Yachts are becoming a popular escape for the wealthy amid a communist virus pandemic. Amazon.com founder Jeff Bezos is reportedly investing at least $500 million to build one of the world’s top megayachts.
Bloomberg reports that the yacht will also be equipped with another attached yacht that can be docked for helicopters. Bezos placed the order two years ago. More than a year and a half into the Communist virus (New Crown Pneumonia) pandemic, Amazon stock is profitable, and luxury yachts are becoming the new lifestyle for more and more wealthy people.
The project, called Y721, has been considered secret, according to the report. When completed, the yacht will be 127 meters (417 feet) long and span several decks with three massive masts, according to the website of its manufacturer, Dutch company Oceanco, and the little information provided by yacht enthusiasts through various online bulletin boards. This will make it one of the largest sailing yachts ever built in the Netherlands. The country has long been known for the super-rich building luxury vessels.
Sam Tucker, head of superyacht research at VesselsValue, said the superyacht market is swelling rapidly under the epidemic.
There are several high-profile shipyards along the inland waterways of northern Germany, which are packed with future superyachts under construction, as well as existing yachts undergoing refurbishment. In all, there are about 50 boats over 100 meters currently under construction, Tucker said.
As the Communist Party virus pandemic has cancelled parties frequented by the rich and famous and closed the land and air borders, yachts suddenly seem to be the place to go for private relaxation and parties. It is a good way to “keep social distance” while avoiding public “prying eyes”.
Aino Grapin, CEO of superyacht interior design studio Winch Design, says the current pandemic has brought new value to so-called adventure yachts, some of which can cruise 9,000 nautical miles without refueling.
“Clients can enjoy life at sea for a long time without having to go and mix with others,” she says. This has led more and more clients to turn their attention to luxury yachts.
The influx of customers has then turned industry practice upside down. Under normal circumstances, it would take years for even wealthy clients to work up the courage to buy a big boat. They would usually charter the boat first, then try to buy a smaller 100-footer. Now, brokers say, they’re buying big boats outright.
Part of the reason for such a splurge is that the epidemic has changed people’s lifestyles. Whereas before, rich people entertained their dozens of friends and family at their villas, now they host them on boats.
In 2019, Bezos was photographed on Hollywood mogul David Geffen’s yacht off the coast of Spain. The world’s richest man thus made headlines once again.
Vanity Fair reported at the time that Bezos was with model Karlie Kloss, investor Josh Kushner and his wife, and former Goldman Sachs CEO Lloyd Blankfein.
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