France

Francois Catroux

Yachts have often been considered status symbols of the wealthy and privileged, with their silhouettes in ports and harbours across the world standing as emblems of trade, wealth and prestige. With the future of yacht design constantly changing, every detail holds significance; and while diminishing in popularity, the figurehead of a boat once stood as a status symbol of tradition and individual expression. <iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/j9zpU3gPpYI?&amp;wmode=opaque" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe> Figureheads are elaborately carved sculptures mounted at the bow of a ship, holding a rich maritime tradition that extends from ships to yachts, and more recently superyachts. The tradition of figureheads on vessels spans not only centuries, but countries, appearing throughout history across the globe.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/300777/image/large-5e60526862a282fa2739e1d42364de56.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/300777">Some of the first recorded use of figureheads onboard vessels date back to the Ancient Egyptians from around 3100 B.C. The Ancient Egyptians are said to have carved bull and ram heads, as well as birds onto the forward-most part of a ship's bow, believing that this would make the voyage for those onboard successful, and would also appease the gods.As time progressed, the Romans of the third century would place carvings of their deities on the bows of their galleys. In addition to these divine figures, they were also known to depict centurions to symbolise bravery and strength in combat. This tradition echoes that of the Viking ships which would be adorned with dragons’ heads to ward off malevolent spirits and instil fear into the enemy. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/300781/image/large-53535f2e694385e7db560f8d5842d256.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/300781">The 11th century Bayeux Tapestry displays the story of William of Normandy’s conquest of England in 1066 and depicts the invading ships embellished with figureheads of lions and dragons to serve as a tangible embodiment of ancient legends and beliefs. However, by the 13th century, a new trend in figureheads had emerged in Northern Europe, with swans becoming the favoured embellishment to signify grace and mobility.By the 17th and early 18th century, the lion was once again among the most common figurehead motifs at the bow of boats, symbolising power and strength of those onboard. But it was also around this time that the use of human forms became more popular in the design of figureheads.&nbsp;By the 18th and 19th centuries, figureheads had reached the pinnacle of their artistry. Often known as the “Golden Age of Sail,” figureheads became more elaborate and ornate during this period. The use of full-length human forms, mostly of classical or mythological figures to represent the name of the vessel, was on the rise, partly due to the illiteracy of many sailors during the period.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/300780/image/large-c620de517a577449b2a9ef0811a71f79.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/300780">Many figureheads of this period depicted women revealing one or both breasts. Despite prevailing beliefs that having women onboard was unlucky, sailors held superstitions that a semi-naked sculpted female form could calm the storms at sea.Historically, figureheads served both practical and symbolic purposes. They were initially designed to act as a form of spiritual protection for the ship and its crew, often depicting mythological or religious figures believed to offer guidance and safeguard against maritime perils.The figureheads of today however, have transitioned from their traditional role as symbols of protection, to more of an aesthetic and artistic expression of wealth. A number of modern superyacht owners have commissioned bespoke figureheads that reflect their personal tastes, themes, or even serve as a nod to the vessel's name. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/300776/image/large-928bbb31498cac72b1b05b369ff1d0e6.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/300776">A prime example of this is the 92.92-metre sailing yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/23" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lürssen Yachts (Company)">Lürssen</a> sailing yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/669" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="EOS92.92m (304'10&quot;)Lürssen Yachts2006">EOS</a>. Delivered in 2006, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/669" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="EOS92.92m (304'10&quot;)Lürssen Yachts2006">EOS</a> is one of a few sailing yachts constructed by the Germany-based builder. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/669" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="EOS92.92m (304'10&quot;)Lürssen Yachts2006">EOS</a> boasts exterior design by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/566" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Langan Design Partners (Company)">Langan Design Partners</a>, while her interior was penned by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/257" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Francois Catroux (Company)">Francois Catroux</a>, with naval architecture by her builder.The three-masted Bermuda rigged schooner was once owned by movie and media billionaire Barry Diller, husband of fashion designer Diane von Fürstenberg and its this famous pairing that led to the creation of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/669" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="EOS92.92m (304'10&quot;)Lürssen Yachts2006">EOS</a>’s figurehead. Named after the Greek Goddess of the dawn, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/669" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="EOS92.92m (304'10&quot;)Lürssen Yachts2006">EOS</a> features a hand-crafted figurehead at her bow, modelled on Barry Diller’s wife, Diane von Fürstenberg. Crafted in stainless steel by artist Anh Duong, Diane von Fürstenberg modelled for the 2.7-metre figurehead during a series of different sessions.But it's not just sailing yachts that are known to sport figureheads, the modern evolution of maritime aesthetics has led to an increasing rise of motor yachts also showcasing these works of art. Whether evoking a sense of nostalgia for maritime traditions, or pushing the boundaries of contemporary art, figureheads continue to play a role in shaping the identity of yachts.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/300775/image/large-60f09810263ccad48c9f7eb669aab8cb.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/300775">In 2010, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/23" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lürssen Yachts (Company)">Lürssen</a> launched the 90.02-metre superyacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1677" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Phoenix 290.02m (295'4&quot;)Lürssen Yachts2010">Phoenix 2</a>, which displays a five-tonne eagle figurehead on her bow. The owner was heavily involved in the design of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1677" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Phoenix 290.02m (295'4&quot;)Lürssen Yachts2010">Phoenix 2</a>, with the theme evolving around the Art-Deco stylings of New York. