7 Shocking Facts About Koru: Jeff Bezos' $500 Million Sailing Superyacht And Its 2025 Global Journey

The world's most talked-about private vessel, Jeff Bezos' colossal sailing superyacht *Koru*, continues to turn heads across the globe, solidifying its status as a modern maritime marvel. As of late 2025, the yacht has been extensively sighted in some of the most exclusive and picturesque locations, confirming the Amazon founder's commitment to luxury sailing. This vessel is not just a yacht; it's a 417-foot, $500 million statement of engineering prowess and unmatched wealth, instantly becoming an icon of the billionaire class and a lightning rod for public curiosity.

The sheer scale and bespoke features of *Koru*, coupled with its equally impressive support vessel *Abeona*, make it a fascinating subject. From its controversial launch in the Netherlands to its recent high-profile appearances at events like the Cannes Film Festival, the yacht's journey is a tale of unprecedented luxury, groundbreaking technology, and the logistical challenges of owning the world's largest sailing yacht. We dive into the most up-to-date details and shocking facts surrounding this magnificent Oceanco-built vessel.

Jeff Bezos: The Billionaire Behind the Maritime Behemoth

Before exploring the depths of his superyacht, it's essential to understand the man who commissioned this unprecedented vessel. Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon, is one of the world's wealthiest and most influential figures, whose career has fundamentally reshaped e-commerce, cloud computing, and space exploration. His biography provides the context for a project of *Koru*'s magnitude.

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• Full Name: Jeffrey Preston Bezos
• Born: January 12, 1964, in Albuquerque, New Mexico
• Education: Princeton University (B.S. in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science)
• Career Highlights:
• Founded Amazon in 1994, initially as an online bookstore.
• Served as Amazon's CEO until 2021, transitioning to Executive Chairman.
• Founder of the aerospace company Blue Origin (2000).
• Owner of *The Washington Post* (2013).
• Current Role: Executive Chairman of Amazon and Founder of Blue Origin.
• Partner: Engaged to former news anchor and philanthropist Lauren Sánchez.
• Net Worth: Consistently ranked among the top three wealthiest people globally, with a net worth often fluctuating around $200 billion.

Fact 1: The $500 Million Price Tag and the Meaning of 'Koru'

The estimated cost of the superyacht *Koru* is a staggering $500 million, making it one of the most expensive private vessels ever built. This immense cost reflects not only its size but also the custom, state-of-the-art technology and luxury finishes incorporated throughout the three-masted schooner. The annual running costs alone are projected to be around $25 million, a figure that covers fuel, maintenance, crew salaries, and other operational expenses.

The yacht's name, *Koru*, is a significant cultural choice. It is a Māori word and symbol that represents the unfurling silver fern frond. This symbol is highly significant in Māori art, signifying new life, growth, peace, and new beginnings. For Bezos, who embarked on a "new beginning" after stepping down as Amazon CEO and starting a new chapter with fiancée Lauren Sánchez, the name is deeply symbolic.

Fact 2: It Requires a Dedicated Support Vessel Named *Abeona*

A vessel of *Koru*'s size, which measures 125.8 meters (417 feet), cannot practically carry all the necessary luxury toys, tenders, and helicopters. To address this, Bezos also owns a dedicated "shadow vessel" or support yacht named *Abeona*.

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*Abeona* is a substantial vessel in its own right, measuring 75 meters (246 feet) in length. Its primary function is to carry the helicopter (essential for Bezos and Sánchez's travel), jet skis, dive equipment, and other large tenders that would clutter the main superyacht's decks. The support vessel also houses additional crew and staff, ensuring the *Koru* remains pristine and focused solely on guest luxury.

Fact 3: The Rotterdam Bridge Controversy (De Hef)

The yacht's construction at the Oceanco shipyard in Alblasserdam, Netherlands, was not without major controversy. The vessel, initially known by its hull number Y721, was too tall to pass under the historic Koningshaven Bridge, locally known as "De Hef," in Rotterdam.

The massive three-masted schooner required a clearance that the bridge, a protected national monument, could not provide. Oceanco requested that the city of Rotterdam temporarily dismantle the bridge's central section to allow the yacht to pass. This proposal sparked widespread public outrage, with citizens even planning to egg the yacht upon its passage. Ultimately, the city and the shipyard backed down, and the *Koru* was quietly towed out of the shipyard without the bridge being dismantled, avoiding a major public relations disaster for the billionaire.

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Fact 4: A Groundbreaking, Environmentally Conscious Power System

While the image of a billionaire's superyacht often clashes with environmental consciousness, *Koru* incorporates some truly innovative green technology. As a sailing yacht, it primarily uses wind power, drastically reducing its reliance on diesel engines compared to traditional motor yachts.

More impressively, the vessel is designed to generate kinetic energy from the movement of its massive sails. This system is so efficient that during a typical ocean trip, the energy generated is reportedly enough to power approximately 900 homes. This feature showcases a refined hull design and a commitment to efficiency rarely seen in vessels of this size, pushing the boundaries of sustainable superyacht design.

Fact 5: The World's Largest Sailing Yacht (or Very Close)

At 125.8 meters (417 feet), *Koru* is often cited as the largest sailing yacht in the world. While there are competing claims (some sources place it as the second largest after *Sailing Yacht A*), it is unequivocally the largest sailing yacht ever built by the renowned Dutch shipyard Oceanco.

Its sheer size and the complexity of rigging three massive masts required years of meticulous design and construction. The vessel's volume is immense, offering unparalleled space for guest accommodation and amenities, including a large swimming pool and multiple expansive decks for entertaining.

Fact 6: High-Profile 2025 Sightings Across the Mediterranean

The *Koru* has been highly visible throughout the 2025 sailing season, with multiple confirmed sightings in exclusive Mediterranean locales. This demonstrates the yacht is fully operational and actively being used by Bezos and Lauren Sánchez.

• French Riviera (May 2025): The yacht was spotted off the south of France, notably anchored near Antibes for the prestigious Cannes Film Festival, where Bezos and Sánchez were photographed.
• Croatian Islands (Summer 2025): It was seen turning heads off the beautiful Croatian Island of Ist, a testament to its wide cruising range.
• Greek Isles: The vessel also made an appearance in Corfu, Greece, where stunning up-close videos were captured, highlighting its immense scale.
• Mallorca and St. Maarten: Other reports placed the vessel in Port Adriano, Mallorca, and en route to St. Maarten, confirming its extensive global journey.

Fact 7: The Intimate Details: The Figurehead and Guest Capacity

One of the most intimate and talked-about details of the *Koru* is its figurehead. The yacht features a striking wooden figurehead carved into the likeness of Bezos's fiancée, Lauren Sánchez. This traditional maritime feature, typically reserved for mythological or symbolic figures, adds a deeply personal touch to the world's most expensive sailing yacht, symbolizing their partnership and "new beginnings."

While definitive interior details remain private, the *Koru* is designed to accommodate up to 18 guests in lavish staterooms, with a dedicated crew of around 40 individuals to ensure every need is met. This high crew-to-guest ratio is a hallmark of the ultra-luxury megayacht class, ensuring impeccable service and privacy. The design, executed by Dykstra Naval Architects for the exterior and an undisclosed interior designer, emphasizes classic lines with modern, high-tech functionality, creating a timeless yet groundbreaking vessel for the Amazon founder.