black pearl yacht jeff bezos

Jeff Bezos' $500 Million Yacht: A Look at the World's Largest Private Vessel

Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon, is known for his extravagant lifestyle and love for luxury yachts. In April 2023, Bezos took delivery of his newest and largest yacht, Koru, which cost a staggering $500 million or more. At 417 feet, Koru is the world's largest sailing yacht, surpassing the previous record holder, the 106-meter Black Pearl.

Built by Oceanco in the Netherlands, Koru is a three-masted sailing yacht that features a sleek and modern design. Unlike other yachts owned by billionaires, Koru is powered by wind and sails, rather than diesel engines. It is reported that the yacht has a range of 7,000 nautical miles and can accommodate up to 36 guests and 60 crew members. The yacht is also equipped with a helipad, a swimming pool, a spa, and a gym.

The delivery of Koru has sparked controversy and criticism, with some arguing that the money spent on the yacht could have been put to better use. However, Bezos has defended his purchase, stating that he plans to use the yacht for scientific research and exploration. Regardless of the controversy, there is no denying that Koru is a stunning and impressive vessel that will undoubtedly turn heads wherever it sails.

Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon, has recently taken delivery of his new sailing yacht, Koru, after it completed its initial sea trials. The vessel is reportedly worth $500 million, making it one of the most expensive yachts in the world. This section will provide an overview of the yacht, the builder, and the cost.

Koru is a three-masted sailing yacht that is 417 feet long, making it the largest sailing yacht in the world. It was built by Oceanco, a Dutch shipyard that has built many superyachts for wealthy clients. The yacht has a steel hull and a superstructure made of aluminum. It is equipped with all the luxury amenities that one would expect from a yacht of this caliber, including a pool, a support vessel, and a range of water toys.

The Builder

Oceanco is a leading superyacht builder based in the Netherlands. The shipyard has built many of the world's most impressive yachts, including the Black Pearl, which is one of the largest sailing yachts in the world. Oceanco has a reputation for building high-quality yachts that are both luxurious and innovative.

Koru reportedly cost $500 million to build, which makes it one of the most expensive yachts in the world. The yacht was built in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, and was delivered to Bezos in May 2023. The cost of the yacht has been a source of controversy, with some critics arguing that it is an excessive display of wealth.

In conclusion, Koru is a stunning sailing yacht that is equipped with all the luxury amenities that one would expect from a yacht of this caliber. It was built by Oceanco, a leading superyacht builder based in the Netherlands. The yacht reportedly cost $500 million to build, making it one of the most expensive yachts in the world.

Design and Features

Jeff Bezos' yacht, Y721, boasts an impressive design and features that make it stand out from other superyachts. The yacht has been under construction at the Oceanco shipyard in Rotterdam since 2019 and is set to be delivered in 2022.

Layout and Amenities

The Y721 is a 127-meter sailing yacht that will become the largest sailing yacht in the world upon delivery. The yacht features a sleek black hull with classic lines and a uniquely designed bowsprit - a custom spar extending forward from the ship's bow to which her forestays are fastened. The yacht's layout includes six decks, with ample space for guests and crew.

The yacht's interior is designed by Nuvolari Lenard and features a contemporary style with a focus on natural light and open spaces. The yacht has several lounges, including a main salon, a sky lounge, and a beach club. The beach club is located at the stern and includes a swimming pool, a cinema, and a gym.

Support Vessel

The Y721 also comes with a support vessel, the YS7512, which is a 75-meter Damen Yacht. The support vessel is designed to carry additional equipment, such as helicopters, tenders, and water toys. The support vessel also includes accommodation for additional guests and crew.

Toys and Entertainment

The Y721 is equipped with a range of toys and entertainment options to keep guests entertained during their stay. The yacht has a variety of water toys, including jet skis, paddleboards, and kayaks. The yacht also has a submarine, which can take guests on underwater excursions.

In addition to the water toys, the yacht has a cinema and a selection of board games and books. The yacht also has a wooden sculpture on display, adding to the yacht's artistic appeal.

Overall, the Y721 is an impressive yacht with a range of features that make it stand out from other superyachts. From the spacious layout to the range of amenities and toys on offer, the yacht is sure to provide guests with a memorable experience.

Media Coverage

News coverage.

Jeff Bezos' new yacht has been the subject of much media attention since its completion. Major news outlets such as The New York Times, BBC News, and CNN have all reported on the yacht, with some referring to it as a "superyacht" and others as a "megayacht". The yacht, named Koru, is reportedly worth $500 million and is 417 feet long.

News coverage of the yacht has focused on its size, luxury, and the fact that it is owned by one of the world's wealthiest individuals. Some reports have also speculated about the yacht's environmental impact, given its size and the fact that it is a sailing yacht rather than a motor yacht.

Social Media

The yacht has also generated significant buzz on social media platforms such as Twitter and Instagram. Many users have shared photos and videos of the yacht, expressing awe at its size and opulence. Some have also criticized Bezos for spending so much money on a yacht, arguing that the funds could be put to better use elsewhere.

The yacht has also been the subject of memes and jokes on social media, with some users poking fun at its size and the fact that it reportedly requires a smaller yacht to transport its support equipment.

Overall, media coverage of Jeff Bezos' new yacht has been extensive, with both traditional news outlets and social media users weighing in on the yacht's significance. While some have praised the yacht as a symbol of personal growth and renewal for Bezos, others have criticized it as a display of excessive wealth and indulgence.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the name of jeff bezos' yacht.

Jeff Bezos' yacht is called "Koru".

How big is Jeff Bezos' yacht?

Koru is a three-masted sailing yacht that is 127 meters (417 feet) long.

Who designed Jeff Bezos' yacht?

Koru was designed by the Dutch yacht builder, Oceanco.