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1677" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Phoenix 290.02m (295'4&quot;)Lürssen Yachts2010">Phoenix 2</a> features interior and exterior design by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/69" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Winch Design (Company)">Winch Design</a>, with naval architecture by her builder <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/23" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lürssen Yachts (Company)">Lürssen</a>. The giant stainless-steel chiselled eagle is said to be reminiscent of the eagles seen on the Chrysler Building in New York, and creates a bold vision for onlookers.&nbsp;Animal figureheads have become a popular theme amongst superyacht owners in recent years, with the 65-metre 2013 <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/121" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Palmer Johnson Yachts (Company)">Palmer Johnson</a> motor yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/3527" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lady M65.0m (213'3&quot;)Palmer Johnson Yachts2013">Lady M</a> displaying a two-metre pouncing cat on her bow. Although some people have described this as a jaguar or a panther, her designer <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/65" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nuvolari Lenard (Company)">Nuvolari Lenard</a> explains that she is simply just a cat. Crafted by the aluminium welders at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/121" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Palmer Johnson Yachts (Company)">Palmer Johnson</a>, the cat motif occurs throughout <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/3527" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lady M65.0m (213'3&quot;)Palmer Johnson Yachts2013">Lady M</a>’s design, thanks to the owner’s wife’s love for felines. A graceful cat symbol can be seen on the transom logo of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/3527" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lady M65.0m (213'3&quot;)Palmer Johnson Yachts2013">Lady M</a>, and repeated again as emblems on her gates and skylights. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/300884/image/large-e2b2b91f1be240fd957065917b122d01.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/300884">Like <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/3527" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lady M65.0m (213'3&quot;)Palmer Johnson Yachts2013">Lady M</a>, Pakistani-American billionaire businessman and sports tycoon Shahid Khan’s former yacht is known for its distinctive jaguar figurehead. First seen in 2014 on the 95-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/23" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lürssen Yachts (Company)">Lürssen</a> superyacht Kismet (now <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4095" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Whisper95.2m (312'4&quot;)Lürssen Yachts2014">Whisper</a>), the 2.41-metre jaguar figurehead represented his ownership of the NFL football team, the Jacksonville Jaguars.&nbsp;Positioned with one paw in the air and the other resting on an American football helmet, the silver jaguar was constructed by Belgium-based 3D-printing factory Materialise and symbolised elegance and power. The 100kg jaguar was created using 3D printed structural reinforcements, with its outer shell taking up 5.8 percent of the total volume. It was created using 5,000 printed layers, each measuring just 0.5 millimetres and with 10,260 lumens of electric light shining from its eyes. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/281145/image/large-49e45fdb7ae6dc0e2d2e3930b28dc7c5.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/281145">The owner of the 122-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/23" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lürssen Yachts (Company)">Lürssen</a> superyacht Jag, now known as <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/8278" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Kismet122.0m (400'3&quot;)Lürssen Yachts2024">Kismet</a>, also sports a jaguar at the bow. The new <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/8278" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Kismet122.0m (400'3&quot;)Lürssen Yachts2024">Kismet</a> features <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/23" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lürssen Yachts (Company)">Lürssen</a>’s iconic elongated bowspirit, with the jaguar figurehead hugging the underside of her bow.However, there is one figurehead that has been dominating the headlines since the yacht’s launch in August 2022. Amazon founder Jeff Bezos’ 127-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/64" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Oceanco (Company)">Oceanco</a> superyacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7500" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Koru127.0m (416'8&quot;)Oceanco2023">Koru</a> features an impressive carved wooden figurehead which has been drawing the attention of the world's press for months.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/300912/image/large-d3dc67eb6601eacdbf497c473fdafc88.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/300912"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7500" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Koru127.0m (416'8&quot;)Oceanco2023">Koru</a> is the second largest sailing yacht in the world and the largest yacht built by the Netherlands-based shipyard <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/64" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Oceanco (Company)">Oceanco</a>. Her name derives from the Māori fern-leaf motif, which is a symbol of creation and new beginnings to the native people of New Zealand.When she was launched, online news publications noted how the curvaceous winged figurehead at the bow of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7500" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Koru127.0m (416'8&quot;)Oceanco2023">Koru</a> bore a striking resemblance to Bezos’ fiancé, Lauren Sanchez. The figurehead is dressed in a flowing gown with long hair, which many believed was modelled on the former TV personality. However, in an interview with Vogue magazine last year,Sanchez set the record straight about the design, “I’m very flattered, but it’s not, [me].” <iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/UHLink2jPLY?&amp;wmode=opaque" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe> The polished female figurehead of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7500" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Koru127.0m (416'8&quot;)Oceanco2023">Koru</a> is instead based on one of Jeff Bezos’ favourite mythological figures, Freyja. The Norse goddess of love, fertility, war, and gold also features a spiral shape necklace, with an unfurling silver fern frond, which signifies creation and perpetual movement.From their origins in ancient civilisations to their modern-day interpretations, figureheads continue to symbolise power, grace, and individuality and shape the identity of yachts. Despite the ever-changing seas of yacht design, figureheads still stand as a reminder of the timeless allure of the ocean and the creativity of the owners onboard.

