{"id":137512,"date":"2025-03-18T06:00:44","date_gmt":"2025-03-18T06:00:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.yachtingworld.com\/?p=137512"},"modified":"2025-03-18T09:12:07","modified_gmt":"2025-03-18T09:12:07","slug":"best-luxury-yachts","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.yachtingworld.com\/yachts-and-gear\/best-luxury-yachts-137512","title":{"rendered":"Best Luxury Yacht 2025: The Ultimate Luxury Cruisers"},"content":"The definition of the best luxury yacht will differ according to personal opinion and from boat to boat. This year\u2019s nominees in the luxury yacht category of the European Yacht of the Year Awards proved that perfectly.\r\n\r\nThe European Yacht of the Year<\/a> awards are selected by a broad panel of expert judges from across the globe. These are people who spend their professional lives sailing and comparing yachts, so you can be certain that the yachts which stand out in this field are truly the best of the best on the market.\r\n

Best Luxury Yacht 2025<\/h2>\r\n[jwplayer key=\"YC17xqIN\"]\r\n

Best luxury yacht 2025 winner \u2013 Contest 63CS<\/h2>\r\nThis is a class act, a premium, modern-day cruising yacht which concentrates this family-run Dutch yard\u2019s decades of experience into a contemporary, beautifully finished design.\r\n\r\nOur test boat also provided memorable, enriching sailing performance. The test boat had many expensive optional extras, including a full selection of performance sails, a taller rig and a deeper keel, because its experienced Italian owner wants to do some offshore races. When the mainsail seemed to endlessly exit the in-boom furler, a push-button operation from the skipper, it made me appreciate how big a yacht this is to handle.\r\n\r\nIt\u2019s right on the limit of owner operation \u2013 it\u2019s possible, but more feasible with a standard rig and sail area. The experienced crew we had aboard gave us the reassurance to help get the most out of it. Just 8-10 knots breeze was enough to induce heel and really power her up, revealing an impressively potent machine. I was also impressed with how quickly you can get from marina to active sailing.\r\n\r\nThe test talks about performance and ease of trimming using intelligent push-button controls.\r\n\r\nThe hydraulic Code furler douses 225m2\/2,422ft2 of sail in only seven seconds, for example. There is good visibility from the raised helms, however the payoff is that these are exposed if spending long periods on the wheel when cruising.\r\n\r\nThe interior is stunning and we particularly liked the optional ribbed timber finish on the bulkheads. Top features include the tall hanging locker on one side of the companionway and fuel filters easily accessed on the other, the large, long deep galley, useful sail locker-cum-crew cabin and, of course, the views from the owner\u2019s suite aft.\r\n\r\nAs close to a superyacht as it gets at this size, the 63CS exudes serious quality. Despite its size and displacement, the Contest\u2019s rewarding sailing stands out (particularly on the performance-enhanced test boat). It\u2019s the definitive luxury cruiser for 2025.\r\n\r\n[jwplayer key=\"WGPfSLnl\"]\r\n

Heyman 42PPH<\/a><\/h2>\r\nIf the Moody 48DS could have made it to the trials we\u2019d have had an interesting duel of modern pilot saloon cruisers.\r\n\r\nAs it was, the Heyman 42PPH (\u2018pocket pilothouse\u2019) shone, a design I have followed for years. Gabriel Heyman poured his vast experience and passion into it, creating a couple\u2019s cruiser (with the largest cockpit you\u2019ll find at this size), teeming with original ideas. Most of these concepts impressed our jury, some still need tweaking.\r\n\r\nThis two-cabin yacht is designed for two to live aboard in supreme comfort by fluently combining monohull and multihull features. In my full report in YW December 2024, I noted how it brings a lot of fresh thinking, including beach-house style inside-outside living, in what Heyman promotes as \u201ca level of comfort offered by few, if any, boats under 55ft\u201d.\r\n\r\nIt performs as both a shoal draught coastal yacht and a bluewater cruiser which feels dependable under sail and provides excellent protection in its vast and deep cockpit.\r\n\r\nIn the end, though, we felt a few areas of this niche design could still be improved, such as engine and mechanical access. So it was only eclipsed for the award by another North European design, which is the very definition of this category.\r\n\r\n[jwplayer key=\"rlevLhHP\"]\r\n

