With the Cannes handovers setting the pace, these new inductees strengthen a list of yachts that have delivered under scrutiny and earned top honours in our dedicated YachtBuyer reviews.
Why the YachtBuyer Hall of Fame Matters
The YachtBuyer 5 Star Trophy highlights production yachts that deliver strong real-world performance under a consistent testing program. Since the review effort began, the team has assessed more than 260 models across the market. Owner-operated yachts under 24m undergo full sea trials, where handling, helm feel, visibility, motion, and docking are tested in detail. Every yacht is scored across six categories: Performance and Handling, Design and Build, Interior Accommodation, Helm Stations, On Deck Features, and Value for Money.
Fewer than nine percent of all boats tested have ever achieved a flawless YB 5 star score. YachtBuyer is selective about which yachts it reviews, and all trials are funded internally. There is no advertising, sponsorship, or entry fee involvement, keeping the scoring independent and setting clear expectations for builders and buyers.
Each inducted model receives a YachtBuyer Hall of Fame profile on YachtBuyer.com with the full written review, video walkthrough, and sea trial footage where relevant.
Inducted at Monaco: The Next YachtBuyer Hall of Fame Class
At Monaco, a further five YB 5 star yachts received their formal trophies. YachtBuyer CEO and founder Kevin Bodington and Reviews Director Jack Haines led the handovers, joined by senior shipyard representatives as the next set of flawless-scoring models entered the expanding Hall of Fame.
Guests
12
Cabins
6
Crew
6
The Grande Trideck secured its place through a deck concept that changed what a sub-40m yacht can deliver. The mezzanine arrangement creates four aft tiers, a private main deck lounge, and a beach club that benefits from the starboard garage layout. Inside, Achille Salvagni’s sculptural style prioritizes open volume over heavy furniture, moving the interior forward in a clean, modern direction.
A flexible five or six-cabin layout, a main deck owner’s suite, and a silent zero-emission mode supported by a large lithium system strengthen its case. The yacht’s construction, which is 30 percent lighter than the Azimut Grande 35 Metri, gives strong efficiency and performance across a wide cruising band. These factors, taken together under test, earned the Trideck its place in the YachtBuyer Hall of Fame.
Guests
12
Cabins
5
Crew
9
The Oasis 40M entered the YachtBuyer Hall of Fame for its aft layout and its long-range capability. The fold-down terraces and low-set pool turn the entire stern into a wide waterside platform that addresses a long-standing issue in main deck aft design. The yacht keeps full tri-deck volume despite this large opening, showing how well the layout has been resolved.
Inside, the curved salon, full-height glazing, and Bonetti Kozerski detailing link the interior to the aft deck. The owner’s suite follows a three-part arrangement with a forward ensuite and a separate dressing room, giving proportions normally associated with larger yachts. The glass bridge, with wide visibility and a refined control layout, pushed it even further in testing. Range of 4,000nm supports serious passage planning and confirms the yacht’s capability.
Guests
14
Cabins
6
Crew
11
The Flexplorer 146 earned its YB 5 star score through its global-first brief and its real-world autonomy. Sea trial data and owner feedback show a cruising range of 6,800nm at 10 knots, far above the original estimate. The steel hull, aluminium superstructure, and 12mm ice belt indicate true expedition focus. Engineering spaces are unusually large for a 44m yacht, with workbenches, full-height access, and system layout aimed at maintenance during long passages.
The owner’s deck, including a forward-facing suite, private pantry, dressing room, and aft terrace, is shaped for extended onboard living. Additional cabins across the main and lower decks follow the same long-stay approach. On deck, the 135sqm aft area, 4-tonne A-frame, and concealed pool give the yacht a wide operating range, from tender handling to social use. These elements, all tested as part of the review program, place Maverick among the most capable expedition yachts delivered this decade.
Guests
12
Cabins
6
Crew
17
Pink Shadow entered the YachtBuyer Hall of Fame due to its polar-capable design, high-spec bridge, and distinct interior identity. The ice-class hull, enclosed wing stations, and commercial sightlines give the yacht the control and redundancy required for remote cruising. Range of 5,000nm at 11.5 knots confirms its reach.
The interior, shaped by Design Unlimited, avoids neutral palettes and instead carries themed environments across lounges and cabins. The Fitzcarraldo Lounge, Amazonas Bar, Havana Lounge, and beach club each present different atmospheres, all executed with detailed material choices. The main deck owner’s suite extends this approach with a full-beam layout, dressing space, and a separate daybed nook. The Tahiti Plage and helideck add further flexibility, supporting storage, guest use, and tender handling as needed.
Guests
6
Cabins
3
Crew
2
The Riva 76 Perseo joined the YachtBuyer Hall of Fame for its build quality, driving experience, and deck design. The metallic finish, deep-V hull, and 60-tonne displacement combine to create a solid, composed platform, reinforced by precise construction and careful detailing. Under test, the yacht delivered a confident ride between 25 and 30 knots, with top speeds of 32–37 knots depending on engine choice.
Inside, the full-beam owner’s cabin sets a high standard for its length, using the usual fourth-cabin space to extend the dressing area and ensuite. The salon remains open due to the galley-down layout, and the forward dining area works well underway or at anchor. On deck, the sportsbridge becomes a generous sun deck when the fold-away helm is stowed, while the aft cockpit and foredeck lounge round out a strong outdoor arrangement.
Check out the video below for a full breakdown of how we rate each yacht and why:
The 5 Star Trophy exists to recognise boats that deliver something special in practice, not just on paper."
Reviews Director
YachtBuyer
Further handovers will take place at major shows and shipyards as new yachts reach the YB 5 star standard. For buyers, the YachtBuyer Hall of Fame results form a clear, independent reference point and a way to identify yachts that have performed strongly under real conditions.
Inspired by these YachtBuyer 5-star yachts? View all new and used superyachts for sale, tracked in real-time by YachtBuyer MarketWatch. We scan the entire market to ensure access to all genuine listings, saving you time. Alternatively, you can view all other yachts for sale.
