the billionaire shop yacht

10 of the most impressive superyachts owned by billionaires

From a sailing yacht owned by a russian billionaire industrialist to the luxury launch of the patek philippe ceo, here are the best billionaire-owned boats on the water….

Words: Jonathan Wells

There’s something about billionaires and big boats . Whether they’re superyachts or megayachts, men with money love to splash out on these sizeable sea-going giants. And that all began in 1954 — with the big dreams of Greek shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis.

Onassis, keen to keep his luxury lifestyle afloat when at sea, bought Canadian anti-submarine frigate HMCS Stormont after World War II. He spent millions turning it into an opulent super yacht, named it after his daughter — and the Christina O kicked off a trend among tycoons. To this day, the world’s richest men remain locked in an arms race to build the biggest, fastest, most impressive superyacht of all. Here are 10 of our favourites…

Eclipse, owned by Roman Abramovich

Built by: Blohm+Voss of Hamburg, with interiors and exteriors designed by Terence Disdale. Launched in 2009, it cost $500 million (the equivalent of £623 million today).

Owned by: Russian businessman Roman Abramovich, the owner of private investment company Millhouse LLC and owner of Chelsea Football Club. His current net worth is $17.4 billion.

Key features: 162.5 metres in length / 9 decks / Top speed of 22 knots / Two swimming pools / Disco hall / Mini submarine / 2 helicopter pads / 24 guest cabins

Sailing Yacht A, owned by Andrey Melnichenko

Built by: Nobiskrug, a shipyard on the Eider River in Germany. The original idea came from Jacques Garcia, with interiors designed by Philippe Starck and a reported price tag of over $400 million.

Owned by: Russian billionaire industrialist Andrey Melnichenko, the main beneficiary of both the fertiliser producing EuroChem Group and the coal energy company SUEK. Though his current net worth is $18.7 billion, Sailing Yacht A was seized in Trieste on 12 March 2022 due to the EU’s sanctions on Russian businessmen.

Key features: 119 metres in length / 8 decks / Top speed of 21 knots / Freestanding carbon-fibre rotating masts / Underwater observation pod / 14 guests

Symphony, owned by Bernard Arnault

Built by: Feadship, the fabled shipyard headquartered in Haarlem in The Netherlands. With an exterior designed by Tim Heywood, it reportedly cost around $150 million to construct.

Owned by: French billionaire businessman and art collector Bernard Arnault. Chairman and chief executive of LVMH, the world’s largest luxury goods company, his current net worth is $145.8 billion.

Key features: 101.5 metres in length / 6 decks / Top speed of 22 knots / 6-metre glass-bottom swimming pool / Outdoor cinema / Sundeck Jacuzzi / 8 guest cabins

Faith, owned by Michael Latifi

Built by: Similarly to Symphony above, also Feadship. With exteriors designed by Beaulieu-based RWD, and interiors by Chahan Design, it cost a reported $200 million to construct in 2017.

Owned by: Until recently, Canadian billionaire and part-owner of the Aston Martin Formula 1 Team , Lawrence Stroll. Recently sold to Michael Latifi, father of F1 star Nicholas , a fellow Canadian businessman with a net worth of just under $2 billion.

Key features: 97 metres in length / 9 guest cabins / Glass-bottom swimming pool — with bar / Bell 429 helicopter

Amevi, owned by Lakshmi Mittal

Built by: The Oceanco shipyard, also in The Netherlands. With exterior design by Nuvolari & Lenard and interior design by Alberto Pinto, it launched in 2007 (and cost around $125 million to construct).

Owned by: Indian steel magnate Lakshmi Mittal, chairman and CEO of Arcelor Mittal, the world’s largest steelmaking company. He owns 20% of Queen Park Rangers, and has a net worth of $18 billion.

Key features: 80 metres in length / 6 decks / Top speed of 18.5 knots / On-deck Jacuzzi / Helipad / Swimming Pool / Tender Garage / 8 guest cabins

Odessa II, owned by Len Blavatnik

Built by: Nobiskrug, the same German shipyard that built Sailing Yacht A . Both interior and exterior were created by Focus Yacht Design, and the yacht was launched in 2013 with a cost of $80 million.

Owned by: British businessman Sir Leonard Blavatnik. Founder of Access Industries — a multinational industrial group with current holdings in Warner Music Group, Spotify and the Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat — he is worth $39.9 billion.

Key features: 74 metres in length / 6 guest cabins / Top speed of 18 knots / Intimate beach club / Baby grand piano / Private master cabhin terrace / Outdoor cinema

Nautilus, owned by Thierry Stern

Built by: Italian shipyard Perini Navi in 2014. With interiors by Rémi Tessier and exterior design by Philippe Briand, Nautilus was estimated to cost around $90 million to construct.

Owned by: Patek Philippe CEO Thierry Stern. Alongside his Gulstream G650 private jet, Nautilus — named for the famous sports watch — is his most costly mode of transport. His current net worth is $3 billion.

Key features: 73 metres in length / 7 guest cabins / Top speed of 16.5 knots / Dedicated wellness deck / 3.5 metre resistance pool / Underfloor heating / Jet Skis

Silver Angel, owned by Richard Caring

Built by: Luxury Italian boatbuilder Benetti. Launched in 2009, the yacht’s interior has been designed by Argent Design and her exterior styling is by Stefano Natucci.

Owned by: Richard Caring, British businessman and multi-millionaire (his wealth peaked at £1.05 billion, so he still makes the cut). Chairman of Caprice Holdings, he owns The Ivy restaurants.

Key features: 64.5 metres in length / Cruising speed of 15 knots / 7 guest cabins / Lalique decor / 5 decks / Oval Jacuzzi pool / Sun deck bar / Aft deck dining table

Lady Beatrice, owned by Frederick Barclay

Built by: Feadship and Royal Van Lent in 1993. Exteriors were created by De Voogt Naval Architects, with interiors by Bannenberg Designs. She cost the equivalent of £63 million to build.

Owned by: Sir David Barclay and his late brother Sir Frederick. The ‘Barclay Brothers’ had joint business pursuits including The Spectator , The Telegraph and delivery company Yodel. Current net worth: £7 billion.

Key features: 60 metres in length / 18 knots maximum speed / Monaco home port / Named for the brothers’ mother, Beatrice Cecelia Taylor / 8 guest cabins

Space, owned by Laurence Graff

Built by: Space was the first in Feadship’s F45 Vantage series , styled by Sinot Exclusive Yacht Design and launched in 2007. She cost a reported $25 million to construct.

Owned by: Laurence Graff, English jeweller and billionaire businessman. As the founder of Graff Diamonds, he has a global business presence and a current net worth of $6.26 billion.

