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Bill Gates Yacht: Everything You Want To Know

Ian Fortey

In 2020 the yachting world was abuzz with news that Bill Gates had bought as stunning and advanced yacht known as Project Aqua. The massive, 370-foot concept yacht was revealed in 2019 at the Monaco Yacht Show and news soon followed that billionaire Bill Gates, once the richest man in the world and the founder of Microsoft, had commissioned the construction of his own hydrogen-powered Aqua. But that never actually happened and, in fact, as near as anyone can tell for real, Bill Gates doesn’t own a yacht at all. 

So where did the story come from? What’s the deal with the Aqua? And hasn’t Bill Gates been pictured on a yacht before? Let’s get some answers.

How Much Did the Aqua Yacht Cost at the Monaco Yacht Show?

bill gates yacht price

According to the stories online, Bill Gates paid $600 million for the hydrogen powered yacht. But that’s not true at all. According to the yacht makers, the Dutch company Sinot, the price tag is $645 million but no one bought it after it was revealed at the Monaco Yacht Show, and that includes Bill Gates. It’s expensive but definitely not the most expensive in the world.

How Fast is the Aqua Yacht?

bill gates yacht price

Aqua is a unique yacht in the yachting world which is why it garnered so much attention in the first place. It’s the first mega yacht that runs on a fully operational liquid hydrogen and fuel cell system that features two hydrogen engines that can produce 1,341 horsepower. The top speed is 17 knots and  the Aqua has a cruising speed of 12 knots. The total range is 3,750 nautical miles. The liquid hydrogen is stored in two 28-ton vacuum sealed tanks where it can be held at -253 degrees C. The only exhaust is water.

What Does the Interior of  the Aqua Yacht Look Like?

bill gates yacht price

The Aqua has 7 suites meant to house up to 14 guests at any given time. Two of those suites are larger VIP cabins. The ceilings throughout are 9 feet and stretch as high as 12.5 feet elsewhere thanks to the luxury Sinot yacht architecture. The vessel has room for a crew of 31 as well. The beach deck lounge aboard the boat alone looks like a luxury hotel space.

The Aqua features a bow observation room which is surrounded by windows to give a panoramic view of the ocean which has been described as the “ultimate superyacht owners lounge.” In addition, there’s a movie theater on the upper deck. It also includes a wellness center with a hydro massage room. You can also do some yoga in a workout space. There’s a fully equipped gym, a beauty salon, and even a hairdresser.

bill gates yacht price

Up on the main deck there’s a luxury swimming pool that even includes a waterfall. One of the yacht’s defining features is the spiral staircase that covers all five decks and is covered by a skylight. On the way up it also offers a view of the interior of the hydrogen fuel tanks so you can see just what 56 tons of ultra cold liquid hydrogen looks like as you move between decks. 

The tender garage has an array of toys such as jet skis while the main deck features a beach club with a dining area designed for all 14 guests and a lounge that converts into the cinema space.

What Yacht Has Bill Gates Actually Been On?

bill gates yacht price

Bill Gates does seem to like yachts, just not enough to spend his money owning one, and that’s fair. Yachts cost millions to maintain every year. No one got rich spending millions to maintain a boat.

That said, Bill Gates has not only vacationed on yachts – he spent his 66th birthday on one – he also got married on a yacht.

In 2021, Gates made the news when he celebrated his 66th on board a luxury yacht called the Lana alongside Jeff Bezos. He spent $2 million to charter the yacht for a week and flew 50 guests out to celebrate with him. 

The Lana is a 351 foot yacht with room for 12 guests and a cruising speed of 12 knots with a max speed of 18 knots. The master suite is 1,184 square feet. The room features his and hers walk-in dressing rooms and a private terrace.

Elsewhere on board you’ll find a piano in the lounge area as well as a full gym for working out. There’s both a sauna and a well-appointed spa as well. On deck you can head to the beach club or take a dip in the pool. 

There are three tenders in the garage alongside a bunch of toys including various jetskis, a seabob, wakeboards, WindSurfers, fishing equipment, scuba diving equipment and more. 

Back in 2014, Gates rented an even more expensive yacht, the $5 million per week Serene, to go on a vacation with his family. The Serene, once owned by  Russian vodka magnate Yuri Shelfer before being purchased by the crown prince of Saudi Arabia, clocked in at a massive 450 feet making it one of the world’s biggest and even had its own on board submarine

The Serene features 7 decks, a saltwater pool, a climbing wall, a surprisingly large library, health spa, outdoor cinema and a nightclub. This is all spread across 48,000 square feet.

It’s also been confirmed that Gates met his wife Melinda on a yacht owned by Paul Allen, the co-founder of Microsoft, all the way back in 1994. 

Why Do People Think Bill Gates Owns the Aqua?

bill gates yacht price

It’s easy to see why people may have thought Gates owned the Aqua when you consider a handful of factors. First, as mentioned, we have lots of evidence that Bill Gates really does enjoy luxury yachts. The extremely high price tag was something that only a few people in the world are going to be able to afford and Gates, who doesn’t own a yacht, seems like a likely candidate for those reasons. 

In addition, Gates has spent several years now as a climate activist and has supported a number of green technologies. A yacht that runs on hydrogen seems like something he would support as well. So, with no real evidence, the circumstantial evidence was enough to easily convince people. Once it’s presented as fact on the internet, and it was in many articles and videos, few people had reason to question it. 

The Bottom Line

The mega yacht known as the Aqua has a price tag of $645 million and it runs on clan burning hydrogen fuel. The only byproduct of its operation is water, making it a very environmentally friendly yacht. It made waves, so to speak, when it debuted at the Monaco Yacht Show in 2019. Rumors soon began to spread that billionaire and known climate activist Bill Gates had ordered one for $600 million. However, despite many videos and articles that refer to him as the owner, the truth is no one bought the Aqua at the yacht show and, as of 2023, Bill Gates does not own a yacht at all. He is know to charter extremely luxurious yachts for vacations and parties, such as the Lana and the Serene, but he does not own any just now.

