biggest superyacht support vessel

By SuperyachtNews 13 Sep 2019

DAMEN signs largest Yacht Support to date

Are large support vessels preferable to the very largest superyachts.

Dutch yacht builder, DAMEN , has signed a new order for a 75m bespoke support yacht, which will be the largest to date when delivered in 2022. The news has been announced just a couple of months after the launch of 46m, YS 4508 model, ‘ Joy Rider ’.

The new 75m signing’s customised inhouse design is based on DAMEN’s newly developed YS 7512 model in the DAMEN Yacht Support range. Wright Maritime Group have provided consultation on the custom design and technical development, and will also supervise the project on behalf of the client.

According to The Superyacht Agency , the average volume of 70-80m yachts is 1,720gt, while DAMEN’s new 75m yacht support will have a volume of approximately 1,900gt, and will hangar a helicopter with a D14 value, state-of-the-art environmental equipment and capacity for containerised emergency relief support equipment, alongside a range of specialised marine gear and tenders. The vessel will reportedly be able to accommodate up to 45 people including crew, special staff and guests.

“She will be the largest [yacht support vessel] to date,” said Rob Luijendijk, director sales at AMELS and DAMEN, “which I think continues to show the scalability of the support solution for large superyachts”. Research by The Superyacht Agency shows a spike in the recent average LOA of the DAMEN fleet and order book, suggesting that these vessels will continue to grow in size, in response to the support required by the mothership.

In our most recent edition of The Superyacht Tenders Report, we consider ‘the rise of the support vessel’ ( available here ) and the growing dependence on them in order to host the increasing number of tenders and toys that the new generation of owners are in favour of.

However, the increasing size of the support vessel, including DAMEN’s new signing, also concurs with the idea that it is more cost effective for owners who require more storage space to purchase a support vessel than a larger motoryacht or superyacht. For example, according to DAMEN, the average 55m superyacht costs around €38.5 million and has a volume of around 707gt with 25sqm of tender and toy storage. By comparison, a 74m vessel will cost around €90.5 million, have a 1,790gt volume and 130sqm of storage space. This amounts to a 235 per cent increase in price, a 1,083gt greater volume and a 400 per cent increase in storage space. However, if one chose to purchase a 55m support vessel rather than a 74m mothership, the initial expenditure would be €13.5, the total volume of the two vessels would be 1,172gt and total storage space would be 250sqm. This represents a capital saving of around €37 million, a 900 per cent increase in storage capacity and a 465gt volume increase.

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Yacht Support

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Welcome to the world of Yacht Support . A world of unlimited possibilities for those Owners looking to take on yachting on their own terms. Those who embody an active and dynamic lifestyle and have a particular vision or mission. Who above all seek capability and multifunctionality. Wanting to be ready for every moment, no matter where in the world it unfolds. Knowing that two decades of Yacht Support experience and deep understanding of high-end yacht operations and global adventure lifestyles will be supporting them every step of the way.   

Unlimited Possibilities -

Mission Ready

The YS53 is the latest addition to the Yacht Support portfolio. A next generation 53-metre support yacht built on spec for fast delivery and resulting from the technical know-how and first-hand experience of close to 20 support vessels already delivered. Her exterior deck with crane mirrors her purpose-built functionality and can be used to carry tenders, toys, aircrafts and supplies or even host events. Her upgraded guest accommodation make her ideal for overflow guests and crew or even dedicated staff for a specific mission.   

Updated Design

The Yacht Support 65 is a concept design in the portfolio that offers multipurpose functionality and lots of room for tenders and toys on a larger scale. The flexibility in the design allows for a number of customisations ensuring this is a yacht that can be worked to your exacting requirements for example, the potential for a helideck with a roll-in helicopter hangar without needing to fold the rotor blades. 

Yacht Support 75

Next level support.

If you are looking for next level support then the YS75 brings everything to the table. This 75-metre Yacht Support is designed to provide Owner's with the autonomy they need to support even the largest of superyachts. Her striking exterior, spacious and extensive interior plus all the capability, storage and functionality you can think of, the YS75 is all about unlimited possibilities.

Yacht Support Insider

We have recently aired an exclusive series taking a deep dive into the world of Yacht Support ownership. Going where no other shipyard has gone before, some of our Yacht Support Owners welcome you on board to show you everything that they use their vessels for. From pursuing their passions to delivering disaster relief, these vessels are the source of their Owners’ unique and untold stories.  

