Why the world’s superyachts are getting bigger and bigger

Business is booming in the luxury world of superyachts, with the super-rich wanting ever bigger floating palaces.

Paulo Trifirò knows a thing or two about superyachts – she and her husband have owned more than a dozen over the years.

The Italian couple, who have made their fortune in law, and continue to run a global legal firm, like to sail around the world in the height of luxury.

Ms Trifirò describes their boats, which can be more than 50m (164ft) long, as being like floating five-star hotels. And she likes to get involved in the design process.

One criteria she insists upon is that the crew have ample kitchen space, so they can cook gourmet meals for up to 15 people.

Ms Trifirò explains her reasoning: “If you are used to eating well, not everywhere [in the world] are there restaurants good enough.”

She also says that the large size of the vessels is reassuring. “Whether it’s sailing alongside humpback whales, or receiving greetings by fishermen on the Fiji islands, my boats allow me to sail… with strength and safety.”