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The World's First Hydrogen-Powered Superyacht Has a $644 Million Price Tag

bill gates yacht price

Superyachts seemed to be among the last modes of (luxe) transportation to bend toward the growing consumer demand for eco-friendly engine designs. But if news from last week’s Monaco Yacht Show served as a bellwether, the industry meant to cater to the wealthiest among us made a progressive splash with the unveiling of Aqua, the world's first hydrogen-powered superyacht.

Designed by the Dutch firm Sinot Yacht & Architecture Design, Aqua is a nearly 400-foot-long vessel that's run entirely by a renewable energy source. "Water is the eternal fuel of life, the life-sustaining force that makes planet Earth habitable," says Sander Sinot, founder of the firm that bears his name. "Water is soft, yet at the same time it cuts through hard rocks." It was this appreciation of water that helped the firm find balance between the natural world and the technological. The propulsion system is made up of two 28-ton vacuumed tanks that each contain liquified hydrogen which are stored at -423 degrees Fahrenheit. Along with being eco-friendly, hydrogen-based energy means for a quieter experience aboard the ship in comparison to traditional engines. That said, there will be backup diesel generators handy should the captain ever need them.

swimming pool on yacht

The infinity pool aboard AQUA. 

There was much confusion on Monday if there was already a buyer who had paid the hefty $644 million price tag. Reports spread throughout the internet that billionaire Bill Gates had purchased the superyacht, rumors that proved to be false. Yet readers couldn't be blamed for believing such reports, as images show Aqua to include its own infinity pool, helipad, spa, and gym—amenities meant to attract billionaires such as Gates.

aerial view of yacht

An aerial view of the superyacht shows how close passengers can get to the water, as well as the cascading design of the infinity pool.

Sinot and his team designed the vessel to safely bring passengers as close to the water as possible. "Water is relaxation; it makes us calmer and more creative," Sinot comments. "We wanted to provide those on board with the closest possible proximity to the water. The aft deck features an innovative series of platforms cascading down towards the sea, while a large swim platform allows all passengers to enjoy the optimal experience of accessing the water at sea level."

bedroom of a yacht

One of the bedrooms inside of Aqua shows a minimalist aesthetic. 

Aqua can reach speeds of up to 19.5 mph and features enough room for 14 guests and 31 crew members. The firm plans to complete the vessel by 2024.

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Luxurylaunches -

372 foot long and priced at $645 million – Bill Gates has just bought the worlds first hydrogen-powered superyacht

bill gates yacht price

bill gates yacht price

[Via: Engadget ]

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wayfinder support vessel

Fact file: seven things you didn't know about 68m ShadowCat Wayfinder

Now for sale with Edmiston , BOAT explores the 68.2-metre Incat Crowther support vessel Wayfinder . The superyacht is reportedly owned by the former managing director of Microsoft, Bill Gates, and is instantly recognisable by her multihull design and blue helipad, which doubles as a sports court. 

Delivered in 2021, the second Shadowcat builds on the capability of the shipyard's flagship catamaran, Hodor , which was delivered in 2019 . Able to carry an armada of watertoys and transport guests between helicopters and tenders, Wayfinder is the perfect stand-alone charter yacht or shadow vessel for an ambitious itinerary. Here are seven things you didn't know about the world's largest ShadowCat, lying in Antibes...

1. She is one of the world's largest floating playgrounds

At 68 metres, Wayfinder pips its 66-metre sistership Hodor to the post in terms of size and is packed with the same attention-grabbing amenities. The support vessel is a treasure trove of toys but is also kitted out with the usual suspects – Jet Skis, water skis, wakeboards, Seabobs and snorkelling equipment – as well as diving equipment located in its dive compressor. She is capable of carrying a helicopter and five large tenders.

2. The hulls are dedicated to service areas

Wayfinder 's hulls are dedicated to service areas, including waste management, laundry, workshops and stores. The support vessel meets the IMO’s latest Tier III emission guidelines and comprises four decks with accommodation for 12 guests across 11 cabins, including nine single cabins and two twin cabins, each equipped with en suite facilities. There is provision for an additional two occasional workers in a twin cabin in the crew quarters.

3. There is a dedicated crew of 19-20 

There is a dedicated crew of 19-20 yacht crew on board, including Master Mariners, RYA Yachtmasters, a dive instructor, deck medic, ex-military and Merchant Navy officers and engineers, Royal Yacht chefs and interior crew. With a team of dedicated professionals and explorer-friendly toys, Wayfinder is optimised for excursions to surrounding islands and below the sea. 

4. She can be booked as a charter yacht in her own right or to accompany a mothership

Built at the Astilleros Armón’s Burela shipyard in Spain, Wayfinder exists as both a charter yacht in her own right and as an accompanying vessel to a mothership. The yacht can provide transfers between helicopters and tenders and has a heli-lounge where guests can wait for their helicopter transfer. The main deck is dedicated to tender and toy storage, while accommodation is found on the upper deck. There are also two areas for dining featuring sea views.

5. The large open aft deck is multifunctional

The large open aft deck is built for function and fun. A bird's eye view of the support vessel will reveal an expansive space, characterised by a blue floor and unmistakable H – serving as a certified helipad for arrivals and departures and doubling up as a pickleball court for charter guests.

6. She has a gym on the water's edge

A fold-down transom reveals a fully equipped gym with direct access to the sea; images revealing free weights, machines and a punching bag for boxing. Located on the lower deck portside, the fold-out beach club allows guests to work out by the water's edge with impressive sea views. 

7. She is capable of worldwide operation

Excluding Ice Zones, she is capable of worldwide operation and her 14.4-metre beam and draft of 2.4 metres permit close coastline navigation. Dan Mace, technical manager of Incat Crowther, described Wayfinder as boasting "ultimate flexibility and operational efficiency." He added: "The high speed and low fuel consumption are impressive. The design offers a stable platform for the safe transfer of guests from a helicopter, via tenders. The hull provides a 70 per cent increase in stability for loading and off-loading its equipment and tenders."

Lying in Antibes, Wayfinder is asking €55,000,000 with Edmiston. She is also available to charter with Edmiston with a weekly rate from €375,000.

