For the first time ever, Forbes has taken a deep dive into the world of superyachts owned by America’s wealthiest individuals. It turns out that while Middle Eastern royals and Russian oligarchs own the most valuable yachts, Americans own the most in terms of quantity, making up roughly one out of every four superyachts worldwide. The Forbes 400 list reveals that 40 members of America’s wealthiest individuals own at least 60 yachts collectively worth over $6 billion.
Some of the most extravagant yachts owned by American billionaires include Shahid Khan’s newly built 400-foot superyacht Kismet, which cost nearly $390 million and features luxurious amenities like fireplaces, floor-to-ceiling glass windows, and a jaguar-shaped bow. Eric Schmidt, the former Google CEO, purchased Khan’s previous yacht for $159 million after a failed attempt to buy another yacht allegedly owned by a sanctioned Russian oligarch. These high-profile yacht purchases highlight the passion that American billionaires have for luxury sea vessels.
The most valuable American-owned yacht listed in the Forbes compilation is Jeff Bezos’ Koru, a custom-built 417-foot sailing yacht estimated to be worth $500 million. While Bezos owns the most valuable yacht, David Geffen owns the largest one—the 453-foot Rising Sun, which boasts a basketball court that converts to a helipad and has hosted celebrities like Leonardo DiCaprio and Oprah Winfrey. Newell, the co-founder of Valve, owns the largest fleet of ships among America’s wealthiest individuals, with six yachts and several submarines managed through his maritime research organization Inkfish.
Despite the luxury and status that come with owning a superyacht, there are also risks and challenges involved. Tragedies like the sinking of Michael Lynch’s yacht Bayesian and accidents like the collision involving Laurene Powell Jobs’ yacht Venus serve as reminders of the potential dangers of yacht ownership. However, many American billionaires, like ex-Google CEO Schmidt and hedge fund founder Ray Dalio, also use their yachts for research and exploration purposes, showcasing a different side to their love for these floating mansions.
From Jeff Bezos’ extravagant sailing yacht Koru to Mark Zuckerberg’s massive Launchpad, the Forbes list of yachts owned by America’s wealthiest individuals reveals a world of luxury and opulence on the high seas. With values ranging from $2 million for Igor Olenicoff’s modest Rusalka to $500 million for Bezos’ Koru, these yachts represent the epitome of wealth and excess among America’s elite. Despite the challenges and controversies that come with yacht ownership, for many billionaires, owning a superyacht is a symbol of their success and a way to indulge in the ultimate luxury lifestyle.
