The Megayachts USA 12 (2011)

• The most superb and finely crafted yachts to emerge from leading shipyards
• 15 new yachts that represent the very best of North American craftsmanship
• New Projects – Excusive peeks of the boards of the most exciting designers
• The trend towards larger and larger yachts
• Phenomenal photography and authoritative writing

For the past 12 years, The Megayachts USA has celebrated the most superb and finely crafted yachts to emerge from the world’s leading shipyards. Each year, we feature only a handful of these exquisite vessels that represent the very best of North American craftsmanship and ownership. This edition showcases 15 new yachts that are truly in an exclusive class, as our criteria for selection maintains that they represent not only the epitome of North American yachtbuilding, but also the high quality demanded by North American owners.

This year, we have relaxed our normally 100ft-plus size criteria to allow the xquisite Isabel from Friendship Yachts to be included. Designed by Ted Fontaine, this 75ft Down East sloop encompasses all that makes yachting our favorite pastime. Also selected this year is the 183ft Alucia, a former research vessel that has been carefully transformed into a unique, world-class exploration vessel with a luxury yacht interior. At the larger end of the size spectrum is the 247ftNorthern Star, the second Lürssen of the same name for her world-cruising owners. As ever, the scope and variety of megayachts featured within these pages reflect the true craftsmanship, forward-thinking technology, and cutting-edge design that this industry offers.

This edition also includes the highly anticipated New Projects section, which presents an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at some of the exciting designs on the boards of the world’s leading designers, naval architects, and yacht builders. The new designs on the horizon indicate that there are indeed exciting trends to come.

American shipyards have been building larger and more sophisticated yachts, so many that we have compiled a table comprising the 100 largest yachts built in the United States. From the newly launched 281ft Cakewalk to a series of 150-footers from Palmer Johnson, the listing is truly impressive and represents not only the trend toward building bigger yachts that is seen the world over, but also the increasing dominance of the American market in the yachting industry. 

Once again, glossy pages and phenomenal photography couple with authoritative writing to capture the true essence of these magnificent vessels and take the readers of The Megayachts USA on a private tour through the year’s most spectacular launches, may of which will not appear in any other publication in the world. The 12th annual Megayachts USA is a must-have addition to your onboard library.