Before Saudi royalty bought it, Bill Gates rented this $400m yacht just to helicopter to tennis courts
Published on Jun 22, 2025 at 8:12 PM (UTC+4)
by Amelia Jean Hershman-Jones
Last updated on Jun 19, 2025 at 3:28 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Tom Wood
Bill Gates chartered one of the most opulent yachts in the world – the 439-foot superyacht Serene – in 2014 for $5 million per week before it was sold to Saudi royalty – however, he left by helicopter daily to play tennis.
The yacht, which was chartered off the coast of Sardinia, was owned at the time by Russian billionaire Yuri Shefler, the owner of Stolichnaya vodka.
The stunning vessel inspired Gates to invest in his own yacht.
While many of us would soak up every second onboard for the unbelievable charter cost – the American tech business billionaire and philanthropist ventured offboard once a day to play tennis on an island.
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The Microsoft mogul and his family were enjoying the waters and scenic views around Porto Cervo, a billionaire hotspot in northern Sardinia.
Bill Gates has a strict tennis routine that saw him fly by helicopter every morning from the yacht to a private court onshore before returning for leisure activities like watersports later in the day with his then-wife, Melinda French Gates, and their children.
Choppering in and out wasn’t an issue, with the behemoth vessel featuring two helipads, a personal submarine, an underwater viewing room, spas, a cinema, and that’s just scratching the surface.
Designed by Fincantieri and Reymond Langton, Serene spans seven decks and includes 12 suites for 24 guests and over 50 crew members.
While Gates, who is at the time of writing worth over $116 billion, didn’t buy a yacht immediately after, it’s said that his über-luxury break made quite the impression.
Gates later commissioned a hydrogen-powered superyacht, named Breakthrough, reflecting his commitment to sustainability, which is reflected in his real-estate portfolio.
However, he never fully used or kept the yacht, reportedly selling it after his divorce from Melinda in 2021.
Serene is now owned by Saudi royalty: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who bought it on a whim during a holiday in the South of France.
The yacht is rumored to house Salvator Mundi, the $450 million Leonardo da Vinci painting, as part of the royal family’s collection.
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With a dual English and French degree and NCTJ diploma, Amelia began her career doing award-winning writing and editing for titles and brands spanning Women's Health, the Telegraph, Boots, and Vitality. Amelia joined the SB Media family in September of 2023, bringing her expertise in SEO and reader takeaway. As Lead Editor, her superpower is translating technical jargon about the mechanical workings of a supercar into a shareable story.