Key features: 45 metres in length / Top speed of 16 knots / Al fresco dining area / Sun deck Jacuzzi / Breakfast bar / Swimming platform / Steam room

Want more yachts? Here’s the handcradfted, homegrown history of Princess…

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Inside the World of Superyachts Owned by Billionaires

Introduction: The Ultimate Status Symbol

In the rarefied world of the ultra-wealthy, few possessions symbolize success and affluence more than a luxurious superyachts owned by billionaires. These floating palaces represent the zenith of luxury, offering unparalleled comfort, cutting-edge technology, and bespoke design. Owned by billionaires who spare no expense in their pursuit of perfection, superyachts are the epitome of opulence on the high seas.

The Top Luxurious Superyachts Owned by Billionaires

Commissioned by Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich, the Eclipse is one of the most famous luxurious superyachts in existence. Launched in 2010, this 162.5-meter vessel was the largest yacht in the world at the time. It boasts a range of luxurious features including two helipads, a disco hall, swimming pools, hot tubs, and even a missile detection system. The Eclipse can accommodate up to 36 guests and a crew of 70, ensuring that every whim of its passengers is catered to.

Currently holding the title of the largest private yacht in the world, Azzam measures an astounding 180 meters. Owned by Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the President of the United Arab Emirates, Azzam is not just remarkable for its size. It is also one of the fastest superyachts, capable of reaching speeds of over 30 knots. Designed by Nauta Yachts and built by Lürssen Yachts, Azzam features an incredibly sophisticated and elegant interior, inspired by the Empire style.

Owned by Russian billionaire Alisher Usmanov, Dilbar is another luxurious superyacht that exemplifies luxury. At 156 meters long, Dilbar is known for having the largest gross tonnage of any yacht in the world. Built by Lürssen, this yacht includes a 25-meter swimming pool, a helipad, and lavish accommodations for 40 guests and 80 crew members. Its interior, designed by Andrew Winch, reflects a sophisticated, modern style that provides an exquisite living experience on the water.

Life Aboard a Luxurious Superyacht

Living on a luxurious superyacht owned by a billionaire is akin to residing in a five-star hotel, but with the added benefit of mobility. These vessels come equipped with the finest amenities and technologies to ensure the utmost comfort and entertainment. Gourmet kitchens and luxury dining rooms – private cinemas – state-of-the-art gyms, every detail is designed to provide special experience for the owner.

Superyachts also feature luxurious staterooms and suites, often customized to reflect the owner’s personal taste and style. With expansive decks, private beaches, and Jacuzzis, relaxation and enjoyment are at the forefront of the yachting lifestyle. Additionally, many superyachts have specialized tenders and toys, including jet skis, submarines, and even small sailboats, ensuring endless fun and adventure on the water.

Famous superyachts owned by billionaires

Many of the world’s wealthiest individuals are drawn to the allure of luxurious superyachts. Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon, is reportedly commissioning a 127-meter sailing yacht named Koru. This vessel, designed by Oceanco, is expected to be one of the most advanced and luxurious yachts ever built, featuring a support yacht complete with a helipad.

Bill Gates, the co-founder of Microsoft, has also shown interest in the superyacht lifestyle. He was reported to be interested in the hydrogen-powered superyacht Aqua, designed by “Sinot Yacht Architecture & Design”. This 112-meter yacht emphasizes sustainability, with its innovative use of hydrogen fuel cells, representing a step forward in eco-friendly yachting.

A Closer Look: Roman Abramovich and His Yacht, Eclipse

Roman Abramovich, a Russian billionaire with a net worth of over $14 billion, is perhaps one of the most renowned yacht owners in the world. His luxurious superyacht, Eclipse, reflects his penchant for luxury and innovation. Launched in 2010, Eclipse was the largest yacht in the world until Azzam took the title in 2013. Nevertheless, Eclipse remains one of the most impressive and expensive yachts, with an estimated cost of $500 million.

• Roman Abramovich: Biography and Success Story

Born on October 24, 1966, in Saratov, Russia, Roman Abramovich experienced a challenging early life. Orphaned at a young age, he was raised by his relatives. Despite these hardships, Abramovich demonstrated a keen business acumen from a young age. He initially made his fortune in the oil industry, co-founding the oil company Sibneft in 1995. His business ventures expanded rapidly, and he became one of Russia’s wealthiest individuals.

Abramovich is perhaps best known in the Western world for his ownership of the Chelsea Football Club, a premier soccer team in the English Premier League. Under his ownership since 2003, Chelsea has experienced significant success, winning numerous domestic and international titles. His involvement in various industries, from steel to telecommunications, further solidified his status as a global business magnate.

Beyond his business endeavors, Abramovich is also a notable philanthropist, contributing to various charitable causes, particularly in education and healthcare. His luxurious superyacht Eclipse serves as both a symbol of his success and a mobile retreat where he can entertain guests and enjoy the pleasures of yachting.

Conclusion – Superyachts owned by billionaires

The world of luxurious superyachts owned by billionaires is a testament to human ingenuity and the pursuit of luxury. These vessels showcase what happens when limitless resources combine with visionary design. Whether for leisure, status, or both, luxurious superyachts represent the fascinating aspect of modern wealth and lifestyle.

In exploring the stories behind these floating palaces, we not only get a glimpse into the luxurious lives of their owners but also into the incredible craftsmanship and innovation that make these superyachts possible.

For more articles on luxury and opulence, explore our Superyacht collection .

Famous Billionaire Yacht Owners

A Closer Look: Roman Abramovich and His Luxurious Superyacht, Eclipse

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Five bodies found inside superyacht that sank off Sicily

PORTICELLO, Sicily — Divers recovered four bodies Wednesday from inside a superyacht that sank in a sudden storm off Sicily , Salvatore Cocina, director of the island's Civil Protection Agency, confirmed to NBC News.

Cocina later confirmed to Sky News that a fifth body had been found and was being brought to shore. One passenger remains missing.

The identities of the bodies were not immediately released. Their recovery follows a dayslong search in the deep waters off Italy where British tech tycoon Mike Lynch  and several others were believed to be trapped in the hull. Fifteen of the 22 people aboard survived.

The rest had been missing since early Monday, when the Bayesian was caught in the storm anchored off the coast of Porticello, a village near the Sicilian capital city, Palermo.

The body of the ship’s cook, identified as Recaldo Thomas, a Canadian Antiguan national, was recovered Monday. 

On Wednesday, NBC News witnessed what appeared to be at least three body bags being lifted from fire department boats after they pulled into port at Porticello. It was unclear whose bodies they were. Some were later transferred to ambulances and driven away from the dock.

Lynch’s 18-year-old daughter, Hannah; Morgan Stanley International Chairman Jonathan Bloomer and his wife, Judy; and Clifford Chance lawyer Chris Morvillo and his wife, Neda, are also missing. 

The Bayesian is owned by a firm linked to Lynch’s wife, Angela Bacares, who was among the survivors rescued by a nearby vessel after they got into a lifeboat.

Built by the Italian shipbuilder Perini Navi in 2008, the U.K.-registered yacht could carry 12 guests and a crew of up to 10, according to online specialist boating sites. Its nearly 250-foot mast is the tallest aluminum sailing mast in the world, according to CharterWorld Luxury Yacht Charters.  

