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.

At 74 metres, Aurora is the smallest boat that Lürssen has delivered since 2014 – but she still ranks among the world’s 200 largest superyachts.

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. You’ll be able to admire all these features for yourself in an upcoming issue of Boat International.

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 July and made its first big public appearance at the Monaco Yacht Show.

Why we love it: She’s 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 72.1 metre VSY motor yacht Stella Maris was launched in 2013, boasting radical lines by Espen Øino and pared back interior styling in muted natural tones by Michela Reverberi.

Why we love it: Al fresco spaces abound, from the substantial superyacht beach club to the tender garage that can be converted into a party spot.

Design genius: The sundeck is a stunner. Stroll straight from the helipad for a dip in the twin pools aft, or just collapse on a sunpad with a cocktail.

Perfect for:Superyacht owners who insist on a light, bright lifestyle on the water. Inside there are rows of full-height windows that make the main deck feel like an extension of the seascape.

The 73.5 metre Nobiskrug motor yacht Mogambo was launched in 2012, boasting a sinuous and achingly cool interior and exterior design scheme by the Reymond Langton studio.

Why we love it: Check out those sweeping stairs, that muted grey and white paint job, the flared sundeck overhangs — there aren’t many back ends this pretty.

Design genius: The chic interior with a 1950s Mad Men flavour translates into laid-back spaces outside, from the low-slung furniture of the main aft deck to the sprawling superyacht beach club, complete with spa area.

Perfect for: Superyacht charterers with a penchant for mid-century glamour. Or Don Draper.

The all-new 98 metre Aviva from Abeking & Rasmussen replaces a 68 metre yacht of the same name. She was designed inside and out by Reymond Langton, making her the largest yacht the British studio has worked on. She’s the biggest Abeking ever, too.

Why we love it: While we don’t know a huge amount about her (yet), we do know there is one very special bonus room on board — a full-size padel tennis court.

Design genius: That sculpted silver superstructure and blue hull. The almost canoe stern is pretty tasty, too.

Perfect for: Anyone who wants to stay in shape while cruising the world’s party hotspots.

Launched in 2010, 67.5m motor yacht Icon was the first yacht by now-established Dutch yard Icon Yachts, with design by RWD and Studio Linse.

Why we love it: The top two decks essentially hold a two-level sundeck, with sunbathing areas spilling down on to the bridge deck aft, with a bar and other treats.

Design genius: The beach club is gorgeous — the casual oak and teak space includes a bar, sofas, gym and scuba room — and there’s direct access to guest cabins so that water babies can head straight to the ocean waves.

Perfect for: Those who like a refreshing morning dip — or a midnight cocktail on the water.

Icon Yachts’ inspired 62.5 metre Party Girl features classic exterior lines courtesy of British studio RWD. She has become a charter favourite since her launch in 2012.

Why we love it: The yacht’s emphasis on outdoor living and socialising is infectious. From her large superyacht beach club to her various alfresco dining, bar and lounge spaces, she has been designed to enjoy with company.

*Design genius: *Cristiano Gatto was responsible for her unique interior, which offers art deco vibes with Oriental touches. Highlights include a 17 metre main saloon, perfect for entertaining, and a large owner’s penthouse with spectacular 180 degree views.

Perfect for: As her name suggests, having a good time. See the Party Special July issue of Boat International to discover how to pimp your yacht for the perfect soirée.

One of the most famous yachts in the world — 119 metre Motor Yacht A was designed by Philippe Starck with technical and naval design by Martin Francis, and launched by Blohm+Voss in 2008.

Why we love it: Look at her. There is simply nothing as original on the water — except perhaps the yacht that has followed her, Sailing Yacht A, which also comes from the fascinating mind of Starck.

Design genius: Her exterior may be the showpiece but her interiors don’t disappoint, from a loft-like owner’s suite that also includes an aft facing balcony to her multiple superyacht swimming pools, one of which has a glass floor.

