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Jeff Bezos’ Magnificent KORU Yacht and ABEONA Support Vessel

The KORU yacht is a 127 meter sailing yacht built in the Netherlands by Oceanco and delivered in 2023. She was designed by Dykstra Naval Architects with the the interior of the yacht designed by Mlinaric, Henry & Zervudachi.

In the world of luxury yachting, few names command as much attention as Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon and one of the richest individuals on the planet.

Bezos’ affinity for the sea and his penchant for exploration have materialized in the form of the breathtaking sailing yacht KORU and its companion, the support vessel ABEONA.

Commissioned from renowned shipbuilders Oceanco and Damen Yachting, respectively, these vessels are not only a testament to Bezos’ wealth but also a celebration of Māori culture and innovation in yacht design.

The Marvel of Modern Yacht Design: KORU Yacht

The KORU yacht, also known as Y721, is a masterpiece crafted by the acclaimed Oceanco shipyard. With a remarkable length of 127 meters (417 feet), the yacht exudes luxury and grandeur in every aspect. Launched in April 2023, KORU stands as a tribute to Māori art and culture, as evident from its name and styling.

The Māori word “koru” signifies a loop or coil, symbolizing new life, growth, strength, and peace. This symbolism resonates throughout the vessel, creating an immersive experience that pays homage to the essence of Māori art.

Inside the KORU yacht, guests are treated to a world of unparalleled luxury. The yacht boasts a large swimming pool on the aft deck, inviting guests to bask in the sun while surrounded by the beauty of the open sea.

Accommodating up to 18 guests and serviced by a crew of approximately 40, KORU offers a perfect balance between privacy and service.

The yacht’s interiors are a testament to meticulous design and craftsmanship, with each detail meticulously chosen to provide the highest level of comfort.

The Symbolism of KORU’s Name

The choice of the name “KORU” for the yacht holds deep significance. In Māori culture, the koru symbolizes new beginnings, growth, and the cycle of life.

It is often represented as an unfolding fern frond, embodying the concepts of renewal and continuous movement. Jeff Bezos, in an Instagram post , highlighted the symbolism behind the name, showcasing his embrace of growth, rebirth, and mindfulness.

ABEONA: The Perfect Companion

No luxury yacht is complete without a support vessel that complements its grandeur. Enter ABEONA, a 75-meter (246-foot) support vessel commissioned by Jeff Bezos.

Built by Damen Yachting, ABEONA serves as the perfect adjunct to the KORU yacht. This custom-built vessel carries all the toys, tenders, and equipment needed to enhance the yachting experience.

With a large helicopter hangar and the capacity to accommodate 45 staff, crew, and guests, ABEONA stands as an indispensable asset to the main yacht.

The Visionary Behind the Vessels: Jeff Bezos

With a staggering net worth of $160 billion, Jeff Bezos is not only a pioneer in the world of e-commerce but also a visionary with a passion for the sea.

The commissioning of the KORU yacht and the ABEONA support vessel reflects Bezos’ love for exploration and his desire to embrace the vastness of the ocean.

Bezos’ affinity for the sea is also reflected in his ownership of a Gulfstream G650ER private jet, showcasing his penchant for luxury both in the air and on the water.

Oceanco: The Pioneers of Luxury Yacht Building

The Oceanco shipyard has carved a name for itself as a pioneer in the luxury yacht industry. Established in 1987, Oceanco has consistently pushed the boundaries of design, craftsmanship, and innovation.

KORU, with its classic schooner design, stands as a testament to Oceanco’s commitment to creating vessels that are not only luxurious but also artistically inspired.

KORU yacht summary

The KORU yacht and its companion ABEONA support vessel stand as testaments to Jeff Bezos’ love for the sea, his appreciation for Māori culture, and his affinity for luxury and exploration.

These vessels, crafted with precision by Oceanco and Damen Yachting, redefine the boundaries of yacht design and innovation.

As Jeff Bezos embarks on journeys of discovery aboard these vessels, he continues to inspire awe and admiration among yachting enthusiasts and the world at large.