History of yacht figureheads

Figureheads often stood as symbols of power and strength. We take a look at the history of figureheads from Egyptian beginnings to modern marvels. 

Video: The history of yacht figureheads

<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/270836/image/large-9b812cf359f704abc5562488562ef84d.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/270836">Seen here in Tarragona, Spain, is the 93-metre sailing superyacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/669" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="EOS92.92m (304'10&quot;)Lürssen Yachts2006">EOS</a>. Until recently, she was considered the largest sailing yacht in the world before the delivery of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4450" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sailing Yacht A142.81m (468'6&quot;)Nobiskrug2017">Sailing Yacht A</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4795" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Black Pearl106.7m (350'1&quot;)Oceanco2018">Black Pearl</a> in 2017 and 2018 respectively. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/669" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="EOS92.92m (304'10&quot;)Lürssen Yachts2006">EOS</a> remains <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/23" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lürssen Yachts (Company)">Lürssen</a>’ sole sailing yacht built during its modern history. Launched in 2006, she has a volume of 1,517 GT and is constructed entirely out of aluminium to an exterior design by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/566" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Langan Design Associates, Inc. (Company)">Langan Design</a> with an interior penned by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/257" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Francois Catroux (Company)">Francois Catroux</a>. The three-masted schooner is one of the most private vessels in the world.

93m sailing superyacht EOS in Tarragona

The 93m sailing superyacht EOS, built by Lürssen, is seen here cruising in Tarragona, Spain.

