Standout Superyacht Aft Views

What is it: Rising Sun, the groundbreaking 138 metre motor yacht designed by Jon Bannenberg, delivered by Lürssen to Larry Ellison in 2005.

Why we love it: So fresh was the design and so different from anything he’d done before, that a yachting forum even questioned if it was really the work of Jon Bannenberg, according to a biography of the prolific British designer by his son Dickie. The owner agreed succinctly to Bannenberg’s terms in March 2000 (“Jon, I accept. Let the work begin. larry [sic]”) and by May the designer, who died before the yacht was finished, had sketched project LE120.

Design genius: Exposure of structure was a major theme of the design, with the web frames of the superstructure clearly visible — this is distinctive and honest design. In practical terms, the yacht is designed so that her acres of glass don’t reveal all: there are many private areas, including a two-level cinema and (originally, at least) a trophy room for the America’s Cup, embedded deep within.

Perfect for: Entertaining guests dockside and getting time away from it all with a full deck dedicated to the owner.

The 74 metre Lürssen superyacht Aurora  was delivered in 2017. 

Why we love it: Her exterior by Winch Design evokes the romance of classic transatlantic liners, including the dashing navy-striped mast base and plenty of stylish portholes. The interior, by the same studio, continues the theme with art deco styling (the boat was known as Project Gatsby during build).

Design genius: Moran Yacht & Ship, which managed the project, says the owner wanted a big volume family yacht so that individuals wouldn’t feel they were on top of one another. This translates into lots of intimate and personal spaces — and a wealth of on-water gizmos.

Perfect for: The family that plays together — but also appreciates a quiet afternoon with a book.

The 88.5 metre Oceanco superyacht Barbara features exterior styling and a nature-inspired interior design by Sam Sorgiovanni — a master at creating tactile spaces inspired by the natural world.

Why we love it: The incredible luxury is understated and discreet rather than in your face, and fun is built right in with a formal saloon that transforms into an amazing party space, complete with light and laser show and a cinema with supremely comfortable seats.

Design genius: Extending over two decks is an office and master suite at the centre of the yacht. The extraordinary ceiling height of the office is put to good use with enormous glass doors that slide open on to side balconies.

Perfect for: Active adults. Aside from the cinema and disco, Barbara holds a plethora of fun toys housed in a large garage forward.

The 67 metre Seasense is a custom Benetti superyacht with styling by Cor D Rover and a jazzy interior by Los Angeles interior design firm AREA.

Why we love it: That spectacular pool and the deck that surrounds it. Wide teak louvres control the sunlight allowed into the area, while teak boards, stretching across rather than along the beam, emphasise the yacht’s 10.8 metre width, increasing the apparent size of the space.

Design genius: Forward of the superyacht pool is a teak-decked dining area, and forward again a television lounge. Two sets of massive sliding doors seal the area into three or two spaces, or left open, one indoor-outdoor space that spans about half the length of the main deck. That’s more than 30 metres.

Perfect for: Families — thanks to fun colours, cosy corners and a basketball court that can cover the pool and keep the kids entertained.

What is it: The brand new 85 metre Lürssen Areti, which was delivered in 2017. 

Why we love it: Areti is a Lürssen with interior and exterior styling by British studio Winch Design — what’s not to like?

Design genius: She sports “traditional but fresh” interiors and through that transom door you can expect to find one of the most comprehensive superyacht beach clubs on the high seas.

Perfect for: The modest. That might seem crazy to say, but at 85 metres, Areti is almost entry level when measured against the giants seen regularly slipping out of Lürssen’s sheds. But we all know size doesn’t matter, right?

The 69.3m debut yacht from Italian yard Tankoa Yachts, Suerte was designed by Francesco Paszkowski and Margherita Casprini, and launched in 2015.

Why we love it: Weary travellers arriving by tender can step directly into Suerte’s spectacular spa-like beach club. This sprawling space is extended with fold-out terraces and contains a hammam, massage tables and a sauna with its own window out on to the seascape.

Design genius: On many yachts a beach club feels like an afterthought, awkwardly connected to the rest of the yacht and incoherent in décor. On Suerte, this popular feature is where it should be, at the centre of the design, the showpiece at the end of a grand central staircase from the main deck lobby – with décor to match its status.

Perfect for: Spa junkies and beach bums who take relaxation seriously.

The 85m motor yacht Ace was penned inside and out by Winch Design and launched in 2012 at Lürssen’s yard in Rendsburg, Germany.

Why we love it: The most striking features of this seriously big boat are massive, sculptural superstructure arches that sweep from foredeck to stern platform, topped with huge oval balconies. Can’t see them here? No, but you can see the aft deck layout they usually conceal.

Design genius: Those arches, in combination with the yacht’s 14.5m beam, allow for dramatic staircases that sweep up to the first three aft decks. They give an open, relaxed air to these exterior spaces but, thanks to Winch’s unusual superstructure, they remain private-feeling.

Perfect for: Design junkies or shameless show-offs – there’s no way this distinctive profile will escape attention from the dock.

The 81.27 metre motor yacht Alfa Nero, with exteriors by Nuvolari Lenard and interiors by Alberto Pinto, launched in 2007. She was at the vanguard of a new “Y Generation” of massive and technically spectacular boats from Oceanco, which positioned the yard firmly among the big boys of 80 metre-plus yacht building.

Why we love it: Think that low, sprawling aft deck and stern look cool now? In 2007 they were unlike anything yet built. She’s a trailblazer.

Design genius: The floor of the 7 x 3.5 metre pool lifts hydraulically to deck level and turns the aft deck into a dance floor or helipad.

Perfect for: Parties. As well as the aft deck there’s a club-like upper saloon. You just have to remember if you are choppering your guests home at midnight or inviting them to stay on for a late-night swim...

The 66 metre motor yacht Elysian (ex-Ester III) was launched in spring 2014 by Lürssen. She features an angular design by Espen Øino and ornate “French classical” interior styling by Reymond Langton.

Why we love it: Priorities. Øino put a helipad and tender garage forward on the yacht so that arrivals and departures wouldn’t break the spell back here, lounging by the water in seclusion and peace.

Design genius: Exterior spaces have been planned as carefully as interiors, with protection from sun, wind, rain, heat and cold, a stunning bar up top and a large glass-backed pool on the main deck.

Perfect for: A-list soirées and private family time. Although Espen Øino left the toy store in the stern in case it gets too quiet. Don’t tell the kids.

This 95 metre Blohm+Voss superyacht Palladium is utterly bespoke – from custom electronics to a throw-out-the-rule-book layout, the coolest of pools, and furniture that coils and flows its way through the interior.

Why we love it: The curving lines of Michael Leach’s design are either space-age or 1970s, we can’t decide which; in any case their undulating, organic forms meld beautifully with the seascape.

Design genius: The central section of the 12 metre bathing platform lowers into the water and tilts forward to ease launch and retrieval of toys. The garage, meanwhile, holds two 10 metre Cougar tenders and so many toys that the stern sometimes looks like a Formula One pit.

Perfect for: Action junkies with a sense of retro style. Or cutting-edge cool. Or both.