10 of the Most Colourful Superyachts Available for Charter

No one ever forgets the first time they see custom motor yacht AURELIA, and her multi-award combination of her sporty lines and 1950’s Italian race car and Dunhill cigarette lighter-inspired design. Distinctively styled by Omega Architects with Gulf Porsche Racing colours, Heesen Yachts’s tenth 37-metre (122 feet) superyacht’s bright and bold design features an unmissable no. ‘10’ applied on both quarters – a design even matched with her accompanying 14ft Castoldi tender. Her name - a tribute to the first ever GT Lancia Aurelia - even continues the universal racing car theme (with individual car designer-inspired cabin décor found indoors).

Speaking on AURELIA, Simon Rowell from Bannenberg & Rowell has commented, “We gave it a pretty low level streamlined style, slightly masculine…inspired by the Dunhill cigarette lighter aesthetic.” No expense was spared in ensuring AURELIA Has an unforgettable presence at any port, and for this reason she takes our coveted top spot.

A showpiece Feadship in a number of ways, motor yacht SAVANNAH is both green in colour and technology (reportedly 30% more fuel efficient that similar vessels). The world’s first hybrid superyacht features a striking, streamlined hull finished in a ‘sea foam’ metallic green, with exterior styling by the Feadship design team and CG Design. She is notably the world’s largest metallic-painted object in the world, following a one-shot application of paint using bespoke spray nozzles and an electrostatic application process. Unique and innovative, the dynamic SAVANNAH harmoniously blends with the ocean to create an effortless cruising experience.

To find out even more about the award-winning Feadship superyacht SAVANNAH, be sure to read our full review here.

If there is one thing the design of SALUZI is not short of (both interior and exterior-wise), its colour.  Following a refit best described as a ‘transformation’ rather than simply labelled a ‘refit,’ the former mini luxury cruise ship emerged from the Horizon Yachts shipyard in August 2014 after 2 years to begin a new life as a luxury yacht – including a bold new exterior look blending hues of pink and blue.

The story of her design is amongst the less commonly heard in the global charter fleet: SALUZI is both named after and design-inspired by the famed mystical warhorse of Tang Dynasty Emperor Taizong. The artwork of the house was especially commissioned by artist Li Jiwei to be a modern interpretation of the ancient tale. Speaking on her design, he commented that superyacht SALUZI is “an expression of both East and West, a blending of spirituality and materiality.” The largest charter yacht based permanently in Asia, this floating paradise is unquestionably one of the most artistic yachts available for rent.

Delivered from Princess in 2015, the 40m/132ft motor yacht ANKA generated plenty of interest thanks to her striking turquoise blue hull.

Designed by the shipyard’s in-house team, both the exterior and interior sections exude a modern kind of sophistication which lends itself perfectly to both her winter and summer cruising grounds.

Boasting balconies, a six person Jacuzzi, and an enormous beach club, the motor yacht is unquestionably one of the most unique looking deliveries from the British shipyard.

Besides having 2 generously sized master cabins, M/Y ANKA also includes a further 3 guest cabins to accommodate a total of 12 when away on a private yacht charter vacation.

A yacht fit for the infamous Bond villain ‘Goldfinger,’ there is nothing quite like seeing the light hits the golden-painted aluminium hull and superstructure and futuristic lines of open yacht HOKULANI – especially when travelling at her full 29 knots. Undeniably the most distinctive vessel from Palmer Johnson’s 150’ range (their second build), her glittering champagne (or ‘metallic olive gold’) toned exterior contrasts with striking black accents to create a bold look.

A truly unique vessel from her bow to stern, HOKULANI broke new ground in the industry when her Nuvolari & Lenard design was revealed to the public in 2007 and 8 years later she still has that irresistible ‘wow-factor.‘

Another vessel from U.S. shipyard Palmer Johnson’s 150’ open yacht range we could not resist featuring in our list is hull number 8, the aquatic-inspired superyacht ‘Blue Ice.’ She is certainly not the only blue-painted superyacht currently available for charter (see ISA motor yacht PHILMI), however there is something about her Nuvolari & Lenard’s iconic lines, darkened windows, glass atrium roof panel and shimmering hue of ‘blue ice’ blue that creates a unique cruising experience.

Sleek and sporty, yet elegant, Blue Ice, like sistership HOKULANI, is the perfect choice for an active charter – and her crew even wear blue for the complete experience.

For evidence yachts on occasion go for the dark and mysterious look, you can look to vessels including the Benetti ULYSSES and newly repainted HIGHLANDER, yet none are quite as dramatic as the 2011 Golden Yachts delivery, 40m/130ft open yacht O’Pati. Sleek, powerful lines designed by Giorgio Vafiadis & Associates, combine with her all-black hull and dark silver superstructure to create a sporty-chic look unmatched in the global charter fleet.

Winner of ‘Best Power’ at the 2012 International Superyacht Society Awards, her modern design can whizz by at a top speed of 32 knots, powered by MTU engines, ensuring this enigma always turns heads wherever she travels.

A superyacht which definitely lives up to her name, Philip Zepter displacement yacht JoyMe was born from her owner’s desire to create something truly different from what was already on the yacht market. The refreshing exterior of this tri-deck, like the rest of the 50-metre (164 feet) vessel was built to suit entertaining in style, with an underlying motto of ‘going beyond the limits to bring the ultimate satisfaction to the guests on board.’

Styled by Standby Studio under the supervision of acclaimed visionary architect and yacht designer Marijana Radovic, JoyMe’s design stands out with red lines and a multi-coloured patterned bow. The special paint scheme of her exterior seeks to emphasise the elegance of her lines by visually lowering her profile and seem closer to the water. JoyMe’s flowing lines, perforated textures and prints subtly extend her length to ensure she is one of most dynamic and unique-looking vessels at any port.

One of only two expedition yachts to make our list, but nonetheless special, steel-built Grand Cru III’s robust yet charmingly  classic emerald-green and white design has won the hearts of many looking to travel beyond the Mediterranean’s cruising grounds. A custom-built yacht from Benetti’s Sail Division, she was styled by P.B. Behage and delivered in 2009. Her almost army-green exterior paint job perfectly embodies the protection and sturdy performance she can provide - with premium levels of comfort concealed within.

Charter yacht Grand Cru III may not be your typical colourful superyacht, but she effortlessly combines timeless style with long-range cruising ability to be a noteworthy vessel.

The flagship Yacht from Taiwanese shipyard Jade Yachts had to be special, and the five-deck 52m/170ft expedition yacht Jade 959 more than delivered. Completed last year, her specially blended pale-golden yellow (and ice-classed) steel hull automatically catches the eye before being drawn to her powerful lines - a unique paint scheme rarely seen in global charter fleet, designed by the acclaimed team at Espinosa Yacht Design.

The sophistication of her exterior style continues indoors with interior spaces appointed with the finest Fendi furniture and the luxury of two elegant master suites.

Special mention goes to the superyacht GUILTY, whose bold Jeff Koons-designed exterior is unmatched across the globe, however unfortunately she is solely for private use and therefore could not make our shortlist.

To enquire about renting any of the featured superyachts, please get in touch with your preferred charter broker.