8 of the Largest Sailing Yachts in the World

Sailing yachts have grown dramatically in size over recent years, with today's largest vessels combining traditional sailing elements with modern luxury and technology. In this article, we'll look at the 8 largest sailing yachts in the world, ranked by length. These impressive ships showcase what's possible when cutting-edge engineering meets sailing tradition.

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1. Sailing Yacht A—142m

Sailing Yacht A, one of the largest sailing yachts in the world at 142m, showcasing its distinctive white hull with oval portholes and three towering masts against a blue sky. — Sailing Yacht A photographed from the side, showing its distinctive design with three tall masts. Photo by KarleHorn & Waldi - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

At 142 meters (466 feet), Sailing Yacht A is currently the largest sailing yacht in the world. This unique vessel was designed by Philippe Starck and built by German shipyard Nobiskrug. What makes it stand out is its unconventional design featuring an upside-down hull and three massive carbon fiber masts that reach up to 100 meters in height. Despite its sailing capabilities, Sailing Yacht A also uses a hybrid diesel-electric propulsion system for when the wind isn't cooperating. Inside, it accommodates up to 20 guests and 54 crew members across eight decks, with amenities including a large swimming pool and an underwater observation pod.

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2. Koru—127m

The Koru superyacht, Jeff Bezos' 127-meter sailing vessel, features a striking black hull with white superstructure and three tall masts, making it the second largest sailing yacht in the world. — Koru superyacht with its three masts and distinctive black hull with white superstructure. Photo by Conmat13 - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

The 127-meter Koru, owned by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, ranks as the second largest sailing yacht in the world. Completed in 2023 by Dutch shipyard Oceanco, this three-masted schooner features a sleek black hull and classic styling. Koru (meaning "new beginnings" in Maori) combines traditional sailing yacht aesthetics with cutting-edge technology. The yacht includes a helipad and is often seen accompanied by its 75-meter support vessel, Abeona. While details of its interior remain private, Koru is believed to feature luxurious accommodations for 18 guests and around 40 crew members, along with state-of-the-art entertainment and communication systems.

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3. Sea Cloud—109m

Sea Cloud, the historic 109-meter four-masted sailing yacht built in 1931, showcasing its classic white hull with red trim and impressive traditional square-rigged sailing configuration as the third largest sailing yacht in the world. — The historic Sea Cloud yacht with its four masts and traditional rigging. Photo by BaS - Own work, Public Domain, Wikimedia Commons

At 109 meters, Sea Cloud holds a special place among the largest sailing yachts in the world as a historic vessel still actively sailing. Built in 1931 for American businesswoman Marjorie Merriweather Post, this four-masted barque maintains much of its original character. Today, Sea Cloud operates as a luxury cruise ship that carries up to 64 passengers in 32 cabins, including some of the original owner's cabins with their period furnishings and marble bathrooms. Its 59 sails are still set by hand by the crew, maintaining traditional sailing methods while offering guests a glimpse into sailing's golden age combined with modern comforts.

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4. Black Pearl—106.7m

Black Pearl, the 106.7-meter sailing yacht built by Oceanco, showcasing its distinctive dark blue hull, white superstructure, and three tall DynaRig masts that support its innovative eco-friendly sailing system as the fourth largest sailing yacht in the world." — Black Pearl yacht at dock displaying its innovative DynaRig mast system and dark hull. Photo by Berthold Neutze - Own work, Public Domain, Wikimedia Commons

The 106.7-meter Black Pearl stands out among the largest sailing yachts in the world for its groundbreaking technology. Built by Oceanco in 2018, this yacht features three DynaRig carbon masts supporting 2,900 square meters of sail. What makes Black Pearl exceptional is its ability to cross the Atlantic using wind power alone, with its innovative systems capturing energy from the propellers while sailing to power onboard systems. Its distinctive black sails and hull make it instantly recognizable. The interior, designed by Nuvolari Lenard and Villate Design, accommodates 12 guests and 18 crew members in a luxurious yet environmentally conscious setting.

