May 20, 2023 · Jeff Bezos’ $500M yacht has a 246-foot support ship, Lauren Sanchez figurehead ... Abeona, Bezos’ custom-built 246-foot support vessel, is the 225th largest yacht in the world, according to ... ... Aug 28, 2023 · 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. ... Jun 6, 2023 · READ MORE: This is Jeff Bezos’ brand-new $500 million superyacht, ‘Koru’ Dubbed Abeona and built by Damen Yachting in the Netherlands, this is what’s known as a shadow boat, or support yacht. In other words, this yacht is designed specifically to provide support for larger yachts. ... Sep 9, 2024 · So handing over an estimated $500 million for his 410-foot Koru, the world’s largest sailing yacht, another $75 million for Abeona, its 250-foot support vessel, and then paying the $30 million ... ... May 28, 2023 · Amazon's Jeff Bezos bought a 'support' yacht to accompany $500m mega yacht for his fiancée's helicopter; His mega yacht, the Koru, took pride of place on the French Riviera this week alongside ... ... Jun 9, 2024 · After undergoing repairs and even upgrades, Jeff Bezos’ $500 million sailing yacht Koru and its sleek support vessel, which serves as a helipad for his fiancée Lauren Sanchez, are now cruising the azure waters of Greece. ... Sep 16, 2024 · From its 76-metre support tender to its voluptuous wooden figurehead, the Amazon founder’s €450 million+ superyacht is full of surprises. According to the latest Forbes‘s Real-Time Billionaires List, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos is currently worth around $204 billion (€185 billion), making him the second-wealthiest person on the planet, just behind Tesla CEO Elon Musk. ... The KORU yacht has now been delivered to its esteemed owner, Jeff Bezos, who, with his girlfriend Lauren Sanchez, has been sighted onboard in Palma de Mallorca. As a testament to his wealth and taste for luxury, Bezos has also commissioned a 75-meter support vessel named “ ABEONA ,” built by Damen Yachting. ... ">

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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.

What's on board the Koru, Jeff Bezos' ultra-luxe sailing yacht.

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.

Jeff Bezos at helm

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.

Abeona

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 .

Jeff Bezos, Lauren Sanchez

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 .

jeff bezos yacht with support yacht

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.

Abeona

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.

Koru's pool

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.

Koru under sail

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 .

Eos

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.

Bezos: How his yacht compares to other tech billionaires.

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.

Azzam, world's longest superyacht

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 .

What's on board the Koru, Jeff Bezos' ultra-luxe sailing yacht.

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  • Superyachts

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.

KORU Y721
127m (417ft)
18
36
Dykstra Naval Architects

2023
20
MTU
3,300 tons
$250 million
$20-25 million

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.

koru yacht side

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.

koru yacht back

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.

koru yacht bezos

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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8 Fascinating Facts About ‘Koru,’ Jeff Bezos’s Bonkers 410-Foot Sailing Superyacht

From its 250-foot support tender to its voluptuous wooden figurehead, the amazon founder's $500 million superyacht is full of surprises., howard walker, howard walker's most recent stories.

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Superyacht Koru Jeff Bezos

According to the latest Forbes ‘s Real-Time Billionaires List, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos is currently worth around $204 billion, making him the second-wealthiest person on the planet, just behind Tesla CEO Elon Musk .

So handing over an estimated $500 million for his 410-foot Koru , the world’s largest sailing yacht , another $75 million for Abeona , its 250-foot support vessel, and then paying the $30 million or so a year to cover running costs for both, should be well within his budget.

Bezos surprised the boating world when he opted for a classically styled, three-masted sailing yacht instead of some flashy mega motoryacht. What’s more it has a buxom wooden sculpture on the forepeak, typical of 19th-century sailing vessels. And since taking delivery last year, he and his fiancé, Lauren Sánchez, have been using the yacht to cruise the world in style.

While secrecy still shrouds Koru , especially its interior and many of its technical features, we take a closer look at what makes it, arguably, the most interesting sailing superyacht in years.

