Larry Ellison, the Oracle co-founder, is as famous for his tech empire as he is for his passion for sailing and ultra-luxury yachts. The billionaire’s boats – notably the 452-foot Rising Sun and the 288-foot Musashi – have become legendary symbols of his extravagant lifestyle. In this blog, we take a deep dive into Larry Ellison’s yacht collection and sailing adventures. We’ll explore the history and features of his superyachts, his competitive sailing (including America’s Cup wins), yacht prices, net worth, impressive real estate holdings, and his family life. By the end, you’ll see how Ellison’s affinity for the ocean is at the center of his luxury lifestyle.
Larry Ellison’s Yachting Lifestyle
Larry Ellison’s obsession with the sea goes back decades. Shortly after moving to California in 1966, the young Ellison took a sailing course at the University of California, and soon bought his first sailboat – a 34-foot racing sloop. He famously quipped, “I don’t smoke, but I do sail”. This captures his lifelong love of sailing. In the 1990s Ellison even competed in top-level yacht races: he bought a 78-foot raceboat named Sayonara and won several Maxi World Championships with it. He skippered Sayonara through the brutal 1998 Sydney–Hobart race, emerging first into Hobart after a horrific storm that sank dozens of other yachts. That experience was so intense he reportedly swore off ocean racing – but his love of sailing only grew stronger. Instead, he pivoted to grand sailing projects. Over time Ellison acquired multiple luxury motor yachts and founded his own America’s Cup team. His commitment to yachting has made him an iconic figure in the sailing world.
Rising Sun: History and Features
Ellison’s former 138m mega-yacht Rising Sun at anchor (photo via Wikimedia Commons).
The Rising Sun is the yacht that really cemented Ellison’s reputation as a mega-yacht owner. This 138-meter (452-foot) Lürssen-built vessel was delivered in 2004 and designed by the late Jon Bannenberg. It was originally planned as a 387-foot yacht, but during construction it was lengthened to 452 feet to include extraordinary features – even a small internal canal for a personal submarine among its decks. Rising Sun was built with a steel hull and aluminum superstructure, powered by four MTU diesels (48,000 hp) giving it a top speed around 28 knots. At launch it became one of the world’s largest private yachts.
Inside, Rising Sun was outfitted with every luxury imaginable. It has 82 rooms, including an owner’s deck that spans the entire top level. The quarters feature 16 staterooms for guests, all styled by Bannenberg Ltd. Amenities include a full gym, a basketball court, a billiard (pool) room, a movie theater and a wine cellar. Essentially it’s a floating mansion: for example, one deck contains a fully gimbaled billiard table, and the owner’s suite covers the whole top deck.
Larry Ellison commissioned Rising Sun for himself, but eventually decided it was more yacht than he needed. By 2010 he sold his share of Rising Sun, and media mogul David Geffen became the sole owner. (According to Business Insider, Ellison “sold” the Rising Sun to Geffen in late 2006 before exiting completely.) Today Rising Sun remains in Geffen’s fleet, often hosting celebrities and charter guests. But it was built to Ellison’s specifications and remains a symbol of his era as its first owner.
Musashi: Design, Features, and Use
The 88-meter Feadship superyacht Musashi owned by Larry Ellison (photo via Wikimedia Commons).
After selling Rising Sun, Ellison “downsized” to a slightly smaller but still enormous yacht, the Musashi. Built by Dutch yard Feadship and delivered in 2011, Musashi is 87.78 meters long (288 feet) and spans 13.9 meters (46 ft) beam. It is ranked around the 79th largest yacht in the world. Like many of Ellison’s yachts, Musashi carries a Japanese name (it is named for the famed samurai warrior Miyamoto Musashi). This naming reflects Ellison’s interest in Japanese culture – his other yachts include Katana and Rising Sun.
