Owning a yacht is a symbol of luxury, freedom and adventure. To many, a yacht is much more than just a vessel; it's a way of life. In this guide, we'll explore the best yacht brands in the world. These top-tier manufacturers are renowned for their craftsmanship, innovation, and visually striking designs, which cater to every yacht enthusiast.
Feadship
Originating in 1849, Feadship is a Dutch yacht builder that has set the standard for luxury and innovation in yacht design. They are famed for producing bespoke vessels and custom superyachts with over 200 delivered vessels across the globe.
Feadship’s long-standing recognition for traditional craftsmanship and cutting-edge technology, their attention to detail, exceptional quality and ability to create fully personalised vessels make them one of the most sought-after brands in the industry. The company most recently won the 'Yard of the Year' award in 2024 and was also named the ‘Best Yard for Yacht Investment 2024’—this award acknowledges the yard whose vessels retain the highest resale value, according to top yacht brokers and lenders.
Sunseeker
Sunseeker is a British manufacturer that has earned a reputation as one of the world's leading brands for sleek, performance-driven yachts. The brand prides itself on its meticulous approach to design and engineering - often seen as the epitome of British craftsmanship. Originating in 1969 as 'Pooles Power Boats', Sunseeker's pride themselves on their uncompromising approach to design and innovation . Every aspect is tailored to provide a luxurious and personalised boating experience - from the initial concept and design right through the finishing details of furniture, complex electrical systems and soft furnishings. As Sunseeker produces these components in its dedicated facility, it can offer yachters exceptionally high-quality control, craftsmanship and attention to detail.
Azimut
Azimut is an Italian yacht famous for its sophisticated designs and resplendent interiors. Every vessel's Italian flair is evident, making it a firm favourite among yacht connoisseurs. Crowned the world's top superyacht manufacturer, their yachts range from sporty cruisers to huge superyachts, with 36 models currently in production. Azimut is synonymous with the highest quality and avant-garde designs while also aiming to promote an eco-conscious approach to manufacturing low-emission vessels.
Princess Yachts
Based in Plymouth, Princess Yachts is known for producing high-quality luxury yachts with exceptional performance and striking design. Founded in 1965 in an area of England noted for its maritime heritage, the first Princess GRP motor yacht with a flybridge was launched in 1974. In 2014, Princess Yachts debuted its flagship, the 40.16-meter Princess 40M Solaris. With a range that includes everything from compact cruisers to spacious superyachts, Princess Yachts has a reputation within the yachting world synonymous with outstanding performance and reliability.
Benetti
Benetti's legacy in creating world-class superyachts is unparalleled, offering unmatched luxury for those who want to experience the height of nautical indulgence—originating in 1873. Each custom-built yacht reflects Benetti's expertise, attention to detail and timeless design making it a top choice for those who seek ultimate privacy and opulence on the water.
Lürssen
Based in Germany, Lürssen is a world leader in producing superyachts. Known for their focus on technical innovation, Lürssen yachts are often among the largest and most comfortable in the world, with a range of 60 - 180m. Over recent years, Lurssen has aimed to implement sustainable technology within its production cycle, with the latest generation of superyachts boasting improved fuel efficiency, lower emissions and reduced noise levels. This unwavering commitment to quality and innovation makes it a top choice for individuals looking for a yacht that defines exclusivity and performance.
Sanlorenzo
Sanlorenzo is a high-end Italian yacht brand with a strong reputation for crafting custom-built yachts over the last 60 years. Founded in 1958 a stone's throw away from the city of Florence, Sanlorenzo was taken over in 1972 by Giovanni Jannetti who launched the first fiberglass hull boat in 1985 and moved the headquarters to Ameglia.
Today, Sanlorenzo is known for producing made-to-measure vessels with only a limited number of yachts built each year. Each Sanlorenzo vessel is the product of a meticulous 5-stage personalisation process and is the first company in the yachting sector to involve outstanding names in the creation and design of yacht interiors - including Dordoni Architetti and Antonio Citterio. Thanks to this collaboration, Sanlorenzo has introduced innovations that have made it achievable to reframe this concept of on-board space.
Christensen Yachts
Christensen Yachts, based in Vancouver, is known for building high-quality superyachts with a speciality in the crafting of large superyachts of 100 - 165 feet. The brand is renowned for its craftsmanship and ability to customise every aspect of the yacht to meet the owner's preferences. The vessels are renowned for their durability, performance, and impressive attention to detail, offering a luxury experience on the water and in design. Christensen Yachts combine traditional American craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology, delivering yachts as durable as they are luxurious.
Heesen Yachts
Heesen Yachts are for those who crave high performance, offering an unbeatable combination of speed and innovative design crafted from pure steel and aluminium. Based in the Netherlands, Heesen's focus on performance and aesthetics has earned them a loyal following, with a reputation for producing some of the world's fastest and most technologically advanced yachts. Each yacht offers an unmatched blend of speed and sophistication that makes them popular amongst enthusiasts.
Royal Huisman
Based in the Netherlands, Royal Huisman specialises in creating some of the most beautiful sailing yachts in the world. Founded in 1884 as a builder of wooden workboats, Royal Huisman's reputation for combining elegance with extraordinary sailing performance has made it a top choice for those seeking a yacht and a piece of maritime art. Known for their cutting-edge design, they are a favourite among those who want a sailing vessel with an artistic touch.
These top yacht brands prove that purchasing one of these vessels is not just about luxury, but about the ability for yacht owners to tailor the concept and design down to the last detail. Whether seeking speed, comfort or design, the yacht brands in this guide—ranging from the timeless elegance of Feadship to the cutting-edge design of Lürssen—represent the pinnacle of nautical luxury. As the demand for opulent and highly bespoke vessels continues to increase, these brands remain at the forefront and continue to set new standards in design, performance, technology and luxury on the water.