Designed as a Modern Classic

jeff bezos yacht with support yacht

Koru would never be described as sleek, or elegant even. But she does have a classical style. Designed by the Dutch masters at Dykstra Naval Architecture, the boat is distinguished by its towering navy-blue steel hull, snowy-white, two-level aluminum superstructure, sweeping canoe stern, and a trio of soaring masts. Her design inspiration is said to be the triple-masted schooner Eos , built by Germany’s Lürssen Yachts in 2006 for American media mogul Barry Diller. And, ignoring the current trend of oversized windows, Koru ‘s hull sides are dotted with traditional portholes with smaller-than typical windows for the upper decks (no doubt helping to protect guests from paparazzi lenses). Little is known about the yacht’s interior design, other than it’s the work of London-based Mlinaric, Henry and Zervudachi studio. Oceanco’s website describes the interior as a “timeless, contemporary style, with natural wood tones complemented by a palette of warm neutrals and beautifully patterned textiles.”

Claiming the Prize for Size

jeff bezos yacht with support yacht

At 410 feet bow to stern and with a beam of 56 feet, Koru is the largest sailing yacht in the world. Some might argue the title should go to the 468-foot Sailing Yacht A . But that quirky, Philippe Stark–designed triple-master is considered a “sail-assisted motoryacht” rather than a true sailing yacht. Koru is also big inside, with a reported internal volume of 3,300 gross T=tons, that offers room for up to 18 guests in nine cabins and accommodations for a crew of 36.

A True Sailor

jeff bezos yacht with support yacht

Full credit to Jeff Bezos for ignoring his fellow billionaires’ penchant for giant, diesel-guzzling superyachts. (Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg recently took delivery of his 387-foot Launchpad , powered by quadruple MTU engines packing a combined 23,400 hp.) With its giant, more-than-20,000-square-foot sail plan (including three mainsails and three, cutter-style headsails), Koru has been regularly photographed cruising under sail. It’s also believed the yacht is making an effort to focus on sustainability, from reports of it testing out a prototype kinetic energy recovery system that converts wave-induced motion into electrical energy. The vessel is also believed to feature a hybrid power system with large battery banks that run its systems at night while at anchor.

Its 250-Foot, $75 Million “Tender”

jeff bezos yacht with support yacht

The challenge with sailing yachts, even one that’s 410 feet long, is that it’s nearly impossible to land a helicopter on the deck. So Bezos commissioned a 250-foot support vessel, named Abeona after the Roman goddess of travelers. The largest shadow vessel ever built by Holland’s Damen Yachting, this explorer comes with a rear-deck helipad and hangar big enough to accommodate an Airbus ACH-135 helicopter. There’s also space aboard for a small armada of water toys and tenders, plus accommodations below decks for up to 45 crew and support staff.

Built Under Total Secrecy

jeff bezos yacht with support yacht

Tasked with taking Koru from concept to reality was the superyacht builder Oceanco, based south of Rotterdam in Alblasserdam, Holland. The famed yard, owned by billionaire Mohammed Al Barwani, who also owns Turquoise Yachts in Turkey, recently completed Steven Spielberg’s new 357-foot superyacht Seven Sea s, and the similar-sized Bravo Eugenia , launched in 2018 for Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones. Koru was reportedly first commissioned in 2018 as Project Y721 and delivered to the Amazon founder in Gibraltar in April 2023.

What’s in a Name?

jeff bezos yacht with support yacht

While a betting person might have predicted that Bezos would have given his sailing yacht a more Amazon-connected name, like Prime, Deliverance, or even Blue Origin after his space company, he picked Koru . The name is said to be Maori for “loop” or “coil” and resembles the spiral shape of an unfurling silver fern frond. It’s said to be an integral symbol of New Zealand Maori art that symbolizes new life and new beginnings. Look closely at the wooden figurehead on Koru ‘s bow and the necklace around the woman’s neck features a pendant shaped like the koru symbol.

A Bridge Too Far

jeff bezos yacht with support yacht

As Koru was nearing completion in 2021, word got out that builder Oceanco had approached the city of Rotterdam in Holland, offering to pay for the partial disassembly of the historic 97-year-old Koningshaven lift-bridge, which was too low for the yacht with its triple 230-foot masts in place, to pass under on its way to the North Sea. The city reportedly consented, but the move resulted in a huge public outcry with threats to plaster Koru with eggs as it passed through the bridge. Oceanco withdrew its application and instead towed the yacht to Rotterdam’s Greenport shipyard west of the city, transported the masts by barge, and installed them there.