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5. EOS—92.93m

EOS, the 92.93-meter sailing yacht built by Lürssen, anchored in a harbor with its three tall masts and elegant dark hull with cream superstructure, ranking as the fifth largest sailing yacht in the world." — EOS yacht with its distinctive three-mast design anchored at Dartmouth harbor. Photo by Simon.pooley at English Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons

Built by Lürssen in 2006, the 92.93-meter EOS remains one of the largest sailing yachts in the world many years after its launch. This three-masted Bermuda rigged schooner features an aluminum hull and classic exterior styling by Bill Langan. Named after the Greek goddess of dawn, EOS can accommodate 16 guests and 21 crew members. The interior, designed by François Catroux, includes a large library and a circular staircase that winds around its main mast. EOS can reach speeds of 16 knots under sail and has a range of 4,000 nautical miles under power, making it ideal for long-distance cruising in comfort.

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6. Athena—90m

Athena, the 90-meter sailing yacht built by Royal Huisman, docked at a marina showing its impressive white hull, three tall masts, and elegant bowsprit design, making it the sixth largest sailing yacht in the world." — Athena, the three-masted schooner owned by James H. Clark, docked at a marina. Photo from Wikipedia

At 90 meters, Athena is Royal Huisman's largest build and ranks sixth among the largest sailing yachts in the world. Launched in 2004, this three-masted gaff rigged schooner combines classic styling with aluminum construction for lighter weight and better performance. The yacht features interior design by Rebecca Bradley with accommodation for 10 guests in five cabins and space for 22 crew. Athena can reach impressive speeds of up to 19 knots under sail. Its classic exterior styling includes rich teak decks and varnished wood details that give it a timeless appeal while housing modern systems beneath its traditional appearance.

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7. Maltese Falcon—88m

Maltese Falcon, the revolutionary 88-meter sailing yacht built by Perini Navi, showcasing its distinctive DynaRig sailing system with three free-standing masts and square sails, set against a blue sky as the seventh largest sailing yacht in the world. — The Maltese Falcon sailing yacht with its innovative DynaRig system visible against the sky. Photo by David Orban from New York, United States - Maltese Falcon sailboat - 2, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

Launched in 2006, the 88-meter Maltese Falcon revolutionized sailing yacht design. Built by Perini Navi, this yacht features the revolutionary DynaRig sailing system with three free-standing rotating masts supporting 15 square sails. A single person can operate the computer-controlled sail system, which deploys in just six minutes. Its interior, designed by Ken Freivokh, accommodates 12 guests and 19 crew members across six cabins. Features include an outdoor cinema with the world's largest outdoor movie screen on a yacht, a well-equipped gym, and a dedicated spa area. Maltese Falcon combines exceptional sailing performance with luxury amenities.

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8. M5—78.4m

M5 (formerly Mirabella V), the 78.4-meter sailing yacht built by VT Shipbuilding, anchored in blue waters near a rocky coastline, showcasing its distinctive single-masted sloop design with the tallest mast of any sailing vessel at 88.5 meters. — M5 (formerly known as Mirabella V) anchored in Mediterranean waters with its record-breaking single mast visible. Photo by ArnoWinter - Own work, CC BY 3.0, Wikimedia Commons

M5, measuring 78.4 meters, completes our list of the largest sailing yachts in the world. Originally launched as Mirabella V in 2004, this sloop holds the record for having the tallest single mast of any sailing vessel at 88.5 meters. Built by VT Shipbuilding, M5 underwent an extensive refit in 2013 that included a 3-meter stern extension, updated interior by Redman Whiteley Dixon, and new carbon rigging. The yacht accommodates 12 guests in six cabins, with space for 15 crew members. M5's single massive mast supports 3,700 square meters of sail, allowing it to reach speeds of up to 17 knots. Its remarkable 10-meter keel can be lifted to reduce draft when needed, making this giant more versatile in different cruising grounds.

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Takeaway

These 8 largest sailing yachts in the world show just how far yacht design and building have come. Each vessel represents a unique approach to combining size with sailing ability, whether through innovative technology like the DynaRig system or traditional approaches updated for modern use. From Sailing Yacht A's unconventional design to Sea Cloud's historic charm, these enormous sailing vessels continue to push boundaries while maintaining the special connection with wind and water that only sailing can provide.