jeff bezos yacht builder

• Share full article

Advertisement

Supported by

Jeff Bezos’ New Yacht Is Finally Ready to Set Sail

Amazon’s founder has been spotted on Koru, a massive schooner with a design that evokes the golden age of sailing in the early 20th century.

By Kevin Koenig

Just in time for the high season of yachting in the Mediterranean, when multimillion-dollar megayachts descend on ports like Monte Carlo and St. Tropez, Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon, has been photographed with his partner Lauren Sánchez on his new boat, Koru, off the coast of Spain.

Mr. Bezos’ vessel is a sailing yacht, a departure from the diesel-powered, floating palaces popular with other billionaires. But it is still massive. At 417 feet, Koru is the world’s largest sailing yacht, according to Boat International , and it cost an estimated $500 million to build, Bloomberg reported . (Parsifal III, the boat featured on Bravo’s reality series “Below Deck Sailing Yacht,” is 177 feet long — less than half the length of Koru — and cost $18 million , according to the website SuperYachtFan.)

A spokesperson for Mr. Bezos did not comment for this article; neither did Oceanco, Koru’s builder. Here is what to know about the boat.

For traditionalists, Koru is refreshing. At a time when yacht design skews outrageous — see the lizardlike, 262-foot Artefact or the otherworldly 463-foot Yas — Koru stands out as a schooner, a sailing vessel with two or more masts. Photos reveal a large sailboat with three masts, an on-deck pool and a voluptuous mermaid on the bow, that bears a resemblance to Ms. Sánchez. But otherwise, the sleek, classic lines suggest the patrician age of yachting in the early 20th century, said Robert B. MacKay, author of “The Golden Age of Newport Yachting: Between the Wars.”

“With the clipper bow and the dark hull and the masts,” Mr. MacKay said, referring to Koru’s concave, pointy forward section, “it reminds me of a boat built in 1930 for J.P. Morgan Jr., Corsair IV. It is almost like a reincarnation. It’s certainly at odds with the stuff the oligarchs are building — those look like bloated Clorox bottles.”

Compared with the world’s very largest motor yachts — built for sheer size and the accompanying bragging rights — Koru could almost be considered quaint. Azzam, one of the world’s largest motor yachts, is nearly 200 feet longer.

The Experience

Koru will be propelled primarily by the wind. “Sailboats are usually greener than most powerboats,” said Don Anderson, a former captain of M5 , the world’s largest single-masted sailboat, at 256 feet. “I’d like to think that Koru will be one of the most ecological yachts out there, with its sails and also with the technology that will be aboard.”

“When you’re on a sailboat, you’re more in touch with the wind and the waves than on a powerboat,” he continued. “You’re more susceptible to the elements, too. But you can leave California, and once you get past the Catalinas you can basically surf downwind all the way to Hawaii. All you need to do is run with the waves.”

Mr. Bezos has been a guest on similar boats, according to Bloomberg: In 2019, he was spotted on Eos , a 305-foot sailing yacht owned by Barry Diller and Diane von Furstenberg.

Bill Tripp, a Connecticut-based naval architect, said the appeal of this type of boat is clear: “When you are on a powerboat, you ask, ‘Are we there yet?’ and on a sailboat, you’re enjoying the ride and the ocean so much that you don’t ask that question.”

Koru will be trailed by Abeona, a 246-foot support vessel. Superyachts often have support vessels following along behind them. These “shadows,” as they are colloquially known, are for the “toys” — the ATVs, supercars, seaplanes, motorcycles, smaller boats, scuba gear, personal submarines and even helicopters that pleasure boaters might bring on a trip. According to its builder, this model of boat can carry these gadgets along with dozens of crew members. (Ms. Sanchez flies helicopters, and the couple was recently photographed taking a helicopter to board Abeona and then Koru.)

Abeona, a motor yacht, will have enough range to follow Koru from the Mediterranean to the Caribbean — a common course for yachts — on a single tank of gas.

The Kerfuffle

Koru set off a controversy last year — before it was even completed — in a face-off with the Dutch city of Rotterdam. The boat was built at Oceanco’s facility in Alblasserdam, the Netherlands, and needed to pass the historic Koningshaven Bridge, known as “De Hef,” in Rotterdam, to undergo testing in the North Sea.

