In the rarefied world of billionaire superyachts, where bigger is usually better, Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison learned an expensive lesson in practicality. His journey from owning the 454-foot Rising Sun, once the world’s second-largest private yacht, to the more modest but equally luxurious 288-foot Musashi tells a story of how sometimes less really is more—even when money is no object.
The Rising Sun: too big to sail
When Ellison commissioned the Rising Sun, his ambitions were clear: he wanted one of the longest private vessels in the world, specifically designed to out-measure Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen’s yacht. The resulting 454-foot floating palace, however, proved to be a classic case of “be careful what you wish for.”
Despite its imposing stature, the Rising Sun presented unexpected challenges. According to a 2007 article by The Wall Street Journal, the vessel was too large for most of the world’s prestigious marinas, forcing Ellison to dock alongside oil tankers and container ships in industrial ports—hardly the elegant berthing one might expect for a billionaire’s pleasure craft. When luxury harbors were the destination, the yacht had to anchor offshore, requiring passengers to make the journey to land via smaller tender boats.
The challenges extended beyond just logistics. The interior, despite its undoubtedly luxurious appointments, was described by one friend as “like walking in an empty mall,” with its Zen-like modern design creating an atmosphere that felt cold and imposing rather than welcoming. The lack of intimate spaces made the vessel feel more like a floating convention center than a private retreat.
Enter the Musashi: right-sized luxury
In 2011, Ellison unveiled his solution: the Musashi, a mere 288-foot superyacht that, while still enormous by any reasonable standard, represented a significant downsizing from the Rising Sun. Named after a legendary 16th-century Japanese samurai, the vessel reflected Ellison’s well-known appreciation for Japanese culture.
Built by the prestigious Feadship shipyard in the Netherlands, the Musashi married practicality with uncompromising luxury. The yacht’s design, crafted by Sinot Yacht Architecture & Design, masterfully fused Japanese minimalism with art deco elements, creating what the designers described as “subtle but unconquerable, with clear lines but many concealed elements.”
The Musashi’s more practical size did not come at the cost of amenities. The vessel features two master suites, accommodations for 18 guests served by a crew of 23, and a clever convertible space on the main deck that serves as both a basketball court and beach club when the tenders are launched. A sophisticated cinema/lounge area, spa, and gym round out the entertainment options, while a stunning glass elevator wrapped in a stainless steel and glass staircase connects all decks.
Perhaps the most striking aspect is the interior design, a testament to Ellison’s deep appreciation for Japanese aesthetics. Custom furniture, carefully selected materials, and notable artworks, including a specially illuminated Hiroshi Senju waterfall painting, create an atmosphere that manages to be both luxurious and intimate—precisely what the Rising Sun lacked.
The price of learning
With an estimated net worth of $205 billion, Ellison is currently the fourth richest person on earth. He is known for his eccentric personality and flamboyant showmanship, often making grand, theatrical statements. His love for competition and spectacle has shaped not only his business empire but also his larger-than-life public persona. However, downsizing his superyacht showcases his astuteness.
With an estimated value of $130-160 million, the Musashi is more than a substantial financial investment—it embodies the lessons Ellison learned from his time with the Rising Sun. The Oracle billionaire’s journey from supersize to right-size yacht ownership demonstrates that even in the world of ultra-luxury vessels, bigger isn’t always better.
As for the Rising Sun, Ellison eventually sold a share to friend and fellow billionaire David Geffen, marking the end of his experiment with one of the world’s largest private vessels. His new yacht, while still impressive in scale, proves that sometimes the true luxury lies not in having the biggest toy, but in having one you can actually enjoy.
In the end, Ellison’s yacht saga offers an unexpected lesson: even with unlimited resources, practicality matters. It’s a reminder that the perfect superyacht isn’t necessarily the largest one—it’s the one that best suits its owner’s lifestyle, no matter how many billions they might have in the bank.
