Billionaire tech tycoon’s $250m superyacht has $15m annual running costs
- This superyacht is very impressive but doesn’t come cheap
- It’s the prized possession of tech tycoon Charles Simonyi
- Among its features are an open-air cinema and pool
Published on Jun 26, 2024 at 6:58 PM (UTC+4)
by Ben Thompson
Last updated on Jun 26, 2024 at 6:58 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Tom Wood
One billionaire tech tycoon has a superyacht in a league of its own – costing £15 million to run each year.
Charles Simonyi, one of the brains behind Microsoft, purchased the Norn megayacht from German shipbuilder Lürssen.
The yacht, worth $250 million, was commissioned by the 75-year-old in 2018, as he was looking to upgrade from his previous vessel, Skat.
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What type of superyacht do you get for $250 million?
Launched in February, the stunning ship boasts interiors designed by Dölker + Voges.
It’d be easier to name the things that aren’t on board this megayacht.
It has a pool with an adjustable floor – meaning the owner can change the depth of the pool to their taste.
And if swimming isn’t on the agenda, it can also double as a dance floor with illuminating lights.
If Simonyi is feeling like relaxing after diving or dancing, he can always relax in the ship’s open-air cinema.
It’s estimated that the boat can fit 16 guests across eight cabins, with space for 20 cabin crew across an additional 10 rooms.
The 295-foot-long vessel runs at a speed of 20 knots, the equivalent of 23 miles per hour.
The tech tycoon’s previous purchase – Skat
His current boat may be amazing, but that doesn’t mean his previous ship was unbecoming.
Commissioned in 1999, the Skat is still impressive by modern standards.
The 230ft ship values minimalism and runs quieter than a Rolls-Royce Phantom.
When Simonyi sold his Skat in October 2021, it became a family boat.
The office was converted into a child’s cabin, and a swing set, trampoline and sea pool were brought on board.
With a helipad and bridge deck, the Skat is certainly nothing to turn your nose up at.
However, with as much cash as Simonyi is splashing towards his sea-faring, it pales in comparison to Amazon’s Jess Bezos.
His $500 million superyacht costs about $25 million in operating expenses.
Not that it’s a competition or anything.
# Tags - Luxury, superyachts
Ben Thompson
Ben got his start in journalism at Kennedy News and Media, writing stories for national newspapers, websites and magazines. Now working as a freelancer, he divides his time between teaching at News Associates and writing for news sites on all subjects.