What is the cost of Jeff Bezos' yacht?

The estimated cost of Koru is $500 million.

Where was Jeff Bezos' yacht built?

Koru was built in the Netherlands by Oceanco.

How many crew members are on Jeff Bezos' yacht?

It is not clear how many crew members are on Koru, but it is expected to have a large crew to maintain and operate the yacht.

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Jeff Bezos’ Record Breaking Yacht Koru

Initially known as Project Y721 later to be officially named Koru with is a Maori word meaning “new beginnings”, the yacht commissioned by billionaire Amazon founder Jeff Bezos became infamous when word of a historic bridge in Rotterdam needing to be taken apart to let it pass through hit the news. As you might imagine, one of the world’s richest men is not going to have just a run of the mill yacht and the Koru is now the longest sailing yacht in the world. Let’s check out some of what makes the Koru a standout.

Who Built Jeff Bezos Yacht?

The Koru was built by Oceanco, the yacht makers responsible for a number of today’s superyachts. The company is owned by an Omani billionaire and has been making yachts since 1987.

The Interior of Jeff Bezos’ Yacht

Details on the inside of the yacht are very limited as Bezos was not keen on publicizing a lot about the vessel. That said, rumor has it that the yacht was modeled after another yacht known as the Black Pearl. The Pearl is considered by some to be the largest sailing yacht in the world. There is some debate about that since the Sea Cloud is bigger but also has engines so it can switch from wind to motor power.

The exterior of the the Koru is black and features a white superstructure. The three largest masts, the tallest in the world on a sailing vessel, are also the most noticeable exterior features.

The interior appears to cover three decks though no photos of the inside have been made public yet so we’re still in the dark. There is a pool on the main deck however, but little else is know. In fact, neither the interior nor exterior designers have even been identified yet.

We do know that there is no helipad on deck as is often a feature on yachts this large. Word is that Bezos didn’t want those kinds of amenities on the Koru at all. However, it does come with a support vessel called the Abeona which is about 246 feet in length. It’s believed the Abeona, a motor yacht, will feature all the toys and gadgets like a tender garage and other amenities for guests of the Koru to enjoy.

Koru Features and the Black Pearl Connection

Like the Koru, details of the Pearl’s interior are limited. The Pearl, and presumably Koru, were designed to be able to cross the ocean without the aid of a single drop of fuel. That means some revolutionary design choices in the three carbon masts that can furl and set the sails with the touch of a button. That means a crew of one can set over 31,000 square feet of sails in just moments.

Under sail, the Pearl was able to reach 30 knots and it’s been speculated that the Koru can reach about 20 knots. Even more impressive was that this green powered vessel was able to convert that wind power into energy to run everything else on the boat, potentially eliminating the need to run generators to power things. 

Inside, the Pearl has 6 cabins and room for 12 guests. The Bezos yacht is larger so it’s likely there will be more room but they have not offered any details to confirm or deny this. It does have three decks so there is a lot of space inside.

Does Bezos Own the Flying Fox?

In late 2021 and early 2022, rumors spready that a 136-meter superyacht called the Flying Fox was purchased by Jeff Bezos. A lot of websites still have stories that say as much, but Bezos released a statement later saying that no, he did not buy the Flying Fox and, given that he’s now confirmed as the owner of the Koru, it stands to reason that the rumors were unfounded.

The Story of Jeff Bezos’ Yacht and the Rotterdam Bridge

During the process of making the yacht, it became clear that the masts, which stand at around 230 feet high each, would make it impossible for the boat to get through Rotterdam because of the De Hef bridge. Bezos offered to pay to have the bridge taken apart until the yacht passed through and then reassembled but this did not go over well with the people of Rotterdam. 

For a time it seemed like the city had agreed to his proposal, but they walked it back afterwards saying no formal permission had been given and the plan was not being authorized. Protests were organized before the town had to come out against the plan to alter the historic bridge, which had already been rebuilt once after the war. It has been speculated that the public anger is what made the city come out against the plan

Oceanco, fearful that people would literally pelt the yacht with eggs which they had threatened to do, moved it secretly and under the cover of night along a different route some time later, minus the masts which later followed on barges to be assembled elsewhere. The new route was twice as long but there were no protests and it still got where it was going, so it all worked out in the end.

By August of 2022 the yacht was seen for the first time with the masts installed in Greenport, Rotterdam. That means it’s on the way to being complete and going on ocean trials but so far that hasn’t happened yet.

What’s the Size of Jeff Bezos’ Yacht?

The finished length of the yacht was 127 meters long or 417 feet, which makes it a superyacht for sure but it’s not in the top ten for biggest yachts by a long stretch. For what it’s worth, the largest yachts are almost all motor yachts and Bezos’ yacht is a sailing yacht and those do tend to be shorter in length. 

In terms of just sailing yachts, Bezos has a world record now with the Koru being the largest ever built, overshadowing the Black Pearl and the Sea Cloud.

The masts on the vessel reach 70 meters or 230 feet making it the tallest sailing yacht in the world. It also comes with its own 250 foot support yacht, a secondary vessel that has a helipad, jet skis and possibly a mini sub.

What was the Price of Jeff Bezos’ Yacht?

When it comes to pricing, there’s a lot of speculation because the details are pretty limited when it comes to projects like this. That said, the general belief is that Bezos must have paid around $500 million for the yacht, making it one of the most expensive yachts in the world. When you have a net worth of about $137 billion, that’s not all that much to spend on a yacht, of course. 

When Bezos took possession of the yacht in April 2023, news sources listed the yacht as costing him $485 million, so those initial estimates were not far off.

Rumor has it that the yearly operational costs for the yacht will be around $25 million in total. While that is substantial, it’s actually far less than some of the largest motor yachts cost to run on account of their fuel bills. The largest motor yachts like the Eclipse have yearly costs north of $60 million.  Sail boats , in general, are always cheaper.