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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.”

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75m custom Damen Yachting support vessel delivered and named

The largest support vessel built by Damen Yachting has been delivered and named Abeona . The custom shadow vessel departed the shipyard's Vlissingen site at the end of January and arrived in Gibraltar after successfully completing sea trials.

Formerly known by the project names YS 7512 and Wingman, the vessel has been spotted with the name Abeona. The name comes from the Roman era, when Abeona was the goddess of voyages and departures.

The superyacht which she will be supporting is Y721, or Koru , the yacht reportedly commissioned for Jeff Bezos.

The vessel hit the water in October showing off a grey hull, orange boot stripe and Damen Yachting's signature high forebody and open aft deck, which will be used for storing tenders and toys.

The model has been designed in-house and features a 12.6 metre beam and an impressive volume of 1,900GT, which includes the capacity to store emergency relief support equipment.

Elsewhere, the vessel features a helipad and hangar for a D14 value helicopter and will be equipped with an array of marine gear, as well as additional tenders and toys that aren't carried on board the mothership.

Due for delivery in early 2023, the support vessel has accommodation for a total of 45 people, including crew, guests and other specialist staff. 

Speaking at the beginning of its construction, Damen Yachting sales director Rob Luijendijk said: “At the time of delivery, she will be the 17th yacht support delivered. She will also be [Damen Yachting's] largest to date, which I think continues to show the scalability of the support solution for large superyachts.”

According to BOATPro , YS 7512 marks the eighth-largest support vessel in the world.

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Jeff Bezos: Amazon CEO buys $500m superyacht so big it comes with a ‘support yacht’

Experts say that yacht industry has seen a boom during the pandemic, article bookmarked.

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Jeff Bezos , Amazon founder and the world’s richest man, will reportedly soon be the owner of a mega-yacht he bought for $500 million, almost double the price he paid to buy the Washington Post newspaper in 2013.

While the details of the vessel have largely been kept under wrap, the 417-foot superyacht is so massive that it has a yacht of its own, along with a helipad, reported Bloomberg.

Developed by Dutch yachtmaker, Oceano, it is named project Y721 and has several decks along with three huge masts, reported the outlet. Said to be the largest sailing yacht built in the Netherlands, it is due to be finished next month, almost two years after it was ordered.

While the cost of the yacht is inconceivable for many, the amount is only a fraction of Mr Bezos’s total worth which currently stands at $191 billion. In fact, according to Bloomberg’s Billionaire Index , Mr Bezos gained about $75 billion in 2020, as the world was fighting the pandemic.

Amazon’s stocks gained 75 per cent last year as consumers turned towards its services for shopping during the pandemic, reported CNN. Bezos isn’t the only billionaire to have gained fortune during the pandemic.

According to a report published by Institute for Policy Studies and Americans for Tax fairness, US billionaires have collectively increased their wealth by $1.1 trillion during the pandemic, making them 40 per cent richer than they were before the pandemic began.

While Covid-19 was not a factor when Mr Bezos invested his fortune in the superyacht, a Bloomberg analysis showed that its market has grown especially during the pandemic. “The market’s been roaring,” Sam Tucker, head of superyacht research at London-based VesselsValue, was quoted as saying by the outlet.

He further said that the demand for extravagantly high-end yachts has outstripped supply. “It’s impossible to get a slot in a new-build yard,” Mr Tucker said. “They’re totally booked.”

Aino Grapin, chief executive officer of superyacht interiors studio Winch Design, told the outlet that the yacht allows the explorer to cruise for 9,000 nautical miles without the need to refuel it. “Clients can enjoy life at sea for long periods of time without having to go mix with others,” she said.

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Superyachts : Why Jeff Bezos doesn't have enough space at 125 metres

Martin Hager

 ·  04.04.2024

When one metre more is not enough

Why shadow yacht, shadow yachts are in vogue, some tenders can also be chartered, always at the forefront.

