As the clock ticks closer to midnight on December 31, St. Barths transforms into the epicenter of the superyacht world, hosting some of the most opulent vessels on the planet. For New Year’s 2025, the harbor of Port Gustavia and the surrounding waters are abuzz with unparalleled luxury and activity, as the crème de la crème of the yachting elite gather for the celebration of the year.
This idyllic French Caribbean island has long been the chosen destination for the world’s wealthiest to ring in the New Year. The line-up for 2025 includes a stunning array of superyachts, each with its own story and unmatched amenities that showcase the epitome of maritime luxury. Here’s a look at some of the standout yachts spotted in St. Barths this season:
New Year’s Eve in St Barths is always the epicenter of the superyacht world. But maybe since 2024 has been such a stressful year. And the world seems to be changing faster than any of us can keep up with. I have a feeling that this year’s celebration might be one for the record books. In fact, as you can see in this map produced by marinetraffic.com the party has already started. Many of of the world’s largest superyachts are already there. And countless, smallish, 200-footers are there too.
So, don’t worry. If you happen to be trapped at home sleeping through the ball drop, I’ve got you covered. Here’s some insider info about many of the world’s largest and most recognizable yachts that will be partying in St Barths without us!
APHO
AHPO is a 376-foot-long superyacht that was designed and built to pay homage to Enzo Ferrari. And as you can see, Italian superyacht designers Nuvolari Lenard appear to have captured the essence of a specific Ferrari design—the LaFerrari supercar—before she was launched by Lürssen. In fact, AHPO was built for a repeat client who was so impressed with the build process of his first yacht that he wanted to replicate the experience, right down to the same build and design team.
And since Nuvolari–Lenard was responsible for the exterior and interior design and Moran Yacht & Ship managed and supervised the previous Lürssen build this striking new yacht will no doubt be quite a party platform.
Kismet
Kismet is 400 feet long. She costs well north of $3 million per week to charter with Cecil Wright. And is equipped with every imaginable luxury (and maybe some you can’t even imagine). However, it’s not the first superyacht named Kismet the Jacksonville Jaguars owner Shahid Khan has commissioned.
In fact, Khan’s previous Kismet was a mere 313-foot-long superyacht that played host to numerous A-list celebrities like Beyonce and JayZ. But when it comes to superyachts, especially superyachts in St Barths on New Year’s Eve, bigger is always better.
Renaissance
The 367-foot-long, 7,200-ton, Bannenberg & Rowell-designed Renaissance is um, a “really big superyacht.” But what intrigues me the most is that unlike most superyachts that can only accommodate 12 guests per charter, Renaissance has been designed to swaddle 36 guests in superyacht luxury.
Open-air dining on five decks and a dining room with 18-foot-tall ceilings on the main deck. A sushi bar. A pizza oven by the huge pool. And of course, the requisite DJ stations when it’s time to party. There’s also a massive cinema that has seating 19 guests on lower deck—the perfect place to just Netflix-n-chill once the party is over.
Excellence
Superyacht owners are often, um, how should we say, pretty aloof. And I can’t say I blame them. But every now and then, I meet a superyacht owner who loves his new yacht and loves the process of designing and building something unique and appreciates the incredibly talented designers and engineers and builders who can make his dreams a reality so much, that he’s willing to share some of the experience with me (on the record).
But I’ve never met anyone in the superyacht world quite like the owner of the distinctive, 263-foot-long Excellence that was designed by Winch Design and built by Abeking & Rasmussen.
He’s a straight taking American automotive entrepreneur named Herb Chambers. And while he might have made a fortune owning car dealerships his love of yachts and St Barths is legendary.
Lady Lara
Lady Lara’s exterior and interior were designed by Reymond Langton Design and built by Lürssen. But you’d never know the Israeli/Kazakh billionaire Alexander Mashkevitch took delivery of this nearly 300-foot-long yacht 10 years ago. Of course it’s equipped with a beach club, helicopter landing pad and spa. It also has a large swimming platform, tender garage and on-deck jacuzzi, gym. And oh yeah, plenty of party space too
Alfa Nero
If I was one of the lucky guests to be invited this new year’s eve, my goal would be to “test” the iconic infinity pool aboard Alfa Nero. Not only was she first yacht to pioneer this new type of “statement” pool. This novel concept from Oceanco that was designed by Nuvolari Lenard created a whole new genre of pools that many new large yachts are equipped with today
Bold
The 278-foot-long BOLD is the largest and most aggressive superyacht the Australian-based Silveryachts has ever built. Working in collaboration with yacht designer Espen Øino BOLD brings a whole new look to the explorer yacht category.
