octopus super yacht cost

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OCTOPUS YACHT CHARTER

126.2m  /  414'1   lurssen   2003 / 2021.

• Previous Yacht

Cabin Configuration

Special Features:

• Stunning interiors with 13 guest suites
• Vast Owner's deck, including bar, Jacuzzi, alfresco dining area and private elevator
• Large aft swimming pool surrounded by loungers and full cocktail bar
• Cinema suite
• Superb wellness amenities
• Glass-bottomed observation lounge on her tank deck
• 2 helicopters with dedicated hangar
• Personal submarine for 8 people, plus 2 crew
• Dive centre with hyperbaric chamber
• 12,500nm range

Octopus is perfect for true long-range exploration in the utmost luxury and comfort

The 126.2m/414'1" 'Octopus' expedition yacht built by the German shipyard Lurssen is available for charter for up to 12 guests in 13 cabins. This yacht features interior styling by American designer Jonathan Quinn Barnett.

Built in 2003, Octopus is made for thrilling adventure and exploration in the most remote places around the globe. She has sensational features such as a helipad, movie theatre, spa, elevator, underwater lights, beach club and gym.

Guest Accommodation

Octopus offers guest accommodation for up to 12 guests in 13 suites comprising a master suite and twelve double cabins. The supremely spacious full beam master suite benefits from a his and her bathroom. There are up to forty-two crew members on board to provide outstanding service on your charter.

Onboard Comfort & Entertainment

A charter on Octopus is comfortable and convenient thanks to the provided amenities including a dancefloor where you and your guests can celebrate in style. For those looking to unwind after a long day of exploration on the water, you will find a dedicated and comfortable movie theatre. Soothe tired limbs and reinvigorate yourself in the sauna and in addition kick back and relax in the well-appointed spa. The swimming pool is perfect for exercising or admiring a romantic sunrise. Make your day truly exceptional at the beach club and maintain your fitness routine and work out in the well-equipped gym. Retreat to the deck jacuzzi and soak up the scenery.

Whatever your activities on your charter, you'll find some impressive features are seamlessly integrated to help you including an elevator, making any part of the yacht quickly and easily accessible. Seamlessly travel from land to see thanks to the helipad and in addition satellite communication systems keep you in touch wherever you voyage. Soak up the atmosphere after dark with dramatic underwater lights and take advantage of the on board Wi-Fi and stay connected at all times. Guests will experience complete comfort while chartering thanks to air conditioning.

Performance & Range

Built with a steel hull and steel superstructure, she offers greater on-board space and is more stable when at anchor thanks to her full-displacement hull. Powered by 8 x MTU engines, she comfortably cruises at 12 knots, reaches a maximum speed of 19 knots with a range of up to 12,500 nautical miles from her 1,034,000 litre fuel tanks at cruising speed. An advanced stabilisation system on board reduces the side-to-side roll of the yacht and promises guests exceptional comfort levels at anchor or when underway.

Octopus knows a thing or two about fun on the water, with an extensive selection of action packed water toys and accessories for you and your guests to enjoy whilst on charter. Take to the sea on a Jet Ski offering you power and control on the water. Guests can feel the wind in their hair and jump the waves on one of the four Yamaha FX140 WaveRunners. Additionally, there are towable toys offering fun and adventure. If that isn't enough Octopus also features waterskis, a Kite Surfer, kayaks, WindSurfers, fishing equipment and much more. When it comes to Tenders, Octopus has you covered - with five tenders, including a 18.1m/59'5" Delta Powerboats Tender.

Octopus and her crew are available for charter this summer for cruising within Northern Europe. She is also accepting bookings this winter on request.

With its superlative combination of luxurious styling and superb amenities, expedition yacht Octopus has everything you could possibly want for unforgettable yacht charter vacations.

TESTIMONIALS

There are currently no testimonials for Octopus, please provide .

Octopus Photos

Amenities & Entertainment

For your relaxation and entertainment Octopus has the following facilities, for more details please speak to your yacht charter broker.

Octopus is reported to be available to Charter with the following recreation facilities:

• 1 x 18.1m  /  59'5 Delta Powerboats 54' Tender
• 1 x 9.34m  /  30'8 Vikal Custom Limo Tender with 2 x 260 HP engines
• 2 x 8.7m  /  28'7 Zodiac Custom Tender
• 2 x 5.8m  /  19' Zodiac Milpro MK-V Tender Volvo 70 HP engine
• 1 x 4.7m  /  15'5 Zodiac RIB

For a full list of all available amenities & entertainment facilities, or price to hire additional equipment please contact your broker.

• + shortlist

For a full list of all available amenities & entertainment facilities, or price to hire additional equipment please contact your broker.

'Octopus' Charter Rates & Destinations

Summer Season

May - September

$2,200,000 p/week + expenses

High Season

Cruising Regions

Northern Europe Norway

Winter Season

October - April

Please enquire .

Charter Octopus

To charter this luxury yacht contact your charter broker , or we can help you.

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NOTE to U.S. Customs & Border Protection

Specification

SEASONAL CHARTER RATES

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OCTOPUS Yacht for Charter

2006 / 2021

Overview | Exterior | Interior | Accommodation | Photos | Layout | Price

OCTOPUS Yacht Price

Charter rates, summer: east & west med.

From: 2,200,000€ p/week

Winter: N/A

Enquire about octopus.

Contact our charter brokers about chartering this yacht. 

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• Superyachts

OCTOPUS Yacht – $285M Superyacht For Charter

Measuring in at an impressive length of 126.2 meters the OCTOPUS yacht is the 21st largest yacht in the world.

With an estimated worth of $285 million, her owner is currently unknown.

This stunning vessel can comfortably accommodate up to 26 guests while having a crew of 57 on hand to cater to their needs.

Powered by Mercedes Diesel engines she can reach speeds up to 20 knots.

OCTOPUS yacht interior

The OCTOPUS yacht inter offers space for up to 26 guests in 13 cabins, including a spacious owner’s cabin and deck.

A well-trained crew of up to 63 crew members provides 5-star service onboard this luxury vessel.

OCTOPUS’ interior has several bars distributed across the different decks, a fully equipped spa, a cinema, a gym, a library, and even a basketball court.

