Diksia.com - Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon and the third richest person in the world, is known for his ambitious and visionary projects. From launching rockets with Blue Origin to buying The Washington Post, Bezos has a knack for making headlines with his ventures. But perhaps one of his most impressive and secretive endeavors is his superyacht, Koru.
Koru is a custom-built sailing yacht that measures 127 meters (417 feet) in length and costs an estimated $500 million or more. It is the second-largest sailing yacht in the world, after Andrey Melnichenko’s Sailing Yacht A, and the largest that can move under sail power alone. It features three massive masts that reach 229 feet in height and can propel the vessel to 20 knots. It also boasts a sleek and elegant design that blends modern technology with classic nautical aesthetics.
But what makes Koru truly remarkable is not just its size or speed, but its amenities and innovations. The yacht offers every bell and whistle imaginable, from A to Z, for Bezos and his guests to enjoy. In this article, we will explore some of the most fascinating and luxurious features of Koru, and why it is the ultimate superyacht experience.
What is the Koru?
The Koru is a custom-built sailing superyacht that was delivered to Bezos in April 2023. It was constructed by Oceanco, a Dutch shipyard that specializes in high-end yachts. The name Koru comes from the Maori word for a spiral shape that symbolizes new life, growth, and harmony. It is also a nod to Bezos’ interest in space exploration, as the spiral resembles a galaxy.
The Koru is 127 meters (417 feet) long and has three massive masts that are 70 meters (229 feet) high. It can reach speeds of up to 20 knots (23 mph) under sail power alone, making it the largest sailing yacht in the world that does not rely on engines. It also has a sleek and elegant design that blends modern and classic elements.
What are the features of the Koru?
The Koru is not just a sailing vessel, but a floating palace that offers every comfort and amenity imaginable. It can accommodate up to 18 guests and 40 crew members in spacious and luxurious cabins. Some of the features include:
- A large master suite with a private terrace, a jacuzzi, and a fireplace.
- A cinema room, a library, a gym, a spa, and a wine cellar.
- A helipad, a swimming pool, a beach club, and a submarine.
- A collection of artworks, including a figurehead on the prow that resembles Bezos’ girlfriend, Lauren Sanchez.
- A state-of-the-art navigation and communication system, as well as a security system that includes bulletproof glass and a missile defense system.
The Figurehead
One of the most striking and unique aspects of Koru is its figurehead, a carved wooden sculpture that adorns the prow of the yacht. Figureheads are a traditional part of large sailing ships, often depicting mythical creatures or historical figures. They are meant to symbolize the spirit and identity of the vessel, and to bring good luck and protection to its crew and passengers.
Koru’s figurehead, however, is not based on any legend or lore, but on a very real and personal inspiration: Bezos’ girlfriend, Lauren Sanchez. The figurehead bears a striking resemblance to the former TV anchor and helicopter pilot, who has been dating Bezos since 2018. The figurehead shows Sanchez in a flowing dress, holding a globe in one hand and a feather in the other, representing her passion for travel and adventure.
The figurehead is a testament to Bezos’ love and admiration for Sanchez, who has accompanied him on many of his trips and projects, including his historic space flight with Blue Origin in July 2021. It is also a rare and romantic gesture, as figureheads are not commonly seen on modern yachts, let alone ones that depict living people.
The Support Vessel
Another remarkable feature of Koru is its support vessel, Abeona, a 75-meter (246-foot) yacht that shadows Koru and provides additional services and facilities. Abeona, named after the Roman goddess of journeys, is a custom-built yacht by Damen, a Dutch shipyard that specializes in yacht support vessels. Abeona has a tonnage of 1,900 GT and a value of $75 million.
Abeona serves as a complement to Koru, offering extra crew accommodation, a helipad with enclosed helicopter storage, and capacity for relief supplies. It also carries a fleet of smaller boats, such as tenders, jet skis, and submarines, that can be used for recreational or exploratory purposes. Abeona allows Bezos and his guests to access remote and exotic locations, and to enjoy a variety of activities and experiences on the water.
Abeona is not only a practical and convenient addition to Koru, but also a stylish and sophisticated one. It has a sleek and modern design that matches Koru’s aesthetic, and a spacious and comfortable interior that can accommodate up to 22 guests and 21 crew members. It also has a range of amenities, such as a lounge, a gym, a sauna, and a cinema, that make it a destination in itself.