Wayfinder LOA: 68.2m Beam: 14.4m Draught: 3.5m Speed (max/cruise): 20/14 Power: 2 x MTU diesel engines Gross Tonnage: 1737 GT Passengers: 12 guests + 2 occasional workers Crew: 30 Price: €55,000,000

You can check out other yachts owned by famous tech moguls, including Steve Jobs, below. 

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Inside world’s first ever $1 billion hydrogen superyacht – and it’s linked to Bill Gates

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The world’s first hydrogen fuel-cell superyacht has been unveiled in Amsterdam. It has taken Feadship 5 years to deliver Project 821, reportedly commissioned by Bill Gates.

bill gates yacht price

Project 821 features 12 guest staterooms, two staff cabins, accommodation for 44 crew members, a hospital, library, elevator, cinema, pool with a moveable glass bottom, multiple hot tubs, steam room, a gym, separate owners deck with two bedrooms, two bathrooms, two offices, and fourteen slide-out balconies.

What makes the Project 821 Feadship superyacht truly exceptional, however, is it is hydrogen-powered.

Jamie Edmiston, the CEO of yacht brokerage company Edmiston, represents the owner and is brokering the sale for a reported $1-billion. Edmiston says no expense was spared to build the groundbreaking vessel.

“The brief was to build the greenest and most environmentally advanced yacht ever built, without compromise,” says Edmiston. “It was a huge challenge, but one that the team has embraced and delivered on. The yacht we see today, designed by RWD and built by Feadship is without doubt the best yacht ever built. I am proud to have been involved since the inception of this idea.”

Neither Edmiston nor Feadship have revealed who commissioned the superyacht. eSysman Superyachts reported in April that it belongs to Bill Gates.

Jan-Bart Verkuyl, the CEO of Feadship Royal Van Lent shipyard, says pushing green superyacht technology as far as it could go was the mandate to develop of the vessel.

 “The aim has been to develop a new, clean technology not just for this project, but for the world,” Verkuyl says. Feadship has pledged to develop ‘net-zero’ yachts by 2030 and has an R&D team researching hydrogen and other fossil-fuel-free alternatives.

bill gates yacht price

“The size of the proposed yacht – 100-metres-plus – made it a good candidate to explore pure green hydrogen as the fuel-cell source,” a Feadship statement reads.

“Even a yacht the size of  Project 821  cannot carry enough liquid hydrogen to power a crossing, but Feadship could impact a yacht’s carbon footprint where it is largest — generating electricity to serve the hotel load,” according to Feadship.

A yacht’s hotel load represents 70-78 per cent of a yacht’s annual total energy and heating and air conditioning make the largest demands, Feadship states. Air conditioning is a significant energy consumer on yachts, according to research from a maritime industry body .

“Supplying that electrical power via non-polluting hydrogen fuel cells has a swift and significant impact,” according to Feadship.

“Although there are hydrogen fuel cell-powered cars, and fuel cells have been used as the primary source of electrical power on human spaceflight for more than six decades, nothing existed in the maritime sector. There were no regulations for hydrogen storage and fuel-cell systems at class, flag-state or even the International Maritime Organisation level,” Feadship states.

Feadship, Edmiston and Lloyd’s Register developed new equipment, protocols and regulations for hydrogen to be used in the maritime industry. Feadship states that hydrogen fuel cells have water as their only exhaust, and are a combustion-free way to generate electricity.

bill gates yacht price

“Project 821 features the most efficient waste heat recovery system yet developed, a system heating everything from the pool, Jacuzzi and steam room to the ambient air temperature and towel bars and floors in the guest bathrooms. Further savings in the hotel load will come from a Smart AC system linking sensors to an energy management system that automatically reduces air conditioning or heating in unoccupied guest spaces,” Feadship states.

When pure hydrogen is not available, electricity is generated by MTU generators combusting a biofuel said to reduce emissions by 90 per cent.

The work that has been done to deliver the no-expense-spared Project 821 superyacht is now being used for other vessels.

“The value of the research as well the development of class and flag safety regulations for an entirely new type of energy generation is an advancement we are proud to have made available to all,” says Verkuyl.

In 2025, two Norwegian ferries will operate using the system developed for Project 821.

Look back on the week that was with hand-picked articles from Australia and around the world.  Sign up to the Forbes Australia newsletter here   or  become a member here.

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A Closer Look at Serene: The $330 Million Yacht Bill Gates Chartered

Serene Superyacht Rear Profile

While many people must scrimp and save to afford a family holiday, that is not the case for the rich and famous, who have the financial means to go wherever they want whenever they want. You will not find them in budget motels or trying out a destination’s free attractions. Instead, wealthy people can choose the most luxurious accommodation and unique experiences possible for their vacation. One such person who can afford these luxuries is Bill Gates who, with a personal net worth of $95.4 billion, is the second richest person in the world. He has even chartered a yacht worth $330 million to enjoy a vacation with his family.

According to Boat International , Gates chartered a yacht called ‘Serene’ for an estimated $5 million per week. He did this to enjoy a break away with his wife and three children. The family enjoyed a week together on the yacht just off the coast of Porto Cervo, Sardinia, in August 2014.

The 133-foot yacht is one of the largest in the world, and it is owned by Yuri Scheffler, the Stolichnaya vodka magnet. This yacht was delivered to him in 2011, and he has had it on the charter market ever since. Built by the Italian shipyard Fincantieri, it has a rather impressive crew of 53 to take care of the needs of those who charter the yacht. So, what is on the inside of this ship to make it such an amazing experience that is worthy of the high price tag?

The Yacht Charter Fleet has ways for its travelers to enjoy activities both off and onboard. The helipad is available so that guests can take trips to the mainland to enjoy a little sightseeing, a meal in a restaurant, or a local activity. There are also jet-skis available for some fun one the waves around the boat or to travel back to the mainland to enjoy some time away from the yacht. Furthermore, the yacht has its very own submarine. However, you might wonder why anyone would want to get away from the yacht when there is so much to enjoy onboard, including activities for children. Just some of the activities and amenities on board for entertainment include a climbing wall, a trans-deck waterslide, a snow room, a playroom, multiple pools, and a cinema. This means that there are plenty of things onboard to keep the children entertained.

