Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon, has made headlines for his business ventures and extravagant lifestyle.
One of the most notable symbols of his wealth is his superyacht, Koru, which costs around $500 million. This 417-foot luxury sailing yacht, built by Oceanco, features three towering masts and is the tallest sailing yacht in the world.
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Inside the Superyacht Koru
Koru’s design is a marvel of modern engineering and luxury. The yacht boasts three decks, including one with a swimming pool, a gym, a spa, and a sauna. The interiors are crafted with the finest materials, providing unparalleled comfort and aesthetics.
Advanced technology enables Koru to be primarily powered by kinetic energy from its sails, reducing the need for a large crew and enhancing its environmental sustainability.
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Annual Operating Costs
Owning a superyacht like Koru involves significant annual expenses. The estimated cost to run and maintain Koru is about $25 million annually. Here’s a breakdown of these costs:
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Crew Salaries: The yacht accommodates up to 36 crew members. Given the high skill level required, annual crew salaries can be significant but specific figures are not disclosed in the sources.
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Maintenance: General maintenance, including repairs and refits, can reach tens of millions. According to Luxury Launches, refits alone can cost up to $20 million.
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Fuel: Refueling the yacht can cost upward of $500,000 due to its large fuel capacity.
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Insurance: The annual insurance cost for a yacht like Koru is around $5 million.
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Docking Fees: Docking fees in prime locations can be around $5,000 per night, totaling hundreds of thousands of dollars annually.
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Utilities and Amenities: Operating the onboard facilities and utilities, including electricity and entertainment systems, can potentially cost between $1 million and $3 million per year.
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Security: Additional security measures for such a high-value vessel can cost several million dollars annually.
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Luxury Maintenance: Maintaining the yacht’s luxury interiors and furnishings can range from $2 million to $5 million annually.
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Koru is often seen cruising in various luxury destinations around the world. However, it is primarily kept in European waters, especially in the Mediterranean. The yacht has also been spotted in the Caribbean and along the coasts of the United States, particularly near Bezos’s homes in Florida.
Bezos’s Spending Spree and Florida Homes
Jeff Bezos’s purchase of Koru is part of a broader pattern of high-value acquisitions. In addition to his superyacht, Bezos has been on a spending spree, acquiring multiple properties in recent years. He most recently invested in several luxurious homes in Florida’s exclusive “Billionaire Bunker.”
Bezos’s Net Worth Surge
In early 2023, Jeff Bezos’s net worth was $107 billion. By early 2024, it had surged to $177 billion, a $70 billion gain, according to Fortune. This translates to an increase of $191.8 million daily or about $8 million per hour. To put this into perspective, Bezos earns the equivalent of the median lifetime earnings of a typical U.S. worker ($1.7 million in 2023) in about 12.76 minutes.
Bezos’ spending habits reflect his vast wealth and interest in maintaining a luxurious lifestyle while expanding his investments in various sectors.
Koru is a prime symbol of his wealth and taste for luxury. The costs associated with owning and operating such a vessel are substantial, but they are a mere fraction of his overall fortune. As Bezos continues to expand his real estate holdings and enjoy his time on Koru, his lifestyle remains a topic of fascination and envy.
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This article It Costs $25 Million A Year To Keep Jeff Bezos’ $500 Million Luxury Superyacht Afloat — But He Earns That In Just 3 Hours originally appeared on Benzinga.com
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