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Meet the New World’s Largest Yacht: Superyacht ‘Fulk Al Salamah’

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By Oliver Pearson   29 July 2016

The brand new 164m/538ft motor yacht ‘Fulk Al Salama’ delivered by Italian shipyard Mariotti Yachts appears to have triumphantly taken the title of the ‘World’s Largest Yacht’ by sheer volume.

Having departed Genoa earlier today, the highly secretive superyacht  Fulk Al Salama is currently making her way to Muscat where she is believed to be joining the 155m/508ft superyacht ‘Al Said’ as part of the Omani Royal fleet.

Although not the longest yacht, a crown currently held by superyacht AZZAM, which measures 180 metres (591ft), Fulk Al Salama is the biggest in terms of volume measured by a gross tonnage of 22,000 GT. For this reason, the superyacht eclipses AZZAM, which comes in at 13,136 GT.

It must be noted that a yacht’s size is measured in gross tonnage rather than length. Gross tonnage (often abbreviated as GT) is a nonlinear measure of a ship's overall internal volume.

Calculated by measuring a superyacht’s volume (from keel to funnel, to the outside of the hull framing) and applying a mathematical formula, it is then possible to produce an accurate reading which can be used for comparing its size to other yachts.

Fulk Al Salama has not yet officially been confirmed by her shipyard as the world’s largest yacht by volume, but several sources point to her taking the title from the current holder, the 156m/512ft superyacht DILBAR launched earlier this year by Lurssen.  

With a beam of 22m, DILBAR possesses a gross tonnage of 15,917 GT. This makes Fulk Al Salama larger by over 6,000 GT.

Sure to generate a considerable amount of enthusiasm across the industry, superyacht ‘Fulk Al Salamah is a true masterpiece in both concept and build

Pictured above, superyacht AL SAID- which was the world’s largest yacht for eight years at 15850 GT, until a few months ago when superyacht DILBAR took the crown with 15917 GT- the photos below reveal the significant aesthetic similarities between Fulk Al Salamah, which is below, with AL SAID.

What's more, the aerial photos above show Fulk Al Salamah sporting the same distinctive cream colour, blue accents, commercial grade finish, aft-swept masts, and royal crown as the 2008 Lurssen  built superyacht  AL SAID .

Images captured so far show what could be an expansive beach club similar to that of a sistership built by Mariotti. The sistership seen in photos above has had a swim platform added to her beach club opening.

Meaning ‘Ship of Peace’, luxury yacht Fulk Al Salamah was first discovered in 2014 as project Saffron and is believed to have inherited the name from a 136 metre support vessel, which has since been renamed Aldhaferah.

Whilst M/Y ‘Fulk Al Salamah’ will not be open for charter, take a look at similar luxury yachts which are available for charter .

Aerial Images of Fulk Al Salamah courtesy of Fraser Gow . 

Some Of The Largest Superyachts Available For Charter

122m Lubecker Flender Werke 1965 / 2008

163m Blohm + Voss 2010 / 2015

92m Neorion 2004 / 2023

134m Fincantieri 2011

102m Feadship 2015 / 2022

95m Lurssen 2014

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Jeff Bezos’ Magnificent KORU Yacht and ABEONA Support Vessel

The KORU yacht is a 127 meter sailing yacht built in the Netherlands by Oceanco and delivered in 2023. She was designed by Dykstra Naval Architects with the the interior of the yacht designed by Mlinaric, Henry & Zervudachi.

In the world of luxury yachting, few names command as much attention as Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon and one of the richest individuals on the planet.

Bezos’ affinity for the sea and his penchant for exploration have materialized in the form of the breathtaking sailing yacht KORU and its companion, the support vessel ABEONA.

Commissioned from renowned shipbuilders Oceanco and Damen Yachting, respectively, these vessels are not only a testament to Bezos’ wealth but also a celebration of Māori culture and innovation in yacht design.

The Marvel of Modern Yacht Design: KORU Yacht

The KORU yacht, also known as Y721, is a masterpiece crafted by the acclaimed Oceanco shipyard. With a remarkable length of 127 meters (417 feet), the yacht exudes luxury and grandeur in every aspect. Launched in April 2023, KORU stands as a tribute to Māori art and culture, as evident from its name and styling.

The Māori word “koru” signifies a loop or coil, symbolizing new life, growth, strength, and peace. This symbolism resonates throughout the vessel, creating an immersive experience that pays homage to the essence of Māori art.

Inside the KORU yacht, guests are treated to a world of unparalleled luxury. The yacht boasts a large swimming pool on the aft deck, inviting guests to bask in the sun while surrounded by the beauty of the open sea.

Accommodating up to 18 guests and serviced by a crew of approximately 40, KORU offers a perfect balance between privacy and service.

