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Bill Gates Yacht: Everything You Want To Know

In 2020 the yachting world was abuzz with news that Bill Gates had bought as stunning and advanced yacht known as Project Aqua. The massive, 370-foot concept yacht was revealed in 2019 at the Monaco Yacht Show and news soon followed that billionaire Bill Gates, once the richest man in the world and the founder of Microsoft, had commissioned the construction of his own hydrogen-powered Aqua. But that never actually happened and, in fact, as near as anyone can tell for real, Bill Gates doesn’t own a yacht at all. 

So where did the story come from? What’s the deal with the Aqua? And hasn’t Bill Gates been pictured on a yacht before? Let’s get some answers.

How Much Did the Aqua Yacht Cost at the Monaco Yacht Show?

According to the stories online, Bill Gates paid $600 million for the hydrogen powered yacht. But that’s not true at all. According to the yacht makers, the Dutch company Sinot, the price tag is $645 million but no one bought it after it was revealed at the Monaco Yacht Show, and that includes Bill Gates. It’s expensive but definitely not the most expensive in the world.

How Fast is the Aqua Yacht?

Aqua is a unique yacht in the yachting world which is why it garnered so much attention in the first place. It’s the first mega yacht that runs on a fully operational liquid hydrogen and fuel cell system that features two hydrogen engines that can produce 1,341 horsepower. The top speed is 17 knots and  the Aqua has a cruising speed of 12 knots. The total range is 3,750 nautical miles. The liquid hydrogen is stored in two 28-ton vacuum sealed tanks where it can be held at -253 degrees C. The only exhaust is water.

What Does the Interior of  the Aqua Yacht Look Like?

The Aqua has 7 suites meant to house up to 14 guests at any given time. Two of those suites are larger VIP cabins. The ceilings throughout are 9 feet and stretch as high as 12.5 feet elsewhere thanks to the luxury Sinot yacht architecture. The vessel has room for a crew of 31 as well. The beach deck lounge aboard the boat alone looks like a luxury hotel space.

The Aqua features a bow observation room which is surrounded by windows to give a panoramic view of the ocean which has been described as the “ultimate superyacht owners lounge.” In addition, there’s a movie theater on the upper deck. It also includes a wellness center with a hydro massage room. You can also do some yoga in a workout space. There’s a fully equipped gym, a beauty salon, and even a hairdresser.

Up on the main deck there’s a luxury swimming pool that even includes a waterfall. One of the yacht’s defining features is the spiral staircase that covers all five decks and is covered by a skylight. On the way up it also offers a view of the interior of the hydrogen fuel tanks so you can see just what 56 tons of ultra cold liquid hydrogen looks like as you move between decks. 

The tender garage has an array of toys such as jet skis while the main deck features a beach club with a dining area designed for all 14 guests and a lounge that converts into the cinema space.

What Yacht Has Bill Gates Actually Been On?

Bill Gates does seem to like yachts, just not enough to spend his money owning one, and that’s fair. Yachts cost millions to maintain every year. No one got rich spending millions to maintain a boat.

That said, Bill Gates has not only vacationed on yachts – he spent his 66th birthday on one – he also got married on a yacht.

In 2021, Gates made the news when he celebrated his 66th on board a luxury yacht called the Lana alongside Jeff Bezos. He spent $2 million to charter the yacht for a week and flew 50 guests out to celebrate with him. 

The Lana is a 351 foot yacht with room for 12 guests and a cruising speed of 12 knots with a max speed of 18 knots. The master suite is 1,184 square feet. The room features his and hers walk-in dressing rooms and a private terrace.

Elsewhere on board you’ll find a piano in the lounge area as well as a full gym for working out. There’s both a sauna and a well-appointed spa as well. On deck you can head to the beach club or take a dip in the pool. 

There are three tenders in the garage alongside a bunch of toys including various jetskis, a seabob, wakeboards, WindSurfers, fishing equipment, scuba diving equipment and more. 

Back in 2014, Gates rented an even more expensive yacht, the $5 million per week Serene, to go on a vacation with his family. The Serene, once owned by  Russian vodka magnate Yuri Shelfer before being purchased by the crown prince of Saudi Arabia, clocked in at a massive 450 feet making it one of the world’s biggest and even had its own on board submarine

The Serene features 7 decks, a saltwater pool, a climbing wall, a surprisingly large library, health spa, outdoor cinema and a nightclub. This is all spread across 48,000 square feet.

It’s also been confirmed that Gates met his wife Melinda on a yacht owned by Paul Allen, the co-founder of Microsoft, all the way back in 1994. 

Why Do People Think Bill Gates Owns the Aqua?

It’s easy to see why people may have thought Gates owned the Aqua when you consider a handful of factors. First, as mentioned, we have lots of evidence that Bill Gates really does enjoy luxury yachts. The extremely high price tag was something that only a few people in the world are going to be able to afford and Gates, who doesn’t own a yacht, seems like a likely candidate for those reasons. 

In addition, Gates has spent several years now as a climate activist and has supported a number of green technologies. A yacht that runs on hydrogen seems like something he would support as well. So, with no real evidence, the circumstantial evidence was enough to easily convince people. Once it’s presented as fact on the internet, and it was in many articles and videos, few people had reason to question it. 

The Bottom Line

The mega yacht known as the Aqua has a price tag of $645 million and it runs on clan burning hydrogen fuel. The only byproduct of its operation is water, making it a very environmentally friendly yacht. It made waves, so to speak, when it debuted at the Monaco Yacht Show in 2019. Rumors soon began to spread that billionaire and known climate activist Bill Gates had ordered one for $600 million. However, despite many videos and articles that refer to him as the owner, the truth is no one bought the Aqua at the yacht show and, as of 2023, Bill Gates does not own a yacht at all. He is know to charter extremely luxurious yachts for vacations and parties, such as the Lana and the Serene, but he does not own any just now.