The Interior
While the exterior of Koru is impressive and eye-catching, the interior is equally stunning and luxurious. The interior design of Koru was done by Nuvolari Lenard, an Italian studio that has worked on some of the most prestigious and award-winning yachts in the world. The interior of Koru reflects Bezos’ taste and personality, as well as his vision for the yacht.
The interior of Koru is spacious and elegant, with a contemporary and minimalist style. It features high-quality materials, such as wood, leather, marble, and glass, that create a warm and refined atmosphere. It also incorporates natural elements, such as plants, flowers, and water features, that add a touch of freshness and vitality. The interior of Koru is also equipped with state-of-the-art technology, such as smart lighting, sound, and security systems, that enhance the comfort and convenience of the guests.
The interior of Koru can accommodate up to 18 guests and 40 crew members, in a variety of cabins and suites. The most luxurious and exclusive of these is the owner’s suite, which occupies the entire upper deck of the yacht. The owner’s suite features a large bedroom, a walk-in closet, a bathroom, a lounge, a study, and a private terrace with a jacuzzi and a fireplace. The owner’s suite also offers panoramic views of the surroundings, thanks to its floor-to-ceiling windows and skylights.
The interior of Koru also offers a range of communal spaces and amenities, such as a dining room, a salon, a library, a spa, a gym, a pool, and a cinema. These spaces are designed to cater to the guests’ needs and preferences, whether they want to relax, socialize, or entertain. The interior of Koru also showcases Bezos’ collection of art and memorabilia, such as paintings, sculptures, and books, that reflect his interests and passions.
What is the history of the Koru?
The Koru was commissioned by Bezos in 2021, after he divorced his wife of 25 years, MacKenzie Scott. He reportedly paid $500 million or more for the yacht, which is equivalent to 0.25% of his fortune. The yacht was built in secrecy at Oceanco’s facility in the Netherlands, and was launched in August 2022. It underwent sea trials and testing before being delivered to Bezos in April 2023.
The Koru made headlines in February 2022, when it was announced that a historic bridge in Rotterdam would be partially dismantled to allow the yacht to pass through. The bridge, known as De Hef, is a national monument that dates back to 1927. However, the plan was later scrapped, and the yacht’s masts were stepped downstream of the bridge.
The Koru also has a support vessel, named Abeona, that follows it wherever it goes. The Abeona is a 75-meter (246-foot) yacht that was built by Damen, another Dutch shipyard. It provides additional crew accommodation, a helipad with enclosed helicopter storage, and capacity for relief supplies. The Abeona also carries Sanchez’s personal helicopter, an Airbus ACH-135.
Where is the Koru now?
The Koru made its public debut in May 2023, when it sailed to the Mediterranean and anchored off the coast of Mallorca, Spain. Bezos and Sanchez were spotted on board, enjoying the sun and the sea. They also visited some of the nearby islands and towns, such as Ibiza and Palma.
The Koru is expected to travel to other destinations around the world, such as the Caribbean, the Maldives, and New Zealand. Bezos may also use the yacht for his philanthropic and environmental initiatives, such as the Bezos Earth Fund, which he launched in 2020 with a pledge of $10 billion to combat climate change.
The Koru is not only a stunning example of engineering and design, but also a reflection of Bezos’ personality and vision. It is a yacht that combines innovation, elegance, and adventure, and that showcases the power and wealth of the Amazon king.
The Conclusion
Koru is more than just a yacht, it is a masterpiece of engineering, design, and innovation. It is a reflection of Bezos’ vision and ambition, as well as his love and appreciation for Sanchez. It is a vessel that offers unparalleled luxury and comfort, as well as adventure and discovery. It is the ultimate superyacht experience, and one that only a few can enjoy.
If you are interested in learning more about Koru, or other superyachts, you can visit SuperYachtFan or SuperYacht Times, two of the leading online sources for superyacht news and information. You can also follow Bezos on his Instagram account, where he occasionally posts pictures and videos of his travels and projects, including Koru. You might also like to read this article by BBC News, which explores the secretive and fascinating world of superyachts and their owners.