The yacht was built by a company called Oceanco, 12 miles outside of Rotterdam, which is why that bridge fiasco was such a big deal at the time. 

Watch The Latest Video of Jeff Bezos’ Yacht First Sailing

The Bottom Line

In 2022, Oceanco built a yacht at first known as Y721 but then christened as Koru for billionaire Jeff Bezos. The vessel is 127 meters in length with triple masts that reach 70 meters, making the sailing yacht nearly half the size of the Great Pyramid of Giza. It came with a $485 million price tag with a $25 million annual upkeep cost.

The yacht uses extremely advanced and green technology and the sails can be managed by a single person rather than with an entire crew thanks to their high tech design. The details of the interior have been kept under wraps, but the vessel does come with a shadow yacht at about half the size that features a lot of the cool yacht amenities like a helipad, jet skis and more. 

For a time, Bezos was ready to pay to move a historic bridge in the city of Rotterdam in order to transport the yacht downriver but local protests forced Oceanco to transport the yacht, minus the masts, along a different route under the cover of night.

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What Do We Know About Jeff Bezos and his Yacht?

The enormous vessel has reportedly been delivered to its owner.

By Irenie Forshaw

Following five years of rumors, scandals, and more than its fair share of controversy, Jeff Bezos’s yacht has finally set sail. The colossal 417-ft vessel – officially named  Koru  – was spotted in the North Sea undergoing its first tests in March. Now, following her maiden voyage at the beginning of April, the enormous vessel has reportedly been delivered to her owner.

Getting to this point hasn’t been easy. Back in 2018, news got out that Oceanco – the custom yacht builder behind the legendary Black Pearl – was working on the planet’s biggest sailing yacht, codenamed Y721.

Naturally, the press had a field day trying to figure out who was behind the record-setting vessel. After several months of speculation, it came as little surprise when reports emerged claiming Jeff Bezos as the billionaire bankrolling the new project.

He is, after all, the third richest person on the planet with an estimated net worth of $128bn. So, it seemed only a matter of time before the Amazon founder would throw his hat into the superyacht arms race.

But when the gleaming new vessel was nearing completion, Oceanco hit a roadblock. Getting Koru out of Rotterdam proved trickier than the Dutch shipbuilder had anticipated. In fact, Jeff Bezos’s new yacht is so enormous that the space entrepreneur offered to pay for the city’s historic Koningshaven Bridge to be dismantled to let it pass.

Needless to say, this didn’t go down well with locals and a petition to pelt the boat with rotten eggs on its maiden voyage garnered thousands of signatures. Following the public uproar, Oceanco scrapped plans to temporarily take apart the bridge and instead quietly towed the enormous yacht in the early hours of the morning to another shipyard where its masts were added.

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As Jeff Bezos’s record-breaking new yacht finally sets sail, we’ve rounded up everything there is to know about the gigantic vessel.

[See more: The World’s Most Expensive Yachts for Charter]

Who is building Jeff Bezos’s yacht?

The new superyacht was commissioned in 2018 and is being constructed by Oceanco for an estimated $500m. Situated in Alblasserdam, around 12 miles from Rotterdam, the luxury shipyard is owned by Omani billionaire businessman, Mohammed Al Barwani.

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This isn’t the first time the custom yacht builder has turned its hand to constructing a record-breaking vessel. Four years ago, Oceanco delivered   Black Pearl , which, at 350 ft, became the largest sailing yacht in the world. The striking three-mast vessel (pictured above) garnered attention for its revolutionary design and eco-credentials.

What do we know about the design?

While Oceanco has remained tight-lipped about the project, this hasn’t stopped a few details about Jeff Bezos’s new yacht from emerging. It is thought the vessel will be modeled on Black Pearl with three enormous masts so it can be powered largely by kinetic energy from the sails. First spotted being rolled out of a shipbuilding shed last year, the yacht features a black hull, white superstructure and elegant silhouette.

According to Boat International , the aluminum and steel schooner will boast three decks including one with a swimming pool. At 417 ft long, the enormous vessel is set to become the world’s largest sailing yacht, unseating the current titleholder, the Black Pearl , by 67 ft. To put things in perspective, if stood vertically, Jeff Bezos’s new yacht would be almost the same height as the Great Pyramid of Giza.

The controversial vessel was set to exceed the Koningshaven Bridge’s 131-ft clearance and had to be towed to a different shipyard where it will be completed. With so much space, the yacht will be able to comfortably host 18 guests, plus a crew of 40 to cater to their every whim.

Perhaps most extravagant is the 250-ft support vessel complete with a helicopter landing pad for flying in Bezos’s celebrity guests, which is reportedly currently being built by Damen Yachting also in the Netherlands. This smaller yacht is expected to be loaded with an array of toys including jet skis, speedboats, luxury cars and perhaps even a personal submarine.

It’s little wonder Jeff Bezos’s yacht will reportedly cost around $25m to run annually – a drop in the ocean for Bezos who broke records in July 2020 for adding $13bn to his fortune in a single day.

How about the interiors?

While it’s highly unlikely we’ll get a look inside Jeff Bezos’s new vessel any time soon, the interiors onboard Koru are reported to be inspired by Eos – a 305-ft yacht that belongs to his close friend, the founder and former CEO of Fox, Barry Diller.

The interiors onboard Eos were created by the late François Catroux, known for his glamorous designs for the world’s most notable royals, aristocrats and media moguls. Like Diller, when Bezos decks out his new yacht, one thing is certain: no expense will be spared.

[See more: The 10 Biggest Superyachts in the World]

Irenie Forshaw

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Has the World Finally Had a Glimpse of Jeff Bezos’s $500 Million Mega-Yacht?

