Grand designs: The Most Extreme Superyacht Concepts in the World

Superyacht concepts come in all shapes and sizes, from evolutionary designs that subtly push the envelope to much more radical ideas that boldly challenge the orthodoxy. BOAT rounds up some of the most out-there ideas from around the world...

Freshly revealed by Lazzarini Design, this 25 metre solar-powered amphibious catamaran is inspired by the shape of a giant crab. Originally conceived as a military vessel, Pagurus's hulls are lined with screw cylinders which enable the yacht to move across sand or mud terrain. The living areas, which can accommodate a total of eight guests and four crew, are found inside the two hulls. 

Penned by Beiderbeck Designs, this 200 metre project is intended to “shift the limits of what is feasible”. The catamaran features a methanol propulsion system and will “pioneer geothermal energy” in yachting, the studio said. Key features include a fold-down restaurant and harbour area with an 80 metre pier and all the facilities of a fully equipped marina. Project Galileo² features storage for up to 25 tenders, submersibles and toys and boasts an outdoor cinema, hospital and 500 square metre pool. Accommodation on board is for a total of 38 guests and 75 crew.

Lazzarini Design has also penned the 137 metre swan-inspired superyacht concept Avanguardia. Named after its English meaning of ‘vanguard', the concept features an extendable control tower resembling the head of a swan. The control tower/ bridge, which is used to operate the yacht, is moved by an extendable crane. The head can even be detached from the yacht entirely and used as a separate 16 metre boat. Spread across five decks, Avanguardia accommodates 24 guests, 10 crew and 12 staff.

Penned inside and out by Ricky Smith Designs, this futuristic 80 metre superyacht concept Solis features curvaceous styling and a sleek superstructure constructed from aluminium and carbon fibre. Electrically powered, Solis features numerous integrated panels in the vast overhead canopy on the sun deck, which also features a spa pool, sports terrace, sports bar and brasserie. Elsewhere, there is an “aero foil shaped helipad” on the upper deck aft and a 75 square metre balcony overlooking the swimming platform on the main deck.

Codecasa's futuristic 70 metre aircraft inspired superyacht design, the Codecasa Jet 2020 is packed with stylistic features “borrowed” from the world of aviation design, including a sundeck that extends aft to recall “the tail of an aircraft”. Additional inspiration is present in the yacht’s air inlets, which are designed to recall a jet engine, and radar antennas inside carbon fibre domes replicating those on AWACS airplanes. Other features include “huge exterior and interior spaces”, swimming pool and covered gym.

Fresh from the boards of French designer Thierry Gaugain is the “ultra-modern” 120 metre superyacht concept Project L. Inspired by the “smooth form of a beach pebble”, Project L can be fully opened for a direct connection to the ocean. Powered by a diesel-electric hybrid propulsion package, Project L is designed to “glide” through the water. Futuristic features include the likes of a high-tech underwater media room, drive-in tender garage and submarine escape pod.

Penned by Lazzarini Design, the 153 metre Prodigium, is spread across six different decks, and can carry a total of eight tenders across two garages, as well as three helicopters. Constructed from carbon and aluminium, the upper deck is designed specifically to resemble a shark, while the deck below features two Roman columns to support the upper structure. Elsewhere, the yacht features three swimming pools with waterfalls cascading from each pool into the one on the deck below.

This radical 70 metre concept from Monaco designer George Lucian aims to raise awareness of climate change in the Arctic. Named Fata Morgana, the explorer concept is equipped with an Ice Class hull and designed to sail and charter in the arctic regions. Key features include a bow inspired by a snowy rock foundation, outdoor swimming pool, sky observatory and helipad. Designed to be ultra-low emission, Fata Morgana will be equipped with devices capable of monitoring and instantly transmitting the ocean’s temperature. Accommodation on board would be for a total of 12 guests and 18 crew members.

Like its curious name, Roberto Curtó’s 63.2 metre Hypnosquid also has a unique design. When planning the yacht's exterior with SuperYachtsMonaco, Curtó was inspired by the shape of a cuttlefish and the creature’s ‘elegant, fast and agile’ nature under water. One key exterior design feature is the line of LED coloured windows, which represent the cuttlefish's eyes and punctuate the main deck.

Hypnosquid, which has room for 10 guests and 12 crew, also includes an onboard garden, massage centre and cinema room. Special touches include the Jacuzzi’s waterfall feature and the dining area, where guests can watch the chef at work in the galley during their meal.

The largest design yet from husband and wife team Demetrius and Dana Tanase (aka Expleo Design), 110 metre Elyon has a simple yet ambitious motto: "Aim for the highest". This approach is reflected in the concept's multitude of on-board features, with both indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a spa, gym and wellness area, and even a casino room.

The striking exterior was inspired by calm waves and features a dramatically sloped reverse bow. Accommodation is for up to 30 guests and the hull has been designed to achieve a top speed of 18 knots.