<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/256496/image/large-09605ef7d924313ca0bf493e773187ca.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/256496">Spotted last summer anchored off Naples, Italy, is the 93-metre sailing superyacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/669" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="EOS92.92m (304'10&quot;)Lürssen Yachts2006">EOS</a>. Until recently, she was considered the largest sailing yacht in the world before the delivery of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4450" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sailing Yacht A142.81m (468'6&quot;)Nobiskrug2017">Sailing Yacht A</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4795" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Black Pearl106.7m (350'1&quot;)Oceanco2018">Black Pearl</a> in 2017 and 2018 respectively. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/669" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="EOS92.92m (304'10&quot;)Lürssen Yachts2006">EOS</a> remains <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/23" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lürssen Yachts (Company)">Lürssen</a>’ sole sailing yacht built during its modern history. Launched in 2006, she has a volume of 1,517 GT and is constructed entirely out of aluminium to an exterior design by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/566" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Langan Design Associates, Inc. (Company)">Langan Design</a> with an interior penned by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/257" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Francois Catroux (Company)">Francois Catroux</a>. The three-masted schooner is one of the most private vessels in the world.

Sailing superyacht EOS in Naples

The 93m sailing superyacht EOS, built by Lürssen, is seen here anchored in Naples, Italy.

<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/235670/image/large-54b5ff12999e78e98bc208eae5db6018.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/235670">Spotted last week off the Lerins Islands on the French Riviera, is the 93-metre super sailing yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/669" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="EOS92.92m (304'10&quot;)Lürssen Yachts2006">EOS</a>. Considered until recently as the largest sailing yacht in the world before the delivery of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4450" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sailing Yacht A142.81m (468'6&quot;)Nobiskrug2017">Sailing Yacht A</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4795" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Black Pearl106.7m (350'1&quot;)Oceanco2018">Black Pearl</a> in 2017 and 2018 respectively, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/669" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="EOS92.92m (304'10&quot;)Lürssen Yachts2006">EOS</a> remains <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/23" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lürssen Yachts (Company)">Lürssen</a>’ sole sailing yacht built during its modern history. Launched in 2006, she has a volume of 1,517 GT and is constructed entirely out of aluminium to an exterior design by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/566" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Langan Design Associates, Inc. (Company)">Langan Design</a> with an interior penned by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/257" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Francois Catroux (Company)">Francois Catroux</a>. The three-masted schooner has been operated since as one of the most private vessels in the world.

Lürssen sailing yacht EOS in the South of France

The 93m sailing yacht EOS, built by Lürssen, is seen anchored in the South of France.

<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/182942/image/large-cb888a4ae5bc39d319e804098d063133.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/182942">Considered until recently as the <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yacht-news/the-top-10-largest-sailing-yachts-in-the-world" target="_blank">largest sailing yacht in the world</a> before the delivery of <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yachts/sailing-yacht-a" target="_blank">Sailing Yacht A</a> and <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yachts/black-pearl-107m" target="_blank">Black Pearl</a> in 2017 and 2018 respectively, the 92.92-metre <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yachts/eos" target="_blank">EOS</a> remains <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/companies/lurssen" target="_blank">Lürssen’s</a> sole sailing yacht built during its modern history. Launched in 2006, <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yachts/eos" target="_blank">EOS</a> has a volume of 1,500 GT and is constructed entirely out of aluminium to a design by <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/companies/langan-associates-inc" target="_blank">Langan Design</a> with an interior by <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/companies/frana-ois-catroux" target="_blank">Francois Catroux</a>. Here she is seen at anchor in the U.S. Virgin Islands this month.&nbsp;

Sailing superyacht EOS in US Virgin Islands

The 93-metre Lürssen sailing superyacht EOS spotted in the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Sailing superyacht EOS in the U.S. Virgin Islands

