• Pontoon Boats
  • Personal Watercraft
  • nauticalknowhow
  • Nautical Knots
  • Tools and Calculators

Bill Gates Yacht: Everything You Want To Know

Ian Fortey

In 2020 the yachting world was abuzz with news that Bill Gates had bought as stunning and advanced yacht known as Project Aqua. The massive, 370-foot concept yacht was revealed in 2019 at the Monaco Yacht Show and news soon followed that billionaire Bill Gates, once the richest man in the world and the founder of Microsoft, had commissioned the construction of his own hydrogen-powered Aqua. But that never actually happened and, in fact, as near as anyone can tell for real, Bill Gates doesn’t own a yacht at all. 

So where did the story come from? What’s the deal with the Aqua? And hasn’t Bill Gates been pictured on a yacht before? Let’s get some answers.

How Much Did the Aqua Yacht Cost at the Monaco Yacht Show?

bill gates yacht price

According to the stories online, Bill Gates paid $600 million for the hydrogen powered yacht. But that’s not true at all. According to the yacht makers, the Dutch company Sinot, the price tag is $645 million but no one bought it after it was revealed at the Monaco Yacht Show, and that includes Bill Gates. It’s expensive but definitely not the most expensive in the world.

How Fast is the Aqua Yacht?

bill gates yacht price

Aqua is a unique yacht in the yachting world which is why it garnered so much attention in the first place. It’s the first mega yacht that runs on a fully operational liquid hydrogen and fuel cell system that features two hydrogen engines that can produce 1,341 horsepower. The top speed is 17 knots and  the Aqua has a cruising speed of 12 knots. The total range is 3,750 nautical miles. The liquid hydrogen is stored in two 28-ton vacuum sealed tanks where it can be held at -253 degrees C. The only exhaust is water.

What Does the Interior of  the Aqua Yacht Look Like?

bill gates yacht price

The Aqua has 7 suites meant to house up to 14 guests at any given time. Two of those suites are larger VIP cabins. The ceilings throughout are 9 feet and stretch as high as 12.5 feet elsewhere thanks to the luxury Sinot yacht architecture. The vessel has room for a crew of 31 as well. The beach deck lounge aboard the boat alone looks like a luxury hotel space.

The Aqua features a bow observation room which is surrounded by windows to give a panoramic view of the ocean which has been described as the “ultimate superyacht owners lounge.” In addition, there’s a movie theater on the upper deck. It also includes a wellness center with a hydro massage room. You can also do some yoga in a workout space. There’s a fully equipped gym, a beauty salon, and even a hairdresser.

bill gates yacht price

Up on the main deck there’s a luxury swimming pool that even includes a waterfall. One of the yacht’s defining features is the spiral staircase that covers all five decks and is covered by a skylight. On the way up it also offers a view of the interior of the hydrogen fuel tanks so you can see just what 56 tons of ultra cold liquid hydrogen looks like as you move between decks. 

The tender garage has an array of toys such as jet skis while the main deck features a beach club with a dining area designed for all 14 guests and a lounge that converts into the cinema space.

What Yacht Has Bill Gates Actually Been On?

bill gates yacht price

Bill Gates does seem to like yachts, just not enough to spend his money owning one, and that’s fair. Yachts cost millions to maintain every year. No one got rich spending millions to maintain a boat.

That said, Bill Gates has not only vacationed on yachts – he spent his 66th birthday on one – he also got married on a yacht.

In 2021, Gates made the news when he celebrated his 66th on board a luxury yacht called the Lana alongside Jeff Bezos. He spent $2 million to charter the yacht for a week and flew 50 guests out to celebrate with him. 

The Lana is a 351 foot yacht with room for 12 guests and a cruising speed of 12 knots with a max speed of 18 knots. The master suite is 1,184 square feet. The room features his and hers walk-in dressing rooms and a private terrace.

Elsewhere on board you’ll find a piano in the lounge area as well as a full gym for working out. There’s both a sauna and a well-appointed spa as well. On deck you can head to the beach club or take a dip in the pool. 

There are three tenders in the garage alongside a bunch of toys including various jetskis, a seabob, wakeboards, WindSurfers, fishing equipment, scuba diving equipment and more. 

Back in 2014, Gates rented an even more expensive yacht, the $5 million per week Serene, to go on a vacation with his family. The Serene, once owned by  Russian vodka magnate Yuri Shelfer before being purchased by the crown prince of Saudi Arabia, clocked in at a massive 450 feet making it one of the world’s biggest and even had its own on board submarine

The Serene features 7 decks, a saltwater pool, a climbing wall, a surprisingly large library, health spa, outdoor cinema and a nightclub. This is all spread across 48,000 square feet.

It’s also been confirmed that Gates met his wife Melinda on a yacht owned by Paul Allen, the co-founder of Microsoft, all the way back in 1994. 

Why Do People Think Bill Gates Owns the Aqua?

bill gates yacht price

It’s easy to see why people may have thought Gates owned the Aqua when you consider a handful of factors. First, as mentioned, we have lots of evidence that Bill Gates really does enjoy luxury yachts. The extremely high price tag was something that only a few people in the world are going to be able to afford and Gates, who doesn’t own a yacht, seems like a likely candidate for those reasons. 

In addition, Gates has spent several years now as a climate activist and has supported a number of green technologies. A yacht that runs on hydrogen seems like something he would support as well. So, with no real evidence, the circumstantial evidence was enough to easily convince people. Once it’s presented as fact on the internet, and it was in many articles and videos, few people had reason to question it. 

The Bottom Line

The mega yacht known as the Aqua has a price tag of $645 million and it runs on clan burning hydrogen fuel. The only byproduct of its operation is water, making it a very environmentally friendly yacht. It made waves, so to speak, when it debuted at the Monaco Yacht Show in 2019. Rumors soon began to spread that billionaire and known climate activist Bill Gates had ordered one for $600 million. However, despite many videos and articles that refer to him as the owner, the truth is no one bought the Aqua at the yacht show and, as of 2023, Bill Gates does not own a yacht at all. He is know to charter extremely luxurious yachts for vacations and parties, such as the Lana and the Serene, but he does not own any just now.

' src=

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.

Categories : Yachts

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

More in Yachts

bill gates yacht price

Lonian Yacht: An Insider's Guide

bill gates yacht price

A Closer Look at the Madsummer Yacht

bill gates yacht price

Your Insider’s Look at Steve Jobs’ Yacht Venus

bill gates yacht price

Your Insider’s Guide to the Aviva Yacht

bill gates yacht price

The People’s Poncho Review and Ratings 

bill gates yacht price

Oru Lake Kayak Review

bill gates yacht price

What Is A Gunwale?

Best Snorkeling in Maui

131 of the Best Hawaiian Boat Names

bill gates yacht price

167 Patriotic Boat Names

About boatsafe.

Established in 1998, BoatSafe is your independent guide into the world of boating, fishing, and watersports. We provide expert insights and detailed guides to help you find products tailored to your needs and budget.

Contact Boatsafe

  • Address: 4021 West Walnut Street. Rogers, AR 72756
  • Phone:  (479)339-4795
  • Email: [email protected]

Site Navigation

  • How We Test
  • Corrections Policy
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Editorial Policy
  • Affiliate Disclosure

Our Reviews

Boat Safe BBB Business Review

All content is © Copyright 2024. All rights reserved.

Read the Latest on Page Six

latest in US News

Anti-Israel protesters swarm Biden's hotel over his Gaza policy, threaten to withhold votes

Anti-Israel protesters swarm Biden's hotel over his Gaza policy,...

Speaker Johnson plans to invite Netanyahu to address Congress after Schumer spat

Speaker Johnson plans to invite Netanyahu to address Congress...

NYPD cop once accused of spying for China fights to get his job back after firing

NYPD cop once accused of spying for China fights to get his job...

Family of girl charged in brutal Kaylee Gain beating claims she's the real victim, starts fundraiser

Family of girl charged with slamming Missouri teen's head to the...

Meet the new 'Edwin Castro' — winner of $1.76B Powerball jackpot remortgaged home before lucky win: report

Meet the new 'Edwin Castro' — winner of $1.76B Powerball...

Baby dies days after horrid San Francisco crash that killed parents and brother

Baby dies days after horrid San Francisco crash that killed...

Meet New York's youngest female pilot, who learned to fly a plane before she could drive a car

Meet New York's youngest female pilot, who learned to fly a plane...

Elizabeth Warren calls for SEC probe into whether Tesla violated regulations over board independence

Elizabeth Warren calls for SEC probe into whether Tesla violated...

Bill gates reportedly orders $644m hydrogen-powered superyacht with gym, helipad, infinity pool.

  • View Author Archive
  • Get author RSS feed

Thanks for contacting us. We've received your submission.

Bill Gates reportedly has his eye on the world’s first hydrogen-powered superyacht — a $644 million, environmentally friendly oasis on the sea with its own infinity pool, helipad, spa and gym.

The billionaire Microsoft co-founder was initially rumored to have already commissioned the 370-foot luxury Aqua yacht in a report Sunday in the UK paper The Telegraph.