The Places You’ll Go

jeff bezos yacht with support yacht

Hot on the heels of Koru ‘s handover in Gibraltar in April last year, the superyacht has seemingly been cruising non-stop. It was spotted exploring Spain’s Balearic Islands, anchored off Cannes during the film festival, and moored at celebrity hot spots like Saint-Tropez, Capri, Portofino, and Porto Cervo, Sardinia. Bezos reportedly proposed to Sánchez on the bow of Koru off Cannes in May last year, followed by an engagement party aboard in Positano, Italy with a guest list that included Bill Gates, Leonardo DiCaprio, Kris Jenner, Toby Maguire, and Queen Rania of Jordan. Then Koru cruised the 4,000-plus miles across the Atlantic to Fort Lauderdale for a re-fuel and re-supply before heading to the Caribbean for winter cruising. This summer it was back to the Mediterranean for more island-hopping.

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jeff bezos yacht with support yacht

Jeff Bezos's $75M floating garage: How Amazon billionaire has 'support yacht' for his jet skis, luxury cars and fiancée's helicopter... while using his superior $500M superyacht

  • Amazon's Jeff Bezos bought a 'support' yacht to accompany $500m mega yacht for his fiancée's helicopter
  • His mega yacht, the Koru, took pride of place on the French Riviera this week alongside $75m Abeona support
  • The smaller yacht also carries luxuries including jet skis, sports cars, motorbikes and even smaller boats

By OLIVER PRICE

Published: 09:01 EST, 28 May 2023 | Updated: 11:34 EST, 28 May 2023

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Amazon billionaire Jeff Bezos was seen in the French Riviera in his $500million mega yacht at the Cannes Film Festival - which was flagged by his support yacht, which is effectively as a $75million floating garage for his jet skis, luxury cars and his fiancée's helicopter.

The world's most extravagant superyachts have been seen jostling for position at Cote d'Azur, with the likes of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos - the third richest man in the world according to Forbes - being seen gliding into the Cannes' harbour. Bezos has since decided to jet off for northern Italy .

His new yacht the Koru is named after the Maori word for 'new beginnings' and measures a whopping 417ft long.

But the impressive vessel does not travel alone - it is accompanied by a 'support yacht', the Abeona, which measures 246ft, and carries a slew of gadgets, machines and toys for Bezos and his entourage to enjoy.

These include a selection of supercars, motorbikes, smaller boats, jet skis, and a helicopter and landing pad for his fiancée.

jeff bezos yacht with support yacht

The Koru (background) alone is simply not enough for the ex-Amazon chief, who also arrived in the French Riviera with a support yacht, the Abeona (foreground), which itself measures 246ft and carries a slew of gadgets, as well as a helicopter

Jeff Bezos and his girlfriend Lauren Sanchez are holidaying on his yacht 'Koru' (left) with escort yacht 'Abeona' (right) in Cannes

Jeff Bezos and his girlfriend Lauren Sanchez are holidaying on his yacht 'Koru' (left) with escort yacht 'Abeona' (right) in Cannes

A major reason that Bezos bought the shadow yacht was so that his fiancée Lauren Sanchez, who is a trained helicopter pilot, could land her bird when they were at sea

A major reason that Bezos bought the shadow yacht was so that his fiancée Lauren Sanchez, who is a trained helicopter pilot, could land her bird when they were at sea

Amazon billionaire Jeff Bezos (right) at the beach with his fiancee Lauren Sanchez (left)

Amazon billionaire Jeff Bezos (right) at the beach with his fiancee Lauren Sanchez (left)

The $75million support yacht codenamed YS 6512, which is the largest support vessel ever built, was launched to shadow the Koru in October last year.

READ MORE:  Battle of the Cannes superyachts: How Jeff Bezos, James Packer and their fellow billionaires competed for the most impressive vessel at the French film festival

jeff bezos yacht with support yacht

Abeona, named after the Roman goddess of outward journeys, was built at a shipyard in Vlissingen, the Netherlands, after a contract was signed with Bezos in 2019, according to Luxurylaunches .

A major reason that Bezos bought the shadow yacht was so that his fiancée Lauren Sanchez, who is a trained helicopter pilot, could land her Airbus ACH-135 when they were at sea - as the bigger Koru does not have its own landing pad, Luxurylaunches  reported.

Sanchez, 53, is the founder of Black Ops Aviation, the first female-owned aerial film and production company.

She became famous as an entertainment reporter in America and as a news anchor, and she won an Emmy award for her stint as an anchor for KCOP's 13 News.

