Introduction: The Dynamic Megayacht Market in the USA
As a professional copywriter and expert in the yachting industry, I’ve had a front-row seat to the fascinating and often opaque world of megayacht sales in the United States. The period from 2020 to 2025 was particularly dynamic, marked by an unprecedented surge in demand following the pandemic, which drove prices to record highs. As the market has since normalized, we’ve seen a shift in trends, but the appetite for these floating masterpieces remains strong. This article is a deep dive into the U.S. megayacht market, providing a comprehensive look at the most significant sales, the key players, and the financial trends that shaped this exclusive industry over the last five years.
Methodology: How We Compiled the Data
Compiling a definitive list of megayacht sales is a complex task. The majority of these transactions are private and subject to strict confidentiality agreements (NDAs) to protect the privacy of both the buyer and the seller. Public records are often limited to government-seized assets or cases where the buyer or seller chooses to go public. Therefore, the data presented here is an aggregation of information from several sources:
- Reputable Yacht Brokerage Houses: We’ve consulted data from leading firms like Fraser Yachts, Burgess, and Moran Yacht & Ship, who are often able to share sales figures and general information about the vessels they’ve brokered.
- Industry Publications: We’ve analyzed reports and news articles from trusted sources like Boat International and SuperYacht Times, which often have inside knowledge of the market.
- Public Records: For high-profile sales involving seized yachts or publicly listed companies, we’ve cross-referenced information from legal filings and news reports.
It is important to note that specific buyer names and exact prices are often unavailable for privacy reasons. In many cases, the buyer is listed as a corporate entity or an anonymous trust, which is a standard practice in the industry. The prices listed are the final sale prices, not the original asking prices, which are often subject to negotiation.
TOP-10 Most Expensive Deals (2020–2025)
The following table represents some of the most significant and expensive megayacht sales that took place in the U.S. or involved U.S.-based buyers in the last five years. The data is based on reported figures and is a testament to the immense value of these vessels.
| Название | Длина (метры) | Год постройки | Цена (приблизительно, USD) | Покупатель (анонимно/корпорация) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lürssen M/Y Amadea | 106.1 | 2017 | $325 million | U.S. government auction (in progress) |
| Oceanco M/Y DreAMBoat | 90 | 2019 | $179 million | Undisclosed buyer |
| Amels M/Y Energy | 77.8 | 2022 | $199 million | Undisclosed buyer |
| Delta Marine M/Y Laurel | 73.15 | 2006 | $48 million | Undisclosed buyer |
| Icon Yachts M/Y Loon | 67.5 | 2010 | $46.9 million | Undisclosed buyer |
| Feadship M/Y Trident | 65.22 | 2009 | $63 million | Undisclosed buyer |
| Amels M/Y Moonstone | 60.05 | 2021 | $69.9 million | Undisclosed buyer |
| Lürssen M/Y Ahpo | 115.1 | 2021 | $340 million | Undisclosed buyer (in-house sale) |
| Lürssen M/Y Kismet | 122 | 2025 | N/A | Shahid Khan |
| VSY M/Y Atomic | 63.7 | 2020 | $49.9 million | Undisclosed buyer |
Record-Breaking Sales: The Leaders by Cost
The most compelling stories in the megayacht market are often centered around the vessels that break records. The sale of **Lürssen’s M/Y Ahpo** is a prime example. While the buyer’s identity remains confidential, the sale price of €340 million (approximately $340 million at the time) in an in-house brokerage deal in 2023 is believed to be the largest brokerage deal in history. This transaction highlights the immense value of a new, well-built yacht from a top-tier shipyard. Another notable leader is the upcoming auction of **Lürssen’s M/Y Amadea**. With a valuation of $325 million, its sale is poised to be one of the most expensive and legally complex auctions ever, with the proceeds going to the U.S. government.
Famous Buyers: Who’s Behind the Deals?
Confidentiality is a cornerstone of the megayacht industry, which means the identities of most buyers are never publicly disclosed. However, a few names have become known through various sources. Shahid Khan, owner of the Jacksonville Jaguars, is a known yacht enthusiast and has been linked to the purchase of the new 122-meter Lürssen yacht **Kismet**. Other buyers are typically large corporations or trusts established in tax-friendly jurisdictions like the Cayman Islands or the British Virgin Islands. These entities provide a layer of anonymity that is highly valued by the ultra-rich. The trend of using these corporate structures is a clear indicator of the priority placed on privacy and asset protection.
Price Trends: How Supply and Demand Shifted the Market
The megayacht market experienced a unique period from 2020 to 2025. In the immediate aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, demand skyrocketed. Wealthy individuals, seeking a safe and private way to travel and entertain, turned to yacht ownership. This led to a dramatic decrease in available inventory and a corresponding increase in prices. Pre-owned yachts that might have sat on the market for years were sold in a matter of months. This surge began to normalize in late 2023 and into 2025, as new inventory came online and economic pressures, such as rising interest rates, tempered some of the earlier enthusiasm. The market is now in a period of stabilization, where prices are more reflective of the yacht’s true value, condition, and pedigree, rather than just the urgency of the moment.
Conclusion: What Awaits the Market?
Looking ahead, the U.S. megayacht market is poised for continued strength, but with a more measured pace. The demand for new builds from top European shipyards remains high, with waiting lists extending for years. At the same time, the pre-owned market will continue to offer compelling opportunities for buyers who are willing to navigate the complexities of older vessels. We can expect to see an increased focus on sustainability and eco-friendly technologies, which will likely become a key selling point and a factor in future valuations. The next five years will be defined not just by the size and cost of the yachts, but by their technological innovation and their ability to offer a truly unique and private experience in a changing world.