When the city announced it would dismantle the bridge to allow the boat and its mainmast — an estimated 230 feet tall — to pass through unscathed, locals were angry. They planned a protest to throw eggs at the yacht as it cruised by. In the end, the bridge was not taken apart, and the yacht was towed to a different location to have its masts attached.

Koru is Maori for “coil” or “loop” and refers to the unfurling of a fern frond. The koru design is common in traditional Maori art, where it symbolizes new life, growth and peace. Mr. Bezos included a photo of a koru frond in an Instagram post on Jan. 1, 2022.

Brad Stone, who was the first to report on Koru, in his 2021 book “Amazon Unbound: Jeff Bezos and the Invention of a Global Empire,” said the name was “consistent with where we see him today.”

“He is no longer this single-minded tech guy,” Mr. Stone said. “He’s in media and Hollywood and has a new relationship.”

Explore Our Style Coverage

The latest in fashion, trends, love and more..

What Is a Sundress?: A heated discussion about one of the summer's most ubiquitous garments grapples with questions of femininity, tradition and sexuality. Weigh in on the debate .

Facing Hateful Comments: Ignore vitriol, or turn it into content? Creators like Kacie Rose and Drew Afualo share their tips for dealing with harsh comments on TikTok and Instagram .

A Red-Carpet Star Is Born: Cole Escola is dressing the part of fashion plate  after achieving a new level of fame with the play “Oh, Mary!”

Cindy Crawford Is Here to Stay: Three decades ago she invented the modern playbook  by which the current generation of professionally beautiful people flourish.

How Short Should Men’s Shorts Be?: Thanks in part to widely circulated photos of the actor Paul Mescal in thigh-baring shorts, there’s a clear answer .

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
• Superyacht Insight
• Global Order Book
• Premium Content
• Product Features
• Testimonials
• Pricing Plan
• Tenders & Equipment

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.

Sponsored listings

• Netherlands

Jeff Bezos’s New Superyacht to Force Dismantling of Dutch Bridge

J eff Bezos’s massive new superyacht is nearing completion, but getting it to its owner will require taking out a bridge.

The 417-foot-long sailing yacht, code-named Y721, is being built by Alblasserdam, Netherlands-based Oceanco. For the boat to reach the ocean, it will have to pass through Rotterdam, and navigate a landmark steel bridge known as De Hef. A lift bridge, De Hef’s central span can be raised more than 130 feet into the air, but that’s still not high enough to accommodate the yacht’s three giant masts.

So the city has agreed to temporarily take apart the bridge’s central section this summer for Bezos’s yacht to pass through, according to Frances van Heijst, a Rotterdam spokeswoman. The NL Times reported the bridge plan earlier Wednesday.

The Y721 will be one of the largest sailing yachts ever built in the Netherlands, the unofficial capital of boat building for the very wealthy. Rotterdam council project leader Marcel Walravens defended the city’s decision to allow the bridge to be dismantled, telling local broadcaster Rijnmond it was the “only alternative” to complete what the municipality considers “a very important project” economically.

Oceanco, and not the city, will foot the cost of the bridge demolition, van Heijst said. It’s likely some of those costs will be passed on to Bezos, the world’s second-richest person with a net worth of $175.8 billion, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index.

De Hef is considered an icon of Rotterdam’s industrial heritage as a shipbuilding hub, and news of its partial demolition has caused a stir among locals.

“This man has earned his money by structurally cutting staff, evading taxes, avoiding regulations and now we have to tear down our beautiful national monument?” Rotterdam politician Stephan Leewis wrote on Twitter. “That is really going a bridge too far.”

It’s not the first headache caused by Y721’s tall masts. The enormity of the yacht’s sails will make it unsafe to land a helicopter onboard, so Bezos has commissioned a support yacht equipped with a helipad to trail alongside.

Surging levels of personal wealth pushed superyacht sales to record levels last year. A total of 887 such ships were sold in 2021, a 77% jump from a year earlier and more than double the number in 2019, according to a report from maritime data firm VesselsValue. Boat builder Burgess reported more than 2 billion euros ($2.3 billion) in superyacht sales last year.

