What Classifies A Mega Yacht?

The definition of a superyacht has evolved to include vessels over 100 feet due to the increase in amo. The main class societies involved in yachting are the American Bureau of Shipping, Bureau Veritas, Det Norske Veritas, Germanischer Lloyd, Lloyds Register, and RINA. Megayachts are run more along the lines of cruise ships or passenger ships and follow many of the same regulations whereas superyachts can still be classified as such.

The confusion between whether a vessel falls under the yacht, superyacht, or megayacht category is still quite unclear amongst industry insiders. Mega yachts that wish to carry more than 12 guests are then classified as a commercial vessel, and will need to be classed under SOLAS, which is licensed for up to 36 guests. A 50-meter (160 ft) yacht may have one or more yacht tenders for reaching shore and other water toys, such as a speed boat or sailing boat, or personal water craft.

Megayachts are generally larger than superyachts, with some stating they are over 260 feet (80 meters), while others classify them as mega yachts. Yachts that are at least 200 feet or 60 meters fall under the mega yacht category, which are also the world’s largest yachts and may have special licenses that allow them to accommodate more than 12 guests at the same time.

A superyacht or megayacht is a large and luxurious pleasure vessel, with no official or agreed upon definitions. Most people define a superyacht as a vessel used for pleasure, larger than 24 meters (80ft) and having a full-time captain and crew employed. According to the MCA’s Large Commercial Yacht Codes definition, large means 24 meters and over in load line length, and the Code of Practice applies to yachts.