Regularly described in U.K. media as “Britain’s Bill Gates,” Lynch was  acquitted of fraud by a San Francisco jury this year, stemming from the sale of his software company Autonomy to Hewlett-Packard for $11 billion in 2011.

The Mediterranean sailing vacation was designed to be a celebration for Lynch, who brought Bloomer, who testified in his defense, and Morvillo, one of his U.S. lawyers, on the trip.

Lynch's co-defendant Stephen Chamberlain was not aboard the Bayesian, but in what appears to be a tragic coincidence, a  car struck and killed  him Saturday as he was jogging in a village about 68 miles north of London, local police said.

Claudio Lavanga and Claudia Rizzo reported from Porticello. Henry Austin reported from London.

Claudio Lavanga is Rome-based foreign correspondent for NBC News.

Claudia Rizzo is an Italy based journalist.

Henry Austin is a senior editor for NBC News Digital based in London.

Historic yacht most recently owned in Islesboro heads to Turkey

by WGME Staff

A historic steam-powered yacht is leaving Maine to find a new home across the Atlantic.

The 126-foot "Cangarda" was built back in 1901 in Delaware.

The vessel has had quite a life, including giving a cruise to King Edward VIII of England, and sinking in Boston Harbor in 1999.

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Since 2015, the ship has been in operating out of the Maine coast, as her most recent owner lived in Islesboro before his death in 2021.

The ship now leaves its temporary home in Belfast, as this month it was sold to a European buyer who plans to put her in a private museum's yacht collection in Turkey.

The shop still operates entirely with the original six steam engines that powered her maiden voyage.

Billionaire showdown: Inside the superyachts owned by Jeff Bezos, Mark Zuckerberg & more

Amazon ceo jeff owns the tallest sailing yacht in the world.

From swanky holiday homes decked out with mind-boggling gadgets, to flash cars and sparkling jewellery collections, it's fair to say that the mega rich certainly know how to splash their cash…

In recent years, an increasing number of billionaires have pushed the boat out, opting to amplify their eye-watering fortunes with a travel-themed toy. Enter the superyacht - those elusive sea-faring beasts so often seen in Bond movies.

Tech giants Jeff Bezos and Bill Gates are among those making a splash in the world of luxurious boats. Keep scrolling for the ultimate billionaire showdown…

Amazon's CEO Jeff Bezos is the proud owner of Koru - a 417-ft Oceanco sailing yacht. It's thought to be the world's largest sailing yacht and features a three-masted schooner, gold paintwork, and a sculpture of his fiancee, Lauren Sanchez. 

His yacht also boasts a large pool, a seating area on the bowsprit, a cinema, multiple lounges and business areas. It's tailed by a smaller support vessel which is rumoured to carry a submarine, a luxury car, a helicopter and more. 

• Mark Zuckerberg

Facebook billionaire Mark Zuckerberg recently purchased a £237 million mega yacht. His luxurious 118-m boat boasts its very own aircraft hangar, and a support vessel dubbed the Wingman which is thought to be worth a whopping £24 million.

His main yacht - which can accommodate 26 guests and 50 crew members - features a beach club area, a beauty centre, and a cinema room.

Roman Abramovich

Former Chelsea Football Club owner Roman Abramovich snapped up Eclipse for £623 million. Built by Blohm+Voss of Hamburg, the vessel is a behemoth of a boat complete with two swimming pools, a mini submarine and two helicopter pads. 

Beyond this, it has 18 suites, a 77m gym, a beauty salon, a beach club - complete with a pizza oven and barbecue -  and a cinema.

Bernard Arnault

CEO of LVMH, Bernard Arnault, owns a midnight blue yacht called Symphony which reportedly cost $150 million to construct. 

The main vessel boasts a 6-metre glass-bottom swimming pool, an outdoor cinema, a jacuzzi and eight guest cabins. Other amenities include a piano, a steam room and a beach club.

James Packer

Australian billionaire James Packer has bagged himself a 354-ft superyacht which goes by the name of IJE. 

The $200 million luxury cruiser accommodates 22 people and features a cinema, a luxurious beauty room, a sauna, a swimming pool and a gym.

Evan Spiegel

Snap inc. founder Evan Spiegel owns a $200 million superyacht named Bliss. The 327-ft long vessel boasts three swimming pools, a spa, a beach club and a gym. It can accommodate up to 18 guests in nine suites.

The Sultan of Oman

The former Sultan of Oman, Qaboos bin Said al Said, was the proud owner of palatial yacht, Al Said. It was constructed in 2006 and is thought to be one of the world's largest superyachts, accommodating 70 guests and 174 crew members. 

The ultra-luxurious vessel includes conference facilities, a cinema, and a jacuzzi. It was sold to the royal family of Qatar for roughly $600 million after 16 years of ownership. 

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11 of the Most Impressive Yachts Owned by Billionaires

Writer: TJ Editorial Team

There is a certain aura that surrounds billionaires and their big boats. Often extravagant beyond means, the mega-yacht-owning tycoons seem to quite enjoy spending some days off by the water.

As time goes on, they’re only getting larger and more lavish and the race continues for the world’s richest men to build the next biggest, fastest and most impressive yacht on the block.

Here are our top 11 favourite megayachts owned (or previously owned) by billionaires.

Billionaire Boating

Table of contents, 11. jeff bezos - 'koru' ($500 million).

We’re kicking off this list with none other than Koru, Jeff Bezos’ 417-foot (127-metre) Oceanco sailing yacht that he received in April 2023.

It’s currently the world’s largest sailing yacht and includes a three-masted schooner, intricate gold paintwork, and a sculpture of his Fiancèe, Lauren Sanchez. The name selection ‘Koru’ is the Maori term for a coil or a loop which symbolises new life, growth and peace.

The yacht is so big that it is trailed by a 246-foot support vessel named “Abeona”. This vessel carries ATVs, supercars, seaplanes, motorcycles, smaller boats, you name it. Essentially anything Bezos and Sanchez could find handy on their European holidays.

The Amazon founder’s maritime maven also features a large pool, seating area on the bowsprit, multiple relaxing areas and open decks, a movie theatre, several lounges and several business areas.

Often seen soaking up the Spanish sun on the megayacht, Bezos sure does have quite the extravagant water vessel.

10. Bernard Arnault - 'Symphony' ($150 million)

Chairman and CEO of LVMH Moët Hennessy, the world’s largest luxury goods company, and wealthiest man in the world Bernard Arnault is the proud owner of this 331 foot (101-metre) megayacht.

It was built in the Netherlands, with an exterior designed by Tim Heywood and is a jaw dropping sight. At the time the yacht was delivered, in 2015, it was the largest Feadship yacht on open waters, consisting of a steel hull with an aluminium superstructure.

Unsurprisingly, the yacht can account for Arnault’s extensive guest list of 36 passengers, with the owner having their own private deck, accommodating a further 16 guests. The crew consists of 27 people to cater to the needs of the wealthy.

