Often overshadowed by the vast fleet of giant motor yachts, the largest sailing yachts in the world are quietly reaching record-breaking dimensions of their own. Today’s biggest sailing superyachts combine monumental scale with the timeless power of wind propulsion, proving that the largest sailing yachts in the world can rival — and sometimes surpass — motor yachts in prestige, innovation, and sheer presence on the water.
For many enthusiasts, these majestic vessels are the true icons of ocean luxury. Towering carbon-fibre masts, acres of high-tech sail cloth, and elegantly engineered hulls create a spectacle no engine-driven yacht can match. The largest sailing yachts in the world blend classical romance with cutting-edge naval architecture, offering silent cruising, extraordinary range, and a level of artistry that makes them stand out in any harbour from Monaco to the Caribbean.
As shipyards and owners continue to push boundaries, the size, complexity, and luxury of the largest sailing yachts in the world keep increasing year after year. These wind-powered giants represent the pinnacle of sailing technology and bespoke design — floating masterpieces that command attention wherever they go.
Here’s a countdown of the current 10 largest sailing yachts in the world:
10. SPIRIT OF THE C’s – 63.64m – Perini Navi, Italy
SPIRIT OF THE C’s ranks among the largest sailing yachts in the world, combining Perini Navi’s renowned bluewater capability with exceptional interior volume and performance. Previously known as FELICITA WEST, she is the second largest yacht ever built by the celebrated Italian sailing yacht specialist, surpassed only by the iconic MALTESE FALCON.
Designed by acclaimed naval architect Ron Holland and delivered in 2003, SPIRIT OF THE C’s was conceived to maximise both comfort and offshore sailing power. Her substantial beam of nearly 13 metres gives her the presence and space expected of the largest sailing yachts in the world, allowing for expansive living areas rarely found on wind-powered vessels. Most notably, the owner’s suite spans the entire width of the yacht, creating a palatial private retreat at sea.
Constructed with a lightweight aluminium hull, she achieves impressive sailing performance, reaching speeds in excess of 17 knots — a formidable figure for a yacht of this size and displacement. This balance of volume, luxury, and speed places her firmly among the most capable entries on any list of the largest sailing yachts in the world.
Following a comprehensive refit in 2014, SPIRIT OF THE C’s remains highly sought after on the charter market and is available in the Caribbean from approximately $165,000 per week, offering guests the rare opportunity to experience life aboard one of the largest sailing yachts in the world.
9. PILAR ROSSI – 64.35m – Alukraft, Turkey
This highly unconventional vessel stands out among the largest sailing yachts in the world for both her unique origins and striking trimaran configuration. Unlike most purpose-built giants, she began life in the late 1980s as a modest 33-metre motor yacht constructed by Alukraft in Turkey before undergoing one of the most radical yacht transformations ever attempted.
The yacht was later acquired by Brazilian former Formula One World Champion Nelson Piquet, who — together with his naval architect uncle — embarked on an ambitious conversion to transform the vessel into a high-performance sailing trimaran. An extraordinary 25 metres was added to the original hull, dramatically increasing her overall length and bringing her into contention with the largest sailing yachts in the world.
To complete the transformation, outriggers were installed to create the trimaran platform, along with two enormous masts built in the United Kingdom. This configuration delivers both enhanced stability and impressive sailing capability, characteristics typically associated with cutting-edge multihull superyachts.
Visually, the result is unlike almost anything else afloat. Her bold proportions, extended central hull, and twin-mast rig make her instantly recognisable in any harbour. While her appearance may divide opinion, the yacht’s scale, engineering ingenuity, and bespoke nature secure her a distinctive place among the largest sailing yachts in the world — and, most importantly, one that clearly satisfies her owner’s vision.
8. AHIMSA – 66m – Vitters, Holland
The magnificent 66-metre AHIMSA ranks among the largest sailing yachts in the world, combining cutting-edge performance with refined Northern European craftsmanship. Built by the renowned Vitters shipyard in the Netherlands and delivered in 2011 as AGLAIA, she represents one of the most technically advanced large sailing superyachts of her generation.
Designed by the celebrated Dubois Naval Architects with interiors by Redman Whiteley Dixon, AHIMSA was conceived to deliver both bluewater capability and luxurious long-range comfort. Her sleek profile, expansive deck spaces, and powerful sail plan exemplify the innovation driving the evolution of the largest sailing yachts in the world.
One of her most striking engineering features is her enormous single mast. As a sloop-rigged yacht, AHIMSA relies on one exceptionally tall and technologically sophisticated spar that rises more than 80 metres above the deck — a dramatic vertical presence that dominates any skyline and underscores her status among the largest sailing yachts in the world. This advanced mast system supports a vast sail area while maintaining efficiency and ease of handling for a vessel of such scale.
