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The best pictures of Koru

In 2022, the 125.8-metre sailing yacht Koru made history when she hit the water at Oceanco ’s Alblasserdam facilities. Now successfully delivered, she is the flagship of the Oceanco fleet and the largest Dutch-built yacht in the world. 

BOAT rounds up the best pictures of the three-masted sailing yacht owned by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos...

Koru unable to dock in Florida

Koru arrived at Port Everglades, Florida in November 2023 following a months-long Mediterranean cruise that included stopovers in Dubrovnik, Saint-Cyr-sur-Mer and Calabria (according to BOATPro ). The sailing yacht was too large to anchor in the nearby marina, which has a maximum capacity of 121.9 metres. She was photographed instead docking next to a 297-metre cruise ship named Rhapsody of the Seas .

Koru's helicopter landing

Last summer, Koru was spotted in the French Riveria alongside her 75-metre support vessel Abeona . Delivered by Damen Yachting two months before the mothership, Abeona is equipped with a helipad and hangar for a D14 value helicopter– which is clearly being put to good use. Accommodation is for up to 45 people onboard Bezos' support vessel, including crew, guests and other specialist staff.

Koru in Portofino

Koru and Abeona also travelled to Portofino in the summer of 2023, with both Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez sighted enjoying lunch and taking photographs while on board. 

Koru's figurehead

Throughout construction, it was difficult to get a glimpse of the details on board Koru ; but once handed over, all of her traditional features could be admired up close. As well as the intricate gold paintwork and scarlet bootstripe, the yacht also features an elaborate figurehead made of polished wood. The woman is wearing a necklace with a symbol in the pendant, which some have speculated could be the Māori symbol meaning "koru".

Koru in front of Palma Cathedral

After delivery, the schooner spent some time enjoying the waters of Mallorca. The Balearic hotspot is a magnet for superyachts during the Mediterranean season, but Koru had the quiet anchorage largely to herself after leaving the Oceanco shipyard. Her classic lines could be appreciated in all of their glory against the backdrop of Palma Cathedral. 

Koru delivered to Mallorca

In April 2023. Koru was delivered and undertook her maiden voyage from the Netherlands to Gibraltar. She then headed onwards to Palma, giving the world a first glimpse of her cascading aft decks, mighty masts and elaborate aft deck pool arrangement. She was flying solo in Mallorca, but was later joined by support vessel Abeona .

Koru in Gibraltar

Following her successful sea trials in Rotterdam, Koru embarked on journey to Palma, Mallorca that involved an overnight anchorage in Gibraltar. The sailing yacht was sighted passing through the Strait of Gibraltar a second time on her cross-continental journey from the Mediterranean to the USA in November 2023.

Koru on sea trials

Koru was spotted departing from Rotterdam in the early morning light of February 13 to begin sea trials. The 125.8-metre Oceanco set sail across the North Sea to put her performance to the test after hitting the water for the first time in August 2022. The traditional three-masted schooner yacht has a midnight blue hull, traditional canoe stern and the unique addition of a chair at the very tip of the bowsprit. Her name represents the idea of life’s perpetual movement and is a Māori word closely related to that of an unfurling leaf.

Koru with her masts stepped

The yacht was seen for the first time in her final form on the dock in the Port of Rotterdam. Her trio of masts was stepped here to avoid having to dismantle any bridges to allow the Oceanco giant yacht to pass under. The maximum height of the bridge is 70 metres; the masts on Koru are thought to measure between 65 and 85 metres. The first images of Koru indicate the yacht will have plenty of features for her owner to enjoy, including an aft deck pool and a large, uncluttered sundeck.

Koru launched

The 125.8-metre yacht was moved from Oceanco’s primary facilities at the crack of dawn to enter the final stages of construction. The hull was transported via Dordrecht and Spijkenisse (Oude Maas), and her masts were transported separately via the slightly shorter Rotterdam Centre (Nieuwe Maas).

Koru moves through the Dutch canals

Before she hit the water, the hull of Koru was loaded onto a transport vessel and she made the journey through the Dutch canals for further construction work. The yacht was captured against the backdrop of the quaint Dutch countryside, revealing her classic-looking lines and long rows of windows.

Koru from a bird's eye view

As she was wheeled out of the shed into the light of day, yacht-spotters were able to get their first proper aerial shot of the yacht, without her masts. 