The yacht’s interiors are a testament to meticulous design and craftsmanship, with each detail meticulously chosen to provide the highest level of comfort.

The Symbolism of KORU’s Name

The choice of the name “KORU” for the yacht holds deep significance. In Māori culture, the koru symbolizes new beginnings, growth, and the cycle of life.

It is often represented as an unfolding fern frond, embodying the concepts of renewal and continuous movement. Jeff Bezos, in an Instagram post , highlighted the symbolism behind the name, showcasing his embrace of growth, rebirth, and mindfulness.

ABEONA: The Perfect Companion

No luxury yacht is complete without a support vessel that complements its grandeur. Enter ABEONA, a 75-meter (246-foot) support vessel commissioned by Jeff Bezos.

Built by Damen Yachting, ABEONA serves as the perfect adjunct to the KORU yacht. This custom-built vessel carries all the toys, tenders, and equipment needed to enhance the yachting experience.

With a large helicopter hangar and the capacity to accommodate 45 staff, crew, and guests, ABEONA stands as an indispensable asset to the main yacht.

The Visionary Behind the Vessels: Jeff Bezos

With a staggering net worth of $160 billion, Jeff Bezos is not only a pioneer in the world of e-commerce but also a visionary with a passion for the sea.

The commissioning of the KORU yacht and the ABEONA support vessel reflects Bezos’ love for exploration and his desire to embrace the vastness of the ocean.

Bezos’ affinity for the sea is also reflected in his ownership of a Gulfstream G650ER private jet, showcasing his penchant for luxury both in the air and on the water.

Oceanco: The Pioneers of Luxury Yacht Building

The Oceanco shipyard has carved a name for itself as a pioneer in the luxury yacht industry. Established in 1987, Oceanco has consistently pushed the boundaries of design, craftsmanship, and innovation.

KORU, with its classic schooner design, stands as a testament to Oceanco’s commitment to creating vessels that are not only luxurious but also artistically inspired.

KORU yacht summary

The KORU yacht and its companion ABEONA support vessel stand as testaments to Jeff Bezos’ love for the sea, his appreciation for Māori culture, and his affinity for luxury and exploration.

These vessels, crafted with precision by Oceanco and Damen Yachting, redefine the boundaries of yacht design and innovation.

As Jeff Bezos embarks on journeys of discovery aboard these vessels, he continues to inspire awe and admiration among yachting enthusiasts and the world at large.

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A superyacht for your superyacht? The rise of the support vessel

Augmenting your boat with an extra vessel can change your yachting experience, discovers Kate Lardy . 

The year after Carl Allen sold his company, he gifted his wife, Gigi, a 50-metre Westport – naturally named Gigi – on her birthday. But he wasn’t done shopping. He then went to the Fort Lauderdale boat show and spotted a 55-metre Damen Yachting support vessel. “I didn’t even get on it,” says Allen. “I said that’s the one; that’s what we want.”

Allen personifies the down-to-earth, boat-loving, adventurous owner that gravitates towards tandem superyachting. “I never thought I would sell my company, but my wife and I looked at [the deal] and decided this gives us the opportunity to do some pretty wild stuff,” he says. Adding the support boat, which he named Axis , to his cruising program has made the wild stuff possible. “It has become the platform of everything we do, from Hurricane Dorian relief, pandemic relief, building Walker’s Cay (in the Bahamas), treasure hunting, recreational diving, fishing… The Axis has become the centre of the universe.”

Superyacht owners are increasingly seeing the benefits of augmenting their fleets with a vessel that takes the bulk of tenders and toys off of the mothership while also carrying extra stores, parts and fuel. It’s a solution that suits those cruising far and wide as well as watersports lovers closer to home.

Hans Georg Näder is of the former group. A typical year sees him sailing 25 to 30 thousand miles in his 54-metre carbon Baltic sloop Pink Gin , frequenting South America, the Caribbean and Med. And his time on board has only increased since last December when he purchased 46-metre Pink Shadow , also from the Damen Yacht Support range. “We are now able to be in two places simultaneously. We are able not only to support Pink Gin but also to go ahead or after her, minimizing the wait during the time yachts take to cross oceans,” says the shadow boat’s captain, Oscar Vallejo.

For instance, last winter in the Caribbean the support vessel was on hand to help the sailing yacht get regatta-ready, offloading weight and assisting in the preparations needed to train the 20 hired race crew. Then Pink Shadow took off on a 6,000-mile run to Uruguay while Näder enjoyed more time on Pink Gin in the Caribbean, flying to join the support boat after she arrived at her South American destination.

