Jeff Bezos, the billionaire, is either a sagacious man or extraordinarily lucky, having amassed a staggering fortune of $178 billion in less than three decades (first becoming a millionaire in 1997). Speaking of luck, the Amazon co-founder indeed seems to hold a belief in its power, as evidenced by the striking figurehead on his $500 million megayacht, Koru. This 416ft luxury vessel, shared with his soon-to-be-wife, boasts a polished wooden sculpture on its prow, depicting a Roman Goddess.
For many months, speculation was rife that this figurehead resembled Lauren Sanchez, the helicopter pilot and Bezos’ partner. However, after nearly six long months, it was clarified that the goddess-like figurehead on the Koru sailing yacht was not her In fact, the figurehead represents Freyja, the Norse goddess of love, fertility, war, and gold, a favorite mythological figure of Bezos.
Figureheads, particularly female ones, were historically seen as symbols of good luck and became immensely popular in the 19th century. This tradition harkens back to the Maori war canoes, which were decorated with carvings and figures to guide them across the waters.
Koru, a name signifying new beginnings and continuity in the Māori language, honors this tradition with its elaborate figurehead made from polished wood. According to Boatsafe, a top-quality figurehead is typically carved from a single piece of wood, and such an artwork, crafted from a substantial tree, could weigh over four tons. The imposing stature of Koru’s figurehead on the 417-foot Oceanco vessel suggests it might weigh upwards of five tons. The wooden artwork is adorned with a pendant bearing the Māori “koru” symbol. The sculpture, resplendent in a flowing gown and with long hair, adds a distinctive charm to the yacht.
While the Koru Yacht, one of the largest and most advanced pleasure crafts in the world, might not need a good luck charm, its figurehead certainly contributes to its unique recognition, aside from its towering 230-foot masts. For the engaged billionaire couple, who often find themselves in the global spotlight aboard their luxurious ship, such totems of luck and protection are likely welcome.
The couple has celebrated significant moments on the Koru, from marriage proposals to enjoying their union, celebrating with high-profile friends like Oprah, Bill Gates, Kris Jenner, and cruising the most picturesque locales of the Mediterranean for extended periods, they did it all aboard Koru Yacht. Ever since receiving the yacht in May 2023, the much-in-love couple went from the Balearic Islands, Cannes, Saint-Tropez, Capri, Sardinia, Portofino, and the Baltic countries.
They have indeed created a lifetime of memories aboard the Koru and its $75 million shadow vessel, the Abona Yacht. The support vessel also caters to the centibillionaire’s lady love and has a helipad to help Sanchez take to the skies.
Currently, the $500 million schooner is cruising the Caribbean Sea and was recently spotted at St. Thomas Port in the US Virgin Islands. It remains to be seen whether the lady luck of Koru will work its magic and see Bezos and Sanchez wed aboard the Oceanco schooner as well.
