Why would Bill Gates commission a one-of-a-kind, groundbreaking luxury vessel only to back out of the deal and list it before it even became a tangible reality? Now listed for $645 million, the Feadship vessel Breakthrough is the world’s first fuel-cell-powered superyacht. This raises the question, why would the centibillionaire, who essentially created a seafaring replica of himself, detach from such a prized possession? Could it be because the idea, and the yacht, belonged to Melinda Gates all along?
While it is purely speculative, publications, including Luxurylaunches, have consistently referred to Breakthrough as Bill’s pleasure craft. However, the inclusion of a cozy townhouse in the yacht, instead of sprawling master bedrooms and cabins spread across the decks, hints at Melinda’s preferences.
Delivered in 2024 after five years of meticulous work, the yacht was conceived and finalized while Bill and Melinda were still very much a couple. Their divorce, which sent them on different life paths, seemingly changed the fate of this mammoth vessel.
Melinda has been vocal about her distaste for their tech-laden $120 million mansion in Washington, often expressing her preference for simpler living. To remedy this, the pleasure craft features a “townhouse-by-the-sea,” a secluded, multi-level private residence within the yacht that offers unparalleled privacy and luxury. The townhouse boasts two bedrooms with twin bathrooms and dressing rooms, two offices (each equipped with a fireplace), a gym, and a living room. It is essentially a comprehensive private retreat.
In a recent interview, Melinda shared her love for a scaled-down lifestyle post-divorce, saying, “I live in a neighborhood. Now I can walk to little stores. I can walk to the drugstore. I can walk to a restaurant. I absolutely love it.” This sentiment aligns with the design of Breakthrough, further suggesting the yacht may have been intended for her.
While their divorce settlement details remain undisclosed, it is plausible that the 390-foot Feadship masterpiece went to Melinda, who is now worth $30 billion and can easily afford a boat this grand.
If so, Bill’s decision to sell his smaller yacht, Wayfinder, also makes sense. Without Breakthrough as the mothership, a support vessel like Wayfinder might no longer be useful. The tech tycoon listed Wayfinder with Edmiston for $59 million. Built in 2021 by Astilleros Armon, the 224-foot vessel is an impressive support and exploration yacht.
Currently, the 7,295 GT Breakthrough is also listed for sale through Edmiston, awaiting a new owner to helm this innovative maritime marvel. The ship features impressive amenities like 12 guest staterooms, two staff cabins, accommodation for 44 crew members, a hospital, library, elevator, cinema, pool with a moveable glass bottom, multiple hot tubs and much more.
