why is jeff bezos yacht so expensive

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Jeff Bezos built a $75,000,000 boat to travel with his $500,000,000 super yacht for one specific reason

The multi-billionaire has put his custom-made boat to good use.

When you're one of the richest people in the world, you can do pretty much anything you want.

Within reason - usually.

Amazon founder Jeff Bezos , who has a net worth of $230 billion , has made some extravagant purchases over the years - and understandably so.

He has a fleet of private jets as well as a car collection worth an estimated $20 million, including high-end vehicles like a Ferrari Pininfarina Sergio, W Motors' Lykan HyperSport and Bugatti Veyron Mansory.

But it appears as though it's Bezos' luxury $500,000,000 super yacht that's his pride and joy.

Named Koru, Bezos first commissioned the bespoke boat in 2018, with Netherlands-based yacht-builder Oceanco beginning the build in 2021.

The 127 meter-long (417 foot) vessel was finally put into action by Bezos in April 2023.

And it's got some sentimental meaning too; it was the very place he proposed to now-fiancee Lauren Sanchez last May.

Sanchez, who had been dating Bezos since 2019, admitted to Vogue she 'blacked out a bit' when Bezos opened the ring box.

But the pair have kept tight-lipped about their wedding details, as Sanchez previously told Extra: “We’re still thinking about it. Is it going to be big? Overseas? We don’t know yet."

Bezos went on to have another boat built to accompany Koru for one specific reason.

This time he ordered from Dutch boat makers Damen Yachting.

Named Abeona, after the Roman goddess of travelers, the 76 meter (250 foot) support vessel is still bigger than your average yacht.

It has space for some water toys on deck and can accommodate up to 45 crew and support staff.

But Abeona's crowning jewel is its rear-deck helipad and hangar, which is large enough to fit an Airbus ACH135 helicopter.

Because why wouldn't you want a spot to park your $5.7m helicopter while you unwind on a Mediterranean getaway?

Bezos forked out another $75 million on the support boat, as you do, meaning he's spent almost $600 million on both his yachts.

That's not even taking into account their maintenance and docking fees, which are also pretty hefty.

It would cost around $40 million a year to maintain and dock Koru, while you're looking at around $10 million a year for Abeona.

This means Bezos spends around $50 million a year purely on running his boats.

But when you're the second-richest man in the world, as per the Forbes billionaire index, then that figure is nothing more than a drop in the ocean...

Topics:  Amazon , Jeff Bezos , Money

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An Inside Look at Jeff Bezos’ $500 Million Superyacht and What It Costs To Keep It Afloat

Cliché but true, the second-richest man on the planet, according to Forbes , owns the tallest sailing yacht in the world . In fact, the 417-foot Koru is so big, it has its own 250-foot support vessel .

Priced at $500 million, the Koru hit the sea for the first time in 2023 and has since ferried Jeff Bezos and company around the globe. Complete with three massive 229-foot masts, it can reach a top speed under sail of 20 knots, according to the New York Post — which is approximately 23 miles per hour.

Made for a group, up to 18 guests can set sail on the yacht, allowing Bezos to bring family and friends on vacation with him. Here’s a look at the Koru’s extravagant features and how much it costs to operate his floating mansion.

Also take a look at Bezos’ mansion collection.

See More: Robert Kiyosaki: 7 Ways To Become Wealthy Beyond the 9-to-5

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Wealthy people know the best money secrets. Learn how to copy them .

Key Features

As expected Bezos’ yacht is dripping with luxury. With a net worth of $203.8 billion — as of May 4, 2024, according to Forbes — he can afford to outfit the Koru with nothing but the best and he did just that.

The superyacht has three outdoor decks, with two containing swimming pools, according to the New York Post. It also features a cinema, several lounges and multiple business areas, according to Luxuo .

Highly personalized, the yacht is complete with a figurehead modeled after Bezos’ fiancée Lauren Sanchez. Even its masts are luxurious, as the Amazon founder chose in-boom furlers, which keep the canvases at the bottom of the mast above the deck, creating a pristine and spacious rope-free deck.