Amazon founder Jeff Bezos is appears to be getting closer to welcoming the superyacht he reportedly commissioned in 2018: a fancy toy fitting for the world’s second-richest person, given that it costs a reported $500 million and breaks one world record after another.

Called Y721, this vessel of all vessels is being custom designed by Dutch builder Oceanco and was spotted at a shipyard last week in Zwijndrecht, a town in the western Netherlands. It’s reportedly heading to another Netherlands town, Alblasserdam, for a final fitting. With a length of 417 feet, Y721 is the biggest sailing yacht in the world and the longest vessel to be built in the Netherlands. Features include a black hull, classic shape, three large decks, and three masts.

Superyacht Bravo Eugenia , belonging to the U.S. billionaire Jerry Jones, owner of the Dallas Cowboys, was built by Oceanco, which is also rumored to be behind Bezos’s new massive vessel.

Y721 is going to totally change the world of yachting with its design and innovation, says Fernando Nicholson, a luxury yacht sales broker with the yachting company Camper & Nicholsons. “It’s a boat with the latest technology and bells and whistles that have never been seen,” he says. “This will be the standard for all superyachts to follow, but in years to come, when its features become more affordable. Right now, only someone with Bezos’s wealth can swing the cost.”

The superyacht is said to be modeled after Oceanco’s famous yacht, the Black Pearl , which the company site says , “is one of the largest and most ecological sailing yachts in the world. She can cross the Atlantic without burning even a liter of fossil fuel.” Y721 will go through sea trails following its fitting-out in Alblasserdam and is expected to be ready sometime next year.

The Flying Fox , allegedly owned by Bezos.

However, it’s only one of two new boats for Bezos: He has also commissioned a shadow vessel called YS 7512 from builder Damen Yachts. This support ship measures 246 feet in length and accommodates 45 additional crew and guests. It will also feature a helipad and meeting space and have a vast amount of storage for Bezos’s endless number of water toys, with diving and snorkeling gear, jet and water skis, waterslides, and surfboards among the bunch. Shadow vessels are a growing phenomenon in the superyacht industry and one more extra toy that their owners want to have at the ready, says Nicholson. “You see them more and more now as an add-on to a superyacht purchase,” he says. “They’ve almost become a must.”

There’s no doubt that Bezos will be sailing the high seas in full panache and style come 2022. But really, is there any other way when you have more money than almost anyone else in the world and attract an endless amount of attention too?

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Jeff Bezos vs the bridge: Rotterdam’s dilemma over billionaire’s superyacht

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Javier Espinoza in Rotterdam

Roula Khalaf, Editor of the FT, selects her favourite stories in this weekly newsletter.

Jeff Bezos faces an obstacle before he can sail the world’s biggest superyacht, commissioned by the Amazon founder at the cost of $500mn: Rotterdam’s Koningshaven Bridge.

Oceanco, the Dutch maker of the 417-foot boat codenamed Y721, is seeking permission from the city to temporarily dismantle the central section of the 95-year-old bridge, known by the locals as “De Hef”. That would allow the yacht’s three 70-metre tall masts to pass through Rotterdam’s port from the nearby shipyard where it is being constructed.

The request has led to a furious debate among locals, one that has left them grappling with issues of global inequality and the power of tech billionaires. A proudly working-class city has been left with a dilemma: what is the real cost of making way for the world’s richest person?

“Are we going to bow our heads for Jeff Bezos just to give him his pleasure boat?” said Paul van de Laar, head of the history department at the Erasmus University Rotterdam. “Is this city built to make sure that the billionaires can have a good time?”

City officials insist the application process to dismantle the bridge is ongoing, adding that a permit has not been officially requested. A formal decision is expected as early as this month with the ship ready in August.

Oceanco’s back-up plan is to assemble the mast after the hull passes through — it remains unclear why Bezos does not take this option instead.

Two people with direct knowledge of the discussions suggest that a tacit agreement is in place between the city of Rotterdam and the shipmaker. They said the city may allow De Hef to be dismantled for short periods once or twice a year so large boats get safe passage for an estimated fee of €100,000.

“It doesn’t make sense to start building a $500mn ship with no prior approval, otherwise you have a $500mn problem in your hands,” said one of these people.

Bezos’s representatives did not reply to requests for comment. Oceanco declined to comment other than saying it values the “privacy and confidentiality” of its clients.

Rotterdam’s town hall said the application process was ongoing and, when deciding whether to issue a permit, the city will consider how many jobs have been created as a result of building the ship, the “possible environmental nuisance” and risks that could have an impact on the preservation of the monument.

There is a growing expectation that the city will accommodate Bezos’s wishes, though. That has split local opinion.

Some view Bezos as an avatar of aggressive capitalism who built a $1tn company with a patchy reputation over its treatment of blue-collar workers. Others welcome him as a job creator, whose willingness to spend lavishly on the superyacht is seen as an endorsement of the Netherlands’ centuries-old reputation as a seafaring superpower.

“It’s becoming a question of ego and arrogance,” said Dianthus Panacho, a 55-year-old entrepreneur and Rotterdam native. Panacho said Bezos should pay double the expected fee “so that he can contribute this extra €100,000 to help out impoverished families near the bridge”.

Ellen Verkoelen, a politician campaigning for the rights of people over the age of 50 and a member of the newly elected city council, argued that the boat should be allowed to sail through. “I think [some are jealous of those] who have money to do anything they want,” she said. “And they are right but when they have money why not spend it here?”

Built in 1927, the bridge was originally designed to connect the north and south parts of the city via a railway as Rotterdam’s first-ever railway bridge and a recognition of the port’s growing importance in the industrialisation of the Netherlands.