Almost every yacht owner knows this. At some point, the boat becomes too small. More space is needed, after all, we all grow with our boats - more children, too small a bed, too little comfort, the dog now has to travel with us and so on. When the time comes, we mere mortals opt for a few more feet (if at all), and the extra space is usually considerable - especially thanks to the modern, bulbous hull shapes of the renowned series shipyards.

But at some point this system comes to a standstill. It has to start with yachts of around 70 feet, because this is where the first examples of passionate sailors who have a support yacht of impressive dimensions alongside their sailing yacht can be found. In the case of the 68-foot (20.73 metre) " Pink Gin Verde ", the yacht supplier "Pink Shadow" far exceeds the dimensions of the mother ship. As rumour has it, the 58-metre "Shadow" belongs to the passionate yacht connoisseur Hans Georg Näder, the German majority owner of Baltic Yachts in Finland. Before the sporty café racer "Pink Gin Verde", the shipyard in the far north had already built his 46-metre carbon slipper " Pink Gin VI ", which was sold last year.

There is a simple explanation for this: the supply vessels follow the mother ship like a shadow at an appropriate distance or even sail ahead into the next bay to prepare everything for the owner's arrival. After all, the owner wants to make the most of his time at sea.

The crew of the support unit has plenty to offer: The hulls of the fun transporters contain a variety of tenders for all kinds of occasions (landing tenders for beaching, crew and limousine tenders), sports boats for wakeboarding and fishing, plus inflatable bathing islands including trampolines, complete diving, windsurfing and kitesurfing equipment for the owner and all his guests, e-foilboards and, on the very large Shadow formats, helicopters, windsurfers and kitesurfers, windsurfing and kitesurfing equipment for the owner and all his guests, e-foilboards and, on the very large Shadow formats, helicopters as aerial tenders, which ensure a relaxed arrival and departure and offer top-class sporting opportunities for owners with an affinity for heliskiing in particular. Quads or ATVs (often in packs of four) and off-road vehicles have also been spotted on support yachts. To ensure that the owner is not surrounded by too much crew on his custom sailing yacht, the majority of his crew also sleep in the "shade".

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Just how popular these support yachts have become in recent years is demonstrated by the specialisation of individual shipyards in this niche. For example, the Dutch shipyard Amels produces two lines of Shadow formats under its Damen Yachting brand: "Yacht Support" and "SeaXplorer", which are between 45 and 75 metres long and of which the Dutch have delivered more than 20 units since 2009.

Amazon founder Jeff Bezos clearly doesn't have enough space on his 125-metre three-master "Koru" either, as he also opted for a companion boat from the strikingly styled SeaXplorer line with his 75-metre-long "Abeona". The largest, mind you, that the Dutch have built to date. The voluminous escort boat with the vertical stem and protruding helipad at the stern accommodates a large helicopter in the heli hangar and offers enough space on board for a crew of 45. There is no need to mention the obligatory tender and toys on board.

Ottobock owner and alleged "Pink Gin Verde" owner Hans Georg Näder ranks well behind with his 58-metre SeaXplorer "Pink Shadow". And he decided to make his provider available to solvent charter customers. For 510,000 euros per week (fuel, champagne, food and crew tip are of course extra), the striking displacer offers plenty of space on the three extravagantly designed decks.

Another sailor with a preference for more space on board is the Dutch businessman and owner of the 39 metre long J-Class beauty "Velsheda", Ronald de Waal, who had the 42 metre long "Bystander" built by the French shipyard JFA, a support format based on the lines of Vripack and perfectly suited to J-K7 with its classic appearance. In contrast to most of the other "shadows", "Bystander" is mainly used as a residential vessel. The classic J-Racer simply does not offer enough space for the entire regatta crew plus the owner. Bystander" accommodates twelve guests and eleven crew members and has a range of 5,000 nautical miles.

Oracle founder and multi-billionaire Larry Ellison is also a racing fan and has been actively involved in America's Cup campaigns in the USA for many years. founded the SailGP regatta series together with five-time America's Cup winner Russell Coutts which is sailed on foiling catamarans with a length of 50 feet. The series is currently in its fourth season and includes teams from ten different countries such as the USA, New Zealand, Australia and Great Britain. Germany is also represented, with former Formula 1 world champion Sebastian Vettel among the team members.