This yacht is not all about the kids having fun, as there are plenty of things for the adults, too. In fact, Serene has a myriad of amenities spread over its six decks that make this a unique way to vacation. From the outside, one of the ship’s most impressive features is its supersized bathtub on the sun deck. The award-winning Serene has a private beach club that has a secluded sunbathing area and a sauna. There are also two Jacuzzis and a sundeck dance floor. Opposite the relaxing hot tun tucked underneath the ship’s observational deck is a fully stocked wet bar with extra sun loungers.

Two of the indoor living and entertaining spaces include a cocktail lounge and a piano bar, while outdoor there are various al fresco dining areas, such as a wet bar, a barbeque, a Teppanyaki grill, and a pizza oven. An unusual space in this yacht is the underwater observation lounge, which many people would find a relaxing area as they watch marine life existing in tranquility around them. Serene also has rather impressive accommodation and it can accommodate up to 24 guests. There are 12 luxurious staterooms, include a master suite, a VIP suite, seven double suites, and three twin cabins. The interior design is the work of Espen Oeino with styling by Reymond Langton. The duo has created living spaces that are stylish and opulent while also being comfortable and versatile.

One of the most impressive areas in terms of styling is the sky lounge. This room is decorated in shades of cream that is accented by darker colors and finished with wooden fixtures. It is equipped with sofas, chairs, and coffee tables for relaxing, and boasts some of the most impressive views from the ship which you can view from almost any vantage point. Another fantastic space is the main lounge, which is a more formal area for entertaining. The main color used is white, which gives the room a bright and airy feel, and some warmth is added with darker tones. Central to the room is a piano, which is surrounded by cocktail tables. An unusual feature of this room is its chandelier. The lounge is located directly above the main dining area, and the chandelier drops between the two rooms.

A double staircase leads down to the chic dining area below. It is set to accommodate a maximum of 24 guests and features two 12-seater tables. However, there is the possibility of entertaining even more people as the tables are extendable and there is plenty of space. This means you can host a banquet in this room. Floor-to-ceiling windows on both sides of the rooms give spectacular panoramic ocean views.

Bill Gates’ time on the yacht with his family is part of his plan to take a more relaxed approach to life and to spend some time away from the office. He has said that he doesn’t have the energy he had when he was younger and plans to balance running his Microsoft Empire and enjoying time with his family better now that he is older. This includes taking vacations away with his loved one. Serene and other chartered yachts are the perfect way for this billionaire businessman to relax and have some fun in comfort and privacy.

Since Gates’ vacation on the yacht, Scheffler has sold the superyacht to Mohammed bin Salman, the deputy crown prince of Saudi Arabia says Yacht Harbor . The Saudi Arabian royal paid a whopping $458 million for the yacht in July 2015. The yacht was once the ninth largest in the world, but it has now dropped into the 15th place because even more impressive superyachts have been built since.

Liz Flynn

Liz Flynn has worked as a full-time writer since 2010 after leaving a career in education. She finds almost all topics she writes about interesting, but her favorite subjects are travel and food. Liz loves the process of researching information, learning new things, and putting into words what others who share her interests might like to read. Although she spends most of her time writing, she also enjoys spending time with her husband and four children, watching films, cooking, dining out, reading, motorsports, gaming, and walking along the beach next to her house with her dog.

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Breaking news, bill gates reportedly orders $644m hydrogen-powered superyacht with gym, helipad, infinity pool.

Bill Gates reportedly has his eye on the world’s first hydrogen-powered superyacht — a $644 million, environmentally friendly oasis on the sea with its own infinity pool, helipad, spa and gym.

The billionaire Microsoft co-founder was initially rumored to have already commissioned the 370-foot luxury Aqua yacht in a report Sunday in the UK paper The Telegraph.

However, the Dutch design firm Sinot insisted Monday that Aqua had yet to be sold to Gates, stressing it did not yet have a “business relationship” with the second-richest person in the world.

“We invite any visionary client to show their interest,” insisted the company — clearly aiming at eco-warrior billionaires just like him, with designer Sander Sinot saying the inspiration was “the lifestyle of a discerning, forward-looking owner.”

The vessel is powered by two 28-ton vacuum-sealed tanks cooled to minus-423 degrees Fahrenheit and filled with liquid hydrogen — with the only emission being water, according to the report. It will reach a top speed of 17 knots (19.5 mph) and be able to cross the Atlantic, the report says.

While far from the world’s largest yacht, plans show extreme luxury for the 14 guests and 31 crew members who can be accommodated.

It includes its own fully equipped gym, yoga studio, beauty room, massage parlor and a stunning outdoor infinity pool.

The Aqua superyacht

Along with luxurious bedrooms, there are numerous outdoor lounges, a giant spiral staircase and an amazing observation room at the front.

Gates’ main motivation in wanting to commission the yacht would be to signal his backing for new, clean technology to cut carbon emissions, the Telegraph said.

He regularly takes superyacht vacations — but usually rents yachts rather than owning his own.

Whoever buys it will not be able to enjoy it for a few more years, however, with the report saying Aqua will not be ready until 2024.

The Gates Foundation and Gates Ventures declined to comment to the Telegraph for its report.

“Aqua is a concept under development and has not been sold to Mr Gates,” Sinoit insisted.

World's first hydrogen-powered superyacht — 'commissioned by Bill Gates' — hits the water and goes on sale for €600m

Dutch shipbuilder Feadship says technology developed for 'Project 821' is being used for Norway’s landmark H2 ferries

The Project 821 superyacht pictured in Amsterdam waters.

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Bill Gates Enjoys Sardinia Charter on board Superyacht SERENE

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By Editorial Team   8 August 2014

The 133m/436ft superyacht SERENE has welcomed aboard the world’s wealthiest man, Bill Gates and his family for a charter vacation in the beautiful cruising grounds of Sardinia .

The Microsoft founder and philanthropist along with his wife and three children have been enjoying the Mediterranean summer in style this week during their annual vacation off the coast of Porto Cervo. As one of the largest superyachts in the world and equipped with every conceivable amenity in addition to an in impressive crew of 52, the 2011 Fincantieri-built motor yacht SERENE was the perfect choice for this ultra-luxurious vacation.