Musashi’s exterior was designed by the De Voogt Naval Architects studio and the interior by Sinot Exclusive Yacht Design. It has a steel hull with aluminum superstructure and teak decks. Ellison reportedly purchased Musashi for about $160 million in 2011. The style of Musashi blends modern and Art Deco influences: Business Insider notes it has “both Japanese and Art Deco-inspired design elements”.
What’s inside the Musashi? It’s lavish. The amenities include zero-speed stabilizers, an elevator linking the decks, a swimming pool aft, a spa and beauty salon, a complete gym (plus an outdoor gym on deck), and yes, a basketball court and a theater. The forward area has a tender crane to launch speed boats or jetskis. In short, Musashi is outfitted for relaxation and fitness at sea. It is crewed by about 24 professionals and can carry 18 guests. Ellison and family use Musashi for private cruising; it has been spotted in places like the Bay Area or Caribbean. In addition to personal use, Ellison sometimes allows his racing crews to train in local waters aboard Musashi when preparing for events.
Larry Ellison and the America’s Cup
Beyond personal yachting, Larry Ellison is deeply involved in competitive sailing. He financed Oracle Team USA (also known as BMW Oracle Racing) to challenge for the America’s Cup starting in the early 2000s. His team first tried to win the Cup in 2003 and 2007 (losing to Alinghi and Luna Rossa, respectively), but the pinnacle came later. In 2010, Ellison’s trimaran USA 17 — financed by BMW Oracle and representing the Golden Gate Yacht Club — won the 33rd America’s Cup off Valencia, Spain. USA 17’s rigid wing sail gave it a decisive edge, and it beat the defending Swiss team Alinghi 2–0 in the best-of-three match. This victory was historic: it was the first time an American challenger had won the Cup since 1992, and Ellison himself served on the crew in one of the races.
Ellison’s next sailing triumph was even more dramatic. In 2013 the Oracle Team USA defended the Cup in San Francisco, facing Team New Zealand. After early setbacks (including a penalty that docked two points), his team found itself down 1-8 in a first-to-nine series. Remarkably, Oracle Team USA rallied to win 9–8, completing what the New York Times called “the largest in-series comeback in America’s Cup history”. By September 25, 2013, Ellison’s team had recaptured the Cup. His willingness to experiment (introducing kite foils in 2002, for example) and to repeatedly invest in cutting-edge yacht design underscores how yachting is more than a hobby for him — it’s a serious competitive pursuit.
Yacht Prices and Comparisons
Owning such yachts is mind-bogglingly expensive. Ellison’s personal boats rank among the costliest in the world. The Rising Sun reportedly cost over $200 million to build. Musashi’s purchase price was around $160 million. These figures put Ellison’s yachts in the same league as other billionaire megayachts. For example, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos recently commissioned a 127-meter yacht (Koru) with a reported price tag of about $500 million. Even by that comparison, Ellison’s spending on yachts is enormous. His expenditures include custom design elements and top-of-the-line amenities.
In the broader context, privately owned superyachts can range from tens of millions to over a billion dollars. Ellison’s purchase of Rising Sun and Musashi decades apart shows how the market has grown – the Rising Sun’s cost was extraordinary at the time, and later yachts remain similarly in the high hundreds of millions. Despite these sums, Ellison shows no hesitation when it comes to building or buying the very largest and best-appointed yachts in the world.
Larry Ellison’s Net Worth
Unsurprisingly, Larry Ellison’s wealth is vast enough to support these luxuries. As of mid-2025, he ranks among the very richest people on earth. According to Bloomberg’s Billionaires Index, Ellison is the fourth-wealthiest person in the world, with an estimated net worth of around $173 billion. Forbes similarly lists him with a net worth on the order of $190–200 billion. This immense fortune comes primarily from his stake in Oracle and smart investments. With this level of wealth, spending tens of millions (or hundreds) on yachts, homes or other toys is well within reach. It’s important to note that Ellison is not only a yacht enthusiast but also a serious investor and owner of lucrative companies. But clearly, a portion of his resources goes toward indulging one of his greatest passions – life at sea.