Sanchez was married to businessman Patrick Whitesell from 2005 until their divorce in 2019. She has been with Amazon founder Jeff Bezos since 2019 and they got engaged earlier this month.

Demand for support vessels has risen significantly in the past few years amongst wealthy owners of superyachts.

These yachts are used to assist the main ship by giving space to store equipment (such as a helicopter), and provide accomodation for extra guests.

Abeona has a volume of 1900 tons and has a cruising speed of 16 knots and a top speed of 18 knots. At cruising speed the ships maximum range is 5000 nautical miles. 

Alongside all the toys and amenities, the Abeona can accommodate four guests in two staterooms and up to 37 crew members.

It's big sister Koru  is the world's second largest sailing ship, surpassed only by the somewhat underwhelmingly-named 'Sailing Yacht A', owned by Russian fertilizer billionaire Andrey Melnichenko.

The yacht Abeona, auxiliary ship of the sailing yacht Koru, and owned by billionaire Jeff Bezos, at anchor in the bay of Palma de Mallorca

The yacht Abeona, auxiliary ship of the sailing yacht Koru, and owned by billionaire Jeff Bezos, at anchor in the bay of Palma de Mallorca

A major reason that Bezos bought the shadow yacht was so that his fiancée Lauren Sanchez, who is a trained helicopter pilot, could land her Airbus ACH-135 when they were at sea - as the bigger Koru does not have its own landing pad, Luxurylaunches reported

A major reason that Bezos bought the shadow yacht was so that his fiancée Lauren Sanchez, who is a trained helicopter pilot, could land her Airbus ACH-135 when they were at sea - as the bigger Koru does not have its own landing pad, Luxurylaunches reported

Jeff Bezos $500 million megayacht is named Koru after the Maori word for 'new beginnings'

Jeff Bezos $500 million megayacht is named Koru after the Maori word for 'new beginnings'

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

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

The staggering vessel wraps the very best of modern maritime technology with the look and feel of sailing ships of old. 

The Koru is powered by a pair of extremely powerful MTU Rolls Royce engines, but also comes complete with an array of sails which allow the craft to harness the power of mother nature. 

A polished wooden sculpture of a Roman goddess is carved into the ship's bow, which some have commented looks as though it is styled on Bezos' glamorous girlfriend Lauren Sanchez.  

Not much is known about the interior of Bezos' superyacht, but with a price tag of $500 million - and estimated running costs of roughly $25 million - it is sure to be dripping with luxury. 

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How's that Bezos "Earth Fund" going ? ! He's just ...

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Inside Jeff Bezos’s Spectacular 127-Metre Oceanco Sailing Superyacht ‘Koru’

  • Howard Walker
  • September 16, 2024

Oceanco sailing yacht Koru

From its 76-metre support tender to its voluptuous wooden figurehead, the Amazon founder’s €450 million+ superyacht is full of surprises.

According to the latest  Forbes ‘s Real-Time Billionaires List, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos is currently worth around $204 billion (€185 billion), making him the second-wealthiest person on the planet, just behind Tesla CEO Elon Musk.

So handing over an estimated €454 million for his 127-metre  Koru , the world’s largest sailing yacht, another €68 million for  Abeona , its 76-metre support vessel, and then paying the €27 million or so a year to cover running costs for both, should be well within his budget.

Citation Longitude

Bezos surprised the boating world when he opted for a classically styled, three-masted sailing yacht instead of some flashy mega motoryacht. What’s more, it has a buxom wooden sculpture on the forepeak, typical of 19th-century sailing vessels. And since taking delivery last year, he and his fiancé, Lauren Sánchez, have been using the yacht to cruise the world in style.

While secrecy still shrouds  Koru , especially its interior and many of its technical features, we take a closer look at eight things that make it, arguably, the most interesting sailing superyacht in years.

jeff bezos yacht with support yacht

Designed as a Modern Classic

Koru  would never be described as sleek, or elegant even. But she does have a classical style. Designed by the Dutch masters at Dykstra Naval Architecture, the boat is distinguished by its towering navy-blue steel hull, snowy-white, two-level aluminum superstructure, sweeping canoe stern, and a trio of soaring masts. Her design inspiration is said to be the triple-masted schooner  Eos , built by Germany’s Lürssen Yachts in 2006 for American media mogul Barry Diller. And, ignoring the current trend of oversized windows,  Koru ‘s hull sides are dotted with traditional portholes with smaller-than typical windows for the upper decks (no doubt helping to protect guests from paparazzi lenses).