—With assistance from Brad Stone.

More Must-Reads from TIME

• Eyewitness Accounts From the Trump Rally Shooting
• From 2022: How the Threat of Political Violence Is Transforming America
• ‘We’re Living in a Nightmare:’ Inside the Health Crisis of a Texas Bitcoin Town
• Why We All Have a Stake in  Twisters’ Success
• 8 Eating Habits That Actually Improve Your Sleep
• Stop Feeling Bad About Sweating
• Welcome to the Noah Lyles Olympics
• Get Our Paris Olympics Newsletter in Your Inbox

Contact us at [email protected]

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Builder

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

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

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

Design and Features

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

Layout and Amenities

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

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

Support Vessel

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

Toys and Entertainment

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

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

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

Media Coverage

News coverage.

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

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

Social Media

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

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

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the name of jeff bezos' yacht.

Jeff Bezos' yacht is called "Koru".

How big is Jeff Bezos' yacht?

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

Who designed Jeff Bezos' yacht?

Koru was designed by the Dutch yacht builder, Oceanco.

What is the cost of Jeff Bezos' yacht?

The estimated cost of Koru is $500 million.

Where was Jeff Bezos' yacht built?

Koru was built in the Netherlands by Oceanco.

How many crew members are on Jeff Bezos' yacht?

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

Related Articles

Prodigy Boats: Unveiling the Innovation in Marine Craft Design

Voyaging To The Past

Best Boat Wax 2024: Top Picks for Ultimate Protection and Shine

Robalo Boats: Unrivaled Performance and Luxury on the Water

Intracoastal Waterway Map: A Comprehensive Guide for Navigation

Cubera Snapper: Expert Tips for Catching and Cooking

Ascend 10T Kayak: A Comprehensive Overview for Enthusiasts

Double Uni Knot: Essential Guide for Secure Fishing Connections

• Nation & World

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

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

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

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

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

Related More on the Maritime Industry

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

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

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

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

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

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

Most Read Business Stories

• A faulty software update causes havoc worldwide for airlines, hospitals and governments VIEW
• Amazon cracks down on 'coffee badging,' amid return-to-office push
• Chaos and Confusion: Tech Outage Causes Disruptions Worldwide
• European Union adds porn site XNXX to list of online platforms facing strictest digital scrutiny
• Microsoft says CrowdStrike issue behind global tech outage fixed

Find anything you save across the site in your account

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Flying Fox , allegedly owned by Bezos.

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

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

• Cars, Jets & Yachts

What Do We Know About Jeff Bezos and his Yacht?

The enormous vessel has reportedly been delivered to its owner.

By Irenie Forshaw

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

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

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

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

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

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

These Yacht Charters Offer Prime Access to Remarkable Places

These are the 7 Yacht Interior Designers to Know

The Ultimate Guide to Hydrogen-powered Yachts

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

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

Who is building Jeff Bezos’s yacht?

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

Content from our partners

Nightcap: Enjoy Live Music All Summer at Nemacolin Resort

How to Enjoy America’s Cup 2024 in Barcelona

From Mexico to Manhattan: Clase Azul’s Latest Tequila Captures NYC

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

What do we know about the design?

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

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

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

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

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

How about the interiors?

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

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

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

Irenie Forshaw

Latest in luxury, the explorer.

Thank you for subscribing to Elite Traveler.

Jeff Bezos' megayacht was quietly towed from a Dutch shipyard after the company building it scrapped a request to dismantle a historic bridge to let it pass — watch the video

• Bezos' yacht was moved from a Dutch shipyard before dawn Tuesday, likely to avoid local attention.
• After public outcry from locals, it did not involve the dismantling of a historic bridge.
• Watch Bezos' yacht make its journey.

Jeff Bezos' megayacht has quietly left the Dutch shipyard where it was built, sans a bridge dismantling and crowds of spectators.