Larry Ellison’s Real Estate Portfolio
Ellison’s luxury extends beyond the ocean: he also owns an incredible real estate portfolio around the world. His properties are known to be among the priciest ever. For example, in 2022 Ellison set a record in Florida by purchasing an oceanfront estate for $173 million, the largest residential sale ever in the state. This Mediterranean-style mansion (originally owned by Netscape co-founder James Clark) has more than 62,000 sq. ft. of living space and dozens of bedrooms. Even that is just one property in his collection.
Perhaps most famously, Ellison owns most of the Hawaiian island of Lanai. In 2012 he spent about $300 million to buy 98% of Lanai’s 90,000 acres and the two Four Seasons resorts there. He has since invested in developing Lanai into an upscale getaway, complete with luxury hotels, golf courses, and biking trails. In addition, Ellison owns multiple homes in California. He has a large estate in Woodside (the famous Woodside, California), plus at least a half-dozen properties on Malibu’s “Billionaire’s Beach” (Carbon Beach) that reportedly cost over $180 million in total. He also has a mansion in the San Francisco Bay Area (Pacific Heights) and recently bought the famous Beechwood mansion in Newport, Rhode Island.
In short, Ellison’s real estate holdings span the globe. From Hawaii to Florida to California, he owns homes that reflect his taste for privacy, luxury and architectural flair (his Woodside mansion, for example, is styled like a Japanese feudal compound). Combined with his yachts, Ellison’s properties show that his investment in the world’s most exclusive assets is on full display.
Larry Ellison’s Family and Personal Life
Despite his extravagant lifestyle, Larry Ellison is relatively private about his personal life. He has been married several times. Notably, from 1983–1986 he was married to Barbara Boothe, and they had two children together: a son David Ellison and a daughter Megan Ellison. Both David and Megan are now adult film producers. After that marriage, Ellison wed novelist Melanie Craft in 2003 (Steve Jobs was even the wedding photographer!), but they divorced in 2010. He then married model Nikita Kahn, but they split in 2020.
Today Ellison’s partner is Jolin Zhu, a Chinese-American businesswoman. The two reportedly married recently (she now goes by Jolin Ellison). Jolin is several decades younger than Larry; stories about their relationship made news in 2023. Ellison keeps family life fairly out of the spotlight, but he occasionally mentions his wife on social media. (For example, at a University of Michigan football event, he proudly introduced Jolin as his wife.) In any case, Jolin and Ellison are often mentioned together in news about Michigan sports investments, and they share homes in California and Florida.
Other than his wives, Ellison lives a health-conscious, energetic life. He is known to abstain from alcohol and is an avid tennis player. He also collects exotic cars and aircraft. However, when it comes to his personal lifestyle, nothing speaks louder than his love of the water: yachting, sailing, and living near the sea. As one observer put it, Ellison’s world is very much built around an “ocean-centric luxury lifestyle.”
Yacht Legacy and Future Plans
Larry Ellison has certainly left a mark on the yachting world. His superyachts influenced design trends, and his America’s Cup campaigns pushed sailing technology. What does the future hold? He hasn’t announced any new, larger yacht beyond Musashi. In fact, Ellison seemed happy to downsize from Rising Sun to Musashi, calling the former “too big” for his needs. For now, Musashi remains his flagship vessel.
Meanwhile, Ellison has shifted some of his competitive focus to professional sailing events. In 2019 he co-founded SailGP, an international race series featuring high-speed foiling catamarans. SailGP reflects Ellison’s continued involvement in sailing at the highest level: he committed five years of funding and helped the league attract a global TV audience in the billions. His America’s Cup team (rebranded as Oracle Team USA) has also transitioned into more commercial racing in recent years.
Looking ahead, Ellison seems content to enjoy his existing yachts and support sailing competitions rather than building another mega-yacht record-breaker. His legacy so far is that of a tech billionaire who became one of the world’s most famous sailing personalities. Whether he’s cruising Pacific waters on Musashi or backing the next generation of foiling catamarans, Larry Ellison’s passions at sea show no signs of slowing down.