Näder’s approach of separating the vessels to cover more ground is one school of thought. Other owners, like Allen, prefer to keep them close. It makes sense logistically, he points out; they raft up when on anchor and his 23 crewmembers between both boats work together on tasks like meal preparation, night watch and laundry.

• 13 Standout Support Shadow Boats

In recent years, a new type of owner has emerged: those using the support vessel as their one and only. Along with this trend has come an improvement in accommodations. “Slowly they are getting more and more yachtie features,” says Damen Yacht Support product manager Wouter Kleijpoel, who confirms that two Damen vessels, B3 and Game Changer , always cruise alone.

For Game Changer ’s owners, a refit post-purchase gave them the vessel they wanted in the timeframe they wanted rather than buying a more typical yacht. “To them it’s a very cool expedition yacht with a submarine, helicopter and very serious dive centre,” says the owner’s representative, Mike Rouse. “But the caveat to that is we charter as a support vessel.”

While cruising 48,000 miles in a single year – stopping in Antarctica, Central America, Indonesia and Australia, among others – Game Changer managed to pick up charters supporting other yachts along the way. “The reasons vary why we get charters,” Rouse says. “In the Mediterranean it’s predominantly as a helicopter platform and security, but in the Caribbean it’s maybe security and diving, and in Antarctica it’s for expedition staff.”

Tom McManus, former owner of 67-metre Global , also managed a successful charter program with his vessel, a product of Shadow Marine, which converted commercial vessels into dedicated megayacht support vessels in the early 2000s. He found demand everywhere, from hosting overflow security teams to offering submersible adventures with Triton Submarines – SpaceX was even a client.

But the year before he sold Global in January 2020, the vessel was involved in a very different kind of operation. After Hurricane Dorian wrecked havoc on Grand Bahama and the Abacos Global was first on the scene to provide assistance. “We made it our mission. It was something that needed to happen. We had the perfect platform and more ability than most to execute it in a scalable way,” McManus says.

Using their helicopter and amphibious car to reach inaccessible areas, the crew worked with the Global Empowerment Mission and volunteers from World Central Kitchen to bring supplies and set up kitchen facilities to serve the islanders over dozens of trips between Fort Lauderdale and the Bahamas.

Allen, who bases his yachts in the Bahamas, also found Axis to be essential in the weeks following Dorian. “We brought over a million pounds of supplies, not including diesel, water and gasoline. It was a really exciting time for us, being able to help like that,” he says.

Allen’s latest endeavour has been to resurrect Walker’s Cay, a former sportfishing mecca in the northern Bahamas, which had been deserted since the 2004 hurricane season, which left its marina and hotel in shambles. He praises Axis for its cargo-carrying ability during the redevelopment, and says the boat will be central to the new marina, which will have its soft opening this spring.

When he’s not busy on the island, Allen uses his yachts to scour the shallow Bahama Banks for shipwreck treasure, aided by Axis ’s Triton submarine, Icon amphibious airplane and extensive dive facilities. His permit covers the shoals that snagged many a ship that missed the turn to Europe in bygone centuries. “There are thousands of wrecks out there,” he says. “We’ll probably open a museum next year in Lucaya to show off some things we found.”

• On board with Carl Allen, serial yacht owner and CEO of Allen Exploration

Allen’s retirement adventures epitomise the endless possibilities that a support vessel brings. With their enormous aft deck, they are essentially a blank slate that can be moulded around anyone’s dream. For instance, Rosetti Superyachts had been speaking with two potential clients about a 43- and 55-metre support vessels, both custom designs by Hydro Tec and wildly different in their intended uses.

The 43-metre was for a client who wanted dive facilities and a helipad for extreme fishing and hunting expeditions. The 55-metre would be used to carry containers of bicycles and scuba diving equipment for the owner’s annual bike trip with friends. Outside of that voyage, the containers could be placed dockside and the deck becomes a vast space for his seven children to stretch their legs off the mothership.

• Hodor: Is this the world's largest toy box?

While each vessel must be customised for an owner’s programme, a few common features have emerged that define a great one. Naturally cargo-carrying ability is one. And while utilitarian in looks, it must have a modicum of aesthetic appeal to blend with the superyacht crowd. Finally speed. A support boat best be able to outrun the mothership, whether to beat it to the next anchorage or to catch up after picking up toys from the last one.

Several players entered this market with an advantage when it comes to speed. Damen, Incat Crowther and Rosetti Marino Group (parent of Rosetti Superyachts) all have long experience building or designing supply vessels for offshore platforms. Working in the uncompromising oil and gas industry, these boats must be comfortable and quick in all weather.

