Luxury meets utility in the realm of superyachts, as an increasing demand for helipads enhances onboard experiences. According to Nigel Watson, Director of Luviera, this helps to “maintain continuity of travel experience” and increases opportunities for guests. In today’s world, owners or guests onboard “may fly from their home to their jet by helicopter, the jet flies to an airport close to the yacht, and the helicopter collects the guests and flies them to the vessel, therefore, making helicopter operations by day and night an invaluable asset onboard a superyacht, especially for those looking for privacy and ease when travelling”.

Helipads can also provide “movement of supplies, spare parts for the vessel, and get guests off and onboard yachts quickly and efficiently,” explained Watson of Luviera. The practicalities of the helipad can also add “an additional capability when working with any medical emergency. An embarked helicopter with the right training and foresight of planning and manning can be modified to a level that is remarkably close to being an Emergency Medical Services helicopter”. Landing a helicopter on a yacht can be executed via two principal methodologies. The first, touch-and-go, is exclusively for non-commercial operations, devoid of any stringent guidelines. The second, the fully-certified or 'commercially-certified' approach, enjoys more prevalence. The construction, design, and operation of such helipads adhere to the standards outlined in the Commercial Yacht Code, sanctioned by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency. Moreover, per international aviation regulations, any commercial air transport helicopters must land on certified helipads, implying these helicopter decks must comply with a particular set of standards.

Helipads can be essential to crafting a superyacht whereby installations merge design ingenuity with safety requirements and the ability to reach new heights for amenities onboard. Despite challenges, such as deck motion and wind direction, these helipads serve as a testament to the industry's evolution. Discover a selection of iconic helipads onboard, curated by SuperYacht Times editors. Versatile helipad onboard Geco | 55m | Admiral

Admiral's unconventional 55-metre superyacht Geco, built in 2020, offers an alluring combination of indoor and outdoor experiences, offers an alluring combination of indoor and outdoor experiences, which demonstrate ingenuity in design and functionality. The versatile yacht is named after the owner's nickname, offering a personal touch to the architectural novelty both outside and inside, thanks to the interiors crafted by Gian Marco Companino Design.Geco's design includes a touch-and-go helipad on the bow, a forward-thinking amenity that adds to her sleek profile. The yacht ingeniously integrates the versatile helipad, which doubles as a Moroccan-style cocktail spot or a stargazing platform. Despite opinions being divided on the helipad, its unconventional design adds to Geco's unique appeal.From Arctic research vessel to heli-skiing yacht Nansen Explorer | 72m | OY Laivateollisuus

The 71.62-metre Nansen Explorer was first built in 1983 as an Arctic research vessel by the Finnish shipyard, OY Laivateollisuus. She recently underwent a refit to adorn her interiors in a simplistic yet stylish Scandinavian style, with the ability to accommodate 12 guests across seven staterooms. Nansen Explorer is currently utilised as a charter yacht exploring the world with a particular focus on winter destinations, including the likes of Greenland. Here a menu of curated expeditions, managed by EYOS Expeditions, push guests to explore extreme sporting activities onboard. With the ability to explore extreme landscapes, Nansen Explorer has the capabilities to travel afar, where her helipad provides guests onboard with the adrenaline-fuelled sport of Heliskiing. Seeing double onboard Nord |142m| Lürssen

The 142-metre Lürssen motor yacht Nord is a marvel in helipads, boasting two helicopter landing pads, ensuring the utmost privacy and convenience for its onboard guests. The first landing pad, strategically located on the bridge deck aft, includes a cleverly designed retractable hangar that seamlessly integrates into the superstructure when not in operation. Complementing this, a second, larger helipad graces the bow of the explorer yacht, with a spacious helicopter landing deck aft and fold-down side platforms, providing a sheltered berth for the yacht's helicopters. The retractable hangar efficiently conceals the aircraft within the superstructure when not in use, adding to the vessel's already impressive allure.The superyacht is believed to be owned by Russia’s richest man, Alexey Mordashov, who was targeted with sanctions by the US and EU, but not the United Nations, following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

On 28-06-2023, it was reported that the Lürssen superyacht Nord had returned to Russia.

Viking-inspired superyacht Q | 68m | Koninklijke Niestern Sander

In 2012, the Koninklijke Niestern Sander shipyard built an icebreaking support and supply vessel that was delivered to the Netherlands. Now named Q, she was previously named Ragnar after a Viking warrior. Today, the explorer yacht operates as a luxury charter yacht and has been kitted out by Icon Yachts as the ultimate Viking-inspired yacht.Q is equipped with a certified helideck able to handle an Airbus EC145 helicopter and industrial crane that extends several metres, supporting a load of up to 10 tonnes. While not unprecedented, her fleet of tenders and toys is impressive, including a BigBo amphibious ATV, heli-skiing equipment, four See-Doos, four ski scooters, six Seabobs, a multipurpose island, and a giant slide.Amenities onboard reflect the luxury of the helipads with a fantasy-filled interior crafted by RWD, which also penned her exterior, including a secret library-turned-whiskey room, displaying historical armour emanating her striking style. Shadow-vessel conceived superyacht Bold | 85m | SilverYachts

In response to the heightened presence of pirate activity within the waters during 2012, superyacht designers began to craft slightly more military and soldier-like designs across the yacht's interior and exterior; this included designing touch-and-go helipads for the utmost safety for guests onboard. The 85-metre SilverYachts, superyacht Bold, followed suit and is an adequate example of this trend, showcasing expansive outdoor spaces, including a dedicated area for an AW109S Grand helicopter. The 34-metre-long main aft deck offers more than meets the eye, with a movie screen hidden within the party space, which doubles as a helicopter garage. Furthermore, unfolding bulwark sections create terraces over the water, while awnings and windbreakers enhance protection. On the bridge deck, removable railings enable parking for a second helicopter.