Merging luxury and sustainability, it was engineered for optimal performance, hitting maximum speeds of 21 knots. It’s also no surprise that the owner of the largest luxury goods company in the world has decked out the yacht with lavish designs, featuring a 6-metre glass-bottom swimming pool, an outdoor cinema and a sundeck jacuzzi.

9. Evan Spiegel - 'Bliss' ($200 million)

Delivered in 2021, Evan Spiegel, CEO and founder of Snap inc., became the youngest person in history to commission a $200 million superyacht.

Spiegel was in his early 20’s when he ordered the 327-foot long vessel, fit with three swimming pools, a spa and $20 million/year in running costs.

It can accommodate 14 guests and a crew of 20, who can relax in the lavish interior that is a blend of comfort and elegance, perfect for himself and his supermodel wife Miranda Kerr to enjoy some time off.

8. Larry Ellison - 'Musashi' ($160 million)

Oracle Co-founder Larry Ellison has owned the 288-foot Musashi yacht since it was crafted by Feadship in 2010.

It embodies luxury and elegance, drawing inspiration from Japanese aesthetics with panoramic glass elevators and a spa pool. Ellison can host up to 18 guests on the yacht, although there’s still plenty of room for the odd boat party.

The boat pays homage to the legendary samurai Miyamoto Musashi and is a symbol of Ellison’s vision and legacy.

7. James Packer - 'IJE' ($200 million)

James Packer’s remarkable 354-foot superyacht, “IJE”, represents the pinnacle of design and engineering excellence. 

Built-in 2019, the name “IJE” is derived from his three children: Indigo, Jackson and Emmanuelle.

It features space for 22 guests and 29 crew, with an interior exuding luxury and sophistication, even including its own nightclub, perfect for the casino king.

6. Larry Page - 'Senses' ($45 million)

Originally delivered in 1999, “Senses” was purchased by Larry Page in 2011.

The vessel was designed by Martin Francis Designs, and Philippe Starck crafted its luxurious interior, accommodating 12 guests and 14 crew members.

It’s equipped with 4 high-speed tenders and a helicopter landing platform that epitomises expedition luxury.

Page purchased the superyacht in 2011 for $45 million, and after spending much of the covid lockdown enjoying the beautiful fiji islands on the boat with his family, he sold it to an unknown buyer.

5. Sultan of Oman - 'Al Said' ($600 million)

Known for its extravagance, the Al Said Yacht was built in 2006 and is among the world’s largest superyachts in terms of volume, accommodating 70 guests and a whopping 174 crew members.

It was built for the Sultan of Oman, Haitham bin Tariq Al Said, and is escorted by the Oman Navy when sailing. Talk about a convoy.

Lurssen Yachts, renowned for its craftsmanship, built Al Said, while Espen Oeino contributed to its iconic design, combining to make it one of the best looking vessels on the water.

Following 16 years of owning the yacht, the Sultan of Oman sold it to the Royal Family of Qatar for around $600 million, marking a significant chapter in its ownership history, further enhancing its prestige in the world of billionaire boating.

4. Bill Gates - 'Aqua' ($650 million)

Back in 2020, the world’s 7th richest man Bill Gates purchased the cutting-edge, eco-friendly super yacht named “Aqua” for $650 million.

The yacht, designed by Dutch firm Sinot Yacht Design, operates solely in liquid hydrogen, emitting only water as its by-product.

With a maximum speed of 17 knots and a range of 3,750 nautical miles (7000km), Aqua shows significant advancements in green technology. It showcases various design elements, including a circular staircase, spacious interiors, a gym, jacuzzi room, and a yoga studio. 

The yacht can accommodate up to 14 guests and 31 crew members with luxurious cabins and quarters, which is less than most other vessels for this price range, increasing the boat’s exclusivity. 

Despite the dazzling features, it’s not expected to set sail until later this year, after a 4 year wait for the tech mogul. Gates’ investment heavily reflects a growing trend among entrepreneurs towards environmentally conscious luxury travel.

3. Paul Allen - 'Octopus' ($285 million)

“Octopus” is a 414-foot megayacht previously owned by the late Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen and is valued at over $285 million today.

A symbol of luxury, it is now in the hands of Swedish billionaire Roger Samuelsson, and features a helicopter hangar, a 10-person submarine, and multiple leisure and wellness facilities.

The vessel can accommodate 12 guests and a crew of 42, ensuring hospitality for party guests is of the highest standard. 

2. Roman Abramovich - 'Eclipse' ($600 million)

Eclipse, the second-largest yacht in the world, is owned by Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich.

It features 2 helipads, 24 guest cabins, a disco hall, two swimming pools, hot tubs, and the best of all, an intruder missile detection system to let the vessels of the sea know who’s in charge.

Built in Germany in 2009, it cost roughly $500 million to build, however, it’s been estimated that the current value of the yacht is over $600 million.

At 533 feet long, it also has a mini-submarine capable of submerging 50 metres underwater if necessary. Further adding to the security of the boat, the master bedroom and the bridge of the yacht are fitted with armour plating and bulletproof windows. Think you’ve heard it all? There’s more. 

The yacht also features an anti-paparazzi shield consisting of lasers sweeping the surrounding areas…

The owner of the yacht, Roman Abramovich is a Russian businessman, who owns private investments company Millhouse LLC and is also the owner of Chelsea Football Club. His current net worth is $17.4 billion.

1. Robert Kuok - 'History Supreme' ($4.8 billion)

The History Supreme, the most expensive yacht in the world made of solid gold, is reportedly owned by Malaysia’s richest man, Robert Kuok.

The 100 feet long yacht may not be as large as some of the other billionaire yachts, however it was built using 10,000 kilograms of solid gold and platinum, and designed by the renowned luxury designer from the UK, Stuart Hughes.

Gold and platinum cover the yacht from its base to dining rooms, decks, railings, staircase and anchors. Literally the entire thing is covered in lavish material.

Beyond this, the most extravagant aspect of the vessel is its master bedroom, as it contains a wall feature made from meteorite rock paired with a statue made from genuine Tyrannosaurus rex bones. Over-indulgence is simply not a word in the billionaire dictionary.

The master suite also contains a 68 kg 24-carat gold Aquavista Panoramic Wall Aquarium and a rare liquor bottle featuring 18.5 carat diamonds.

With many billionaires dumping their funds into extravagant yachts, it’s safe to say there will be many private holidays and parties thrown to counter the busy working period this summer.

Whether it be cruising across the Atlantic on their megayacht or flying intercontinental on their private jet , the world’s elite continue their passion for luxury and indulgence.

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Check out Nancy Walton Laurie's $300 million superyacht that features a helipad, swimming pool, and aquarium

• Walmart heiress Nancy Walton Laurie owns a multi-award-winning $300 million superyacht.
• "Kaos" was built by Oceanco, the same company that built Jeff Bezos' $500 million megayacht.
• The 361-foot yacht was recently spotted by a TikToker in Miami, Florida.