Larry Ellison's 88-metre motor yacht "Musashi", which is rumoured to be named after the legendary samurai Miyamoto Musashi, would not be listed here if there were no sailing counterpart. Ellison currently owns the 56-metre ketch "Zenji", which was launched exactly 20 years ago by Perini Navi in Viareggio and underwent an extensive refit years later. Ellison is due to take delivery of his new 60-metre ketch in the middle of the year, which will again have lines by Ron Holland and an interior by Rèmi Tessier. Ellison follows almost every regatta on "Musashi", preferably at anchor and in the front row. The look of "Musashi" is also not a support yacht in the true sense of the word, except for the fact that his racing crews are regular guests on board. Nevertheless, a large number of tenders are of course stored on the Feadship format, which was launched in 2011.

Italian fashion czar Pier Luigi Loro Piana, who continues to seek his sporting challenge on regatta courses, fits perfectly into the ranks of the yacht-obsessed ultra-rich. His sailing yachts are called "My Song", and the 72-year-old businessman is currently sailing a radical ClubSwan 80 sports format across the seas. For breaks, he uses the 51-metre Shadow yacht "Masquenada", a striking explorer-style provider that was launched in 2007 and extensively overhauled 14 years later by the master of simple Italian elegance.

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Sailing yacht KORU: What we know so far about Jeff Bezos’ 127 meter yacht

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By Nina Done   15 December 2022

Recent footage showcasing the vast proportions of the Amazon founder’s new 127m (417ft) Oceanco sailing yacht KORU , known throughout her build as Project Y721, has provided some valuable insight into one of the yachting industry’s best-kept secrets.

The megayacht’s specifications and amenities had been kept completely under wraps until she was forced to move from the Dutch yard’s primary facilities in Alblasserdam to get her masts fitted elsewhere in order to avoid dismantling the Koningshaven Bridge after huge public backlash. 

In August, the yacht was spotted in the Port of Rotterdam after her trio of masts had been successfully stepped, with pictures barely doing justice to the monolithic proportions of the sailing spars, reportedly up to 70-80 meters tall.

World yacht rankings

KORU will replace Oceanco’s BLACK PEARL for second place in the world's largest sailing yacht rankings behind Nobiskrug's 143m (469ft) sailing yacht A .

Oceanco's newest yacht is understood to have an internal volume of 3,300 GT and will undoubtedly offer a wealth of luxurious accommodation and amenities. Although we have scant information about the yacht's features, we do know that she will have an aft dip pool along with a further Jacuzzi on her sundeck and variety of alfresco social spaces. She also has a crow's nest attached to her central mast, offering lofty panoramic views for her more adventurous guests.

From the pictures we can see KORU also benefits from full-length windows across her superstructure allowing plenty of light to infuse her interiors. 

Design inspiration

Built with a steel hull and aluminum superstructure with teak decking, she reportedly takes her design cues from the 93-meter Lürssen sailing yacht EOS , perhaps inspired by the entrepreneur’s visits to this yacht in previous years. 

Showcasing a midnight-blue hull with a distinctive red stripe running along her waterline, KORU’s exterior styling mirrors this traditional schooner style, with an elongated bowsprite and canoe stern. Another similar style yacht is the 90m (295ft) Royal Huisman sailing yacht ATHENA . 

Kinetic energy technology

As expected from a tech entrepreneur, known for pushing boundaries and driving innovation, sailing yacht KORU will be trialing a prototype for a new kinetic energy recovery system. This is based on a conversion of wave induced motion, heave, pitch and roll into electric energy, with initial tests showing early promise. 

With a nod to her green credentials, this will provide an additional power source for the yacht allowing for more sustainable cruising.

Tenders and toys

Access to sailing yacht KORU will be via folding passerelles, discreetly hidden in the yacht's hull on either side. Rescue and work tender launches will likely take place further forward, as per regulations. Recent pictures show a large hatch opening in her lower deck aft, which may contain further tenders and toys, but may also double as a beach club. 

