how much is jeff bezos yacht worth

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.

Related Articles

Alumacraft Boats: Unrivaled Performance and Quality for Avid Anglers

Bass Boats for Sale: How to Secure the Best Deals Effortlessly

What Minimum Distance Must be Maintained from a U.S. Naval Vessel? Safety Guidelines Explained

Fisherman's Landing: Your Ultimate Guide to Coastal Fishing Spots

Ocean Master DC Comics: Reviving Presence in Boating World

Parts of a Boat Spit: Essential Components and Functions Explained

Sunworld Watersports Sarasota: Your Guide to Exciting Aquatic Adventures

Pontoon Boats: A Comprehensive Guide for Enthusiasts

Jeff Bezos' yacht reportedly cost $500 million and is the largest sailing yacht in the world. Here's what we know.

• Jeff Bezos ' new $500 million megayacht Koru set sail this summer.
• At 417 feet long, it's the world's largest sailing yacht and even boasts a sculpture resembling his fiancée, Lauren Sanchez.
• Here's everything we know about Bezos' yacht.

Jeff Bezos' new megayacht set sail this summer, with the founder and former Amazon CEO and his fiancée Lauren Sanchez crisscrossing Europe to show it off.

At 417 feet long, the vessel is the world's largest sailing yacht and cost an estimated $500 million. The yacht is named Koru , which means "loop" or "coil" in the Māori language and often signifies new beginnings.

Koru joins a large class of flashy billionaires' yachts , including the 305-foot-long Eos, which belongs to billionaire Barry Diller and fashion designer Diane von Furstenberg.

Oracle cofounder Larry Ellison owns a yacht called Musashi, which is 288 feet long.

Bezos commissioned the enormous boat from the Dutch custom yacht builder Oceanco, and it took years to construct.

In February, the yacht underwent its first sea trials, a series of tests usually conducted in the last phases of construction. Koru made its maiden voyage in April, traveling from the Netherlands to Gibraltar.

Related stories

The vessel has a pool on deck, and the prow features a mermaid sculpture that bears a striking resemblance to Bezos' then-girlfriend Sanchez. A second "support yacht," which has an on-deck helipad, accompanies Koru on its travels.

Sanchez has said the sculpture affixed to Bezos' yacht isn't her. "I'm very flattered, but it's not," she told Vogue. The sculpture is apparently of the Norse goddess Freyja, one of Bezos' favorite figures from mythology.

Bezos and Sanchez were first seen aboard the yacht along the coast of Spain in May, shortly before news broke that the couple had gotten engaged. The couple spent the rest of the summer on board traveling to various destinations, stopping at the Cannes Film Festival, sailing down the Italian Riviera, and making their way to Croatia.

In August, the yacht played host to an engagement party for Bezos and Sanchez , which reportedly drew guests including Bill Gates, Whitney Wolfe Herd, Ari Emanuel, and Leonardo DiCaprio.

While yacht season was apparently enjoyable for the couple, it was only after the vessel stirred up quite a bit of controversy: Koru's masts were so tall that the yacht nearly required the dismantling of a historic bridge in the Netherlands in order for it to pass through.

Locals planned to egg Bezos' superyacht if the bridge came down. Following the public outcry, Oceanco withdrew its request for the city to take apart the bridge.

And despite this massive purchase, Bezos' net worth is still well over $100 billion.

Watch: Inside the world's biggest cruise ship that just set sail

• Main content

• Today's news
• Reviews and deals
• Climate change
• 2024 election
• Newsletters
• Fall allergies
• Health news
• Mental health
• Sexual health
• Family health
• So mini ways
• Unapologetically
• Buying guides

Entertainment

• How to Watch
• My Portfolio
• Latest News
• Stock Market
• Biden Economy
• Stocks: Most Actives
• Stocks: Gainers
• Stocks: Losers
• Trending Tickers
• World Indices
• US Treasury Bonds Rates
• Top Mutual Funds
• Options: Highest Open Interest
• Options: Highest Implied Volatility
• Basic Materials
• Communication Services
• Consumer Cyclical
• Consumer Defensive
• Financial Services
• Industrials
• Real Estate
• Stock Comparison
• Advanced Chart
• Currency Converter
• Credit Cards
• Balance Transfer Cards
• Cash-back Cards
• Rewards Cards
• Travel Cards
• Credit Card Offers
• Best Free Checking
• Student Loans
• Personal Loans
• Car insurance
• Mortgage Refinancing
• Mortgage Calculator
• Morning Brief
• Market Domination
• Market Domination Overtime
• Asking for a Trend
• Opening Bid
• Stocks in Translation
• Lead This Way
• Good Buy or Goodbye?
• Financial Freestyle
• Capitol Gains
• Living Not So Fabulously
• Decoding Retirement
• Money Glow Up
• Fantasy football
• Pro Pick 'Em
• College Pick 'Em
• Fantasy baseball
• Fantasy hockey
• Fantasy basketball
• Download the app
• Daily fantasy
• Scores and schedules
• GameChannel
• World Baseball Classic
• Premier League
• CONCACAF League
• Champions League
• Motorsports
• Horse racing

New on Yahoo

• Privacy Dashboard

Yahoo Finance

It costs $25 million a year to keep jeff bezos' $500 million luxury superyacht afloat — but he earns that in just 3 hours.

Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon, has made headlines for his business ventures and extravagant lifestyle.

One of the most notable symbols of his wealth is his superyacht, Koru, which costs around $500 million. This 417-foot luxury sailing yacht , built by Oceanco, features three towering masts and is the tallest sailing yacht in the world.

Don't Miss:

If there was a new fund backed by Jeff Bezos offering a 7-9% target yield with monthly dividends would you invest in it ?

Warren Buffett once said, "If you don't find a way to make money while you sleep, you will work until you die." This high-yield real estate fund, offering an 8% yield , makes earning passive income easier than ever.

Inside the Superyacht Koru

Koru's design is a marvel of modern engineering and luxury. The yacht boasts three decks, including one with a swimming pool, a gym, a spa, and a sauna. The interiors are crafted with the finest materials, providing unparalleled comfort and aesthetics.

Advanced technology enables Koru to be primarily powered by kinetic energy from its sails, reducing the need for a large crew and enhancing its environmental sustainability.

Trending: This real estate fund backed by Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi gives you instant access to a portfolio of rental properties, and you only need $100 to get started.

Annual Operating Costs

Owning a superyacht like Koru involves significant annual expenses. The estimated cost to run and maintain Koru is about $25 million annually. Here's a breakdown of these costs:

Crew Salaries: The yacht accommodates up to 36 crew members. Given the high skill level required, annual crew salaries can be significant but specific figures are not disclosed in the sources.

Maintenance: General maintenance, including repairs and refits, can reach tens of millions. According to Luxury Launches, refits alone can cost up to $20 million.

Fuel: Refueling the yacht can cost upward of $500,000 due to its large fuel capacity.

Insurance: The annual insurance cost for a yacht like Koru is around $5 million.

Docking Fees: Docking fees in prime locations can be around $5,000 per night, totaling hundreds of thousands of dollars annually.

Utilities and Amenities: Operating the onboard facilities and utilities, including electricity and entertainment systems, can potentially cost between $1 million and $3 million per year.

Security: Additional security measures for such a high-value vessel can cost several million dollars annually.

Luxury Maintenance: Maintaining the yacht's luxury interiors and furnishings can range from $2 million to $5 million annually.

Trending: Miami is expected to take New York's place as the U.S. Financial Capital. Here's how you can invest in the city before that happens .

Koru is often seen cruising in various luxury destinations around the world. However, it is primarily kept in European waters, especially in the Mediterranean. The yacht has also been spotted in the Caribbean and along the coasts of the United States, particularly near Bezos's homes in Florida.

Bezos's Spending Spree and Florida Homes

Jeff Bezos's purchase of Koru is part of a broader pattern of high-value acquisitions. In addition to his superyacht, Bezos has been on a spending spree, acquiring multiple properties in recent years. He most recently invested in several luxurious homes in Florida's exclusive "Billionaire Bunker."