However, the Dutch design firm Sinot insisted Monday that Aqua had yet to be sold to Gates, stressing it did not yet have a “business relationship” with the second-richest person in the world.

“We invite any visionary client to show their interest,” insisted the company — clearly aiming at eco-warrior billionaires just like him, with designer Sander Sinot saying the inspiration was “the lifestyle of a discerning, forward-looking owner.”

The vessel is powered by two 28-ton vacuum-sealed tanks cooled to minus-423 degrees Fahrenheit and filled with liquid hydrogen — with the only emission being water, according to the report. It will reach a top speed of 17 knots (19.5 mph) and be able to cross the Atlantic, the report says.

While far from the world’s largest yacht, plans show extreme luxury for the 14 guests and 31 crew members who can be accommodated.

It includes its own fully equipped gym, yoga studio, beauty room, massage parlor and a stunning outdoor infinity pool.

The Aqua superyacht

Along with luxurious bedrooms, there are numerous outdoor lounges, a giant spiral staircase and an amazing observation room at the front.

Gates’ main motivation in wanting to commission the yacht would be to signal his backing for new, clean technology to cut carbon emissions, the Telegraph said.

He regularly takes superyacht vacations — but usually rents yachts rather than owning his own.

Whoever buys it will not be able to enjoy it for a few more years, however, with the report saying Aqua will not be ready until 2024.

The Gates Foundation and Gates Ventures declined to comment to the Telegraph for its report.

“Aqua is a concept under development and has not been sold to Mr Gates,” Sinoit insisted.

Share this article:

bill gates yacht price

Find anything you save across the site in your account

The World's First Hydrogen-Powered Superyacht Has a $644 Million Price Tag

bill gates yacht price

By Nick Mafi

exterior of a yacht

Superyachts seemed to be among the last modes of (luxe) transportation to bend toward the growing consumer demand for eco-friendly engine designs. But if news from last week’s Monaco Yacht Show served as a bellwether, the industry meant to cater to the wealthiest among us made a progressive splash with the unveiling of Aqua, the world's first hydrogen-powered superyacht.

Designed by the Dutch firm Sinot Yacht & Architecture Design, Aqua is a nearly 400-foot-long vessel that's run entirely by a renewable energy source. "Water is the eternal fuel of life, the life-sustaining force that makes planet Earth habitable," says Sander Sinot, founder of the firm that bears his name. "Water is soft, yet at the same time it cuts through hard rocks." It was this appreciation of water that helped the firm find balance between the natural world and the technological. The propulsion system is made up of two 28-ton vacuumed tanks that each contain liquified hydrogen which are stored at -423 degrees Fahrenheit. Along with being eco-friendly, hydrogen-based energy means for a quieter experience aboard the ship in comparison to traditional engines. That said, there will be backup diesel generators handy should the captain ever need them.

swimming pool on yacht

The infinity pool aboard AQUA. 

There was much confusion on Monday if there was already a buyer who had paid the hefty $644 million price tag. Reports spread throughout the internet that billionaire Bill Gates had purchased the superyacht, rumors that proved to be false. Yet readers couldn't be blamed for believing such reports, as images show Aqua to include its own infinity pool, helipad, spa, and gym—amenities meant to attract billionaires such as Gates.

aerial view of yacht

An aerial view of the superyacht shows how close passengers can get to the water, as well as the cascading design of the infinity pool.

Sinot and his team designed the vessel to safely bring passengers as close to the water as possible. "Water is relaxation; it makes us calmer and more creative," Sinot comments. "We wanted to provide those on board with the closest possible proximity to the water. The aft deck features an innovative series of platforms cascading down towards the sea, while a large swim platform allows all passengers to enjoy the optimal experience of accessing the water at sea level."

bedroom of a yacht

One of the bedrooms inside of Aqua shows a minimalist aesthetic. 

Aqua can reach speeds of up to 19.5 mph and features enough room for 14 guests and 31 crew members. The firm plans to complete the vessel by 2024.

Bungalow: Everything You Need to Know

By Mak Ling Ling

StudioTwentySeven Lands in Tribeca, Patrick McGrath Stages Joseph Altuzarra for NYFW, and More News

By Alia Akkam

Beautiful Pantry Inspiration We’re Bookmarking From AD PRO Directory Designers

Boat logo

The global authority in superyachting

  • NEWSLETTERS
  • Yachts Home
  • The Superyacht Directory
  • Yacht Reports
  • Brokerage News
  • The largest yachts in the world
  • The Register
  • Yacht Advice
  • Yacht Design
  • 12m to 24m yachts
  • Monaco Yacht Show
  • Builder Directory
  • Designer Directory
  • Interior Design Directory
  • Naval Architect Directory
  • Yachts for sale home
  • Motor yachts
  • Sailing yachts
  • Explorer yachts
  • Classic yachts
  • Sale Broker Directory
  • Charter Home
  • Yachts for Charter
  • Charter Destinations
  • Charter Broker Directory
  • Destinations Home
  • Mediterranean
  • South Pacific
  • Rest of the World
  • Boat Life Home
  • Owners' Experiences
  • Interiors Suppliers
  • Owners' Club
  • Captains' Club
  • BOAT Showcase
  • Boat Presents
  • Events Home
  • World Superyacht Awards
  • Superyacht Design Festival
  • Design and Innovation Awards
  • Young Designer of the Year Award
  • Artistry and Craft Awards
  • Explorer Yachts Summit
  • Ocean Talks
  • The Ocean Awards
  • BOAT Connect
  • Between the bays
  • Golf Invitational
  • Boat Pro Home
  • Pricing Plan
  • Superyacht Insight
  • Product Features
  • Premium Content
  • Testimonials
  • Global Order Book
  • Tenders & Equipment

Benetti superyacht Lana

Lana: On board the 107m Benetti for charter from €1.8m a week

At 107 metres, Lana is one of the biggest superyachts ever to be launched by Italian shipyard Benetti and is currently hitting the headlines as the charter yacht of choice of Bill Gates and party guest Jeff Bezos. Take a glimpse on board...

At 107 metres, you’d think the most noteworthy features of Lana might be her sweeping dimensions or the warren of spa facilities in her belly. But actually, it’s the minutiae – because every chair, door, nut, bolt and widget of this vast yacht represents a careful judgement by a fastidious and deeply involved owner.

“This is the first build Imperial has ever done where the owner was climbing around the bilges, checking the spaces – his idea of quality went down absolutely to the nth degree,” says Julia Stewart, director of Imperial, which oversaw the build for the owner. Fittingly for such a mindset, Imperial has a microscopic approvals process that means “hundreds and hundreds” of samples are sent to the principal, and then on to the yard for reference: “Every fabric, every little hinge, every door handle, every piece of carpet – everything,” says Stewart. While potentially onerous for a builder, she believes this way of working ultimately benefits everyone, because when a subcontractor asks, “Is this OK?” the builder can point to the sample and say, “No, this is the standard.” And that, says Stewart, was a fundamental plank of the brief – vertiginously high quality.

The yard in this case was Benetti, the Tuscan builder who launched three 100-metre-plus yachts in just 100 days between 2018 and 2019 – all three were on site together at one point. Lana , the second, was arguably the “most Benetti” of the three, penned inside and out by the yard’s own design teams. In the last decade, Benetti had built a 90-metre ( Lionheart ) and a few boats around  the 70-metre mark, but it is better known for its  50- to 65-metre superyachts. 

Constructing three “gigayachts” at the same time, therefore, involved a serious change of gear. To this end, the yard  built three 130-metre-long sheds and took over a Livorno dry dock that could take 80,000 tonnes, for launching and recovering the yachts. They also moved staff to an office closer to the dry dock when the boat was there, so they could keep an eye on her. The on-site manpower required was enormous: whereas a “standard” build would involve 100 workers, Lana required 300 people on the yacht every working day for four years – and that ramps up to 1,800 if you count those working on the project off-board. To manage the build – and all the extra staff – Benetti’s usual managerial team of five per yacht grew to 20 for Lana .

And then there was Covid-19. “It was close to being finished but about six months before delivery, it hit,” says Stewart. “Obviously a lot of contractors were affected by it. Tuscany wasn’t affected as much as further north but all the contractors’ facilities are up there.” There were also issues with getting flag surveyors to the boat, although having 18 crew on board added a helpful flexibility for such visits. The yard, meanwhile, kept the project moving and did not close.

Leading the charge for Benetti was Elisabetta Maria Di Noto, who joined as project manager in 2018, fresh from the build of Lionheart , Benetti’s flagship before the 100-metre-plus hat-trick. “The giga client is very different from, say, the ‘normal’ client,” she says, describing the approach of Lana ’s owner. “He’s a very powerful person, a very precise person, firm and confident – the highest-demand client I’ve ever met.” The yacht was to be a reflection of those qualities, and to that end, “he followed every single phase of the construction, every single design, every line.”