Best luxury yacht winner 2024 - Arcona 50<\/a><\/h2>\r\nWhen you enter the fiercely competitive 50ft luxury performance yacht market you better get it right. And the jury felt Arcona managed that. This watershed design for the traditional Swedish brand, by X-Yachts co-founder and former designer Niels Jeppesen, is a big, contemporary new Arcona, one that sees it move away from its cruiser-racer heritage and classic interiors.\r\n\r\nThe on trend styling inside and out is backed up by a premium level of build and finish quality and sailing performance \u2013 particularly if you have the performance sails, traveller and deep (2.95m) keel options the test boat carried, although the latter does limit your berthing and anchoring options.\r\n\r\nWhile I doubt it\u2019ll be raced or will suit typical bluewater use, it offers a purity of performance push-button sailing: a handsome prospect upwind in a light breeze, it transforms into a powerful reaching machine with stacks of control.\r\n\r\nAs chairman of our jury, Jochen Rieker, puts it: \u201cThe boat certainly did not win for her somewhat borrowed looks. She wins by checking all the boxes in all other respects. Slipping along gracefully in the lightest of airs, holding her stride and her balance in more demanding conditions, offering warmth, light and this reassuring feeling of utter quality down below \u2013 there simply isn\u2019t anything to fault.\u201d\r\n\r\n[jwplayer key=\"sycdtkG8\"]\r\n

Contest 50CS<\/a><\/h2>\r\nThe Contest 50CS, for example, is an archetype luxury cruising yacht, one built to the highest standards and that could take you to most waters in impeccable comfort. This model is, uniquely, available in two versions: this more conventional 50CS with aft master cabin, or the forward owner\u2019s suite version on the aft cockpit Contest 49CS<\/a>. We ran a full test on the latter after spending two days aboard in the North Sea, where that noticeably high freeboard, which may not aid boarding nor windage, helped keep us dry on deck in a steady Force 6 gusting 7.\r\n\r\nAs the 50CS proved, this Judel\/Vrolijk design keeps slipping along in the light stuff too, providing enjoyable sailing in 6 knots breeze under a code sail. The centre cockpit offers a deep protected guest area, but also links well to the spacious aft deck.\r\n\r\nAnd the Wetzels-Brown-designed interiors of Contests today are stunning and hard to match. The engineering, access to usable stowage, details and finish on the 50CS is first class and to get this level of quality at this size is special.\r\n\r\n[jwplayer key=\"uEXaK3uG\"]\r\n

XC 47<\/a><\/h2>\r\nBoth Contest and X-Yachts are early adopters of hybrid power, offering their bluewater cruisers<\/a> with optional electric drives. For the XC 47 this was designed-in from the start to offer Oceanvolt\u2019s award-winning new 25kW regenerative drive.\r\n\r\nThe XC 47 is another wonderfully engineered and thought out yacht for distance cruising, in particular for those who also enjoy hands-on helming pleasure. That should come as no surprise to any X aficionados, but what really struck me most about this yacht was the stowage, and the forethought needed to create that, together with how practical it has been made.\r\n\r\nThat may sound slightly anticlimactic but ask any long-term cruiser and stowage is always a priority. On deck, this constitutes a huge lazarette and sail locker, plus clever systems for launching a dinghy via davits and a liferaft canister, while below decks every square inch of space has been used effectively, with lockers hinged with gas struts.\r\n\r\nIt\u2019s clear the Danish yard went to considerable time and effort, even building a full mock up of the interior that could be canted 20\u00b0 each way.\r\n\r\nIf the deck saloon style looks didn\u2019t sell this model to all \u2013 this is the first full non-Jeppesen designed X \u2013 the jury were converted once they\u2019d taken the helm. \u2018Quirky\u2019 became \u2018muscular and bold\u2019. The ease with which it can be sailed from the cockpit was also appreciated.\r\n\r\nWhile I understand many offshore cruisers like a protected centre cockpit and more sun protection, the attention to detail, stowage and practicalities, combined with the direct steering, motion and enjoyable sailing this X offers make it a standout new offering.\r\n\r\n[jwplayer key=\"65Jg5NHR\"]\r\n