SERENE's sundeck lit up with coloured LED lights

According to reports in the Daily Mail, the on board helipad was put to good use with trips to the mainland for some tennis lessons followed by an afternoon out on the jet-skis to entertain the kids. If that wasn’t enough, there is also a submarine, snowroom, cinema, playroom, multiple pools, a climbing wall and a trans-deck waterslide on offer to keep them entertained for hours. 

In between running his Microsoft Empire and extensive charity commitments, luxury charter vacations have provided the perfect platform for him and his family to enjoy time together in comfort and privacy.

Magnificent formal dining room on board SERENE

The grown-ups aren’t left out of the fun however during a charter on the award-winning SERENE, with an exhaustive array of facilities. For total relaxation, the private beach club features a sauna and secluded sunbathing area, there is also a sundeck dance floor, two Jacuzzi’s and numerous al fresco dining areas to choose from. For entertaining meanwhile, SERENE provides luxurious interior living spaces to include a chic piano lounge with cocktail bar while outside a wet bar, barbeque, pizza oven and Teppanyaki grill ensure fantastic Mediterranean soirees. 

SERENE double cabin

She is one of a handful of yachts able to charter with more than 12 guests, boasting 12 stunning staterooms to accommodate up to 24 guests, comprising a master suite, VIP, seven doubles and three twin cabins. With design from Espen Oeino and interior styling by Reymond Langton, SERENE has been meticulously design to offer charter vacations of the highest calibre while ensuring stylish, comfortable and versatile living spaces. 

SERENE's side balconies

In an interview earlier this year, Mr Gates said he doesn't plan to stay at the office for days at a time as he did in his younger days when he had 'energy and naiveté' on his side. In between running his Microsoft Empire and extensive charity commitments, luxury charter vacations have provided the perfect platform for him and his family to enjoy time together in comfort and privacy.  Since its founding, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation has raised and donated billions towards research and development to tackle problems throughout the world to help the world’s poorest people lift themselves out of hunger and poverty. 

Whether it’s a classic sailing yacht or magnificent luxury vessel such as SERENE, charter yacht vacations offer the world’s most high profile names the freedom to experience private time with loved ones away from the spotlight. Charter rates for SERENE start at €1,600,000 per week to €2,800,000 plus expenses, for further information contact your yacht charter broker . Alternatively take a look at the full selection of motor yachts available for charter . 

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Mike Lynch, ‘Britain’s Bill Gates,’ Confirmed Dead in Superyacht Wreck

bill gates yacht price

British software mogul Mike Lynch , 59, has died after a superyacht he was onboard sank off the coast of Sicily, where he was celebrating being acquitted of fraud by a jury in the US weeks earlier.

Lynch, his teenage daughter Hannah, and four other passengers—including Morgan Stanley international chair Jonathan Bloomer (formerly of Lynch’s company Autonomy) and Lynch’s lawyer Chris Morvillo, a partner at Clifford Chance—were reported missing when the yacht sank. After a three-day search, the Italian coastguard has reportedly confirmed that Lynch had died in the wreck. Lynch’s daughter is still unaccounted for, but the bodies of the other passengers have now reportedly been identified.

Lynch is survived by one daughter and his wife, Angela Bacares, who was among the 15 people aboard the Bayesian who were rescued by emergency services.

The entrepreneur was initially reported missing after the Bayesian —a 180-foot luxury craft reportedly registered to a company owned by his wife—was buffeted by a violent windstorm in the early hours. The storm, a type of marine tornado known as a waterspout, is reported to have toppled the yacht’s mast , capsizing the boat and causing it to sink.

The yacht’s name is thought to be a tribute to Reverend Thomas Bayes, a man who in the 1700s set out to prove the existence of God through mathematics. Bayes’ work helped Lynch build his fortune: His theorem was the basis of Autonomy’s ability to analyze big data sets. Autonomy, a software firm Lynch cofounded in 1996, would become one of the UK’s most successful technology exports during a period otherwise dominated by Silicon Valley. In an interview with WIRED in 2015 , Lynch said that Bayes “would probably turn out to be to the information age what Einstein was to physics.”

Lynch was born in Ireland in 1965 but was raised in the English county of Essex. He studied natural sciences at the University of Cambridge, where he later obtained a doctorate in mathematical computing and became a research fellow.

Autonomy was far from the only company Lynch had a hand in starting. In the 1980s, he established Lynett Systems, which provided audio products to the music industry. In 1991, he started Cambridge Neurodynamics, a company that specialized in fingerprint recognition. In 2012, he founded Invoke Capital, a vehicle for investing in British technology companies which later provided seed funding to the now publicly listed cybersecurity business Darktrace .

In 2006, Lynch was awarded an OBE in recognition of his contribution to British enterprise, and in 2011 he became an adviser to the UK government on matters concerning science and technology.

The public perception of Lynch would come to be defined, though, by the $11.7 billion sale of Autonomy to Hewlett Packard in 2011—a deal that turned sour soon after completion and over which he was subsequently accused of fraud.

Within a year, HP had written down the value of the purchase by $8.8 billion , alleging it had uncovered “serious accounting improprieties” and “outright misrepresentations.” In 2019, the US Department of Justice brought 17 counts against Lynch on the basis of those claims. The superseding indictment listed a variety of charges, including wire fraud and conspiracy.

Google’s Pixel 9 Is the First True Smartphone of the Generative AI Era

US prosecutors alleged that Lynch had embarked on an elaborate, multiyear scheme in which he backdated and fabricated sales and lied about the condition of Autonomy’s finances in public filings. The effect, they claimed, was to deceive HP into purchasing Autonomy for a puffed-up price. Prosecutors argued that Lynch himself walked away from the deal with at least $640 million in cash.

After a protracted legal fight over extradition, Lynch eventually faced criminal trial in the US in early 2024. He always denied the charges against him, but the odds of an acquittal didn’t look good; in 2018, Autonomy CFO Sushovan Hussain was convicted on similar charges, and in 2022, Lynch lost a civil trial in the UK High Court that culminated in a ruling that Autonomy executives had fraudulently boosted the firm’s reported revenue, earnings, and value.