During ideas meetings, more and more horizontal elements were removed from the exterior design until only long, low lines were left, with mild undulations for balconies and wing stations. “The extreme horizontal lines give it a very robust, masculine persona,” says Benetti exterior designer Michele Guerrieri, “while the three-dimensional elements add fluidity and elegance to that.” Despite this sleek appearance, the 2.7-metre head-heights are described by all involved as the most astounding aspect of the interior – a magic trick you can only pull off in a boat this big. “It’s almost cathedral-like,” says Stewart. “It’s a very airy, light boat.”

This frame is flattered, says Di Noto, by “soft colour palettes that offer a feeling of tranquillity.” The idea was a relaxing interior that was neutral enough that you would not get bored after a few cruises. The natural materials that run through the decor – largely leather, ayous wood and marble – have been worked by Italian artisans, whose skill is a point of pride for Benetti. “I don’t like fussy objects and endless detail,” says Benetti interior designer Mauro Izzo. “There needs to be a balance – not too much, not too little, but everything has  to be special.”

The main saloon is suitably grand, with pale grey sofas by the Luxury Living Group arranged around a white leather, marble and stainless-steel coffee table, which was designed by Izzo and built by Viareggio furniture-maker Sealine. Forward, the dining saloon is flooded with light via huge sliding glass doors that entirely open up the space on both sides. The dining table is made of wood, leather and stainless steel, inset with an engraved brass panel, while each chair is “inset with a hand-carved crystal lion.”

The combination of airy dimensions and decorative mastery is also on show in the bridge deck master suite. Full beam, on a yacht with a 14.4-metre beam, is something to behold. In the cabin there’s space enough for seating areas both to port and starboard, while full-width sliding doors on to broad balconies open up the space even more. The suite’s study features a custom-made desk with Bentley armchairs and bespoke lamps decorated with tiger’s eye gemstones to complement the suite’s cream carved carpets and milk chocolate-toned ayous wood. The bathroom forward is lined with cool crema marfil marble that was selected in Valencia and worked to a polish in Sicily. “It’s luxurious without being aggressive; it’s opulent but accessible,” says Izzo.

The area also showcases a more pragmatic aim of the project – privacy – in both the spatial sense and in terms of sound transfer. To the first point, the master suite is self-contained, with its own pantries. It’s also positioned on the bridge deck, between two non-social spaces – the bridge zone, with the captain and first officer’s cabins, and the stairwell. If the suite were in an aft deck position, there might be a deck space connected to the lower decks via stairs, or at least a view of those decks. Here, the master cabin benefits from two broad but very private balconies: “we have ceramic heating outside here,” notes Stewart. Throughout the boat, the intersection between guest and crew areas has also been carefully routed and planned.

And sound? Well, the boat has been strategically and amply insulated to keep auditory separation between spaces. In the 80-square-metre bridge deck piano lounge you’ll hear the tinkling ivories, rather than the state-of-the-art Sonus Faber Olympica sound system of the saloon-cum-cinema just forward (which is connected but can be closed off via highly insulated sliding doors).

Top-quality, reliable tech was another facet  of the brief, and it’s everywhere, down to the sophisticated LED lighting system that produces little heat and therefore saves energy by sparing the air conditioning. The seven (yes, seven) VIP cabins, with an average size of 32 to 33 square metres, on the main deck all feature 65-inch 4K OLED televisions and the sundeck features every bit of party tech imaginable: a California Audio Technology system with 10 speakers and two subwoofers; a space prepped for two club-standard speakers with two built-in K-array subwoofers; and a set-up for DJ decks. Not to mention the four 55-inch 4K SunBrite outdoor televisions. With plenty to look after, Imperial made sure the AV/IT guy got his own mini-office.

But this isn’t the only impressive technology on board. Lana is powered by eight diesel generators, controlled by a highly responsive power management system that means the minimum energy is used to satisfy power requirements. There are also two high-tech side-launching Benetti-built tenders stored on the lower deck –  a 14-metre limo tender designed by Giorgio Cassetta , and a nine-metre open tender for watersports and diving, which was penned in-house. Then there’s the treasure trove of toys, an ample dive store and even golf clubs with biodegradable balls. These can be put to good use on the fold-down balconies of the 120-square- metre beach club – where the atmosphere is anything but “outdoorsy.”

“The furniture features handles made of ammonite fossils, and then we have niches made of turquoise turtle, hosting corals,” says Di Noto. There’s a huge central seating area, off which lie a gym, hammam with mosaics and RGB “stars” and a massage room.

Throughout the boat, the finish in deck areas is taken as seriously as it is indoors. “Outside, the ceilings are made of natural oiled teak, so they  give a more precious feeling in the exterior areas,” says Di Noto. “All the external tables are made of  teak, stainless steel and glass – a very complicated design – and the exterior sofas are made in wood and stainless steel, and in some areas they are underlit.” The dining tables on the main and bridge decks aft, for example, feature backlit onyx, stainless steel and high-gloss teak. And the exterior aft deck tables can be converted into bioethanol firepits.

The sundeck’s eight-metre pool, vast sunbathing areas and shaded dining table with a backlit honey onyx base (this al fresco dining area measures 100 square metres) will likely be the daytime hub, as well as party central at night. The top deck, meanwhile, is more intimate and feels like a spot for a quiet coffee or maybe cocktails.

Imperial is rightly proud of its achievements in Lana , and for Benetti she’s part of a new chapter in the yard’s story. “This,” says Di Noto, “will,  I think, remain in Benetti not only as a physical investment in terms of sheds and materials, but also as know-how and experience that everybody can apply to other projects in the future.”

Closer look: Lana's 3D-printed chandelier

The chandelier-cum-sculpture in the centre of Lana ’s lobby both highlights the grand scale of the space it sits in and demonstrates the perfectionism that went into every detail of the yacht. “We went through 10 different renderings before settling on the one the client wanted,” recalls Benetti interior designer Mauro Izzo. The piece was commissioned from Italian lightmaker Luce5. “It was quite challenging for them because to actually show the owner of the boat how it was going to look, they had to build it in a 3D printer,” says Julia Stewart, director of Imperial.

Once the real thing was moulded in mirror-polished stainless steel, installation offered its own difficulties: “At six metres in length, it’s not so much a lighting feature as an architectural element of the boat,” notes Izzo. From a structural point of view, it sits above a glass table and marble floor, intersections that were carefully managed. “A lot of vibration testing was done and it’s got steadying bars for heavy weather,” says Stewart. Within the thin strip of metal lies a track of lights that had to be changed four or five times to get each spot and glint in the exact position the owner wanted. The end result? A freely looping, pirouetting ribbon of light that belies the hard work beneath its surface.

This feature is taken from the January 2021 issue of BOAT International. Get this magazine sent straight to your door, or subscribe and never miss an issue.

More about this yacht

More stories, most recent, from our partners, sponsored listings.

logo

Easy Branches allows you to share your guest post within our network in any countries of the world to reach Global customers start sharing your stories today!

Easy Branches

Call: 076 367 766

world

Bill Gates' new yacht is hydrogen-powered and costs $644 million

Bill Gates may have been focusing on charity in the past decade or so, but he still buys a pricy gadget every now and then. 

Case in point: his latest purchase, according to The Telegraph is Sinot Aqua, a hydrogen-powered superyacht with an estimated price tag of $644 million. 

The 112-meter long yacht has five decks which host 14 guests and a 31-person crew. It comes with a number of ultra-fancy amenities, including an infinity pool, a deck lounge that turns into a home (boat?) cinema, a spa, gym, beauty salon, helipad, and a private observatory deck at the yacht's bow with a near-unlimited view of the ocean. 

The yacht’s two 1MW motors, fueled by two massive hydrogen tanks, give it a 17-knot top speed and a 3,750-mile range.

Despite all the luxury, the fact that the Aqua is the first fully hydrogen-powered vessel of its kind gives the yacht an environmentally-friendly note, though I somehow doubt we'll see people buying such vessels en masse, however sustainable it may be. 

Looks pretty cozy.

Looks pretty cozy.

Image: Sinot

According to The Guardian , Gates often takes holidays on superyachts, though he typically rents them — this is the first time he's bought his own. 

Of course, there's a helipad on board.

Of course, there's a helipad on board.

The yacht, which was announced at last year's Monaco Yacht Show, will likely go to sea in 2024. 

Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates is currently the second-richest person in the world according to Forbes , with an estimated $96.5 billion fortune. Together with his wife Melinda, he oversees the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation , the largest private charity organization in the world. 

Share this page

Sharing with friends or social media.

Yacht Informer

Bill Gates chartering superyacht Lana – price and location revealed

' src=

Bill Gates is currently chartering the renowned superyacht Lana and is currently cruising the west coast of the Turkey.

Bill Gates who is the Microsoft billionaire and philanthropist, decided to extend his summer months by chartering the 107-metre superyacht Lana through industry giants Imperial Yachts.

superyacht Lana

The superyacht, which was chartered by Beyonce and Jay-Z just last summer, has spent the last week cruising along the southwestern coast of Turkey where the summer months are still as hot as ever. The region hasn’t just attracted the likes of Lana, but also some of the world’s greatest superyachts like Flying Fox.