Jeanneau Yachts 55<\/a><\/h2>\r\nMeanwhile the Jeanneau Yachts 55 stands out for different, unique reasons in this category, offering a completely new concept in comfort on deck while at anchor and a novel accommodation layout. Its focus is on outdoor living space.\r\n\r\nWhat helps place this in a luxury bracket is not simply the price or the creative input of superyacht<\/a> specialist design duo Philppe Briand and Andrew Winch, rather that its layout creates a palatial amount of private space for the owner\u2019s suite. Guest cabins have their own direct access from the extensive cockpit via gullwing doors.\r\n\r\nIt certainly makes sense for solo owners or couples using it as a warm water apartment. How many people this will suit is another question, as it segregates any guests, crew or children from the galley and saloon.\r\n\r\nI used the term monocat when I first viewed it, as the 55 really does attempt to mix the two worlds, particularly in terms of providing owner privacy and lounging space. Choose the rigid hard top and windshield and there\u2019s a vast amount of covered area including a dinette and chart table \u2013 plus a bimini can shade all that extensive aft deck too.\r\n\r\nThe penalty comes in additional weight and wetted surface, and is felt in the handling and performance, the latter particularly in lighter breeze with the optional in-mast furling, self tacking headsail and shallow draught package we had. However, it\u2019s set up to be easily managed from the mid cockpit with good visibility from the twin helms and easy circulation thanks to the ramped side decks. Full report in YW February 2024.\r\n

Best luxury yacht 2023<\/h2>\r\n[jwplayer key=\"jGiugm31\"]\r\n

Best luxury yacht winner - Oyster 495<\/b><\/span><\/a><\/h2>\r\n

It is hard to imagine that the decor of a yacht can change its look and feel quite this much, yet the layout of this second 495, Eddie Jordan\u2019s dramatic looking Tuga<\/i>, is in fact identical to the first boat that I spent several days aboard last summer.<\/p>\r\n

At its heart is a wonderfully (Humphreys) designed and engineered luxury bluewater cruiser conceived from the ground up, built in a new dedicated facility to a repeatable quality very few yards are capable of.<\/p>\r\n

The 495 offers consistent passage making speeds in real voluminous comfort \u2013 whether enjoyed from the deep cockpit or the best-in-class aft cabin. Deck stowage and mechanical space is also superb.<\/p>\r\n

Then factor in the family appeal of Oyster\u2019s after sales and world rally programme and you start to appreciate the premium world this sub 50-footer gives access to.<\/p>\r\n

The first yacht fully conceived under CEO Richard Hadida\u2019s reign, this is also the smallest completely new Oyster 495 since 2005 \u2013 and it\u2019s a triumph. It was our September 2022 cover star in which we featured the full review from our Oyster 495 three day test<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

\"\"<\/h2>\r\n

Beneteau Oceanis Yacht 60<\/a><\/h2>\r\nThe Oceanis Yacht 60 is a very different beast indeed to the 62 it replaces as flagship for the Beneteau range. The yard has learned plenty from the success of the First 53\/OY 54 and wanted to create a 60 in this style and with the same deck layout (albeit larger and wider) and ease of circulation.\r\n\r\nThe construction experience of the smaller model clearly helped too, as this is a whopping five tonnes lighter than the bulky OY62 and with a deeper (2.6m) keel. The telling result is on the water. It feels sporty to helm and we averaged a knot slower than the single figure 6-8 knot windspeeds upwind and matched them reaching with Code 0 and a slight swell.\r\n\r\nThe vast cockpit works well, sheltered below the semi rigid bimini, it has plentiful lounging space with sailing systems led aft to the twin helms. The interior sees a 3+3 layout, where Beneteau wanted to get rid of the corridor effect of the OY62. The galley is forward to help open out space, while the forward suite with offset berth and headboard aft works well to give space with privacy.\r\n\r\nThis is an attractive, voluminous yacht that leaves a good overall impression whether under sail, on or below decks.\r\n

\"\"<\/h2>\r\n

Ice 62 Targa<\/h2>\r\nIt all looks pretty funky below decks on the Ice 62 Targa too, especially if you\u2019re watching the masthead fore and aft cameras (plus bow and prop cam) on central displays mounted in the saloon while you slip out of the dock! The Ice is a seriously impressive, contemporary yacht, one that in looks, performance and execution, won over many of the judges.\r\n\r\nThe first to launch is a highly customised project for a passionate sailing owner who covers long distances solo \u2013 he\u2019d already sailed it 3,000 miles around the Med that autumn. It\u2019s impressively stiff, sails handsomely and, thanks to a telescopic keel, points well.\u00a0We matched single figure windspeeds, and clocked up to the high 9s in 12 knots wind.\r\n\r\nUmberto Felci\u2019s team spent 4,000 hours on the design, providing lots of space and light to the interior and a chillout zone in the semi raised saloon. This was easily the coolest looking yacht, with its aggressive reverse bow, chamfered gunwales and carbon T-top bimini, and all engineered and built to a high standard.\r\n\r\n
\r\n\r\n