Further enhancing her performance credentials, AHIMSA is equipped with one of the largest composite rudders ever produced for a sailing yacht, providing precise control and stability even at high speeds and in challenging offshore conditions. The result is a yacht that not only ranks among the largest sailing yachts in the world, but also among the most capable and technically impressive ever launched.
7. VERTIGO – 67.20m – Alloy Yachts, New Zealand
At 67.2 metres in length, VERTIGO stands proudly among the largest sailing yachts in the world and holds the distinction of being the largest yacht ever built in the Southern Hemisphere. Constructed by the acclaimed Alloy Yachts shipyard in New Zealand, she represents the pinnacle of Southern Hemisphere yacht building and a landmark achievement in large sailing superyacht construction.
VERTIGO’s combination of size, performance, and luxury earned her the title of Sailing Superyacht of the Year at the prestigious World Superyacht Awards in 2012, cementing her reputation among the elite ranks of the largest sailing yachts in the world. Her sleek lines, powerful rig, and expansive deck areas deliver both thrilling sailing capability and exceptional comfort for guests on extended ocean passages.
Beyond her technical credentials, VERTIGO has also built an outstanding reputation on the charter market. She is one of the most sought-after large sailing yachts available for private charter, boasting an exceptional track record of successful charters in destinations ranging from the Mediterranean to the South Pacific. This blend of award-winning design, proven reliability, and guest appeal secures VERTIGO a prominent place on any list of the largest sailing yachts in the world.
6. PHOCEA – 75.12m – Toulon Naval Dockyard, France
PHOCEA is one of the most storied vessels among the largest sailing yachts in the world, with a remarkable history that spans competitive ocean racing, high-profile ownership, and transformation into a luxury superyacht. Originally built in 1976 as a high-performance racing yacht for renowned French yachtsman Alain Colas, she was designed for speed and endurance and famously competed in the Observer Single-Handed Trans-Atlantic Race.
In 1986, the yacht was acquired by French businessman Bernard Tapie — then owner of Olympique de Marseille football club — marking the beginning of her transition from pure racer to private yacht. A further major chapter began in 1999 when she was purchased by Mouna Ayoub, former wife of the owner of the iconic motor yacht LADY MOURA. Under her ownership, PHOCEA underwent a comprehensive redesign to elevate her into the ranks of the largest sailing yachts in the world capable of offering true luxury accommodation.
Respected designer Tim Heywood was commissioned to reimagine her exterior and interior spaces, while the renowned Lürssen shipyard in Germany carried out the extensive conversion work. The result was a dramatic transformation from stripped-out racing machine to elegant sailing superyacht, combining long, sleek lines with spacious living areas and modern amenities.
Although the yacht changed ownership again in 2010, PHOCEA has remained a highly sought-after charter vessel, offering guests the rare opportunity to experience one of the largest sailing yachts in the world with a pedigree rooted in offshore racing history.
5. M5 – 78.40m – VT, UK
M5, originally launched in 2003 as MIRABELLA V, is one of the most extraordinary vessels among the largest sailing yachts in the world and holds a unique place in superyacht history. Built for Joe Vittoria, former Chairman and CEO of Avis, the yacht was conceived as the ultimate expression of large-scale sailing innovation and private luxury.
Measuring an impressive 78.4 metres, M5 remains the largest single-masted sailing yacht ever constructed — a record that underscores both her immense scale and the engineering challenges overcome during her build. Designed by acclaimed naval architect Ron Holland and constructed by VT on England’s south coast, she pushed the boundaries of what was thought possible for a sloop-rigged yacht, placing her firmly among the largest sailing yachts in the world.
Her towering mast, vast sail plan, and enormous internal volume allow M5 to deliver a rare combination of performance and comfort, offering the elegance of traditional sailing with the space typically associated with much larger motor yachts. Even years after her launch, she continues to stand out on any list of the largest sailing yachts in the world as a benchmark for single-mast design and ambitious yacht engineering.
4. ATHENA – 79.25m – Royal Huisman, Holland
ATHENA is one of the most elegant entries among the largest sailing yachts in the world, blending grand scale with classic design inspired by the golden age of yachting. Built by the prestigious Royal Huisman shipyard in the Netherlands and delivered in 2004, she was commissioned by American entrepreneur Jim Clark, founder of Silicon Graphics and Netscape.
Designed as a modern tribute to the magnificent schooners of the 1930s, ATHENA combines traditional aesthetics with advanced engineering and contemporary comfort. Her sweeping lines, towering masts, and expansive deck spaces evoke the romance of historic ocean racing yachts while placing her firmly among the largest sailing yachts in the world.