The charter for Bill Gates has been carried out by the Monaco based Imperial Yachts, whom have been accredited with some of the biggest charters over recent years after securing the management of some of the most prestigious yachts built in recent years.

Built in 2020 by Benetti, Lana is custom-built for world-class luxury yacht chartering, offering a  spacious living areas and top-of-the-class amenities. With features including a spa, elevator, beach club and gym, you’ll be in for a treat from the moment you step onboard.

superyacht Lana pic

Lana offers guest accommodation for up to 12 guests in 8 suites comprising a master suite and seven VIP cabins, with a crew of 33 ready to provide the service you’d expect from one of the most expensive charter yachts available.

fort lauderdale international boat show

Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show Round Up

LANA is an award-winning Italian masterpiece. Part of her success can be attributed to her interiors, which are a beautiful blend of pared-back minimalism and subtle luxuries. Blonde wood features prominently throughout, alongside a mixture of different shapes and structures which draw the eye and add an artistic touch to her interior spaces, with clever use of lighting adding an elegant, and understatedly sexy on board ambience

Chartering the yacht for a week will set you back €1,800,000, approximately $2,100,000.  

bill gates yacht price

Experiencing An Inside Look at Luxury Yacht Charters

bill gates yacht price

Dubai International Boat Show 2024 Round Up: A Glimpse Into the Extravaganza

yachting and beyond poster

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

© 2022 MY Media Group Ltd   |   Privacy Policy

bill gates yacht price

More From Forbes

Mystery surrounds $644 million hydrogen-powered superyacht.

  • Share to Facebook
  • Share to Twitter
  • Share to Linkedin

The 376-foot concept yacht AQUA will be powered by hydrogen fuel. Current asking price is $644 ... [+] million.

There has been much fanfare in the media these last few days over a report that Microsoft billionaire Bill Gates commissioned a hydrogen-powered $644 million superyacht from Sinot Yacht Architecture & Design – the vessel itself nicknamed “The AQUA. ” According to design specifications released by the manufacturer, the 367-foot vessel would store its liquid hydrogen fuel in twin 28-ton vacuum-sealed tanks cooled to minus-423 degrees Fahrenheit. The sci-fi concept ship received an enormous amount of hype when it was revealed in May at the latest Monaco Yacht show .

But over the past 48 hours, rumors of the deal have been met with outright denial from the design firm and no comment from Mr. Gates. It’s not clear exactly how this widely reported news broke, but Sinot — who is calling those articles ‘ factually inaccurate ’ — is certainly benefitting from the publicity. Regardless of whether the billionaire actually commissioned the ship, intriguing technical questions remain.

The Hype around Hydrogen

Simply put, hydrogen fuel cell technology works by generating electricity through a chemical reaction. As I’ve written about before , pressurized hydrogen (H 2 ) is the ‘fuel’ in the tank, which then interacts with oxygen (O 2 ) in the air to create electricity through a chemical reaction. Fuel cells are inherently more efficient than combustion engines, which must first convert chemical potential energy into heat, and then mechanical work. Currently most internal combustion engines operate with an efficiency around 25% and power plants achieving about a 35% efficiency; however, a stationary fuel cell, when used in a combined heat and power system, can have an efficiency level of greater than 80%.

Fuel cells systems are more environmentally friendly than internal combustion engines, as the only byproduct is H 2 O (and its clean enough to drink). Hydrogen fuel cells can be thought of as batteries that never run flat as long as the H 2 keeps coming.

Best High-Yield Savings Accounts Of September 2023

Best 5% interest savings accounts of september 2023.

Hydrogen can be transported via pipeline or in super-cooled liquid form by ships much like liquefied natural gas (LNG), and the refueling processes is comparable to conventional cars, planes, and boats, provided you can find a hydrogen gas station. Speaking of LNG, a growing number of marine vessels have made the switch from dirty bunker fuel to cleaner-burning natural gas — and infrastructure development is accelerating .

The idea of using hydrogen energy in large vessels is certainly not new – in fact, liquid hydrogen fuel is what NASA has used to launch rockets into space since the 1970’s (it’s important to distinguish that NASA used H 2 as a propellent like jet fuel, not to produce electricity through a fuel cell). Hydrogen powered vehicles have already hit global markets, albeit with limited success. A lack of infrastructure and high costs mean that the economics still don’t work for hydrogen fuel cell vehicles.

But the AQUA is not for mass consumption, and that means it can can excel were everyday commuter vehicles have failed.

To power its two 28-ton engines, the AQUA will supposedly employ a proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC), the leading hydrogen fuel cell technology currently employed in many light duty and materials handling vehicles. Together the system will generate up 4 megawatts (MW) of power – or 4 million watts. That’s more than the average onshore wind turbine , which has a capacity of 2.5 – 3 MW.

The Yacht boasts a range of 3,750 nautical miles (6,945 kilometers) and can (theoretically) reach speeds upwards of 17 knots. Pretty fast for a five-deck boat with room for 45.

A proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) diagram. The PEMFC found in the AQUA is a scaled-up ... [+] model of those found in other hydrogen fuel cell vehicles.

As the technology progresses, do not be surprised if we start seeing large commercial cruise liners, ferries, and small boats powered by a hybrid architecture of fuel cells and batteries. Like with Tesla and the electric car, the transition to a new and expensive technology like hydrogen may need to start with a luxury brand. Once a critical mass of interest is generated, energy and resources can be applied to reducing technology costs, improving infrastructure, and achieving scale.

Whether or not Bill Gates is behind this new superyacht, the technology that underlines the luxury vessel may one day become one for the masses.

With Assistance from David Pasmanik

Ariel Cohen

  • Editorial Standards
  • Reprints & Permissions

The Economic Times

The Economic Times daily newspaper is available online now.

Luxe redefined: bill gates buys £500m hydrogen-powered superyacht which has an infinity pool, helipad & gym.

Whatsapp Follow Channel

Gates is ready to set sail on his superyacht.

The boat is eco-friendly as it comes with gel-fuelled fire bowls which completely eliminates the need for the guests to light up wood or start a fire to stay warm.

Bill Gates wants you to sleep more in 2020 and here’s why

Bill Gates praises Bihar government, says state has made progress against poverty & disease

The Guardian reports that the vessel is unlikely to take to seas until 2024, quoting The Sunday Telegraph, which in turn quotes the Gates Commission.

Read More News on

From Leh to Varanasi, via Vikhroli: Sister takes Pepperfry’s Ambareesh Murty on :Image

From Leh to Varanasi, via Vikhroli: Sister takes Pepperfry’s Ambareesh Murty on his final journey

The physical retail store is not dying, rather rocking!:Image

The physical retail store is not dying, rather rocking!

Blinkit, Zepto made quick commerce a new normal in metros. Same day delivery up :Image

Blinkit, Zepto made quick commerce a new normal in metros. Same day delivery up next?

Stock Radar: Should you bet on HCL Technologies despite its recent fall?:Image

Stock Radar: Should you bet on HCL Technologies despite its recent fall?

U-turn: Why Centre’s decision to revoke some requirements in AI models’ advisory:Image

U-turn: Why Centre’s decision to revoke some requirements in AI models’ advisory raises questions.

In smallcaps there is 'market risk' and 'unnecessary self-created anxiety risk'::Image

In smallcaps there is 'market risk' and 'unnecessary self-created anxiety risk': Check critical things to avoid the latter

The Economic Times

Find this comment offensive?

Choose your reason below and click on the Report button. This will alert our moderators to take action

Reason for reporting:

Your Reason has been Reported to the admin.

avatar

To post this comment you must

Log In/Connect with:

Fill in your details:

Will be displayed

Will not be displayed

Share this Comment:

Uh-oh this is an exclusive story available for selected readers only..

Worry not. You’re just a step away.

bill gates yacht price

Prime Account Detected!

It seems like you're already an ETPrime member with

Login using your ET Prime credentials to enjoy all member benefits

Log out of your current logged-in account and log in again using your ET Prime credentials to enjoy all member benefits.

To read full story, subscribe to ET Prime

₹34 per week

Billed annually at ₹2499 ₹1749

Super Saver Sale - Flat 30% Off

On ET Prime Membership

bill gates yacht price

Sign in to read the full article

You’ve got this prime story as a free gift.

bill gates yacht price

Subscribe Now

(Credit card mandatory)

You can cancel your subscription anytime

(Pay Using Netbanking/UPI/Debit Card)

₹399 /month

Monthly PLAN

Billed Amount ₹399

No Trial Period

₹208 /month

Yearly PLAN

Billed Amount ₹2,499

15 Days Trial + Includes DocuBay and TimesPrime Membership.

₹150 /month

2-Year PLAN

Billed Amount ₹3,599

7 Days Trial

(Save 40.0%)

15 Days Trial

Get ET Prime for just ₹2499 ₹1749/yr

Offer Exclusively For You

Save up to Rs. 700/-

ON ET PRIME MEMBERSHIP

Get 1 Year Free

With 1 and 2-Year ET prime membership

Get Flat 40% Off

Then ₹ 1749 for 1 year

ET Prime at ₹ 49 for 1 month

Holi Offer on ETPrime

Get flat 20% off

To Read the full Story, Subscribe to ET Prime

Access the exclusive Economic Times stories, Editorial and Expert opinion

Unlock this story and enjoy all members-only benefits.