Koru rolls out of the shed

When Oceanco completed the work on the hull, the yacht was rolled out of the shed to reveal a crisp navy hull and white superstructure. Koru ’s exterior design immediately drew a comparison to Lürssen’s 93-metre sailing yacht Eos , which was designed by US-based Langan Design . This was the world’s first sighting of the already iconic superyacht.

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Jeff Bezos Yacht Koru, The Largest Sailing Yacht

Jeff Bezos' World's Largest Sailing Yacht: Koru

Jeff Bezos Yacht Koru A Controversial Start and a Symbolic Name

Jeff Bezos, the billionaire behind Amazon, is set to become the owner of the world's largest sailing vessel, S/Y Koru. The yacht, which measures 417 feet long, is currently undergoing open-seas testing before being delivered to its owner. The vessel has had a controversial start to its life, with a petition to dismantle a historic bridge in Rotterdam causing anger among the Dutch people. However, the boat was eventually moved to a different shipyard, and now it is almost ready to sail. In this editorial, we will look at S/Y Koru's design, its controversial start, and what the future holds for this massive sailing yacht.

The Largest Sailing Vessel in the World

Once S/Y Koru is delivered to Jeff Bezos, it will become the largest sailing vessel in the world. The yacht's sheer size is impressive, but its sailing capabilities are just as noteworthy. S/Y Koru has a hybrid propulsion system, which allows it to sail using wind power or a diesel engine. Crafted from cutting-edge materials, the yacht's sails are built to endure various weather conditions while delivering peak performance.

S/Y Koru's massive size and advanced technology come with a hefty price tag. It's been reported that constructing the yacht amounted to roughly $500 million, positioning it as one of the priciest vessels in existence. However, for Jeff Bezos, this is a drop in the bucket. The billionaire has a net worth of over $100 billion, making him one of the richest people in the world.

Symbolism and Design

The Jeff Bezos' Yacht Koru, which is not just a massive sailing yacht, but also a symbol of perpetual movement and the cycle of life, has a name inspired by the Māori symbol of the same name. The koru symbolizes the spiral of an unfurling fern frond and embodies the concept of how life both changes and remains constant, according to the New Zealand government's definition. Representing perpetual motion, the Koru's circular form with its inward coil signifies a return to the starting point.

The yacht's design is just as impressive as its symbolism. S/Y Koru was built by Oceanco, a Dutch yacht builder known for its high-end luxury vessels. The yacht has a sleek, modern design, with clean lines and a metallic grey finish. It features three masts and can accommodate up to 36 guests and 56 crew members. The yacht's interior is just as impressive, with a spa, gym, and even a climbing wall.

The Koru is not just a yacht; it's a statement. Its sheer size, advanced technology, and sleek design make it a testament to human innovation and engineering. It's the largest sailing vessel in the world, and it's a marvel to behold.

A Controversial Start

S/Y Koru's development process was not without controversy. In 2017, Oceanco petitioned the Rotterdam government to dismantle the Koningshavenbrug bridge so that the yacht could be moved to open water. The bridge, known locally as De Hef, is a symbol of local resistance against the invading forces during World War II. It was heavily damaged by Nazi shelling but managed to survive, becoming a testament to the city's resilience.

The Rotterdam city council refused the petition, causing anger among the Dutch people. Nearly 3,000 people signed up for a protest that involved throwing eggs at the yacht as it passed through town. However, the boat was eventually moved to a different shipyard without its masts early in the morning, avoiding any further controversy.

Top reasons why the Koru is a unique and impressive vessel:

Symbolic Design: The circular shape of the Koru represents perpetual motion, with its inward coil symbolizing a return to the starting point.

Cutting-Edge Materials: The yacht's sails are made from high-tech materials, designed to endure various weather conditions while delivering peak performance.

Advanced Technology: The Koru has a hybrid propulsion system, which allows it to sail using wind power or a diesel engine.

Impressive Size: Once delivered to Jeff Bezos, the Koru will become the largest sailing vessel in the world.

Luxurious Interior: The yacht can accommodate up to 36 guests and 56 crew members, with a spa, gym, and even a climbing wall.

Controversial Start: The yacht's development process was not without controversy, with a petition to dismantle a historic bridge in Rotterdam causing anger among the Dutch people.

Statement Piece: The Koru is not just a yacht; it's a statement. Its sheer size, advanced technology, and sleek design make it a testament to human innovation and engineering.