\"\"<\/a>If you enjoyed this\u2026.<\/h2>\r\n
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Yachting World is the world's leading magazine for bluewater cruisers and offshore sailors. Every month we have inspirational adventures and practical features to help you realise your sailing dreams.<\/em><\/div>\r\n
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Build your knowledge with a subscription delivered to your door. See our latest offers<\/a> and save at least 30% off the cover price.<\/em><\/div><\/blockquote>\r\n\r\n
\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n ","excerpt":{"rendered":"

The definition of the best luxury yacht will differ according to personal opinion and from boat to boat. This year\u2019s nominees in the luxury yacht category of the European Yacht of the Year Awards proved that perfectly. The European Yacht of the Year awards are selected by a broad panel of expert judges from across the globe. These are people who spend their professional lives sailing and comparing yachts, so you can be certain that the yachts which stand out in this field are truly the best of the best on the market. Best Luxury Yacht 2025 Best luxury yacht 2025 winner \u2013 Contest 63CS This is a class act, a premium, modern-day cruising yacht which concentrates this family-run Dutch yard\u2019s decades of experience into a contemporary, beautifully finished design. Our test boat also provided memorable, enriching sailing performance. The test boat had many expensive optional extras, including a full selection of performance sails, a taller rig and a deeper keel, because its experienced Italian owner wants to do some offshore races. When the mainsail seemed to endlessly exit the in-boom furler, a push-button operation from the skipper, it made me appreciate how big a yacht this is to handle. It\u2019s right on the limit of owner operation \u2013 it\u2019s possible, but more feasible with a standard rig and sail area. The experienced crew we had aboard gave us the reassurance to help get the most out of it. Just 8-10 knots breeze was enough to induce heel and really power her up, revealing an impressively potent machine. I was also impressed with how quickly you can get from marina to active sailing. The test talks about performance and ease of trimming using intelligent push-button controls. The hydraulic Code furler douses 225m2\/2,422ft2 of sail in only seven seconds, for example. There is good visibility from the raised helms, however the payoff is that these are exposed if spending long periods on the wheel when cruising. The interior is stunning and we particularly liked the optional ribbed timber finish on the bulkheads. Top features include the tall hanging locker on one side of the companionway and fuel filters easily accessed on the other, the large, long deep galley, useful sail locker-cum-crew cabin and, of course, the views from the owner\u2019s suite aft. As close to a superyacht as it gets at this size, the 63CS exudes serious quality. Despite its size and displacement, the Contest\u2019s rewarding sailing stands out (particularly on the performance-enhanced test boat). It\u2019s the definitive luxury cruiser for 2025. Heyman 42PPH If the Moody 48DS could have made it to the trials we\u2019d have had an interesting duel of modern pilot saloon cruisers. As it was, the Heyman 42PPH (\u2018pocket pilothouse\u2019) shone, a design I have followed for years. Gabriel Heyman poured his vast experience and passion into it, creating a couple\u2019s cruiser (with the largest cockpit you\u2019ll find at this size), teeming with original ideas. Most of these concepts impressed our jury, some still need tweaking. This …Continue reading »<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":450,"featured_media":150842,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"video","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[159],"tags":[248,467,2491,1469,1633],"review_manufacturer":[],"acf":[],"introduction":null,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.yachtingworld.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/137512"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.yachtingworld.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.yachtingworld.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.yachtingworld.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/450"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.yachtingworld.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=137512"}],"version-history":[{"count":12,"href":"https:\/\/www.yachtingworld.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/137512\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":157061,"href":"https:\/\/www.yachtingworld.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/137512\/revisions\/157061"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.yachtingworld.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/150842"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.yachtingworld.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=137512"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.yachtingworld.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=137512"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.yachtingworld.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=137512"},{"taxonomy":"review_manufacturer","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.yachtingworld.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/review_manufacturer?post=137512"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}