The 417-foot vessel , known as Y721 and estimated to cost $500 million, has been under construction by the shipbuilding company Oceanco in a shipyard in Alblasserdam, Netherlands. It was towed to the Greenport shipyard in Rotterdam in the wee hours of the morning Tuesday, according to the German magazine Der Spiegel .

The controversy surrounding Bezos' yacht began in February, when Oceanco requested the city of Rotterdam dismantle the Koningshaven Bridge to allow the vessel to pass through the city. Known colloquially as De Hef, the beloved bridge is considered something of a landmark by locals. It's nearly 100 years old. Upon completion, the yacht will have three masts too tall for the bridge's clearance, which is about 131 feet.

Dutch residents were outraged and planned an event to throw eggs at Bezos' yacht if it required the bridge to be dismantled for its passage. Within days, Rotterdam Mayor Ahmed Aboutaleb said no decision had been made to dismantle the bridge and that Bezos or Oceanco might need to foot the bill if it happened.

Earlier this month, Oceanco withdrew its request for the dismantling after the public outcry.

Hanco Bol, a local yachting enthusiast from the yacht fan club Dutch Yachting, saw and recorded a video of Tuesday's relocation, which he posted on YouTube, Der Spiegel reported. He said preparations for the move started about 1 a.m. and the yacht departed at 3 a.m.

Related stories

Bol speculated Oceanco "tried to keep the launch and transport under wraps" because the vessel took a route that was longer than necessary but avoided going through the city center and past the Koningshaven Bridge.

"We never saw a transport going that fast," he wrote in the caption of his YouTube video, adding that Bezos' yacht arrived at the Greenport shipyard three hours and 24 miles later.

On its voyage Tuesday morning, Bezos' yacht was towed without its masts, which will be installed later, Der Spiegel reported.

Watch the video of Bezos' yacht moving shipyards here:

• Main content

• The Inventory

Support Quartz

Fund next-gen business journalism with $10 a month

Free Newsletters

A European port will dismantle a historic bridge to deliver a giant yacht to Jeff Bezos

Amazon founder Jeff Bezos’ vast fortune is partly based on quick, hassle-free delivery. But he faces shipping issues himself—his superyacht, under construction in the Netherlands, is apparently too tall to pass under a historic bridge in the port city of Rotterdam because of its trio of masts.

According to Dutch broadcaster Rijnmond  (link in Dutch), the local ship builder has convinced city authorities to dismantle a part of the bridge, which dates back to the 19th century.

Jeff Bezos’s $500 million superyacht

Bezos appears to be keen to spend some of his  post-CEO leisure time  on luxury travel, whether as a space tourist, or on his very own yacht, a mode of travel where the wealthy enjoy gathering for a stressful cocktail of business and pleasure, judging by episodes of Succession .

While ship builder Oceanco’s website doesn’t mention this project, its owner, Omani businessman Mohammed al Barwani , revealed in November that Oceanco is currently building a 127-meter-long (416 ft) sailboat. Meanwhile, according to Boat International , a trade publication covering the yacht industry, that is the exact length of Oceanco’s Y721 project, under construction for Bezos. Still to be christened, it will take the title of the world’s largest sailing boat from Sea Cloud , which was commissioned in 1931.

The yacht will have its own support yacht, according to Bloomberg , which estimated the project is costing about $485 million.

Bezos and Oceanco would cover the costs of the necessary bridge work, according to Rijnmond. Oceanco and the Rotterdam city government didn’t immediately respond to questions from Quartz.

Demand for superyachts—as for many other luxury goods—has surged during the pandemic, a rarefied counterpart to the boom in used cars at the other end of the wealth spectrum. As of December, 1,024 such yachts were on order, according to Boat International, a 25% increase from a year earlier, according to CNBC . It isn’t clear when Bezos ordered his yacht, but it can take three to five years for a custom-made boat.

Why Rotterdam’s agreeing to the request

Rotterdam’s Koningshaven bridge dates back in one form or another to the late 19th century. It was rebuilt after being bombed in World War II. From 2014 to 2017, De Hef, as locals call it, underwent a restoration . Though trains haven’t crossed over it in a long time, it remains an important part of the city’s industrial history.