Damen got into the yacht support business after Roman Abramovich’s fleet manager ordered two of its 50-metre offshore supply vessels to accompany 163-metre Eclipse and company. The Dutch shipbuilder realised there was an opportunity here and presented a yacht-adapted concept at the 2009 Monaco Yacht Show.

The idea took off and it has since built vessels ranging from 46 metres to a 75-metre (currently in build), with the most popular size being 55 metres, which tops out at 20 knots. Oscar Vallejo, captain of the 46-metre, gives the design the thumbs-up. “It is surprisingly good at sea. I was not expecting that. We have an axe bow that extends 3.5 metres down, the deepest point on the boat and it’s just like an axe. We don’t pound into the waves; we break through the waves. It’s incredible.”

The ShadowCAT , designed by Incat Crowther, originates from technology developed for catamaran fast crew boats. New on the superyacht scene, the team launched the first ShadowCAT, 66-metre, 22.5-knot Hodor , in 2019. “We’ve used the catamaran platform as a support vessel for offshore oil and gas, which required robust engineering to carry high payloads at high speeds,” says Dan Mace, Incat Crowther technical manager. “That engineering and that ability to carry the high payload is what formed the basis of the ability to deliver Hodor .”

High payload, indeed. The number of tenders and toys Hodor has stowed on board is astounding: five tenders, four Jet Skis, four quad bikes, a five-person submarine, not to mention the decompression chamber and helipad for an H145. Incat Crowther estimates the catamaran design allows for carrying 40 per cent more volume and 60 per cent more tonnage than a monohull. Furthermore, the inherent stability of the hullform permits 70 per cent more weight to be craned off the side – an important attribute when you consider how large chase boats have become. Impressively, Hodor is able to lift and carry a 17-metre boat.

Lynx Yachts comes with a different perspective – from that of a yacht owner. “Our president is a yachtsman with long experience cruising in the Mediterranean. During his cruising he realised he needed more space for the toys and tenders, but he didn’t want to increase the size of the yacht,” says Filippo Rossi, sales and marketing manager. So he introduced the Yacht-X-Tender, YXT for short, a line of support vessels under 40 metres that are purpose-designed for yachting. Four of them from 20 to 27 metres are currently plying the seas, supporting yachts from 28 to 70 metres with owners who are all crazy about watersports.

The concept is also evolving into a new genre of yachts. Lynx calls theirs the Crossover, a hybrid of sorts between a support vessel and an expedition yacht. “We have a 27-metre Crossover under construction for a passionate gentleman from California who was fascinated by the shadow vessel line, but he also wanted to have space for his family. We added a saloon on the main deck and extra cabin, and in the end, you have a boat that dedicates 50 per cent of the space for guests and 50 per cent for toys,” Rossi says. You can also see this roughly even split on other recent launches, like the 39-metre expedition catamaran The Beast and 85-metre SilverYachts Bold .

These feel like a natural evolution in an industry that’s never been known for its restraint. Its “toys” are growing alongside the mothership – higher-capacity helicopters, submarines, chase boats – but at some point size becomes a limitation. “When you go bigger and bigger you can find yourself anchored 10 miles offshore or at a commercial port next to a container vessel,” says Kleijpoel. Add a second vessel instead, and you get more privacy on the white boat and more access to ports. As Carl Allen, with his two vessels totalling 105 metres, says, “The way we’ve done this is we get the best of both worlds.” 

This feature is taken from the May 2021 issue of BOAT International. Get this magazine sent straight to your door, or subscribe and never miss an issue.

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Jeff bezos’ $500m yacht has a 246-foot support ship, lauren sanchez figurehead.

Much like Amazon, Jeff Bezos’ $500 million superyacht offers every bell and whistle imaginable, from A to Z.

The colossal, triple-masted Koru began its career serving the world’s third richest man this week, cruising the Mediterranean around Mallorca.

The 417-foot schooner first left Rotterdam in the Netherlands for sea trials in February. Dropping anchor in Mallorca put its jaw-dropping size on full display.

It also showed the extent of Bezos’ fleet: Not only did the Koru sail into harbor, so did its support vessel, Abeona, a mega-boat in its own right, the luxurious fast-launches used to move between the two — and aerial support in the form of his girlfriend Lauren Sanchez’s personal helicopter.

Sanchez also seemingly serves as the fleet’s mascot, with the Koru’s figurehead, a part of traditional large sailing ships, modeled after her.

The Koru is the world’s tallest sailing yacht. Its three huge 229-foot masts power it to 20 knots. It’s also the biggest billionaire’s yacht which can move under sail-power alone.