Little is known about the yacht’s interior design, other than it’s the work of London-based Mlinaric, Henry and Zervudachi studio. Oceanco’s website describes the interior as a “timeless, contemporary style, with natural wood tones complemented by a palette of warm neutrals and beautifully patterned textiles.”

Claiming the Prize for Size

At 410 feet bow to stern and with a beam of 56 feet,  Koru  is the largest sailing yacht in the world. Some might argue the title should go to the 143-metre  Sailing Yacht A . But that quirky, Philippe Stark–designed triple-master is considered a “sail-assisted motoryacht” rather than a true sailing yacht.  Koru  is also big inside, with a reported internal volume of 3,300 gross T=tons, that offers room for up to 18 guests in nine cabins and accommodations for a crew of 36.

jeff bezos yacht with support yacht

A True Sailor

Full credit to Jeff Bezos for ignoring his fellow billionaires’ penchant for giant, diesel-guzzling superyachts. (Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg recently took delivery of his 118-metre  Launchpad , powered by quadruple MTU engines packing a combined 23,400 hp.) With its giant, more-than-20,000-square-foot sail plan (including three mainsails and three, cutter-style headsails),  Koru  has been regularly photographed cruising under sail. It’s also believed the yacht is making an effort to focus on sustainability, from reports of it testing out a prototype kinetic energy recovery system that converts wave-induced motion into electrical energy. The vessel is also believed to feature a hybrid power system with large battery banks that run its systems at night while at anchor.

Its 250-Foot, $75 Million “Tender”

The challenge with sailing yachts, even one that’s 125 metres long, is that it’s nearly impossible to land a helicopter on the deck. So Bezos commissioned a 76-metre support vessel, named  Abeona  after the Roman goddess of travelers. The largest shadow vessel ever built by Holland’s Damen Yachting, this explorer comes with a rear-deck helipad and hangar big enough to accommodate an Airbus ACH-135 helicopter. There’s also space aboard for a small armada of water toys and tenders, plus accommodations below decks for up to 45 crew and support staff.

jeff bezos yacht with support yacht

Built Under Total Secrecy

Tasked with taking  Koru  from concept to reality was the superyacht builder Oceanco, based south of Rotterdam in Alblasserdam, Holland. The famed yard, owned by billionaire Mohammed Al Barwani, who also owns Turquoise Yachts in Turkey, recently completed Steven Spielberg’s new superyacht  Seven Sea s, and the similar-sized  Bravo Eugenia , launched in 2018 for Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones.  Koru  was reportedly first commissioned in 2018 as Project Y721 and delivered to the Amazon founder in Gibraltar in April 2023.

What’s in a Name?

While a betting person might have predicted that Bezos would have given his sailing yacht a more Amazon-connected name, like Prime, Deliverance, or even Blue Origin after his space company, he picked  Koru . The name is said to be Maori for “loop” or “coil” and resembles the spiral shape of an unfurling silver fern frond. It’s said to be an integral symbol of New Zealand Maori art that symbolizes new life and new beginnings. Look closely at the wooden figurehead on  Koru ‘s bow and the necklace around the woman’s neck features a pendant shaped like the koru symbol.

jeff bezos yacht with support yacht

A Bridge Too Far

As  Koru  was nearing completion in 2021, word got out that builder Oceanco had approached the city of Rotterdam in Holland, offering to pay for the partial disassembly of the historic 97-year-old Koningshaven lift-bridge, which was too low for the yacht with its triple 70-metre masts in place, to pass under on its way to the North Sea. The city reportedly consented, but the move resulted in a huge public outcry with threats to plaster  Koru  with eggs as it passed through the bridge. Oceanco withdrew its application and instead towed the yacht to Rotterdam’s Greenport shipyard west of the city, transported the masts by barge, and installed them there.

