Imagine boarding a 417-foot-long sailing yacht owned by the world’s richest man. Jeff Bezos’s yacht, named Koru, is not just any boat; it’s a record-breaking superyacht that has captured headlines worldwide. In this article, we’ll dive into every detail about Koru – from its name and who built it to its lavish design and even the memes it sparked online. We’ll also look at its environmental footprint, where it’s been spotted on the globe, and why it matters to Bezos’s lifestyle and net worth. Buckle up for a full tour of one of the most talked-about yachts on Earth.
Name and Background of Jeff Bezos’s Yacht
The yacht is officially named Koru, a word from the Māori language meaning “loop” or “coil,” inspired by the spiral shape of an unfurling silver fern frond. This name, chosen by Bezos himself, symbolizes new beginnings and personal growth – fitting for a new chapter in his life. Before it was christened, the project was known simply as Y721 during construction. After four years of building, Bezos proudly presented the completed vessel as Koru in 2023.
Jeff Bezos began ordering this yacht years ago. According to reports, he commissioned the superyacht around 2018, and construction began at the Oceanco shipyard in the Netherlands in 2021. Oceanco is a prestigious Dutch yacht builder famous for crafting some of the world’s largest luxury yachts. The company worked on Koru for over three years, finally delivering the finished yacht in April 2023. Because of its size and grandeur, Koru has been officially recognized as the world’s largest sailing yacht.
Koru is a three-masted schooner – that means it has three huge sail masts on deck. These masts are truly massive, each over 230 feet tall. The design is a modern take on classic clipper ships. Interestingly, there was a plan to partially remove Rotterdam’s historic “De Hef” bridge (officially the Koningshavenbrug) to allow Koru’s tall masts to pass, highlighting just how tall they are. In the end, the builders transported the yacht without its masts past the bridge, avoiding any permanent damage to the landmark.
With Jeff Bezos now focusing on new ventures and even planning a high-profile wedding, the yacht holds personal significance. Architectural Digest notes that Koru is where Bezos proposed to his fiancée (now wife) Lauren Sánchez, and it may even be used in their Venice wedding celebrations. In short, Koru represents both a technological feat and a symbol of Bezos’s new beginnings.
Cost and Who Built It
Koru’s price tag is staggering, but not out of reach for someone like Bezos. Industry estimates put the cost of Koru at around $500 million. For context, that’s roughly half a billion dollars. And it doesn’t stop there: the support yacht that travels with Koru (more on that soon) reportedly cost about $75 million. Beyond construction costs, annual operating expenses (crews, fuel, maintenance) are estimated at around $25–30 million per year.
The yacht was built by Oceanco, a Netherlands-based shipyard known for delivering ultra-luxury superyachts. Oceanco’s yard in Alblasserdam handled the project, working on every detail from the steel hull to the polished teak decks. CEO Oceanco builders had experience with record-breaking yachts – for example, they built Black Pearl (350 feet) and have worked with billionaires in the past. For Koru, more than 500 skilled workers contributed to crafting the hull, superstructure, and all the fittings.
Because Jeff Bezos’s net worth is around $200 billion (USD), the yacht’s construction cost was a small fraction of his fortune. Architectural Digest points out that at his wealth level, even a $30 million annual upkeep is “a small expense”. In other words, the money spent on Koru is a drop in the ocean for the world’s richest man.
According to BBC News, Koru’s cost is indeed about half a billion dollars, a sum they describe as “a drop in the ocean” for Bezos. The British outlet also highlighted that these figures exclude other perks – for example, Bezos planned a separate $75 million support yacht with a helipad for his helicopter pilot fiancée. All of this underscores that Bezos aimed to build not just a large yacht, but one packed with every imaginable luxury.
Interior and Design Features
Koru’s exterior is striking. It has a dark navy-blue steel hull, a sleek clipper-bow that points forward, and three tall masts. Above deck lies a two-level white aluminum superstructure, giving the yacht a clean, modern profile. The bright white sails (when unfurled) and the polished wooden deck with gold accents make it a very elegant sight on the water.