My grandfather first took me fishing when I was too young to actually hold up a rod on my own. As an avid camper, hiker, and nature enthusiast I'm always looking for a new adventure.

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The World's First Hydrogen-Powered Superyacht Has a $644 Million Price Tag

By Nick Mafi

Superyachts seemed to be among the last modes of (luxe) transportation to bend toward the growing consumer demand for eco-friendly engine designs. But if news from last week’s Monaco Yacht Show served as a bellwether, the industry meant to cater to the wealthiest among us made a progressive splash with the unveiling of Aqua, the world's first hydrogen-powered superyacht.

Designed by the Dutch firm Sinot Yacht & Architecture Design, Aqua is a nearly 400-foot-long vessel that's run entirely by a renewable energy source. "Water is the eternal fuel of life, the life-sustaining force that makes planet Earth habitable," says Sander Sinot, founder of the firm that bears his name. "Water is soft, yet at the same time it cuts through hard rocks." It was this appreciation of water that helped the firm find balance between the natural world and the technological. The propulsion system is made up of two 28-ton vacuumed tanks that each contain liquified hydrogen which are stored at -423 degrees Fahrenheit. Along with being eco-friendly, hydrogen-based energy means for a quieter experience aboard the ship in comparison to traditional engines. That said, there will be backup diesel generators handy should the captain ever need them.

The infinity pool aboard AQUA. 

There was much confusion on Monday if there was already a buyer who had paid the hefty $644 million price tag. Reports spread throughout the internet that billionaire Bill Gates had purchased the superyacht, rumors that proved to be false. Yet readers couldn't be blamed for believing such reports, as images show Aqua to include its own infinity pool, helipad, spa, and gym—amenities meant to attract billionaires such as Gates.

An aerial view of the superyacht shows how close passengers can get to the water, as well as the cascading design of the infinity pool.

Sinot and his team designed the vessel to safely bring passengers as close to the water as possible. "Water is relaxation; it makes us calmer and more creative," Sinot comments. "We wanted to provide those on board with the closest possible proximity to the water. The aft deck features an innovative series of platforms cascading down towards the sea, while a large swim platform allows all passengers to enjoy the optimal experience of accessing the water at sea level."

One of the bedrooms inside of Aqua shows a minimalist aesthetic. 

Aqua can reach speeds of up to 19.5 mph and features enough room for 14 guests and 31 crew members. The firm plans to complete the vessel by 2024.

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Bill gates reportedly orders $644m hydrogen-powered superyacht with gym, helipad, infinity pool.

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Bill Gates reportedly has his eye on the world’s first hydrogen-powered superyacht — a $644 million, environmentally friendly oasis on the sea with its own infinity pool, helipad, spa and gym.

The billionaire Microsoft co-founder was initially rumored to have already commissioned the 370-foot luxury Aqua yacht in a report Sunday in the UK paper The Telegraph.

However, the Dutch design firm Sinot insisted Monday that Aqua had yet to be sold to Gates, stressing it did not yet have a “business relationship” with the second-richest person in the world.

“We invite any visionary client to show their interest,” insisted the company — clearly aiming at eco-warrior billionaires just like him, with designer Sander Sinot saying the inspiration was “the lifestyle of a discerning, forward-looking owner.”

The vessel is powered by two 28-ton vacuum-sealed tanks cooled to minus-423 degrees Fahrenheit and filled with liquid hydrogen — with the only emission being water, according to the report. It will reach a top speed of 17 knots (19.5 mph) and be able to cross the Atlantic, the report says.

While far from the world’s largest yacht, plans show extreme luxury for the 14 guests and 31 crew members who can be accommodated.

It includes its own fully equipped gym, yoga studio, beauty room, massage parlor and a stunning outdoor infinity pool.

Along with luxurious bedrooms, there are numerous outdoor lounges, a giant spiral staircase and an amazing observation room at the front.

Gates’ main motivation in wanting to commission the yacht would be to signal his backing for new, clean technology to cut carbon emissions, the Telegraph said.

He regularly takes superyacht vacations — but usually rents yachts rather than owning his own.

Whoever buys it will not be able to enjoy it for a few more years, however, with the report saying Aqua will not be ready until 2024.

The Gates Foundation and Gates Ventures declined to comment to the Telegraph for its report.

“Aqua is a concept under development and has not been sold to Mr Gates,” Sinoit insisted.

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Lana: On board the 107m Benetti for charter from €1.8m a week

At 107 metres, Lana is one of the biggest superyachts ever to be launched by Italian shipyard Benetti and is currently hitting the headlines as the charter yacht of choice of Bill Gates and party guest Jeff Bezos. Take a glimpse on board...

At 107 metres, you’d think the most noteworthy features of Lana might be her sweeping dimensions or the warren of spa facilities in her belly. But actually, it’s the minutiae – because every chair, door, nut, bolt and widget of this vast yacht represents a careful judgement by a fastidious and deeply involved owner.

“This is the first build Imperial has ever done where the owner was climbing around the bilges, checking the spaces – his idea of quality went down absolutely to the nth degree,” says Julia Stewart, director of Imperial, which oversaw the build for the owner. Fittingly for such a mindset, Imperial has a microscopic approvals process that means “hundreds and hundreds” of samples are sent to the principal, and then on to the yard for reference: “Every fabric, every little hinge, every door handle, every piece of carpet – everything,” says Stewart. While potentially onerous for a builder, she believes this way of working ultimately benefits everyone, because when a subcontractor asks, “Is this OK?” the builder can point to the sample and say, “No, this is the standard.” And that, says Stewart, was a fundamental plank of the brief – vertiginously high quality.

The yard in this case was Benetti, the Tuscan builder who launched three 100-metre-plus yachts in just 100 days between 2018 and 2019 – all three were on site together at one point. Lana , the second, was arguably the “most Benetti” of the three, penned inside and out by the yard’s own design teams. In the last decade, Benetti had built a 90-metre ( Lionheart ) and a few boats around  the 70-metre mark, but it is better known for its  50- to 65-metre superyachts. 