Having captured the imagination of locals, it was the subject of a silent film by Dutch film-maker Joris Ivens, who explored the complexity of the vertical-lift railroad bridge. It was later decommissioned in 1993 as a working bridge, though later restored as a monument in 2017.

Piet Momofer, a school governor, said the boat showed off the nation’s status as among the world’s premier shipbuilders. “People from different countries come to work here,” he said. “It’s important for the Dutch to have an outstanding quality of making those ships.”

The details of Bezos’s yacht have been kept top secret, but the design is reportedly inspired by Oceanco’s Black Pearl, currently the world’s largest and, it is claimed, most ecological sailing yacht, which can cross the Atlantic without the need for fuel and reaches top speeds of 30 knots. The Black Pearl has a spa pool, hot tub and a beach club cinema onboard. Reported early sightings of Bezos’s ship showed a white superstructure with a black hull.

Elko van Winzum, a 58-year-old industrial psychologist, said the idea of a billionaire sailing his luxury boat through the city’s canals went against the “Rotterdam way of life”, which he defined as “working hard, building things, having a laugh, drinking a beer and looking out for each other”.

“And then there is some ultra-rich guy from abroad. OK, he created some jobs for building this ship but after the transaction is over those jobs will be gone,” he said.

Van de Laar, the history professor, said the dilemma was whether “the city is in control of its own public space”, or whether the ultra-rich “always find a way” to override popular opinion.

“There is more than lifting a bridge,” he said. “From an engineering point of view it is not a big deal. But that’s not the point. You should take your citizens seriously.”

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Sailing yacht KORU: What we know so far about Jeff Bezos’ 127 meter yacht

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By Nina Done   15 December 2022

Recent footage showcasing the vast proportions of the Amazon founder’s new 127m (417ft) Oceanco sailing yacht KORU , known throughout her build as Project Y721, has provided some valuable insight into one of the yachting industry’s best-kept secrets.

The megayacht’s specifications and amenities had been kept completely under wraps until she was forced to move from the Dutch yard’s primary facilities in Alblasserdam to get her masts fitted elsewhere in order to avoid dismantling the Koningshaven Bridge after huge public backlash. 

In August, the yacht was spotted in the Port of Rotterdam after her trio of masts had been successfully stepped, with pictures barely doing justice to the monolithic proportions of the sailing spars, reportedly up to 70-80 meters tall.

World yacht rankings

KORU will replace Oceanco’s BLACK PEARL for second place in the world's largest sailing yacht rankings behind Nobiskrug's 143m (469ft) sailing yacht A .

Oceanco's newest yacht is understood to have an internal volume of 3,300 GT and will undoubtedly offer a wealth of luxurious accommodation and amenities. Although we have scant information about the yacht's features, we do know that she will have an aft dip pool along with a further Jacuzzi on her sundeck and variety of alfresco social spaces. She also has a crow's nest attached to her central mast, offering lofty panoramic views for her more adventurous guests.

From the pictures we can see KORU also benefits from full-length windows across her superstructure allowing plenty of light to infuse her interiors. 

Design inspiration

Built with a steel hull and aluminum superstructure with teak decking, she reportedly takes her design cues from the 93-meter Lürssen sailing yacht EOS , perhaps inspired by the entrepreneur’s visits to this yacht in previous years. 

Showcasing a midnight-blue hull with a distinctive red stripe running along her waterline, KORU’s exterior styling mirrors this traditional schooner style, with an elongated bowsprite and canoe stern. Another similar style yacht is the 90m (295ft) Royal Huisman sailing yacht ATHENA . 

Kinetic energy technology

As expected from a tech entrepreneur, known for pushing boundaries and driving innovation, sailing yacht KORU will be trialing a prototype for a new kinetic energy recovery system. This is based on a conversion of wave induced motion, heave, pitch and roll into electric energy, with initial tests showing early promise. 

With a nod to her green credentials, this will provide an additional power source for the yacht allowing for more sustainable cruising.

Tenders and toys

Access to sailing yacht KORU will be via folding passerelles, discreetly hidden in the yacht's hull on either side. Rescue and work tender launches will likely take place further forward, as per regulations. Recent pictures show a large hatch opening in her lower deck aft, which may contain further tenders and toys, but may also double as a beach club. 

Sailing yacht KORU comes complete with a support vessel built by Damen Yachts, reportedly known as 75 meter (247ft) yacht WINGMAN .

Once delivered, it is understood that she will act as an official support boat for the sailing yacht , carrying the larger toys, including a submarine for thrilling excursions beneath the waves, plus a helicopter and landing pad. She is also believed to play host to an array of PWCs, with rumors of a speed boat and luxury car adding to the fleet, as well as providing accommodation for additional crew and staff.

When is sailing yacht KORU expected to be delivered?

From here she will undertake the all-important rounds of sea trials before being delivered to her owner sometime in the new year. It is understood that the yacht will be officially christened KORU upon delivery, and will operate under the Cayman Islands' flag. It is not believed that superyacht KORU will be available to charter. 

If you'd like to learn more about chartering a yacht, please get in touch with your chosen yacht charter broker . Alternatively, view all superyachts available for charter .

Large sailing yachts available for charter

88m Perini Navi 2006 / 2023

86m Oceanco 2016

76m Damen Oranjewerf 2000 / 2009

65m Camper & Nicholsons 1927 / 1985

64m Van der Graaf 2010

64m Segel Masten Yachten 2011 / 2021

63m Holland Jachtbouw 2010 / 2023

57m Aegean Yacht 2009

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Jeff Bezos has bought a superyacht so large, it needs its own 'support yacht'

The world's richest man has splashed out $500 million on a new 127-metre cruiser.