The interior was designed by Jonathan Quinn Barnett, a well-known superyacht designer from Seattle, Washington.

OCTOPUS Boat Specifications

With a length of 126.20 meters (414 ft) and a beam of 21 meters (68 ft), the OCTOPUS yacht weighs in at an impressive 9,900 gross tons.

She is powered by 8 MTU engines producing a total of 19,200 hp (14,300 kW).

Her maximum speed lies at 19 knots, while her relatively slow cruising speed of 12 knots allows her to have a range of 12,500 nautical miles.

OCTOPUS is also equipped with the latest anchor and steering technology, which helps to maneuver the vessel.

OCTOPUS yacht has two helipads, one at the stern with its own hangar and one at the bow.

She has a total of seven tenders, one of which is 13 meters long and can almost be considered its own yacht.

The OCTOPUS superyacht also has two submarines on board, one of which is remotely controlled while the other can accommodate eight people.

The internal dock of the megayacht can be used to dry lay vessels of up to 20 meters for possible repairs. The mega yacht also has a large pool on deck as well as a jacuzzi and a spacious beach club.

The onboard elevator system ensures that guests and crew can move quickly between the eight decks.

For the entertainment of the guests, the yacht carries scuba diving equipment, jet skis, and other water toys.

OCTOPUS Price & Charter

The former owner of the OCTOPUS superyacht paid a price of US $200 million for the yacht in 2003 and she generates annual running costs between US $20 and 35 million.

As of 2022, OCTOPUS is available for charter for the first time ever since her launch. She costs approximately 2.2 Million Euro’s per week.

In 2022 in Summer she will be available in Central America and the Pacific while in Winter she will be in Antarctica.

For 2023 she will be located in the Mediterranean and the weekly rate is expected to remain the same.

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• Espen Oeino
• Jonathan Quinn Barnett

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• Impressions

One of the largest and most spectacular examples of a full-fledged yachting and exploration vessel, 126-meter Octopus is equipped with highly sophisticated technology. Espen Øino International designed the striking exterior with a blue and white hull and superstructure, featuring two helipads and a hangar aft. The superyacht is capable of exploration and scientific research voyages requiring months at sea. One of her key features is an integrated dock for both the principal 20-meter guest tender and two submarines for exploring marine life, one of which is remotely controlled for reaching greater depths. Octopus also houses a professional music studio and a grandiose cinema, created by interior designer Jonathan Quinn Barnett.

Do you wish to talk about yacht design?

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EXPEDITION SUPERYACHT M/Y OCTOPUS

SIMPLY ICONIC

The M/Y Octopus superyacht is a trailblazer, redefining what an expedition yacht could be.

Now available for the first time for exclusive charter, she is the perfect luxury launchpad for extraordinary adventures.

FULL SPECIFICATION

Description

The Northwest Passage, the High Arctic, Antarctica, Papua New Guinea and Challenger Deep -EYOS and the yacht Octopus have a rich history. The EYOS team is proud to have contributed expertise, logistical support, or guidance in these challenging regions during her tenure as a groundbreaking expedition yacht. Now we’re here to help intrepid explorers take Octopus in interesting new directions. Where do you dream of going? What experiences do you imagine? EYOS has the expedition credentials to bring your ‘mission’ to life.

Commissioned by Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen, M/Y Octopus was the largest private yacht ever when it launched in 2003. Today, she remains one of the largest private yachts in the world. Her size, however, is surpassed by the scale of her ambitions. Allen himself famously described her as “less a Bentley than a Range Rover,” because of the state-of-the-art equipment on board.

Now, her 2021 refit preserves her expedition bona fides. She boasts an ice class for polar exploring; two helipads and two helicopter garages. In her garage are 7 tenders including her powerful 54’ Delta ‘tender.’ Discover a fleet of boards, from wake and surfboards, to wind and kite surfers, even electric foil flight boards, for personal forays. And with a glass-bottom observation lounge, and a fully equipped dive center, including an ROV, make the undersea part of every expedition. Her beautiful interiors and superb amenities, with accommodations for up to 12 guests, dial up the quality of life aboard. A stylish new Beach Club opens to the sea. The bridge deck features a heated freshwater swimming pool with a retractable glass floor that raises to deck level for entertaining. Adjacent is a bar, spa pool and an open-air pizza oven.

The Octopus yacht has ranged widely. And now under private charter, she will explore the four corners of the world again.

Key Features of the Octopus Yacht

• Arguably the most iconic & versatile megayacht in the world
• Flexible accommodation for 12 guests in 13 cabins
• Two helipads for remote exploration
• Entertainment deck with gym, spa, cinema, library and observation lounge
• Spectacular pool area with multiple bars and dining options
• Eight decks with dedicated owner’s deck with private elevator
• Dive centre and hyperbaric chamber
• Unbeatable toy list including seven tenders, two helipads, a large SUV, electric foils and much more

Gross Tonnage

EXPEDITION EQUIPPED

• 4 x 2 seat Yamaha FX140 Waverunners
• 1 x Stand-up Yamaha Superjet Jet-Ski
• 2 x 2 Person Hobie Pursuit Kayaks
• 1 x 1 Person Hobie Pursuit Kayak
• 1 x 1 Person Epic V5 Kayak
• 3 x Surf Boards
• 3 x Beginner to intermediate Windsurfers
• Fishing Equipment
• Kite Surfers
• Towable Toys
• Inflatable water toys
• Scuba Diving Equipment
• Snorkelling Equipment

THE VAST WILDERNESS IS WAITING, WHERE

COULD SHE TAKE YOU?

A land of vast ice landscapes, towering glaciers, and abundant wildlife, Antarctica stands as a testament to the raw power and breathtaking serenity of nature.

South Georgia and The Falklands

Nestled in the southern Atlantic, these remote islands boast an extraordinary variety of wildlife, creating a haven for diverse marine and terrestrial species. Penguin colonies, soaring albatrosses, and an abundance of unique animals define the rich biodiversity of this pristine environment.

Chilean Patagonia

A haven for nature lovers, offering immersive experiences amidst ancient forests, pristine rivers, and secluded national parks.