Constructing three “gigayachts” at the same time, therefore, involved a serious change of gear. To this end, the yard  built three 130-metre-long sheds and took over a Livorno dry dock that could take 80,000 tonnes, for launching and recovering the yachts. They also moved staff to an office closer to the dry dock when the boat was there, so they could keep an eye on her. The on-site manpower required was enormous: whereas a “standard” build would involve 100 workers, Lana required 300 people on the yacht every working day for four years – and that ramps up to 1,800 if you count those working on the project off-board. To manage the build – and all the extra staff – Benetti’s usual managerial team of five per yacht grew to 20 for Lana .

And then there was Covid-19. “It was close to being finished but about six months before delivery, it hit,” says Stewart. “Obviously a lot of contractors were affected by it. Tuscany wasn’t affected as much as further north but all the contractors’ facilities are up there.” There were also issues with getting flag surveyors to the boat, although having 18 crew on board added a helpful flexibility for such visits. The yard, meanwhile, kept the project moving and did not close.

Leading the charge for Benetti was Elisabetta Maria Di Noto, who joined as project manager in 2018, fresh from the build of Lionheart , Benetti’s flagship before the 100-metre-plus hat-trick. “The giga client is very different from, say, the ‘normal’ client,” she says, describing the approach of Lana ’s owner. “He’s a very powerful person, a very precise person, firm and confident – the highest-demand client I’ve ever met.” The yacht was to be a reflection of those qualities, and to that end, “he followed every single phase of the construction, every single design, every line.”

During ideas meetings, more and more horizontal elements were removed from the exterior design until only long, low lines were left, with mild undulations for balconies and wing stations. “The extreme horizontal lines give it a very robust, masculine persona,” says Benetti exterior designer Michele Guerrieri, “while the three-dimensional elements add fluidity and elegance to that.” Despite this sleek appearance, the 2.7-metre head-heights are described by all involved as the most astounding aspect of the interior – a magic trick you can only pull off in a boat this big. “It’s almost cathedral-like,” says Stewart. “It’s a very airy, light boat.”

This frame is flattered, says Di Noto, by “soft colour palettes that offer a feeling of tranquillity.” The idea was a relaxing interior that was neutral enough that you would not get bored after a few cruises. The natural materials that run through the decor – largely leather, ayous wood and marble – have been worked by Italian artisans, whose skill is a point of pride for Benetti. “I don’t like fussy objects and endless detail,” says Benetti interior designer Mauro Izzo. “There needs to be a balance – not too much, not too little, but everything has  to be special.”

The main saloon is suitably grand, with pale grey sofas by the Luxury Living Group arranged around a white leather, marble and stainless-steel coffee table, which was designed by Izzo and built by Viareggio furniture-maker Sealine. Forward, the dining saloon is flooded with light via huge sliding glass doors that entirely open up the space on both sides. The dining table is made of wood, leather and stainless steel, inset with an engraved brass panel, while each chair is “inset with a hand-carved crystal lion.”

The combination of airy dimensions and decorative mastery is also on show in the bridge deck master suite. Full beam, on a yacht with a 14.4-metre beam, is something to behold. In the cabin there’s space enough for seating areas both to port and starboard, while full-width sliding doors on to broad balconies open up the space even more. The suite’s study features a custom-made desk with Bentley armchairs and bespoke lamps decorated with tiger’s eye gemstones to complement the suite’s cream carved carpets and milk chocolate-toned ayous wood. The bathroom forward is lined with cool crema marfil marble that was selected in Valencia and worked to a polish in Sicily. “It’s luxurious without being aggressive; it’s opulent but accessible,” says Izzo.

The area also showcases a more pragmatic aim of the project – privacy – in both the spatial sense and in terms of sound transfer. To the first point, the master suite is self-contained, with its own pantries. It’s also positioned on the bridge deck, between two non-social spaces – the bridge zone, with the captain and first officer’s cabins, and the stairwell. If the suite were in an aft deck position, there might be a deck space connected to the lower decks via stairs, or at least a view of those decks. Here, the master cabin benefits from two broad but very private balconies: “we have ceramic heating outside here,” notes Stewart. Throughout the boat, the intersection between guest and crew areas has also been carefully routed and planned.

And sound? Well, the boat has been strategically and amply insulated to keep auditory separation between spaces. In the 80-square-metre bridge deck piano lounge you’ll hear the tinkling ivories, rather than the state-of-the-art Sonus Faber Olympica sound system of the saloon-cum-cinema just forward (which is connected but can be closed off via highly insulated sliding doors).

Top-quality, reliable tech was another facet  of the brief, and it’s everywhere, down to the sophisticated LED lighting system that produces little heat and therefore saves energy by sparing the air conditioning. The seven (yes, seven) VIP cabins, with an average size of 32 to 33 square metres, on the main deck all feature 65-inch 4K OLED televisions and the sundeck features every bit of party tech imaginable: a California Audio Technology system with 10 speakers and two subwoofers; a space prepped for two club-standard speakers with two built-in K-array subwoofers; and a set-up for DJ decks. Not to mention the four 55-inch 4K SunBrite outdoor televisions. With plenty to look after, Imperial made sure the AV/IT guy got his own mini-office.

But this isn’t the only impressive technology on board. Lana is powered by eight diesel generators, controlled by a highly responsive power management system that means the minimum energy is used to satisfy power requirements. There are also two high-tech side-launching Benetti-built tenders stored on the lower deck –  a 14-metre limo tender designed by Giorgio Cassetta , and a nine-metre open tender for watersports and diving, which was penned in-house. Then there’s the treasure trove of toys, an ample dive store and even golf clubs with biodegradable balls. These can be put to good use on the fold-down balconies of the 120-square- metre beach club – where the atmosphere is anything but “outdoorsy.”