Bezos's Net Worth Surge

In early 2023, Jeff Bezos's net worth was $107 billion. By early 2024, it had surged to $177 billion, a $70 billion gain, according to Fortune. This translates to an increase of $191.8 million daily or about $8 million per hour. To put this into perspective, Bezos earns the equivalent of the median lifetime earnings of a typical U.S. worker ($1.7 million in 2023) in about 12.76 minutes.

Bezos' spending habits reflect his vast wealth and interest in maintaining a luxurious lifestyle while expanding his investments in various sectors.

Koru is a prime symbol of his wealth and taste for luxury. The costs associated with owning and operating such a vessel are substantial, but they are a mere fraction of his overall fortune. As Bezos continues to expand his real estate holdings and enjoy his time on Koru, his lifestyle remains a topic of fascination and envy.

Keep Reading:

This Jeff Bezos-backed startup will allow you to become a landlord in just 10 minutes, and you only need $100 .

Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos are bullish on one city that could dethrone New York and become the new financial capital of the US.

"ACTIVE INVESTORS' SECRET WEAPON" Supercharge Your Stock Market Game with the #1 "news & everything else" trading tool: Benzinga Pro - Click here to start Your 14-Day Trial Now!

Get the latest stock analysis from Benzinga?

APPLE (AAPL): Free Stock Analysis Report

TESLA (TSLA): Free Stock Analysis Report

This article It Costs $25 Million A Year To Keep Jeff Bezos' $500 Million Luxury Superyacht Afloat — But He Earns That In Just 3 Hours originally appeared on Benzinga.com

© 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.

Amazon Founder Jeff Bezos's New Yacht Costs $500 Million

Megabillionaire Jeff Bezos's monstrous yacht cost an estimated $500 million. The cost doesn’t even include the support boat.

May 13 2021, Published 3:57 p.m. ET

While the rest of the world might be struggling to pay rent in an economy hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos is getting a new boat. 

Bezos's new boat isn't just any ordinary boat. The Project 721 is a 417-foot superyacht with several decks, three masts, and even its own “support yacht” with a helipad, reports Bloomberg . 

Reportedly, it's the largest vessel ever built by the Dutch luxury yacht builder, Oceanco. 

This Oceanco yacht is smaller than the one Jeff Bezos purchased.

The monstrous yacht’s estimated cost is $500 million, and that cost doesn’t even include the support boat. 

Business boomed for Bezos during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The world hadn’t even heard about COVID-19 when Bezos ordered his boat a few years ago. However, the COVID-19 pandemic boosted Amazon's business. Worldwide, people were forced to stay home and have many of their necessities sent directly to them.

If you needed toothpaste, Amazon was there for you. 

In 2020, Amazon (AMZN) stock climbed 75 percent and made Bezos about $75 billion richer than he already was. According to Bloomberg , his total net worth is almost $200 billion. 

Sales for luxury superyachts have surged.

Apparently, Bezos isn’t the only member of the super-rich to buy a superyacht during the COVID-19 pandemic. Superyacht sales surged at the end of 2020 and in the first quarter of 2021. The demand for extravagantly high-end yachts has outstripped supply, Bloomberg reports. 

“The market’s been roaring,” Sam Tucker, head of superyacht research at London-based VesselsValue, told Bloomberg . “It’s impossible to get a slot in a new-build yard. They’re totally booked.”

Boats have actually been a popular pandemic purchase for many people, not just the ultra-wealthy. According to the National Marine Manufacturers Association, boat sales hit a 13-year high last year. When it comes to social distancing, day-drinking on a boat is a better option than going to a bar or restaurant. 

How many yachts does Jeff Bezos own?

By all accounts, the Project 721 superyacht is Bezos’s first yacht. He caught the yachting bug in 2019 while sailing on his friend billionaire Barry Diller’s yacht, Eos. 

Comedians roasted Jeff Bezos over his yacht purchase.

After news came out about Captain Bezos and his ginormous boat, it didn’t take long for the jokes to start.

“The founder of Amazon is reportedly building a $500 million superyacht that is so big, it requires a ‘support yacht’ to travel with it. This is like the billionaire version of having a second fridge in your garage,” said comedian and late-night talk show host Jimmy Kimmel.

“It sounds like an old-time comedian’s routine, doesn’t it? Jeff Bezos is so rich, even his boats have got boats. Bezos is so rich, when he goes to the A.T.M., the A.T.M. asks him for money.” said James Corden, host of The Late Late Show .

“The pandemic has been a boom time for billionaires, and they are using their profits to give back to hard-hit communities, as long as those communities build giant, shiny new yachts,” joked Late Show host Stephen Colbert. 

Latest Amazon News and Updates

• ABOUT Market Realist
• Privacy Policy
• Terms of Use
• CONNECT with Market Realist
• Link to Facebook
• Link to Instagram
• Contact us by Email

Opt-out of personalized ads

© Copyright 2024 Market Realist. Market Realist is a registered trademark. All Rights Reserved. People may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice.

The Most Incredible Features Of Jeff Bezos' $500 Million Mega Yacht

Jeff Bezos, the second-richest man in the world, will soon be the owner of a $500 million newly-constructed mega yacht in the Netherlands. While there is not a lot of information about the super yacht, there are a few facts that can be gleaned from the ship manufacturer's website and also several media publications. However, what is confirmed is that this yacht is supposed to be 417 feet long (127 meters), have several decks, and feature three gigantic black masts (via Bloomberg ).

The ship is called the Y721 and it is reportedly made by Oceanco, a custom ship builder that produces some of the world's largest and most luxurious boats. The company is owned by Omani billionaire businessman , Mohammed Al Barwani, and is based in the Netherlands. According to the luxury magazine  Robb Report , this uber-luxurious boat is expected to be the world's largest sailing yacht when completed.

It is super-sized

As superyachts go, the Y721 is extremely large. At 417 feet, it is one of the largest sailing yachts ever built in the Netherlands, according to Time Magazine . It is so colossal that for it to sail out of the harbor to go to the ocean, it has to pass by an iconic Dutch steel bridge that has a center part that can be removed so the vessel can pass through safely. This bridge, known as De Hef (literally translated as The Lift), is a lift bridge that can raise 130 feet in the air. That still isn't high enough to accommodate the yacht's tall masts, and the process of raising the bridge so the ship can exit can't be described as simple, either. Additionally, the breadth of its sails and supports makes it unsafe for a helicopter to land on the yacht without clipping its masts, so Bezos has reportedly commissioned a support yacht with a helipad to travel alongside the titanic cruiser (via Time).

The 246-foot shadow yacht known as the YS7512 will be the base for the Amazon billionaire's helipad, but it will also feature meeting spaces, and storage for his jet skis, water toys, and snorkeling and diving gear. It can accommodate up to 45 crew and guests (via Architectural Digest ).

It is a clean, green machine

In Brad Stone's book, "Amazon Unbound: Jeff Bezos and the Invention of a Global Empire," the vessel is described as being "one of the finest sailing yachts in existence." Although this luxury cruiser will almost certainly have fineries fit for a business mogul like Bezos, it is also said to be environmentally friendly. Oceanco based the blueprint on its award-winning , sustainable Black Pearl Yacht. The company says on its website that this ship is one of the largest and most eco-friendly sailing yachts in the world, and can cross the Atlantic without burning any fossil fuel.

It features technology such as DynaRig carbon masts, solar power, and a hybrid-propulsion system. It also has a waste-heat recovery system onboard that uses thermal energy and residual heat from exhaust gas to transform into electrical energy. While the construction of the superyacht has been reported by multiple media sources, the Daily Mail reports that Oceanco has declined to comment on whether this yacht was commissioned by Jeff Bezos.

Bezos can fly to the yacht, but only with the help of a support vessel

If Bezos is on land and the superyacht isn't docked, the Amazon owner isn't going to have to row back to his vessel when he wants to get on board — he can simply take a short flight to the boat via helicopter (via Bloomberg ), though that requires him to land on a support yacht. Using a helicopter to fly to his yacht is something that would have, at one point in time, sounded very unlikely given Bezos' mixed history with whirlybirds. He actually survived a helicopter crash back in 2003 when scouting for sites to use for his spacefaring venture Blue Origin. 