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CONTACT EYOS TO BEGIN PLANNING YOUR YACHT CHARTER

+1 801 390 7025 | [email protected]

Where can we guide you?

Yacht Charter

Widely regarded as one of the most iconic and versatile superyachts in the world, OCTOPUS is available for exclusive private charters and unrivaled adventures.

Charter price from

$2,200,000 PER WEEK

Specifications

Key Features

• 13 cabins, including master suite with a luxurious ensuite, observation lounge and private elevator, two VIP apartments, seven double and three twin staterooms
• Aquarium with glass-bottomed underwater observation
• Two helipads
• Bar, spa pool and pizza oven on the entertainment deck
• Wellness area including spa and gym
• Extensive range of toys including seven tenders, an ROV, her own marina, and fully kitted out dive center and hyperbaric chamber
• Heated freshwater swimming pool with a retractable glass floor
• Observation deck
• Dining and library space

About OCTOPUS

At the time of her launch in 2003, OCTOPUS was the largest explorer yacht ever built, revolutionizing the world of yacht expeditions. Previously used as base for explorers, OCTOPUS boasts an impressive history of maritime discoveries, including the long-lost wreck of Japan’s biggest battleship from the Second World War in the Philippines.

Now available for exclusive private charters for up to 12 guests across 13 palatial cabins, OCTOPUS epitomizes luxury yacht travel. At over 400 feet long, guests can delight in this relaxing haven spread across 8 decks, with opulent interiors and sleek outdoor spaces designed with the utmost care by Espen Oeino. The extensive crew of 42 will ensure a remarkable, once-in-a-lifetime stay with excellent service of the highest caliber.

OCTOPUS is truly a yacht without boundaries. Complete with two helipads and an ice-class hull perfect for reaching even the most inaccessible and remote spots, she also boasts seven tenders and her own marina with a full diving center. Guests won’t be short of entertainment onboard with a dedicated cinema and impressive freshwater swimming pool at the heart of the outdoor bar space. Relax in the spa and wellness area or admire the marine life swimming below your feet in the glass-bottomed aquarium.

Tenders & Toys

1 x 18.10m Delta 54′

1 x Custom Vikal International Limousine Tender 9.34m, 2x260hp

2 x Zodiac Milpro MK V Inflatable Heavy Duty 5.8m with Volvo Aquatic Duoprop-drives 70hp 

1 x Zodiac Milpro Custom Dive Tender 8.7m “Dive Zodiac” 

1 x Zodiac Marine Custom Guest Tender 8.7m “Owners Zodiac”

1 x Zodiac Marine RIB 4.7m

4 x Yamaha FX140 Waverunners

2 x Yamaha Superjet 2021 Stand up jet skis

2 x Hobie Pursuit 2-man kayak

2 x Hobie Pursuit 1-man kayak

2 x Epic V5 1 man kayak

3 x Surfboards

2 x Wakeboards

3 x Windsurf Beginner to Intermediate

1 x Windsurf Freeride Advance, Windsurf sails 3,7/4,7/5,7/7,3

2 x SUP Cruiser

2 x SUP Surf

Large selection of kite surfboards, harnesses and sails: 

1 x Electric Foil Flightboard Air x 1 All Riders (good for beginners)

1 x Electric Foil Flightboard Pro x 2 

Inflatable assorted water toys

Assorted fishing rods, reels, lures and accessories

Fully equipped for diving with all sizes of regulators, tanks, BCDs, wetsuits, find and additional specialized equipment (full dive inventory upon request)

Cruising Locations

Northern Europe, Svalbard, Greenland (2024)

French Polynesia (2025)

Antarctica (December - late February)

Charter Prices

From 2,200,000 USD per week

Why we love it

OCTOPUS is a truly iconic vessel and one of the most impressive motor yachts on the charter market today. Her endless array of features including her unique glass-bottomed aquarium and vast collection of water toys make her the ideal vessel for even the most remote and secluded locations.

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PLANNING YOUR EXPERIENCE

Get in touch with our yachting experts to begin planning your experience aboard OCTOPUS.

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Exploring the Depths of Luxury: Discovering the Lürssen 126m Octopus Superyacht

Lurssen MY Octopus: Inspiring Adventure, Encouraging Joy

Since her 2003 launch, Lürssen’s luxury explorer yacht Octopus has quietly completed a nearly continuous calendar of itineraries while maintaining a very private profile. That is a long time for any superstar to run silent. A recent change in status has made her a hot talking point, entertaining a high level of interest as she enters the charter market for the first time.

Emerging from a 20-year cocoon of privacy, the 126-meter Octopus is now splashing her fabulous interiors across screen and page, setting a high bar for comparison with any other yacht of her size, new or old, as well as in her category as an explorer vessel. She is capable, luxurious, spacious, and fitted to supply extraordinary needs for the adventurer, researcher, scientist, and leisure traveler alike.

The Marvel of the Octopus Design

Designed and built years ahead of the current trend in explorer style vessels, there were just a handful of yachts that exceeded Octopus in length. None so successfully dovetailed sumptuous interiors with serious research and exploration features. Owing to the imagination and foresight of the design team along with the yacht’s original owner, Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen, Octopus still presents a classic yacht profile defined by style and beauty that is equaled only by her extraordinary capabilities.

How does one design a highly technical yacht that retains top status among new launches for two decades? With Octopus, age is just a number -- another statistic to add to her impressive list of accomplishments.

Paul Allen’s vision for this predecessor embraced the ability to explore remote regions where support is limited and challenges abound. Allen wanted an ice class yacht boasting endurance, range, and speed, capable of housing two helicopters, very large tenders, a submarine, and lots of equipment that would facilitate highly technical exploration of underwater life, shipwrecks, and sea floor features.

Allen’s vision was sent to Lürssen, who then forwarded it to the desk of Espen Øino, a young, designer at the time who put his skill and optimism to work in creating a yacht with brilliantly designed, unique new features. Espen cites his youth as an advantage in approaching the ambitious project.