Inside, Koru is designed for maximum luxury and comfort. The interior design was handled by the firm Mlinaric, Henry & Zervudachi, which created a “timeless, contemporary style” using light woods, warm neutral colors, and custom furnishings. For example, the main saloon features wood-paneled walls, abstract textiles, and sleek furniture – a modern take on classic yacht decor. Architectural Digest notes that the decor resembles a high-end beach house or art gallery, with every detail custom-made for the yacht. The result is a calm, upscale environment that feels luxurious without being gaudy.
In terms of amenities, Koru spares no expense. It has nine staterooms accommodating up to 18 guests, each as big as many city apartments and decorated with high-end fixtures. There’s a main saloon with a grand dining table, likely seating dozens. On deck, the yacht boasts three hot-tub Jacuzzis and a swimming pool, so guests can soak or swim while looking at the ocean. Other reports mention a movie theater with moving seats and even “smart” glass windows that can switch from clear to opaque for privacy or to block out sun. In one report, Bezos’ yacht was said to have a “glass-bottom pool” (allowing guests to see the sea below) and a special art room with climate control to protect paintings. All electronics, from entertainment systems to lighting, are state-of-the-art.
The yacht also includes sports and leisure toys hidden on board. Though Koru is primarily a sailing vessel, it carries tenders (motorboats) and likely jet skis in a lower garage area. Since it has no space for a helipad (the three masts occupy the top deck), these are kept on the support yacht (see next section). The designers even incorporated subtle security features: Koru’s hull has traditional circular portholes, while upper windows are smaller than usual, possibly to thwart paparazzi or eavesdropping.
Overall, Koru’s design blends classic sailing yacht charm with modern luxury. Architectural Digest quotes yacht historian Robert B. MacKay who noted that Koru’s clipper bow and dark hull evoke an early 20th century mega-yacht (like J.P. Morgan’s Corsair IV). In that sense, Koru is like a modern-day relic from the golden age of yachting, updated with all 21st-century conveniences.
Ownership Details and Support Yacht
Jeff Bezos is listed as the owner of Koru. In practice, yachts this large are usually owned by corporations or trusts (for privacy and legal reasons), but Bezos is the ultimate beneficiary. Alongside Koru is a support vessel named Abeona (pronounced Ah-bay-OH-nah). This is a separate 246-foot (75-meter) yacht built to accompany Koru on voyages. The name Abeona comes from Roman mythology – she is the goddess of safe journeys and departures, fitting for a ship that “shadows” the main yacht.
Abeona was designed and built by Damen Yachting, another Dutch shipbuilder. It was delivered in 2023, the same year as Koru, and had the project names YS 7512 and “Wingman” during construction. The ship has a grey hull and is considerably narrower and longer in profile than Koru. Its main purpose is to provide extra features that Koru itself cannot carry.
For example, Abeona has a helipad. Bezos’s fiancée (now wife) Lauren Sánchez is an accomplished helicopter pilot, so Abeona lets her land her chopper. Once she lands on Abeona’s deck, she can take a small boat (launch) over to Koru. By contrast, Koru’s own tall masts leave no room for a helipad on its decks. On Abeona, the helicopter is stored inside a covered hangar to protect it from the elements.
In addition to the helipad, Abeona houses extra accommodation and toys. The support vessel has two VIP staterooms for four additional guests, and quarters for up to 37 crew members. This frees up room on Koru’s own crew roster, ensuring everyone has space. Abeona also carries the collection of watersports equipment: jet skis, scuba gear, a submarine, etc., and additional tenders. Think of it like a floating garage and heliport.
The estimated value of Abeona is about $75 million, and its annual running cost is also in the low tens of millions. Together, Koru and Abeona have 60+ crew members and a massive combined expense – all manageable for Bezos’s wealth. In fact, Architectural Digest notes that even the $30 million yearly maintenance cost for both is small relative to Bezos’s fortune.