The masts are so tall that Dutch officials considered dismantling the 95-year-old Koningshaven Bridge to allow the vessel past the 131-foot span on its journey from the Oceanco shipyard in Alblasserdam through Rotterdam to the North Sea.

That controversial plan was scrapped after local backlash, including residents being urged to toss eggs at Bezos’ “latest toy,”  the New York Times reported . The superyacht, previously known as Y721, was instead towed to a shipyard in Rotterdam, downstream of the bridge, without its masts.

Bezos, 59, and the bikini-clad Sanchez, 53, appeared ready for the summer as the pair soaked up the sun aboard Koru, a Māori word for loop or coil that symbolizes new beginnings — possibly a coy reference to their relationship.

Sanchez started secretly dating the Blue Origin founder in the summer of 2018. Bezos then announced in January 2019 he and his wife Mackenzie were divorcing after 25 years , while Sanchez finalized her split from husband Patrick Whitesell later that year.

Sanchez plays a critical role in the Bezos fleet: As a helicopter pilot, she was seen landing on the Abeona. She was also at Bezos’ side when he took the wheel of the Koru.

Koru was first seen under construction in 2021 at Oceano’s yard. The company is owned by a fellow billionaire, Oman’s Mohammed Al Barwani.

As many as 18 guests can enjoy the yacht’s three outdoor decks, including one with two pools. The vessel, which has a crew of up to 36, also boasts a cinema, meeting spaces and lounges,  Luxuo reported .

Every detail is designed for luxury, even down to the masts’ technology.

Bezos opted for high-tech “in-boom furlers,” which store the vast canvases at the bottom of the mast, above the deck. Each weighs nearly 2,000 pounds, but they allow his deck to be kept clear of ropes.

Clearing ropes out of the way maximizes entertaining space, and allows for a hot tub forward of the mainmast.

The yacht is also built for speed. Its three masts provide “one of the largest sail areas ever seen in yachting,”  according to SuperYacht Times .

The Koru’s original designer, and the identity of its captain, remain secret. Boat International noted : “With the elegant curve of the bow and a bowsprit, the lines are certainly classic, but we still have no idea which designer drew them.”

The Cayman Islands-flagged vessel also has engine power like most sailing yachts.

And while other billionaires measure yachts by size, Bezos’ is only the 24th largest.

However, since Koru’s masts rule out a helicopter deck, the billionaire commissioned a support vessel, Abeona, named for the Roman goddess of outward journeys.

In addition to a helipad, the 246-foot Abeona features an extra two staterooms for four guests and as many as 45 crew and support staff.

It’s the largest custom-built support vessel ever manufactured by Damen Yachting. On board in Mallorca were at least four jetskis, two fast launches, and an additional dinghy. Its heavy winch is capable of lifting a small submarine, although Bezos is not believed to have one thus far.

The “classic exterior lines” of Koru, are reminiscent of another billionaire’s boat: Eos, a 305-foot sailing yacht owned by Barry Diller, 81, who may have inspired Bezos after hosting him on the vessel.

Favored by megastars like Katy Perry and Bradley Cooper — who were Diller’s guests during 2019’s Google Camp in Sicily — the German-built Eos can accommodate up to 16 guests and 21 crew.

It was the largest private sailing yacht in the world when it was completed in 2006. Diller, chairman of IAC and Expedia, who is worth $3.9 billion, bought it three years later. Intriguingly, its figurehead is modeled on Diller’s wife Diane von Fürstenberg, the fashion designer.

But the $200 million, 305-foot schooner is now dwarfed by Bezos’ boat.

As Koru sailed in the Balearic Sea this week off the coast of Spain, Bezos’ boat symbolically surges past several other tech billionaires’ vessels – including Google co-founder Sergey Brin’s $80 million, 240-foot Dragonfly, and Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison’s, $160 million, 288-foot Musashi.

It will cost Bezos, 59, an estimated $25 million per year to operate Koru, but the world’s third-richest man isn’t likely to need a loan with his $140.6 billion fortune,  according to Forbes .

Bezos’ use of sailpower sets him apart from most billionaires, but others are seeking a hi-tech zero-carbon power source: a Japanese billionaire has reportedly commissioned the world’s first hydrogen-powered superyacht.

Germany’s Lürssen Yachts announced in March that they had a hydrogen-powered superyacht in advanced construction.

It declined to identify the future owner of the unnamed superyacht, but specialist publication FuelCellsWorks reported Japanese billionaire tech Yusaku Maezawa, worth an estimated $1.7 billion, commissioned the innovative effort.

Dubbed Project Cosmos, the 374-foot superyacht is designed by Apple’s legendary Marc Newson and was first unveiled in early March at Lürssen’s facility in Rendsburg, Germany.