A superyacht owned by Walmart heiress Nancy Walton Laurie attracted attention recently after being spotted in Miami, Florida.

A TikToker posted a video of "Kaos," Walton Laurie's 361-foot luxury yacht, as it was moored outside her "front door."

"Oh wow, this thing is huge," Bridget Brick says in the video, adding that the yacht "looks like a small city."

@bridgetbrix Never a dull day in Miami, as another, mega yacht pulls up outside my front door. Did you know it’s easy to look up any information about a yacht? I learned this while in Portofino, and from this little search, you can tell who owns yachts & who rents them. 🙊 # #miami # #miamilife # #yacht # #yachts ♬ original sound - Bridget Brick

Walton Laurie, worth $7.5 billion according to Bloomberg Billionaires Index , is the youngest daughter of Walmart co-founder James "Bud" Walton. She inherited her father's stake in the company when he died in 1995.

According to Bloomberg , she has a stake of less than 5% in Walmart, with the rest of the family's holding controlled by her sister, Ann Walton Kroenke. 

Walton Laurie is the founder of a New York-based dance group called the Cedar Lake Contemporary Ballet. She also owns a dance studio located in Columbia, Missouri called the Columbia Performing Arts Centre.

Related stories

According to Yacht Bible , Kaos has four decks and room for 31 guests as well as 45 crew, with the largest deck boasting a swimming pool and even an aquarium. 

It also has a large cinema, sauna, and full spa facilities, the site says.

Photos shared by the Superyacht Times appear to show other features such as a helipad, a jacuzzi, and storage space for a smaller boat. 

"Kaos" was built in the Netherlands by Oceanco, a custom yacht builder which also constructed Amazon founder Jeff Bezos' $500 million megayacht .

"Kaos" was previously named "Al Menwar" by the House of Thani, the Qatari royal family, per the Yacht Bible.

The yacht was fully refitted in 2020 by Luerssen in Hamburg, Germany, per the Yacht Bible, while the interior was redesigned with help from Reymond Langton Design.

Walton Laurie reportedly also owns another lavish superyacht called "Secret," according to Robb Report .

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The Luxury Boats Owned By Some of the Wealthiest People in Tech, from a Yacht So Big It Has Its Own Support Boat to Superyachts with Swimming Pools and Basketball Courts Tech billionaires like Jeff Bezos, Oracle cofounder Larry Ellison, and Google cofounders Sergey Brin and Larry Page have all purchased mini vacation hubs at sea.

By Grace Kay and Sindhu Sundar Jul 3, 2023

Key Takeaways

• Many billionaires like Jeff Bezos and Richard Branson enjoy spending their time on luxurious yachts.
• The boats are decked out with amenities that many Americans can only dream of.
• Here are some of the billionaires in tech who own private yachts.

This article originally appeared on Business Insider .

A regular Jane celebrating a personal renaissance after a long-term relationship might commemorate the new era with an ankle tattoo of a spiritual saying. When you're a billionaire, you could do it instead with a $500 million megayacht .

Amazon founder Jeff Bezos made waves in May riding around the roughly 127-meter "Koru," a Māori term that may signify a fresh start, with his reported fiancée Lauren Sanchez. (In 2019, Bezos finalized his divorce from MacKenzie Scott, whom he was married to for 25 years).

Beyond the private planes occupying the hangars of billionaires, yachts have come to symbolize the highly private sites of leisure and networking reserved for the ultra-wealthy .

Tech billionaires like Bezos, Oracle cofounder Larry Ellison, and Google cofounders Sergey Brin and Larry Page have all purchased their own mini vacation hubs at sea, decking their boats with amenities like gyms, spas, pools, nightclubs, and movie theaters.

For those wishing to experience life aboard these multi-million-dollar yachts, some are available to rent out for a few nights or weeks at a time. Late Microsoft cofounder Paul Allen's yacht can be booked for $2.2 million per week or more, according Bloomberg .

Chartering yachts owned by billionaires like Alphabet cofounder Sergey Brin has previously cost customers anywhere from $773,000 a week to $1.2 million .

It remains to be seen how these vessels will fare against the apparent Orca uprising.

Take a look at some of the yachts that have been owned by tech billionaires.

A mystery buyer bought a 414-foot superyacht that was once owned by late Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen for $278 million. Allen had the boat, which was named "Octopus," built in 2003 for $200 million. Since the tech billionaire's death in 2018, the boat had been listed for as much as $325 million.

Octopus in Canary Wharf, London, in 2012. Ki Price/Reuters Source: SuperYacht Times

The wealthy can book the yacht for a weekly rate of $2.2 million or more, through the luxury company Camper & Nicholsons, Bloomberg reported last year.

414ft luxury yacht 'Octopus' owned by Microsoft co-founder, Paul Allen, is moored to fuel up at Ege Ports in Kusadasi district of Aydin, Turkey on April 27, 2015. Ibrahim Uzun/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images

Sources: Bloomberg; Insider .

Amazon founder Bezos' $500 million megayacht, the roughly 127-meter "Koru," sparked attention in May for its artistic decor. A sculpture of a woman on the boat appeared to observers to be the likeness of Bezos' reported fiancée Sanchez, who was also seen that month on the yacht sporting a large ring.

Jeff Bezos was spotted aboard his megayacht "Koru" in May. Lift Aircraft.

Even before its completion, "Koru" drew the ire of Dutch people vowing to hurl eggs at the boat if it would require a historic bridge in Rotterdam to be taken apart to let it through. An egg crisis was averted however, as the company making the ship found a less-irksome alternative.

View of the Koningshaven Bridge, known as De Hef in Rotterdam, Netherlands. Peter Dejong/AP

Bezos has long been interested in yachts. In 2019, he was spotted aboard entertainment mogul David Geffen's superyacht.

David Geffen's superyacht Flickr via BI

Oracle cofounder Larry Ellison owns a 288-foot yacht named Musashi that he acquired in 2013. The yacht has several amenities, including an elevator, swimming pool, movie theater, and both an indoor and outdoor gym.

rulenumberone2/Flickr, Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

Source: Yacht Bible

Ellison has owned several superyachts over the years, including the Katana, the Ronin, and the Rising Sun.

Courtesy of Lurssen Source: Forbes .

The Oracle cofounder also has a knack for competitive yacht racing, and helped to found and back a racing team, called Oracle Team USA, in 2000. The team has found success and won several prestigious titles over the years.

Xaume Olleros/Getty Images Sport Source: Telegraph

Ellison previously owned a bigger, 454-foot yacht called Rising Sun, which was designed specifically for the CEO in 2005. That yacht reportedly has 82 rooms, a movie theater, a wine cellar, and a basketball court. However, Ellison sold off the Rising Sun to Geffen for a reported $300 million.

Kimberly White/Getty Images Source: Forbes , Boat International

Ellison's boat, Musashi, is a sister ship to the yacht of another billionaire, former Sears CEO Eddie Lampert. However, the yacht, named Fountainhead, is often mistaken for belonging to billionaire investor Mark Cuban. "The guy who owns the boat tells everyone that it's mine," Cuban told Page Six in 2016. "It's so crazy ... I don't even own a boat."