According to Architectural Digest, Bezos named Koru’s support yacht Abeona after the Roman goddess of journeys. The entire pair – Koru and Abeona – travels together like a miniature flotilla. The crew can shuttle between them easily, and during long trips Abeona can even carry extra provisions or serve as an extra hotel deck when needed.
Environmental Impact and Controversies
A yacht of this scale naturally draws scrutiny about its environmental footprint and ethical implications. Supporters argue that Koru is a sailing yacht (using wind power) so it’s greener than a giant diesel yacht. In fact, the sails on Koru are intended to reduce fuel consumption. The builder Oceanco even advertises the design as a modern eco-conscious schooner.
However, critics note that when Koru is not under sail, it uses powerful diesel engines. Estimates from environmental groups suggest that Koru’s engines emit on the order of 7,000 metric tons of CO₂ per year. That’s roughly the same as the annual carbon emissions of 400–500 average Americans. (By comparison, a small car might emit 4–5 tons per year.) The support vessel Abeona adds more emissions on top, although in some analyses Abeona’s fuel use is not counted in Bezos’s personal yacht emissions. In any case, commentators point out that superyachts are generally very carbon-intensive – often sailing only 10–20% of the year and spending most time idling or cruising.
Environmental commentator Zach Shahan at CleanTechnica calculated Koru’s impact: under wind power or not, the sheer scale of the yacht means it will burn millions of liters of diesel annually when on long voyages. The ship is exempt from strict maritime emission rules, so exact numbers aren’t published. But as one climate scientist put it, a yacht like Koru can still be considered a symbol of climate “inequality”: the richest 1% generate as much carbon as the poorest two-thirds combined, and ultra-rich lifestyles like private yachts are a big reason why. Many environmentalists cite cases like Koru when calling for cleaner fuels or even taxing megayachts more heavily.
Koru has also been embroiled in other controversies. In late 2024 it was reported that Oceanco was fined about €150,000 by Dutch authorities. An investigation found that Oceanco had used illegal teak wood (from Myanmar) in parts of Koru’s interior. European Union regulations prohibit importing illegally logged timber, and Oceanco admitted it had failed to verify the wood’s origin properly. In short, a valued tradition (teak decks and wood paneling) ran afoul of sustainability laws. Oceanco said it “never intended” to break the rules, but the incident did spark criticism that even luxury projects must follow environmental laws.
Another notable controversy occurred during construction. Rotterdam’s city leaders actually agreed to partially remove a historic bridge (the De Hef) to allow Koru to pass through the city’s harbor. The Koningshavenbrug (De Hef) is a protected Dutch monument. The idea of taking it apart, even temporarily, sparked public outcry. Rotterdam ultimately avoided that by moving the yacht without its masts, but the episode was lampooned in the media. Some local commentators jokingly threatened to “hurl eggs” at the superyacht for forcing the bridge situation (no official sources, but it circulated online). This bridge saga underscored how Bezos’s private project intersected with public heritage.
In summary, while Koru is a marvel of engineering and luxury, it also highlights tensions: between extravagance and conservation, heritage and development. The reactions range from awe at the craftsmanship to outrage over climate impact and privileged use of public resources.
Where It Has Traveled and Sightings
Since its launch, Koru has been spotted in various glamorous locations. The yacht flies the flag of the Cayman Islands and spends most of its time in warm, scenic waters. In 2023 and 2024, travelers snapped photos of Koru exploring the Mediterranean and Caribbean.
For example, Koru was delivered to Mallorca, Spain in April 2023. Photos from the island show Koru at anchor with its masts up. From there, it sailed around the Balearic Islands. During the summer and fall of 2023, Koru visited Italy and France. It was seen in Portofino, Italy and even at the Cannes Film Festival in the south of France for 2025. During the 2023 Cannes Festival, Bezos and Lauren Sánchez were aboard (in one news photo she was sunbathing on deck), suggesting they timed a romantic trip with the festival events.