But after a meandering, 12-week trial in federal court in San Francisco, Lynch was cleared of all charges by a jury, escaping the prospect of more than 20 years in prison . In a statement issued after the trial, Lynch described himself as “elated” and said he was “looking forward to returning to the UK and getting back what I love most: my family and innovating in my field.”

In a separate incident, Lynch’s co-defendant, Stephen Chamberlain, Autonomy’s former vice president of finance, has also died , after being hit by a car in Cambridgeshire, UK, over the weekend.

In an interview with The Times —his first after the verdict was announced—Lynch spoke about the strangeness of having been granted “a second life”: “The question is, what do you want to do with it?”

In a statement, former Autonomy COO Andrew Kanter tells WIRED that Lynch "was the most brilliant mind and caring person I have ever known.” He adds, “There is simply no other UK technology entrepreneur of our generation who has had such an impact on so many people. His passion for life, knowledge, and all those around him was instantly inspiring to everyone he met, and he will be sorely missed.”

In a tribute to Lynch provided to WIRED, David Tabizel, cofounder of Autonomy, described his late partner as a “remarkable individual” and “the rarest of entrepreneurs.”

“The man was a legend, a genius, a gift to world business and above all, a mensch,” says Tabizel. “Britain’s Bill Gates? Not really. Britain’s Steve Jobs.”

Updated 8-22-2024 12:30 pm BST: This story was updated with a tribute to Lynch from David Tabizel.

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Luxe redefined: bill gates buys £500m hydrogen-powered superyacht which has an infinity pool, helipad & gym.

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The boat is eco-friendly as it comes with gel-fuelled fire bowls which completely eliminates the need for the guests to light up wood or start a fire to stay warm.

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The Guardian reports that the vessel is unlikely to take to seas until 2024, quoting The Sunday Telegraph, which in turn quotes the Gates Commission.

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Survivor of british bill gates’ superyacht disaster recounts struggle to save her baby—‘all i could hear around me was the screams of others’.

A 183-foot luxury yacht off the coast of Sicily was upended by a tornado on Monday. One day later, the disaster is still unfolding, as one person has been confirmed to have died, and six of the 22 passengers on board are presumed now to have perished in the accident, according to recent reports from the Wall Street Journa l.

Among the 15 people rescued, a 35-year-old British woman by the name of Charlotte Golunski recounted her harrowing experience. Attributing her survival to being on the deck of the sinking yacht when the storm hit, she described being awoken by lightning and thunder. The storm then threw her into the dark sea. Her caregiving instincts appear to have kicked in after the yacht succumbed to the storm and Golunksi used her strength to hoist her 1-year-old daughter above her head in the churning water to save her from drowning.

Golunski and her family survived the incident, although they avoided disaster by a slim margin.

“For two seconds I lost my daughter in the sea then quickly hugged her amid the fury of the waves,” she told Italian outlet Giornale di Sicilia .

“It was all dark. In the water I couldn’t keep my eyes open,” she told newspaper La Repubblica . “I screamed for help, but all I could hear around me was the screams of the others.” She was able to take reprieve upon a lifeboat alongside 11 survivors.

Aboard the British yacht known as the Bayesian was also Mike Lynch . Lynch was the one who, in fact, invited Golunski and her family, according to the Washington Post .

Still missing and now presumed dead, Lynch is a tech tycoon and former chief executive of Autonomy who recently made headlines after being acquitted of alleged fraud.  Once known as “ Britain’s Bill Gates ,” Lynch also developed a reputation for railing against Silicon Valley culture .

He was subsequently embroiled in a more than decade-long trial that was once described by a U.S. investigator as the biggest fraud ever to hit the area, per the Financial Times . Lynch's lawyer, Clifford Chance senior partner Chris Morvillo, was also on the yacht and now is missing in the group of six. Jonathan Bloomer, Morgan Stanley’s international chairman, was also reported missing and is presumed dead.

Bloomer's wife, Judy, and Morvillo's wife, Neda, are also presumed dead, according to the WSJ , along with Lynch's teenage daughter Hannah. Lynch's wife, Angela Bacares, was rescued.

This story was originally featured on Fortune.com

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‘British Bill Gates’ goes missing on sunken yacht just days after co-defendant in US fraud trial is ‘fatally struck’ by car

‘British Bill Gates’ goes missing on sunken yacht just days after co-defendant in US fraud trial is ‘fatally struck’ by car

Software giant mike lynch went missing just days after his finance vp and former co-defendant stephen chamberlain died.

Joe Yates

Following news the 'British Bill Gates' is missing after a superyacht sank in Italy, it's been revealed his former co-defendant in a fraud trial was fatally stuck by a car just days before.

Italian superyacht the Bayesian sank during a violent storm off the coast of Sicily in the early hours of Monday morning, which saw a tornado rip through the vessel.

One person has been confirmed dead and another six are missing, including Mike Lynch - who in June was cleared by a US jury of all charges in a high-profile fraud case in relation to the sale of his software company.

Mike Lynch, who has been dubbed the 'British Bill Gates', is missing after his superyacht sunk off the coast of Italy. (Dan Kitwood/Getty Images)

The 59-year-old was cleared of 15 counts of fraud which he faced after Silicon Valley giant Hewlett-Packard purchased his company Autonomy for $11.1 billion in 2011.

The charges brought against him were those of fraud and conspiracy - with the Californian company claiming he had schemed to inflate the company’s value before it was sold.

Despite being dubbed the 'British Bill Gates ', Lynch was actually born in Ireland before moving to the UK .

Among those missing alongside the entrepreneur is his 18-year-old daughter Hannah, as well as two Americans and a Canadian.

The superyacht was resting off the coast of Sicily, the largest Mediterranean island, which is located just of the 'toe' of the Italian boot - which the country looks like on a map.

The 183ft vessel was capsized by a tornado on Monday (19 August) at 5am local time.

It comes just days after his co-defendant in the US fraud trial, and vice-president of finance at Autonomy while they both worked there, Stephen Chamberlain was fatally struck by a car.

The 52-year-old was out running when he was knocked down.

