The World’s Most Expensive Sailing Yachts
Since summer is here, I propose a bit of a stretch—namely, let’s talk about sailboats. Although there are skippers here in our country who say that owning a sailboat isn’t that expensive and, above all, compare the freedom of sailing the seas in a sailboat to that of exploring space.
Sailing Yachts
The 2026 edition of the WSOP has also begun; if your bankroll holds out, you might just win a prize big enough to buy the sailboat of your dreams.
Here are the Top 3 most expensive sailboats in the world:
Sailing Yacht A, $600 million
Sailing Yacht A was built for Andrey Melnichenko by the German shipyard Nobiskrug, with the exterior and interior design by Philippe Starck. The vessel was completed in 2017 and cost between $530 million and $600 million, making it the most expensive sailing yacht ever built.
At 143 meters long, it is the largest sailing yacht in the world. The three carbon-fiber masts, each over 100 meters tall, are the tallest ever installed on a sailing vessel and rotate automatically for optimal performance.
The yacht uses a hybrid diesel-electric propulsion system designed to minimize noise and vibration while improving efficiency and range. With a gross tonnage of 12,558 GT, it has a volume five times greater than that of the second yacht on this list.
The vessel features an underwater observation deck, a helicopter platform, and generous living quarters designed to offer maximum privacy and luxurious comfort.
Koru, $500 million
One of the world’s richest men, Jeff Bezos, owns the second most expensive sailing yacht, a 127-meter-long vessel.
The vessel was built by Oceanco in the Netherlands, launched in 2023, has a crew of 40, and has a maximum speed of 17 knots. Propulsion is provided by two MTU diesel engines. The vessel can accommodate up to 18 passengers in 9 cabins and has a gross tonnage of 3,493 GT and a beam of 17.2 m, featuring a teak deck, a steel hull, and an aluminum superstructure.
The exterior design was handled by Dykstra Naval Architects, and the interior by Mlinaric, Henry & Zervudachi. The three masts measure over 70 meters in height, generating massive eco-friendly propulsion through the sails. In fact, it is considered the largest authentic sailing vessel in the world. Unlike the aggressive lines of other modern mega-yachts, Koru adopts the elegant style of a 19th-century schooner, with a dark navy blue hull and a traditional silhouette. The yacht features a massive glass-bottomed pool on the aft deck, multiple hot tubs, wellness areas, and refined private suites. On the bow of the vessel is a wooden sculpture resembling his wife, Lauren Sánchez.
Fun fact: Since the mother ship—Koru—isn’t spacious enough to carry a helicopter or other underwater equipment, Bezos has commissioned a 75-meter support vessel named Abeona, which sails alongside Koru.
Black Pearl, $300 million
Black Pearl is a vessel that belonged to a Russian oligarch who died in 2021. The sailing yacht is approximately 107 meters long and was also built by the Dutch shipyard Oceanco. Annual maintenance costs amount to approximately 15–20 million euros per year.
Delivered in 2018, this sailing yacht combines inspiration from classic sailing with advanced hybrid technology, an automated sail-handling system, and an impressive black hull.
Originally developed under the name Project Solar, Black Pearl was created as a bold step forward in the design of large sailing yachts. Its DynaRig system with three carbon-fiber masts and energy-saving technology make it one of the most technically ambitious private yachts in the world.
Her top speed is 17.5 knots, and her maximum range at cruising speed reaches 5,400 nautical miles, powered by two MTU diesel engines. The vessel can accommodate up to 12 guests in 7 cabins, along with a crew of 27. It has a gross tonnage of 2,864 GT and a beam of 15 m, built with a teak deck, steel hull, and aluminum superstructure.
It was designed by Nuvolari Lenard and Ken Freivokh.
I hope you enjoyed this glimpse into the world of sailing yachts for billionaires, but there are much more affordable options available for “ordinary people” as well.
Sources: superyachttimes.com, facebook, boatinternational.com, superyachtfan.com