“It takes a lot to convince me that things cannot be done,” Espen stated, advising that dividing a big problem into several smaller ones and resolving them one by one often unveils a solution. Espen found the complex requirements in the design of the stern dock on Octopus to be the most challenging and the most rewarding feature of the yacht. He described the result as “An elegant solution to a complex problem.“

The internal dry dock that began to emerge in the design would need to accommodate protected storage for a very large, powerful tender, a submarine, and several smaller tenders and watercraft. The weight of these machines alone would cause the yacht to list if launched from either side.

Espen said they decided on the central internal dry dock by playing with the rules of stability, as the longitudinal trim would prove less disruptive than that of the transverse plane for launching big machines.

Storing the vessels on the centerline and in bulkheads on the B5 line adjacent to the central marina optimized the rules, solving the puzzle with a novel, internal , floodable dry dock marina approach.

That decision still required intensive engineering work to insure structural integrity amid all of the openings required to store such a large number of big, heavy machines inside the hull, in addition to the helipads, hangars, and pools. In the end, Espen found it to be his favorite spot on the yacht. The massive, 2-story space, filled with incredible equipment and a travel lift, is an impressive visual.

“It was quite challenging structurally to keep it all together, to make it stiff enough so that everything stood upright properly, with big, moving parts, and many openings in the outboard shell sides,” Espen remarked.

Luxe Interiors Expected of a Superyacht

The posh, clean lined Interiors designed by Jonathan Quinn Barnett underwent a 2019 refit by Monk Design, executed by the Lürssen-acquired Blohm + Voss yard, ensuring everything was refreshed, stylish, comfy, and ready to go. Originally built at Lürssen shipyards, the interior details of this ultra-private yacht are at last on display through Camper & Nicholsons, a company with 240 years of marine industry knowledge.

The List is Long: Features and Amenities

A steel, full displacement ice class 1A hull gives Octopus free range throughout the earth’s waters, top to bottom, warm to cold. A protected interior two-level marina with concealed 36 meter floodable tender garage hosts a 16 meter tender and a 12 meter submersible, accompanied by a fleet of six additional tenders.

Two helicopter pads, a 13-meter heated freshwater swimming pool, a forward-facing observation lounge, gym and fitness area, cinema, library, two elevators, fully equipped technical and free dive center, hyperbaric chamber, and an extensive toy list just begin to scratch the surface of Octopus’s amenities. And, just for fun, a retractable glass floor covers the pool to create a stunning, flush deck dance and entertainment space.

To Sleep: Perchance, to Dream

It’s hard to put in an exhilarating day of heliskiing atop an Antarctic glacier or a deep sea dive to a remote shipwreck without a pleasant night’s sleep. Turning last night’s dreams into today’s adventures, Octopus accommodates 12 guests spread over four of the yacht’s eight decks. The deck seven full-beam king master suite, outfitted with a king bed, dual baths, a private observation lounge, a private exterior deck, and a private elevator helps to de-stress for an excellent day of adventure to come.

Deck four houses two VIP king suites, four queen suites, one double suite, and one twin cabin, along with a separate cabin with a single bed, sofa, and en suite. Deck Three offers two twin cabins and two queen cabins, with sofa/daybeds.

Crew needs sleep, too, especially when they are so carefully selected to serve on board for their individual expertise and performance. Dive specialists, submarine specialists, accomplished chefs, and experienced staff are all at the ready. Deck two has one single berth cabin, thirteen double berth shares, and three triple berth shares, all refitted with new baths in 2019. Deck three houses the chief engineer’s cabin, four single head of department cabins with beds and pullman bunks, one double berth share and four triple berth shares. Deck six finds the captain’s cabin and the chief officer’s cabin appropriately located near the wheelhouse.

Knowledge is Power: An Early Adaptor

Designed with a hybrid propulsion diesel electric system, Octopus has extensive range to travel to remote locations that most yachts can only imagine. Twin ABB Industry AG-E electric motors combined with eight MTU 16V 4000 M50 diesel engines power Octopus to a mind-blowing 12,500 nautical miles at 12 knots, able to spend months at sea. Maximum speed is 19 knots.

Where Would You Go?

Octopus is clearly capable of heading out to even the most secluded of destinations, safely, comfortably, and stylishly. She has slipped in and out of bays around the world, skipped across every ocean, and provided researchers and scientists with a fully equipped floating laboratory. Knowing that, where would you go with Octopus as your transport?

Jacqui Lockhart, European Head of Charter Management for Camper & Nicholsons, responded she would gather a group of well-traveled friends and head to “All corners of the earth but back to Antarctica where Octopus will return in December 2024.” Available for charter through Camper & Nicholsons at €2,200,000 per week, Jacqui added that during the summer of 2023, Octopus will be based in the Mediterranean.

Espen was also enthusiastic about where he would point Octopus, listing an itinerary embracing “all places you can’t reach unless you bring your own bed.” He would embark on an epic ski adventure to Antarctica, the west coast of South America, the south island of New Zealand, Japan, Norway, Greenland, and the Kamchatka Peninsula. So, should you find yourself lucky enough to book time on board Octopus, and have an extra cabin, don’t forget to invite Espen.

Photos: Camper & Nicholsons / Dave Le Roux | Words: K.L. Turner

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Octopus Specifications

• Name Octopus
• Model Custom
• Flag Cayman Islands
• Hull NB 13622
• Hull Colour -
• Naval Architect Lurssen Yachts
• Exterior Designer Espen Oeino
• Interior Designer Jonathan Quinn Barnett
• Length Overall 126.2m
• Length at Waterline 110.0m
• Draft (min) -
• Draft (max) 5.7m
• Gross Tonnage -
• Cabins Total 41
• Hull Configuration -
• Hull Material Steel
• Superstructure -
• Deck Material Teak
• Fuel Type Diesel
• Manufacturer Mercedes
• Power 2400 hp / 1790 kW
• Total Power 2400 hp / 1790 kW
• Propulsion Twin Screw
• Max Speed 20 Kn
• Cruising Speed 17 Kn
• Fuel Capacity 850000
• Water Capacity 175000
• Generator -
• Stabilizers -
• Thrusters -
• Amenities -
• Yacht Builder Lurssen Yachts View profile
• Naval Architect Lurssen Yachts View profile
• Exterior Designer Espen Oeino View profile
• Interior Designer Jonathan Quinn Barnett No profile available

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Octopus Yacht Uncovered: An Insider’s Look at the Luxury Yacht

Launched back in the year 2003, the Octopus yacht was built by famous shipyard Lurssen out of Germany. Lurssen has been behind numerous other superyachts such as Kismet and Dilbar and many more. The exterior design was handled by Espen Øino Naval Architects while the interior was handled by American designer Jonathan Quinn Barnett.

