Sailing into History: Yacht Sales Achieve Record-Breaking Success

The superyacht industry has recorded steady year-on-year growth and 2023 is no exception. According to the latest data from BOATPro, there has been over US$3 billion in yacht sales to date. This figure is substantially bolstered by a record-breaking brokerage deal, the sale of mega yacht AHPO in May 2023.

With this in mind, we explore some of the world’s biggest brokerage yacht sales over the past few years. Every yacht in our round-up is built by the pedigree shipbuilder Lurssen, cementing its status as the shipbuilder of choice for the world’s finest and most expensive superyachts for sale.

The biggest brokerage yacht sales: 2021, 2022, 2023

MY AHPO (now LADY JORGIA)  – 330 million Euros

The 115-meter superyacht AHPO is considered the biggest brokerage yacht sale in history. While the exact yacht sales price remains undisclosed, AHPO’s asking price was 330 million Euros. AHPO was sold in-house in 2023 by the yacht sales team at Moran Yacht & Ship, a leading superyacht brokerage.

The Lurssen-built superyacht was launched in 2021, with her build also managed by the team at Moran. She is characterized by her striking half-moon windows, tapered decks, sleek white superstructure with striking black accents, and unbeatable, world-class amenities.

Designed by Nuvolari Lenard, the technical and aesthetic details on LADY JORGIA are considered world-leading. Her many highlights include a vast spa – considered the world’s largest superyacht spa – a vast beach club with a sit-up bar and water lounge, a 12-seater cinema, a protected winter garden that can be enjoyed in all weather, a swimming pool, a helipad, a vast owner’s private duplex, and a spectacular selection of tenders and toys.

M/Y OCTOPUS – 235 million Euros

M/Y OCTOPUS is an iconic vessel, originally owned by the late Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen.

Considered one of the world’s most impressive expedition vessels, superyacht OCTOPUS was sold in 2021 for a recorded 235 million Euros, making her one of the most expensive yacht sales in history.

The 126-meter Lurssen-built mega yacht was delivered in 2003. Her exterior design is by Espen Oino, and her interiors are penned by Jonathan Quinn Barnett.

Built to ice-class standards she boasts an impressive list of amenities befitting of her price tag, including two helipads, a garage for two helicopters, storage for eight tenders, a 10-person submarine, a heated fresh-water swimming pool with a retractable glass floor, a spa pool, a cinema, a vast observation lounge, a fully equipped dive centre, and 13 cabins that can accommodate up to 26 guests.

M/Y MADSUMMER – 227.5 million EUROS

The award-winning 95-meter motor yacht MADSUMMER was sold in early 2023, representing a significant brokerage deal as one of the most expensive superyacht sales.

Built by Lurssen and delivered in 2019, this award-winning yacht boasts masculine exterior lines by Harrison Eidsgaard and a bright and colorful ‘modern beach house’ interior by Laura Sessa.

Her many onboard amenities include a world-class spa, a 12-meter swimming pool, a fully equipped fitness center, a dedicated deck for the owner’s seaplane, which can be transformed into a dance floor and party space, a fully certified helideck at the bow, and a spacious tender garage.

M/Y GOLDEN ODYSSEY  – 150 million Euros

Superyacht GOLDEN ODYSSEY was one of the most expensive yacht sales in 2022, listed at an asking price of 150 million Euros.

Built by Lurssen in 2015 and with a length of 123.2 meters, her first owner was Prince Khalid of Saudi Arabia, with the superyacht exchanging hands in 2022 following a court-ordered private yacht sale.

Details around GOLDEN ODYSSEY are sparse, however, reports state she recently underwent a refit at the Blohm + Voss shipyard. Her exterior is by Martin France, and her interiors are by the late Alberto Pinto.

M/Y KISMET – 149 million Euros

The Lurssen-built superyacht KISMET sold in 2023 and is listed as one of the most expensive yachts for sale.

At 95 meters, this ultra-luxurious superyacht was delivered in 2014 for football club owner Shahid Khan. She went on to win a host of awards, including the 2015 World Superyacht Awards, courtesy of her gorgeous exterior design by Espen Oeino and exceptional interior by the renowned Reymond Langton Design.

Superyacht KISMET boasts an elegant raft of features, including a full-service spa, spacious sun decks, a swimming pool, a helipad, and a one-of-a-kind retractable fireplace.