The superstar boats turning heads in the harbor

| Filed under: Innovation

STORY HIGHLIGHTS

Yachts were originally luxury vessels used to transport princes and ambassadors
Today, although the style of boat has changed, the stature of their owners is still as grand
In a special interactive, we take a look at head-turning superyacht designs

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(CNN) -- Once upon a time, vessels of state, employed to transport princes, ambassadors and other dignitaries abroad, today, superyachts are the playthings of choice for the world's super-rich.

The billion-dollar industry that has sprung up to furnish their needs has pushed design forward in interesting ways over the years.

From the first eco-friendly crafts to the vessels that set the defining style; from the first luxury yacht with sails to the most technologically advanced pleasure boats on the seas, we take a look at some memorable superyacht designs.

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