Just in the first nine months of the year, the world of yachting was marked by several events. Focus on five news items that made waves.
Decried by a good part of the population for their disastrous ecological impact, superyachts continue to satisfy the wealthy elites who love going out to sea. While the market is expected to reach $13.7 billion by 2031, a compound annual growth rate of 9.3% since 2023 according to The Insight Partners, the year 2025 had its share of twists, between surprise sales, first trials of an eco-responsible and innovative ship and shipwreck without human loss.
Somnio, the immense yacht-liner
Somnio is a revolutionary yacht-liner, fusion between a superyacht, a cruise ship and a floating residence. With its 222 meters long, it is destined to become the largest yacht in the world in terms of length and volume, surpassing the REV of 182.9 meters. This ship will be equipped with 39 private apartments, developed to be fully customizable. The residences vary in size, ranging from 182 m2 to 963 m2, and will include spaces such as kitchens, libraries, gyms and indoor and outdoor dining areas. Built by the Norwegian shipyard VARD, a subsidiary of the Italian shipbuilding giant Fincantieri, the Somnio is expected to be delivered in 2027, although scheduled for 2024. Last January, co-founder Carl Le Souef was also ordered to pay more than 700,000 pounds to the British agency Winch Design Ltd for unpaid invoices dating back to 2021, highlighting financial tensions within the project.
Breakthrough, Bill Gates’ superyacht on sale for $675 million
The superyacht Breakthrough, owned by Bill Gates although the businessman was never on board, caused a sensation in 2025 when it was put up for sale for the astronomical sum of 675 million dollars. This 119-meter vessel, designed by the Dutch shipyard Feadship, is the first superyacht in the world powered by liquid hydrogen, offering clean propulsion without CO2 emissions. It also incorporates a hydrogen fuel cell and biofuel system, ensuring extended autonomy. This project embodies a major breakthrough in the field of sustainable navigation, combining luxury and respect for the environment. While the yacht will be exhibited at the Monaco Yacht Show from 25 to 27 September 2025, a Canadian billionaire, Patrick Dovigi, is being approached to become its owner.
The Leviathan, a diesel-electric hybrid
Oceanco’s superyacht Leviathan (formerly Project Y722), whose construction began in 2023, represents a major breakthrough in sustainable yachting. With its 111 meters long, it incorporates a latest generation diesel-electric hybrid propulsion, combined with a battery energy storage system. This combination allows for extended periods of silent and emission-free navigation, thus providing an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional engines. The yacht began sea trials this summer.
The sinking of the Da Vinci in Spain
It is a darker news that marked the summer of yachting. On August 11, 2025, the luxury yacht Da Vinci, a 29-meter Astondoa, caught fire off Formentera, Spain, before foundering. The fire spread rapidly from the engine room, and despite the crew’s efforts to control the flames, water eventually flooded the engine compartments, causing the ship to sink. Fortunately, the seven people on board – four passengers and three crew members – were safely rescued.
Amadea: the superyacht of a Russian oligarch seized and auctioned
The superyacht Amadea, worth 300 million dollars, seized in 2022 by Washington from the Russian oligarch Suleiman Kerimov, is currently at auction. The auction, organized by National Maritime Services, was open until September 10, with a minimum deposit of ten million dollars, and the new buyer had 28 days to finalize the payment. This 106-meter ship includes a swimming pool, jacuzzi, heliport, gym and eight luxury cabins, accommodating up to 16 passengers. The federal court rejected a competing claim by Edouard Khoudaïnatov, deemed “man of straw” by Kerimov. Seized in Fiji, the Amadea is now in San Diego. Kerimov, a billionaire and politician, targeted since 2018 for alleged money laundering, remains under sanctions, and the sale benefits the Ukrainian regime.
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Featured photo : © Tillberg Design of Sweden et Luttenberger Design