“The furniture features handles made of ammonite fossils, and then we have niches made of turquoise turtle, hosting corals,” says Di Noto. There’s a huge central seating area, off which lie a gym, hammam with mosaics and RGB “stars” and a massage room.

Throughout the boat, the finish in deck areas is taken as seriously as it is indoors. “Outside, the ceilings are made of natural oiled teak, so they  give a more precious feeling in the exterior areas,” says Di Noto. “All the external tables are made of  teak, stainless steel and glass – a very complicated design – and the exterior sofas are made in wood and stainless steel, and in some areas they are underlit.” The dining tables on the main and bridge decks aft, for example, feature backlit onyx, stainless steel and high-gloss teak. And the exterior aft deck tables can be converted into bioethanol firepits.

The sundeck’s eight-metre pool, vast sunbathing areas and shaded dining table with a backlit honey onyx base (this al fresco dining area measures 100 square metres) will likely be the daytime hub, as well as party central at night. The top deck, meanwhile, is more intimate and feels like a spot for a quiet coffee or maybe cocktails.

Imperial is rightly proud of its achievements in Lana , and for Benetti she’s part of a new chapter in the yard’s story. “This,” says Di Noto, “will,  I think, remain in Benetti not only as a physical investment in terms of sheds and materials, but also as know-how and experience that everybody can apply to other projects in the future.”

Closer look: Lana's 3D-printed chandelier

The chandelier-cum-sculpture in the centre of Lana ’s lobby both highlights the grand scale of the space it sits in and demonstrates the perfectionism that went into every detail of the yacht. “We went through 10 different renderings before settling on the one the client wanted,” recalls Benetti interior designer Mauro Izzo. The piece was commissioned from Italian lightmaker Luce5. “It was quite challenging for them because to actually show the owner of the boat how it was going to look, they had to build it in a 3D printer,” says Julia Stewart, director of Imperial.

Once the real thing was moulded in mirror-polished stainless steel, installation offered its own difficulties: “At six metres in length, it’s not so much a lighting feature as an architectural element of the boat,” notes Izzo. From a structural point of view, it sits above a glass table and marble floor, intersections that were carefully managed. “A lot of vibration testing was done and it’s got steadying bars for heavy weather,” says Stewart. Within the thin strip of metal lies a track of lights that had to be changed four or five times to get each spot and glint in the exact position the owner wanted. The end result? A freely looping, pirouetting ribbon of light that belies the hard work beneath its surface.

This feature is taken from the January 2021 issue of BOAT International. Get this magazine sent straight to your door, or subscribe and never miss an issue.

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A Closer Look at Serene: The $330 Million Yacht Bill Gates Chartered

While many people must scrimp and save to afford a family holiday, that is not the case for the rich and famous, who have the financial means to go wherever they want whenever they want. You will not find them in budget motels or trying out a destination’s free attractions. Instead, wealthy people can choose the most luxurious accommodation and unique experiences possible for their vacation. One such person who can afford these luxuries is Bill Gates who, with a personal net worth of $95.4 billion, is the second richest person in the world. He has even chartered a yacht worth $330 million to enjoy a vacation with his family.

According to Boat International , Gates chartered a yacht called ‘Serene’ for an estimated $5 million per week. He did this to enjoy a break away with his wife and three children. The family enjoyed a week together on the yacht just off the coast of Porto Cervo, Sardinia, in August 2014.

The 133-foot yacht is one of the largest in the world, and it is owned by Yuri Scheffler, the Stolichnaya vodka magnet. This yacht was delivered to him in 2011, and he has had it on the charter market ever since. Built by the Italian shipyard Fincantieri, it has a rather impressive crew of 53 to take care of the needs of those who charter the yacht. So, what is on the inside of this ship to make it such an amazing experience that is worthy of the high price tag?

The Yacht Charter Fleet has ways for its travelers to enjoy activities both off and onboard. The helipad is available so that guests can take trips to the mainland to enjoy a little sightseeing, a meal in a restaurant, or a local activity. There are also jet-skis available for some fun one the waves around the boat or to travel back to the mainland to enjoy some time away from the yacht. Furthermore, the yacht has its very own submarine. However, you might wonder why anyone would want to get away from the yacht when there is so much to enjoy onboard, including activities for children. Just some of the activities and amenities on board for entertainment include a climbing wall, a trans-deck waterslide, a snow room, a playroom, multiple pools, and a cinema. This means that there are plenty of things onboard to keep the children entertained.

This yacht is not all about the kids having fun, as there are plenty of things for the adults, too. In fact, Serene has a myriad of amenities spread over its six decks that make this a unique way to vacation. From the outside, one of the ship’s most impressive features is its supersized bathtub on the sun deck. The award-winning Serene has a private beach club that has a secluded sunbathing area and a sauna. There are also two Jacuzzis and a sundeck dance floor. Opposite the relaxing hot tun tucked underneath the ship’s observational deck is a fully stocked wet bar with extra sun loungers.

Two of the indoor living and entertaining spaces include a cocktail lounge and a piano bar, while outdoor there are various al fresco dining areas, such as a wet bar, a barbeque, a Teppanyaki grill, and a pizza oven. An unusual space in this yacht is the underwater observation lounge, which many people would find a relaxing area as they watch marine life existing in tranquility around them. Serene also has rather impressive accommodation and it can accommodate up to 24 guests. There are 12 luxurious staterooms, include a master suite, a VIP suite, seven double suites, and three twin cabins. The interior design is the work of Espen Oeino with styling by Reymond Langton. The duo has created living spaces that are stylish and opulent while also being comfortable and versatile.

