Nautical exploration is what shaped the world as we know it today. When humanity took to the sea, it led to some of the most significant advancements in civilization, science, and technology.

Because of its significance, it’s been romanticized over and over in literature, movies, and music. As President John F. Kennedy put it: “All of us have in our veins the exact same percentage of salt in our blood that exists in the ocean, and, therefore, we have salt in our blood, in our sweat, in our tears. We are tied to the ocean. And when we go back to the sea – whether it is to sail or to watch it – we are going back from whence we came.”

Ships have become yachts; travel for necessity has become travel for pleasure. And that's allowed technology to act in aid of stunning comfort and incredible luxury.

 

Here, we’ll take a glimpse at some of the best smart features of the world’s luxury yachts. Get ready to set sail.

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Eclipse

Currently the second largest (and one of the most expensive) motor yachts in the world, the Eclipse is owned by Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich. English soccer fans will recognize the name as the owner of the football club Chelsea.

The Eclipse boasts everything you could want in a yacht; a gym, a pool that converts into a dance floor, beauty salon, tender garage, and a deck jacuzzi. Each of the cabins features a six-foot movie screen. It can house up to three helicopters and at least one three-person submarine. And it’s all connected with ship-wide, high-speed Wi-Fi.

Of course, the most surprising thing about the Eclipse is its security system. The superyacht features motion sensors, bulletproof glass, and its own antiballistic missile system. Plus, it has an anti-paparazzi laser system that disrupts the use of any cameras nearby that want to take photos of it.

Maltese Falcon

Possibly the most photographed yacht in the world, the Maltese Falcon is owned by Elena Ambrosiadou, founder of Greece-based hedge fund Ikos. Named for the classic Humphrey Bogart movie, the Falcon is the world's largest sailboat.

The ship houses multiple motorboats, sailboats, and jet skis, and -- true to its Hollywood-royalty name -- boasts some famous celebrity charters, like Hugh Jackman and Tom Hanks.

Capable of speeds up to 25 knots with the sails down, the Maltese Falcon is one of the fastest wind-powered vessels in the world, too. But it's not all power and speed -- travelers can relax after dark with movies projected directly onto one of the sails. How's that for an outdoor home theater?

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