Who Owns the Octopus Yacht?

The Octopus yacht was owned by Paul Allen, the co-founder of Microsoft. In addition to being a private pleasure yacht for Allen, the Octopus has served a variety of purposes over the years thanks to him loaning it out. It has served as an exploration vessel, been used for scientific research and has even seen use as a rescue vessel.

Allen died in 2018 and at that time the yacht underwent a refit at Blohm + Voss. In 2019 it was put on sale for a price of €295 million. The price was dropped by about 60 million and in 2021 it was picked up by an anonymous buyer. However, the anonymity didn’t last long and it was later revealed that Swedish billionaire Roger Samuelsson.

How Big is the Octopus Motor Yacht?

The Octopus more than qualifies as a superyacht coming in at an incredible 126.2 meters or 414 feet. While the largest yachts in the world are over 500 feet, the Octopus is clearly massive and could rightly be labeled a megayacht and one of the world’s largest yachts as well.

Aside from the incredible length of the vessel, it features a beam just shy of 69 feet across. The gross tonnage is 9,932.

How Much Did the Yacht Octopus Cost?

Paul Allen purchased the Octopus back in 2003. At that time the vessel cost him $200 million. Adjusted for inflation, that would work out to about $327 million by today, clearly making this one of the more expensive yachts in the world. That said, it still doesn’t meet the bar for one of the most expensive yachts ever by quite a bit.

Can You Charter the Octopus Yacht?

The Octopus is available for charter through the yacht firm Camper and Nicholsons but it’s definitely not available for most budgets. We’ve covered other yachts before that are owned by billionaires and are available for charter at some steep prices that often range around $1.2 million per week. The Octopus goes to the next level. 

You can charter the Octopus for about $2.2 million per week and that doesn’t include expenses. So you’ll be paying for things like food and fuel separately. Suffice it to say that this is not a charter for everyone but the option is there. 

Is the Octopus Yacht for Sale?

After its initial purchase in 2003 the Octopus was not available for sale until 2019 after owner Paul Allen passed away. There are currently some websites that claim the Octopus is for sale now and you can make an offer but the reliability of those sites is unknown and they do list the previous sale price from 2019 so they may not be current.

How Fast is the Octopus Yacht and What Engines Does it Use?

The Octopus has a cruising speed listed at 12.5 knots and a top speed listed at 19 knots. This is provided thanks to 8 MTU diesel engines that can generate a total of 19,200 hp. The yacht has an impressive range of up to 12,500 nautical miles at cruising speed thanks to her 1,034,000 liter fuel tanks 

What’s the Octopus Yacht Interior Like?

The Octopus covers eight decks and has room on board for a total of 26 guests and 63 crew. The guests can find accommodations in a full-beam master suite, two VIP suites, seven double rooms and three twins, one with an additional single bed.

The master suite is on a dedicated owner’s deck and features a king size bed, his and hers en suite bathrooms and a private observation deck that includes an al fresco dining area. There’s also a private bar and Jacuzzi There is also an owner exclusive private elevator for use. 

For years the details of the interior were a closely guarded secret while Paul Allen was still the owner. In fact, designer Espen Oeino said that this was the first yacht that ever required him to sign an NDA to keep its design secret. Since then he’s signed many more, but the Octopus was where it started. However, since Allen’s passing and the sale of the yacht, the transition to a vessel available for charter has allowed us to learn a lot more about the Octopus and its amenities and entertainment facilities.

Features and Amenities

The Octopus is an ice-class exploration yacht so it can go where many other luxury yachts cannot. It has two helipads as well as garages to house two helicopters. In addition, guests can find the following on board.

• There’s a large swimming pool to the aft of the yacht on the main deck. It features numerous loungers and its own cocktail bar. There’s also a retractable glass floor that covers the pool when not in use.
• A dance floor for parties
• A movie theater
• A well equipped gym for working out
• A relaxation spa that includes a sauna
• A large indoor/outdoor beach club area
• A large deck Jacuzzi
• A glass bottomed observation lounge
• A well-stocked library for those evenings when you want to curl up with a good book

For those who want to have some more intense fun out on the water, the Octopus has a number of toys that can be used.

• 59’5” Delta Powerboats 54′ Tender
• 30’8” Vikal Custom Limo Tender with a pair of 260 HP engines
• A 10-person submarine named Pagoo which we’ll talk more about shortly
• A dive center with a hyperbaric chamber and scuba gear
• A large swim platform
• A diving platform
• 4 separate 2 seat Yamaha FX140 Waverunners
• 2 separate 2 Person Hobie Pursuit Kayaks
• An Epic V5 Kayak
• 3 Windsurfers for a range of skill levels
• A stand up Yamaha jet ski
• 3 surfboards
• Kite surfers 
• Water skis and a variety of towable toys 
• Snorkeling gear
• Fishing gear

Octopus Rescue Work

The Octopus also features a not entirely typical on board submarine and also a very rare ROV or remote operated vehicle which is essentially a remote control sub. These had been used a number of times on rescue operations when Paul Allen owned the vessel.

The sub and ROV were used to help find a pilot and two officers who vanished off the coast of Palau, and even aided the Royal Navy in finding the bell from the HMS Hood which sank off of Denmark in WWII.

The Octopus has also aided in scientific research, most notably when researchers were studying coelacanth, a species of prehistoric fish thought to have been extinct for millions of years. 

What is the Octopus Yacht Deck Plan?

You can see the full deck plans here. The Octopus was designed to feature some things you would never expect to find on a yacht. For instance, it had a fully equipped recording studio where the band U2 did some recording. The studio also hosted Usher, Mick Jagger and Joss Stone. However, the studio has since been replaced with a bar and lounge area.

