Jeff Bezos Reportedly Selling World’s Largest Sailing Yacht Koru Worth $500 Million Over Privacy Concerns

American business magnate Jeff Bezos is reportedly planning to sell his giant sailing yacht Koru, just three years after the vessel entered service.

The Amazon founder is said to be considering a private sale of the 417-foot yacht because it attracts too much public attention and has created several logistical problems due to its size.

Reports from the New York Post and Page Six said Bezos has also become unhappy with the vessel’s annual maintenance cost, which is estimated at around $50 million.

Built by Dutch shipbuilder Oceanco, Koru is currently known as the world’s largest sailing yacht.

The custom-built vessel reportedly took more than three years to complete and was built largely in secret in the Netherlands.

The yacht is estimated to be worth around $500 million and is supported by a second vessel named Abeona.

The 250-foot support yacht reportedly cost around $75 million and carries the helipad because Koru’s tall sails left no space for one on the main vessel.

Koru can accommodate up to 18 guests and requires a crew of around 36 people.

One of the yacht’s most talked-about features is the sculpture on its bow, which resembles Bezos’s wife, Lauren Sanchez, designed in the style of a mermaid figurehead.

The yacht has played a major role in the couple’s relationship. Bezos reportedly proposed to Sanchez while onboard the vessel, and the couple later held engagement celebrations there.

Last year, Koru was also linked to their wedding celebrations in Venice.

Over the past three years, Bezos and Sanchez used the yacht extensively in destinations including Saint-Tropez, Capri and Sardinia.

Several celebrities have also been spotted onboard, including Kim Kardashian, Leonardo DiCaprio, Katy Perry, Oprah Winfrey and Usher.

Despite its luxury image, the vessel has faced several operational issues because of its massive size.

One of the biggest controversies came during Koru’s construction in the Netherlands when reports said the historic Koningshaven Bridge in Rotterdam might need temporary dismantling so the yacht could pass through.

The bridge, also known as De Hef, is nearly 95 years old.

The proposal caused public anger in the city, with some residents threatening to throw rotten eggs and tomatoes at the yacht.

The plan was later dropped, and Koru was quietly moved to another shipyard without its masts attached.

The yacht has also struggled to access certain ports because of its dimensions. Per reports, Bezos faced difficulties during events such as the Monaco Grand Prix, where the yacht could not get close to the main harbour area and required the use of tender boats.

A similar issue reportedly happened in Venice Lagoon, where the yacht was unable to enter parts of the port because of its size.

In 2023, Koru was also reportedly too large to dock in parts of the Florida Everglades and had to moor near commercial shipping areas alongside oil tankers and container ships instead.

The name Koru comes from the Māori language and means “loop” or “coil,” a symbol associated with new life.

While no official sale announcement has been made, reports suggest Bezos may now be looking for a smaller and more private vessel after years of constant public attention surrounding Koru.

References: telegraph, luxurylaunches