From helipads and ramps to onboard gyms, wine cellars, and theaters, take a peek inside some of the most opulent superyachts to grace our waters. If you spent your lockdown days stretched out on the top deck of your sleek superyacht as it floated in the balmy Mediterranean waves, you weren't alone.

While the pandemic may have initially shook the superyacht sector, the 2022 Global Order Book indicates a total of 1,024 projects ongoing, a 24.7 percent increase over the previous year.

The largest yachts to grace the waters.

Lürssen, a German shipyard, has the biggest superyacht projects, including the highly classified 158-meter Project Blue, which is scheduled to debut in 2023. However, Vard's REV Ocean (182.9 meters) from Norway will be fully operational by 2024. Some of its distinguishing qualities include modern research equipment and a fuel-efficient design.

Whether constructed in 1865 or 2013, the biggest known yachts have ageless charm and a lavish lifestyle that complements the experience of sailing at sea.

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Azzam

The world's longest superyacht, built in less than three years, was meant to move at high speeds in warm, shallow seas, leaving the inside a mystery. Christophe Leoni designed the yacht's sumptuous 19th century Empire-inspired interior, while Nauta Yachts created the contemporary, streamlined exterior.

• Length: 180.7m.
• Country and year: Germany, 2013.
• Builder:Lürssen
• Features: Powered by two gas turbines and two diesel engines.
• Speed: 30 knots.
• Owner: Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE.

Eclipse

Azzam took over as the world's biggest superyacht in 2013, after the multi-award-winning luxury Eclipse. Terence Disdale Design of London was in charge of the external and interior design, and construction at the Hamburg shipyard is estimated to have taken five years.

• Length: 162.5m.
• Country and year: Germany, 2010.
• Builder: Blohm+Voss.
• Features include a swimming pool, three helipads, helicopter hangar, spa and exercise area, and master deck.
• Speed: 25 knots.
• Owner: Roman Abramovich, a Russian billionaire worth $14.3 billion.

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Dilbar

Dilbar, weighing 15,917 tons, is the world's biggest yacht by volume. With a 30,000-kilowatt diesel-electric power plant, it can reach a peak speed of 22.5 knots. Espen Øeino International designed the exterior of the Lürssen yacht, which was built over four years and has a light ivory color with bronze accents. Winch Design took over the luxury interiors.

• Length: 156 meters.
• Country and year: Germany, 2016.
• Builder: Lürssen.
• Features:Two helipads and a 25-meter swimming pool—the biggest ever discovered on a boat.
• Speed: 22.5 knots.
• Owner: Alisher Usmanov, a Russian billionaire worth $16.9 billion.

El Mahrousa

El Mahrousa, known as the "Pearl of the Egyptian Navy," was constructed by the Samuda Brothers at their London shipyard in 1865, but has been enlarged and repaired many times during its existence. Anchored at Alexandria, it is the Egyptian Presidential Yacht and has hosted several dignitaries, including the opening ceremony of the Suez Canal in 1869 and Egypt's representation in the 1976 Bicentennial Fleet Review in New York. The outside look resembles Oliver Lang's work.

• Length: 145.7m.
• Country and year: UK, 1865.
• Builder: Samuda Bros Features:Powered by 3 steam turbine engines.
• Speed: 16 knots.

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Flying Fox

Mark Berryman's contemporary neutral interior complements Espen Øino International's stunning and exquisite exterior of Flying Fox, making it suitable for both inside and outdoor enjoyment. It has two helipads, a health center, gym, spa, a 12-metre swimming pool, and both indoor and outdoor cinemas.

• Length: 136 meters.
• Country and year produced: Germany, 2019.
• Builder:Lürssen
• Features:A spacious swimming pool, spa, and seaside terraces.
• Speed: 20.1 knots.

Nord

The yacht's striking look, designed to elicit emotions from viewers, represents the efforts of Italian design company Nuvolari Lenard, which created its unique bow design and black painted arch.

• Length: 141.6m.
• Country and year produced: Germany, 2021.
• Builder: Lürssen.
• Features include two elevators, a theater, gym, swimming pool, two helipads, and a helicopter hangar.
• Speed: 18 knots.
• Owner: Alexei Mordashov, a Russian billionaire worth $29.9 billion.

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Dubai

The ruler of Dubai owns this royal boat, which was built in the UAE and designed by UK-based Winch Design. The luxury yacht was initially designed by Blohm+Voss before being sold to the Dubai government and delivered by Platinum Yachts.

• Length: 162m.
• Country and year: UAE, 2006.
• Builder: Platinum Yachts.
• Features include a swimming pool, theater, nightclub, atrium, and gym.
• Speed: 25 knots.
• The owner is Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the ruler of Dubai.

Al Said.

Known as 'Project Sunflower' during construction, Al Said has classic cruise liner elements by Espen  International and interior design by Redman Whiteley Dixon. The Oman Royal Yacht Squadron's flagship vessel is located in Muscat. The Lloyd-classed boat has spacious entertainment areas and can seat up to 65 people.

• Length: 155m.
• Country and year: Germany, 2008.
• Builder: Lürssen.
• Features include six decks, a helipad, cinema, and music hall.
• Speed: 22 knots.
• Owner: Sultan of Oman, Haitham bin Tariq Al Said.

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Ocean Victory

Italy's biggest yacht is distinguished by its high-tech content and creativity. It has a certified helideck and internal heli hangar, as well as 42 rooms for guests and personnel. Ocean Victory's exterior, designed by Espen Øino International and interior designer Alberto Pinto, follows the Passenger Yacht Code and incorporates both utilitarian and aesthetic aspects.

• Length: 138.4m.
• Country and year: Italy, 2014.
• Builder: Fincantieri.
• Features:An underwater observation chamber, six pools, a spa, and seven decks.
• Speed: 25 knots.
• Owner: Viktor Rashnikov, a Russian billionaire worth $12.6 billion.

Rising Sun

Built by Lürssen in 2004, the luxury yacht is driven by four MTU diesel engines with 12,230 horsepower, allowing it to reach a peak speed of 28 knots and a cruising speed of 26 knots. Prior to David Geffen's isolation on Rising Sun in the Grenadines during the epidemic, Oracle Co-Founder Larry Ellison owned the property. Jon Bannenberg, the legendary yacht designer, created the exterior, which has rows of windows, while Laura Seccombe designed the interiors.

• Length: 138.4m.
• Country and year: Germany, 2004.
• Builder: Lürssen Yachts.
• Features:A gym, theater, wine cellar, big insulated window panels for energy efficiency, and soot particle filters to purify exhaust emissions.
• Speed: 28 knots.
• David Geffen, founder of Geffen Records and co-founder of DreamWorks, has a net worth of US10.9 billion.

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