In addition to the studio the yacht was designed with a storm cabin to help minimize the effects of bad weather and a full medical center in case of emergencies. Many of these features no longer exist since the retrofit after Paul Allen’s death.

One extremely unique feature is the central clock. Braided stainless-steel shrouds from a sailing vessel were strung on either side of the grand staircase from lower to upper deck. The designer enlisted the aid of a 102-year-old German clock making company to help bring the idea to life. It also uses digital audio software so that on a regular basis the strings can play snippets from literally any song to indicate the passage of time.

The Bottom Line

The Octopus yacht was once owned by Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen until his death in 2018. Afterwards, some of the yacht was redesigned and it was sold for close to $300 million to Swedish billionaire Roger Samuelsson. 

The Octopus is a massive exploration yacht measuring 414 feet making it large but nowhere near as big as something like the massive Azzam . It has been used for scientific research and rescue missions in the past and is now available for charter though at a steep price.

While it has many of the expected amenities of luxury yachts it also features some more exotic fare like the minisub with room for 8 passengers and two crew, as well as a stunning array of toys and other features.

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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Octopus: New pictures of Lürssen's 126m explorer

Related articles, superyacht directory.

Camper & Nicholsons has released new images of the 126 metre Lürssen Octopus in Panama just a few months after she made her debut on the charter market following a refit at Blohm+Voss .

Octopus is one of the largest superyachts in the world and also one of the most secretive, that is until she was put up for sale last year. Now under new ownership and available for charter, she embarked on a two-year round-the-world tour at the end of 2021 starting in the Galapagos Islands.

Commissioned by Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen, Octopus was built in steel by German yard Lürssen and delivered in 2003. At the time of her launch, she was easily the largest explorer yacht ever built and heralded a new era of superyachts built to travel to the ends of the earth, equipped with scientific and research equipment and all the little (and not-so-little) luxuries expected of a vessel of this size. With exterior design by Espen Øino and interiors penned by Jonathan Quinn Barnett , Octopus remains, to this day, one of the most impressive yachts on the water.

Her ice-class 1A steel hull means she can travel further than most while her two helipads allow guests to be whisked to shore for polar expeditions on land. Since her delivery, Octopus has explored the coast of Antarctica, traversed the Northwest Passage and even discovered the wrecks of long-lost WW2 battleships off the Philippines. 

After a decade of extensive travelling, Octopus checked in for a refit at Blohm+Voss in 2019 where a few tweaks were made to prepare her for the charter market. Work was mostly superficial with new custom furnishings and the removal of a recording studio which has since been replaced by a bar. Accommodation is offered for a total of 12 guests, including a private owner’s deck complete with its own elevator and observation lounge. 

Octopus is home to seven tenders, which are stored out of sight in a drive-in garage that qualifies as a "mini marina". The biggest tender is an 18-metre Delta 54, built in carbon with a top speed of 30 knots, and the yacht is set to take delivery of a Triton 3300/6 submarine. Other standout features include a glass-bottomed underwater observation lounge, smoothie bar, a cinema, wine bar, and a basketball court.

On the bridge deck, also dubbed the entertainment deck, guests will find a heated freshwater swimming pool with a retractable glass floor that raises to deck level to provide an extended area for entertaining. A bar, spa pool and pizza oven are also found nearby. 

What's more, Octopus is powered by two-hybrid ABB Industry AG E-Motors that limit her environmental footprint wherever she roams. She can reach a top speed of 19 knots when underway and is equipped with a globe-trotting range of 12,500 nautical miles when cruising at 12 knots.

Octopus is listed for charter with Camper & Nicholsons asking $2,200,000 per week. The yacht will remain in the Caribbean this summer before heading to Antarctica for the winter.

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The World’s Most Expensive Yachts—Including Some That Cost Billions

By Brett Berk

Though superyachts are already among the most costly consumer items available, the prices of the most expensive yachts in the world are still astounding. In recent decades, those with money to burn have settled on these floating palaces as an ideal locus for demonstrating their prosperity, and, as such, the global luxury yacht industry is undergoing a golden age. The world’s überwealthy think of their motor yachts as toys, and they’re constantly trying to outdo each other in scale, design, amenities, materials, and sheer profligacy.

Knowing this, what features does it take to own one of the most expensive yachts in existence? And how much do these opulent vessels actually cost? To that end, AD has compiled a list of the five priciest superyachts currently out on the water. As with many things connected to the very wealthy, details are shrouded in secrecy—often intentionally—to shield the assets from taxation or seizure, or to protect privacy.

Below, dive into the five reportedly most expensive yachts in the world.

5. Dubai ($400 million)

This 531-foot yacht is reportedly owned by United Arab Emirates Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Ruler of Dubai. Though it was originally planned for another Middle Eastern potentate, Prince Jefri Bolkiah of Brunei, he suddenly voided the contract in 2001. With exteriors designed by Andrew Winch and interiors by Platinum Yachts, this German-built Blohm + Voss vessel features several Jacuzzis, a pool inlaid with handmade mosaic tiles that is reportedly large enough to hold 115 people, a circular staircase, a discotheque with an appropriately sized dance floor, squash courts, a movie theater, a dining room for 90 guests (the other 25 presumably have to eat in the pool?), a helipad, and a submarine.

4. Topaz ($527 million)

Resembling a stealth bomber, this 483-foot ship is reportedly owned by Russian fertilizer and coal oligarch Andrey Melnichenko. With exteriors by Tim Heywood Design Ltd. and interior designs by Terence Disdale Design, this German-built Lürssen Yacht features a 2,500-square-foot primary bedroom, six guest suites (with moveable walls so they can be transformed into four grand staterooms), glassware and tableware fashioned from French crystal, a helicopter hangar, a 30-foot speedboat tender, and three swimming pools, including one with a glass-bottom dangling menacingly above a disco.

3. Azzam ($600 million)

This 590-foot ship is currently thought to be the largest private yacht in the world and one of the fastest, with a top speed of 35 miles per hour. To achieve this immense scale and speed, it required a pair of gas turbines and two stratospherically potent diesel engines, rendering it very difficult to build. It is reportedly owned by a member of the royal family of the UAE, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan. With exteriors by Nauta Yacht and interiors by French decorator Cristophe Leoni, this yacht was also built by Lürssen in Germany. The vessel is set apart by its early 19th-century Empire-style veneered furniture, as well as its state-of-the-art security systems, including a fully bulletproof primary suite and a high-tech missile deterrence capabilities.