Sailing yacht KORU comes complete with a support vessel built by Damen Yachts, reportedly known as 75 meter (247ft) yacht WINGMAN .

Once delivered, it is understood that she will act as an official support boat for the sailing yacht , carrying the larger toys, including a submarine for thrilling excursions beneath the waves, plus a helicopter and landing pad. She is also believed to play host to an array of PWCs, with rumors of a speed boat and luxury car adding to the fleet, as well as providing accommodation for additional crew and staff.

When is sailing yacht KORU expected to be delivered?

From here she will undertake the all-important rounds of sea trials before being delivered to her owner sometime in the new year. It is understood that the yacht will be officially christened KORU upon delivery, and will operate under the Cayman Islands' flag. It is not believed that superyacht KORU will be available to charter. 

If you'd like to learn more about chartering a yacht, please get in touch with your chosen yacht charter broker . Alternatively, view all superyachts available for charter .

Large sailing yachts available for charter

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63m Holland Jachtbouw 2010 / 2023

57m Aegean Yacht 2009

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Jeff bezos’ $500m yacht has a 246-foot support ship, lauren sanchez figurehead.

Much like Amazon, Jeff Bezos’ $500 million superyacht offers every bell and whistle imaginable, from A to Z.

The colossal, triple-masted Koru began its career serving the world’s third richest man this week, cruising the Mediterranean around Mallorca.

The 417-foot schooner first left Rotterdam in the Netherlands for sea trials in February. Dropping anchor in Mallorca put its jaw-dropping size on full display.

It also showed the extent of Bezos’ fleet: Not only did the Koru sail into harbor, so did its support vessel, Abeona, a mega-boat in its own right, the luxurious fast-launches used to move between the two — and aerial support in the form of his girlfriend Lauren Sanchez’s personal helicopter.

Sanchez also seemingly serves as the fleet’s mascot, with the Koru’s figurehead, a part of traditional large sailing ships, modeled after her.

The Koru is the world’s tallest sailing yacht. Its three huge 229-foot masts power it to 20 knots. It’s also the biggest billionaire’s yacht which can move under sail-power alone.

The masts are so tall that Dutch officials considered dismantling the 95-year-old Koningshaven Bridge to allow the vessel past the 131-foot span on its journey from the Oceanco shipyard in Alblasserdam through Rotterdam to the North Sea.

That controversial plan was scrapped after local backlash, including residents being urged to toss eggs at Bezos’ “latest toy,”  the New York Times reported . The superyacht, previously known as Y721, was instead towed to a shipyard in Rotterdam, downstream of the bridge, without its masts.

Bezos, 59, and the bikini-clad Sanchez, 53, appeared ready for the summer as the pair soaked up the sun aboard Koru, a Māori word for loop or coil that symbolizes new beginnings — possibly a coy reference to their relationship.

Sanchez started secretly dating the Blue Origin founder in the summer of 2018. Bezos then announced in January 2019 he and his wife Mackenzie were divorcing after 25 years , while Sanchez finalized her split from husband Patrick Whitesell later that year.

Sanchez plays a critical role in the Bezos fleet: As a helicopter pilot, she was seen landing on the Abeona. She was also at Bezos’ side when he took the wheel of the Koru.

Koru was first seen under construction in 2021 at Oceano’s yard. The company is owned by a fellow billionaire, Oman’s Mohammed Al Barwani.

As many as 18 guests can enjoy the yacht’s three outdoor decks, including one with two pools. The vessel, which has a crew of up to 36, also boasts a cinema, meeting spaces and lounges,  Luxuo reported .

Every detail is designed for luxury, even down to the masts’ technology.

Bezos opted for high-tech “in-boom furlers,” which store the vast canvases at the bottom of the mast, above the deck. Each weighs nearly 2,000 pounds, but they allow his deck to be kept clear of ropes.

Clearing ropes out of the way maximizes entertaining space, and allows for a hot tub forward of the mainmast.

