

Burgess 50: 10 of the largest yachts sold
Published 24 février 2025
As part of Burgess’ 50 year celebrations, we are taking a deep dive into our brokerage history, highlighting some of the most impressive yachts ever sold. From record-breaking designs to groundbreaking innovations, these yachts represent the pinnacle of luxury and craftsmanship.
PROJECT MAY
133.2m (436.4ft) | Kusch Yachts (2008)
When Burgess facilitated the sale of AL MIRQAB – then known as PROJECT MAY – it wasn’t just another transaction; it was the orchestration of a deal that would cement itself in superyacht history. At 133.2m (436.4ft), this Kusch Yachts-built titan stands as one of the largest yachts ever sold by Burgess and remains one of the top 25 largest yachts currently afloat.
'PROJECT MAY was not only sold by Burgess, but the completed design and construction of the yacht was supervised and verified by Burgess Technical Services. At the time PROJECT MAY was contracted, she was one of the largest new build custom yacht projects. We oversaw the development of the technical specification and general arrangement, and negotiated the construction agreement. This cemented Burgess and Burgess Technical Services as the most experienced yachting team focused on custom large yacht builds and transactions.'
Sean Bianchi, Partner, Head of Burgess Technical Services, Naval Architect

GOLDEN ODYSSEY
123.2m (404.2ft) | Lürssen (2015)
‘One of the most famous yachts launched by Lurssen, GOLDEN ODYSSEY was built by a Middle Eastern royal who had owned the Golden Fleet, and they built GOLDEN ODYSSEY to replace all three. It was one of the most considered builds by the very experienced team at Lurssen, designed particularly to fit the owner’s requirements and be completely self-sufficient. It’s got a unique layout, with two master cabins, a dentist, a hospital, and the largest fish tank on a yacht.
'It was managed by Burgess for many years and we continue to manage it for the current owner. It’s also for sale again now, and presents a unique opportunity to own such an iconic yacht.’

LE GRAND BLEU
112.8m (370ft) | Bremer Vulkan (2000)
A true explorer yacht, at 113m, this behemoth built by Bremer Vulkan shattered conventions with its rugged elegance and unapologetic scale, instantly becoming a commanding presence on the water.
Designed by the legendary Stefano Pastrovich with interiors by Bannenberg & Rowell, LE GRAND BLEU isn’t your typical polished superyacht. It’s a bold masterpiece, defined by its utilitarian aesthetic and relentless capability. The yacht’s defining feature? Not one, but two additional boats – a 22m sailing yacht and a 21m Sunseeker. Add to that a helipad, sprawling deck spaces, and the kind of range that makes transoceanic crossings feel routine, and you’ve got a vessel that stands out from the crowd.
For Burgess, the sale of LE GRAND BLEU showcased our ability to navigate complex deals involving yachts that challenge expectations, proving that our expertise extends beyond traditional luxury to embrace the bold, the unconventional, and the extraordinary.

JUBILEE
110.1m (361.2ft) | Oceanco (2017)
‘JUBILEE is something I’m very proud of, and it was probably one of the most complicated yachts Oceanco have done as it was built off-plan. After years of building trust with a former Middle Eastern ruler’s right hand man, all the stars aligned and the client signed on to a 110m (361ft) new build project. Four years into the build, one year before delivery, the client passed away and the family decided to sell it.
'It was the largest brokered in-house sale in Burgess history as we were involved in signing the build contract and then selling it later as an existing vessel. So it was six years of effort behind the scenes, then six years to build and sell it. I still have enormous pride when I think about the project as not many people can say they’ve been involved in building a yacht over 100m. Everyone left smiling which is always the best sign, and she’s still turning heads to this day.’
Rupert Nelson, Senior Partner, Director, Senior Sales Broker

ANNA
110m (360.9ft) | Feadship (2018)
'It was a genuine privilege to be able to represent the seller of such a magnificent Feadship – at the time, the largest ever delivered. Adopting a discreet, carefully targeted campaign we were able to identify the eventual buyer within a few short months, before managing a smooth and efficient transaction.'

PROJECT BRAVO
109m (357.6ft) | Oceanco (2018)
‘At Burgess, we have access to opportunities that aren’t widely marketed, and PROJECT BRAVO was one of those. The now-owner was referred to us by a friend, another Burgess client, as he was looking for something eye catching and spectacular but didn’t want to wait the five year build time. He purchased PROJECT BRAVO towards the end of the build, and we brought in our technical team to finish the build to his specifications. We were involved in every aspect of the purchase, and we still manage the boat today.’

ULYSSES
107.4m (352.4ft) | Kleven (2016)
A rugged explorer yacht, ULYSSES was designed to venture to the most remote corners of the globe without compromising on comfort or style. Combining the strength and capability of a commercial vessel with the elegance of a luxury superyacht, she is equipped for long-range expeditions across challenging seas, whether navigating icy polar waters or cruising sun-soaked archipelagos.
'Being involved with the sales campaign for such a unique and groundbreaking vessel was an exhilarating experience. Showcasing the yacht’s extraordinary capabilities and ultimately helping to establish a market for this extreme class of exploration yacht was deeply rewarding. Representing both the buyer and seller in the successful sale stands out as a proud and defining moment of my career.'

AL MIRQAB
105m (344.4ft) | Oceanco (2000)
Originally sold by Burgess in 2006 under the name AL MIRQAB, resold by Burgess as INDIAN EMPRESS in 2018, and now privately managed as H3.
'Rarely are you involved in the sale of a yacht of this size and status, which makes it extra special to sell the vessel twice, representing the seller and then again almost a decade later working for the buyer. A powerful, triple engine vessel of over 3,500 gross tons built to travel at 25 knots and carry two Mercedes 600 SEL cars in a car elevator on board, she is a very unique yacht! Now almost completely rebuilt and extended to 105 metres, she's a brand new vessel under Burgess management as a private yacht.'

VAVA II
96m (315ft) | Devonport Yachts (2012)
'VAVA II was a highly considered and personal design for a very experienced owner who wanted something genuinely bespoke. Designed from first principles at the Devonport yard in Plymouth, UK, she is the largest yacht ever to have been constructed in England. Benefiting from a blank canvas concept and their military experience, the engineering behind the vessel is truly custom and has proven completely dependable during her numerous circumnavigations. She has spent time all over the globe, from Alaska to Antarctica, and the warm parts between.
'Burgess brokerage introduced the project with BTS overseeing the pre-contract, design, and build through to delivery. Her exterior design is by RWD and interior by Remi Tessier, both bringing great experience and pedigree into the build. While she was contracted as a SOLAS 36 vessel, her design was instrumental in the creation of the Passenger Yacht Code, resulting in her becoming the first yacht built to both codes.
'Despite being a very private yacht, she is a design icon and frequently regarded as one of the most desirable yachts afloat. Still part of the family, we keep in regular contact with her owner and crew, and she looks every bit as good today as the day she was delivered.'

TATOOSH
92.4m (302.9ft) | Nobiskrug (2000)
‘TATOOSH is a truly iconic yacht and the first to combine many of the features seen in yachts that have followed. A worldwide blue water vessel with a full beach club and swimming pool with a rising floor for dancing, two helicopter pads, a 12m Hinckley tender, and a 43ft custom built carbon German Frers sailing yacht among other features. Burgess was engaged to sell the yacht and I was extremely proud to represent her buyer – only the second owner since new!’