Marcel Walravens, a city official involved in that restoration project, defended the dismantling to Rijnmond, saying he doesn’t think it would be practical to remove the masts and then finish the boat again elsewhere.

While some city residents may see this as a symbol of the entitlement of billionaires, for Rotterdam authorities it’s a logical step to support the maritime sector, which has long been vital to the Dutch economy. The Netherlands is home to Europe’s busiest port, and the Dutch shipping industry employs tens of thousands of people.

“From an economic perspective and maintaining employment, the municipality considers this a very important project,” Walravens told Rijnmond.

📬 Sign up for the Daily Brief

Our free, fast, and fun briefing on the global economy, delivered every weekday morning.

Late billionaire oligarch’s magnificent $200 million sailing yacht, which was the inspiration for Jeff Bezos’ Koru yacht, is embroiled in an ugly family feud. The 350-foot-long ‘Black Pearl’ has a 4,000-bottle wine cellar, a Napoleon Bonaparte piano, and a cinema sky lounge.

Note from the editor – The story was edited on the 1st of November at 7.20 am (EST) as per the current information we received from the lawyers of the Bourlakov family.

You may also like

Bill Gates clears the agenda of being the largest farmland owner in America. The centibillionaire owns more land than the area of New York City.

Left without food, its desperate staff had to catch fish from the sea and barbeque – After being stranded in freezing Norway for 6 weeks as the locals refused to sell it food or fuel this former KGB agent’s $85 million adventure superyacht is now headed to Malta.

The $120 million abandoned superyacht Alfa Nero may finally be auctioned as the country of Antigua has secured the license from US authorities to sell the Russian billionaire’s 269 feet long vessel.

Thanks to American bankers and CEO’s the superyacht rental market is on fire – Forget asking for discounts the Richie Rich’s are happily paying $150,000 just to get a spot on the waiting list.

Is Mark Zuckerberg trying to project himself as the toughest CEO in the world? The Facebook co-founder has posted a video of him sparing with two of the best MMA fighters in the world on a floating barge in the middle of Lake Tahoe.

Carlos Slim takes top slot at Forbes 2011 world billionaire list

Donald Trump’s mammoth unrealized dream: the 420-foot Trump Princess II which could have been the world’s most lavish superyacht. The former President not only dreamt big but even paid $170,000 in design fees for the vessel that was to have plush lounges, a pool, hot tubs, and a helipad.

Mark Zuckerberg’s alleged $300 million superyacht, said to have been bought from a sanctioned oligarch, has sailed 4,700 miles and arrived in the United States. Named ‘Launchpad’, the 387-foot-long vessel is moored at Ft. Lauderdale seaport alongside tugboats.

Jeff Bezos, Lauren Sanchez, and the Colombian President are working together in the Amazon to protect and preserve the biodiversity in the Andes

• Breaking News
• University Guide
• Meghan Markle
• Prince Harry
• King Charles III

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

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

By Ruth Styles For Dailymail.com

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

View comments

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

One's made of wood and the other is made of plasti...

Most watched News videos

• Strictly's professional dancers display 'controversial behaviour'
• Shocking scenes in Leeds as gang of thugs overturns a police car
• Shocking footage shows aftermath of carjacking that saw woman killed
• Just Stop Oil warriors surround van detaining co-founder Roger Hallam
• Chris Packham calls long Just Stop Oil prison sentences 'bonkers'
• Leeds councillor Mothin Ali joins clean up effort after riot chaos
• Shocking moment cowardly driver leaves fiancee to die after car crash
• Ex-Gov Adviser: IT outage was a 'digital auto-immune disorder'
• Shocking scenes in Leeds as 'explosion' sends people running
• Moment police in Leeds forcefully take children out of the house
• Leeds: Moment rioting thugs throw fridge into fire and ignite bus
• Path bullet used in Trump assassination attempt appeared to take

Comments 409

Share what you think

• Worst rated

The comments below have not been moderated.

The views expressed in the contents above are those of our users and do not necessarily reflect the views of MailOnline.

We are no longer accepting comments on this article.

• Back to top

Published by Associated Newspapers Ltd

Part of the Daily Mail, The Mail on Sunday & Metro Media Group