Simply because superyachts create 1,500 times more carbon that the average family car doesn’t mean they can’t be romantic. As of this week, Jeff Bezos may own the tallest mast boat in the world. The shimmering wooden figurehead on her bow was noted for her resemblance to the Amazon founder’s girlfriend, now engaged, TV personality Lauren Sánchez.
Bezos first ordered the boat from Dutch shipbuilder Oceanco five years ago, according to Daily Mail. Oceanco built the 416ft vessel in the Zwijndrecht port in Rotterdam. The $500million venture made headlines last year when Bezos offered to dismantle and rebuild the 100-year-old De Hef Bridge so his next massive ship could surpass its low clearance once ended. The locals threatened to egg her. Oceanco moved the project, transporting the yacht without its mainmasts.
Now complete, the vessel is called Koru, the Maori word meaning “loop” or new beginning. Paparazzi spotted Koru doing sea trials in February, a stunning cowl ornament in tow, complete with a pendant also resembling the Maori symbol of the boat’s name. The likeness of the robed goddess to Bezos’ beloved”live girlechoes classic, feminine elements of her beauty like full lips, hair, and chest. Oceanco has not commented on who designed the sculpture and whether it truly represents Sanchez.
Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez are seen visiting Chiringuito Casa Jondal on May 17, 2023 in Ibiza, Spain. Photo: MEGA/GC Images.
Bezos and Sanchez were spotted aboard the Koru for the first time this week off Mallorca, following its maiden voyage in April from the Netherlands to Spain via Gibraltar.
The Koru features an additional submarine, a 250ft support boat with helipad, a collection of supercars and speedboats on board, and interiors inspired by the former CEO’s own yacht by Fox, Barry Diller. As Bezos and Sanchez take the blue-and-gold painted Koru to the Cannes Film Festival and beyond, the media wonders if it is now the tallest sailing ship in the world. Maintenance will cost Bezos $25 million a year of the $124 billion fortune he has promised to charity.
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