For You: Make Yourself Money Smart: 20 ChatGPT Prompts To Increase Your Wealth

Support Vessel

One of the most shocking features of the Koru is the fact that it requires its own support vessel. The $75 million Abeona features a helipad that Sanchez has been spotted using to park her personal helicopter, according to the New York Post.

Designed to carry extra gear, four jet skis, two fast launches and a dinghy were spotted on the Abeona during a 2023 trip to Mallorca, Spain, according to the New York Post. It’s also capable of lifting a small submarine, but Bezos isn’t believed to own one — at least not yet.

Additionally, the support ship has two extra staterooms, which can accommodate four guests. This could come in handy if Bezos wants to entertain a larger group than can fit on the Koru.

On-Board Crew

It probably isn’t a surprise that operating both the Koru and the Abeona is no small task. From staff to drive the boats and maintain them to caring for guests onboard, Bezos needs a small army at sea.

The Koru has a crew of up to 36 people, according to The New York Post. If you think that’s a lot, the Abeona requires up to 45 crew and support staff.

Annual Operating Costs

Purchasing the Koru and Abeona cost Bezos more than half a billion dollars, but his expenses didn’t end there. As you might imagine, the annual cost to maintain a superyacht and its own enormous supporting yacht is more than most people earn in a lifetime.

The Koru costs approximately $25 million in operating expenses per year, according to the Daily Mail . Much less, but still sky-high, Bezos spends around $5 to $10 million on annual maintenance costs for the Abeona, according to Super Yacht Fan ).

When their owners are on dry land, yachts have to find a parking space. However, even this doesn’t always come cheap for Bezos and the Koru.

In November 2023, the billionaire’s yacht arrived in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, but was too big to fit in the port with all the outer superyachts, according to the Daily Mail. Therefore, it had to be docked with cruise ships at Port Everglades, at a rate of $16,500 per week.

While one week of storage might be more than the average person can afford, picking up the tab for any number of weeks would clearly be no issue for Bezos. While his superyacht and the many expenses surrounding it are clearly astronomical, he’s still living well within his budget.

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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com : An Inside Look at Jeff Bezos’ $500 Million Superyacht and What It Costs To Keep It Afloat

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Staggering amount of money Jeff Bezos spends per year just to keep his yachts running

The amazon founder certainly has enough money to burn.

Harry Boulton

It's sometimes good to have some perspective on how rich the wealthiest people in the world really are, as the amount that Jeff Bezos spends simply to maintain his multiple mega yachts is just staggering.

To say that Amazon founder Jeff Bezos is a wealthy man feels like a significant understatement at this point, as he's currently the second richest person in the entire world with a net worth of $238 billion , pipped only by Elon Musk at the top.

While he's been criticized for being a bad neighbor and contributing to global warming with his jet-setting actions, that hasn't stopped him continuing to splurge on the luxuries of life - including a number of superyachts.

In his fleet at the moment is 'Koru' - a 127-meter-long vessel worth around $500,000,000 - and 'Abeona', a slightly shorter but still absolutely massive 76-meter 'support' yacht that is a mere $75,000,000.

While they remain the ultimate wealth status symbol due to their extravagant design and supreme size, yachts have proven to be quite the money sink, and that is especially the case when you've got a pair as big as Bezos.

Individually the maintenance for the two yachts comes in at around $40 million for Koru, and then an additional $10 million for Abeona - so that's just a small $50 million to fork up every year simply to dock the boats and keep them in top shape.

That means that within just eight years of owning both yachts Bezos will have sunk over $1 billion, but while that figure remains unthinkable to the rest of us, it's but a drop in the water of his wider fortune.

It's certainly been worth the price of entry for the Amazon founder though, as it was upon the lavish deck of Koru that he proposed to his now-fiancé Lauren Sánchez in May 2023.

She revealed to Vogue : "When Jeff opened the box, I think I blacked out a bit," but there are perhaps few better places to faint than on board the largest yacht in the entire world.

Good news for the pair is that if there ever was an emergency and they needed to get back to land as quickly as possible, they could just hop into the Airbus ACH135 helicopter that's stationed on the Abeona's on-built helipad.

