The most extreme superyacht concepts in the world

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. Another unique technological feature is the bridge deck’s forward wall, comprised entirely of LED screens. This wall would display the front view from the bow, allowing for complete immersion with the yacht’s surrounds – but can also convert to a wall-to-floor cinema when the owner so wishes.

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.

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.

Rob Doyle Design and Van Geest Design collaborated to present Domus, a 40-metre sailing trimaran with an interior volume that rivals a 60-metre motor yacht. The word Domus means a single-storey house built around an atrium, with many rooms opening up off the central atrium. The yacht borrows aspects of this design to create a lofty, open feeling on board. With the aim to become the first truly zero-emission yacht over 750GT, Domus will be able to heel at an angle of two degrees, also ensuring a comfortable cruise with minimal rolling. Amenities include a cinema room, gym and saloon with a bar and also hosts a spa area with a swimming pool. Alongside the 40-metre concept, the design duo are working on a larger version of the concept.

Penned by Asquared Naval Design, the 110-metre Fluyt balances a futuristic feel with a classic silhouette that borrows design cues from antique swift sailing vessels from the 17th century. While the design has some traditional elements, the onboard tech is all modern and she features a steel hull, aluminium superstructure and 140 square metres of solar panels. The pool has been carefully integrated to give the appearance of floating on the aft deck and the wheelhouse also sits as a stand-alone architectural space that's separate from the owner's deck. 

Steve Kozloff has lifted the lid on an 170-metre superyacht concept that comes complete with foldable masts and its own dedicated aircraft hangar. The masts represent a groundbreaking feat of engineering that would be able to rotate, tilt, heat up to avoid icing and set their own sails. The yacht is a luxury vessel first and foremost, but it has also been designed with scientific research in mind and will boast an ice-classed hull.