he first Volume of The Megayachts USA is published in the new millenium, a fitting beginning for this annual that gathers together a cross-section of the yachting industry - builders, naval architects, designers, stylists and owners - and asks them to define a megayacht. Evidently this is no easy task, though it has been done, and as such, the first edition of The Megayachts USA presents 21 of the best North American owned, designed, or constructed vessels that possess the essential megayacht properties and parameters. These 21 'wow factor' yachts have been carefully photographed to provide the reader with a guided tour of the yacht, and are accompanied by professionally written articles describing each vessel. Amongst the fine selection from the new millenium American designs is the breathtaking 195ft Palmer Johnson motor yacht La Baronessa - a great example of how owner preferences can influence design for the better - and the 175ft Trinity motor yacht Allegra. For sail, Hyperion, the 155ft Royal Huisman sloop designed by German Frers, cuts a fine figure though the water. On top of a well researched selection of megayachts, this first volume also features two exotic cruising destinations - the Artic Passage and the Turkish Aegean - and presents an excellent survey of The Luxury Yacht Market, informing the reader of builder and designer plans. A Directory of companies involved in the megayachting industry completes the informative content of this first issue. Yachts featured in this book: Aerie; Allegra; Andromeda; Dare to Dream; Discovery; Hyperion; Janet; Katrion; La Baronessa; Lady Grace Marie; Lady Linda; Marlena; Mia Elise; Montana; Savannah; Sheriff; Tigress; Ubiquitous; Varsity Jacket; Wehr Nuts; Wild Horses.