His lawyer Gary Lincenberg said per the Guardian: “He was a courageous man with unparalleled integrity, and we deeply miss him. He fought successfully to clear his good name, which lives on through his wonderful family.”

Stephen Chamberlain has died after he was struck by a car in the UK while out running. (LinkedIn/Stephen Chamberlain)

Cambridgeshire police issued an appeal for witnesses who may have seen the collision, which took place in the small village of Stretham, to step forward.

He and Lynch were both acquitted of the charges against them by a jury, at a court held in San Francisco in June.

Speaking about the ruling last month, Lynch told the Sunday Times: “If this had gone the wrong way, it would have been the end of life as I have known it in any sense.”

After departing the company back in 2012, Chamberlain worked voluntarily at soccer club Cambridge United - who play in the third division of English football.

He also worked as chief operating officer for cybersecurity firm Darktrace.

Topics:  Europe , UK News , World News , Bayesian yacht

Joe is a journalist for UNILAD, with a particular enjoyment for writing about crime. He has worked in the journalism for four years. Joe has covered everything from murder trials to gambling.

@ JMYjourno

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  • Divers find bodies in search for missing tourists after yacht belonging to 'British Bill Gates' capsized
  • Survivor of sunken yacht sent chilling message to father after escaping
  • Heartbreaking details emerge on chef who tragically died in sunken superyacht
  • CCTV footage shows terrifying moment Sicily yacht sinks in mere seconds

IMAGES

  1. Worst feared after superyacht sinks off Sicilian coast, with ‘British

    bill gates yacht price

  2. UK's 'Bill Gates,' Who Was Acquitted Of US Fraud Charges, Among Those

    bill gates yacht price

  3. Worst feared after superyacht sinks off Sicilian coast, with ‘British

    bill gates yacht price

  4. 'British Bill Gates' and his 18-year-old daughter missing after

    bill gates yacht price

  5. Mike Lynch Superyacht Bayesian Sink Sicilian Coast All You Need To Know

    bill gates yacht price

  6. British 'Bill Gates', Mike Lynch missing after superyacht sinks off

    bill gates yacht price

VIDEO

  1. Inside Bill Gates $650 million Hydrogen Powered Luxury Yacht (Sinot Aqua)

  2. Inside Bill Gates $644 Million Hydrogen Powered Superyacht

  3. Bill Gates' New Hydrogen Powered Mega Dream Yacht valued at over $640 million

  4. Bill Gates' $644 Million Hydrogen Powered Superyacht

  5. INSIDE Bill Gates' Hydrogen-Powered Super Yacht

  6. A Closer Look at Bill Gates' Hydrogen-Powered Superyacht: Valued at $645 Million #shorts

COMMENTS

  1. Bill Gates Yacht: Everything You Want To Know

    According to the stories online, Bill Gates paid $600 million for the hydrogen powered yacht. But that's not true at all. According to the yacht makers, the Dutch company Sinot, the price tag is $645 million but no one bought it after it was revealed at the Monaco Yacht Show, and that includes Bill Gates. It's expensive but definitely not ...

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    Motor Yacht Wayfinder. In December 2020, Astilleros Armon in Spain launched the highly anticipated yacht Wayfinder, set to serve as the support vessel for Bill Gates' yacht. This vessel is equipped to carry tenders and toys for the mothership, ensuring that guests on board have everything they need for an unforgettable experience.

  3. The World's First Hydrogen-Powered Superyacht Has a $644 Million Price

    There was much confusion on Monday if there was already a buyer who had paid the hefty $644 million price tag. Reports spread throughout the internet that billionaire Bill Gates had purchased the ...

  4. Photos: Bill Gates-owned world's first hydrogen megayacht unveiled

    Bill Gates' megayacht, Project 821, is on the market after its recent launch. ... Notably, the reported asking price of Project 821 is around $643.5 million. 1/10. ... To make the whole yacht feel ...

  5. In photos: Bill Gates-owned world's first hydrogen megayacht unveiled

    Earlier, a few reports were doing rounds claiming that Gates was looking to buy a new megayacht. Turns out, the reports are true. Notably, the reported asking price of Project 821 is around $643.5 ...

  6. Built for Bill Gates: Feadship Project 821 Is World's First Hydrogen

    All of the above explains the reported asking price of €600 million ($643.5 million). ... that Bill Gates had bought himself a hydrogen yacht. ... Bill Gates Is Selling His Unfinished $600M ...

  7. 5 years in the making, eco-warrior Bill Gates' hydrogen fuel-cell

    It takes a gutsy (and rich) owner to fuel the dream of a yacht that sails on a zero-diesel approach to operate the yacht's hotel load and amenities with emission-free power from green hydrogen. Wayfinder in Gibraltar. Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates who commissioned Project 821, even bought a support vessel worth $25 million, the 24-feet ...

  8. 372 foot long and priced at $645 million

    Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates is big into environmental sustainability and technology that can enable it. And in restating his beliefs the man has recently purchased a $645 million luxury yacht that promises a zero-carbon impact, thanks to its hydrogen-fueled mechanism.

  9. Lana: On board the 107m Benetti superyacht chartered by Bill Gates and

    Lana: On board the 107m Benetti for charter from €1.8m a week. 1 November 2021 • Written by Caroline White. At 107 metres, Lana is one of the biggest superyachts ever to be launched by Italian shipyard Benetti and is currently hitting the headlines as the charter yacht of choice of Bill Gates and party guest Jeff Bezos. Take a glimpse on ...

  10. First look: inside Incat Crowther's second 68m ShadowCat for charter

    A look inside 68m ShadowCat yacht Wayfinder, currently based in Mexico. Reportedly owned by Bill Gates, the yacht is for sale with Edmiston for €55,000,000. A look inside 68m ShadowCat yacht Wayfinder, currently based in Mexico. ... 12 guests + 2 occasional workers Crew: 30 Price: €55,000,000. You can check out other yachts owned by famous ...

  11. Is This 376-Foot-Long, Hydrogen-Powered Concept The Ultimate ...

    The 367-foot-long hydrogen-powered sustainable superyacht from Sinot Yacht Architecture & Design. With multiple media outlets reporting that Microsoft Co-Founder Bill Gates pledged well over $600 ...

