One of the most expensive yacht auctions recorded was the sale of the 72 metre Lürssen Apoise. In 2010, the yacht was sold for €34.75 million during an auction in Grand Cayman, with the winning bid coming from a telephone call. Apoise, now re-named Titania, had been launched by the German superyacht builder just four short years before in 2006. Yacht broker Ken Denison of Denison & Daves had attended the auction and told Boat International at the time, "I'm not sure, in this case, if the auction process worked in the boat's favour."
the 4 most expensive yachts sold at auction
Bacarella
The 2009 Trinity Yachts launch Bacarella didn't go without a fight when she was up auction. The 59.74 metre motor yacht reportedly garnered 19 serious bidders, with the winning bid coming in at more than $30 million. Nigel Hollyer at ICAP Shipping told Boat International that even after the winning bid came in, several other bidders came back trying to up the ante and wanting a bidding war to happen, but it was too late and the deal was settled.
Triton
Delta Marine's 49.68 metre superyacht Triton went for less than half her asking price when she went up for auction in 2013. Launched in 2004, the explorer yacht was put up for auction by a finance house during a distress sale. She was originally on the market asking $25.9 million, and Triton sold for $11 million at auction. Still one of the most expensive yacht auctions, but far below her original asking price.
Over the Rainbow
One of potentially the most expensive yacht auctions involved the sale of the beautiful classic yacht Over the Rainbow. The 34 metre, 1930s classic motor yacht Over the Rainbow was set for auction with a guide price of €6 to €8 million. She received a bid for €4 million, but this was turned down by the vendor, so be on the lookout to see if Over the Rainbow goes up for auction again soon.