  • 8 insight-rich stories published daily
  • 4000+ in-depth Stock Reports
  • Print Edition, the digital Newspaper
  • 2 Stock Researches everyday

90 Days Prime access worth Rs999 unlocked for you

bill gates yacht price

Exclusive Economic Times Stories, Editorials & Expert opinion across 20+ sectors

Stock analysis. Market Research. Industry Trends on 4000+ Stocks

​Get 1 Year Complimentary Subscription of TOI+ worth Rs.799/-​

Stories you might be interested in

  • iPhone 15 Pro Max

Bill Gates buys $500m hydrogen-powered yacht, or does he?

aqua bill gates

Read in other languages:

Although the founder of Microsoft is one of the richest people in the world, Bill Gates has never owned a yacht. This is reported to change soon, as the 64-year-old is now apparently investing in a mega-yacht. It is to be the first yacht to be powered by hydrogen.

As  The Guardian  reported this weekend, Microsoft founder Bill Gates is said to have bought the first luxury yacht with hydrogen propulsion. The 112-meter yacht has five decks with a wellness and fitness area, a beauty salon and a helicopter landing pad. The luxury equipment of the yacht called "Aqua" is nothing unusual, however.

What is special, however, is the propulsion. The yacht of the manufacturer "Sinot" is supposed to be the first of its kind with hydrogen propulsion. The fuel is to be stored in two tanks and generates electricity in combination with fuel cells. The luxury yacht, which will probably not be completed before 2024, can reach about 17 knots, i.e. equivalent to about 30 km/h.

aqua gates 2

On the manufacturer's page , there are numerous glossy photos of the yacht, which is said to cost $500 million. A total of 31 crew members and 14 passengers therefore have space on the hydrogen steamer. Bill Gates makes no secret of his love for luxury yachts, but has never owned one.

However, since the 64-year-old is publicly committed to climate protection, this is not surprising. Hydrogen offers a potentially CO2-neutral mobility, which Gates is now willing to pay for in the form of its own yacht. Gates' assets are estimated at $120 billion. This makes him currently the second richest person in the world behind Amazon founder Jeff Bezos.

The BBC reports the story is fake news

Less than 24-hours after the original story was doing the rounds, the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) has now published a report that Bill Gates is actually not buying our hydrogen yacht. According to the public broadcaster, Sinot said it had "no business relationship" with Bill Gates. "Aqua is a concept under development and has not been sold to Mr. Gates," a spokeswoman told the BBC.

We'll have to wait and see if Bill makes a comment on the story himself to know for sure if this is going to happen or not. Ether way, we can still enjoy those beautiful concept images.

What do you think of hydrogen-powered vehicles (and superyachts!)? Share your thoughts below the line.

Comparison: The best foldable phones

  • Learn more about each phone featured in the best foldable phones list

Himiway C5 full suspension e-bike

  • Submit Cancel

marco sarli

A monster toy for rich show offs. Bill Gates is too intelligent to buy something like this and besides he is already showing that money can be better spent on social projects

By clicking on the button above, you agree that external content may be displayed to you. Personal data may be transmitted to third-party providers in the process. You can find more information about this in our Privacy Policy .

Billionaire Bill Gates buys hydrogen-fuelled superyacht for $500 million

By Rebecca Cope

Image may contain Clothing Apparel Tie Accessories Accessory Suit Coat Overcoat Jacket Blazer and Bill Gates

Microsoft billionaire Bill Gates is currently celebrating the engagement of his daughter, Jennifer, to Egyptian showjumper Nayel Nassar, but he's also got another reason to be happy - a brand new superyacht.

The 112-metre luxury vessel is the world's first hydrogen-powered super yacht, and will feature all the usual billionaire mod-cons, including an infinity pool, helipad, spa and gym. There are five decks, with accommodation for 14 guests and 31 crew members - more than two per person.

Bill Gates buys 500 million eco yacht

By Harriet Johnston

Joy for Lady Tatiana Mountbatten as she celebrates the christening of her daughter

By Isaac Bickerstaff

As well as being powered by liquid hydrogen, another eco-feature are the fire pits, which are actually gel-fuelled fire bowls, designed to keep guests warm outdoors without burning wood or coal.

Costing in the region of $500 million, the Aqua ship was first publicised at the Monaco Yacht Show in 2019 by Dutch design firm Sinot. Speaking then, the company's eponymous designer said, 'For the development of Aqua we took inspiration from the lifestyle of a discerning, forward-looking owner, the fluid versatility of water and cutting-edge technology, to combine this in a superyacht with truly innovative features.'

He went on to explain how the hydrogen fuel works, saying: 'AQUA is fuelled by hydrogen, a unique concept which represents a significant progression towards achieving a new balance between nature and technology. The system is based on the use of liquified hydrogen, stored at -253°C in two 28-ton vacuum isolated tanks. The liquified hydrogen is converted into electrical energy by proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells, with water being the only by-product.'

The Daily Telegraph reports that the ship will be in service from 2024, and will reach speeds of 17 knots. It will be able to travel for 3,750 miles before refuelling but will also have a diesel back-up due to the lack of hydrogen refuelling stations available.

This will be the world's second richest man's first yacht. He has previously rented them for holidays, most recently including the $330m yacht Serene, which he borrowed from Stolichnaya vodka magnate, Yuri Scheffler, to sail around the coast of Sardinia.

The Titanic sails again? Australian mining billionaire dreams of floating a replica of the infamous ship saying, ‘it’s a lot more fun to do than it is to sit at home and count my money’

By Isaac Zamet

Inside Rupert Murdoch’s Mega Dynasty – as it’s announced he’s getting married for the fifth time

By Danielle Lawler

The wedding of the year? Rupert Murdoch announces his engagement to his very well connected girlfriend - whose tied to socialites, oligarchs and a Greek shipping dynasty

By Stephanie Bridger-Linning

Putting it all behind them? King Frederik and Queen Mary of Denmark make their first joint appearance after reports Genoveva Casanova has been ‘crushed’ by rumours of an affair

MoneyINC Logo

  • Entertainment
  • Latest Mortgage Rates
  • Credit Cards
  • Restaurants
  • Food & Drink
  • Lamborghini
  • Aston Martin
  • Rolls Royce
  • Harley Davidson
  • Honda Motorcycles
  • BMW Motorcycles
  • Triumph Motorcycles
  • Indian Motorcycles
  • Patek Philippe
  • A. Lange & Söhne
  • Audemars Piguet
  • Jaeger-LeCoultre
  • Vacheron Constantin
  • Electronics
  • Collectibles

A Closer Look at Serene: The $330 Million Yacht Bill Gates Chartered

While many people must scrimp and save to afford a family holiday, that is not the case for the rich and famous, who have the financial means to go wherever they want whenever they want. You will not find them in budget motels or trying out a destination’s free attractions. Instead, wealthy people can choose the most luxurious accommodation and unique experiences possible for their vacation. One such person who can afford these luxuries is Bill Gates who, with a personal net worth of $95.4 billion, is the second richest person in the world. He has even chartered a yacht worth $330 million to enjoy a vacation with his family.

According to Boat International , Gates chartered a yacht called ‘Serene’ for an estimated $5 million per week. He did this to enjoy a break away with his wife and three children. The family enjoyed a week together on the yacht just off the coast of Porto Cervo, Sardinia, in August 2014.

The 133-foot yacht is one of the largest in the world, and it is owned by Yuri Scheffler, the Stolichnaya vodka magnet. This yacht was delivered to him in 2011, and he has had it on the charter market ever since. Built by the Italian shipyard Fincantieri, it has a rather impressive crew of 53 to take care of the needs of those who charter the yacht. So, what is on the inside of this ship to make it such an amazing experience that is worthy of the high price tag?

The Yacht Charter Fleet has ways for its travelers to enjoy activities both off and onboard. The helipad is available so that guests can take trips to the mainland to enjoy a little sightseeing, a meal in a restaurant, or a local activity. There are also jet-skis available for some fun one the waves around the boat or to travel back to the mainland to enjoy some time away from the yacht. Furthermore, the yacht has its very own submarine. However, you might wonder why anyone would want to get away from the yacht when there is so much to enjoy onboard, including activities for children. Just some of the activities and amenities on board for entertainment include a climbing wall, a trans-deck waterslide, a snow room, a playroom, multiple pools, and a cinema. This means that there are plenty of things onboard to keep the children entertained.

This yacht is not all about the kids having fun, as there are plenty of things for the adults, too. In fact, Serene has a myriad of amenities spread over its six decks that make this a unique way to vacation. From the outside, one of the ship’s most impressive features is its supersized bathtub on the sun deck. The award-winning Serene has a private beach club that has a secluded sunbathing area and a sauna. There are also two Jacuzzis and a sundeck dance floor. Opposite the relaxing hot tun tucked underneath the ship’s observational deck is a fully stocked wet bar with extra sun loungers.