Bezos was on board with the pilot and two staff members when the overloaded aircraft started to struggle after taking off. The pilot was left dodging trees and desperately trying to get the helicopter out of danger. He didn't succeed, and eventually, the tail boom collided with a tree, causing the chopper to spin. The helicopter eventually ended up in a creek, but Bezos walked away from the incident. Recalling the crash in Fortune Magazine, Bezos quipped, "I thought, what a dumb way to die."

Given the circumstances, it is unsurprising that Bezos allegedly hated helicopters for many years. However, his hatred of the transportation method had reportedly evaporated by 2018 and been replaced by enthusiasm. It was this switch in attitude that, according to the New York Post , alerted Amazon executives to Bezos' affair with helicopter pilot and owner of Black Ops Aviation Lauren Sanchez. Bezos would eventually divorce his wife and the mother of his four children, MacKenzie Scott, and make his relationship with Sanchez public.

Recommended

• Frank Magazine
• Denison History
• Virtual Tours
• Alaskan Yachts
• Azimut Yachts
• Back Cove Yachts
• Beneteau Yachts
• Benetti Superyachts
• Bertram Yachts
• Boston Whaler
• Broward Yachts
• Buddy Davis Sportfish
• Burger Yachts
• Cabo Yachts
• Carver Motoryachts
• Center Console
• Chris-Craft Yachts
• Cruisers Yachts
• DeFever Trawlers
• Dufour Sailboats
• Fairline Yachts
• Feadship Yachts
• Ferretti Yachts
• Formula Yachts
• Fountaine Pajot Cats
• Grady-White
• Grand Banks Trawlers
• Hargrave Yachts
• Hatteras Yachts
• Hinckley Picnic Boats
• Horizon Yachts
• Hydra-Sports
• Intrepid Boats
• Jarrett Bay Sportfish
• Jeanneau Yachts
• Kadey-Krogen Trawlers
• Lazzara Yachts
• Lekker Boats
• Luhrs Sportfish
• Marlow Yachts
• Maritimo Yachts
• Marquis Yachts
• McKinna Motoryachts
• Meridian Yachts
• Midnight Express
• Mochi Craft
• Neptunus Motoryachts
• Nordhavn Trawlers
• Nordic Tugs
• Ocean Alexander Yachts
• Offshore Yachts
• Oyster Sailing Yachts
• Pacific Mariner Yachts
• Palmer Johnson Yachts
• Pershing Yachts
• Prestige Yachts
• Princess Yachts
• Pursuit Yachts
• Riva Yachts
• Riviera Yachts
• Sabre Downeast
• San Lorenzo Yachts
• Sea Ray Boats
• SeaVee Central Consoles
• Selene Trawlers
• Scout Yachts
• Sunseeker Yachts
• Tiara Yachts
• Trinity Superyachts
• Viking Yachts
• Westport Yachts

Jeff Bezos Reportedly Building A 127-Meter Sailing Yacht

Bezos’ new yacht costs an estimated $500 million..

Jeff Bezos makes headlines quite frequently, but this week, it’s for boating news. Bloomberg reports that Bezos is the owner of a new construction yacht called Project Y721, a 417-foot luxury vessel built by Oceanco .

Details about the project are still under wraps, but it’s reported that the yacht boasts three masts and several decks. While no official images have been released, we’re thinking it’s something similar to one of the largest yachts in the world, SAILING YACHT A .

Bezos’ new yacht is estimated to be upwards of $500 million. A chunk of change from his $200 billion net worth. His new yacht ranks among the most expensive boats in the world. Topping the list is 531-foot ECLIPSE , currently valued at $1.2 billion and the third largest yacht in the world. It’s owned by Russian businessman Roman Abramovich.

It’s not uncommon for the ultra-high net worth, like Bezos, to own a yacht. But the caveat to this new construction project that’s making headlines (and jokes) is that because of the sailing masts, his yacht can’t support a helipad. So he also commissioned a second support yacht that can accommodate a helicopter landing.

As we read in the first issue of FRANK magazine , we know, a support vessel to a mothership is not uncommon. There’s even a season for it in the Great Barrier Reef — the best time of year for fishing giant black marlin. Yet news of his superyacht needing a smaller yacht is the butt of many jokes that we can’t help but laugh at.

“The founder of Amazon is reportedly building a $500 million superyacht that is so big, it requires a support yacht to travel with it. This is like the billionaire version of having a second fridge in your garage.” – Jimmy Kimmel

“Truth is, Bezos didn’t really need the support yacht, but Amazon did one of these upsells where they go, ‘People who buy this, also buy this.’” – James Corden

“Today, we learned that Bezos will soon receive delivery of a $500 million megayacht. Don’t know exactly when it will be delivered, but we do know it will come in a much bigger box.” – Stephen Colbert

The pandemic boosted luxury yacht sales. As international travel and events were canceled, people craved a safe way to escape. Yachting was (and is) the answer. Boat International reports that superyacht brokerage combined sales for January, February, and March 2021 showed a 46% increase compared to the same period last year.

Availability of funds and rising demand for yachts resulted in brokers experiencing a strong Q1 at Denison Yachting. Bob Denison spoke with Boat International to explain that yachting’s competitive industries, such as skiing and higher-end vacation experiences like cruises, are still being affected by extended lockdowns, which have created a special opportunity for the yachting industry.

Ready to ride the wave? Denison has plenty of featured yachts for sale ranging from superyachts , sailing yachts , motor yachts , sportfish yachts , catamarans , and trawlers . Tell us what you’re interested in and we’ll find you the best option to get on the water. Contact a Denison yacht broker today.

Speak With A Superyacht Specialist:

Latest news.

NEWS | September 17, 2024

Blade partners with denison yachting to transport clients to and from the monaco yacht show.

BLADE Partners With Denison Yachting to Transport Clients to and from the Monaco Yacht Show Denison is pleased to announce its partnership with BLADE Urban Air Mobility, a global air mobility platform that provides air transportation, particularly as an alternative to common congested ground routes in major cities. During the upcoming Monaco Yacht Show, BLADE

NEWS | September 13, 2024

85′ jfa yachts 2018 sold by david johnson & jeremy roche [ndse].

85′ JFA Yachts 2018 Sold by David Johnson & Jeremy Roche [NDSE] NDSE, an 85′ JFA Yachts built in 2018, was sold in-house by David Johnson, who represented the Seller, and Jeremy Roche, who represented the Buyer. Equipped with a carbon mast and boom, NDSE features a sail plan tailored for high-performance

NEWS | September 12, 2024

Top charter destinations to experience on the adriatic coast.

Top Charter Destinations to Experience on the Adriatic Coast Get the inside scoop of what makes the Adriatic Coast such a special charter destination. Explore the Adriatic Coast aboard a premier charter yacht and immerse yourself in the unparalleled beauty and cultural richness of Europe’s most scenic coastline. Charter

Find anything you save across the site in your account

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?

• Español (Spanish)
• Français (French)
• Bahasa Indonesia (Indonesian)
• Brasil (Portuguese)
• India (English)
• हिंदी (Hindi)
• Feature Stories
• Explore All
• Subscribe page
• Submissions
• Privacy Policy
• Terms of Use
• Advertising
• Wild Madagascar
• Selva tropicales
• Mongabay.org
• Tropical Forest Network

Is Jeff Bezos’s $500 million yacht made with ‘blood timber’ from Myanmar? (commentary)

Share this article.

If you liked this story, share it with other people.

• The founder of Amazon.com and the second wealthiest man in the world, Jeff Bezos, has donated billions of dollars through his Earth Fund to combat climate change and protect nature.
• Yet he also commissioned Oceanco to build the largest sailing vessel in the world, at a reported cost of $500 million, a 127 meter-long ‘mega yacht’ which uses the highly prized tropical wood teak for its decking, much of the world’s best supply of which comes from Myanmar.
• Myanmar teak has been labeled ‘blood timber’ following the country’s violent February 2021 coup d’état, and so far, Oceanco has declined to confirm its source, making it a “very controversial choice for a European yacht builder, especially one seeking to source the finest materials for a client burnishing his environmental credentials,” a new op-ed argues.
• This article is a commentary. The views expressed are those of the author, not necessarily of Mongabay.