Mark Cuban. Steve Marcus/Reuters

Source: Page Six

Ellison's yacht reportedly influenced the decision of late Apple CEO Steve Jobs to get a boat himself. However, Jobs never set foot on the boat — the yacht was commissioned in 2008, but wasn't completed until 2012, a year after his death.

Justin Sullivan/Getty Images Source: Business Insider

When Jobs died in 2011, his yacht — along with his $14.1 billion fortune — was inherited by his wife, Laurene Powell Jobs, founder and president of a social-impact nonprofit called the Emerson Collective. The 256-foot yacht is named Venus, and is worth $130 million.

AP Photo/Peter Dejong Source: Business Insider

Google's billionaire cofounders, Larry Page and Sergey Brin, are known to splurge. An Insider feature in December documented some of the trappings of their luxury, including planes and yachts.

Sergey Brin (left) and Larry Page. Getty / Michael Nagle

Source: Insider .

Page owned a yacht named Senses, a $45 million, 194-foot boat that he bought in 2011 from a New Zealand businessman. He's since sold the yacht, Insider reported in 2021, a vessel that had a private beach club with a Jacuzzi and sun beds, both indoor and outdoor dining areas, and a helicopter pad. It's unclear what other sea vessels he owns, though Insider has previously reported he might have another yacht.

Ari Helminen/Flickr, Justin Sullivan/Getty Images Sources: Boat International; Insider .

Brin meanwhile owns a number of yachts and vessels including the 73-meter Dragonfly, and the 40-meter Butterfly, Insider reported in January.

Abell Point Marina/YouTube Source: Insider .

Dragonfly, the $80 million boat that has a movie-theater, shares a name with Google's once-secret project to launch a censored search engine in China. Google said in 2019 it had officially terminated the project.

Eric Risberg/Associated Press Source: Insider , Forbes .

The former Google CEO picked up the Alfa Nero yacht for nearly $68 million in an auction in June, according to a Bloomberg report. The yacht had apparently been left amid Russia's war in Ukraine, according to the report.

Eric Schmidt REUTERS/Brian Snyder Source: Bloomberg .

For Skype cofounder Niklas Zennstrom, his interest in yachts skews toward racing and competitive sailing. Zennstrom has gone through a succession of boats all named Ran.

Co-Founder and CEO of Skype Technologies, United Kingdom Niklas Zennstroem listens during a plenary entitled 'Digital 2.0:Powering a Creative Economy' at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, AP Photo/Michel Euler

Source: CNN

The Ran VII yacht is among the most advanced of Zennstrom's boats. The racing yacht uses electrical power, which Zennstrom has said makes it "lighter, less drag, quieter, and most importantly it is environmentally friendly."

Carkeek Design Partners/YouTube Source: CNN

The 40-foot yacht has been meant to compete in regattas through the racing team owned by Zennstrom and his wife, Catherine. The Ran racing team launched in 2008, and has won some prestigious regattas.

The Ran racing team. Carkeek Design Partners/YouTube Source: CNN

Barry Diller, chairman of digital media company IAC, co-owns a $70 million yacht with his wife, fashion designer Diane von Furstenberg.

Diane von Furstenberg, left, and Barry Diller. Scott Olson/Getty Images Source: Business Insider

The sailing yacht, named Eos, is 350 feet long with six bedrooms. The power couple has hosted many celebrities over the years — a few that have been spotted aboard Eos include model Karlie Kloss, actor Bradley Cooper, journalist Anderson Cooper, and singer Harry Styles.

snowwahine/YouTube Source: W Magazine

For Jim Clark, the cofounder of Netscape, one yacht hasn't been enough. Clark has owned boats for more than 30 years, and in 2012, he put up two of his sailing yachts for sale.

Jim Clark, right. Cameron Spencer/Getty Images Source: Business Insider

Clark listed the boats for a combined $113 million: the 136-foot Hanuman for $18 million, and the 295-foot Athena for $95 million. However, Clark has yet to offload Athena. Clark also previously owned a 155-foot yacht named Hyperion, and currently also owns a sloop called Hanuman.

The yacht Athena. Fosnez / Wikimedia Commons Source: Boat International , Forbes

Charles Simonyi worked at Microsoft until 2002, and oversaw the creation of Microsoft Office software. A few years before he left, Simonyi decided to purchase a yacht. He told the designer that wanted his yacht to be "home away from [his] home in Seattle."

Reuters/Sergei Remezov Source: Boat International

The product of that conversation in 1999 is Simonyi's yacht named Skat, meaning "treasure" in Danish. The yacht measures 233 feet long, and is unique with its nontraditional design and gray color. Skat features a matching gray helicopter, a gym, and motorcycles.

Christopher Hunt/Getty Images Source: Yacht Charter Fleet

Opulent British billionaire Richard Branson owned a yacht until he sold it in September 2018. The 105-foot catamaran sold for $3 million, significantly lower than the $9.6 million price Branson listed the boat for in 2014.

Anthony Harvey/Getty Images, Virgin Source: Business Insider

Branson, the founder of Virgin Group, bought the boat in 2009. He named it Necker Belle, a nod to his private Caribbean island, Necker Island.

Necker Island Source: Business Insider

Additional reporting by Paige Leskin.

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Private planes, mansions and superyachts: What gives billionaires like Musk and Abramovich such a massive carbon footprint

Distinguished Professor and Provost's Professor of Anthropology; Director of the Open Anthropology Institute, Indiana University

Ph.D. Candidate in Anthropology, Indiana University

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The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

Indiana University provides funding as a member of The Conversation US.

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Tesla’s Elon Musk and Amazon’s Jeff Bezos have been vying for the world’s richest person ranking all year after the former’s wealth soared a staggering US$160 billion in 2020, putting him briefly in the top spot .

Musk isn’t alone in seeing a significant increase in wealth during a year of pandemic, recession and death. Altogether, the world’s billionaires saw their wealth surge over $1.9 trillion in 2020, according to Forbes.

Those are astronomical numbers, and it’s hard to get one’s head around them without some context. As anthropologists who study energy and consumer culture, we wanted to examine how all that wealth translated into consumption and the resulting carbon footprint.

Walking in a billionaire’s shoes

We found that billionaires have carbon footprints that can be thousands of times higher than those of average Americans.

The wealthy own yachts, planes and multiple mansions, all of which contribute greenhouse gases to the atmosphere. For example, a superyacht with a permanent crew, helicopter pad, submarines and pools emits about 7,020 tons of CO2 a year, according to our calculations, making it by the far worst asset to own from an environmental standpoint. Transportation and real estate make up the lion’s share of most people’s carbon footprint, so we focused on calculating those categories for each billionaire.