Koru also ventured across the Atlantic. It was photographed in Florida (Port Everglades) and St. Barts in late 2023. On New Year’s Eve 2023, Bezos and Sánchez celebrated aboard Koru in St. Barts. The yacht has also been to the Caribbean island of St. Lucia, evidenced by photos taken in early 2024. All told, reports indicate Koru has anchored or docked in the Balearics, South of France, Italy (for summering), the Caribbean (Florida, St. Barts), and possibly other luxury yachting spots.
Its support ship Abeona often accompanies it. For instance, both Koru and Abeona were spotted together in June 2023 in the waters off Portofino. Aerial drone shots showed Abeona’s helipad (with a helicopter) trailing behind Koru. In early 2024, Abeona was photographed anchored off St. Lucia – presumably with Koru nearby.
These high-profile cruise routes reflect the typical “summer circuit” of the super-rich: Mediterranean beaches in summer (Italy, France, Greece) and the Caribbean in winter (Florida, BVI, Caribbean islands). Wherever Koru sails, it makes news – locals and media track it with awe. Its visits to ports often prompt reports because people are curious to see the world’s largest sailing yacht up close.
Public Reactions and Memes
The arrival of Koru and its support yacht has not only attracted media coverage but also internet buzz. Many people online have reacted to the sheer opulence with a mixture of fascination, satire, and criticism. Social media users especially seized on the fact that Bezos owns two yachts. The smaller motor yacht Abeona became known as his “support yacht,” and memes jokingly suggested that he needed a whole separate boat just to carry a helipad and some jet skis.
One meme pointed out the absurdity of having a $75 million yacht just so Lauren Sánchez (his helicopter pilot fiancée) can land in style. Another quipped that many of Bezos’s neighbors might carry their keys in a wallet while Bezos carries them in a $500M sailing vessel. In forums and tweet threads, people marvel at headlines like “Bezos Pays $500M for Yacht, Then Spends $75M on Second Boat” and post cartoons of Bezos juggling bills or building mega-fortunes at sea.
Some humor plays on the famous “girlfriend vs wife” internet jokes: people joked that Bezos had to build a second boat because his fiancée “insisted on her helicopter pad,” or teased him for needing “two yachts to date Lauren.” Others pointed out that even Google founders or tech moguls couldn’t outdo the size of Koru, dubbing it the flagship of rich-people excess.
There’s also a bit of consumer envy: memes about everyday people comparing their own car or home to Bezos’s boat went viral (“I only want a modest home, just 417 feet long!”). Meanwhile, late-night talk shows and pop culture sites ran comedic takes on Bezos’s aquatic bling.
Not all online reactions were purely jovial. Some climate activists and journalists ridiculed the hypocrisy of building such a craft amid global climate concerns. They shared infographics of yacht emissions or criticized the opulence on accounts of billionaires. This often leads into debates on Twitter about income inequality and luxury taxation.
Overall, the chatter is a mix of astonishment and ridicule. Memes effectively amplified the story of Koru beyond yacht enthusiasts to the broader public. Even if the yacht itself is exclusive, nearly anyone who’s online has likely seen a meme or news blurb about Bezos’s boat by now.
Connection to Bezos’s Lifestyle and Net Worth
Jeff Bezos’s new yacht is very much in line with the lifestyle of an ultra-wealthy tech billionaire. He already has a massive real estate portfolio (mansions and ranches), a car collection, private jets, and of course, Blue Origin space rockets. But Koru is arguably his personal favorite toy. As Architectural Digest observed, Bezos’s yacht “seems to hold a special place” in his heart. It’s where he proposed to Lauren Sánchez, and it may even feature in their lavish Venice wedding.
To put the cost in perspective, Bezos’s fortune recently stood near $200 billion, making him either the richest or second-richest person on Earth (depending on stock swings). In comparison, Koru’s $500M price is minuscule — just 0.25% of his total net worth. Even the annual $30M upkeep for Koru (plus Abeona) is pocket change for a fortune that grew by billions in a single day during market rallies. Architectural Digest notes that for Bezos, these expenses are “a small expense” relative to his billions.
