Grand designs: The Most Extreme Superyacht Concepts in the World

French naval architect Mathis Rühl has released a new 70 metre trimaran superyacht concept called Wind Motion. As with his previous R77 sailing yacht concept, the key innovation lies in the rig, which features a multiple rotating twin wingmast fitted with foldable sails. Fully automated, this system would provide the yacht’s main propulsion even in medium wind conditions.

Unlike the R77, Wind Motion features a central pivot point that supports two spars, reducing weight and vibrations, increasing the aerodynamic efficiency and freeing up more deck space. What’s more, Rühl explains that the rig could be fitted with wind turbines that would charge the yacht’s batteries when resting at anchor.

Functionality aside, Wind Motion boasts a striking aesthetic with a reverse-angled wave-piercing prow and a curved superstructure inlaid with glass panels. Al fresco relaxation options are plentiful with space for sunloungers on both the foredeck and the aft deck, while the superyacht sundeck features a central skylounge surrounded by teak. Further details are being kept under wraps for now with no word on the internal layout, engine installation or total guest capacity.

Inspired by 17th century pirate ships, 58 metre Caronte is the latest bold concept from the boards of Italian studio Lazzarini Design. The imposing bulwarks tower six metres above the waterline, allowing for huge interior volume, with room for two luxury cars to be stored in the aft garage.

Moving up to the main deck, the dining area includes a rectangular table with room for ten guests to enjoy a meal together. Other key features include an upper deck helipad, a 4.5 metre spa pool and a superyacht gym concealed in the forepeak. The feasibility of such a concept is up for debate, but for anyone who wants to get in touch with their inner pirate, this divisive yacht design takes some beating.

Traditional Asian sailing vessels, as well as the namesake paper folding art, inspired this 100 metre concept from Monaco-based artist George Lucian, who admits that it is “at the limit of modern technology and innovation”.

Origami elements include a portside section that folds out to create a touch-and-go superyacht helipad as well as a glass-sided observation lounge. Moving further forward and the mast rises from the centre of the full-beam swimming pool and culminates in a crow’s nest for the ultimate in 360-degree views out to sea.

Lucian adds: “The project is designed for an owner who would not be afraid of stepping out of the traditional sailing yacht shapes, and going beyond anything that was built before, in terms of design, technology and environmental friendliness.”

Expleo Design's debut concept, the 100 metre Intimisea places a strong emphasis on wide-open spaces. This can be seen in the sprawling aft deck with its huge swimming pool, which can be accessed directly from the upper deck via four slides.

Other standout features include a foredeck helipad, owner’s deck, gym, 45-person cinema and even an on-board casino. Accommodation is for 12 guests and 25 crewmembers, while the hull has been designed around a cruising speed of 16 knots.

Erupting with fresh ideas, Mauna Kea is the new 101 metre superyacht concept from Italian designer Roberto Curtó. Named after a dormant Hawaiian volcano, this clever design features two large staircases that gently slope down from the upper deck to the main deck, much like the flow of lava from a recently erupted peak. The aft staircase sports a fun feature — a central water slide that allows guests to splash down in the pool below, which is surrounded by seven sunpads.

Although this design is still at the concept stage, it has already caught the eye of brokerage firm SuperYachtsMonaco and potential build partner Fincantieri Yachts. What’s more, Italian naval architecture studio Navirex helped to develop the steel hull, which is designed around a top speed of 16.5 knots and a maximum cruising range of 6,000 nautical miles at 12 knots.

Inspired by Middle Eastern culture and modern architecture, the 87 metre neWWave shatters convention with its flowing aluminium superstructure. Designer Jaehoon Ahn penned this radical exterior, which creates interesting shadows, both on deck and in the internal spaces, which benefit from 3.6 metres of headroom for a total volume of 3,600GT.

The visual blurring of the decks is carried through to the layout, with a dedicated prayer room, which would benefit from eight metres of headroom, spanning the lower two decks, and a multi-level owner's suite that makes use of the top two decks.

Other key features include four large aft decks with a ten metre aft deck swimming pool, fire pit, al fresco dining area and spa pool. The propulsion system is undisclosed at this stage, but neWWave's Palmer Johnson-inspired hull has been designed to achieve a top speed of 16 knots.

Created by Ricky Smith as a statement of progressive superyacht design, Era is an 80 metre concept that immediately catches the eye with its dramatic reverse bow, stacked foredeck superstructure and flowing, organic lines. Stuart Friezer Marine Naval Architects developed the underwater profile, which has been tank tested at Shanghai University, suggesting a top speed of 25 knots would be possible.

Accommodation is for 20 guests and 24 crew, and key features include a superyacht beach club, a main deck swimming pool, and a side-loading tender garage. Meanwhile, the upper deck superyacht helipad makes full use of Era’s 13 metre beam, meaning a Bell 427 or a Eurocopter EC145 could be carried with ease.

Designed to take on the world, the 90 metre explorer yacht concept Taboo was developed by Gill Schmid Design and Tim Dempers Studio. Both polar and tropical destinations are well within the long-range capabilities of this ice-classed design.

Taboo is capable of carrying a whole host of smaller vessels that would allow her owner to explore the most remote corners of the planet, including a plane, helicopter, submarine and amphibious car, not forgetting a bevy of luxury tenders.

The monochromatic exterior styling features extensive use of one-way glass; giving panoramic views from the owner and VIP suites without compromising on privacy. Accommodation is for 26 guests and 40 crew, but the star of the show is a superyacht swimming pool flanked by aquaria so your guests can literally swim with the fishes.

This 140 metre airship carrier is every bit as ambitious as its name would suggest. Another George Lucian design, Dare To Dream targets visionary superyacht owners who are equally passionate about aviation as they are about yachting. The enormous aft deck dominates this avante-garde design, with a helipad and circular swimming pool. Guest accommodation is provided on the lower deck, as well as a saloon for enjoying anything from an evening cocktail to a formal meal.

Montreal-based designer Charles Bombardier is the brains behind this wild superyacht concept, which aims to mimic the movement of a whale. Its two submerged pods would create waves to drive the yacht forward, while the trailing aft section adds to the stability of the design. Bombardier worked with industrial designer Martin Rico to create Seataci, which also features a pair of superyacht swimming pools and a tropical garden.