Following tea with King Charles III, then Prince of Wales, the king of global retail made an extraordinary announcement on the next stage in his bid to help save the planet.

Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon.com and the second wealthiest man in the world, had already donated $1 billion (approx. £805.8 million) through his Earth Fund to combat climate change and protect nature.

Now he turned his attention to trees.

At the CoP26 UN climate summit in Glasgow in November 2021, he revealed he would halt deforestation and desertification, not in the rainforest that bore his company’s name, but in Africa by planting 20 million trees across the continent in a project called The Great Green Wall.

Meanwhile, 700 miles away, shrouded in secrecy, he was engaged in another ambitious and hugely expensive project – but there are concerns this one may be connected to massive illegal deforestation, genocide, corruption, the financing of a brutal military dictatorship and circumventing EU law.

Well, three years earlier, Bezos commissioned Oceanco, in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, to build him the largest sailing vessel in the world at a reported cost of $500 million (almost £403 million).

It was codenamed Y721, a 127 meter-long ‘mega yacht’ with an aluminum and steel hull and three gigantic masts making the vessel half the height of the Great Pyramid of Giza. No expense was spared, and it was literally bedecked from bow to stern in undeniably beautiful teak.

Teak is highly prized in luxury yacht building for its durability, water-repellent properties and elegant appearance. And as the best teak on Earth is found in Myanmar (formerly known as Burma), it may be assumed that it will have been used for the acres of decking on Bezos’s yacht, although neither he nor Oceanco have confirmed it.

My organization, Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA)’s repeated enquiries to all involved in the construction and fitting out of Bezos’s new toy – which has guest accommodation for 18 and a crew of 36, plus its own 247 foot support tender with a helipad and mini-submarine – have been met with stony silence.

That’s because teak, especially Myanmar teak, is a very controversial choice for a European yacht builder, especially one seeking to source the finest materials for a client burnishing his environmental credentials.

Since 2013, the European Union has taken a particularly tough stance on imports of teak from Myanmar by member states, fearing it had been illegally harvested. Five years later, it adopted the ‘common position’ that it is impossible to guarantee that timber from Myanmar had been felled legally due to failings in documenting the chain of custody.

See related: Time to jettison Myanmar teak, some yacht-making insiders say

The EU Timber Regulation (EUTR) requires due diligence by importers to trace timber from the moment a tree is cut down through to importation by another country. This is not possible in Myanmar, so any timber imports from that country are in violation of the law.

Where then did Oceanco, owned by Mohammed Al Barwani, an Omani billionaire with business interests in fossil fuels and mining, get its teak for Y721? And when? The yacht builder has been reluctant to be totally transparent on the issue.

However, when asked by  Mongabay , a spokesperson said : “At Oceanco, we ensure all teak used on our projects meets the EUTR-order 995/2010, which is verified by third-party verification to ensure due diligence.”

He cited Double Helix Tracking Technologies as the company used for verification.

Double Helix is an interesting outfit based in Singapore. It claims to use a unique process and genetic mapping to pinpoint where a tree originated, right down to the precise forest, to prove it was legally felled.

“Double Helix claims that it can reliably identify the exact place of harvest of timber by using DNA analysis,” stated the EUTR Expert Panel on Myanmar Teak in December 2020.

“However, neither this nor other methodologies used to identify the region in which timber was harvested can reliably exclude that the timber tested was harvested from within or outside specific forest harvesting or conflict areas, as the possibility of attribution is limited to the country and some areas could not be sampled.”

As EU experts concluded, “This method can therefore not help exclude that timber comes from a conflict area or was harvested in another district than foreseen.”

In June 2022, the expert group cast further doubt on Double Helix’s ability to verify the origin of teak from Myanmar. It noted that despite the Myanmar Forest Certification Committee (MFCC) recognizing Double Helix as an independent verification body, it is “… unlikely to guarantee independent verifiability of the legality of the harvest and the traceability throughout the supply chain, due to a system shortcoming in the recognition process.”

In other words, in the view of the EU, it was inconceivable. So, it is down to the competent Dutch authorities if they intend to uphold the law to investigate whether the yacht’s decking is Myanmar teak and, if it is, how it ended up in Holland.

The level of deforestation in Myanmar is cataclysmic – it has lost tree cover in an area roughly the size of Switzerland since 2001, according to data from Global Forest Watch, and EIA estimates that if it continues at its current rate, the country’s forests will disappear by 2035.

The state-owned Myanmar Timber Enterprise (MTE) has always maintained that the wood it exports is legal and sustainable, often comes from old stockpiles, and complies with annual felling quotas. MTE, which is rife with corruption, is a monopoly controlling all aspects of the harvesting, processing, marketing and export of the country’s teak.

It is not just the importation of the so-called ‘king of woods’ into Holland, whether legal or illicit, that is casting an ugly shadow across the decks and impressive bowsprit of the Bezos mega yacht.

Myanmar teak has now been labeled ‘blood timber’ following the country’s genocide against the Rohingya and a brutal coup d’état by the military in February 2021. To date, the military has killed an estimated 3,463 people, including 363 children, in response to pro-democracy movements. A further 21,879 people have been arrested and 154 sentenced to death.

Immediately after the coup, the junta seized control of MTE and has been using profits from the auction of the country’s precious and dwindling ‘blood timber’ to fill its coffers ever since – all while Indigenous peoples in Myanmar are still subjected to illegal land grabs by loggers and suffer other human rights abuses.

At the same time, as EIA recently revealed, vast amounts of teak are being imported into Bezos’s homeland despite the U.S.’s Lacey Act of 2018, which constitutes the world’s first ban on trade in illegally-sourced wood products. Following the coup, the Biden administration imposed sanctions on companies such as MTE and some of the ruling generals for their appalling human rights record. The E.U., Canada and the U.K. did likewise.

None of this is a good look for a man who wants to look good.

Bezos once proclaimed, with trees in mind: “We simply can’t address climate change without reversing the loss of nature and vice versa.”

So, perhaps he could set an example and use his unique position and fabulous wealth to speak out against Myanmar’s brutal junta and illegal logging in the country?

It would involve him embracing ‘Koru’, the Māori word for ‘new beginnings, life and hope’ – but, after all, that is what he’s named his yacht.

Paul Woolwich is Head of Communications for the Environmental Investigation Agency .

See related reading here at Mongabay:

U.S. traders flouting sanctions on buying Myanmar teak, report says

To wipe or to wash? That is the question

Toilet paper: Environmentally impactful, but alternatives are rolling out

Rolling towards circularity? Tracking the trace of tires

Getting the bread: What’s the environmental impact of wheat?

Consumed traces the life cycle of a variety of common consumer products from their origins, across supply chains, and waste streams. The circular economy is an attempt to lessen the pace and impact of consumption through efforts to reduce demand for raw materials by recycling wastes, improve the reusability/durability of products to limit pollution, and […]

Free and open access to credible information

Latest articles.

Brazil’s BR-319 highway disaster: Yet another maneuver (commentary)

Permits granted for Colombia’s Alacrán mine amid pollution, deforestation concerns

Indigenous peoples won in court — but in practice, they face a different reality

In Sri Lanka, election day is time for firecrackers — to ward off elephants

Lab-grown corals resisted bleaching during Caribbean’s worst marine heat wave

World’s biggest deforestation project gets underway in Papua for sugarcane

What will the Brazilian food industry do about plastic packaging?

Why the EU must stand firm on its plan to help protect the world’s forests (commentary)

you're currently offline

• Nation & World

Bezos’ too-tall $500 million superyacht finally at sea

Jeff Bezos should have his new superyacht in time for the summer.

The 417-foot Koru left a shipyard in the Netherlands last week and anchored Wednesday off the coast of Spain near Mallorca, where it’s undergoing tests.  

The Koru’s excursion is part of the sea trials where an owner puts the boat through its paces to make sure everything is working properly, according to a person familiar with its travels, who requested anonymity discussing private matters. It could return to the shipyard for final tweaks before being delivered.