One of the most impressive areas in terms of styling is the sky lounge. This room is decorated in shades of cream that is accented by darker colors and finished with wooden fixtures. It is equipped with sofas, chairs, and coffee tables for relaxing, and boasts some of the most impressive views from the ship which you can view from almost any vantage point. Another fantastic space is the main lounge, which is a more formal area for entertaining. The main color used is white, which gives the room a bright and airy feel, and some warmth is added with darker tones. Central to the room is a piano, which is surrounded by cocktail tables. An unusual feature of this room is its chandelier. The lounge is located directly above the main dining area, and the chandelier drops between the two rooms.

A double staircase leads down to the chic dining area below. It is set to accommodate a maximum of 24 guests and features two 12-seater tables. However, there is the possibility of entertaining even more people as the tables are extendable and there is plenty of space. This means you can host a banquet in this room. Floor-to-ceiling windows on both sides of the rooms give spectacular panoramic ocean views.

Bill Gates’ time on the yacht with his family is part of his plan to take a more relaxed approach to life and to spend some time away from the office. He has said that he doesn’t have the energy he had when he was younger and plans to balance running his Microsoft Empire and enjoying time with his family better now that he is older. This includes taking vacations away with his loved one. Serene and other chartered yachts are the perfect way for this billionaire businessman to relax and have some fun in comfort and privacy.

Since Gates’ vacation on the yacht, Scheffler has sold the superyacht to Mohammed bin Salman, the deputy crown prince of Saudi Arabia says Yacht Harbor . The Saudi Arabian royal paid a whopping $458 million for the yacht in July 2015. The yacht was once the ninth largest in the world, but it has now dropped into the 15th place because even more impressive superyachts have been built since.

Written by  Liz Flynn

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Bill Gates Enjoys Sardinia Charter on board Superyacht SERENE

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By Editorial Team   8 August 2014

The 133m/436ft superyacht SERENE has welcomed aboard the world’s wealthiest man, Bill Gates and his family for a charter vacation in the beautiful cruising grounds of Sardinia .

The Microsoft founder and philanthropist along with his wife and three children have been enjoying the Mediterranean summer in style this week during their annual vacation off the coast of Porto Cervo. As one of the largest superyachts in the world and equipped with every conceivable amenity in addition to an in impressive crew of 52, the 2011 Fincantieri-built motor yacht SERENE was the perfect choice for this ultra-luxurious vacation.

According to reports in the Daily Mail, the on board helipad was put to good use with trips to the mainland for some tennis lessons followed by an afternoon out on the jet-skis to entertain the kids. If that wasn’t enough, there is also a submarine, snowroom, cinema, playroom, multiple pools, a climbing wall and a trans-deck waterslide on offer to keep them entertained for hours. 

In between running his Microsoft Empire and extensive charity commitments, luxury charter vacations have provided the perfect platform for him and his family to enjoy time together in comfort and privacy.

The grown-ups aren’t left out of the fun however during a charter on the award-winning SERENE, with an exhaustive array of facilities. For total relaxation, the private beach club features a sauna and secluded sunbathing area, there is also a sundeck dance floor, two Jacuzzi’s and numerous al fresco dining areas to choose from. For entertaining meanwhile, SERENE provides luxurious interior living spaces to include a chic piano lounge with cocktail bar while outside a wet bar, barbeque, pizza oven and Teppanyaki grill ensure fantastic Mediterranean soirees. 

She is one of a handful of yachts able to charter with more than 12 guests, boasting 12 stunning staterooms to accommodate up to 24 guests, comprising a master suite, VIP, seven doubles and three twin cabins. With design from Espen Oeino and interior styling by Reymond Langton, SERENE has been meticulously design to offer charter vacations of the highest calibre while ensuring stylish, comfortable and versatile living spaces. 

In an interview earlier this year, Mr Gates said he doesn't plan to stay at the office for days at a time as he did in his younger days when he had 'energy and naiveté' on his side. In between running his Microsoft Empire and extensive charity commitments, luxury charter vacations have provided the perfect platform for him and his family to enjoy time together in comfort and privacy.  Since its founding, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation has raised and donated billions towards research and development to tackle problems throughout the world to help the world’s poorest people lift themselves out of hunger and poverty. 

Whether it’s a classic sailing yacht or magnificent luxury vessel such as SERENE, charter yacht vacations offer the world’s most high profile names the freedom to experience private time with loved ones away from the spotlight. Charter rates for SERENE start at €1,600,000 per week to €2,800,000 plus expenses, for further information contact your yacht charter broker . Alternatively take a look at the full selection of motor yachts available for charter . 

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Billionaire Bill Gates buys hydrogen-fuelled superyacht for $500 million

By Rebecca Cope

Microsoft billionaire Bill Gates is currently celebrating the engagement of his daughter, Jennifer, to Egyptian showjumper Nayel Nassar, but he's also got another reason to be happy - a brand new superyacht.

The 112-metre luxury vessel is the world's first hydrogen-powered super yacht, and will feature all the usual billionaire mod-cons, including an infinity pool, helipad, spa and gym. There are five decks, with accommodation for 14 guests and 31 crew members - more than two per person.

By Harriet Johnston

By Isaac Bickerstaff

As well as being powered by liquid hydrogen, another eco-feature are the fire pits, which are actually gel-fuelled fire bowls, designed to keep guests warm outdoors without burning wood or coal.

Costing in the region of $500 million, the Aqua ship was first publicised at the Monaco Yacht Show in 2019 by Dutch design firm Sinot. Speaking then, the company's eponymous designer said, 'For the development of Aqua we took inspiration from the lifestyle of a discerning, forward-looking owner, the fluid versatility of water and cutting-edge technology, to combine this in a superyacht with truly innovative features.'

He went on to explain how the hydrogen fuel works, saying: 'AQUA is fuelled by hydrogen, a unique concept which represents a significant progression towards achieving a new balance between nature and technology. The system is based on the use of liquified hydrogen, stored at -253°C in two 28-ton vacuum isolated tanks. The liquified hydrogen is converted into electrical energy by proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells, with water being the only by-product.'

