Few yachts command the same global recognition as Lürssen’s Pelorus superyacht. Now officially listed for sale at €160 million, this legendary 377-foot gigayacht represents one of the most significant vessels ever built in modern yachting history.
From her groundbreaking design to her elite ownership lineage, Pelorus is not merely a yacht—it is a benchmark. For discerning buyers seeking heritage, scale, and timeless relevance, opportunities like this are exceptionally rare.
A Defining Moment in Superyacht History
Delivered by Lürssen in 2003, Pelorus was the largest yacht ever constructed by the German shipyard at the time of launch. She also ranked among the biggest private yachts in the world, instantly positioning herself as a global icon.
What truly set Pelorus apart, however, was not only her size but her influence. The yacht helped redefine what a superyacht could be—ushering in a new era of fluid design, relaxed luxury, and open-plan living that still shapes yacht design today.
Revolutionary Design by Tim Heywood and Terence Disdale
The exterior of the Pelorus superyacht was penned by acclaimed designer Tim Heywood, who rejected the angular silhouettes popular in the 1990s. Instead, he introduced a sleek, horizontal profile with long, uninterrupted lines—an aesthetic that felt radically modern at the time.
Inside, Terence Disdale took a similarly forward-thinking approach. Rather than prioritising formality, the interior design focused on comfort, flow, and usability. Open-plan layouts, generous communal spaces, and seamless indoor-outdoor living were pioneering features that are now standard aboard contemporary luxury yachts.
An Elite Ownership Pedigree
Over the past two decades, Pelorus has been owned by some of the world’s most powerful figures. Originally built for a Saudi businessman, she was sold shortly after delivery to Roman Abramovich, followed by ownership under David Geffen, the Royal Family of Abu Dhabi, and later Chinese billionaire Samuel Tak Lee.
According to Alex Banning of SuperyachtsMonaco:
“Ownership of Pelorus is not an acquisition so much as a custodianship—an opportunity to steward one of the most consequential yachts ever built.”
This exceptional provenance further cements Pelorus’s status as a true collector’s asset.
Recently Refit and Technically Updated
Pelorus has undergone several refits since her launch, with the most recent completed in 2025. These updates ensure she meets modern technical standards while preserving the design elements that made her iconic.
Spanning 7 decks and offering an extraordinary 5,403 GT, the yacht accommodates 24 guests in 12 cabins, supported by a highly experienced 46-member crew.
Resort-Level Amenities at Sea
The onboard lifestyle aboard Pelorus rivals that of a private island resort. Highlights include:
- Full-service spa and beauty salon
- State-of-the-art gym
- Private cinema and nightclub
- Expansive beach club
- Swimming pool and Jacuzzi
- Two helipads
- Comprehensive collection of water toys
Every element has been designed to deliver privacy, entertainment, and indulgence on a global scale.
Performance and Global Capability
Powered by two Wärtsilä V-12 engines, Pelorus cruises comfortably at 12 knots, reaches a top speed of 20 knots, and offers a transoceanic range of 6,000 nautical miles. Zero-speed stabilisers and advanced sound insulation ensure exceptional comfort both underway and at anchor.
A Rare Opportunity to Own a Superyacht Legend
As one of the most recognisable yachts ever built, Lürssen’s Pelorus superyacht for sale offers something increasingly scarce: legacy. For her next owner, she represents not just luxury and scale, but a chance to preserve and enjoy a vessel that helped define the modern superyacht era.