The exclusive world of superyachts has seen an influx of tech billionaires joining the ranks of owners in recent years. With their vast fortunes, figures like Jeff Bezos, Larry Ellison and Mark Zuckerberg have been able to commission some of the largest and most advanced yachts afloat. Here's a look at some of the biggest yachts owned by tech tycoons.
Larry Ellison's 138-meter Rising Sun
The 138-meter Rising Sun was built by Lürssen in 2004 for Oracle founder Larry Ellison. Designed by the late Jon Bannenberg, she has an aggressive, military-inspired profile with extensive use of glass. Rising Sun offers over 8,000 square meters of living space including a basketball court, cinema, and accommodation for up to 16 guests. Originally owned by Ellison, she was later sold to media executive David Geffen in 2010. With her vast size and amenities, Rising Sun remains one of the most iconic superyachts ever built.
Jeff Bezos' Rumoured 127-meter Sailing Yacht
Amazon founder Jeff Bezos is said to have commissioned a new 127-meter sailing yacht, Project Y721, currently under construction at Oceanco. If completed, it would be the largest sailing superyacht ever built, eclipsing the 142-meter Sailing Yacht A. With Bezos now among the world's wealthiest, Project Y721 is expected to break new ground in sailing yacht design and technology. Industry experts eagerly anticipate more details on Project Y721, which has since been christened, Koru.
Mark Zuckerberg's 107-meter Andromeda
Despite Facebook's denials, rumours persist that the 107-meter expedition yacht Andromeda belongs to founder Mark Zuckerberg. Built by Kleven in 2016, she features a rugged six-deck hull and vast 36-guest capacity. If confirmed as the owner, Zuckerberg would join fellow tech billionaires Ellison, Allen and Bezos in owning 100-meter-plus superyachts. Andromeda offers plenty of amenities to entertain up to 36 guests on long voyages.
Sergey Brin's 73-meter Dragonfly
Google co-founder Sergey Brin reportedly owns the 73-meter superyacht Dragonfly from SilverYachts. Delivered in 2009, she features fuel-efficient engines, long-range capabilities, and amenities like outdoor cinemas. Dragonfly assisted disaster relief efforts in Vanuatu after a devastating cyclone in 2015, demonstrating her capabilities.
Steve Jobs' 78-meter Venus
The late Apple founder Steve Jobs commissioned the futuristic 78-meter sailing yacht Venus before he passed away in 2011. Designed inside and out by Philippe Starck, she features curved glass surfaces and an iPhone-inspired walkway. The high-tech minimalist interiors remain highly confidential. Since Jobs' passing, Venus has been carefully maintained and upgraded by the Jobs estate.
Paul Allen's 126-meter Octopus
Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen owned the 126-meter expedition yacht Octopus before his death in 2018. Built by Lürssen in 2003, she pioneered standards for explorer yachts with long-range capability and a docking bay, helicopters, submarine and other amenities. Octopus was sold to a new owner in 2021.
Jan Koum's 99.9-meter Moonrise
WhatsApp billionaire Jan Koum is rumoured to be the owner of the 99.9-meter Feadship Moonrise delivered in 2020. Her elegant exteriors and modern interiors accommodate 16 guests across nine staterooms. She features a touch-and-go helipad, pool, and large deck spaces for relaxing. Moonrise has an impressive cruising range allowing her to cross oceans in comfort.
Larry Page's 60-meter Senses
Google co-founder Larry Page purchased the 60-meter explorer yacht Senses in 2011. Originally built by Schweers Shipyard, she features interiors by Philippe Starck and can host 12 guests. Equipped for global cruising, her extensive toys include jet skis, sea bobs, and a gyro-stabilised master suite. Senses undergoes regular upgrades and maintenance works to keep her ready for Page's adventurous expeditions.
Barry Diller's 92-meter Eos
Fashion designer Diane von Furstenberg and her billionaire husband Barry Diller own the 92-meter sailing yacht Eos, built by Lürssen in 2006. With three 61-meter masts designed by Fitzroy Yachts, Eos is the largest private sailing yacht in the world. Her opulent interior designed by François Catroux offers accommodation for 16 guests. Eos offers ample deck space to host the couple's high-profile friends.
Eric Schmidt's Rumoured 95-meter Whisper
Former Google CEO Eric Schmidt was linked in reports to the 95-meter Lürssen superyacht Project Shu, now known as Whisper after her 2023 sale. If confirmed as the owner, Schmidt would be joining the growing list of tech billionaires with 100-meter-plus superyachts. Details remain scarce on Whisper's amenities and interior design.
Evan Spiegel's Rumored 95-meter Bliss
Snapchat founder Evan Spiegel is rumoured to own the 95-meter Feadship superyacht Bliss, delivered in 2021. One of Feadship's younger billionaire clients, Spiegel would be making his mark with the large, modern Bliss if he is indeed the owner. Little is known about her interior details and naval architecture, as Spiegel has kept information private.
Registering a Yacht in Malta
Malta has become a popular flag state for superyacht registration thanks to its attractive tax benefits. Here are the requirements to register a yacht in Malta:
Submission of Documents
Advisors like the CSB Group act as intermediaries between owners and Transport Malta to prepare and submit all required documentation. This includes drafting certain documents and forms to kickstart the registration process.
Provisional Registration
Once the initial application is approved, Transport Malta issues a Provisional Certificate valid for 6 months. A fee is paid and the classification society inspects the yacht. This provisional status allows time to submit any additional original documents required.
Permanent Registration
Within the 6-month provisional period, advisors help provide any other documentation needed by Transport Malta. This includes specific requirements imposed by the authority. When complete, a Permanent Certificate is issued that must be renewed annually for a fee.
Experts guide owners through the entire process for smooth, efficient registration under the Malta flag. The two-step approach allows yachts to operate provisionally while all paperwork is finalised.
The massive yachts owned by tech billionaires represent the pinnacle of luxury travel and stand as symbols of their immense wealth and power. While only a select few can afford such lavish vessels costing hundreds of millions of dollars, the exclusivity of this elite club continues to drive the ambitions of Silicon Valley's richest figures. As more tech billionaires look to make their mark on the seas, superyacht registries like Malta stand ready to accommodate their lavish vessels and provide attractive registration benefits. The coming years will likely see more of these impossibly luxurious yachts hitting the water.
