Year in review: 2021's biggest yachting news stories

The most read news story in 2021 was the reveal of the 127m sailing yacht reportedly commissioned by Amazon boss Jeff Bezos. Known as Y721, the yacht currently underway at Oceanco in the Netherlands is set to become the biggest sailing yacht in the world when delivered. Due for delivery in 2022, the yacht features a black hull and classic exterior lines and is set to be a three-masted schooner complete with a bowsprit.

In second place was the news that the superyacht once belonging to Muammar Gaddafi, known under his ownership as Che Guevara, will be rebuilt into a zero-emission, hydrogen-powered yacht named Hydrogen Viking. The Sunseeker Predator 95 is being redesigned into the world’s first zero-emission, high-speed luxury yacht by Norwegian studio Coase Design.

In third place was a gallery of the best images of 142m Lürssen superyacht Nord, which became the 10th largest yacht when it was launched earlier this year. Previously known as Opus, Nord was one of the largest and most private yachts finished in 2021 and was especially popular with BOAT's online audiences. 

Next up was Royal Huisman’s 58.5m superyacht PHI, which was launched and delivered in 2021. Delivered alongside a dedicated support vessel named PHI Phantom, PHI was designed by Cor D Rover with an interior penned by Lawson Robb. Following delivery, PHI was spotted on its maiden voyage in London where it will remain for the winter season.

In fifth place was the 140m delivery and maiden voyage of the 140 metre superyacht Solaris – the largest superyacht to launch in 2021. Designed by Australian designer Marc Newson, Solaris hit the water for the first time at German yard Lloyd Werft and was a highly secretive project since it began construction.

In sixth place was the news that the iconic 24.2 metre Perini Navi sailing yacht Malizia had run aground off the island of Stromboli. The yacht, which was originally built for Prince Rainier III of Monaco, was understood to be on charter at the time of the incident but thankfully no injuries were reported.

The new private residence project Somnio caused a stir when it was revealed this year. The 222m project, which will be built at Vard for a 2024 launch, features interior design penned by Winch Design. Packed with the “facilities, amenities and itinerary you would expect from a luxury cruise liner,” Somnio is set to feature a 10,000 wine bottle den, various restaurants and a massive beach club.

The 24 metre catamaran Great White belonging to tennis superstar Rafael Nadal was showcased at this year’s 2021 Monaco Yacht Show and was especially popular with BI.com readers. BOAT’s video tour on board the superyacht took viewers inside the interior, which features accommodation for 12 guests and four crew members.

The 142m Lürssen superyacht Nord returned to its home yard in June after spending the previous months exploring the Spanish coast and Caribbean. Designed by studio Nuvolari Lenard, Nord features a sports and diving centre on the lower deck, as well as a fleet of tenders and two superyacht helipads.

In October, the legendary 95m Lürssen superyacht Kismet arrived in London and was spotted moored in Canary Wharf. Designed by Espen Øino with interiors by Reymond Langton, Kismet is owned by Shahid Khan, who also owns the Fulham football club in the UK and the Jacksonville Jaguars in the US. Kismet is currently listed for sale with Moran Yacht & Ship with an asking price of €169,000,000.