Even if they got a bit tired of the Koru's luxury attractions then the smaller Abeona still has enough room for relaxation, fun, and up to 45 crew members and support staff.

While his ex-wife MacKenzie Scott is utilizing her Amazon fortune to give billions to countless charities , one can only wonder what the spending limit is for Bezos.

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Here are 9 mind-blowing facts about Jeff Bezos’ $500 million megayacht – 5 years under construction ‘Koru’ is the tallest and one of the most luxurious ships in the world. The centibillionaire will be paying around $137,000 every day just for the upkeep of the vessel.

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

From its 250-foot support tender to its voluptuous wooden figurehead, the amazon founder's $500 million superyacht is full of surprises., howard walker, howard walker's most recent stories.

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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.

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.

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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Billionaire Yachts: Who Has The Biggest, Most Expensive Ship?

• Jeff Bezos is building a 417-foot-long sailing yacht code-named Y721 in Rotterdam, Netherlands, reports say
• The $500 million megayacht will be bigger than those of Google co-founder Sergey Brin and Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison
• A bridge would have to be dismantled to get Bezos' megayacht out of the Rotterdam harbor where it is being built

Amazon founder Jeff Bezos is building a megayacht that is set to be the biggest sailing yacht in the world when it launches this summer.

Bezos' megayacht first made headlines last year when Brad Stone revealed in his book, " Amazon Unbound," that the billionaire commissioned a 127-meter (417 feet) custom yacht from the Dutch shipbuilder Oceanco.

Bezos' $500 million megayacht, Y721, is still being built in Rotterdam, Netherlands, but it will be the largest sailing yacht in the world when it's finished, beating the ships of fellow billionaires such as Google co-founder Sergey Brin, Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison and media mogul and new People magazine owner Barry Diller in terms of size, the New York Post reported.

Brin's $81 million yacht, the Dragonfly, is 240 feet long and features an open-air cinema, jacuzzi and sundeck that converts to a dance floor.

Ellison's $160 million sailing yacht, called Musashi, is slightly bigger, spanning 288 feet. It is equipped with a spa, swimming pool, outdoor gym and movie theater and costs at least $10 million a year to run, according to the outlet.

IAC chairman Diller's sailing yacht, the Eos, is even bigger. The 305-foot-long ship cost $200 million to make and features a pool on the top deck and a figurehead of Diller's wife, fashion designer Diane von Fürstenberg, that was created by sculptor Anh Duong.

When Diller and his wife bought it in 2009, the boat was the largest private sailing yacht in the world.

Meanwhile, the sailing yacht of Bezos, who is currently the world's second-richest man behind Elon Musk, has space for 18 guests on board and will require a crew of 40. Inside, it is said to be modeled on Diller's yacht.

Bezos has reportedly commissioned a second, smaller "support yacht" that will include its own helipad. Bezos' girlfriend, Lauren Sanchez, is a helicopter pilot, and according to Stone's book, the Amazon founder has taken flying lessons as well.

The main yacht is unable to support its own helipad due to the three sailing masts on its deck.

The smaller yacht is also expected to be loaded with cars, luxury speedboats, and probably even a submarine, according to experts.

Bezos' larger yacht is so big that even without the masts, it reportedly stands at over 131 feet tall. Konigshaven Bridge, known as De Hef, would have to be dismantled in order to get Bezos' megayacht out of the Rotterdam harbor where it is being built, the BBC reported.

A spokesman for Rotterdam Mayor Ahmed Aboutaleb confirmed the plan to reporters in February. Bezos will foot the bill through Oceanco, the rep said.

"It's the only route to the sea," a mayoral spokesman added.

Some are not on board with the plan, with Rotterdam politician Stephan Leewis tweeting of Bezos: "This man has earned his money by structurally cutting staff, evading taxes, avoiding regulations and now we have to tear down our beautiful national monument? That is really going a bridge too far."

Oceanco declined to confirm that Bezos had commissioned the new boat, according to the New York Post.

© Copyright IBTimes 2024. All rights reserved.

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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.

My grandfather first took me fishing when I was too young to actually hold up a rod on my own. As an avid camper, hiker, and nature enthusiast I'm always looking for a new adventure.

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