When you're worth $245 billion, apparently $500 million for a yacht seems reasonable. Amazon (AMZN) founder Jeff Bezos commissioned what's now the world's largest sailing yacht, and the price tag makes it his most expensive investment to date.
A Yacht So Big It Has Its Own Problems
Bezos ordered the superyacht, named Koru, from renowned Dutch yacht builder Oceanco back in 2018. The 417-foot vessel currently holds the title of world's largest sailing yacht according to Boat International. To put that in perspective, it's so massive that it reportedly can't dock with other private yachts in Florida, as noted by The New York Times. That's what we call a good problem to have.
Oceanco, owned by Valve billionaire Gabe Newell, has built yachts for high-profile clients including Steven Spielberg, Jerry Jones, and Arthur Blank. Bezos' Koru was first spotted in 2023 during sea trials in the North Sea, reports Fortune.
Why Stop At One Yacht?
Bezos didn't stop at the Koru. He also reportedly shelled out an additional $75 million for a support yacht named Abeona, equipped with a helipad. Because when your main yacht is too big to land a helicopter on, you need a second yacht for that.
The Koru itself is a floating luxury resort featuring three jacuzzis, a swimming pool, nine staterooms, a movie theater, spa, sauna, massage room, sundeck, and gym. The classic design vessel has already hosted an impressive guest list including Leonardo DiCaprio, Katy Perry, Orlando Bloom, Bill Gates, Kim Kardashian, Kris Jenner, Rupert Murdoch's ex-wife Wendi Murdoch, and Bumble founder Whitney Wolfe Herd.
What It Signals
This record-breaking investment underscores the escalating trend of ultra-high-net-worth individuals pouring money into superyachts. The purchase isn't just a testament to Bezos' immense wealth—it highlights the growing demand for luxury yachts among the world's richest. With the world's largest sailing yacht now in his possession, Bezos has set a new benchmark in the luxury yacht industry.