The Daily Telegraph reports that the ship will be in service from 2024, and will reach speeds of 17 knots. It will be able to travel for 3,750 miles before refuelling but will also have a diesel back-up due to the lack of hydrogen refuelling stations available.

This will be the world's second richest man's first yacht. He has previously rented them for holidays, most recently including the $330m yacht Serene, which he borrowed from Stolichnaya vodka magnate, Yuri Scheffler, to sail around the coast of Sardinia.

By Isaac Zamet

By Danielle Lawler

By Stephanie Bridger-Linning

Daily Sabah

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Insider details: Tracking the trail of Gates and Bezos in Turkey

By leyla yvonne ergil.

Bill Gates celebrated his 66th birthday by hosting a private party joined by Jeff Bezos in a secluded cove in Fethiye. Check out this play-by-play account of the mega-billionaires’ tour of Turkey

The extravagant arrival of Bill Gates aboard his yacht to not only tour the Turkish Riviera but also close off a cove in Fethiye for a birthday party attended by guests that included Amazon founder Jeff Bezos has literally been the talk of every town in Turkey, never mind the world.

Suddenly, the whole planet has heard of a trendy beach club in Fethiye that hosted the now infamous party held during a week both Gates and Bezos toured the Turkish Riviera aboard luxurious megayachts. The party and their docking in destinations in Bodrum, Kuşadası, Didim, Gökova, Datça, Fethiye and Marmaris are now all over the international press. But for expats that have become Turkey’s southern coastal residents, we not only witnessed their comings and goings from ashore, but many of us are also quite familiar with the destinations they visited.

Funnily enough, it turns out the “1%” like to holiday in what, for many of us expats in Turkey, are our proverbial backyards. While tracking the trail of the world’s greatest businesspeople in Turkey, it turns out that many of the spots they toured are places we, as mere mortals, can easily visit on our own accord. All of the coves they docked in, the restaurants and beach clubs they dined in, and the ancient sites they visited are easily accessible by boat, whether on a Blue Cruise or a day trip, of course depending on if you have the funds and energy.

Granted, bay-hopping the Turkish southern coastline is assumedly much easier when you have the 107-meter (351 foot) long “Lana” and the 68-meter long support vessel the “Wayfinder” carrying a supposed 30-member security detail. At a reported weekly rental price of $2 million (TL 19.4 million), the three-story Lana, which is also 16 meters wide, is claimed to have a pool, a sundeck, jacuzzi, gym and even a Turkish bath and multiple luxurious cabins, as well as over 30 staff members.

Prying eyes want to know: “Where in Turkey do they go”?

According to local press and Facebook sightings, Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates’ “Lana” and its entourage ship, the “Wayfinder,” arrived in Bodrum on Thursday, Oct. 21. The Saturday prior, Gates married off his 25-year-old daughter, Jennifer Gates, the eldest of his three children, in a fairytale-like wedding on her horse farm in Westchester County, New York.

Gates was first sighted on Monday, Oct. 22, when both luxurious yachts landed in Aydın’s Kuşadası, where Gates disembarked to head to Selçuk and the House of the Virgin Mary, his second trip to the site after his first visit in 2005. Gates and his former wife Melinda had vacationed in the Marmaris region in 2005 and 2008 aboard the luxury yacht "Leander G."

According to local reports, Gates had made a prior reservation to tour Ephesus and thus when he arrived at around 6:50 p.m. accompanied by guards, the lights were turned on at the ancient site. Local reports state that a technical team conducted testing and maintenance the day prior to his visit. Gates is claimed to have taken off his hat and mask while touring the premises with a guide. The tour supposedly lasted over two hours after which he exited from the ancient city’s lower entrance and is purported to have then purchased $40,555 worth of Ottoman kilims and rugs from a carpet dealer in Selçuk. That evening, the yachts were spotted docked in Didim. Both Kuşadası and Didim are popular destinations for year-round and visiting expats.

On Saturday, Oct. 23, Bill Gates is reported by local press to have disembarked in Didim and proceeded to play tennis for around 80 minutes and was accompanied by five security guards, but carried his own gym bag, which was notably pointed out by the Turkish press. From there, Gates is reported to have arrived to the Flying Fox by speedboat after which a helicopter took off from the vessel and flew over the gulf of Güllük and the coves of Didim for approximately 40 minutes. Later, Gates arrived to the Hisar neighborhood with two VIP minibuses and visited Didim’s Temple of Apollon. Donning a mask and hat, Gates is reported to have comfortably toured the site, escaping recognition despite sharing the space with around 300 other foreign and domestic tourists. After taking a short walk through the town center of Didim, Gates and his entourage reportedly got back in the vehicles and drove to the ancient site of the Miletus ruins located 17 kilometers (10.5 miles) away.

On Sunday, Oct. 24, Gates and his boats returned to Bodrum and the software giant, accompanied by eight security guards, paid a two-and-half-hour visit to the Bodrum Castle and Underwater Archaeology Museum, where he supposedly stopped regularly to take photos. In the evening, Gates and his entourage were spotted disembarking Lana at a pier in Bodrum’s Kumbahçe neighborhood and from there; they are reported to have gotten in VIP vehicles to head to Göltürkbükü, Bodrum’s most upscale neighborhood popular with celebrities and the paparazzi that follow them. According to local press, Gates and his entourage dined at the Mandarin Oriental for a meal that included poached Laos and seabass as well as calamari and octopus salads. This is the second time Gates has been in Turkey over the past three months and he dined at the exclusive Mandarin Oriental in late July as well, for a meal he shared with six friends that made headlines for supposedly racking up a TL 80,000 ($8,229) bill.

Local reports claim that on the morning of Monday, Oct. 25, the luxurious yachts were spotted in Marmaris’ Hisarönü. At around noon, they were said to head to Selimiye and Bozburun. From there, they are reported to have visited Emel Sayın cove and then anchored somewhere between Selimiye and Turgut.

