Oceanco has officially handed over the world’s largest sailing yacht, KORU, to her new owner. Measuring in at an impressive 416.8 feet (127m), she departed the yard’s facilities en route to Gibraltar following the completion of her sea trials in February.
Image credit: Superyacht Times – Y721 yacht on sea trials
Record Breaking Launch
The new KORU yacht built for Amazon founder Jeff Bezos has overtaken the 350-foot (106.7m) S/Y BLACK PEARL to claim the title of the world’s largest sailing yacht*. At 127 meters in length, the yacht built by Oceanco is also the largest to have ever launched in the Netherlands, setting a remarkable new standard for sailing yachts globally.
*While S/Y A measures 468.6 feet (142.8m), she is technically considered a sail-assisted motor yacht. As such, rankings often exclude her when determining the largest sailing yacht in the world, cementing KORU yacht’s position as the leading traditional sailing yacht.
KORU is a breathtaking three-masted schooner featuring a striking blue hull and contrasting white aluminium superstructure. The elegant design draws inspiration from both classic sailing yachts and modern innovation, blending tradition with state-of-the-art features. Her graceful lines, multiple decks, and expansive aft area with a swimming pool provide an extraordinary platform for both relaxation and adventure at sea.
Design and Structure
The yacht features a robust steel hull to ensure maximum durability and safety in bluewater conditions, while the aluminium superstructure reduces weight and improves sailing performance. This combination is a hallmark of Oceanco’s engineering expertise and allows for greater stability without compromising on luxury.
The KORU yacht is not only a marvel in size but also in symmetry and craftsmanship. Her yacht built pedigree includes vast deck space, sweeping lines, and generous indoor and outdoor areas that can accommodate up to 18 guests across a spacious layout. The interiors are rumored to be refined and serene, echoing the owner’s taste for understated luxury.
KORU, formerly known as Project Y721, began construction in 2018. She first drew public attention in October 2021 when she emerged from the yard’s massive construction shed. Since then, anticipation has swirled around the vessel, especially given the high-profile nature of her owner and the ambition behind her creation. The name “KORU” itself is derived from the Māori word symbolizing ‘new beginnings,’ which fittingly reflects the yacht’s pioneering status.
Companion at Sea: Support Vessel ABEONA
Adding to the intrigue, support vessel ABEONA will reportedly accompany the KORU yacht on her voyages. This custom-built auxiliary craft ensures seamless logistics and exploration capabilities. The support vessel ABEONA is expected to house extra crew, equipment, water toys, and possibly even a helicopter, extending the operational and leisure range of the main yacht.
Like KORU, support vessel ABEONA features an advanced steel hull for resilience and global navigation, and likely integrates storage for tenders and submarines. The use of a support vessel has become increasingly popular among superyacht owners, allowing the primary yacht to remain uncluttered while maintaining a high level of service and functionality for 18 guests or more.
Materials and Sailing Excellence
Constructed with a blend of a steel hull and an aluminium superstructure, KORU embodies excellence in materials engineering. The deliberate pairing enhances the yacht’s performance under sail while minimizing weight where needed. Her blue hull and bold presence on the water are not just aesthetically striking—they signify a shift in the design language of large sailing yachts.
This yacht built by Oceanco stands out not just in terms of dimension but also in ambition. While exact specifications remain tightly held, industry insiders speculate that her sail-handling systems, navigational equipment, and hybrid propulsion setup represent the forefront of sailing yacht innovation.
Accommodations and Guest Experience
KORU has reportedly been designed to host 18 guests in absolute comfort and style. Whether enjoying the views from her towering masts or dining al fresco on the aft deck, guests will be immersed in a unique balance of serenity and sophistication. The interior is said to reflect the themes of nature and new life—consistent with her name—through organic materials, clean lines, and open, light-filled spaces.
While many of the yacht’s internal features remain confidential, the exterior already tells a compelling story. Her blue hull and sharp schooner rig make her instantly recognizable, while the aluminium superstructure adds modernity to a traditionally rigged vessel.
A Symbol of the New Age of Superyacht Sailing
KORU is more than a milestone in scale—she’s a symbol of a new era in sailing yachts, where heritage meets high performance and luxury is balanced by innovation. With her support vessel by her side, she is equipped for extended expeditions, remote cruising, and delivering an ultra-private experience to a select few.