The three-masted superyacht is estimated to have cost the Amazon founder more than $500 million. Bezos, 59, is the world’s third-richest person with a fortune of $126.2 billion, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index.

Related More on the Maritime Industry

• Yacht reportedly built for Jeff Bezos too big for Dutch bridge (February 2022)
• The country that wants to ‘be average’ vs. Jeff Bezos and his $500 million yacht (July 2022)
• Rotterdam will not dismantle bridge to allow Bezos’ superyacht through (July 2022)

Previously known as Y721, the ship is now registered as Koru and is flying under a Cayman Islands flag. It’s the largest sailing yacht afloat, according to Boat International, and one of the biggest to be built by Alblasserdam, Netherlands-based Oceanco.

An Amazon spokesperson didn’t respond to a request for comment.

The superyacht’s size has caused a number of headaches for Bezos and its builders. The height of its masts was originally going to force the city of Rotterdam to dismantle a historic steel bridge, De Hef, for the boat to be able to make it to the ocean. 

City officials initially agreed to temporarily take apart the bridge’s central section, but Oceanco ended up retracting the request amid public outcry. The shipbuilder eventually towed the vessel out to sea without its masts. 

The size of the sails also meant that the yacht couldn’t have a helipad on board. Instead, Bezos and his helicopter pilot partner Lauren Sanchez will rely on a support boat, which is currently crossing the Atlantic with a destination of Gibraltar, according to vessel-tracking data.

Most Read Business Stories

• Seattle's Nordstrom makes a bold move at reinvention
• Hit by strike, Boeing flies in out-of-state janitors, applies furloughs broadly
• Boeing defense chief exits as new CEO shakes up top ranks
• Microsoft AI needs so much power it's tapping Three Mile Island
• Why this year's pear crop in WA, OR will be the smallest in 40 years

latest in US News

19-year NYC Sanitation vet killed while working in Queens

Florida deputy shot his girlfriend in the head while showing her...

Tekashi 6ix9ine faces lawsuit from ex-gf alleging revenge porn,...

Popular former three-term GOP governor and US senator dies at 98

Olivia Nuzzi was banned from Trump's hush-money trial after twice...

Couple slapped with lengthy prison sentences after pit bulls...

Kamala Harris to skip traditional Al Smith dinner, first time...

Masturbating creeps caught in the act outside 2 Upper West Side...

Breaking news, jeff bezos buys $500m superyacht amid luxury industry boom.

Amazon founder Jeff Bezos will reportedly soon take delivery of a $500 million mega-yacht — proof that the niche industry for billionaires is in its prime.

The world’s richest man — currently worth $191 billion — is expected to soon get his project Y721 yacht, which is due to be finished next month, years after he ordered it, according to Bloomberg Wealth .

While details are mostly being kept under wraps, the vessel will be 417 feet long, span several decks and have three huge masts — and even have its own support yacht with a helipad, according to the outlet.

It will likely cost at least $500 million, and is one of the largest sailing yachts ever built in the Netherlands, the unofficial capital of boat-building for the uber-rich, Bloomberg said.

The price tag may be nothing for Bezos, who has been photographed numerous times on yachting trips with girlfriend Lauren Sanchez .

But it is a symbol of the secretive boat-building industry that is thriving like never before — thanks largely to the COVID-19 pandemic making many of the world’s wealthiest even richer , Bloomberg’s analysis showed.

“The market’s been roaring,” Sam Tucker, head of superyacht research at London-based VesselsValue, told the outlet.

Recent transactions have been “record-breaking” — and “the second-hand market is absolutely red hot.”

“It’s impossible to get a slot in a new-build yard,” Tucker said. “They’re totally booked.”

Yacht builders initially feared a slowdown when the pandemic started — but were instead overwhelmed by orders as the world’s richest people added $1.8 trillion to their collective fortune, Bloomberg reported.

Life at sea is attractive for many now that glitzy social events are canceled on land and celebrities and influencers often get ripped for overindulgences in the public eye.

While Bezos ordered Y721 before the pandemic started, he is one of those who has profited most from people around the world turning to Amazon to shop during the pandemic.

Still, he may want to stay humble about his amazing new purchase, Bloomberg said, noting how fellow billionaire David Geffen was ripped for flaunting his pandemic life on his own superyacht, Rising Sun.

Oceanco, the Dutch yachtmaker responsible for Y721, declined to comment, Bloomberg said.

Advertisement

672 Wine Club

• Motorcycles
• Car of the Month
• Destinations
• Men’s Fashion
• Watch Collector
• Art & Collectibles
• Vacation Homes
• Celebrity Homes
• New Construction
• Home Design
• Electronics
• Fine Dining
• Benchmark Wines
• Brian Fox Art
• Disneyland Resort
• Ka La’I Wakiki Beach
• Kalamazoo Grill
• Raffles Hotels & Resorts
• Sports & Leisure
• Health & Wellness
• Best of the Best
• The Ultimate Gift Guide

Watch: Jeff Bezos’s Polarizing 417-Foot Megayacht Just Made a Stealth Escape Into a Dutch Port

No bridges were harmed during the making of this video., rachel cormack.

Digital Editor

Rachel Cormack's Most Recent Stories

• A Private Collection of Nearly 200 Luxury Handbags Is Heading to Auction This Fall
• JetBlue Is Opening Its First Premium Airport Lounges for Top-Tier Fliers
• Yayoi Kusama’s Louis Vuitton Pumpkin Bag Just Sold for a Record $151,200 at Auction
• Share This Article

After causing quite the controversy, Jeff Bezos ’s multimillion-dollar megaycht just made a very quiet escape.

Related Stories

• Amalgam Debuts Ultra-Detailed Models of the Ferrari 12Cilindri Supercar

The Deep-Sea Submersibles Market Is Thriving Again One Year After the ‘Titan’ Disaster

Koninginnebrug Bridge in the Netherlands will, thankfully, remain in tact.  Wikimedia Commons

Suffice it to say, Rotterdam locals were none too pleased about the idea. Thousands of residents even went so far as committing to egg the billionaire’s schooner in protest. Following the public outcry, Oceanco withdrew its request to dismantle the bridge. Lo and behold, Y271 has still managed to escape.

Local yachting enthusiast Hanco Bol witnessed the yacht’s stealthy departure at 3 am on August 2 and subsequently posted a video of the three-hour journey on YouTube. Bol speculated that Oceanco opted for an alternate route (we’re guessing one with fewer bridges) to keep the launch and transport under wraps. The yacht reportedly hit an average speed of 8 knots and arrived at the Port of Rotterdam at 6 am. By Bol’s account, it was a quiet and quick getaway.

“We never saw a transport going that fast,” the YouTube post reads.

Oceanco has been tightlipped about the gigayacht and did not immediately respond to Robb Report ‘s request for a comment. Upon completion, Y271 will not only be Holland’s largest superyacht to date, but it will also be the world’s biggest sailing yacht. It just might be the most controversial, too.

Rachel Cormack is a digital editor at Robb Report. She cut her teeth writing for HuffPost, Concrete Playground, and several other online publications in Australia, before moving to New York at the…

Read More On:

More marine.

This 246-Foot Electric Superyacht Concept Is Designed to Shine Like a Diamond

This New Superyacht Line Wants You to Feel Like You’re Cruising in a Sports Car

The Shipyard That Built the ‘Titanic’ Has Filed for Bankruptcy

Meet the Wine Club That Thinks Differently.

Receive editor-curated reds from boutique California producers four times a year.

Give the Gift of Luxury

Latest Galleries in Marine

Football Season Is Here: The 7 Best Stadiums for ‘Sailgating’ Around the U.S.

The 11 Most Exciting Superyacht Debuts at the Monaco Yacht Show

More from our brands, benny blanco, wiz khalifa and more attend boiler room x pizzaslime pop-up dance party at the supermrkt in l.a., with yanks opt-out looming, cole rounding into shape, kim kardashian visits menendez brothers along with ‘monsters’ actor cooper koch, ai weiwei sculpture purposefully broken during exhibition opening in italy, the best yoga mats for any practice, according to instructors.

Inside KORU: Amazon Founder Jeff Bezos' $500 Million Superyacht

Your changes have been saved

Email is sent

Email has already been sent

Please verify your email address.