On the 27th, the Lana and Wayfinder made their way to the Karagözler neighborhood of Boncuklu Bay, which is on the other side of a peninsula across from the town of Fethiye. On the day of his birthday, Bill Gates and Bezos, joined by the latter’s girlfriend Lauren Sánchez, were spotted hiking together at Ağa Limanı, which although technically located in Dalaman, is a spectacular slice of forested land and sea at the tip of yet another tiny peninsula across from Fethiye. It can be easily visited on the 12-island daily boat tours that take off from Göcek.

A little bit about Sea Me Beach

As for the world’s most elusive party of the year, held on Thursday, Oct. 28, on the occasion of Bill Gates’ 66th birthday; the venue may have come as a surprise to some, but not to those in the know. Having just opened last year, Sea Me Beach was already one of this summer’s hippest beach clubs, located in a secluded cove in Boncuklu Bay. The Bali-esque venue encircling a turquoise cove has hosted popular Turkish acts such as alternative rock star Evrencan Gündüz and is famed for their happy hour beach parties led by female DJ duo Cielo.

The beach club is divided into two sections, one for families and the other "adults only." There is an international café and a sushi restaurant on the "adults only" side. The beach is outfitted with relaxing rustic furniture and sunbeds covered by wicker umbrellas. There are large pillows strewn about and even larger statues of heads and artistic branch formations, all making for the perfect Instagram moment. The cost to lounge on a sunbed ranged from TL 100 to TL 150 and it was wise to get there early. The menu at the main restaurant ranges at around TL 60 for breakfast items, around TL 80 for pizzas and pastas while the mains clock in at the highest at around TL 130, while most sushi rolls hovering over TL 100.

The party in question is said to have lasted four hours and the 50 guests at the party, including Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, were reported to have dined on international fare including sushi, pizza, seafood and champagne. Staff were supposedly restricted from using their phones to capture the event. Sea Me Beach is said to have won out amongst a number of other potential party sites in Fethiye, a list which supposedly included Ölüdeniz, Kelebekler Vadisi (aka Butterfly Valley), Kayaköy amongst others in the Fethiye region.

As for Gates’ guest of honor Bezos, the 57-year-old richest man in the world, who succeeded Gates for the title four years ago, has also been hopping from bay to bay on the Flying Fox, which was spotted in Akbuk in the Gulf of Gökova and in Bodrum. Bezos reportedly returned to his megayacht, docked in Gökova, by private helicopter. Throughout the week following the party, Flying Fox was spotted in Bodrum’s Yalikavak, Yalı and Cennetkoy.

If you thought Lana was huge, the Flying Fox is even more massive, at 135 meters long, it is the world’s most expensive charter boat for rent at a whopping 3 million euros ($3.4 million) a week. But, no worries, as Bezos is alleged to own the vessel that comes with a 12-meter long swimming pool and its own beach club, 36 rooms and two helicopter pads and is six-stories high. Bezos also toured Turkey’s southern coast aboard Flying Fox in 2019, same year as its delivery. Meanwhile, the week prior to Bezos’ arrival to Turkey, his Blue Origin, a space tourism company, announced plans to launch a “business park” in space called the “Orbital Reef” by the end of the decade.

In the aftermath of the party, Gates and his luxurious yachts returned to Bodrum and local reports claim he had breakfast in the garden of a villa of a prominent Turkish businessperson in Cennetköy on Oct. 31. On Monday, Nov. 1, while Gates was in Glasgow, Scotland for a climate summit, Lana was seen docked in Türkbükü.

The Flying Fox departed for Limassol, Greek Cyprus on Nov. 5, but not before three vehicles full of gifts and flowers were spotted being delivered to the vessel at a pier in Kumbahçe. The delivery of each item from land to boat reportedly took nearly 20 minutes. Local reports claim this was a gesture organized by Gates’ advisors as an expression of gratitude to the captains and crew of the three ships.

Both mega billionaire businesspeople-turned philanthropists have been criticized in the press for Gates' birthday bash, labeling the duo as “climate hypocrites” for calling for action on climate change while waltzing around on megayachts. The international press is also circulating the speculation that Gates is in Turkey’s Aydın and Muğla regions with the intent of purchasing significant land to build a large sustainable farm. A headline in the NY Post wraps it up by reading, “Bill Gates shops for climate-saving farm – aboard super-polluter yacht.”

Fan or not, let’s face it: the news surrounding the duo is fascinating, especially when it affirms what we already know, which is that Turkey is definitely one of the most spectacular places in the world.

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Bill Gates Poses with Mark Zuckerberg at Anant Ambani’s Pre-Wedding Bash — and Compliments His Outfit!

The billionaires met up in India during the three-day pre-wedding celebration for billionaire heir Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant over the weekend

Bill Gates/Instagram

• Bill Gates and Mark Zuckerberg posed for a photo from their weekend in India
• The Microsoft co-founder complimented the Meta CEO on his attire at one of the pre-wedding events for billionaire heir Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant
• “You’ve always been great at dressing for the occasion," Gates captioned the smiling snap

Bill Gates likes Mark Zuckerberg ’s fashion!

In an Instagram post on Sunday , the Microsoft co-founder shared a photo from his trip to India, where he attended the three-day pre-wedding celebration for billionaire heir Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant.

“You’ve always been great at dressing for the occasion, @zuck!” Gates, 68, captioned a smiling photograph of himself and the 39-year-old Meta CEO.

Gates donned a black sports coat over a green polo-style shirt and khakis in the image while Zuckerberg wore an embroidered Sunderbans Tigress shirt from Rahul Mishra Couture and white pants for the event at the Ambanis' animal rescue.

Gates and girlfriend Paula Hurd were also spotted at the pre-wedding celebration for Ambani, the youngest child of Mukesh Ambani, and Merchant, the daughter of Encore Healthcare Private Limited CEO Viren Merchant.

