BIG BOY TOYS - Roman Abramovich's Mega-Yacht Knocked Off The Top Spot

The Emirati royal family has knocked Russian oligarch and Chelsea Owner Roman Abramovich off the top spot of ''owner of the world's biggest mega-yacht''.

The Chelsea owner's vessel Eclipse had been the world's biggest yacht for the past three years, but it has now been usurped by Azzam which is 54ft (16.5m) longer - the length of a football field penalty area.

The 590ft (180 metre) super-yacht is set to launch a new round of one-upmanship among the world's super-rich.

Ownership of the £390million craft has been shrouded in secrecy, but Yachts France, which creates the annual mega yacht league table, revealed it belongs to Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed al-Nayan, President of the United Arab Emirates and Emir of Abu Dhabi. 

Longer than 12 double-decker buses, not only is Azzam the biggest superyacht, it is also expected to be one of the fastest.
The 94,000 horsepower vessel could reach speeds of more than 30 knots, or 35mph.

   

The size of superyachts has grown as billionaires compete to own the largest and its builders boast that Azzam, which means dedication in Arabic, is the 'most complex and challenging yacht that has ever been built'.
It was designed by Nauta Yachts and constructed in Bremen by Lurssen - she was floated out in April.  

The firm's Peter Lurssen said: 'She truly represents another milestone in yachting history.'
The yacht requires a staff of 50, and interior features include a 29ft salon and a stunning, open-plan interior.