With its interior of dark wood panelling and opulent soft furnishings (think damask, heavy drapes, gilt-framed paintings and stunning gold tones) contrasting with a fresh, contemporary exterior of neutral shades with splashes of burnt orange, this yacht seamlessly combines a décor of classic yachting glamour with modern trends.
With an impressive range of 5,100 nautical miles, ANNA offers long-range cruising in genuine luxury, whether you’re relaxing in the Jacuzzi or working out in the dedicated gym.
Trends: Indoor-outdoor living, convertible spaces, unique stateroom layout, long-range cruising capabilities.
M/Y ZENITH, 69.6m, Sunrise Shipyard
The next yacht on our most-searched superyachts for sale list couldn’t be more different. Still in concept stage and ready for construction, ZENITH’s initial design is ultra-modern: think clean, almost space-age lines, a glass-edged pool hovering on the deck precipice, and a helipad on the foredeck for exploring the destinations.
The yacht’s design offers accommodation for 12 in six palatial staterooms, supported by 16 crew. ZENITH has a steel hull and aluminium superstructure, and will cruise at a top speed of 18 knots. The yacht’s build is estimated to take 26 months and will be initiated at Sunrise Shipyard, although the finishing shipyard is up to the owner’s discretion.
The popularity of this yacht in searches reflects just how sought-after a new build project is by today’s elite yacht owner. Purchasing a project allows the owner to take possession of their very own brand new yacht rather than pre-owned, allowing them to stamp their own tastes and preferred functionality on their vessel.
Trends: New-build purchase, futuristic design, deck swimming pool, helipad and long-range cruising capabilities.
M/Y INSIGNIA, 55.6m, Elsflether Werft
This superyachts for sale list celebrates the classic along with the new, with the German-built 55.6m M/Y INSIGNIA also featuring on the most popular searches on YACHTZOO’s website in 2019.
This heritage motor yacht was launched in 1979 and has been impeccably maintained and refitted over its lifetime, showcasing a stunning Luiz de Basto interior and with naval architecture by Alpha Marine. A grand spiral staircase connects the decks, a sauna is located in the lower deck aft, a Jacuzzi sits on the sundeck, and up to 14 guests are accommodated in seven luxurious staterooms.
Part of what make INSIGNIA so attractive in the market is its convertible cabin layout, with three of its twin staterooms easily converted into kings. This is particularly attractive to those buyers wishing to charter the yacht out, as the yacht is charter-ready and MCA compliant, and convertible cabins are superb for adapting to different group configurations.
INSIGNIA’s enduring popularity shows just how well quality-built yachts stand the test of time.
Trends: Convertible cabin layout, charter-ready, spa facilities (sauna).
M/Y HOME, 49.8m, Heesen
The final yacht featuring in the most-searched superyachts for sale in 2019 is the superb 49.8m HOME from Heesen, which won the title of ‘Most Innovative Hybrid Yacht of the Year’ when launched in 2017. Demonstrating the rising appeal of hybrid propulsion systems on yachts, HOME runs on a diesel-electric system, delivering whisper-quiet and economical cruising with a lighter environmental footprint. It also features the popular and striking axe bow, as well the revolutionary Fast Displacement Hull Form (FDHF) that took the yachting world by storm when released on Heesen’s earlier launch, GALACTICA STAR.
Yet that’s not all that is special about this yacht. M/Y HOME is a true ‘home away from home’ designed for long-term cruising, with sleek modern design and an airy all-white interior that is almost futuristic in its refined simplicity. Huge expanses of glass flood the yacht with light, and low-slung chaise longues are the perfect place to admire the endless views of sky and sea. HOME also is bang on-trend with its use of a magnificent indoor-outdoor upper salon, where the deck extends right into the sky lounge (a space which also converts into a party room), as well as its dedicated gym for keeping fit at sea.
Trends: Hybrid propulsion, axe bow, fast displacement hull (FDHF), indoor-outdoor spaces, futuristic interior, convertible spaces.
Takeaway trends of 2019 so far:
Looking at this list of superyachts for sale, there are key design and market trends at play:
Hybrid propulsion. It is no accident that two of the yachts in this list feature hybrid propulsion. As the superyacht fleet gets greener, owners are also attracted to the greater fuel economy and very quiet cruising offered by hybrid electric-diesel propulsion.
Alfresco living. Indoor-outdoor spaces are resoundingly ‘in’. Drop-down balconies and sliding doors leading to side decks have become increasingly common in contemporary superyacht design, and we are now also seeing spaces that open up to function as an extension of deck space inside the yacht’s superstructure.
Exploring in luxury. The rise and glamorisation of the once-rugged explorer yacht is well-underway. We’re not only seeing superb explorer yachts, but it is now expected that new build superyachts also have exploration capabilities, such as long-range fuel capacity, helipads for exploring remote destinations, and all the luxuries imaginable for embarking on long journeys.
Convertible staterooms. Several yachts on this list make the most of convertible layouts in their stateroom configuration thereby increasing buyer/charter appeal. Whether you’re an owner using your yacht for a mixture of family, business and friend trips, or chartering commercially, convertible staterooms are a winning format to appeal to different groups.
New-build projects remain perennially popular. For some yacht owners, only a new-build will do, and with two new-build projects appearing on this list, it’s clear that being able to stamp their identity on a yacht and have it personalised to their tastes is still the priority for many.
Difference sells when it comes to layouts. All of these yachts have something outside the ‘traditional’ yacht configuration, whether that be yachts with Owner’s decks and private spaces, double-height masters, or multiple VIP suites.