Having such a vessel fits with the archetype of tech moguls showing off success. His friend and Amazon co-founder met Bezos on an even older, famous sailing yacht (Diller’s Eos), and Bloomberg’s Bezos biography notes how the yacht project began years ago when Bezos’s wealth surged.
Importantly, Bezos’s yacht also tells a story about his values. Bezos chose a sailing yacht (not a pure motor yacht), which has some symbolic eco-friendly appeal (using wind power). The fact that he named it after a Māori symbol of new life suggests he wanted it to mean something more than just a toy. However, Bezos has not publicly committed to any climate or social causes related to the yacht. He did donate money to an ocean conservation group, but he did not directly tie Koru to philanthropy.
In daily life, Koru and Abeona are now part of Bezos’s routine. When traveling, he can cruise privately on his own yacht instead of flying or booking hotels. He and Lauren often sail with a small entourage of friends and family. Reports say he has hosted parties with celebrities on Koru – for example, he reportedly celebrated an engagement party near Positano, Italy, with guests like Bill Gates and Leonardo DiCaprio. Such events turn the yacht into both a personal retreat and a stage for Bezos’s world.
According to Architectural Digest, Bezos even put engagement details on Instagram mentioning “new beginnings” (the meaning of Koru) when he proposed. So the yacht isn’t just a status symbol: it’s woven into his personal narrative about entering a new life chapter post-Amazon. Whether that’s planning a family or leisure in retirement, Koru is a personal signature.
Conclusion
Jeff Bezos’s yacht Koru is more than just a giant boat – it’s a floating statement of wealth, design, and modern luxury. At 417 feet and costing about half a billion dollars, it breaks records as the world’s largest sailing superyacht. Built by the acclaimed Oceanco yard, its sleek navy hull and classic schooner lines recall a bygone era of sailing royalty, yet its interior is packed with cutting-edge comforts. The yacht even comes with a sophisticated support ship, Abeona, complete with a helipad for extra toys and guests.
Of course, such extravagance does not go unnoticed. News outlets from the BBC to the New York Times have chronicled Koru’s journey, and the public has reacted with equal parts fascination and skepticism. On one hand, people marvel at the engineering and amenities – the three Jacuzzis, the movie theater, the climate-controlled art room. On the other hand, critics point to climate impact and the under-bridge controversy as symbols of inequality.
What is undeniable is that Koru is woven into Bezos’s life story. It’s a tangible piece of the billionaire lifestyle – a place where he proposed marriage and hosted A-listers at sea. To us, it may seem unfathomable, but for Bezos it’s a personal playground and a home away from home.
In the end, Koru reflects a blend of old-world romance and 21st-century power. It sails the line between a dream for yacht enthusiasts and a flashpoint in debates about privilege. As Bezos famously said, “Work hard, have fun, make history.” With Koru, he’s certainly doing all three – in the most lavish way possible.
FAQs
What is the name of Jeff Bezos’s yacht?
The yacht is named Koru, after a Māori word meaning “loop” or “coil.” Jeff Bezos chose this name as a symbol of new beginnings and personal growth. The support vessel is named Abeona, a Roman goddess of journeys, reflecting its role as Koru’s companion ship.
How much did Jeff Bezos’s yacht cost to build?
Koru’s construction is reported to have cost around $500 million USD. This makes it one of the most expensive yachts ever built. In addition, the support yacht Abeona cost an estimated $75 million. Annual maintenance for both vessels is on the order of $25–30 million.
Who built Jeff Bezos’s yacht?
The yacht was built by Oceanco, a Dutch shipyard known for custom superyachts. Oceanco’s yard in Alblasserdam, Netherlands, handled the construction from 2021 until delivery in April 2023. The support vessel Abeona was built by Damen Yachting, another Dutch builder, and delivered in 2023.
What is the support vessel for Jeff Bezos’s yacht?