<img src="/uploads/store/photo/82462/image/large-66d7bfa8ac813b168ec8675f1365fc8d.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/82462">Considered until recently as the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/39767" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="The top 10 largest sailing yachts in the world (2019-02-03 12:00:00 +0100)">largest sailing yacht in the world</a> before the delivery of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4450" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sailing Yacht A142.81m (468'6&quot;)Nobiskrug2017">Sailing Yacht A</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4795" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Black Pearl106.7m (350'1&quot;)Oceanco2018">Black Pearl</a> in 2017 and 2018 respectively, the 92.92-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/669" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="EOS92.92m (304'10&quot;)Lürssen Yachts2006">EOS</a> remains <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/23" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lürssen Yachts (Company)">Lürssen’s</a> sole sailing yacht built during its modern history. Launched in 2006, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/669" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="EOS92.92m (304'10&quot;)Lürssen Yachts2006">EOS</a> has a volume of 1,500 GT and is constructed entirely out of aluminium to a design by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/566" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Langan Design Associates, Inc. (Company)">Langan Design</a> with an interior by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/257" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Francois Catroux (Company)">Francois Catroux</a>. She was one of the first yachts to visit <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/122" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Royal Huisman Shipyard BV (Company)">Royal Huisman’s</a> Huisfit refit services in 2011 where she received a brand new coat of exterior paint amongst other works and spent the past winter season once again under the care of the Dutch shipyard’s refit service. Here she is seen in Stockholm, Sweden where she is currently spending time.

The 93m Lürssen sailing yacht EOS in Stockholm

The 93-metre sailing yacht EOS built by Lürssen in 2006 seen in downtown Stockholm, Sweden.

Lürssen’s sailing yacht EOS in Stockholm

<img src="/uploads/store/photo/67497/image/large-41ba27723b15262b99027f8a44bc8a17.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/67497">Currently on the island of St Maarten, the 96-metre motor yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/282" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Limitless96.25m (315'9&quot;)Lürssen Yachts1997">Limitless</a> was built by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/23" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lürssen Yachts (Company)">Lürssen</a> in 1997 to a design by the late <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/17" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Bannenberg & Rowell Design (Company)">Jon Bannenberg</a>. The yacht was one of the largest of her time and also the largest American-owned private yacht at the time of her delivery. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/282" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Limitless96.25m (315'9&quot;)Lürssen Yachts1997">Limitless</a> features an interior designed by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/257" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Francois Catroux (Company)">Francois Catroux</a>, who also designed the beautiful interior of another Lürssen giant, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/669" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="EOS92.92m (304'10&quot;)Lürssen Yachts2006">EOS</a>.

The 96m motor yacht Limitless in St Maarten

Take a look at the 96-metre motor yacht Limitless on the island of St Maarten.

<img src="/uploads/store/photo/24516/image/large-cb75bd5d771426cf95db000bacb5255e.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/24516"> Limitless arriving in St KittsLimitless is a 96-metre motor yacht built by Lürssen in 1997 to a design by the late Jon Bannenberg. The yacht was one of the largest of her time and also the largest American-owned private yacht at the time of her delivery. Limitless features an interior designed by Francois Catroux, who also designed the beautiful interior of another Lürssen giant, EOS. Here she is captured arriving in Christophe Harbour, located on the Caribbean island of St Kitts.Photo by Christophe Harbour

The Lürssen superyacht Limitless arriving in St Kitts

<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/157792/image/large-cf6cee5520d44a384827012aaf6fce32.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/157792">Superyacht Limitless in St Barths The 96 metre Limitless was built in Germany in 1997 at the Lürssen yard. She is designed by the office of the late Jon Bannenberg, who was also responsible for the design of superyacht Carinthia VI, which formed the inspiration for the design of Limitless. Carinthia VI, now named The One, recently fell victim to a devastating <a href="#managed-by-application" target="_blank" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/45294">fire</a> which took place in Marmaris, Turkey. When Limitless was designed, the owners of Carinthia VI also ordered a new yacht, which became Carinthia VII, designed by Tim Heywood, who worked at the Bannenberg office for many years. Limitless features an interior designed by Francois Catroux, who also designed the beautiful interior of another Lürssen giant, EOS. Limitless is owned by American owners, and at the time of her construction in 1997, Limitless was the largest American-owned private yacht. Here she is seen anchored off St Barths on New Years day.By Charl van Rooy, photo by Henri van Rooy