To pick a sample of billionaires, we started with the 2020 Forbes List of 2,095 billionaires. A random or representatives sample of billionaire carbon footprints is impossible because most wealthy people shy away from publicity , so we had to focus on those whose consumption is public knowledge. This excluded most of the superrich in Asia and the Middle East .

We combed 82 databases of public records to document billionaires’ houses, vehicles, aircraft and yachts. After an exhaustive search, we started with 20 well-known billionaires whose possessions we were able to ascertain, while trying to include some diversity in gender and geography. We have submitted our paper for peer review but plan to continue adding to our list.

We then used a wide range of sources, such as the U.S. Energy Information Administration and Carbon Footprint , to estimate the annual CO2 emissions of each house, aircraft, vehicle and yacht. In some cases we had to estimate the size of houses from satellite images or photos and the use of private aircraft and yachts by searching the popular press and drawing on other studies . Our results are based on analyzing typical use of each asset given its size and everything else we could learn.

We did not try to calculate each asset’s “ embodied carbon ” emissions – that is, how much CO2 is burned throughout the supply chain in making the product – or the emissions produced by their family, household employees or entourage. We also didn’t include the emissions of companies of which they own part or all, because that would have added another significant degree of complexity. For example, we didn’t calculate the emissions of Tesla or Amazon when calculating Musk’s or Bezos’ footprints.

In other words, these are all likely conservative estimates of how much they emit.

Your carbon footprint

To get a sense of perspective, let’s start with the carbon footprint of the average person.

Residents of the U.S., including billionaires, emitted about 15 tons of CO2 per person in 2018. The global average footprint is smaller, at just about 5 tons per person.

In contrast, the 20 people in our sample contributed an average of about 8,190 tons of CO2 in 2018. But some produced far more greenhouse gases than others.

The jet-setting billionaire

Roman Abramovich, who made most of his $19 billion fortune trading oil and gas, was the biggest polluter on our list. Outside of Russia, he is probably best known as the headline-grabbing owner of London’s Chelsea Football Club.

Abramovich cruises the Mediterranean in his superyacht, named the Eclipse , which at 162.5 meters bow to stern is the second-biggest in the world, rivaling some cruise ships. And he hops the globe on a custom-designed Boeing 767 , which boasts a 30-seat dining room. He takes shorter trips in his Gulfstream G650 jet, one of his two helicopters or the submarine on his yacht.

He maintains homes in many countries, including a mansion in London’s Kensington Park Gardens, a chateau in Cap D’Antibes in France and a 28-hectare estate in St. Barts that once belonged to David Rockefeller . In 2018, he left the U.K. and settled in Israel , where he became a dual citizen and bought a home in 2020 for $64.5 million.

We estimate that he was responsible for at least 33,859 metric tons of CO2 emissions in 2018 – more than two-thirds from his yacht, which is always ready to use at a moment’s notice year-round.

Massive mansions and private jets

Bill Gates, currently the world’s fourth-richest person with $124 billion, is a “modest” polluter – by billionaire standards – and is typical of those who may not own a giant yacht but make up for it with private jets.

Co-founder of Microsoft, he retired in 2020 to manage the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the world’s largest charity, with an endowment of $50 billion.

In the 1990s, Gates built Xanadu – named after the vast fictional estate in Orson Welles’ “Citizen Kane” – at a cost of $127 million in Medina, Washington. The giant home covers 6,131 square meters, with a 23-car garage, a 20-person cinema and 24 bathrooms. He also owns at least five other dwellings in Southern California, the San Juan Islands in Washington state, North Salem, New York, and New York City, as well as a horse farm , four private jets, a seaplane and “a collection” of helicopters .

We estimated his annual footprint at 7,493 metric tons of carbon, mostly from a lot of flying.

The environmentally minded tech CEO

South African-born Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla Motors and SpaceX, has a surprisingly low carbon footprint despite being the world’s second-richest person, with $177 billion – and he seems intent on setting an example for other billionaires .

He doesn’t own a superyacht and says he doesn’t even take vacations .

We calculated a relatively modest carbon footprint for him in 2018, thanks to his eight houses and one private jet. This year, his carbon footprint would be even lower because in 2020 he sold all of his houses and promised to divest the rest of his worldly possessions .

While his personal carbon footprint is still hundreds of times higher than that of an average person, he demonstrates that the superrich still have choices to make and can indeed lower their environmental impact if they so choose.

His estimated footprint from the assets we looked at was 2,084 tons in 2018.

The value of naming and shaming

The aim of our ongoing research is to get people to think about the environmental burden of wealth.

While plenty of research has shown that rich countries and wealthy people produce far more than their share of greenhouse gas emissions, these studies can feel abstract and academic, making it harder to change this behavior.

[ Like what you’ve read? Want more? Sign up for The Conversation’s daily newsletter .]

We believe “shaming” – for lack of a better word – superrich people for their energy-intensive spending habits can have an important impact, revealing them as models of overconsumption that people shouldn’t emulate.

Newspapers, cities and local residents made an impact during the California droughts of 2014 and 2015 by “drought shaming” celebrities and others who were wasting water, seen in their continually green lawns . And the Swedes came up with a new term – “ flygskam ” or flying shame – to raise awareness about the climate impact of air travel.

Climate experts say that to have any hope of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius above preindustrial levels, countries must cut their emissions in half by 2030 and eliminate them by 2050.

Asking average Americans to adopt less carbon-intensive lifestyles to achieve this goal can be galling and ineffective when it would take about 550 of their lifetimes to equal the carbon footprint of the average billionaire on our list.

• Climate change
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• Roman Abramovich

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The superyachts owned by tech moguls

Amazon founder Jeff Bezos is set to join the exclusive club of yacht-owning tech tycoons as the rumoured owner of Oceanco's mighty 127m sailing yacht . Though it should come as no surprise - other big names in tech such as the late Steve Jobs, Larry Ellison and Paul Allen have been responsible for some of the biggest and most ground-breaking superyachts in the world...

The 127-metre Oceanco sailing yacht Koru, formerly Y721, was launched and reportedly delivered to Amazon founder Jeff Bezos in April 2023. This three-masted schooner, meaning “new beginnings” in Maori, with an expected 33000 GT and a steel hull and aluminium superstructure, is the largest in the world and the longest built in the Netherlands at Oceanco. Knocking Lürssen's Eos , owned by Biller and Diane von Furstenburg, off the top spot, Koru harnesses design similarities with her black hull, white superstructure and classic lines. However, the intricate gold paintwork, scarlet bootstrap and elaborate figurehead on the bow particularly set her apart.

Larry Ellison

American business magnate Larry Ellison is the co-founder of the billion-dollar computer tech corporation Oracle. In 2004, he commissioned the 138-metre Lürssen superyacht Rising Sun (pictured), which stands today as the 15th largest yacht in the world. It was also the last yacht that ever came from the drawing boards of legendary designed Jon Bannenberg, sporting a military-esque profile with a lean destroyer-type hull and extensive use of structural glass . Rising Sun boasts 8,000m² of living space including a wine cellar and basketball court, with a crew of 45. One of her tenders, a catamaran, even carries the yacht’s 4x4 vehicle ashore. 