Despite her classic appearance, ATHENA is a powerful performer, capable of speeds exceeding 19 knots under sail — an impressive figure for a yacht of her size and displacement. Clark has notably used the vessel as a support yacht for one of his classic racing yachts, highlighting both her capability and her role within a broader sailing fleet.
Today, ATHENA remains one of the most recognisable and admired vessels on any list of the largest sailing yachts in the world, celebrated for successfully marrying timeless beauty with modern superyacht performance.
3. EOS – 82.60m – Lurssen, Germany
EOS is one of the most magnificent and private vessels among the largest sailing yachts in the world, combining immense scale with timeless three-masted schooner design. Built by the renowned Lürssen shipyard in Germany and delivered in 2006, she stands as one of the few sailing yachts produced by a builder better known for constructing many of the world’s largest motor yachts.
Despite her enormous size, EOS maintains an exceptionally low public profile, with very few official details released about her interior or technical specifications. What is widely known is that her graceful lines, towering masts, and vast sail area place her firmly among the largest sailing yachts in the world, where traditional sailing aesthetics meet modern superyacht engineering.
The yacht is widely believed to be owned by American media and technology billionaire Barry Diller, although, in keeping with the discretion typical of ultra-large private yachts, ownership details have never been formally confirmed. EOS is not offered for charter and is only occasionally spotted in elite cruising destinations, further enhancing her aura of exclusivity.
Her combination of classic schooner elegance, immense scale, and extreme privacy secures EOS a distinctive position among the largest sailing yachts in the world — a floating masterpiece that exemplifies both old-world maritime romance and contemporary superyacht craftsmanship.
2. MALTESE FALCON – 88.00m – Perini Navi, Turkey/Italy
The iconic MALTESE FALCON is one of the most famous vessels among the largest sailing yachts in the world, long celebrated for both her immense size and revolutionary technology. Delivered in 2006 to venture capitalist Tom Perkins, she quickly became a landmark project that redefined what a modern sailing superyacht could achieve.
Today owned by Greek hedge fund manager Elena Ambrosiadou, MALTESE FALCON remains instantly recognisable thanks to her groundbreaking DynaRig system — a trio of towering, free-standing rotating masts supporting vast square sails. This innovative configuration allows the yacht to be sailed with remarkable efficiency and minimal crew input, setting her apart from traditional entries on lists of the largest sailing yachts in the world.
Performance is equally impressive. Despite her enormous displacement, MALTESE FALCON has reportedly achieved speeds exceeding 24 knots under sail, a figure that rivals many high-performance motor yachts and underscores the effectiveness of her advanced rig design.
Among her most unusual features is the ability to project films directly onto her sails, transforming the vessel into a floating outdoor cinema — a striking example of the creativity and luxury found aboard the largest sailing yachts in the world. Combining cutting-edge engineering, exceptional speed, and unmistakable presence, MALTESE FALCON continues to rank as one of the most influential and admired sailing superyachts ever built.
1. SEA CLOUD – 96.00m – Krupp, Germany
SEA CLOUD is one of the most historic vessels associated with the largest sailing yachts in the world, a legendary windjammer whose story spans private luxury, wartime service, and modern cruising. Built in Germany in 1931 as a private yacht for Wall Street broker E. F. Hutton and his wife, the heiress Marjorie Merriweather Post, she was originally launched under the name HUSSAR II and represented one of the most opulent sailing yachts of her era.
Over the decades, SEA CLOUD has passed through numerous owners and roles, including a dramatic chapter during World War II when she was requisitioned by the United States Navy for military service. Her robust construction and large sailing rig helped ensure her survival, allowing her to remain relevant long after many comparable vessels disappeared.
Today, SEA CLOUD continues to sail as a luxury cruise yacht, offering both full private charters and per-cabin voyages — a rare opportunity for guests to experience life aboard a vessel connected to the lineage of the largest sailing yachts in the world. With her towering masts, classic square sails, and rich heritage, she stands as a living reminder of the golden age of grand sailing ships while still delivering an unforgettable modern sailing experience.
As shipyards and owners continue to push the limits of size, technology, and design, the largest sailing yachts in the world are evolving into ever more spectacular expressions of wind-powered luxury. These extraordinary vessels combine the romance of traditional sailing with cutting-edge engineering, offering silent ocean crossings, immense interior space, and a level of exclusivity unmatched by almost any other form of travel. Whether privately owned or available for select charters, the largest sailing yachts in the world remain rare masterpieces — floating works of art that command attention in every harbour from Monaco to the Caribbean. As new projects emerge and records continue to fall, one thing is certain: the future of the largest sailing yachts in the world will be even bigger, bolder, and more technologically advanced than ever before.
