The fastest superyacht tenders in the world

Technohull Sea DNA 999 (81 knots)

Is this the world's fastest superyacht tender?

Speed is serious business among yacht makers, with several yards vying to create the world's fastest superyachts, and it's only fitting that your tender should be able to keep up with the mothership.

Blowing the competition out of the water is the latest model from Greek boatbuilder Technohull. The Sea DNA 999 is a 10.3 metre RIB tender with a claimed top speed of 81 knots, as proven by her recent sea trials. This means owners can cruise from Athens to Mykonos in less than two hours — ideal for a speedy weekend getaway.

This staggering performance is possible thanks to a deep V hull slicing through the water and either twin 400hp outboard engines on the back or a sleeker 530hp inboard set-up (pictured above), which is still good for 63 knots flat out. The Sea DNA 999 is offered in three bow configurations: cabin, open and delta — the latter of which is ideal for relaxation, with sunpads covering the entire area forward of the helm position.

SV Alpha (78+ knots)

The speedy newcomer

Launched at the 2017 Miami Boat Show and billed as "the world's fastest luxury yacht", the 11.7 metre SV Alpha has a claimed top speed in excess of 78 knots. This speed machine gets its power from a pair of 700hp Mercury Racing SCI engines paired to SSM6 surface drives, although a more sensible twin 520hp version is also offered.

Premium features include bespoke sunpads, a champagne cooler, underwater lighting and a high-end stereo system. Ideal for daytime entertaining, the SV Alpha can carry up to 15 guests on the ride of a lifetime.

Midnight Express Quintessence43 (78 knots)

The superfast RIB superyacht tender

For a long time, sticking three outboard engines on the back of a centre console boat was a big move in the horsepower game, then came the five-engine Midnight Express Quintessence43.

Powered by a quintet of 400hp Mercury outboard racing engines, the Quintessence43 flies by at a whopping 78 knots (90 mph).

Thanks to a twin-stepped hull design, she gets up onto the plane quickly for added comfort and a smooth ride at such high speeds, as shown in this video of the new Midnight Express Quintessence43, making her a great fast superyacht tender choice.

X-Craft X-Line (55+ knots)

The superfast RIB superyacht tender

They might look more utilitarian, but few yacht tenders can beat the sporty handling and dry ride of a RIB.

The X-line from X-Craft is one of the fastest yacht tenders around, running at top speeds exceeding 55 knots (63 mph) and capable of catching some air along the way.

The deck configuration is customisable from eight to nine metres, meaning up to 11 customers can be carried in comfort.

Goldfish 23 eFusion (47 knots)

The electric speedster

As well as being one of the world’s fastest superyacht tenders, the Goldfish 23 eFusion is part of a fast-growing trend for electric tenders.

Powered by a 194hp UQM electric motor, this 5.5 metre Scandinavian speedster boasts a twin stepped hull that can achieve a hair-raising 47 knots.

Castoldi JT21 (40.5 knots)

The jet-driven superyacht tender

Italian jet drive specialist Castoldi knows a thing or two about speedy superyacht tenders, and the 6.24 metre Castoldi JT21 is the fastest in its collection, driven by a 260hp Yanmar engine to a top speed of more than 40 knots. The central helm position leaves room for up to 12 guests sitting forward and aft, while the jet drives are not only safer for watersports and swimming, but they also reduce the risk of running aground in shallow waters.

Limo tender to Sea Owl (40 knots)

The fast limo tender

For a fast yacht tender that is also undeniably beautiful, look no further than this limo tender by Hodgdon Yachts.

The award-winning limo tender to Feadship yacht Sea Owl has been customised to match the yacht and is as detailed as her highly bespoke mothership.

One of the top superyacht limo tenders, she offers comfortable indoor seating for trips to shore, getting there quickly thanks to a top speed of 40 knots (46 mph).

Iguana 29 Exclusive (40 knots)

The fast amphibious superyacht tender

Not only does Iguana Yachts' Iguana 29 Exclusive comfortably reach a top speed of 40 knots (46 mph), but it can do something that few fast superyacht tenders can.

The luxury-packed Iguana 29 Exclusive amphibious superyacht tender goes from ocean running to driving right up on land, thanks to a rugged set of "arms" that drop down from her hull sides.

A fast yacht tender that is also primed for onshore exploration? Yes, please!

XTender 9.3 Custom Limousine (39 knots)

The Dutch speed demon

This 9.3 metre tender is an all-Dutch affair — designed in collaboration with naval architects Vripack and built in Almere by XTenders. Used as a tender for a 83.5 metre Feadship superyacht, this sleek design packs a punch, with an impressive 39 knot top speed out on the open water.

Key features including a rising coachroof and bimini that can covert the XTender 9.3 from a flat-out speed machine into an elegant limousine for carrying guests ashore.

Wider 32 (37+ knots)

The fast day boat superyacht tender

The Wider 32 might have been designed to match the new Wider 165 flagship, but she is also an ideal standalone day boat.

She has a surprisingly spacious cabin hidden inside with two sofas that are convertible to beds and a fully stocked galley.

The Wider 32 can also be customised to match the yacht she services, seen on the water in a variety of colours already including orange, white and green. Best of all, this yacht tender is fast, hitting speeds of more than 37 knots (42.5 mph) when Boat International sea trialed the Wider 32 last year.

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