May 13, 2021

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Jeff Bezos’ Superyacht: Everything You Need To Know

When it comes to superyachts, people tend to save their attention for builds that have actually been delivered. The forthcoming Project Y721, on the other hand, deserves inspection well before its due date; not just because it has been commissioned by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos. What’s fascinating about the Jeff Bezos superyacht? It’s reportedly so ridiculously big, it needs a ridiculously big second support yacht just for the helipad.

Scheduled for delivery later this year, the 127-metre long superyacht will reportedly set Bezos back over US$500 million (AU$636.5 million) – chump change for the world’s richest bloke , of course – and is currently being built by Dutch yachtmaker, Oceanco.

What We Know About The Design Of Project Y721

There is no question that the new Jeff Bezos superyacht will be the largest sailing yacht ever built in the Netherlands. So far the internet rumour mill is buzzing with speculation that Project Y721 will essentially be a bigger version of the Black Pearl. The award-winning, 106-metre-long superyacht also has three masts and has since become one of the most recognisable builds in the world – perhaps even more so than the 108-metre-long Bravo Eugenia, which Oceanco built for Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones.

To date, no images have been released of Bezos’ new superyacht. Oceanco have been so tight-lipped about the project, which they have been working on for the past few years, that we don’t even have visuals of anything to do with the construction.

Black Pearl was built by Oceanco back in 2016 and delivered two years later, constructed with a steel hull and aluminium superstructure in collaboration with Nuvolari-Lenard, and Dykstra Naval Architects. Head of Interior Design at Nuvolari-Lenard, Valentina Zannier, worked with French architect Gerard Villate, as well as Ken Freivokh, BMT Nigel Gee, and Gerard P. Villate, to curate a raft of lavish features including extensive outdoor living spaces and two enormous spa pools.

Three portholes run along the Black Pearl’s main deck bulwark to help crate an arc from the sundeck hardtop through to the main deck aft. This flowing superstructure and a single-level engine room helps maintain a total interior volume of 2,700GT – enough space for 6 cabins and 12 guests. Onboard, guests can spread out across the multi-level atrium, which has a glass lift, and enjoy the spa pools, hot tub, and a beach club cinema.

Black Pearl is rated for top sailing speeds of 30 knots.

Where Is Project Y721 Being Built?

Project Y721 will be moved to a new shipyard for completion next month, where Oceanco will refine the billionaire’s passion project so that it spans several decks and features three enormous masts.

As previously mentioned, Project Y721 will have its own support yacht with a helipad, just in case the imposing main yacht wasn’t enough to reiterate just how much this industry has swelled in the past year. This is due to the main yacht’s tremendous scale and requisite sails, leaving little room to fit a helipad.

The support yacht will, reportedly, be used to store a number of other “toys” for Bezos, including a personal submarine, aircraft, super cars, and anything else that won’t be able to fit on the enormous main vessel. Although the actual size of Jeff Bezos’ superyacht’s yacht has yet to be revealed, along with details regarding how the two will travel in tandem while cruising the open seas.

RELATED: Twiggy Forrest’s Explorer Superyacht Spotted In Sydney Harbour

Superyacht Demand Is Through The Roof

It seems the global COVID-19 pandemic has only strengthened to resolve of the ultra-rich, who are now increasingly looking towards ambitious sailing yachts, perhaps as a way to to more frequently travel on the open seas where they don’t heave to deal with pitiful land-dwellers.

According to the National Marine Manufacturers Association, US boat sales saw a 13-year high in 2020. When considering the changes brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, the skyrocketing demand makes perfect sense. Most land-based galas and lavish parties were cancelled, so the super rich turned attention to the open seas as a way to take a trip, host private events, socialise, and seek some privacy away from the ever-prying eyes of the paparazzi.

The COVID-19 pandemic only serving to accentuate the divide between the world’s richest people. According to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index , the upper echelons of society managed to add another US$1.8 trillion (AU$2.2 trillion) to their collective wealth. Orders for new superyacht builds were apparently pumping by the time US summer rolled around, eschewing the idea that the pandemic would supress all transport industries and allowing the super rich to further indulge their seafaring fantasies.

As reported by Bloomberg , Sam Tucker, head of superyacht research at London-based VesselsValue, there has been massive demand industry wide.

“The market’s been roaring,” says Tucker. “It’s impossible to get a slot in a new-build yard… they’re totally booked.”

“The second hand-market is red hot,” he added. Which is no surprise, given the second-hand market for just about everything is going gangbusters at the moment, from cars and basketball cards , to these extravagant sailing yachts.

Megayacht icons Azimut Benetti Group currently have almost three dozen superyachts in the order book, a surge in demand the group’s vice president, Giovanna Vitelli, explains rather profoundly.

“The type of wealth has changed, but not the wealth itself,” says Vitelli. “This is the difference with 2008, when the [global financial] crisis was really widespread.”

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8 Fascinating Facts About ‘Koru,’ Jeff Bezos’s Bonkers 410-Foot Sailing Superyacht

According to the latest Forbes ‘s Real-Time Billionaires List, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos is currently worth around $204 billion, making him the second-wealthiest person on the planet, just behind Tesla CEO Elon Musk .

So handing over an estimated $500 million for his 410-foot Koru , the world’s largest sailing yacht , another $75 million for Abeona , its 250-foot support vessel, and then paying the $30 million or so a year to cover running costs for both, should be well within his budget.

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Bezos surprised the boating world when he opted for a classically styled, three-masted sailing yacht instead of some flashy mega motoryacht. What’s more it has a buxom wooden sculpture on the forepeak, typical of 19th-century sailing vessels. And since taking delivery last year, he and his fiancé, Lauren Sánchez, have been using the yacht to cruise the world in style.

While secrecy still shrouds Koru , especially its interior and many of its technical features, we take a closer look at what makes it, arguably, the most interesting sailing superyacht in years.

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Click here to read the full article.

