Jeff Bezos’ $500M yacht that almost got egged now set to host his wedding

by

Jeff Bezos, creator of Amazon and currently ranked third wealthiest individual by Forbes, is preparing to wed aboard his extravagantly expensive megayacht, named Koru, valued at approximately $500 million. After an extended construction period filled with drama, the yacht has been in service since 2023.

Bezos’ $500 million Koru. From bridge drama to wedding venue

The sailing yacht known as Koru, crafted by Oceanco shipyard in the Netherlands, measures an impressive 127 meters. What truly sets it apart isn’t just its colossal dimensions, but its unique design. This vessel represents a contemporary interpretation of the traditional schooner, adorned with three towering masts, each standing roughly 70 meters high. The name Koru originates from a Maori term signifying fresh starts and growth, making it an apt selection for Bezos as he embarked on a new phase in his life following his resignation as Amazon’s CEO in 2021.

2022 saw quite a stir when I, this towering gaming rig, found myself unable to squeeze under Rotterdam’s iconic De Hef bridge due to my overextended antennae. The initial idea was to dismantle the bridge momentarily for me to pass, but the public wasn’t too keen – some went as far as threatening to bombard it with eggs! In the end, they discreetly relocated me sans antennae to complete construction off-site.

With its completion, Koru embodies the epitome of premium luxury. Capable of accommodating 18 guests alongside a crew of 40, it boasts an array of opulent amenities such as a spacious pool on the rear deck and stylish wooden decor. In addition, it is accompanied by a 74-meter auxiliary vessel named Abeona, which carries additional perks like helicopters, jet skis, and assorted recreational equipment.

However, the tale didn’t end at that point. In late 2024, yacht builder Oceanco faced a fine of €150,000 for incorporating illegally sourced teak wood from Myanmar in the construction of Koru. It was discovered that the wood had not been appropriately vetted, thereby breaching EU regulations.

Regardless of the challenges, Koru continues to sail smoothly, but maintaining it is costly. Approximately $25 million per year is needed for expenses like fuel, salaries for the crew, and elaborate upkeep costs.

It has been announced that Bezos and his fiancée Lauren Sánchez are planning their wedding sometime between June 24th and 26th, 2025, in Venice, Italy. There’s a strong possibility that Koru will be an important part of the festivities.

Read More

2025-05-16 12:32