The yacht is also built for speed. Its three masts provide “one of the largest sail areas ever seen in yachting,”  according to SuperYacht Times .

The Koru’s original designer, and the identity of its captain, remain secret. Boat International noted : “With the elegant curve of the bow and a bowsprit, the lines are certainly classic, but we still have no idea which designer drew them.”

The Cayman Islands-flagged vessel also has engine power like most sailing yachts.

And while other billionaires measure yachts by size, Bezos’ is only the 24th largest.

However, since Koru’s masts rule out a helicopter deck, the billionaire commissioned a support vessel, Abeona, named for the Roman goddess of outward journeys.

In addition to a helipad, the 246-foot Abeona features an extra two staterooms for four guests and as many as 45 crew and support staff.

It’s the largest custom-built support vessel ever manufactured by Damen Yachting. On board in Mallorca were at least four jetskis, two fast launches, and an additional dinghy. Its heavy winch is capable of lifting a small submarine, although Bezos is not believed to have one thus far.

The “classic exterior lines” of Koru, are reminiscent of another billionaire’s boat: Eos, a 305-foot sailing yacht owned by Barry Diller, 81, who may have inspired Bezos after hosting him on the vessel.

Favored by megastars like Katy Perry and Bradley Cooper — who were Diller’s guests during 2019’s Google Camp in Sicily — the German-built Eos can accommodate up to 16 guests and 21 crew.

It was the largest private sailing yacht in the world when it was completed in 2006. Diller, chairman of IAC and Expedia, who is worth $3.9 billion, bought it three years later. Intriguingly, its figurehead is modeled on Diller’s wife Diane von Fürstenberg, the fashion designer.

But the $200 million, 305-foot schooner is now dwarfed by Bezos’ boat.

As Koru sailed in the Balearic Sea this week off the coast of Spain, Bezos’ boat symbolically surges past several other tech billionaires’ vessels – including Google co-founder Sergey Brin’s $80 million, 240-foot Dragonfly, and Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison’s, $160 million, 288-foot Musashi.

It will cost Bezos, 59, an estimated $25 million per year to operate Koru, but the world’s third-richest man isn’t likely to need a loan with his $140.6 billion fortune,  according to Forbes .

Bezos’ use of sailpower sets him apart from most billionaires, but others are seeking a hi-tech zero-carbon power source: a Japanese billionaire has reportedly commissioned the world’s first hydrogen-powered superyacht.

Germany’s Lürssen Yachts announced in March that they had a hydrogen-powered superyacht in advanced construction.

It declined to identify the future owner of the unnamed superyacht, but specialist publication FuelCellsWorks reported Japanese billionaire tech Yusaku Maezawa, worth an estimated $1.7 billion, commissioned the innovative effort.

Dubbed Project Cosmos, the 374-foot superyacht is designed by Apple’s legendary Marc Newson and was first unveiled in early March at Lürssen’s facility in Rendsburg, Germany.

Once completed as soon as next year, the vessel is expected to utilize emission-free fuel cell technology to generate power lasting up to 15 days while anchored or to travel as far as 1,000 miles at slow speeds.

Three other major shipyards, including in Italy and the Netherlands, are likely to launch their own hydrogen started outfitting newly constructed vessels with hydrogen fuel cells as of March 2022, with the first models reportedly expected in 2024.

Other megayachts expected to soon join Bezos’ Koru in the water include two Lürssen models, the 475-foot Luminance and the 400-foot Jag, and Feadship 821, a 389-foot offering from the Netherlands manufacturer.

But even those won’t best the biggest megayacht in the world, the 593-foot Azzam, which launched in 2013 after being commissioned by Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the ruler of Abu Dhabi and president of the United Arab Emirates who died last year.

Azzam, which means determination in Arabic, reportedly cost more than $600 million and is nearly 60 feet longer than the world’s second-largest yacht, the 533-foot Eclipse, owned by Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich.

Those monster vessels are expected to be surpassed next year by REV, a 600-foot yacht under construction in Norway which will have space for 36 guests and 54 crewmembers, according to Boat International .