Designed as a Modern Classic

Koru would never be described as sleek, or elegant even. But she does have a classical style. Designed by the Dutch masters at Dykstra Naval Architecture, the boat is distinguished by its towering navy-blue steel hull, snowy-white, two-level aluminum superstructure, sweeping canoe stern, and a trio of soaring masts. Her design inspiration is said to be the triple-masted schooner Eos , built by Germany’s Lürssen Yachts in 2006 for American media mogul Barry Diller. And, ignoring the current trend of oversized windows, Koru ‘s hull sides are dotted with traditional portholes with smaller-than typical windows for the upper decks (no doubt helping to protect guests from paparazzi lenses). Little is known about the yacht’s interior design, other than it’s the work of London-based Mlinaric, Henry and Zervudachi studio. Oceanco’s website describes the interior as a “timeless, contemporary style, with natural wood tones complemented by a palette of warm neutrals and beautifully patterned textiles.”

Claiming the Prize for Size

At 410 feet bow to stern and with a beam of 56 feet, Koru is the largest sailing yacht in the world. Some might argue the title should go to the 468-foot Sailing Yacht A . But that quirky, Philippe Stark–designed triple-master is considered a “sail-assisted motoryacht” rather than a true sailing yacht. Koru is also big inside, with a reported internal volume of 3,300 gross T=tons, that offers room for up to 18 guests in nine cabins and accommodations for a crew of 36.

A True Sailor

Full credit to Jeff Bezos for ignoring his fellow billionaires’ penchant for giant, diesel-guzzling superyachts. (Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg recently took delivery of his 387-foot Launchpad , powered by quadruple MTU engines packing a combined 23,400 hp.) With its giant, more-than-20,000-square-foot sail plan (including three mainsails and three, cutter-style headsails), Koru has been regularly photographed cruising under sail. It’s also believed the yacht is making an effort to focus on sustainability, from reports of it testing out a prototype kinetic energy recovery system that converts wave-induced motion into electrical energy. The vessel is also believed to feature a hybrid power system with large battery banks that run its systems at night while at anchor.

Its 250-Foot, $75 Million “Tender”

The challenge with sailing yachts, even one that’s 410 feet long, is that it’s nearly impossible to land a helicopter on the deck. So Bezos commissioned a 250-foot support vessel, named Abeona after the Roman goddess of travelers. The largest shadow vessel ever built by Holland’s Damen Yachting, this explorer comes with a rear-deck helipad and hangar big enough to accommodate an Airbus ACH-135 helicopter. There’s also space aboard for a small armada of water toys and tenders, plus accommodations below decks for up to 45 crew and support staff.

Built Under Total Secrecy

Tasked with taking Koru from concept to reality was the superyacht builder Oceanco, based south of Rotterdam in Alblasserdam, Holland. The famed yard, owned by billionaire Mohammed Al Barwani, who also owns Turquoise Yachts in Turkey, recently completed Steven Spielberg’s new 357-foot superyacht Seven Sea s, and the similar-sized Bravo Eugenia , launched in 2018 for Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones. Koru was reportedly first commissioned in 2018 as Project Y721 and delivered to the Amazon founder in Gibraltar in April 2023.

What’s in a Name?

While a betting person might have predicted that Bezos would have given his sailing yacht a more Amazon-connected name, like Prime, Deliverance, or even Blue Origin after his space company, he picked Koru . The name is said to be Maori for “loop” or “coil” and resembles the spiral shape of an unfurling silver fern frond. It’s said to be an integral symbol of New Zealand Maori art that symbolizes new life and new beginnings. Look closely at the wooden figurehead on Koru ‘s bow and the necklace around the woman’s neck features a pendant shaped like the koru symbol.

A Bridge Too Far

As Koru was nearing completion in 2021, word got out that builder Oceanco had approached the city of Rotterdam in Holland, offering to pay for the partial disassembly of the historic 97-year-old Koningshaven lift-bridge, which was too low for the yacht with its triple 230-foot masts in place, to pass under on its way to the North Sea. The city reportedly consented, but the move resulted in a huge public outcry with threats to plaster Koru with eggs as it passed through the bridge. Oceanco withdrew its application and instead towed the yacht to Rotterdam’s Greenport shipyard west of the city, transported the masts by barge, and installed them there.

The Places You’ll Go

Hot on the heels of Koru ‘s handover in Gibraltar in April last year, the superyacht has seemingly been cruising non-stop. It was spotted exploring Spain’s Balearic Islands, anchored off Cannes during the film festival, and moored at celebrity hot spots like Saint-Tropez, Capri, Portofino, and Porto Cervo, Sardinia. Bezos reportedly proposed to Sánchez on the bow of Koru off Cannes in May last year, followed by an engagement party aboard in Positano, Italy with a guest list that included Bill Gates, Leonardo DiCaprio, Kris Jenner, Toby Maguire, and Queen Rania of Jordan. Then Koru cruised the 4,000-plus miles across the Atlantic to Fort Lauderdale for a re-fuel and re-supply before heading to the Caribbean for winter cruising. This summer it was back to the Mediterranean for more island-hopping.

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Lauren takes the prow! The curvaceous winged GODDESS on Jeff Bezos' 416-footer - bears striking resemblance to none other than... Ms. Sanchez!

• Jeff Bezos' extravagant 416ft yacht Koru has a figurehead on the prow that bears a striking resemblance to his glamorous girlfriend Lauren Sanchez, 53
• Exclusive DailyMail.com photos show the polished wooden sculpture of a curvaceous woman carved in the style of a Roman goddess, dressed in a flowing gown with long tresses 
• EXCLUSIVE: Bezos and Sanchez are engaged - and the diamond is GINORMOUS  

By Ruth Styles For Dailymail.com

Published: 12:45 EDT, 18 May 2023 | Updated: 14:42 EDT, 22 May 2023

View comments

It cost half a billion dollars and has an extravagant 250ft support boat complete with a helipad – but that doesn't mean Jeff Bezos ' vast new yacht is lacking a personal touch.

