The 23rd volume of THE SUPERYACHTS returns with another 21 of the world's greatest yachts - and reflects on the affects of recession on the industry.

This 2009, 22nd volume of THE SUPERYACHTS, containing 21 examples of the world's finest yachts, is a showcase, not just for the owners of the yachts but also for the naval architects, interior designers, stylists, builders and craftsmen who devote their lives to the creation of these amazing works of art. Particular attention should be afforded to Anna, this volume's front cover feature and a dramatic feature in the waters of the Gulf of Phuket; the impressionable black hulls of the performance sailing yacht Bristolian, and the long, narrow construction of the energy-efficient 73.3-metre Espen Øino design, appropriately named Silver.

THE SUPERYACHTS sees its 21st volume this year, appropriately showcasing the 'coming of age' of the term 'superyacht'. In this celebratory edition, the finest superyachts of 2008 are featured across the volume's 480 pages. The immense Alfa Nero starts off the yacht's descriptions; a remarkable yacht for a remarkable 21st volume. This special edition should not be missed.

In THE SUPERYACHTS 20th volume, a focus is directed upon the customised superyacht market. With a foreword by one of the foremost owner-builders, Tom Perkins, this edition delves into the forward thinking in approaches to superyacht design. Yachts chosen in this volume demonstrate just how futuristic some designs deign to be - the much known 88-metre Maltese Falcon heads the stakes, her extraordinary features and construction featuring alongside the equally futuristic Wally designed Esense, the minimalistic 'new generation' yacht to come from Luca Bassani.  Look out for the 'new breed' of superyachts now featuring on the superyacht market.

Here, in the 19th volume of THE SUPERYACHTS, we find a careful balance of new innovation and classic proven designs. Innovation is represented by the 61.4-metre trimaran hulled White Rabbit, and a vessel quite unalike any of her competitors, the Brian Chang designed proa concept Asean Lady. Classic designs feature in the form of the motor yacht Talitha G, the 1929 Krupp Germaniawerft build which has been loving restored and rebuilt to a 'modern 21st century yacht', and her near-sister of the same year, Haida G. As such, this year's edition of THE SUPERYACHTS pays homage to the past whilst, as always, looking into the future of yacht design.

For 2005, the 18th volume of THE SUPERYACHTS covers an impressive 1,335.8-metres of vessels, making the average length of yachts covered to be 63.6-metres. This volume is doubtlessly the most extensive so far, with a splendidly varied selection of vessels. With a foreword by Giorgio Armani, this edition could only ever be filled with finesse. Look out for Mariù, Tiara and Pelorus amongst others.

In this 17th volume of THE SUPERYACHTS, a wide spectrum of superyachting and an emphasis on enjoyment is the key. This annual covers a range of vessels from the historic steam yacht Delphine, discussed in further detail by her owner Ineke Bruynooghe in her foreword, to the world's largest aluminium-hulled expedition yacht Aussie Rules, and not forgetting the iconic water jet propelled Wallypower, her carbon construction designed to skim over the water at speeds of up to 60-knots. This year's varied selection should certainly not disappoint.

The 16th volume of THE SUPERYACHTS covers 6 sail and 15 motor yachts, featuring the 53-metre Alloy Yachts ketch Salperton. Further sail designs in this volume include another yacht from Dubois Yacht Design, African Queen, and the handsomely constructed Alithia. For a more classic design the addition of Borkumriff IV and Eleonora to the 21 featured yachts is guaranteed to please. For motor yachts, special attention should be turned to the Amels sleek and modern Sarah, along with Lady Lola, the superb 62.6-metre customisation from Oceanco.

Concentrating on a quality blend of superyachts, the 15th volume of THE SUPERYACHTS covers some famous names, including that of Christina O, the fantastic former vessel of Aristotle Onassis, lovingly restored to glorious condition by John Paul Papanicolaou. In more modern design terms, the ultra-sleek Alfa shows just what Benetti designers have been up to. The wonderfully traditional Cambria should certainly not be missed in this volume, the final survivor of the inter-war Big Class has her moment in the spotlight.