Two of the indoor living and entertaining spaces include a cocktail lounge and a piano bar, while outdoor there are various al fresco dining areas, such as a wet bar, a barbeque, a Teppanyaki grill, and a pizza oven. An unusual space in this yacht is the underwater observation lounge, which many people would find a relaxing area as they watch marine life existing in tranquility around them. Serene also has rather impressive accommodation and it can accommodate up to 24 guests. There are 12 luxurious staterooms, include a master suite, a VIP suite, seven double suites, and three twin cabins. The interior design is the work of Espen Oeino with styling by Reymond Langton. The duo has created living spaces that are stylish and opulent while also being comfortable and versatile.

One of the most impressive areas in terms of styling is the sky lounge. This room is decorated in shades of cream that is accented by darker colors and finished with wooden fixtures. It is equipped with sofas, chairs, and coffee tables for relaxing, and boasts some of the most impressive views from the ship which you can view from almost any vantage point. Another fantastic space is the main lounge, which is a more formal area for entertaining. The main color used is white, which gives the room a bright and airy feel, and some warmth is added with darker tones. Central to the room is a piano, which is surrounded by cocktail tables. An unusual feature of this room is its chandelier. The lounge is located directly above the main dining area, and the chandelier drops between the two rooms.

A double staircase leads down to the chic dining area below. It is set to accommodate a maximum of 24 guests and features two 12-seater tables. However, there is the possibility of entertaining even more people as the tables are extendable and there is plenty of space. This means you can host a banquet in this room. Floor-to-ceiling windows on both sides of the rooms give spectacular panoramic ocean views.

Bill Gates’ time on the yacht with his family is part of his plan to take a more relaxed approach to life and to spend some time away from the office. He has said that he doesn’t have the energy he had when he was younger and plans to balance running his Microsoft Empire and enjoying time with his family better now that he is older. This includes taking vacations away with his loved one. Serene and other chartered yachts are the perfect way for this billionaire businessman to relax and have some fun in comfort and privacy.

Since Gates’ vacation on the yacht, Scheffler has sold the superyacht to Mohammed bin Salman, the deputy crown prince of Saudi Arabia says Yacht Harbor . The Saudi Arabian royal paid a whopping $458 million for the yacht in July 2015. The yacht was once the ninth largest in the world, but it has now dropped into the 15th place because even more impressive superyachts have been built since.

Liz Flynn

Written by  Liz Flynn

Related articles, a closer look at david and victoria beckham's yacht seafair.

bill gates yacht price

The Top 20 Celebrity Yachts in The World

bill gates yacht price

17 Most Expensive Yachts in the World

A closer look at tankoa's t500 tethys, a closer look at x-yachts new x49e electric sailing boat, check out camper and nicholsons international's 120 ft tecnomar superyacht "lucy", sirena's new fully customizable 78-foot yacht, what boat characteristics make it a yacht.

BuzzFeed_Logo

Wealth Insight! Subscribe to our Exclusive Newsletter

Please use a modern browser to view this website. Some elements might not work as expected when using Internet Explorer.

  • Landing Page
  • Luxury Yacht Vacation Types
  • Corporate Yacht Charter
  • Tailor Made Vacations
  • Luxury Exploration Vacations
  • View All 3569
  • Motor Yachts
  • Sailing Yachts
  • Classic Yachts
  • Catamaran Yachts
  • Filter By Destination
  • More Filters
  • Latest Reviews
  • Charter Special Offers
  • Destination Guides
  • Inspiration & Features
  • Mediterranean Charter Yachts
  • France Charter Yachts
  • Italy Charter Yachts
  • Croatia Charter Yachts
  • Greece Charter Yachts
  • Turkey Charter Yachts
  • Bahamas Charter Yachts
  • Caribbean Charter Yachts
  • Australia Charter Yachts
  • Thailand Charter Yachts
  • Dubai Charter Yachts
  • Destination News
  • New To Fleet
  • Charter Fleet Updates
  • Special Offers
  • Industry News
  • Yacht Shows
  • Corporate Charter
  • Finding a Yacht Broker
  • Charter Preferences
  • Questions & Answers
  • Add my yacht

bill gates yacht price

  • Yacht Charter Fleet

Bill Gates Enjoys Sardinia Charter on board Superyacht SERENE

  • Share this on Facebook
  • Share this on X
  • Share via Email

By Editorial Team   8 August 2014

The 133m/436ft superyacht SERENE has welcomed aboard the world’s wealthiest man, Bill Gates and his family for a charter vacation in the beautiful cruising grounds of Sardinia .

The Microsoft founder and philanthropist along with his wife and three children have been enjoying the Mediterranean summer in style this week during their annual vacation off the coast of Porto Cervo. As one of the largest superyachts in the world and equipped with every conceivable amenity in addition to an in impressive crew of 52, the 2011 Fincantieri-built motor yacht SERENE was the perfect choice for this ultra-luxurious vacation.

SERENE's sundeck lit up with coloured LED lights

According to reports in the Daily Mail, the on board helipad was put to good use with trips to the mainland for some tennis lessons followed by an afternoon out on the jet-skis to entertain the kids. If that wasn’t enough, there is also a submarine, snowroom, cinema, playroom, multiple pools, a climbing wall and a trans-deck waterslide on offer to keep them entertained for hours. 

In between running his Microsoft Empire and extensive charity commitments, luxury charter vacations have provided the perfect platform for him and his family to enjoy time together in comfort and privacy.

Magnificent formal dining room on board SERENE

The grown-ups aren’t left out of the fun however during a charter on the award-winning SERENE, with an exhaustive array of facilities. For total relaxation, the private beach club features a sauna and secluded sunbathing area, there is also a sundeck dance floor, two Jacuzzi’s and numerous al fresco dining areas to choose from. For entertaining meanwhile, SERENE provides luxurious interior living spaces to include a chic piano lounge with cocktail bar while outside a wet bar, barbeque, pizza oven and Teppanyaki grill ensure fantastic Mediterranean soirees. 

SERENE double cabin

She is one of a handful of yachts able to charter with more than 12 guests, boasting 12 stunning staterooms to accommodate up to 24 guests, comprising a master suite, VIP, seven doubles and three twin cabins. With design from Espen Oeino and interior styling by Reymond Langton, SERENE has been meticulously design to offer charter vacations of the highest calibre while ensuring stylish, comfortable and versatile living spaces. 

SERENE's side balconies

In an interview earlier this year, Mr Gates said he doesn't plan to stay at the office for days at a time as he did in his younger days when he had 'energy and naiveté' on his side. In between running his Microsoft Empire and extensive charity commitments, luxury charter vacations have provided the perfect platform for him and his family to enjoy time together in comfort and privacy.  Since its founding, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation has raised and donated billions towards research and development to tackle problems throughout the world to help the world’s poorest people lift themselves out of hunger and poverty. 

Whether it’s a classic sailing yacht or magnificent luxury vessel such as SERENE, charter yacht vacations offer the world’s most high profile names the freedom to experience private time with loved ones away from the spotlight. Charter rates for SERENE start at €1,600,000 per week to €2,800,000 plus expenses, for further information contact your yacht charter broker . Alternatively take a look at the full selection of motor yachts available for charter . 

More Yacht Information

Serene

134m Fincantieri 2011

bill gates yacht price

  • READ MORE ABOUT:
  • Fincantieri
  • Espen Oeino
  • Reymond Langton Design
  • Worlds Largest Charter Yachts

RELATED STORIES

Mediterranean Charters on AIR

Previous Post

Superyacht 'COSTA MAGNA' Available for MPIM Next March

Motor Yacht DRAGON has August Availability

Motor Yacht DRAGON has August Availability in the French Riviera

EDITOR'S PICK

Dunya Yachts 47M expedition charter yacht KING BENJI pride of place at YCM Explorer Awards in Monaco

Latest News

Open doors at the 2024 Palm Beach International Boat Show: What to expect from this year's event

21 March 2024

Captivating luxury yacht charters not to be missed at PBIBS 2024

20 March 2024

Dunya Yachts 47M expedition charter yacht KING BENJI pride of place at YCM Explorer Awards in Monaco

19 March 2024

  • See All News

Yacht Reviews

O'PARI Yacht Review

  • See All Reviews

O'PARI Yacht Review

Charter Yacht of the week

Join our newsletter

Useful yacht charter news, latest yachts and expert advice, sent out every fortnight.

Please enter a valid e-mail

Thanks for subscribing

Featured Luxury Yachts for Charter

This is a small selection of the global luxury yacht charter fleet, with 3569 motor yachts, sail yachts, explorer yachts and catamarans to choose from including superyachts and megayachts, the world is your oyster. Why search for your ideal yacht charter vacation anywhere else?