You’ve reached your account maximum for followed topics.

Quick Links

A classic beauty in a sea of extravagance, green luxury in the open seas, abeona - the ultimate support vessel, koru's symbolism and bezos' evolution.

As the high season of yachting in the Mediterranean approaches, Jeff Bezos , the founder of Amazon, has captured the attention of the maritime world with his latest acquisition, the superyacht KORU. Photographed alongside his partner Lauren Sánchez off the coast of Spain, Bezos' sailing vessel has become the talk of the town. Let’s take a closer look inside Jeff Bezos' $500 million superyacht KORU and explore its design, sailing experience , accompanying dinghy, a recent kerfuffle, and the meaning behind its name.

In a time when yacht designs tend to be extravagant and outlandish, KORU presents a refreshing departure. As the world's largest sailing yacht at 417 feet, KORU stands out as a schooner with its two or more masts. The sleek, classic lines evoke the elegance of yachts from the early 20th century, reminiscent of J.P. Morgan Jr.'s Corsair IV. Robert B. MacKay, author of "The Golden Age of Newport Yachting: Between the Wars," points out the contrast between KORU and the over-the-top designs favored by the super-rich, describing them as "bloated Clorox bottles."

While the exterior design of KORU exudes classic beauty, the interior of this superyacht is a testament to opulence and sophistication. Every detail has been meticulously crafted to provide the utmost comfort and luxury for its passengers. Sumptuous materials, including fine wood finishes, marble accents, and plush furnishings, create an atmosphere of elegance and refinement. The interior spaces of KORU are vast, offering generous living areas, dining rooms, and lounges for entertainment and relaxation. State-of-the-art technology seamlessly integrates with traditional design elements, providing a harmonious blend of old-world charm and modern convenience.

RELATED: The $4.8 Billion Vessel: Here's What Makes History Supreme The Most Expensive Yacht In The World

Unlike many megayachts that rely on diesel power, KORU primarily harnesses the wind, making it a greener option. Don Anderson, a former captain of the world's largest single-masted sailboat, highlights the ecological aspect of sailboats and the unique experience they offer. Sailing allows passengers to be more connected to the elements and enjoy the journey itself rather than just the destination.

With KORU , Bezos can embrace the wind and waves while cruising the world's most picturesque waters. KORU boasts an impressive array of amenities and features that elevate the yachting experience to unparalleled heights. Among its luxurious offerings is an on-deck pool, providing a refreshing oasis for guests to enjoy under the sun. The pool area is complemented by spacious lounging and sunbathing areas, allowing passengers to bask in the splendor of the surroundings.

Inside, KORU features a lavish spa and wellness center, complete with a fully equipped gym, sauna, and massage rooms. Pampering oneself with rejuvenating treatments while cruising the open seas becomes an everyday luxury on board this magnificent yacht. To cater to the culinary desires of its guests, KORU boasts a world-class gourmet kitchen manned by a team of highly skilled chefs. The dining experience is elevated with formal dining rooms and al fresco dining options, where delectable cuisine is served with panoramic views of the ocean.

Every superyacht needs a support vessel to carry additional amenities and toys. KORU is no exception, and it is trailed by Abeona, a 246-foot motor yacht. These "shadows" are equipped to accommodate various recreational vehicles, such as ATVs, supercars, seaplanes, motorcycles, smaller boats, scuba gear, personal submarines, and even helicopters. Abeona ensures that Bezos and his guests have everything they need for a luxurious and adventurous experience at sea.

With enough range to follow KORU from the Mediterranean to the Caribbean on a single tank of gas, Abeona proves to be the perfect companion. Notably, KORU is not Jeff Bezos' first foray into the world of luxury yachting. According to reports, Bezos has previously enjoyed sailing on Eos, a 305-foot sailing yacht owned by Barry Diller and Diane von Furstenberg. His experiences on these remarkable vessels have undoubtedly fueled his passion for yachting and shaped his vision for KORU.

Bezos' love for the ocean and exploration aligns with the allure of yachting. The freedom and privacy that yachts provide allow him to escape the demands of his high-profile business ventures and enjoy moments of tranquility with his loved ones. With KORU, Bezos can embark on unforgettable adventures, discover new horizons, and experience the ultimate luxury at sea.

RELATED: The Richest Yacht Companies, Ranked By Valuation

As the world's largest sailing yacht, KORU has significantly impacted the yachting industry. Its design and size challenge the conventional notion of megayachts, which typically rely on motor power. KORU's emphasis on sailing not only offers a greener alternative but also sets a new standard for luxury sailing experiences . The name "Koru" holds special significance. In Maori, it means "coil" or "loop" and represents the unfurling of a fern frond.

The koru design is a prominent feature in traditional Maori art, symbolizing new life, growth, and peace. Bezos shared a photo of a koru frond on his Instagram on January 1, 2022, hinting at the yacht's name and its symbolic ties. Brad Stone, the author of "Amazon Unbound: Jeff Bezos and the Invention of a Global Empire," suggests that the name reflects Bezos' personal evolution as he ventures beyond the tech world into media, Hollywood, and his new relationship with Lauren Sánchez.

Jeff Bezos' superyacht KORU showcases a departure from the norm in yacht design with its classic elegance and sailing capabilities. Offering a greener experience on the open seas, KORU allows its passengers to appreciate the journey as much as the destination. Supported by the impressive motor yacht Abeona, Bezos and his guests can enjoy a range of recreational amenities and toys. As it cruises the world's most exclusive waters, KORU serves as a testament to the allure and grandeur of the superyacht lifestyle.

READ NEXT: The Most Expensive Cowboy Boots In The World, Ranked

Sources: SCMP , The New York Times , Yacht Charter Fleet

• UK Politics
• News Videos
• Paris 2024 Olympics
• Rugby Union
• Sport Videos
• John Rentoul
• Mary Dejevsky
• Andrew Grice
• Sean O’Grady
• Photography
• Theatre & Dance
• Culture Videos
• Fitness & Wellbeing
• Food & Drink
• Health & Families
• Royal Family
• Electric Vehicles
• Car Insurance Deals
• Lifestyle Videos
• Hotel Reviews
• News & Advice
• Simon Calder
• Australia & New Zealand
• South America
• C. America & Caribbean
• Middle East
• Politics Explained
• News Analysis
• Today’s Edition
• Home & Garden
• Broadband deals
• Fashion & Beauty
• Travel & Outdoors
• Sports & Fitness
• Climate 100
• Sustainable Living
• Climate Videos
• Solar Panels
• Behind The Headlines
• On The Ground
• Decomplicated
• You Ask The Questions
• Binge Watch
• Travel Smart
• Watch on your TV
• Crosswords & Puzzles
• Most Commented
• Newsletters
• Ask Me Anything
• Virtual Events
• Wine Offers
• Betting Sites

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged in Please refresh your browser to be logged in

$500m price tag and bronze statue similar to his girlfriend: What we know about Jeff Bezos’s wild superyacht

‘koru’ superyacht comes complete with figurehead that looks similar to amazon founder’s girlfriend. meredith clark writes.

Article bookmarked

Find your bookmarks in your Independent Premium section, under my profile

Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more

Jeff Bezos and his girlfriend Lauren Sanchez have been spotted relaxing on the Amazon founder’s new superyacht, which is reportedly worth almost $500m.

The 59-year-old billionaire was photographed aboard the 417-foot-long vessel as it set sail along the coast of Spain on Monday, 15 May.

The couple’s maiden voyage comes nearly five years after the vessel was first commissioned in 2018 for half a billion dollars. The yacht – named the Koru after the Maori word for “new beginnings” – comes complete with three decks and a pool.

In photos obtained by the Daily Mail , Bezos was seen shirtless on the megayacht’s sundeck, while Sanchez was dressed in a pink bikini and white cover-up as the pair enjoyed the sunshine.

Bezos reportedly arrived to his yacht via helicopter, making use of the vessel’s helipad, after being flown to Mallorca on a private jet.

The 250-foot tall boat even came equipped with a figurehead that bore a striking resemblance to Bezo’s 53-year-old girlfriend. The polished wooden sculpture, which sits at the prow of the yacht, depicts a woman carved in the style of a Roman goddess, complete with long hair and a flowing gown.