  12. First look at Bill Gates' game-changing hydrogen superyacht

    May 9, 2024. The world's first hydrogen fuel-cell superyacht has been unveiled in Amsterdam. It has taken Feadship 5 years to deliver Project 821, reportedly commissioned by Bill Gates. Project 821 features 12 guest staterooms, two staff cabins, accommodation for 44 crew members, a hospital, library, elevator, cinema, pool with a moveable ...

  13. A Closer Look at Serene: The $330 Million Yacht Bill Gates Chartered

    According to Boat International, Gates chartered a yacht called 'Serene' for an estimated $5 million per week. He did this to enjoy a break away with his wife and three children. The family enjoyed a week together on the yacht just off the coast of Porto Cervo, Sardinia, in August 2014. The 133-foot yacht is one of the largest in the world ...

  14. Bill Gates orders $644 million hydrogen-powered superyacht

    Bill Gates reportedly has his eye on the world's first hydrogen-powered superyacht — a $644 million, environmentally friendly oasis on the sea with its own infinity pool, helipad, spa and gym.

  15. World's first hydrogen-powered superyacht

    A 119-metre superyacht able to run purely on green hydrogen — and allegedly commissioned by Microsoft billionaire Bill Gates — was officially launched on Saturday in Amsterdam, and is reportedly on sale with an asking price of €600m ($647m). ... the shipbuilder states that "even a yacht the size of Project 821 cannot carry enough liquid ...

  16. Bill Gates Is Probably Not Buying a $644M Hydrogen-Powered Yacht

    Bill Gates Is Probably Not Buying a $644M Hydrogen-Powered Yacht. The Sinot Aqua costs $644 million and runs two one-megawatt engines on hydrogen, but won't be ready until 2024.

  17. Did Bill Gates Buy a $644 Million Sustainable Superyacht?

    A prime example is the recent slew of news outlets reporting a $644 million yacht purchase by billionaire Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates — followed almost immediately by reports disputing the ...

  18. BILL GATES YACHT

    The yacht's price is rumored to be around $675 million, reflecting the high costs associated with its innovative hydrogen propulsion system. Support Vessel Wayfinder. In December 2020 the yacht Wayfinder was launched at Astilleros Armon in Spain. Wayfinder will be the support vessel for Bill Gates yacht. The vessel will carry tenders and toys ...

  19. Bill Gates 'not buying our hydrogen yacht'

    Billionaire Bill Gates has not commissioned a hydrogen-powered superyacht from designer Sinot, the firm has told the BBC. It has been widely reported that Mr Gates ordered a £500m ($644m) luxury ...

  20. Bill Gates Enjoys Sardinia Charter on board Superyacht SERENE

    By Editorial Team 8 August 2014. The 133m/436ft superyacht SERENE has welcomed aboard the world's wealthiest man, Bill Gates and his family for a charter vacation in the beautiful cruising grounds of Sardinia. The Microsoft founder and philanthropist along with his wife and three children have been enjoying the Mediterranean summer in style ...

  21. Bill Gates commissions $644 million hydrogen-powered superyacht

    For Bill Gates and his $100 billion fortune, it's a hydrogen-powered superyacht. The $644 million vessel comes with five decks, an infinity pool, gym, helipad and spa.

  22. Mike Lynch, 'Britain's Bill Gates,' Confirmed Dead in ...

    The effect, they claimed, was to deceive HP into purchasing Autonomy for a puffed-up price. Prosecutors argued that Lynch himself walked away from the deal with at least $640 million in cash.

  23. Inside Bill Gates $644 Million Hydrogen Powered Superyacht

    Inside Bill Gates $644 Million Hydrogen Powered Superyacht. Ever since it came out that Bill Gates might have commissioned the world's first hydrogen powered...

  24. gates commission: Luxe redefined: Bill Gates buys £500m hydrogen

    Gates is ready to set sail on his superyacht. ... The Guardian reports that the most cutting-edge feature is tucked away below decks - two 28-tonne vacuum-sealed tanks that are cooled to -423F (-253C) and filled with liquid hydrogen, which powers the ship. The fuel generates power for the two one-megawatt motors and propellers via on-board fuel cells, which combine hydrogen with oxygen to ...

  25. Inside the sunken superyacht of 'British Bill Gates'

    Named Bayesian, the superyacht owned by British tech tycoon Mike Lynch, often dubbed the "British Bill Gates," was renowned for its luxurious features and won awards for its superior interior when it was first launched. ... Photo by Yacht Charter Fleet. According to the Daily Mail, the Bayesian, which was previously known as the Salute, was ...

  26. Survivor of British Bill Gates' superyacht disaster recounts struggle

    A 183-foot luxury yacht off the coast of Sicily was upended by a tornado on Monday. One day later, the disaster is still unfolding, as one person has been confirmed to have died, and six of the 22 ...

  27. 'Britain's Bill Gates' among 6 missing after luxury yacht tragedy off

    The luxury yacht can carry 12 guests and a crew of ten. ... Dubbed "Britain's Bill Gates" by some, Lynch is also a fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering and the Royal Society.

  28. Mike Lynch: The rise and fall of the 'British Bill Gates'

    The businessman died when his yacht sank off the Sicilian coast after surviving 12 grueling years of legal battles ... who was dubbed the "British Bill Gates." Then conservative prime minister David Cameron brought the popular businessman onto his Science and Technology Council, the BBC added him to its board as a non-executive director and ...

  29. 'British Bill Gates' goes missing on sunken yacht just days after co

    Mike Lynch, who has been dubbed the 'British Bill Gates', is missing after his superyacht sunk off the coast of Italy. (Dan Kitwood/Getty Images) The 59-year-old was cleared of 15 counts of fraud which he faced after Silicon Valley giant Hewlett-Packard purchased his company Autonomy for $11.1 billion in 2011.

  30. Who is Mike Lynch, the British tech entrepreneur in the ...

    British entrepreneur Mike Lynch was once feted as Britain's version of Bill Gates. He sold his company, Autonomy, to Hewlett-Packard for $11 billion (R196bn) in 2011 - one of the biggest British ...