Ellison later sold the yacht to media mogul David Geffen and has since hosted a parade of Hollywood's glitterati on board including Leonardo DiCaprio, Steven Spielberg, Bruce Springsteen and Oprah Winfrey – to name a few. 

In 2011, Ellison appeared to downsize and took delivery of the 88-metre Feadship Musashi . Not unlike Rising Sun in its appearance, structural glass features heavily throughout with a central glass lift, surrounded by a stainless steel and glass staircase that passes through every deck.

More about this yacht

The late Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen is responsible for two of the most iconic superyachts in the world. At 126-metres in length, Octopus is perhaps his most famous. Built by Lürssen in 2003, this ice-classed superyacht was designed for extended cruising to the most remote locations on earth with a range of 12,500 nautical miles. Home to a helicopter garage, drive-in tender garage, six tenders, and a submarine, she packs a serious punch within her 9,932GT – not to mention the cinema, swimming pool, recording studio, basketball court and spa. At the end of 2019, she joined the market for the very first time , having completed an eight-month refit at Blohm+Voss, and remains the benchmark for exploration yachting.

Tatoosh is another honourable mention and was built by German shipyard Nobiskrug in 2000, three years prior to the delivery of Octopus . At 92-metres, she's smaller than her successor, but to describe Tatoosh as "small" would be a severe understatement. Highlights include a six-foot-deep swimming pool, a pair of helipads, a crew of 30, and a custom 12-metre Hinckley powerboat that she carries on her top deck. Tatoosh is also listed for sale following a refit earlier this year. 

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The 78-metre Feadship Venus was built for the late Apple boss and founder Steve Jobs. Built under the codename Project Aqua, Venus was launched to international fanfare in 2012, heralded for its extensive use of glass and pared-back design courtesy of Philippe Starck . Innovative features include a false top deck that conceals the communication and television receivers from view and a passarelle that, when opened, looks like the charging port of an iPhone. Venus ’s interior details have been closely guarded since its launch. Sadly, Jobs died a year before the yacht was delivered.

Charles Simonyi

Charles Simonyi led the team that built the first edition of the Microsoft Office software suite and was rumoured to have previously owned Lürssen’s iconic 71-metre SKAT .  Nearly two decades after her launch in 2002, she joined the market for the first time and now Simonyi is thought to have upgraded to the 89-metre Lürssen Norn . Both yachts, penned by Espen Onion, share similar design features. Standout features include an alfresco cinema and adapted depth pool floor with dance floor. Norn was delivered in May 2023.

Sergey Brin

Google co-founder Sergey Brin reportedly owns the high-speed SilverYachts superyacht named Dragonfly , after Google’s once-secret project to launch a censored search engine in China. Delivered in 2009, the 73.3-metre Dragonfly was hailed as the fastest, most fuel-efficient long-range cruising superyacht on the water with a transatlantic range at 22 knots and a fuel consumption of only 360 litres per hour at 18 knots, extending her range to 4,500 nautical miles. Dragonfly is said to have a dance floor and open-air movie theatre on board. The vessel was applauded for its contribution to the disaster relief effort in Vanuatu after Hurricane Pam devastated the island in 2015. The crew reportedly moved 62 metric tons of freshwater ashore, treated over 250 patients, facilitated three medical evacuations, and built shelters in multiple villages and cleared numerous helicopter landing zones for ongoing support.

Yachts for sale

Google’s billionaire co-founder Larry Page purchased the 60-metre explorer yacht conversion Senses from a New Zealand businessman Sir Douglas Myers back in 2011. The globe-trotting superyacht features interiors by Philippe Starck and can accommodate a total of 12 guests on board, with primary guests reaping the benefits of the master suite's gyro-stabilised bed. Senses also houses an exceptional toy box with three high-speed tenders, six wave runners, a jet board and a JetLev. According to the New Zealand Herald, Senses is currently undergoing a refit in Whangārei, New Zealand, after being sold to an unknown buyer in 2020. 

Barry Diller

The world’s largest three-masted schooner – also the third largest sailing yacht in the world – is owned by fashion designer Diane von Fürstenberg and her husband Barry Diller, chairman and senior executive of IAC/InterActiveCorp and Expedia Group. The 92.92-metre sailing yacht, named Eos , was built in Germany by Lürssen and delivered in 2006 with a trio of masts that stand 61-metres tall. The sailing yacht has hosted the couple's star-studded group of friends including Andy Cohen, Gayle King, Bradley Cooper, Harry Styles and Karlie Kloss. The interiors were designed by Francois Catroux, who Vanity Fair named as “the super-rich's favourite interior designer" in 2016.

Mark Zuckerburg

The 107-metre Kleven superyacht Andromeda was built for serial superyacht owner Graeme Hart and delivered under the name Ulysses . In 2017, a year after its launch, rumours began circulating that Facebook founder Mark Zuckerburg had purchased the rugged, six-deck explorer (although a Facebook spokesperson was quick to stamp out the rumours and released a statement denying the claims). Andromeda can carry 36 guests and is equipped with an impressive inventory of toys and tenders, including six motorbikes, two ATVs, a helicopter and an amphibious rib. Five years after her launch, Andromeda still ranks among the largest explorer yachts in the world . 

Eric Schmidt

The former Google ceo Eric Schmidt backed out of the purchase of the abandoned 81.3-metre Oceanco Alfa Nero but has been said to have moved onto become the new owner of a 95-metre Lürssen. Kismet was sold in September 2023 to the billionaire as part of one of the biggest brokerage deal of the year. With the details shrouded in secrecy the yacht is now aptly known as Whisper . Espen Onio was responsible for her iconic exterior while inside was thanks to  Reymond Langton , achieving the original brief from the previous commissioning owner Shahid Khan of “caviar and champagne.” Standout details include the hi-tech, art deco saloon, a private observation platform and the Persian-inspired spa area.

The co-founder and former ceo of WhatsApp, Jan Koum, has been rumoured to own the 99.9-metre Feadship , Moonrise. The yacht’s clean and strong lines, penned by Chris Bottoms from Studio de Voogt , won the highly competitive class of best displacement motor yachts above 3,000 GT in the World Superyacht Awards 2021. Features include the helicopter landing deck and modern interiors by Remi Tessier . Accommodation is for up to 16 guests, and there are 32 crew members onboard Moonrise to attend to the guests' every need. The Ukrainian-American mogul is also said to own the accompanying support vessel Nebula.

Evan Speigel

The Silicone Valley ceo, Snapchat founder Evan Spiegel has been reportedly said to own the 94.8-metre Feadship Bliss. Delivered in 2021 the motor yacht penned by Feadship's Studio De Voogt Naval Architects has most recently been spotted cruising Auckland in September 2023. Spiegel is rumoured to be Feadship's younger client. Bliss can accommodate up to 18 guests across nine staterooms; however little else is known about the 2983 GT yacht.

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