What Makes A Yacht A Superyacht?

Everyone knows that owning a yacht is usually a marker of wealth. While having a few supercars or even a hypercar in your garage is enough to tell your neighbors that you've finally made it, few things send the message home the way having a yacht docked at the marina does. The world of yachting is as layered and complex as any other form of transportation, with thresholds to cross and several varied systems to consider. You might own a massive, expensive boat, but does that qualify it as a yacht? Furthermore, your yacht might measure over 80 feet and be equipped with all the speed and luxury features imaginable, but does that elevate it to superyacht status? What differentiates these vessels from one another, and what does it require to transition from one classification to another? 

One of the key differences between your standard boat and a yacht lies in the purpose of the vessel. Boats carry a more practical use; think of your ferries meant to cross people and machinery from one bank to the other, fishing boats, tugboats, military watercraft, and more. On the other hand, a yacht is more focused on comfort and leisure. What elevates a superyacht from a yacht, however, is the level of comfort and luxury on offer, which is usually dialed up to 11. These vessels are larger, which equals more space for comfortable living. They also feature more advanced systems, from the technology on board to the intricate vessel systems that allow the ship to traverse the water. Today, we take a dive into the sophisticated world of superyachts.

While there isn't a specific rule that separates yachts from superyachts, loosely speaking, the largest and most expensive yachts are superyachts. These crafts usually have a level of luxury that is difficult to match, even on locations found on land. Most also come with a full-time ship crew responsible for handling all ship-related tasks. This crew ranges from a captain and first mate to a stewardess. Alongside the crew is usually a staff specifically trained and equipped to cater to the high-profile guests onboard. There's also the 80-foot length classification that, while not official, is rapidly emerging as a standard definition for what constitutes a superyacht. 

Yachts are (unsurprisingly) expensive. Therefore, when it comes to superyachts, it's only understandable that the price skyrockets beyond belief. These crafts are geared to sail from one luxurious destination to the next, offering its opulent passengers homes as they cut through the high seas. They have high-end propulsion systems and navigation equipment, multiple decks, luxurious dining areas, and ultra-modern entertainment systems like IMAX theaters. Some come with private swimming pools and helipads for the guests, while others feature an extensive array of water toys such as jetskis and speedboats. However, as awesome and indulgent as superyachts are, they aren't quite the epitome of maritime luxury. 

That honor goes to megayachts, which are among the largest yachts ever constructed. They are essentially larger superyachts that feature even more advanced systems, elevating comfort and luxury to a whole new level. While superyachts typically replicate the experience found at luxury hotels, with spacious lounges and suites, megayachts take it a step further, offering amenities like gyms and spas as standard features. Most of these vessels measure more than 200-feet and come with crew and staff to help run and maintain the vessel along with all its associated operations. 

It should be noted, though, that the distinction between a superyacht and a megayacht isn't quite written in stone, either. While size does matter when it comes to these vessels, it isn't the only deciding factor. Regardless, each of these vessels features breathtaking designs, innovative technology, and state-of-the-art amenities. And if you think these ships mark the top of luxury sea vessels money can buy, there are already even larger, more luxurious ships being built that are referred to as gigayachts.