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: 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: 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.

Extreme feature: revolutionary self-heating masts

Steve Kozloff 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.

Extreme feature: its delicate folded superstructure

ilGatto's origami-esque lines are courtesy of Turkish designer Aras Kazar, who was inspired by "the regal spirit of the Leo zodiac". Built in aluminium and tempered, lightweight glass, the design sees all glazing able to be fully opened – heightening guests' connectivity with nature and allowing ocean air to circulate throughout the vessel. It also encourages outdoor play with an expansive floating dock and tender garage, able to store limousine tenders and a variety of water toys. Leisure features abound on this 140-metre model, including a helipad, swimming pool, cinema room and fully-equipped gym.