It is big. Really big. When you see Koru—the name Jeff Bezos chose for his massive sailing vessel—the first thing that hits you isn't just the length. It's the height. Those three masts towers over the water at roughly 70 meters high. That is nearly 230 feet of carbon fiber and tension reaching into the sky. Most people look at the $500 million price tag and stop there. They think it's just another billionaire trophy.
Honestly? It is way more complicated than that.
The Koru Reality Check
You've probably heard the rumors about the bridge in Rotterdam. Back in 2022, there was this massive local outcry because it looked like the historic Koningshaven Bridge might have to be dismantled just to let the ship pass. People were literally planning to egg the yacht. In the end, Oceanco (the Dutch builder) just towed the hull to a different yard without the masts attached. Problem solved, but the "villain" narrative stuck.
The name itself, Koru, is a Māori word. It represents a new beginning or growth, shaped like a spiraling fern frond. It’s a bit ironic considering the yacht is built with a classic, almost old-world aesthetic. We’re talking about a black hull, wood-heavy interiors, and a silhouette that looks like it belongs in the 19th century, not the 21st.
But don't let the "classic" look fool you. This thing is a kinetic beast.
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Why Koru Needs a "Shadow"
Here is something most people totally miss: Koru doesn't have a helipad. If you're Jeff Bezos, you probably don't want to spend three days on a tender boat just to get to shore for a meeting. Since the masts are so massive and the rigging is so complex, there's no safe place to land a helicopter on the main deck.
The solution? He bought a second, 75-meter "support" ship called Abeona.
- Abeona acts as the garage.
- It carries the helicopter (obviously).
- It hauls the jet skis, the smaller speedboats, and the "toys."
- It houses about 45 extra crew and security staff.
Basically, the "new yacht" is actually a two-ship fleet. While Koru is for the living and the luxury, Abeona is the workhorse that follows a few miles behind.
Life Onboard: 127 Meters of Privacy
What is it actually like inside? Since Bezos keeps things incredibly private, we have to look at the specs and the few shots captured in places like St. Barths or the French Riviera. The interior was handled by Mlinaric, Henry & Zervudachi. They are known for a style that is "quiet luxury"—lots of natural wood, neutral tones, and zero "bling."
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The layout accommodates 18 guests. That seems like a small number for a boat that’s 417 feet long, right? But remember, the crew-to-guest ratio is almost 2-to-1. You have 36 to 40 professionals on board at any given time making sure the champagne is cold and the sails are trimmed.
The propulsion is a hybrid of sorts. It has two MTU diesel engines for when the wind isn't cooperating, hitting speeds of about 20 knots. But when those sails are up? It is one of the most efficient ways to move something that weighs 3,300 tons across the ocean.
The Teak Controversy and "Green" Optics
You can't talk about Jeff Bezos new yacht without mentioning the environmental friction. Just recently, in late 2024, Oceanco actually got hit with a fine—about €150,000—because of some "illegal" Myanmar teak used in the construction. Teak is the gold standard for yacht decks because it doesn't rot, but the trade of it from Myanmar is heavily restricted due to the military junta there.
Then there is the carbon footprint. Critics love to point out that while Bezos has the $10 billion Bezos Earth Fund, his maritime lifestyle is... intensive. A boat this size can burn through hundreds of liters of fuel per hour even when idling.
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However, the maritime industry argues the opposite. Organizations like the Superyacht Builders Association point out that projects like Koru create thousands of high-paying jobs in naval engineering and specialized craftsmanship. It’s a weird tension between extreme luxury and global economic contribution.
Recent Sightings (January 2026)
As of early 2026, the yacht has been doing the standard billionaire "circuit." It was recently spotted in St. Barths for the New Year celebrations, anchored alongside other behemoths. It also spent a significant amount of time near Puerto Rico and the French Riviera. Wherever Bezos and Lauren Sánchez go, Koru (and the faithful Abeona) aren't far behind.
Practical Insights for the Rest of Us
You probably aren't in the market for a $500 million schooner. However, the tech being developed for Koru usually trickles down.
- Sailing is "In" Again: The move away from pure motor yachts toward sail-assisted vessels is a major trend. It’s a response to both fuel costs and the "optics" of sustainability.
- Shadow Vessels: More mid-sized yacht owners are starting to use "shadow" boats. Instead of trying to fit everything on one deck, they use a smaller second boat for the mess and the toys.
- Advanced Materials: The carbon fiber mast technology used on Koru is pushing the limits of what we can build for commercial shipping in the future.
If you want to track where the boat is right now, you can use AIS (Automatic Identification System) tracking sites like VesselFinder or MarineTraffic. Just search for "Koru" under the Cayman Islands flag. It’s a fascinating way to watch how the 0.1% move around the globe.
Bezos hasn't just built a boat; he's built a floating statement about how he views the future: a mix of old-school craftsmanship and high-tech efficiency. Whether you love it or hate it, Koru is now a permanent fixture of the high seas.
To keep up with how these vessels are impacting marine regulations, keep an eye on IMO (International Maritime Organization) updates regarding "superyacht emissions." The rules for these giants are getting stricter every year, and even Bezos isn't exempt from the changing tide of maritime law.