Global sales of superyachts increased nearly five-fold in the first two months of 2010, compared with the same period a year ago, as demand returns for one of the most conspicuous consumption items of the very rich.

Twenty eight superyachts worth more than €300m were sold in the first two months of year, compared with just seven worth just over €60m in the same period a year ago, according to Boat International's monthly Market Intelligence Report.