For the Amazon boss, the world's third richest man, that translates to a figurehead that bears a striking resemblance to his glamorous girlfriend Lauren Sanchez , 53.

Exclusive DailyMail.com photos offer a first look at the polished wooden sculpture, which sits on the prow of the Amazon boss' 416ft love boat.

It depicts a curvaceous woman carved in the style of a Roman goddess, dressed in a flowing gown and with long hair - and a face that bears more than a few similarities to that of the millionaire former TV personality.

The new pictures were obtained by DailyMail.com shortly after Bezos, 59, and the real Sanchez were photographed enjoying their inaugural vacation on the enormous vessel this week which is currently moored off the coast of Spanish island Mallorca.

Jeff Bezos' extravagant 416ft yacht has a figurehead on the prow that bears a striking resemblance to his glamorous girlfriend Lauren Sanchez, 53. The couple, who had spent the weekend at the Miami Grand Prix before jetting to Europe, have been an item since their affair was exposed in January 2019 – ending both their marriages

The Koru, which underwent sea trials in February before being handed over to Bezos last month, is the second largest sailing ship in the world 

Exclusive DailyMail.com photos show the polished wooden sculpture of a curvaceous woman carved in the style of a Roman goddess, dressed in a flowing gown and with long hair

Bezos and Sanchez arrived in Mallorca on a private jet on Monday and were flown out to his superyacht by helicopter

The couple, who had spent the weekend at the Miami Grand Prix before jetting to Europe, have been an item since their affair was exposed in January 2019 – ending both their marriages.

Photos of Bezos with Sanchez were splashed across the National Enquirer, accompanied by a series of toe-curling text messages including one written by the Blue Origin founder that read: 'I love you, alive girl. I will show you with my body, and my lips and my eyes, very soon.'

Shortly before publication, the Albuquerque-born billionaire and then-wife Mackenzie released a statement that said they planned to divorce after 25 years while describing the split as 'amicable'.

Novelist Mackenzie, 53, walked away with a $35.6billion settlement and swiftly married again, to Seattle science teacher Dan Jewett; only to dump him just as swiftly in September 2022.

Despite that inauspicious beginning – which led to Bezos publicly accusing the Enquirer of extortion and claiming it threatened to publish racy photos of him and Sanchez – the couple appear more in love than ever.

Photos taken of the pair on the deck of the $500m superyacht this week show the duo soaking up the Spanish sunshine, with Bezos baring his trim figure in a pair of pale blue swimshorts while mom-of-two Sanchez was pretty in a hot pink bikini.

Photos taken of the pair on the deck of the $500m superyacht this week show Bezos baring his trim figure in a pair of pale blue swimshorts while mom-of-two Sanchez was pretty in a hot pink bikini 

DailyMail.com photos offer a first look at the polished wooden sculpture, which sits on the prow of the Amazon boss' 416ft love boat

Their trip on the yacht, which is named the Koru after the Maori word for 'new beginnings', comes more than five years after it was commissioned

Bezos ' new yacht was constructed over a period of five-years - and is the tallest in the world, measuring over 230ft tall

Bezos has been very open about his love for Sanchez. They were pictured enjoying their inaugural vacation on the yacht this week moored off the coast of Spanish island Mallorca

Their trip on the yacht, which is named the Koru after the Maori word for 'new beginnings', comes more than five years after it was commissioned.

Known then as 'Project 721', the ship was built in the historic port of Zwijndrecht, close to Rotterham in the Netherlands, by sailboat specialists Oceanco.

Previous designs include the 350ft Black Pearl – an all-black aluminum sailing yacht designed for Russian billionaire Oleg Burlakov who died of Covid in 2021 and whose family still own the ship.

The Koru, which underwent sea trials in February before being handed over to Bezos last month, is the second largest sailing ship in the world – surpassed only by the Philippe Starcke designed Sailing Yacht A, which is owned by Russian fertilizer billionaire Andrey Melnichenko.

Last year, before Koru had even been launched, the vast size of her masts sparked an international controversy when Rotterdam announced that the middle section of the 100-year-old Koningshaven Bridge would be removed so the superyacht could make its way into the North Sea.

According to reports, Bezos had said he would pay to have the bridge dismantled and rebuilt again - but his request was refused.

Koru sails with a smaller 250ft support vessel that has been kitted out with a helipad and is stocked with a collection of speedboats and supercars for Bezos and Sanchez to enjoy. Bezos' superyacht (back) pictured near the support vessel (foreground) and a smaller vessel 

Furious locals also created a petition to pelt the boat with rotten eggs on its maiden voyage - which garnered thousands of signatures.

In response to the backlash, Rotterdam's mayor Ahmed Aboutaleb said no permit had been applied for, and the masts were eventually attached downstream in Rotterdam harbor.

The three-masted schooner yacht was finally delivered at the end of April and was sailed from the Netherlands to Mallorca via Gibraltar.

Along with a private submarine, Koru sails with a smaller 250ft support vessel that has been kitted out with a helipad and is stocked with a collection of speedboats and supercars for Bezos and Sanchez to enjoy.

The main ship, which is painted midnight blue and has gold accents, boasts three decks, a pool and a huge sun terrace – the same one Bezos and Sanchez were seen using earlier this week.

The interior is reportedly inspired by Eos, a 305ft yacht owned by former Fox CEO Barry Diller, and the megaboat costs $25m-a-year to maintain.

Share or comment on this article: Curvaceous figurehead on Jeff Bezos' yacht bears a STRIKING resemblance to Lauren Sanchez

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