Flying Fox yacht charter

136m | Lurssen

from $4,342,000 p/week ♦︎

Ahpo yacht charter

115m | Lurssen

from $2,822,000 p/week ♦︎

O'Ptasia yacht charter

85m | Golden Yachts

from $977,000 p/week ♦︎

Project X yacht charter

88m | Golden Yachts

from $1,194,000 p/week ♦︎

Savannah yacht charter

84m | Feadship

from $1,085,000 p/week ♦︎

Lady S yacht charter

93m | Feadship

from $1,520,000 p/week ♦︎

Maltese Falcon yacht charter

Maltese Falcon

88m | Perini Navi

from $490,000 p/week

Kismet yacht charter

122m | Lurssen

from $3,000,000 p/week

As Featured In

The YachtCharterFleet Difference

YachtCharterFleet makes it easy to find the yacht charter vacation that is right for you. We combine thousands of yacht listings with local destination information, sample itineraries and experiences to deliver the world's most comprehensive yacht charter website.

San Francisco

  • Like us on Facebook
  • Follow us on Twitter
  • Follow us on Instagram
  • Find us on LinkedIn
  • Add My Yacht
  • Affiliates & Partners

Popular Destinations & Events

  • St Tropez Yacht Charter
  • Monaco Yacht Charter
  • St Barts Yacht Charter
  • Greece Yacht Charter
  • Mykonos Yacht Charter
  • Caribbean Yacht Charter

Featured Charter Yachts

  • Maltese Falcon Yacht Charter
  • Wheels Yacht Charter
  • Victorious Yacht Charter
  • Andrea Yacht Charter
  • Titania Yacht Charter
  • Ahpo Yacht Charter

Receive our latest offers, trends and stories direct to your inbox.

Please enter a valid e-mail.

Thanks for subscribing.

Search for Yachts, Destinations, Events, News... everything related to Luxury Yachts for Charter.

Yachts in your shortlist

Supercar Blondie

  • Superyachts

This is the Sinot Aqua, a $645 million yacht powered by hydrogen

Published on Oct 16, 2022 at 2:00PM (UTC+4)

  • by Alessandro Renesis

Last updated on Oct 14, 2022 at 3:42PM (UTC+4)

Hydrogen powered yacht hero

This is the Sinot Aqua, a massive 368-foot super yacht that’s powered by hydrogen.

The price tag is equally massive, coming in at $645 million.

Hydrogen powered yacht aerial view

READ MORE: This $10m yacht has three hulls and can travel half way around the globe on a single tank

Designed by Sinot Yacht in the Netherlands, the ‘Aqua’ was unveiled at the Monaco Yacht Show and engineered to become the world’s first hydrogen-powered mega-yacht.

It is powered by two hydrogen engines, delivering a grand total of 1,341 hp.

CHECK THIS OUT!

The top speed is 17 knots and, more to the point, the Aqua can cruise at 12 knots for 3,750 nautical miles.

In other words, it can sail from Miami, Florida to the port of Southampton in England on a tank.

Sinot Aqua, aerial view

Inside, you’ll find cabins and spaces that redefine the meaning of the world ‘luxury’.

The Sinot Aqua can accommodate up to 14 guests in 7 massive suites, including two VIP cabins that are bigger than most rooms in a 5-star hotel.

There’s also enough space for 31 crew.

Among other things, you’ll also find a spa, sauna, beauty salon, hairdresser, nd a fully-equipped gym.

And of course there’s inevitable garage space for tenders, jet skis and sea doos.

Sinot Aqua, captain's seat

When the Aqua was first unveiled a couple of years ago, the rumor mill started spinning, suggesting Bill Gates had purchased the ship .

This rumor has since been debunked but it says a lot about the kind of customer the superyacht was built for.

After all, only billionaires can afford a yacht with a price tag that’s dangerously close to 10 figures.

Is Elon Musk looking to buy a yacht by any chance?

hydrogen powered yacht sundeck

  • Tags - superyachts

bill gates yacht price

You might be interested in

Estrema Fulminea eyeing Nürburgring EV record

Check out Ellen DeGeneres’ outrageous $70m California home

Alessandro Renesis

Alessandro Renesis

Instagram Facebook Twitter Likedin

Emotional vintage footage shows the last ever Concorde being made

Pictures of Concorde’s cockpit leave everyone in awe

Man in jet suit astonishingly matches speed with Airbus A380 over Dubai

Man in jet suit astonishingly matches speed with Airbus A380 over Dubai

Video shows just how incredible Toyota Land Cruiser is as it climbs steep incline

Video shows just how incredible Toyota Land Cruiser is as it climbs steep incline

Man returns home to land he bought in 1991 to find a $1.5 million house on it

Man returns to land he bought in 1991 for home to find a $1.5m house already on it

Largest private jet in the world

The largest private jet in the world also has the most stunning interior

Related articles.

skoda_rapid__1_

10 of the biggest yachts at this year's Palm Beach International Boat Show

bill gates yacht price

The Palm Beach International Boat Show returns to West Palm Beach's waterfront from March 21-24 — bringing with it some of the largest, most luxurious yachts in the world.

The Super Yacht Show Palm Beach features a range of boats that are longer than 100 feet, including 18 that are longer than 151 feet.

Here's a look at 10 of the biggest boats that visitors to the show can experience up close.

Come Together

This 197-foot behemoth with a price tag that starts at $59.95 million makes it the most expensive boat for sale at the 2024 Palm Beach International Boat Show.

Come Together provides plenty of space and amenities to do as its name suggests and bring more than a dozen people together for an adventure at sea, according to its listing on the show's website.

It was built in 2022 by Amels and features a hybrid propulsion system. The interiors were done by Winch Design of London, with materials including Jerusalem limestone, light matte oak and walnut, and bronze. The ship's six cabins can house up to 14 guests, the listing said.

A 27-meter sun deck features a Jacuzzi with a sunbathing area, gym equipment, sheltered bar and wind-protected dining table.

You can find Come Together in the water at Ramps C and D.

Hospitality

Want to buy the 164-foot Hospitality? The price starts at $29.75 million, according to the yacht's listing on the boat show's website.

The Westport-built vessel was first constructed in 2011 and refit in 2021. It has seven cabins that can accommodate 16 guests. That includes a primary suite and a VIP suite. It also features a sun deck with a hot tub and sunbathing area.

The ship has traveled "to some of the world's most remote places with an impressive 4,000+ nautical mile range," its listing said.

You can find Hospitality in the water at Ramp E at the show.

The 155-foot Ancora was just completed in August by manufacturer Mengi Yay, its listing said. It is being presented by Fraser Yachts.

Ancora was built for charter use and has a master suite with a private balcony, plus four staterooms including two doubles and two convertibles, allowing for up to 10 guests, the listing said.

Summer charter rates with Fraser run from about $282,000 per week in the western Mediterranean Sea to about $260,000 per week in the winter in the Caribbean, according to Fraser's website .

You can find Ancora in the water at Ramp 2.

Next Chapter

This Benetti-built vessel is 180 feet and 6 inches and was built in 2003 with a refit in 2022, the listing said.

Next Chapter's six cabins — including a split-level master suite with an observation lounge and private study — can accommodate up to 13 people. It features a Jacuzzi, gym and beach club, and is built for charter use, the listing said.

The price starts at $19.9 million, and the ship is being presented at the show by The International Yacht Co.

Next Chapter will be in the water at Ramp E.

For $21 million, you can be the new owner of the Feadship-built Berilda, a 155-foot yacht built in 2001 and refit in 2020-21, according to its listing.

The yacht has "the highest pedigree with a documented history of excellent owners and meticulous care," the listing said. That ownership includes Royal Swedish Yacht Club member Sten Tegner, and Richard and Leslie Fairbanks.

The current owner bought Berilda in 2021 and has sailed across the Atlantic Ocean twice and through Europe, New England, the Bahamas and the Caribbean, the listing said. The yacht features six cabins for up to 14 people and quarters for a crew of up to 10.

Berilda will be in water at Ramp C.

Liberty, built by Trinity, is 187 feet and 2 inches, according to its listing. The yacht is designed for entertaining, the listing said, with social spaces including a dance floor.

Liberty was built in 2012, with work including a paint job, main engine rebuild, new generators and 10-year survey completed since 2018. The price starts at $24.75 million and the ship is being shown by The International Yacht Co.

The yacht has six cabins for 12 guests, with additional capacity for 13 crew, the listing said.

Named simply W, this 188-foot Feadship yacht is being shown by its manufacturer, according to its listing.

The vessel, originally launched as Larisa in 2013, had a major refit in 2020 and was renamed at that time, the listing said. W's owner changed the livery and antifouling, among other alterations, over the past 10 months, the listing said.

W will be in the water at Ramp C.

Priced at $20.9 million and being shown by exhibitor FGI Yacht Group, the 164-foot Tsumat was built by Trinity in 2012 and refit last year, according to its listing.

The exterior was designed by Geoff Van Aller. The interior by Ramón Alonso features leather, suede, marble and walnut, with onyx floors.

There are six staterooms for up to 12 guests and housing for a 10-person crew, the listing said.

Tsumat will be in the water at Ramps 2 and D.

The Nita K II is about 171 feet and was built by Amels in 2004, the listing said. It's priced starting at $23.9 million and presented by Merle Wood & Associates.

