Six yachts spotted by BOAT's news editor during London's heatwave

BOAT is always keeping an eye on the superyachts spotted in London with thanks to BOATPro's global fleet tracker– but this week, a number of noteworthy arrivals have turned the UK capital into an unexpected hotspot for yacht-watchers. From freshly delivered new builds to recently refitted classics, these are the yachts making headlines on the Thames during the UK's summer heatwave...

The soaring temperatures across Europe aren't the only thing drawing attention to London this week. Several high-profile superyachts have arrived in the capital over the past few days, including newly delivered projects, recent refit completions and some of the industry's most recognisable names. BOAT's news editor has swapped her desk for the docks this week to see which superyachts have arrived in the capital...

Lollipop

Fresh from her build sheds in the Netherlands, the 37.4-metre Lollipop made a beeline for the UK as her first stop following the completion of her build. The superyacht was delivered to her American owners just last week, with London marking the first stop of her inaugural season, "exploring some of Europe’s most celebrated destinations". Lollipop is the eighth unit from Dutch shipyard Moonen Yachts' 122 Martinique series, drawn by René van der Velden with naval architecture by Diana Yacht Design. She is the first from the series to feature interiors penned by Dutch studio Vripack, though these have remained highly private, with teased details including a custom candy-inspired Jacuzzi and cocktail bar on the sundeck.

Awatea

Another superyacht that has arrived in London straight from the shipyard is the 45-metre Royal Hakvoort motor yacht Awatea, which was recently relaunched from Balk Shipyard in the Netherlands after an extensive seven-month refit. Works on the superyacht included numerous technical upgrades and interior changes, though most notably, she now sports a moody Poseidon Metallic Blue hull, repainted from her previous shade of bright pastel blue. Awatea was originally delivered in 2008, designed by Cor D. Rover with interior by Felix Buytendijk. She is currently berthed away from the capital's bustling centre in the iconic business district of Canary Wharf, East London. 

Rocinante

Settled nicely next to Awatea is Lürssen's 78.4-metre motor yacht Rocinante, which remains berthed in Canary Wharf after arriving at the start of June, according to BOATPro. The superyacht joined the brokerage market in January with Y.CO (asking €88,500,000) before heading to the 2026 Palm Beach International Boat Show, where she was the largest yacht on display. Espen Øino is responsible for her masculine grey exterior, with on-deck highlights including a helideck and a lengthy sundeck with a large jetstream pool and jacuzzi. Her interiors are by the late Alberto Pinto, who opted for a sophisticated, contemporary scheme decorated with warm woods, tan leathers and splashes of navy blue to characterise her design. 

Spectre

Benetti's 69.3-metre motor yacht Spectre undoubtedly caught the most attention in the capital this week in her prime location near Tower Bridge - a spot famed for welcoming some of the world's most iconic yachts, including Lürssen's 122-metre Kismet and Oceanco's 110-metre Kaos. The clue is in the name with the Italian-built superyacht, which was delivered in 2018 as the latest addition to 007-named boats built for John Staluppi. She was designed by Giorgio M. Cassetta, with naval architecture developed by Mulder Design, while her high gloss interiors were curated in-house by the shipyard. According to BOATPro, Spectre docked in the capital late last week. She departed the city yesterday and is now en route to the Italian coastline. 

Phi

A yacht not visiting London for the heatwave is the 58.5-metre yacht Phi, which has been anchored in the UK capital since 2021. She was delivered in the same year by Dutch yard Royal Huisman as the longest sub-500GRT superyacht ever built and made her maiden voyage to London in December. After spending the winter season in the city, the following year, Phi was temporarily detained by the UK government and has remained berthed in the city ever since. Cor D. Rover is the designer behind her eye-catching blue hull lines and unusual pointed bow, while her interiors (still notably private) were designed by British studio Lawson Robb. Last year, BOAT International stepped on board Phi to get the inside story from her Captain.

Spirit

The classic 25.9-metre motor yacht Spirit is no stranger to the UK capital, or the UK as a whole, in fact. She was constructed by British yard Camper & Nicholsons in 1975 and has remained notably private since her launch. She was designed throughout by the builders, with known details including accommodation for up to eight guests in four cabins and quarters for five crew. Spirit was constructed in aluminium and GRP and has an interior volume of 128GT and a 5.9-metre beam. The classic yacht is currently anchored in St Katherine Docks, not far from Lollipop.