Superyachts have long been the playthings of the rich and famous. With more luxury yachts on the water than ever, some may wonder, “who owns these stunning mega yachts?” Not only is a private yacht the perfect escape from the paparazzi and media, but it also offers celebrities the chance to see the world on their own terms. Read on for five of the most famously owned superyachts on the water today.
David Geffen, Giga Yacht RISING SUN
Built by Lürssen in 2004, RISING SUN measures 452.7ft (138m) officially making it giga yacht status. The yacht was designed by legendary yacht designer Jon Bannenberg and purchased by American businessman and record producer, David Geffen in 2010. Initially built for Larry Ellison, Co-Founder of software company, Oracle Corporation. Geffen has famously hosted a number of A-list friends onboard including Leonardo DiCaprio, Oprah Winfrey, Julia Roberts and Sir Paul McCartney.
Image Credit: David Geffen – Yale School of Drama
RISING SUN can comfortably accommodate 18 guests in nine staterooms and has an impressive 45 crew members.
Jeff Bezos, S/Y KORU
Now billed as the world’s largest sailing, KORU was commissioned by Amazon Founder, Jeff Bezos by Dutch builder, Oceanco and launched in early 2023.
Image Credit: Jeff Bezos – Wired
The schooner was built with many details being kept private, however, KORU was seen on sea trials in February of this year, as covered by YATCO. She features a large pool, jacuzzi, beach club, and can accommodate 18 guests and 40 crew members.
Shahid Khan, Superyachts KISMET / Project JAG
Shahid Khan, the Pakistani American sports tycoon and businessman is no stranger to the superyacht world.
Image Credit: Shahid Khan – Forbes
His soon to be ex-yacht, KISMET was built by Lürssen in 2014, measures 213.4ft (95.2m) with space for 12 guests and 28 yacht crew members.
Khan will be upgrading to a larger Lürssen build when his current yacht, Project JAG is completed. The new giga yacht measures 400ft (122m) and features a helipad, swimming pool, elevator, and 11 staterooms for 20 guests. Khan is the notable owner of the Jacksonville Jaguars of the NFL, and the Fulham Football Club in the UK. Read more about Project JAG as YATCO covered her launch earlier this year.
Steven Spielberg, Giga Yacht SEVEN SEAS
The original SEVEN SEAS, built by Oceanco in 2011 and measuring 282ft (86m), now named MAN OF STEEL, features a helipad, swimming pool, jacuzzi, cinema, gym, sauna and space for 20 guests and 28 yacht crew members.
Image Credit: Steven Spielberg – IMDb
Steven Spielberg sold ex-SEVEN SEAS to make way for his new SEVEN SEAS yacht, also built by Oceanco and launched in 2022. The latest model sees an upgrade in both size and price tag – rumored to cost around $250 million, she measures 358ft (109m), also elevating Spielberg to giga yacht owner status. Spielberg is of course most famous for his directing skills, with such classic movies as Jaws, the Indiana Jones franchise and Jurassic Park.
Tiger Woods, Motor Yacht PRIVACY
Built by Christensen in 2004, PRIVACY is a 155ft (47m) motor yacht owned by golf legend, Tiger Woods.
Image Credit: Tiger Woods – Credit PGA
With space for 10 guests in five cabins, and nine yacht crew members, the tri-deck superyacht features an exterior yacht design by the Christensen team and interior design by Carol Williamson & Associates. True to its name, PRIVACY remains relatively obscure, with Woods using the yacht as a private escape, except when taking it to the Bahamas for the Hero World Challenge.
Looking to enter the world of yacht ownership? Contact one of our reputable brokers today to get the ball rolling.
If you’re not quite ready to sign on the dotted line of your own yacht, have you considered a yacht charter? Chartering a yacht is an excellent way to get a taste of the superyacht life. Start your yacht charter search with YATCO.