Koru, previously known as Y721, is the tallest sailing yacht in the world with three masts measuring more than 230 feet, according to Boat International . It reportedly cost Bezos $485m.

The boat’s exterior has a classic design of a black hull with a white superstructure. Although the brand-new vessel doesn’t come with a helipad, the Amazon founder reportedly purchased a support yacht, worth $75m specifically to land his helicopter.

The Koru was constructed by Dutch yacht maker Oceano near Rotterdam in the Netherlands. It caused quite a scandal in February 2022 when the vessel nearly required the historic Koningshaven Bridge to be dismantled because its masts were too tall to pass under the bridge.

Indeed, the vessel is officially the tallest yacht in the world, standing at more than 230ft (70m), and is the length of four blue whales at 416ft (127m) - one of just four yachst in the world to boast a length of greater than 100m.

When Oceanco requested the city of Rotterdam dismantle the 100-year-old bridge – known to locals as “De Hef” – outraged citizens planned to throw rotten eggs at the superyacht. The yacht maker rescinded its request and ultimately hauled the 417-foot vessel to a separate shipyard to install the masts.

The clever design of the three masts, which see the yacht powered by kinetic energy, mean Bezos does not need an entire crew to staff the vessel - instead the Koru can be manned by one person (although no doubt the billionaire will have staff on hand for more of his voyages).

Guests visiting Bezos aboard his new superyacht are able to arrive via helicopter thanks to the vessel’s helipad, while other transport on board includes a fleet of cars, jetskis and smaller speedboats.

The yacht reportedly costs $25m a year to maintain, according to Page Six , but Bezos has more than enough money to cover the maintenance – his net worth is an estimated $141bn.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Recommended

Lauren sánchez shows off massive engagement ring on jeff bezos’ $500m yacht.

A massive rock to match their massive yacht.

Lauren Sánchez showed off her stunning engagement ring from Jeff Bezos while lounging on the Amazon Founder’s $500 million yacht over the weekend.

Bezos, 59, kept it casual in a black shirt and blue jeans while Sánchez showed off her enviable abs in a cropped white tank top and a low-rise, beige skirt.

However, the main focus of her casual ensemble was the diamond sparkler on that finger.

Assuming Jeff Bezos would shell out for a top-quality stone, Ajay Anand from Rare Carat tells Page Six Style the “absolute monster” ring appears to clock in at 20 carats and cost roughly $2.5 million.

“To say that Lauren’s ring is impressive would be a huge understatement, Steven Stone Creative Director, Maxwell Stone, tells Page Six Style, placing the price even higher at $3.5 million.

Mike Fried, CEO of The Diamond Pro , tells us, “To find a natural diamond in that carat weight is exceptionally rare, and there’s no doubt Jeff Bezos would handpick an extravagant diamond. It’s likely that months of planning went into the design of the ring and the selection of the stone.”

The stone seems to be a slight upgrade from the 7-to 10-carat yellow, heart-shaped diamond Bezos gifted Sánchez back in 2019.

Over the weekend, the newly engaged couple was all smiles while on board the lavish boat, where they have been staying while in the South of France for the Cannes Film Festival.

The pair made an appearance at the film festival on Saturday for the premiere of “Killers of the Flower Moon” — yet it appears Sánchez decided to ditch her new bling for the big event.

Despite keeping their engagement on the down low, the pair have been hitting the star-studded party circuit to celebrate.

On Monday, Page Six exclusively revealed that Bezos popped the question after five years of dating.

While it’s unclear exactly when the billionaire got down on one knee, the couple has been spending a lot of time at sea ever since Bezos’ boat was completed in March .

The CEO named the ship, which features a sculpture made in the likeness of his now-fiancée , “Koru” — which symbolizes new beginnings.

The sculpture is on the nose of the superyacht, showing a woman wearing a necklace featuring the symbol for Koru, which is Māori for loop or coil.

Despite already shelling out half a billion dollars, “Koru” will also cost Bezos about $25 million a year just to run.

For more Page Six Style ..

• See the best celebrity looks of the week in our new series, “Instantly Iconic Style”
• Browse the best fashion and beauty products, according to celebs
• Shop our exclusive merch

Prior to his relationship with Sánchez, Bezos  was married  to MacKenzie Scott, whom he divorced in April 2019 after 25 years of marriage. 

The former couple  shares four children .

Similarly, Sánchez settled her divorce from Patrick Whitesell in October 2019. They were married for 13 years.

Advertisement

Dailymotion

Larry Ellison Surpasses Jeff Bezos as World's Second-Richest Person as Oracle Shares Surge on AI...

Posted: September 17, 2024 | Last updated: September 17, 2024

Oracle shares rose more than 5% on Monday, making Chairman Larry Ellison the world’s second-richest person, surpassing Amazon founder Jeff Bezos. Since Friday’s close. Ellison’s net worth jumped more than $8 billion to over $200 billion since Friday's close, compared to Bezos' more than $200 billion net worth. Tesla CEO Elon Musk remains the richest, with over $250 billion. The stock is up 20% for the month, driven by Oracle’s role in the AI boom and strategic cloud partnerships.

More for You

Researchers Study Life After Death — And It Gets Weirder

9 Unnecessary Bills You Should Stop Paying in 2024

I attended two Trump rallies at the same North Carolina site, two years apart. Now, he is more desperate and diminished

‘Brothers' Trailer: Josh Brolin and Peter Dinklage Are Dysfunctional Twins Caught Up in a Crime Spree

Egyptian pyramids were built using an incredibly clever machine, new research suggests

Fact Check: About That Claim Minnesota Refuses To Return a Captured Confederate Battle Flag to Virginia

Temple kicker hits longest college football field goal in 16 years

The_400000_helmet_for_the_F-35_Lightning

Get to Know the Coachwhip Snake: One of Nature’s Fastest Reptiles

I Have $1.7M Invested With My Advisor and I Pay a 1% Fee. Am I Paying Too Much?

Demi Moore on her graphic new film: ‘It’s not a glamour role’

'Everything we found shattered our expectations': Archaeologists discover 1st astronomical observatory from ancient Egypt

Edmunds: The four biggest mistakes people make when buying a new car

A superyacht captain shares 3 things people who want to charter a luxury vessel should know

Prune These 10 Plants Before Summer Ends (Your Future Self Will Thank You)

Kamala Harris Issues Challenge to Donald Trump After Accepting CNN Debate

Democrats and Republicans finally agree on something: America faces a retirement crisis

Not just F-16s and Mirage-2000s, talks underway on two more aircraft types - Ukrainian Defense Minister

6 Dollar Tree Items Retirees Should Stock Up On Before Winter Hits

If You See Black Residue on Your Cast-Iron Skillet, This Is What It Means

The 10 Richest TV Families, Ranked

Your changes have been saved

Email is sent

Email has already been sent

Please verify your email address.

You’ve reached your account maximum for followed topics.

TV families can be many things: Comforting, unbreakable, toxic. But there's an added layer of fun when they're rich . Watching characters throw cash around like it's Monopoly money can provide satisfying wish fulfillment, especially when the excessive wealth adds to the families' dysfunction.

As TV has grown and evolved as a medium, series have continued to raise the bar when it comes to just how overflowing one family's bank account can be. The very richest among them form a highly exclusive circle ; no one is gaining membership to this club with much less than a 10-figure net worth. The trust funds, portfolios, and corporate holdings have been tallied. Here are the 10 richest families in television history, ranked from "can buy a small country" to "more money than God."

10 The Clampett Clan

'the beverly hillbillies'.

The first major television hit to showcase wealth doesn't just feature a rich family; it features a family that strikes it rich by striking oil. When The Beverly Hillbillies follows the Clampett family's ascension from the Ozark Mountains to America's most famous zip code, the show provides the ultimate wish fulfillment for its audience. Fear not, Middle America! The key to a life of luxury could be buried underneath your front lawn.