The 96m superyacht Limitless in St Barths

<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/138988/image/large-763706ab30f3680c6b9f1696d499541f.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/138988">Lürssen's LimitlessThe 96 metre private superyacht <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/282">Limitless</a> was built in Germany in 1997 at the Lürssen yard. She is designed by the office of the late Jon Bannenberg. Limitless fearures an interior designed by Francois Catroux, who also designed the beautiful interior of another Lürssen giant, <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/669">EOS</a>. Limitless is owned by an American owners, and at the time of her construction in 1997, Limitless was the largest American-owned private yacht.By Maarten Janssen, photo by Giovanni Romero

The private 96 metre superyacht Limitless in Gibraltar

<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/137909/image/large-c043926c5703461e8b5e1a1e227661e5.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/137909"> The Lürssen sailing yacht EosAt 93 metre, the 1500 GRT three-masted schooner <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/669">EOS</a> is the world’s largest sailing yacht. She was launched by Lürssen in 2006. EOS is a very private yacht, so you won't find a lot of photos of her. However, the new <a href="http://www.lurssen.com/#en/yachts/gallery">Lürssen website</a> has a couple of very nice shots of her, well worth checking out. You can even catch a glimpse of her stunning interior, designed by François Catroux.By Maarten Janssen and Photos by SYT Reader

The 93 metre Lürssen sailing yacht Eos

<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/134352/image/large-0146936ec5112e6a7dc7e0412599c226.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/134352">Lürssen's LimitlessThe 96m <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/282">Limitless</a> was built in Germany in 1997 at the Lürssen yard. She is designed by the office of the late Jon Bannenberg. Limitless fearures an interior designed by Francois Catroux, who also designed the beautiful interior of another Lürssen giant, <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/669">EOS</a>. Limitless is owned by an American owners, and at the time of her construction in 1997, Limitless was the largest American-owned private yacht.By Maarten Janssen, photo by Benoit Donne

The 96 metre Lürssen superyacht Limitless

<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/126704/image/large-9c2b57153f6c3a2946372563a7ecb32e.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/126704">Deianeira in Port VaubanThe 38 metre Deianeira seen in Port Vauban on 9 February 2009. This classic motor yacht was built by Vosper Thornycroft in 1951 and was refitted in the 90’s with a new interior by Francois Catroux.By Merijn de Waard

Deianeira in Port Vauban

Last July EOS was launched from the Lürssen shipyard in Bremen. Over the next months she was finished and underwent sea trials before departure to the Caribbean in November. Not much information has been released on EOS yet, but with her length of 92.92m (304.86ft) she is the world’s largest sailing yacht. We also know that her exterior was designed by Bill Langan and her interior is by French designer François Catroux, who also designed the interior of Lürssen’s Limitless. A few weeks ago <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/669">EOS</a> arrived in the South of France for the first time and we took the following photos of the world’s largest sailing yacht when she was anchored off Cannes on May 22 and off Eden Roc on May 19 (first photo).<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/122680/image/large-3e31fa20e6f0c7f2d77fd0f7f83d1735.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/122680"> <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/122681/image/large-9e71aa855780d310c800f6465d0d5f64.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/122681"> <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/122682/image/large-0eab949ae9027a20d909261738041212.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/122682"> <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/122683/image/large-6ed605c89fc35dd6aeb297f37bfba887.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/122683"> <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/122684/image/large-42a3e0174af035c5ff1ecb028a8e811f.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/122684"> <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/122685/image/large-e40117c6c7baf46df6adf07fe11198a4.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/122685"> <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/122686/image/large-b311aa10b8e103a30eee83a3d590f761.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/122686"> <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/122687/image/large-bbb61d080587ce63ad617a37fcf966c3.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/122687"> Photo credit: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.superyachtphoto.com">Merijn de Waard &amp; Maarten Janssen / Yacht-Images.com</a>

EOS, the world’s largest sailing yacht

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<img src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/122624/image/large-ffdffdc3cbfd5c9a515ae4cb8c874d68.jpg" alt="" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/122624"> 
<a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/23">Lürssen</a>'s <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/669">EOS</a> anchored off Cannes during the Film Festival 
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Photo credit: <a href="https://www.superyachtphoto.com">Merijn de Waard / Yacht-Images.com</a>
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