Jeff Bezos’ $500M Superyacht Koru: Jeff Bezos’ 417-foot superyacht Koru, built by Dutch yard Oceanco, carries a reported price tag of about $500 million and ranks as the tallest sailing yacht in the world. But that’s not the only impressive things about this Yacht: the annual costs are the most shocking thing about this luxury item.
Its three towering masts let it sail under wind power, yet keeping the vessel ready (crew of around 36, refits, fuel, insurance and prime-location dockage) still runs close to $25 million each year.
That bill is pocket change for the Amazon founder: analysts peg his 2024 wealth gains at roughly $8 million an hour, meaning Koru’s annual upkeep is covered in just over three hours. The schooner has already been spotted from Mallorca to Miami, acting as the nautical arm of Bezos’ recent Florida real-estate spree.
Koru: A Sailing Masterpiece
Launched in 2023, Koru is named after the Māori word for “new beginnings,” symbolized by a spiral-shaped fern frond. It’s an appropriate title for a vessel that marks a new chapter in luxury seafaring.
Among its standout features:
- Three giant carbon-fiber masts enabling true wind-powered sailing
- Custom-designed interiors blending classic maritime design with modern luxury
- Private decks, multiple pools, and lavish guest suites
- Eco-friendly technologies aimed at reducing emissions
At 417 feet, Koru towers over most other yachts, offering a hybrid experience of elegance and raw sailing prowess rarely seen at this scale.
“Koru is not just a yacht; it’s a statement about modern luxury, blending tradition with cutting-edge innovation,” said a spokesperson for Oceanco.
Jeff Bezos’ $500M Superyacht Koru: The True Cost of Owning Koru
While Koru’s half-billion-dollar build price made headlines, its ongoing maintenance costs are even more mind-blowing. Experts estimate Bezos shells out roughly $25 million every year to keep the yacht operational and pristine. Here’s where the money goes:
- Crew Salaries: About 36 full-time crew members are required, including chefs, engineers, deckhands, and hospitality staff. Salaries alone are estimated to exceed $4 million annually.
- Docking Fees: Prime locations like Miami, Saint-Tropez, and Mallorca come with premium docking costs, often reaching $1 million per year.
- Fuel and Operations: Despite its sailing capabilities, engines and generators still demand expensive marine fuel and constant maintenance.
- Insurance: Insuring a half-billion-dollar vessel is no small feat, with premiums running into the seven-figure range annually.
- Refits and Repairs: Routine maintenance, refits, and upgrades are a must to keep a superyacht in top condition, costing millions every year.
“Maintenance is the invisible price of prestige in the world of superyachts,” said maritime analyst Richard Gibbons. “Operating costs can easily reach 5–10% of the yacht’s original value annually.”
Bezos’ Wealth: Koru’s Costs Covered in Hours
While $25 million a year would be unthinkable for nearly anyone else, for Jeff Bezos, it’s a relative footnote. According to Bloomberg Billionaires Index, Bezos’ net worth surged in 2024, with gains pegged at approximately $8 million per hour.
In simple math:
- $25 million ÷ $8 million/hour = just over 3 hours
In just a single morning of wealth accumulation, Bezos effectively funds Koru’s entire annual maintenance—a jaw-dropping testament to the scale of billionaire economics.
Koru: Sailing Across Bezos’ Florida Real-Estate Empire
Since its launch, Koru has been spotted across the globe, but especially along Florida’s exclusive coastlines. Bezos’ recent Florida real-estate spree, including the purchase of several mansions in Indian Creek Island, has made the Sunshine State a new playground for the tech magnate.
Notable Koru appearances include:
- Mallorca, Spain: Seen cruising alongside celebrity yachts during the 2024 Mediterranean season.
- Miami Beach: Docked near Bezos’ multimillion-dollar properties, attracting paparazzi and yacht enthusiasts alike.
- Bahamas and Caribbean: Frequent trips to secluded islands, reflecting Bezos’ penchant for privacy and luxury.
“Yachts are becoming the ultimate accessories for billionaires consolidating their lifestyle brands,” notes luxury market expert Fiona Davenport. “For Bezos, Koru is both a personal retreat and a visible symbol of his broader ambitions.”
Sailing Technology Meets Environmental Consciousness
One surprising aspect of Koru’s design is its eco-forward approach. While no sailing yacht is truly zero-emission, Koru’s massive masts enable it to operate under wind power more often than conventional motor yachts of similar size.
Key sustainability features:
- Hybrid propulsion systems reduce fossil fuel dependence.
- Advanced hull design enhances fuel efficiency.
- Eco-certified interiors minimize environmental impact without sacrificing luxury.
Still, critics argue that any vessel of this size inherently leaves a large carbon footprint. Nonetheless, compared to conventional motor yachts burning thousands of liters of fuel per day, Koru represents a step toward a greener yachting future.
The Superyacht Arms Race Among Tech Billionaires
Bezos’ Koru isn’t an isolated phenomenon. Tech billionaires are increasingly competing in an unofficial superyacht arms race, showcasing their wealth and personal tastes through custom megayachts.
Recent notable builds include:
- Mark Zuckerberg’s rumored exploration yacht, optimized for ocean research and adventure.
- Larry Ellison’s Musashi, blending classic Japanese design with cutting-edge engineering.
- Sergey Brin’s Dragonfly, emphasizing speed and sustainability.
“Koru is emblematic of how today’s elite view yachts—not just as leisure vehicles but as mobile extensions of their identities,” says Gibbons.
Final Thoughts: Luxury, Power, and the High Seas
For Jeff Bezos, Koru is more than a marvel of maritime engineering. It’s a floating fortress of luxury, a testament to innovation, and a potent symbol of his wealth and influence.
While most can only dream of setting foot aboard such a vessel, Koru offers a fascinating glimpse into the ways the world’s ultra-rich continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible—on land, in the air, and now, on the sea.
As the world watches Koru sail from Mallorca to Miami and beyond, one thing is clear: for Jeff Bezos, the sky—and the sea—is no limit.