Jeff Bezos Yacht Koru is an impressive vessel, both in its size and design. The yacht's symbolism and modern features make it a unique addition to the luxury sailing world. While it may have had a controversial start, S/Y Koru is now ready to sail the open seas and embark on new adventures. Only time will tell what Jeff Bezos has planned for this magnificent yacht, but one thing is for sure - it will undoubtedly turn heads and be the envy of seafarers worldwide. S/Y Koru's advanced technology, sleek design, and exceptional performance make it a stunning feat of engineering and a true masterpiece on the water.

As of May 29, 2023 - Updated data

Superyacht koru technical specifications.

KORU is a three-masted sailing yacht, 127 meters (417 ft) in length. The superyacht is reported to have cost around $500 million, making it one of the most expensive yachts in the world. It is also noteworthy for being the second-largest sailing yacht globally, after Andrey Melnichenko's Sailing Yacht A​.

The vessel's exterior design is the work of Dykstra Naval Architects, while the interior was crafted by Mlinaric, Henry, and Zervudachi Interior Design and Decoration. The yacht's tonnage is 3,300 GT, and it can accommodate 18 passengers, looked after by a crew of 40.

Deck Layout and Amenities

KORU stands out with its classic elegance, boasting a midnight blue hull, canoe stern, and three masts, a design reminiscent of early 20th-century schooners. The deck space is ample, offering various locations to take in the surroundings, including three jacuzzis and a swimming pool.

The interior of KORU exudes opulence and sophistication, with each detail meticulously crafted to provide the utmost comfort and luxury. Fine wood finishes, marble accents, and plush furnishings create an atmosphere of elegance and refinement. The living areas, dining rooms, and lounges are vast, offering generous spaces for entertainment and relaxation​.

KORU primarily harnesses the wind for propulsion, making it a more ecologically friendly option compared to other mega yachts. Its luxurious offerings include an on-deck pool, complemented by spacious lounging and sunbathing areas. Inside, the yacht features a lavish spa and wellness center, complete with a fully equipped gym, sauna, and massage rooms. The yacht also boasts a world-class gourmet kitchen manned by a team of highly skilled chefs, providing elevated dining experiences both indoors and al fresco, with panoramic views of the ocean​.

Superyacht KORU Shadow Vessel ABEONA

The yacht is accompanied by a support vessel named Abeona, a 246-foot motor yacht. This "shadow" vessel carries additional amenities and recreational vehicles, like ATVs, supercars, seaplanes, motorcycles, smaller boats, scuba gear, personal submarines, and even helicopters, to enhance the luxurious and adventurous experience at sea​.

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COMMENTS

  1. Top 10 largest sailing yachts in the world - BOAT International

    Maltese Falcon's rig is made up of three unstayed, 'weapons-grade' carbon fibre masts, with a fully computerised sail and rotating mast system. The system has been dubbed a triumph of design, development and engineering and Maltese Falcon has topped an impressive 24 knots under sail.

  2. The best pictures of Koru ,the world's biggest sailing yacht

    In 2022, the 125.8-metre sailing yacht Koru made history when she hit the water at Oceanco’s Alblasserdam facilities. Now successfully delivered, she is the flagship of the Oceanco fleet and the largest Dutch-built yacht in the world. BOAT rounds up the best pictures of the three-masted sailing yacht owned by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos...

  3. Koru (yacht) - Wikipedia

    Koru is a luxury custom superyacht owned by Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon. The vessel was built in the Netherlands by Oceanco starting in 2021, and delivered in April 2023. [3][4][5] It is a three-masted sailing yacht 127 meters (417 ft) long and reported to have cost $500 million or more. [6][7][8] When commissioned, the yacht was the ...

  4. The top 10 largest sailing yachts in the world - SuperYacht Times

    Discover the largest sailing yachts in the global superyacht fleet: 143m Sailing Yacht A, 106m Black Pearl, 93m EOS and many more.

  5. SAILING YACHT A • World's Largest Sailing Yacht • $600M

    Towering Masts: The yacht boasts three masts that soar up to 328 feet (100 meters) above the water, making them among the tallest ever constructed. Crow’s Nest: Accessible by an internal elevator, the crow’s nest sits at 60 meters high, offering panoramic views of the ocean—a testament to Melnichenko’s love for adventure.

  6. Jeff Bezos Yacht Koru, The Largest Sailing Yacht | Superyacht ...

    The yacht has a sleek, modern design, with clean lines and a metallic grey finish. It features three masts and can accommodate up to 36 guests and 56 crew members. The yacht's interior is just as impressive, with a spa, gym, and even a climbing wall. The Koru is not just a yacht; it's a statement.