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'Jeff Bezos bouwt 's werelds grootste zeiljacht in Nederland'

Het geheimzinnige jacht van 127 meter lengte dat momenteel bij Oceanco in Alblasserdam gebouwd wordt is voor 's werelds rijkste man, Jeff Bezos. Dat beweert althans Brad Stone, de schrijver van Amazon Unbound, een boek dat over Bezos en zijn bedrijf Amazon gaat.

Project Y721, dat momenteel in aanbouw is bij Oceanco in Alblasserdam, op het punt waar de rivier de Noord en de A15 elkaar kruisen, is met geheimzinnigheid omhuld. Hoewel super- en megajachten normaal gesproken al met stijf gesloten kaken te maken hebben, is in dit geval de stilte nog doordringender. Oceanco vertelt helemaal niets over het project.

Het enige dat bekend is over het nieuwe superjacht is dat het een zeilschip wordt van 127 meter. Dankzij die lengte wordt het meteen het grootste megazeiljacht ter wereld. De Black Pearl , eveneens gebouwd bij Oceanco, verplaatst naar de tweede plek op de ranglijst van wie heeft de langste.

In het boek Amazon Unbound zegt de auteur dat het jacht gebouwd wordt voor Jeff Bezos. De overige details die naar voren komen zijn dat het " one of the finest sailing yachts in existence, [wordt]" met " several decks" en " three enormous masts ". In tegenstelling tot de Black Pearl wordt de Y721 een schoener.

Volgens de schrijver is intussen ook een ' support ship ' voor het jacht in aanbouw. Of dat jacht dan ook bij Oceanco wordt gebouwd is niet meteen duidelijk.

Foto boven: Oceanco Black Pearl

Stephen Colbert grapt over Jeff Bezos' Support Yacht

• Tom van Oossanen - Oceanco

Om te voldoen aan wet- en regelgeving rondom kansspelen zouden we graag eenmalig willen weten of je 24 jaar of ouder bent.

Following in the footsteps of Jeff Bezos, Mark Zuckerberg is said to have bought a $300 million superyacht and a $30 million support vessel in one go. Apt for the adventurous Facebook founder, the shadow vessel has a helipad, dive center & even a decompression chamber.

Meet the world’s $300 million superyacht Launchpad:

After much speculation, the 387-foot Feadship motor yacht Launchpad emerged as Zuckerberg’s launchpad into the world of shipowners. She can accommodate 24 guests who are serviced by a crew of 48. The exterior was designed by ace designer Espen Øino, while the interiors were brought to life by the French studio Zuretti. Launchpad’s most discerning feature is its stark blue hull and a red line across the waterline.

Ranking at number 45 among the largest yachts worldwide in terms of length, it is safe to presume the vessel would boast world-class amenities. There is an ample main deck, a swimming pool, and top-notch facilities worthy of Zuckerberg and his family. Images reveal a large helipad with a hangar on the upper deck. The yacht flaunts a glass observation lounge and a spacious beach club. On closer inspection of the photos, one notices the decks are flanked by circular seating pods, an alfresco dining area, and a bar. Maintaining the $300 million Launchpad Yacht would set Zuckerberg back by at least $30 million annually.

Support Vessel Wingman is truly superlative:

If a support vessel could receive a report card, the aptly named Wingman would earn an A+. The 220-foot vessel, with a volume of 1,143 GT, boasts interiors by Mark Berryman and provides accommodation for up to 6 guests in 3 cabins.

Will this duo beat Jeff Bezos’s Koru and Abeona superyachts?

Mark Zuckerberg and other centibillionaire Jeff Bezos have more in common than just their wealth; they both own a pair of stunning superyachts and their impressive support vessels. While Zuckerberg’s latest purchases are expensive, they still cannot match Koru, a $500 million schooner, with its $75 million support vessel, Abeona, trailing behind. Not only are these boats much larger (Koru is 416 feet, while Abeona is 246 feet), but they also cost nearly double that of Zuckerberg’s vessels.

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