Perfect for: Those who don’t mind camera flashes — this slice of superyacht history will be recognised in every port. Read our exclusive interview with Philippe Starck in the next issue of Boat International.

Tansu Yachts’ seductive 39.3 metre motor yacht Sexy Fish was developed over four years under the code name Project Cutlass, with in-house styling and naval architecture by Diana Yacht Design.

Why we love it: The yard’s design ethos, to create boats around a modern outdoor lifestyle, leads to spectacular alfresco spaces such as this sprawling aft deck and a lighting scheme that makes the most of it.

Design genius: Tansu’s previous launch So’mar boasted an owner's deck with a million dollar view up top. This one shares the wealth by placing a glamorous bar in the same spot, so you can stroll out to the upper aft deck to sip your cocktail, or linger in a sheltered nook with the barman.

Perfect for: Cool young things who like a beach house vibe.

Lürssen’s 63.4 metre explorer yacht Polar Star, launched in 2005, was recently lengthened and refitted in sumptuous style by her original designer Espen Øino plus FM Architettura d’Interni, at MB92.

Why we love it: This refit has taken her closer to her purpose as a boat for exploring nature. The classic interior has been replaced with contemporary design inspired by the seascape: silver grey tones accented with bronze, as well as mosaics in aquamarine.

Design genius: They weren’t afraid to take the interior back to basics to get what the owners wanted. The rearranged layout creates cohesive flowing spaces, rather than a series of separate ones, and routing made more logical for both guests and crew.

Perfect for: Diving into nature, both outside and inside your yacht.

The shiny new 70 metre Joy is the first exterior project by Bannenberg & Rowell, with interiors by yachting newcomers Studio Indigo, and freshly delivered by Dutch powerhouse Feadship.

Why we love it: She may be big, but she has the interior volume of a smaller yacht because vast swathes of space have been given over to exterior decks, putting the focus firmly on outdoor living.

Design genius: If maximising exterior space sounds like you’ll miss out on design treats, think again — there’s a basketball court on the huge foredeck, some gorgeously angular styling and, when you eventually head inside, a spectacular movie lounge, bar area and much more.

Perfect for: Fans of fresh air and Boat International readers — Joy is the cover star of our January 2017 issue.

Does she really need an introduction? 25 this year, it is, of course, Zeus, one of the greatest modern superyachts. Built in 1991 by Blohm+Voss to a design by Martin Francis, she has been known as Eco,Katana and Enigma.

Why we love it: If the 74.5 metre was launched today, she’d still demand attention. You can’t say that about too many yachts of her vintage.

Design genius: Can you imagine how radical those convex superstructure windows were at the time? They lavish the interior with light. The destroyer-like form packs a punch, too, hitting 34 knots at the top end, thanks to twin diesels and a gas turbine collectively outputting a massive 28,500 horsepower.

Perfect for: Readers of Boat International — she features exclusively in our December edition. Don’t miss it.

The aggressively cool 86 metre yacht Seven Seas, was designed by Nuvolari Lenard and launched by Oceanco in 2010 for Steven Spielberg.

Why we love it: There are few yachts that pile on this many decks and still look sleek on the water. The keys are her monochrome paint job, curving sundeck superstructure and a mast with flared satellite dome supports. From the rear she has a sexy, faintly Asian aesthetic; from the side her lines are smooth, forceful and, well, shark-like.

Design genius: A professional projection system, five metre by two metre screen and two rows of raked seating transform the main saloon into a movie theatre. Another projector throws an image on to the glass wall of the aft infinity pool, so guests can watch while they swim.

Perfect for: Black-tie Hollywood galas on the enormous aft deck – however many film stars you need to invite, it is unlikely that you’re going to need a bigger boat.

The superyacht everyone is talking about — Dilbar was built by Lürssen, and delivered to the Mediterranean in June 2016 for her debut season. This photograph was taken just off Porto Cervo, where the yacht joined the previous Dilbar, now known as Ona, another very big girl at 110 metres.

