The 127m (416'8") Oceanco sailing yacht 'KORU' (ex. Oceanco Y721) is currently undergoing her final outfitting stage at Damen's Greenport shipyard in the Netherlands before she commences her sea trials.
Commissioned by entrepreneur and Amazon founder, Jeff Bezos, the 3-masted schooner KORU, known throughout the build as Oceanco Project Y721, is nearing completion and due for delivery in 2023.
Constructed with a steel hull and aluminum superstructure at Oceanco's facilities in Alblasserdam, sailing yacht KORU was later moved before stepping her masts to avoid dismantling the Koningshaven Bridge amid local dissent. The yacht was transported via Dordrecht and Spijkenisse (Oude Maas) to Damen's Greenport yard in Rotterdam where her masts were fitted. In August, the yacht was spotted in the Port of Rotterdam after her trio of masts had been successfully stepped, with pictures showcasing the towering sailing spars, reportedly 70-80 meters tall.
She is now completing her final outfitting stage before undertaking the all-important sea trials to test her capabilities and sea worthiness. The vessel will be the longest superyacht ever build in The Netherlands.
KORU will replace Oceanco’s BLACK PEARL for second place in the world's largest sailing yacht rankings behind Nobiskrug's 143m (469ft) sailing yacht A. It is understood that the yacht will be officially christened KORU upon delivery, and will operate under the Cayman Islands' flag.
Exterior Design
Reportedly taking its design cues from the 93-meter Lurssen sail yacht EOS, the yacht features a midnight-blue hull with an elongated bowsprit and traditional canoe stern, with classic lines reminiscent of some of the finest schooners in the world.
As expected from a tech entrepreneur, known for pushing boundaries and driving innovation, sailing yacht KORU will be trialing a prototype for a new kinetic energy recovery system. This is based on a conversion of wave induced motion, heave, pitch and roll into electric energy, with initial tests showing early promise.
With a nod to her green credentials, this will provide an additional power source for the yacht allowing for more enhanced sustainable cruising.
Interior Design
Oceanco's newest yacht is understood to have an internal volume of 3,300 GT and will undoubtedly offer a wealth of luxurious accommodation and amenities. Sailing yacht KORU benefits from full-length windows across her superstructure allowing plenty of light to infuse her elegant interiors.
Guest Accommodation
With her wide beam the 127-meter yacht is expected to offer generous accommodation spaces for her guests, equipped with the finest linens and state-of-the-art technology.
Onboard Comfort & Entertainment
Sailing yacht KORU will be served by the 75 meter (247ft) Damen support vessel WINGMAN. This yacht will be equipped with KORU's larger toys, rumored to include a submarine for thrilling excursions beneath the waves a la Jules Verne, plus a helipcopter and landing pad. She is also believed to house an array of PWCs, as well as a speed boat and a luxury car, as well as providing accommodation for addtional crew and staff.
Amenities
Although we have little information about the yacht's features, we do know that she will have an aft dip pool on her main deck, along with a further Jacuzzi on her sundeck and variety of alfresco social spaces. Pictures show that she also has a crow's nest attached to her central mast, offering lofty panoramic views for her more adventurous guests.
Access to sailing yacht KORU will be via folding side passerelles, discreetly hidden in the yacht's hull on either side. Rescue and work tender launches will likely take place further forward, as per regulations. Recent pictures show a large hatch opening in her lower deck aft, which may contain further tenders and toys, but may also double as a beach club.
Performance & Range
KORU is expected to be 3,300 GT, built with a steel hull and aluminium superstructure, with teak decks. She was built to Lloyds Register ✠ 100A1 SSC Yacht Mono, G6, ECO(IHM) ✠ LMC UMS classification society rules.