Once completed as soon as next year, the vessel is expected to utilize emission-free fuel cell technology to generate power lasting up to 15 days while anchored or to travel as far as 1,000 miles at slow speeds.

Three other major shipyards, including in Italy and the Netherlands, are likely to launch their own hydrogen started outfitting newly constructed vessels with hydrogen fuel cells as of March 2022, with the first models reportedly expected in 2024.

Other megayachts expected to soon join Bezos’ Koru in the water include two Lürssen models, the 475-foot Luminance and the 400-foot Jag, and Feadship 821, a 389-foot offering from the Netherlands manufacturer.

But even those won’t best the biggest megayacht in the world, the 593-foot Azzam, which launched in 2013 after being commissioned by Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the ruler of Abu Dhabi and president of the United Arab Emirates who died last year.

Azzam, which means determination in Arabic, reportedly cost more than $600 million and is nearly 60 feet longer than the world’s second-largest yacht, the 533-foot Eclipse, owned by Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich.

Those monster vessels are expected to be surpassed next year by REV, a 600-foot yacht under construction in Norway which will have space for 36 guests and 54 crewmembers, according to Boat International .

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What Life Might Look Like on the World’s Biggest Yacht

On a Tuesday morning in September, a six-foot-long plastic model of a boat sat on the second floor of the Explorers Club, looking a little like a beached Orca, sleek and out of place in the tweedy boardroom. The tiny yacht had traveled to East 70th Street from Los Angeles and, before that, made stops in Monaco and Zurich, Cannes, and West Palm Beach — a prop to entice buyers who can spend $10 million on a cabin in the world’s biggest yacht. If it gets made. The boat will be called the Ulyssia and it’s the passion project of Frank Binder, a billionaire from the Merck clan with a thing for boats (he once owned a shipyard in Monaco). Lenny Kravitz, his friend, is onboard to help design interiors. (“He’s a genius.”)

Binder has been doing a world tour to find other buyers — who might be hard to meet. Maintenance hovers around 3 percent a year, or $300,000 for that $10 million one-bedroom. It’s a big ask, especially for a boat that, if he does get recruits, won’t launch until 2028. To help, Binder brought on two former executives from the World , the luxury liner that was the first — and only — to prove rich people want to live … at sea, all year. (It launched in 2002, is still sold out, and has yet to snag on an iceberg or go bankrupt.)

Renato Chizzola , a senior vice-president for the Ulyssia who worked as the general manager of the World for five years, spoke to Curbed about the terrors of elephant seals and why he once hired Israeli snipers to come onboard.

This interview has been condensed and edited for clarity. 

What did your job on the World look like?? 

I was in charge of lifestyle, expedition, everything — even the kitchen. You have a captain who’s the master of the vessel, and he ultimately will have the last word on safety, security, where we go, where we can’t go. But then you also need to have somebody who has grown up in a galley carrying luggage. I’m 60 in October. When I was 27, I said, “Okay, how can I see the world without having money?” So in 1993, I was hired on the Queen Elizabeth II , then went to hotels, cruises, and in 46 years I traveled to 186 countries. I was allowed to live onboard and basically extend any service, any dream that a resident had.

What’s the difference between this superyacht and the World ? 

The World is now 23 years old. She was created in the late ’80s. She looks like a cruise ship. And the  Ulyssia is a yacht — the designer says this is his masterpiece.

We never had many amenities on the World . Here, we have a deli. We have a library with a card and games room. We have a table-tennis room. We have two paddle-tennis courts all inside, a multipurpose sports deck up there where the helicopters are, two hangers, two submarines to go down to the ocean, seven restaurants.

Then, we have this inflatable marina off the back of the boat. Imagine we’re near Bermuda. It’s a beautiful day. The sea is calm. We stop and we inflate this — it takes an hour — and we have tenders. You can go diving right there off the ship. The sea is yours. This marina is something the World could never ever have done, because there’s no space in the boat to keep that. The World was more elderly, a bit elderly retired. This is way younger. Why? Because we have so many amenities and offer adventure. Here, we are offering fewer apartments with more space. The balconies are huge. Luxury, for them, means space, time and getting whatever they wish, whenever, wherever. Freedom.

Freedom , in a contained location — 

Yes, and in a safe environment, completely protected against any danger. If a resident says, “I want to bring my family there, I want to be safe, I want to have no worries,” safety needs to be core to us. They want the freedom to do what they do at home — to run around with suits, jewelry. And if they are smart enough to say, “I want to go and see real scenarios, not luxury hotels,” they can go places where there’s no luxury and see how the world really works. That’s what this community wants.