2. Eclipse ($1.5 billion)

In addition to being the second-costliest, this 533-footer is thought to be the world’s second-largest private yacht. Owned by Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich , the ship was claimed to be located in Turkey and may be impounded as part of the United Kingdom’s sanctions against Russia. Designed by Terry Disdale and built by Blohm + Voss, it features two-dozen guest cabins, two swimming pools, two helipads, and multiple hot tubs. For privacy and security reasons, it hosts a missile detection system, bulletproof windows in the primary bedroom and on the bridge, an anti-paparazzi shield, and, when all of that fails, a mini-submarine that can take a few VIPs 164 feet under the ocean’s surface.

1. History Supreme ($4.8 billion)

History Supreme has never actually been seen in a major port, and rumors suggest that the yacht may not be real and instead just a publicity stunt. Reportedly owned by Malaysia’s richest man, Robert Kuok, and designed by Stuart Hughes in the UK, the yacht is only a paltry 100 feet long. Its worth is said to be derived from its lavish finishes, including a statue constructed from genuine Tyrannosaurus rex bones, a liquor bottle embedded with an 18.5-carat diamond, and a primary bedroom with one wall made from meteorite and another from a 24-karat gold Aquavista Panoramic Wall Aquarium. If you see it somewhere, let us know.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is Jeff Bezos’s yacht?

This is why people like Amazon founder Jeff Bezos work to keep their yachts out of the public eye. Though we are not including Jeff Bezos’s yacht, Koru (Maori for “coil”), in this list because it is a sailing yacht and thus excluded from the realm of these motor yachts, it created controversy in the Netherlands when its presence became known. Jeff Bezos’s abided the $500 million price tag of Oceanco, the Dutch custom yacht builder, to create the 417-foot megayacht. But when the company, at Bezos’s behest, requested that a local bridge be dismantled to make way for its gigantic mast on its journey from the shipyard, public sentiment turned against the cento-billionaire, and Oceano shelved its request. Maybe a port like Monaco would be more accommodating?

Also not on this list is the world’s largest private yacht, reportedly owned by Alisher Usmanov. Though size and cost typically scale in the world of superyachts, this is not always the case (see #1 in this list.) Also, Somnio, the 728-feet dream-monikered yacht liner that tops our list of the world’s largest private yachts , isn’t quite done being constructed. And it is not, like most of the largest superyachts, privately owned by one individual or family—it’s a kind of floating condo, with 39 eight-figure homes available to potential owners solely by invitation.

By Audrey Lee

By Rachel Davies

By Katherine McLaughlin

How Much Does It Cost to Buy a Boat Versus a Yacht?

• For a boat to be a yacht, it has to carry certain features, and it's more expensive than other boats.

How Much to Buy a Boat v. a Yacht

Getty Images

While owning a boat can provide a sense of freedom and excitement that no other form of transportation can offer, it's not without costs— they can be more expensive than you anticipate, and not just at purchase.

Key Takeaways

• The average purchase price of a 20-foot boat is between $10,000 and $60,000.
• Ongoing maintenance and other costs make boat ownership more expensive than many anticipate.
• While not necessarily a good investment, boats provide other benefits that make ownership worthwhile for many.  

Getting out on a river, lake or ocean in your very own vessel can be a dream come true.

But while owning a watercraft can provide a sense of freedom and excitement that no other form of transportation can offer, it's not without costs. In fact, boats can be more expensive than you anticipate, and not just at purchase.

Here is the difference between a boat and a yacht, and how each can come with a vast array of associated costs.

What Is the Average Cost of Owning a Boat?

The first cost associated with a boat is the purchase price. Fish and Ski Marine, a Texas-based boat dealership, reported the average purchase price for a new 20-foot boat in 2023 was between $40,000 and $60,000. If you bought the same vessel used, it would be between $10,000 and $20,000.

Boats come with other upfront costs besides the purchase price. Unless you'll be buying with cash, you'll finance the boat purchase .

The typical down payment is between 10% and 30% of the purchase price, and 15% is typical. According to Boat Trader , the average loan interest rate is between 7% and 10%, depending on your credit score, age, the type of boat and the economic climate.

You'll also need to register your boat and pay the sales tax, which may be added to the purchase price.

Fish and Ski Marine reports the annual cost of owning a standard fishing or pleasure boat typically ranges from $3,000 to $7,500 per year. This includes trailers, insurance, storage and marina fees, maintenance, fuel, education and licensing fees, and equipment and accessories.

What Makes a Boat a Yacht

Boats come in a vast number of varieties, from those that don't have motors, like sailboats and catamarans, to those that do, like cruisers, speedboats and yachts. And while all yachts are motorized, for a vessel to be considered one it must have certain characteristics, including:

• Minimum size . In general, a boat becomes a yacht when it is at least 33 feet long.
• Recreational purpose . Boats can have a wide variety of functions, such as sailing, fishing and business, but yachts are designed for comfort, entertainment and pleasure . 
• Luxury features . Yachts usually have spacious staterooms, complete kitchens, several heads (bathrooms) and other living spaces. After that there are countless extras, from pools and hot tubs to multiple dining rooms, bars and even helipads. 
• Sufficient power . Compared to other types of boats, a yacht's engine should be powerful enough to travel far distances. 

The Bigger the Yacht, the Higher the Cost 

For yachts, size is a major factor in the purchase price. Per Galati Boat Sales data , the average costs in 2023 were:

• Small (less than 50 feet): $500,000 to $2.5 million
• Mid (50 to 70 feet): $2 million to $6 million
• Large (70 to 90 feet): $6 million to $15 million or more
• Super (90 feet and longer): $10 million and more
• Mega (165 feet and longer): no average, but $600 million was a current going price 

Jim Burns, owner of Knot 10 Yacht Sales in Granville, Maryland, says there are many factors that go into the cost of yacht ownership.