Why we love it: She is huge at 156 metres LOA, but it’s her gross tonnage that’s really making headlines. At a reported 12,917GT, she is officially the biggest superyacht in the world in volume terms. Squint and you might just be able to spot the crew member on the bathing platform.

Design genius: Exteriors by Espen Øino and an interior by Winch Design make her a yacht with some serious design pedigree. She also features the largest diesel electric set-up ever installed on a yacht.

Perfect for: When you’ve got this much space — everything!

Built by Lürssen in Germany, Kismet is 95.2 metres and five decks of fantastical and highly personal design.

Why we love it: The aft decks become one big party loop: start in the main aft deck bar, move up to the bridge deck lounge and helipad, and then up again to the sundeck for a dip in the pool. And that still leaves two decks as a chill-out zone. She can host parties for 270 guests.

Design genius: The owner’s ideas are woven through this highly collaborative and unusual project, from Espen Øino’s height-disguising black mast and stainless steel flourishes, to Reymond Langton’s interior box of delights, with a video wall, a piano, four fireplaces, spectacular atrium stairs — plus a quiet exterior nook with a hanging seat.

Perfect for: Design aficionados who like to socialise al fresco.

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 88 metre Quattroelle, launched by Lürssen in 2012, with exterior and interior design by Nuvolari Lenard.

Why we love it: This boat is all about massive exterior decks – she has a 13.8 metre beam. Her American owner adores cruising the Caribbean, so he wanted space to feel the breeze and watch the sun set.

Design genius: Clever touches range from the techie – a section of the big stern platform lowers into the sea – to the simple: aft exterior stairs on all five decks so guests can stay in that sun-dazed mood all day long. Later, they cool off in the bridge-deck infinity pool.

Perfect for: Sun worshippers who want to keep in bikini- or swimmers-ready shape: Usain Bolt designed her massive gym.

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 is the curvaceous rear end of Okto, ISA’s 66 metre steel and aluminium head-turner. Okto is currently for sale.

Why we love it: Wedding cake? Forget it. This platform could easily have taken another deck, but the designers have kept things cool – with the result that there’s nothing else quite like it out there.

Design genius: It takes skill to make 66 metres of yacht look like a low-slung sportsboat, but designers Andrea Vallicelli and Alberto Pinto, working closely with the owner, managed it. We’re also promised stellar performance thanks to four months of tank testing.

Perfect for: The highly sensitive. Vibration and noise levels have to be experienced to be believed, we’re told.

Built for Roman Abramovich as a replacement for his explorer Le Grand Bleu, 115 metre Luna is the world’s second- largest expedition yacht. She was sold last year for more than €130 million, making her one of the most expensive superyachts sold in 2014.

Why we love it:Luna may be hard as nails – built to Ice Class at the German commercial yard Lloyd Werft in 2010 – but her graceful lines by Newcruise could still turn heads on the dock at Monaco.

Design genius: Her main aft deck is vast – about a third of the yacht’s length overall – but when the weather cools the massive beach club provides a chic shelter with an on-deck feeling.

Perfect for: Voyaging into the wild; making other explorer yachts look dull; then amping up the envy by inviting their owners on board for a cocktail party. You’ll have them weeping into their martinis.

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.

Galactica Star is Heesen’s award-winning 65 metre extravaganza.

Why we love it: The whole stern is devoted to a palatial beach club, with tenders and toys relegated to a forward garage, giving designer Frank Laupman maximum space for his imagination.

Design genius: The space is backed by cascading LED lights, while a skylight in the roof opens onto the pool on the main deck above – a feature that helped her pick up a World Superyacht Award in 2014.

Perfect for: Watching the sun go down at anchor, thanks to folding platforms at the rear and port quarter, opening the whole space up.

Anything else? Access to the main deck is made easy thanks to two brilliantly lit stairways either side of the beach club, so water – either in the main-deck pool or off the bathing platform – is never out of reach.