British opulence onboard superyacht Vava II | 96m |Devonport

The impressive 96-metre Devonport superyacht Vava II, launched in Plymouth in 2012, was once considered the largest yacht ever built in the UK. Showcasing exquisite craftsmanship, Vava II showcases naval architecture by her builder,an elegant exterior design by RWD and interiors crafted by the esteemed French designer Rémi Tessier.

Among the myriad of features onboard, the superyacht Vava II, is equipped to accommodate an Airbus Helicopter H145 on her heli-deck, offering swift and convenient access for her guests. Additionally, she boasts four separate tender garages, both aft and forward, ensuring ample space for numerous water toys and tenders.

Distinctive and robust superyacht Olivia O| 89m | Ulstein Verft

The 88.5-metre, 4,989 GT distinctive yacht Olivia O boasts a robust 16.3-metre beam and a unique high freeboard, achieved through her innovative X-Bow hull shape. Equally, the superyacht is meticulously engineered to endure any weather conditions, making her the perfect yacht to accommodate helicopter arrivals and departures.

Ulstein Verft's in-house naval architecture, combined with Espen Øino's exterior design expertise resulted in a thoughtfully crafted layout, complete with a helicopter pad, a 10-metre swimming pool, and a spacious full-beam tender garage, stocked with many toys for onboard pleasure.

Secretive superyacht Norn | 90m | Lürssen

Delivered in 2023 from the Lürssen shipyard in Germany, the 90-metre superyacht Norn, previously known as Project 1601, is incredibly secretive, with very little known about her other than that construction began in 2018. Norn’s exterior is characterised by straight lines, planar surfaces, and angular corners, with her geometrical design creating a striking, recognisable profile.The superyacht features exterior design by renowned design house Espen Øino, while her naval architecture is the work of her builder Lürssen. Although an ambiguous yacht, SuperYacht Times captured the superyacht in Amsterdam, whereby Norn exhibited a helicopter pad and multiple swimming pools.

Explorer enhanced superyacht Victorious | 85m | AKYacht

The AKYacht-built 85-metre explorer yacht Victorious was designed to circumnavigate the globe comfortably. A highlight onboard for guests is the option to travel afar via helicopter, thanks to Victorious’ helipad which is capable of holding an AC145 or equivalent aircraft. A specialised playroom was integrated into the superyacht design as a multifaceted space that allows for briefings when heliskiing or climbing an iceberg. While engaging in outdoor sporting activities, interior design firm H2 Yacht crafted Victorious’ interiors with a multitude of comforting luxuries, so guests can unwind and relax when travelling worldwide. Victorious is home to a fully-equipped gym, a beauty and hair salon, a massage area, a hammam, and a heated swimming pool, located in her beach club, along with a whirlpool on deck.

Read more: Onboard AKYacht's magnificent 85m superyacht Victorious.Adrenaline-fuelled superyacht La Datcha | 77m | Damen Yachting

Built by Damen Yachting as its flagship SeaXplorer vessel, the yacht La Datcha was designed by Azure Yacht Design & Naval Architecture for unlimited global cruising in some of the most remote locations worldwide. Onboard, her neutral and charter-friendly interior design comes from the drawing boards of Vasiliy Sphrits. Built as an IMO Polar Code-compliant yacht with an ice-classed hull, La Datcha can operate with 40 days of full autonomy and is kitted out with two snow scooters and a fully-certified dive centre.

A prize onboard La Datcha that awaiting her adventure-seeking guests are herthe encompassing not one but two Airbus H125 helicopters, poised and ready to transport thrill-seekers to breathtaking heights. The helideck onboard is fully certified and meticulously designed and stands as a testament to the yacht's commitment to safety and precision.

The striking and unmissable superyacht Lady Jorgia | 115m | Lürssen

Recognised for her elegance and grace, the 115.1-metre Lürssen superyacht Lady Jorgia, formerly known as AHPO, sets a new standard in maritime design. Launched in 2021 by the German shipyard Lürssen, she boasts an exquisite bow and a fluid, sweeping aft superstructure crafted by the creative minds at Nuvolari Lenard.

Her distinct aesthetic is accentuated by the dark accents interspersed throughout her superstructure. The dynamic contrast of black and white paint accentuates her sweeping decks, cascading from the apex to the certified helipad forward (one of two onboard) and a similar design adorning the aft. This distinctive feature makes Lady Jorgia easily recognisable, no matter the vantage point.

Lady Jorgia can accommodate up to 53 individuals, including two helicopter pilots. Some other standout features onboard Lady Jorgia include her 12-seater cinema located past her glass encased engine room and a wellness area with a stunning backdrop of a large bamboo tree encased in backlit frosted glass on the lower deck.