The most extreme superyacht concepts in the world

Extreme feature: a spider-like exterior design with four legs

Realised by Christian Leyk of coquine![design], Tobiko translates from Japanese as "flying fish roe". The 40-metre concept, with its imposing arachnid-like design, is a SWATH (small waterplane area twin hull) vessel that gives the illusion of flying low over the water. Although the yacht has parts that remain below the sea's surface, the living platform is "virtually unaffected by the waves", according to the designer. Most of the hull of this extreme superyacht concept does not exist, with just a shield against the waves and tender garage clipped to it. Instead, the studio strengthened the backbone of its inter-deck space and put all the yacht's systems inside. There’s one lounge, two guest suites, a semi-open galley area and a small crew space, while the upper deck has a bridge and sundeck space.

Standout feature: hybrid superyacht-submarine engineering

Believing in the future of "submersibles" as a new category of private vessels, Migaloo PSY had designed a superyacht able to function underwater for approximately four weeks. The 165.8-metre can accommodate between 14-20 guests and 32-40 crew, dependent on the owners' preference in ratio. Leisure highlights include a 200-square-metre spa, an outdoor cinema and a helipad. There are also two "Midget Submarines" on hand for deep sea exploration, while a 12.5-metre limousine tender and two expedition vehicles facilitate adventures on the surface.

Extreme feature: a blimp docking station

Lazzarini Design Studio is the mind behind this 204-metre superyacht, constructed entirely in carbon-fibre with a build cost of $1 billion. Colossea functions as a floating docking station for an airship and is inspired by the airship Norge, the first aircraft to fly over the polar ice cap that separates America and Europe. The vessel can accommodate up to 44 guests and has incredibly spacious decks that lend themselves well to several sunloungers and swimming pools.

Extreme feature: asymmetric decks and its own personal port

Milan-based designer Enzo Manca is the mind behind this curved, military-style concept, designed "with the idea it should become the official flagship mega yacht of the [UAE]." UAE One was conceived with input from a Sheikh, with a focus on privacy and additional space for international meetings, as well as multiple transfer options, including a "mini-internal port" for tenders and a submarine. The 140-metre vessel also houses a spa, wellness centre and 18-metre swimming pool that sits transversely on the sundeck.

Extreme feature: an exterior constructed entirely in glass

Named after the Lakota word for "thunder", the 130-metre trimaran has a minimalist, bird-like silhouette courtesy of Turkish yacht designer Aras Kazar. Full-height tempered glass wraps each deck and allows natural light to fill the interior from all angles, with sculptural wave-like designs shielding the open main deck aft from the elements. Wakíŋyaŋ has also been loaded with electric and hydrofoil technology, giving it an impressive top speed of 32 knots.

Extreme feature: able to "fly" at exhilarating speeds

Plectrum is a 'flying' yacht concept that takes inspiration from the more contemporary America’s Cup sailboats - specifically the Luna Rossa design - and would be the largest example of foiling technology installed on a yacht. Designed by Lazzarini Design Studio, the yacht would have an eye-watering top speed of 75 knots thanks to three hydrogen-powered motors, capable of 5,000hp each. Plectrum is also envisioned with an adjustable beam of up to 20 metres that can be reduced to 15 metres when the yacht is berthed or at anchor.

Extreme feature: its futuristic hull shape

This 80-metre catamaran concept was designed by Andy Waugh Yacht Design, who took his inspiration from the automotive and aeronautical advances seen in the 1920s. The futuristic SWATH hull would allow for several technical developments, such as an estimated 70 percent reduction in pitch and roll movements compared to a conventional monohull superyacht, for greater comfort and safety while on board. Renderings also show retractable inflatable sails, suggesting that the yacht will benefit from added wind power.

Extreme feature: a set of computer-controlled sails

M51 and Anthony Glasson's 95-metre concept aims to combine the eco-minded features of a sailboat with the comfort, propulsion and range of a motor yacht of its size. The motorsailer is designed with two inflatable, computer-controlled wing sails, a newly developing technology that reduces the need for complex deck equipment such as winches and halyards. As it stands, this feature would have to be used in conjunction with the prop drive to reduce fuel consumption, but Glasson stated that “as technology improves, one day they could be used alone on a vessel this size.”

Extreme feature: can cruise underwater for six hours

With a depth rating of over 200 metres, Nautilus is a 37.5-metre underwater superyacht by Dutch submersible specialist U-Boat Worx. The diesel-electric model has a surface cruise speed of nine knots and an underwater speed of four knots and it will able to stay underwater for up to four days at a time. At cruise speed, the underwater endurance is six hours. The interior includes a 50-square-metre dinner and lounge area with four four-metre circular windows and elsewhere houses a pressure-resistant electrical tender called Aronnax, which may also be used for transporting five scuba divers underwater to the intended dive spot.

Extreme feature: an exterior inspired by a species of shark

London-based studio State of Craft has released designs for a 120-metre concept named Mako. The superyacht is an adventurous take on explorers and features long-range ice cruising capabilities. Inspired by the Mako species of shark, it will be powered by a propulsion system that combines hydrogen, fuel cells and electric engines to be able to operate with a zero-carbon footprint. Situated above the top deck is a "pavilion" space, intended to be used as an observatory, panoramic lounge, fitness studio or yoga space. Having already created numerous residential developments and private homes, Mako is the first nautical design from State of Craft.