“At-rest stabilisation using moving weights or fluid-and-tank systems had been attempted,” says John Venables, CEO of motion control company Naiad Dynamics, “but using the fins was a brilliant move because they were already installed, powered and moveable.” Few could argue that the development of at-rest stabilisation wasn’t a major shift for superyachts, allowing those owners, their families and guests to enjoy being aboard without fear of being affected by the rolling motions that come from being at sea.

It is just one example of how technology and bright ideas have transformed superyachts over the past 25 years. In the exclusive, limited edition Superyacht25 book – created by The Superyacht Group in partnership with MB92 to celebrate the 25th anniversary of both companies – we home in on 16 innovations that have contributed so much to the development of the modern superyacht.

From advancements in glass for use in both hull and superstructure design to the arrival of fast VSAT communications and flat panel antennas, and from the development of the Large Yacht Code to the evolution of regatta racing rules specifically for sailing superyachts, we have borne witness to one of the most exciting periods our industry has seen – and it is these innovations that have, in part, helped the superyacht fleet to more than triple in number to approaching 5,500 yachts above 30m in a quarter of a century.

Not all the innovations we have considered are directly superyacht related. LED lighting is something that has had a huge impact in all areas of our lives, as first warm whites then advanced colour-changing modes appeared in our domestic environments. At the same time, their addition to superyachts has helped create spectacular underwater light shows, as well as allowing designers to show off exquisite exterior sculpting in new ways, while helping to reduce the domestic power requirement of the interior spaces. Similarly, the iPad – which has helped lead something of a revolution in general consumer electronics – has also become a mainstay of the modern domotic control system on board.

From hybrid power to inverted bows, the Falcon rig to fast displacement hull forms, these are just some of the elements that mark a modern superyacht. We have compiled these innovations in the Superyacht25 book alongside some of the most iconic yachts and key players of the past 25 years, those who have helped propel our industry forward. This riveting content is accompanied by a selection of extraordinary and evocative images, many of which have never been seen in print before.

Superyacht25 is a collectible, 333-page coffee table book to savour, to treasure, and to dip into at will. With a limited print run, Superyacht25 is available to order now – click here to order your copy.

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