A refit in 2021-22 included an overhaul of the main engines and generators, and a 20-year Lloyd's class special survey was completed earlier this year, the listing said.

The interior was designed by Alberto Pinto and Laura Sessa, and the yacht can accommodate up to 12 people in five staterooms, plus room for 14 crew members in seven cabins, the listing said.

Nita K II will be in the water at Ramp D.

If it tells you anything about the level of luxury aboard the BG Charade, this 157-foot yacht was built by Feadship in 1990 for the late Paul Allen of Microsoft, the listing said. Under Allen, the BG Charade completed three circumnavigations and served as the honeymoon venue for Bill and Melinda Gates.

A technical and cosmetic refit was completed in 2016 and included new generators, rebuilt engines, new teak on the exterior and a complete electrical system update, the listing said.

BG Charade has six cabins for up to 12 guests, plus accommodations for up to 10 crew, the listing said.

The yacht will be in the water at Ramp 7.

Bonus: Talisman C

The epically long — 231.6 feet — and super-luxurious Talisman C, built by Turquoise in 2011, will be shown by Burgess Yachts in the water at Ramps D and E.

What: Palm Beach International Boat Show.

When: Noon to 7 p.m. March 21, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. March 22 and 23, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. March 24.

Where: West Palm Beach waterfront.

Cost: General admission is free for ages 6 and younger with purchase of an adult ticket, $17 for a one-day ticket for ages 6-15, $33 for a one-day ticket for ages 16 and older, and $60 for a two-day adult ticket. VIP experiences start at $390 for a Windward single-day ticket.

Information: pbboatshow.com

COMMENTS

  1. Bill Gates Yacht: Everything You Want To Know

    According to the stories online, Bill Gates paid $600 million for the hydrogen powered yacht. But that's not true at all. According to the yacht makers, the Dutch company Sinot, the price tag is $645 million but no one bought it after it was revealed at the Monaco Yacht Show, and that includes Bill Gates.

  2. WAYFINDER Yacht • Bill Gates $25M Support Vessel

    Motor Yacht Wayfinder. In December 2020, Astilleros Armon in Spain launched the highly anticipated yacht Wayfinder, set to serve as the support vessel for Bill Gates' yacht. This vessel is equipped to carry tenders and toys for the mothership, ensuring that guests on board have everything they need for an unforgettable experience.

  3. Bill Gates orders $644 million hydrogen-powered superyacht

    Bill Gates reportedly has his eye on the world's first hydrogen-powered superyacht — a $644 million, environmentally friendly oasis on the sea with its own infinity pool, helipad, spa and gym.

  4. The World's First Hydrogen-Powered Superyacht Has a $644 Million Price

    All renderings are courtesy of Sinot Yacht & Architecture Design ... who had paid the hefty $644 million price tag. Reports spread throughout the internet that billionaire Bill Gates had purchased ...

  5. Lana: On board the 107m Benetti superyacht chartered by Bill Gates and

    Lana: On board the 107m Benetti for charter from €1.8m a week. 1 November 2021 • Written by Caroline White. At 107 metres, Lana is one of the biggest superyachts ever to be launched by Italian shipyard Benetti and is currently hitting the headlines as the charter yacht of choice of Bill Gates and party guest Jeff Bezos. Take a glimpse on ...

  6. Is This 376-Foot-Long, Hydrogen-Powered Concept The Ultimate ...

    The 367-foot-long hydrogen-powered sustainable superyacht from Sinot Yacht Architecture & Design. With multiple media outlets reporting that Microsoft Co-Founder Bill Gates pledged well over $600 ...

  7. Bill Gates' new yacht is hydrogen-powered and costs $644 million

    The 112-meter long Sinot Aqua, the first fully hydrogen-powered vessel of its kind, is the latest purchase of the Microsoft co-founder and his wife Melinda. The yacht has a 17-knot top speed, a 3,750-mile range, and a number of luxury amenities, such as an infinity pool, a spa, and a helipad.

  8. Bill Gates chartering superyacht Lana

    Bill Gates is currently chartering the renowned superyacht Lana and is currently cruising the west coast of the Turkey. ... Superyacht News Bill Gates chartering superyacht Lana - price and location revealed by Robert Anscombe. October 23, 2021 Robert Anscombe ... Chartering the yacht for a week will set you back €1,800,000, approximately ...

  9. Mystery Surrounds $644 Million Hydrogen-Powered Superyacht

    SINOT YACHT ARCHITECTURE & DESIGN. There has been much fanfare in the media these last few days over a report that Microsoft billionaire Bill Gates commissioned a hydrogen-powered $644 million ...

  10. The $644-Million Hydrogen-Powered Superyacht That Bill Gates Did Not

    Several days ago, the entire media world — including major news organizations and design blogs — began reporting that Bill Gates bought a $646 million hydrogen-powered superyacht. Criticism ...

  11. Bill Gates Is Probably Not Buying a $644M Hydrogen-Powered Yacht

    Bill Gates Is Probably Not Buying a $644M Hydrogen-Powered Yacht. The Sinot Aqua costs $644 million and runs two one-megawatt engines on hydrogen, but won't be ready until 2024.

  12. gates commission: Luxe redefined: Bill Gates buys £500m hydrogen

    The Guardian reports that the most cutting-edge feature is tucked away below decks - two 28-tonne vacuum-sealed tanks that are cooled to -423F (-253C) and filled with liquid hydrogen, which powers the ship. The fuel generates power for the two one-megawatt motors and propellers via on-board fuel cells, which combine hydrogen with oxygen to produce electricity.

  13. Bill Gates on board the yacht Madsummer near Panama

    Price: $250 million. Annual Running Cost: $15 - 25 million. Owner: Jeffrey Soffer. Bill Gates is enjoying a few days on the yacht Madsummer, near Panama. He arrived with his Gulfstream G650 private jet (N194WM) and was traveling the area onboard the yacht Madsummer. Madsummer was built by Lurssen Yachts for Miami-based Jeffrey Soffer.

  14. Bill Gates buys $500m hydrogen-powered yacht, or does he?

    This is reported to change soon, as the 64-year-old is now apparently investing in a mega-yacht. It is to be the first yacht to be powered by hydrogen. As The Guardian reported this weekend, Microsoft founder Bill Gates is said to have bought the first luxury yacht with hydrogen propulsion. The 112-meter yacht has five decks with a wellness and ...

  15. Bill Gates buys $500 million eco yacht

    He has previously rented them for holidays, most recently including the $330m yacht Serene, which he borrowed from Stolichnaya vodka magnate, Yuri Scheffler, to sail around the coast of Sardinia. Topics Features. The Microsoft billionaire has ordered the world's first hydrogen-fuelled superyacht, thought to cost in region of $500 million.

  16. 372 foot long and priced at $645 million

    Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates is big into environmental sustainability and technology that can enable it. And in restating his beliefs the man has recently purchased a $645 million luxury yacht that promises a zero-carbon impact, thanks to its hydrogen-fueled mechanism.

  17. A Closer Look at Serene: The $330 Million Yacht Bill Gates Chartered

    According to Boat International, Gates chartered a yacht called 'Serene' for an estimated $5 million per week. He did this to enjoy a break away with his wife and three children. The family enjoyed a week together on the yacht just off the coast of Porto Cervo, Sardinia, in August 2014. The 133-foot yacht is one of the largest in the world ...

  18. Bill Gates might not be buying a $644 million yacht after all (UPDATE

    The Telegraph reported on Sunday that Bill Gates is buying the Sinot Aqua, a hydrogen-powered superyacht with an estimated price tag of $644 million. However, the yacht's maker Sinot later told ...

  19. Bill Gates Enjoys Sardinia Charter on board Superyacht SERENE

    By Editorial Team 8 August 2014. The 133m/436ft superyacht SERENE has welcomed aboard the world's wealthiest man, Bill Gates and his family for a charter vacation in the beautiful cruising grounds of Sardinia. The Microsoft founder and philanthropist along with his wife and three children have been enjoying the Mediterranean summer in style ...

  20. Inside Bill Gates $645Million Hydrogen Powered Superyacht

    In this video, we take a look at billionaire Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates' $645 million hydrogen-powered yacht, the Alaska. This luxurious boat is a glimp...

  21. Inside Bill Gates $644 Million Hydrogen Powered Superyacht

    Inside Bill Gates $644 Million Hydrogen Powered Superyacht. Ever since it came out that Bill Gates might have commissioned the world's first hydrogen powered...

  22. This is the Sinot Aqua, a $645 million yacht powered by hydrogen

    When the Aqua was first unveiled a couple of years ago, the rumor mill started spinning, suggesting Bill Gates had purchased the ship. This rumor has since been debunked but it says a lot about the kind of customer the superyacht was built for. After all, only billionaires can afford a yacht with a price tag that's dangerously close to 10 ...

  23. 10 superyachts at this year's Palm Beach International Boat Show

    The price starts at $29.75 million, according to the yacht's listing on the boat show's website. The Westport-built vessel was first constructed in 2011 and refit in 2021. It has seven cabins that ...