Sounds like a security nightmare. 

We will hire ex-Mossad physically, to be on the ship. On the World , we partnered with Marine Guard, one of the world’s best safety and security companies . It provides technical and physical support. And whenever we went to critical places — for example, when we went through the Gulf of Aden, I brought in Israeli snipers to come on the boat. Nobody, no pirate on earth can come in past them. Then on shore excursions, we have every form of security that you can imagine. Satellite images. Images underwater, over water. When we went to Antarctica, to the Northwest Passage — meeting with the Inuits, the Aborigines — you need people who know them. You need people who safeguard you. In the Antarctic, you are only allowed to go with Zodiacs to the beaches. You need people who know that, who know the sea lions, the penguins. We bring them onboard — 20 or 25 people who know everything about every area. And when we do expeditions, we bring on EYOS, one of the greatest expedition leaders in the world, which goes to places like the Titanic .

Is this, like the Titanic , experimental in any way?

No, there are similar yachts. But in four years, when she will hopefully leave port, she will be the greenest yacht of this size ever built. And at that time, we may build for whatever is available in terms of fuel, whether it’s methanol or nuclear. There are vessels already going nuclear, military vessels.

But isn’t this all risky? 

It’s the opposite. You will see more and more environments like this at sea. Why? Because you can escape anything! If there’s an outbreak in New York, a big virus, you just won’t go there. If there’s a war there, you just don’t go there. If there’s a storm, you don’t go there.

So this will be a way for the global elite, basically, to pay to avoid any problem.

Is it going to be a one percent community? Yes, obviously, but they need to do good around the world, otherwise they cannot come to the community.

Imagine the following. We will have a medical center onboard. We have MRI machines. We have a dentistry. Our doctors, when we go to the west coast of Africa, to Senegal, we can have our doctors go out and help. And as we go around the world, we will help to map the ocean floor. We’ll have tools available to measure and send these to oceanic institutions that then take this data. So we are helping to make the world a better place. And that’s the legacy.

How are you going to gauge whether the people who want to live here also want to do good? 

There’s a very tough background check before being allowed to buy. So can it be that a Colombian drug lord or a Russian weapons dealer comes and says, “Oh, I’m going to take ten?” No, that can’t happen. We’re not a community for people from mainland China who don’t speak English and want to spit around. Or aggressive Russians. We are not a community for sheikhs from any Arab countries. And I have nothing against the Chinese and Russians. I love everybody. I’ve been everywhere. But they just don’t fit here, and they won’t come. We want like-minded golf players, tennis players, joggers, bikers, F1 drivers.

We will have roughly 30 to 35 percent Europeans, 30 to 35 percent North Americans, including from Canada, possibly a few from Mexico City, a few from São Paulo. Then we have about 20 percent from Australia, South Africa, Singapore, Hong Kong, Japan. Then we expect to have about 10 percent of people from all over, we don’t know where. It could be anywhere.

They’ll need a certain amount of money to get into this boat and I assume, therefore, that you can’t be that picky. 

No, we can’t. But we try to be. It’s a balance. We meet them three, four, five, six times. We invite them, show them something, then they say, “Oh, I trust these people. I believe in them.” It’s a slow process.

Can a buyer get kicked off?

Oh, absolutely.

What’s the justice system?

There’s a board that’s voted in and we have our chairman on the board. Almost all of the members are people who have either been on yachts, have their own yacht, or have led organizations.

If people have their own yachts, why would they sign up for this? 

They might have a beautiful yacht of a hundred meters, but they can’t hire all these education guides, explorers all the time. We have 22 guest suites. Imagine we’re coming to Japan. Blossom season. We bring an ex Japanese prime minister onboard, maybe a three-star Michelin chef. We bring them on, let’s say, three weeks before. And they lecture. We can have experts speak about anything. Volcanoes, health and wellness, food and beverage, politics, archeology.

And they have you, who’s been to 186 countries. 

Exactly. So when I do speak to people who want to buy and invite them for lunch or a coffee, they listen because they know, Oh, this guy has been there. You don’t need to tell them something that you think can happen. You can actually tell them a story. When I went to Antarctica the last time, in 2009, on the way back to the Zodiac, I am walking and these big elephant seals — those are the big guys, like three tons and ten feet long — and all of a sudden, out of nowhere, there’s a big sound like MWUGHOWUGH and a big one came up, out of the sand. I stood there frozen. These are moments when you think, Is this really happening to me? How fortunate, how lucky am I to be able to experience moments like this? And all the wealthy people say the same.

• rich people
• the global elite

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