By the end of the series run, the Clampetts have grown their fortune to $100 million, which would be worth $800 million today. Most would agree that this sum is enough to live comfortably, but the cost of being a wealthy TV family has inflated even faster than the price of crude oil. As the decades pass, TV continues to up the ante over the original rags-to-riches fantasy.

The Beverly Hillbillies (1962)

Not available

9 The Bass Family

'gossip girl'.

In the world of Gossip Girl , where teenage heirs and heiresses jockey for supremacy of their Upper East Side high schools, Chuck Bass ( Ed Westwick ) steals everyone's lunch money . Serena Van Der Woodsen ( Blake Lively ), heiress to a shipping fortune, and Blair Waldorf ( Leighton Meester ), daughter of a luxury fashion house owner, seem middle class by comparison. Even Nate Archibald's ( Chase Crawford ) ties to the Vanderbilt dynasty can't compete with Chuck's family wealth.

When Chuck's father, Bart Bass ( Robert John Burke ), dies, Chuck becomes the majority owner of his real estate empire, Bass Industries. Between the company, valued at over $1 billion, and his father's other assets, Chuck ascends to billionaire status before he graduates from high school . The influx of wealth fuels Chuck's self-destructive behavior, and he would probably burn down his own hotel if he learned he just barely joined the upper echelon of TV family wealth.

Gossip Girl

8 the crawleys, 'downton abbey'.

The old money of the British Aristocracy combines with the new money of good, old-fashioned, American consumerism to form the wealth of the Crawley family in Downton Abbey . As the Earl of Grantham and heir to the Downton Abbey estate, Robert Crawley (Hugh Bonneville) defines generational wealth. The Crawleys live in a literal 200-room castle that Robert's family first acquired in 1772 and are waited on by a staff of at least 20.

When Robert married American Cora Levinson ( Elizabeth McGovern ), heiress to a dry goods fortune, the family net worth increased to an estimated $1.1 billion, adjusted for inflation. The future of the family's wealth is called into question, however, when Robert loses the bulk of Cora's inheritance on a bad investment. But by the end of the series, the ownership of Downtown Abbey is retained by the Crawleys, with Mary Crawley's ( Michelle Dockery ) son George as the designated heir.

Downton Abbey

7 the ewing family, 'dallas'.

Premiering in 1978, Dallas could be considered the Godfather of all fat cat family dramas . The series centers on the Ewing family, whose oil company and cattle ranch are estimated to be worth $2.8 billion. Led by eldest son J.R. Ewing ( Larry Hagman ), the Ewings' scope of influence extends beyond Texas into the global oil market.

Though much of the Ewings' feuding is reserved for the Barnes family, their oil industry rivals, some of their worst vitriol is reserved for their own. As their dirty dealings turn the Ewings against each other, they become one of the first families on TV to demonstrate how wealth can tear apart even the most powerful bonds.

WATCH ON FREEVEE

6 The Graysons

'revenge'.

Within the exclusive kingdom of the Hamptons where Revenge takes place, Victoria Grayson ( Madeleine Stowe ) is queen . With the family's hedge fund, Grayson Global, valued at $4.7 billion, Victoria commands respect and deference from even her most elite neighbors. That is, until Emily Thorne ( Emily VanCamp ) returns to the Hamptons to avenge her father, whom the Graysons had framed for their crimes.

Vengeance is expensive, and Emily's mission to destroy the Graysons turns a game of billionaire cat-and-mouse into an arms race. Bankrolled by affluent family friend Nolan Ross, Emily proves to be a formidable foil to the typically untouchable Graysons, even embedding herself within the family by marrying Victoria's son, Daniel Grayson ( Josh Bowman ). By the end of the series, nearly all the Graysons are dead, proving that money may buy revenge, but not immortality.

5 The Lyons

'empire'.

Centered on a family jockeying for control of patriarch Lucious Lyon's ( Terrence Howard ) wildly successful company, Empire was Succession before Logan Roy ever muttered his first, "F--- off." After receiving an ALS diagnosis, Lucious pits his three sons against each other to succeed him as CEO of his record label. His wife, Cookie Lyon ( Taraji P. Henson), then complicates matters when she also vies for the crown after her release from prison.

Though Lucious and Cookie come from humble beginnings, Lucious parlayed a successful rap career into Empire Entertainment, establishing himself as a bona fide music mogul. Howard himself stated that his character's net worth reached $5 billion. The Lyon children were raised in a life of luxury that Lucious never had, but he creates a dynamic where family is competition. Empire declares that, when it comes to winning the "Lyon's share" of generational wealth, even the children of the 1% are at the mercy of their parents' approval.

WATCH ON HULU

4 The Queens

'arrow'.

When it comes to being a vigilante, it helps to have rock hard abs, a city riddled with crime, and a family that's absolutely loaded. Such are the circumstances for Oliver Queen ( Stephen Amell ) in Arrow . Though his family's wealth almost became his undoing when their yacht sank and stranded him on an island for five years, Oliver returns to Star City with a mission to help run global corporation Queen Consolidated by day and fight crime as a hooded archer by night.

Trick arrows and torpedoes don't come cheap, and Oliver's undercover operation benefits from the backing of a biotechnology company and an estimated $7 billion family fortune. However, not every member of the Queen family shares Oliver's good intentions. His own mother, Moira Queen ( Susanna Thompson), embezzles money from her own company to fund the Undertaking , a manufactured disaster in Star City that leaves over 500 dead. In the Queen family, sharing wealth doesn't translate to sharing morals.

3 House Lannister

'game of thrones'.

While there is no formal conversion rate from Gold Dragon coins to U.S. dollars, the wealthiest family in Game of Thrones would assuredly give Jeff Bezos and Elon Musk a run for their money if they resided here on planet Earth. With their homeland, Casterly Rock, sitting on a literal goldmine, the Lannisters easily amassed a sum of wealth that couldn't be touched by anyone in the Seven Kingdoms.

Though Cersei Lannister ( Lena Heady ) declares that, "Power is power," the Lannisters owe their position of considerable influence to their wealth. Their loans to other houses keep competing families in their pockets, even House Baratheon after Robert ( Mark Addy ) captures the Iron Throne. Robert marries Cersei largely to secure the family's loyalty, a move that results in the Lannisters ultimately gaining sole control of the crown. Their house words may be "A Lannister always pays his debts," but their continued chokehold over Westeros depends on their enemies' inability to follow suit.

Game Of Thrones

WATCH ON MAX

'Succession'

No series details the inner workings of the world of the 1% quite like Succession , and there's possibly no TV family more dysfunctional than the Roys. Not-so-loosely based on FOX founder Rupert Murdoch , Logan Roy ( Brian Cox ) has leveraged his media conglomerate, Waystar Royco, to become one of the most powerful men in the world. With his health ailing, he's forced to consider which of his three children should take over his company and $18 billion fortune after his passing. (Yes, he has four children, but does Connor ( Alan Ruck ) ever really count?)

For the Roy kids, Logan's ruthless emotional abuse ensures that their generational wealth doesn't come without generational trauma. Their quest to inherit the CEO title is ultimately a quest for the position of favorite child. In the end, none of the children receives Logan's approval or control of his company, proving no amount of money can purchase a father's love.

1 The Carringtons

'dynasty'.

Though Dynasty initially aired in the 1980s, the original Carringtons' $500 million net worth pales in comparison to their counterparts in the CW's reboot. From their energy conglomerate Carrington Atlantic alone, the Carringtons boast a fortune of at least $25 billion, setting the standard for just how obscene a TV family's net worth can be. The series predominantly follows heiress and businesswoman Fallon Carrington ( Elizabeth Gillies ) and retains the original's trademark business deals, family drama, and jaw-dropping fashion on a much greater scale.

Dynasty offers essential advice to aspiring billionaires: The wealthiest families require the most selective inner circles. The members of the Carrington family differ wildly in their assessments of who should be included. While her father, Blake Carrington's ( Grant Show ), engagement to one of his employees brings an outsider into the fold, Fallon goes as far as to work with the Carringtons' nemeses, the Colby family, in order to expand her own wealth and power. For the Carringtons, even being crowned the richest family in TV history isn't an excuse to get complacent.

Keep Reading: The 18 Best Shows About the 1%, Ranked According to Rotten Tomatoes