“Keep a boat in your driveway and it won’t cost much, but if it's in a marina slip, you’re paying for that,” Burns says. “The bigger the boat, the higher that cost will be. Everything is done in feet, and all the marinas vary.”

For example, at the Kona Kai Marina in San Diego, the range is $28 to $60 per foot based on boat length over all (LOA) or slip LOA, whichever is longer. At the Cooper River Marina in South Carolina, long-term dockage is $15.25 per foot.

Boat and Yacht Upkeep Costs

Once you have the vessel, you’ll have to ensure it remains in proper working order. Time spent on the water is a major factor in how much it will cost in maintenance.

“You’re putting a ton of stress on the boat, just from the wear and tear,” says Yosef Shimels, co-founder of Destiny Yachts, a Miami-based private luxury charter company.

“You’re utilizing the AC, the water pump and the generator. Anything can go out at any time. We have to keep reserves for unexpected maintenance costs. I learned that something will go out, and more frequently than I expected,” he adds.

Trish Taylor co-owns Fire Drill Charters, which operates on Lake Michigan, with her husband, and she has a warning.

“There’s a saying that 'BOAT' stands for ‘break out another thousand’ and that’s not just one time, but over and over again,” Taylor says.

“And it’s true. Most people have no idea of the upkeep on boats. Boat ownership is different from owning a car. They simply don’t know what they don’t know,” she says.

Be on the lookout for the cost of regular oil changes, fuel filters, adding necessary technology and storage fees.

To reduce the monthly costs of keeping the boat in a slip (if it’s too long to keep in your driveway), you may consider taking it out of the water and paying for a storage space. Burns says $200 a month is typical, but it ultimately depends on the size of the vessel.

If you can’t find covered storage, you may have to pay to have the boat shrink-wrapped so it’s protected against the elements. That too, can set you back. For example, at Michigan’s Pier 33, wrapping a boat between 34 and 35.11 feet will cost $805.

Are Boats a Good Investment?

“Boats generally lose value after purchase,” Burns says. “If you buy one for $100,000, know that you’ll never sell it for that.”

But what you put into the vessel as well as the type can help keep its value or even increase it.

"We own a 1993 Tiara Yacht we bought eight years ago,” Taylor says.

"Because of the tech and performance upgrades as well as a sought-after style that’s not made anymore, it can go for double what we bought it for. Buyers recognize well-maintained boats that have been upgraded to make the boating experience even better,” she adds.

Is Buying a Used Boat Worth It?

“In most cases a used boat is a phenomenal option,” Burns says. “For a 43-foot yacht you may pay $43,000 because it's 25 years old. To buy a new one it can be millions.”

Do make your purchase through a qualified broker, though.

“Private sales can be risky,” Burns says. “It's like buying a used car from a person online. As a broker we go through a process and handle all the transactions so the buyer gets a legal boat, and in a condition that’s acceptable for their intended use.”

It’s especially important to buy a used boat with the assistance of an expert if you're a first-time boat owner.

“If you don’t, you won’t know what to look for,” Burns says. “What’s underneath the shine? These things can cost tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars. It could be rotted out from moisture, and a fix could cost $30,000."

Pros and Cons of Owning a Boat

In the end, there are many reasons to have a boat or yacht of your own.

“They are pleasure crafts, so it's tough to put a price tag on being with your family, hanging out at a really good marina and having fun,” Burns says.

Shimels says chartering the boat out helps cover costs and provides him with residual income. "It’s also a tax benefit , because I can write off the depreciation,” he says.

As for the disadvantages, they include the unpredictable costs. “We just had an unexpected repair,” Shimels says. “A generator just went out, and it was $10,000.”

Finding the right people to help keep the boat or yacht in good working order isn’t always so easy, either.

“You have to find a good mechanic, someone to do the cleaning,” Shimels says. “There’s a variety of people you have to rely on.”

Finally, not everyone can handle the money and stress of boat ownership, and that’s OK.

“We’ve had customers who sold their boat and simply do multiple charters with us,” Taylor says. “All they do is walk on, fish and pay us. They love it. No cleaning or upkeep anymore for them.”

How Much is a Private Jet? 

Erica Sandberg Nov. 15, 2023

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Bezos is back at it with another hot yacht summer

• We're in for another hot yacht summer.
• Recent photos show Jeff Bezos hanging out with his fiancée, Lauren Sanchez, on a yacht in Portofino.
• Per reports, the ship in question is Bezos' $500 million yacht, Koru, which set sail in February.

Hot yacht summer is in full swing in the Italian village of Portofino.

A series of photos taken Monday show Jeff Bezos hanging out with his fiancée, Lauren Sanchez, on a ship in the Italian Riviera. She's seen reclining against a flag pole and testing out a variety of poses as Bezos snaps some photos.

You'd be forgiven for thinking it's just standard couple-on-vacation stuff, but then you'd be compelled to remember that this is not just any billionaire, and it's not just any boat: It's the world's third-richest billionaire, and, per multiple media reports, it's Bezos' $500 million yacht.

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As The Cut perfectly put it on Instagram , you're never too rich to be part of the #boyfriendsofinstagram.

The 417-foot vessel, named Koru , set sail in February. You may remember it from that time in 2022 when the Dutch nearly had to dismantle a historic bridge to let the vessel pass through Rotterdam.

It's hard to tell from a distance, but it looks as if Bezos may be wearing his signature aviators. Sadly, the iconic $260, octopus-print swim trunks from 2019 didn't make the cut this time.

Bezos and Sanchez were also photographed on the yacht off the coast of Spain in May, shortly after they hit up Coachella . The pair are hot-yacht-summer experts by now: In 2019, they made headlines for partying with Lloyd Blankfein and Karlie Kloss on David Geffen's yacht, Rising Sun, off the coast of Spain.

And you can't see it in this recent series of photos, but Bezos' yacht is adorned with a female bust, which people have been speculating is modeled off of Sanchez.

The Dutch, by the way, ended up not dismantling the old bridge for the sake of Bezos' big boat.

Bezos didn't immediately respond to a request for comment sent outside regular business hours.

Watch: Jeff Bezos reportedly just spent $165 million on a Beverly Hills estate — here are all the ways the world's richest man makes and spends his money

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