The Places You’ll Go

Hot on the heels of  Koru ‘s handover in Gibraltar in April last year, the superyacht has seemingly been cruising non-stop. It was spotted exploring Spain’s Balearic Islands, anchored off Cannes during the film festival, and moored at celebrity hot spots like Saint-Tropez, Capri, Portofino, and Porto Cervo, Sardinia. Bezos reportedly proposed to Sánchez on the bow of  Koru  off Cannes in May last year, followed by an engagement party aboard in Positano, Italy with a guest list that included Bill Gates, Leonardo DiCaprio, Kris Jenner, Toby Maguire, and Queen Rania of Jordan. Then  Koru  cruised the 4,000-plus miles across the Atlantic to Fort Lauderdale for a re-fuel and re-supply before heading to the Caribbean for winter cruising. This summer it was back to the Mediterranean for more island-hopping.

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IMAGES

  1. This 247 feet long vessel is exclusively built to support Jeff Bezos' humungous $500 million

    jeff bezos yacht with support yacht

  2. Jeff Bezos spent $75m on a shadow boat for his superyacht

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  3. Jeff Bezos • Yacht Support Vessel WINGMAN • 2023 • Damen

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  4. Jeff Bezos' $100m ‘Support Yacht’ For His $700m Megayacht

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  5. Jeff Bezos’ New $500 Million Megayacht Didn’t Have a Helipad So He Bought a Support Yacht

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  6. Jeff Bezos under fire for 'buying' new $400 million dollar mega yacht

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COMMENTS

  1. Jeff Bezos Yacht Support Vessel ABEONA - SuperYachtFan

    Support Vessel ABEONA. ABEONA is a 75-meter support vessel built by Damen for Jeff Bezos. She was known as project WINGMAN. The 1,900 tons vessel has an estimated value of $75 million. She will act as a shadow vessel for Bezos’ sailing yacht KORU. We assume that the boat will have a crew of more than 20. Media

  2. Koru (yacht) - Wikipedia

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

  3. Jeff Bezos’ $500M yacht has a 246-foot support ship, Lauren ...

    May 20, 2023 · Jeff Bezos’ $500M yacht has a 246-foot support ship, Lauren Sanchez figurehead ... Abeona, Bezos’ custom-built 246-foot support vessel, is the 225th largest yacht in the world, according to ...

  4. Jeff Bezos' Magnificent KORU Yacht and ABEONA Support Vessel

    Aug 28, 2023 · 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.

  5. Jeff Bezos spent $75m on a shadow boat for his superyacht

    Jun 6, 2023 · READ MORE: This is Jeff Bezos’ brand-new $500 million superyacht, ‘Koru’ Dubbed Abeona and built by Damen Yachting in the Netherlands, this is what’s known as a shadow boat, or support yacht. In other words, this yacht is designed specifically to provide support for larger yachts.

  6. 8 Facts About 'Koru,' Jeff Bezos's 410-Foot Sailing Superyacht

    Sep 9, 2024 · So handing over an estimated $500 million for his 410-foot Koru, the world’s largest sailing yacht, another $75 million for Abeona, its 250-foot support vessel, and then paying the $30 million ...

  7. Bezos's $75M floating garage 'support yacht' for fiancée's ...

    May 28, 2023 · Amazon's Jeff Bezos bought a 'support' yacht to accompany $500m mega yacht for his fiancée's helicopter; His mega yacht, the Koru, took pride of place on the French Riviera this week alongside ...

  8. After undergoing repairs and even upgrades, Jeff Bezos' $500 ...

    Jun 9, 2024 · After undergoing repairs and even upgrades, Jeff Bezos’ $500 million sailing yacht Koru and its sleek support vessel, which serves as a helipad for his fiancée Lauren Sanchez, are now cruising the azure waters of Greece.

  9. Inside Jeff Bezos’s Spectacular 127-Metre Oceanco Sailing ...

    Sep 16, 2024 · From its 76-metre support tender to its voluptuous wooden figurehead, the Amazon founder’s €450 million+ superyacht is full of surprises. According to the latest Forbes‘s Real-Time Billionaires List, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos is currently worth around $204 billion (€185 billion), making him the second-wealthiest person on the planet, just behind Tesla CEO Elon Musk.

  10. Jeff Bezos Yacht Koru • $250M Sailing Superyacht • Oceanco

    The KORU yacht has now been delivered to its esteemed owner, Jeff Bezos, who, with his girlfriend Lauren Sanchez, has been sighted onboard in Palma de Mallorca. As a testament to his wealth and taste for luxury, Bezos has also commissioned a 75-meter support vessel named “ ABEONA ,” built by Damen Yachting.