The support vessel is called Abeona. It’s a 75-meter (246-foot) yacht that follows Koru on all voyages. Abeona provides extra amenities – it has a helipad (for helicopters), a hangar, and storage for cars, tenders, and toys. While Koru primarily uses sailing power and cannot carry a helipad under its tall masts, Abeona complements it by carrying helicopters and jetskis. Abeona also offers additional guest cabins and a crew to support Koru’s operations.
What are the design features of Jeff Bezos’s yacht?
Koru is a three-masted sailing schooner with a navy-blue hull and white superstructure. It has teak decks, a classical clipper bow, and modern finishes. Inside, Koru has nine staterooms for 18 guests, a main saloon with wood interiors, and luxurious amenities. Notably, it features three Jacuzzi hot tubs and a swimming pool on deck. The interior design uses natural wood tones and warm neutral colors, creating a high-end but inviting atmosphere. The yacht also has high-tech touches like smart glass and a movie theater.
Where has Jeff Bezos’s yacht traveled?
Since its delivery, Koru has visited many famous yachting locations. It was delivered to Mallorca (Spain) in 2023 and has sailed throughout the Mediterranean. Sightings include Portofino (Italy), Cannes (France), and an engagement celebration off Positano, Italy. In winter, Koru was spotted in the Caribbean – including Florida’s Port Everglades and St. Barts for New Year’s. In May 2025, Koru even appeared at the Cannes Film Festival. In all cases, Bezos and Lauren Sánchez have been aboard for many of these voyages.
What is the size of Jeff Bezos’s yacht?
Koru is 127 meters (417 feet) long, making it the largest sailing yacht ever built. It has a beam (width) of about 17 meters (56 feet) and a gross tonnage of about 3,493 GT. The three masts each reach over 70 meters high. In comparison, most large private yachts are under 100 meters, so Koru’s size is in the top percentile of superyachts globally.
What are the environmental concerns related to this yacht?
Despite its sailing design, Koru still has a significant carbon footprint. Estimates suggest it emits around 7,000 tons of CO₂ per year from its engines. This is roughly what hundreds of average cars produce annually. The construction also had environmental issues: the builder was fined for using illegally sourced tropical wood. Many environmentalists criticize mega-yachts in general, noting that they spend much of the year idling (requiring generators) and are exempt from some emission rules. The controversy highlights the tension between luxury and sustainability.
What controversies have been associated with the yacht?
Koru’s build and launch included a few controversies. In Rotterdam, the city nearly dismantled a historic bridge to let Koru pass, causing public uproar. The city ended up moving the yacht without its masts to avoid altering the bridge. Another issue was the fine for illegal teak use in the yacht’s furniture. On social media, people have also poked fun at the extravagance, and there were viral jokes and memes about Bezos needing two yachts to carry a helicopter pad and luxury toys. These controversies have kept Koru in the news beyond just its technical features.
How does Jeff Bezos use his yacht in his personal life?
Bezos uses Koru as a private getaway. He has sailed it personally with his fiancée (now wife) Lauren Sánchez, friends, and family. He even used Koru to propose marriage to Lauren in 2023. The yacht serves as a venue for special events – for example, Bezos hosted a lavish engagement party with A-list guests on the yacht off the coast of Italy. The couple plans to incorporate the yacht into their wedding festivities in Venice in 2025. In daily life, owning Koru means Bezos can travel around the world in privacy and style, rather than relying on hotels or cruise ships. It is as much a personal luxury as it is a status symbol.
What have people said or joked about Jeff Bezos’s yacht?
The public reaction has been a mix of awe and satire. Many have expressed amazement at the yacht’s size and luxury, but social media also saw countless jokes. Memes highlighted how Bezos needed two boats – one for the yacht itself and another (Abeona) for all the extras like a heli-pad. Comedy writers quipped about the outrageous scale (“$500M and it still needs another $75M boat”). Some memes also play on the idea that “one yacht wasn’t enough for his girlfriend, so he built a second.” On serious note, commentators questioned the yacht’s climate impact. Overall, Koru became a viral talking point – people who never cared about yachts suddenly had an opinion about Bezos’s new boat.