Quick Read
- Jeff Bezos’ yacht Koru is the world’s largest sailing vessel at 417 feet.
- Built by Oceanco in the Netherlands, it cost $500 million and took five years to construct.
- The yacht features advanced eco-friendly systems and luxurious interiors.
- Koru is accompanied by a support vessel, Abeona, equipped with a helicopter pad.
- Celebrity guests, including Tom Cruise and Rihanna, have enjoyed its lavish amenities.
Jeff Bezos’ Koru: The World’s Largest Sailing Yacht
Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon and one of the richest individuals globally, has made waves—not just in business but also in maritime luxury. His $500 million yacht, Koru, is the largest sailing yacht in the world, measuring an astounding 417 feet in length. Built by the renowned Dutch shipyard Oceanco, Koru represents a blend of cutting-edge technology and timeless elegance.
The Making of a Maritime Masterpiece
Construction of Koru began in 2018 and concluded in 2023, spanning five years of meticulous craftsmanship. According to reports by Dutch Yachting, the yacht was designed to merge traditional sailing principles with modern innovations. The project involved over 500 skilled workers and was conducted at Oceanco’s facilities in the Netherlands. Interestingly, the yacht’s massive masts, which stand 230 feet tall, required special logistical arrangements to navigate through Dutch waterways.
Design and Aesthetic Appeal
The yacht’s design was overseen by Sam Sorgiovanni, a celebrated yacht designer known for his sleek and modern aesthetic. Koru boasts a pearl-white exterior that gleams under sunlight, complemented by expansive windows offering panoramic ocean views. Inside, the yacht features a calming palette of light woods and soft colors, evoking the ambiance of a luxurious seaside villa. Every element, from furniture to lighting, was custom-designed to enhance the onboard experience.
Luxurious Features and Amenities
Koru is equipped with state-of-the-art amenities, including a glass-bottom swimming pool that allows swimmers to view the marine life below. The yacht also houses a private cinema with motion-synchronized seating, a dedicated art gallery to protect valuable pieces from salty air, and advanced glass walls that can shift from transparent to opaque for added privacy. These features make Koru not only a vessel for travel but also a floating palace.
The Support Vessel Abeona
Accompanying Koru is a support vessel named Abeona, which plays a crucial role in enhancing the yacht’s functionality. Abeona carries additional supplies, water toys, and a helicopter specifically designed for Bezos’ fiancée, Lauren Sánchez, who is a licensed pilot. This secondary vessel ensures that the main yacht remains uncluttered while providing all necessary resources for extended voyages.
Eco-Friendly Innovations
Despite its grandeur, Koru incorporates several eco-friendly technologies. The yacht’s engines are designed to minimize emissions, while its lighting systems are optimized to reduce disturbances to marine life. Additionally, onboard systems filter and clean wastewater before releasing it back into the ocean, aligning with modern sustainability standards.
Celebrity Guests and High-Profile Events
Koru has already hosted a variety of notable figures. Celebrities such as Tom Cruise, Rihanna, and Cristiano Ronaldo have been spotted aboard, enjoying the yacht’s luxurious amenities. Bezos has also used the vessel to host business discussions, including meetings with philanthropists like Bill Gates to discuss ocean conservation efforts.
Challenges During Construction
The journey to complete Koru was not without hurdles. In 2022, the yacht faced public backlash in Rotterdam when plans to dismantle the historic De Hef bridge to allow the yacht to pass through were revealed. Local residents even threatened to pelt the vessel with eggs in protest. Ultimately, the yacht was towed through an alternative route, avoiding further controversy.
Impressive Specifications
Koru’s dimensions and capabilities are nothing short of extraordinary. The yacht features seven decks, can accommodate 18 guests and 40 crew members, and includes a cinema that seats 25 people. Its three masts enable advanced sail-assisted propulsion, making it a hybrid of traditional sailing and modern engineering.
Bezos and Sánchez: A Personal Touch
Lauren Sánchez, Bezos’ fiancée, has had a significant influence on the yacht’s design. Her preferences for warm, inviting interiors are evident throughout the vessel. Additionally, her passion for flying necessitated the inclusion of a helicopter pad on Abeona, further emphasizing the couple’s personal touch in the yacht’s design.
Koru is not just a testament to Jeff Bezos’ wealth but also a symbol of innovation and luxury in the maritime world. From its eco-friendly features to its opulent amenities, the yacht sets a new benchmark for what is possible in yacht design. As Koru sails across the globe, it continues to captivate the imagination of onlookers and maritime enthusiasts alike.
Source: Deyachting, Architecturaldigest, Scmp, Elitetraveler