The Venus yacht is a floating representation of Apple co-founder Steve Jobs‘ obsession with innovation and designer Philippe Starck’s flair for minimalist design. While the $120 million vessel has made headlines for its sleek silhouette and cutting-edge tech, like a wheelhouse run by seven 27-inch iMacs, it’s actually a masterclass in perfection down to the tiniest detail.
Often admired for its futuristic aesthetic, what’s less talked about is the uncompromising craftsmanship behind it. Unlike many yachts that rely on Myanmar teak, which is frequently scrutinized for environmental and ethical concerns, the famously meticulous Jobs insisted on sourcing rare, high-quality poplar wood from León, Spain.
This fascinating detail was revealed by the University of León during the presentation of a forum on poplar. The sleek and splendid six-deck yacht features luminous teak decks and structural elements made from poplar, a material prized for its strength and lightness, qualities ideal for luxury shipbuilding.
Jobs was famously a stickler for perfection. And if he wasn’t willing to leave Laurene Powell Jobs with a half-finished boat, he certainly wouldn’t leave her with one that fell short of his uncompromising standards.
Despite his illness, he remained dedicated to the project, stating, “I know it’s possible I could die and leave Laurene this boat half-built, but I have to keep going, because if I don’t, it means I’m admitting I’m going to die.” Delivered in 2012, the 1,875 GT vessel sleeps 12 guests and is wrapped in floor-to-ceiling glass around the bridge and living spaces.
The interiors are understated and serene, with lighting, climate control, and possibly entertainment systems rumored to be iPad-controlled, staying true to the Apple ethos of seamless usability.
Of course, even near-perfection isn’t immune to mishaps. Last year, Venus, now owned by philanthropist Laurene Powell Jobs, collided with the iconic superyacht Lady Moura. Fortunately, the incident caused no serious damage, and Venus has since stayed clear of controversy.
That’s more than can be said for Jeff Bezos’ $500 million sailing yacht, Koru, which came under fire for using teak wood sourced from conflict-ridden Myanmar. The Dutch shipyard Oceanco, which built Koru, was fined $158,000 for its use of the controversial material, something the Feadship-built Venus has gracefully avoided.