Reuters previously reported that 1,200 guests would be in attendance for the event, where guests were given a detailed, nine-page dress code for the festivities.

Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

Zuckerberg, who attended with his wife, Dr. Priscilla Chan , shared some behind-the-scenes looks from the celebrations on social media over the weekend.

In an initial post, the couple posed together in all-black outfits. Zuckerberg's suit featured gold dragonfly embellishments while Chan's black dress featured some gold flowers to match.

"Love an Indian wedding. Congrats to Anant and Radhika," Zuckerberg captioned the photos, including one where he could be seen smiling at his wife.

Chan later posted another one of the duo's looks, in which she could be seen wearing a floral and gold dress at a "Mela Rouge" fete.

"Night two," she captioned the photos, including one where the happy couple showed off their big smiles.

The pre-wedding celebrations took place at the luxurious Ambani Estate in Gujarat ahead of Ambani and Merchant's July wedding, per Reuters. Other guests in attendance included Ivanka Trump , Hillary Clinton , and members of Bhutan's royal family.

Juggling Between Motherhood and Career, Equestrian Jennifer Gates Surprises the Internet With a New Achievement

Jennifer Gates , much like her billionaire father Bill Gates, is making significant strides in the world. Renowned in the equestrian community, Jennifer began her professional training at the tender age of eight. She is now a professional show jumper, and her crowning achievement in 2023 was securing bronze at the High Junior/Amateur Jumpers, navigating 1.40m jumps at Tyron International.

Beyond her career as a show jumper, she is a co-owner of Evergate Stables, an international show jumping facility, alongside her husband, Nayel Nassar. Despite juggling numerous responsibilities, including the joyous arrival of her daughter, Leila, last year , one might wonder how she does it all. However, in a delightful surprise, she revealed a remarkable career update.

Jennifer Gates adds another feather to her hat

In an Instagram post on March 15, 2024, Jennifer Gates excitedly shared with her 547K followers that she has secured a residency match at Mt. Sinai on the Pediatrics Research pathway, marking the culmination of her four years of dedication at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. This achievement is a significant milestone in her journey toward becoming a pediatrician.

With enthusiasm, she expressed, “What a dream come true – I can’t wait to learn from incredible healthcare providers and patients about all that it means to become a doctor.” Her post concluded with an exciting note as she wrote, “Residency here we come! ”

Through her Instagram stories, Jennifer shared celebratory moments with her classmates, highlighting their shared excitement as they set out on their paths to becoming pediatricians. As we marvel at this achievement, let’s reflect on the journey that led Jennifer and peek at her educational background and experience.

 Her education and experience

Jennifer Gates began her academic path at Lakeside School in Seattle, a prestigious private institution attended by her siblings and her father, Bill Gates. After completing high school, Jennifer enrolled at Stanford University, where she pursued a Bachelor of Arts degree in Human Biology. She graduated in 2018. She then pursued further education at the Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, earning a Master of Public Health (MPH) degree from August 2022 to May 2023.

Additionally, following her undergraduate studies, Jennifer Gates also enrolled at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, where she pursued a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree. Alongside her academic pursuits, Jennifer actively engaged in volunteer work at the Crisis Clinic from April 2011 to January 2014.

Despite her familial wealth, Jennifer has forged her path in life, continuously striving to make meaningful contributions to society. With this latest achievement in her journey—the announcement of her residency match at Mt. Sinai—her followers applaud Jennifer Gates for her accomplishments and look forward to where this journey takes her.

Read more: Bill Gates’ Equestrian Daughter Jennifer Gates Earns Global Respect for Kenyan Children’s Healthcare Initiative: “I wish all……were like you”

The post Juggling Between Motherhood and Career, Equestrian Jennifer Gates Surprises the Internet With a New Achievement appeared first on EssentiallySports .

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A Bill Gates company is about to start building a nuclear power plant in Wyoming

TerraPower, which Bill Gates founded, plans to build its first nuclear power plant in the US.

CEO Chris Levesque told the Financial Times it wants to start work on a site in Wyoming in June.

TerraPower says its reactor design is cheaper because they're cooled by liquid sodium, not water.

A company cofounded by Bill Gates is about to start building next-generation nuclear power plants in the US.

Chris Levesque, CEO of TerraPower, told the Financial Times that his firm will start building at a site near a coal plant in Kemmerer, Wyoming in June, even if it hasn't received a construction permit from regulators by then.

The company plans to bring the nuclear plant online in 2030, he added.

TerraPower, which has raised $1 billion from backers, will use liquid sodium rather than water to cool its Natrium reactors, making them cheaper to run.

Most of the initial work at the Kemmerer site won't be related to nuclear activity, Levesque said.

"When you use liquid sodium as a coolant instead of water it's a game changer," he told the FT.

"Natrium plants will cost half of what light water reactor plants cost … and we are moving our project along pretty aggressively."

Gates helped found TerraPower in 2006 and has been its chairman since then. The company has said its aim is to provide the world with a more affordable, secure, and environmentally friendly form of nuclear energy.

Its Natrium reactor is expected to cost $4 billion, with about half the cost being met by the Department of Energy. CRV and Khosla Ventures are among the company's VC backers, Reuters reported .

While Russian and Chinese state-controlled companies have already managed to launch smaller nuclear reactors, progress in developing similar tech in the US has stalled in recent years.

High interest rates have made it tougher for startups to draw in funding, while Russia's invasion of Ukraine and subsequent exclusion from financial markets has made it tougher for companies to get the uranium needed for their reactors.

In December 2022, TerraPower pushed back the launch of its flagship project by at least two years, which Levesque attributed to the war in Ukraine hitting supplies of high-assay, low-enriched uranium .

In October last year TerraPower missed out on making the shortlisted for the next round of the UK government's competition for small nuclear plants. Rolls-Royce is one of the leading contenders with its small modular reactor (SMR) designs and has already secured more than £200m of government funding in Britain.

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