Conclusion
Larry Ellison’s life is a testament to living large — literally on the ocean. From owning the record-breaking Rising Sun to commissioning the sleek Musashi, he has indulged in some of the most opulent superyachts ever built. He has poured his energy and fortune into competitive sailing, winning the America’s Cup twice and even launching an international yacht racing league. Meanwhile, his wealth (nearly $200 billion) allows him to own islands, estates, and a fleet of luxury vehicles. In short, Ellison’s “ocean-centric luxury lifestyle” blends business success with the adventure of the sea. Whether he’s at the helm of a racing trimaran or lounging on a Mediterranean deck, Larry Ellison shows that for him, life is best enjoyed on the waves.
FAQs
What yachts does Larry Ellison own?
Larry Ellison has owned several megayachts. His best-known vessels include the Rising Sun (a 138m yacht he commissioned in 2004), the Katana (formerly Eco), Ronin, and currently the Musashi (an 88m Feadship launched in 2011). (He sold Rising Sun in 2010 and downsized to Musashi.)
Who owns the Rising Sun yacht now?
As of 2025, the Rising Sun is owned by music mogul David Geffen. Ellison sold his share of Rising Sun in 2010, making Geffen the sole owner.
What is Larry Ellison’s net worth?
Larry Ellison’s net worth is on the order of hundreds of billions of dollars. In mid-2025 he was ranked by Bloomberg as the world’s 4th-richest person, with an estimated net worth around $173 billion (Forbes estimates around $190–200 billion).
Did Larry Ellison win the America’s Cup?
Yes. Ellison financed Oracle Team USA for the America’s Cup and his team won the event twice. In 2010 the trimaran USA 17 clinched the Cup in Valencia, Spain. In 2013 Oracle Team USA successfully defended the Cup in San Francisco, famously coming back from an 8-point deficit to win 9–8.
What amenities does the Rising Sun yacht have?
The Rising Sun is packed with luxury features. It has 82 rooms including a gym, basketball court, wine cellar, movie theater, and more. The owner’s deck includes 16 guest suites. Other amenities include a spa, billiard (pool) room, sauna, multiple Jacuzzis, and even an onboard canal for a small submarine.
What is Larry Ellison’s current yacht?
Larry Ellison’s current personal yacht is the Musashi, an 87.8-meter (288-foot) Feadship motor yacht delivered in 2011. He bought Musashi after selling the Rising Sun, and it remains his flagship vessel.
How much did Larry Ellison pay for Musashi?
Ellison purchased the Musashi superyacht in 2011 for about $160 million, making it one of the most expensive yacht purchases at the time.
Who is Larry Ellison married to?
As of 2025, Larry Ellison is married to Jolin Zhu (who now goes by Jolin Ellison). Jolin is a Chinese-American businesswoman much younger than Ellison. Prior to Jolin, Ellison was married to model Nikita Kahn (2010–2020) and novelist Melanie Craft (2003–2010), among others.
What properties does Larry Ellison own?
Ellison’s real estate portfolio is massive. He owns nearly all of Hawaii’s Lanai island (having paid ~$300M for 98% of it and two resorts). He also owns a record-setting Palm Beach, Florida mansion (purchased for $173M). In California, Ellison has a large estate in Woodside and multiple properties on Malibu’s Carbon Beach, as well as a home in San Francisco’s Pacific Heights. In short, he owns dozens of luxury properties totaling well over a billion dollars.
What is Larry Ellison’s connection to sailing?
Ellison is a passionate yachtsman. He once said, “I don’t smoke, but I do sail.” He not only owns lavish superyachts but also founded Oracle Team USA (BMW Oracle Racing) to compete in the America’s Cup. His team won the Cup in 2010 and 2013. Ellison also co-founded SailGP, a professional catamaran racing league, in 2019. His involvement in yacht racing and boat design reflects how central sailing is to his life.