Bill gates' famous boat: Project Aqua

    In 2020, the world of yachting was abuzz with rumors that Bill Gates had purchased an impressive and advanced yacht known as Project Aqua. The massive 370-foot concept yacht was unveiled in 2019 at the Monaco Yacht Show, and shortly thereafter, news spread that billionaire Bill Gates, the founder of Microsoft and once the world's richest man, had commissioned the construction of his very own hydrogen-powered Aqua. However, in reality, this never materialized, and as far as anyone can tell, Bill Gates does not own a yacht at all.


    So, where did this story originate? What's the deal with Aqua? And has Bill Gates ever been spotted on a yacht before? Let's dive into the details.

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


    Contrary to online stories, Bill Gates did not pay $600 million for the hydrogen-powered yacht. According to the yacht's makers, the Dutch company Sinot, the price tag is $645 million. However, no one, including Bill Gates, purchased it after its debut at the Monaco Yacht Show. While it's undoubtedly expensive, it's not the world's most expensive yacht.

How Fast Is the Aqua Yacht?


    Aqua stands out in the yachting world as the first mega yacht to run on a fully operational liquid hydrogen and fuel cell system. It features two hydrogen engines capable of producing 1,341 horsepower. The yacht has a top speed of 17 knots and a cruising speed of 12 knots, with a total range of 3,750 nautical miles. The liquid hydrogen is stored in two 28-ton vacuum-sealed tanks, maintaining a chilling -253 degrees Celsius. The only exhaust produced is water.

What Does the Interior of the Aqua Yacht Look Like?


    Aqua boasts seven suites designed to accommodate up to 14 guests at any given time, including two larger VIP cabins. The ceilings throughout reach 9 feet and extend as high as 12.5 feet in certain areas, thanks to the luxurious Sinot yacht architecture. The vessel can accommodate a crew of 31 members. The beach deck lounge on the yacht resembles a luxury hotel space.

    One of the Aqua's remarkable features is a bow observation room surrounded by windows, offering a panoramic view of the ocean, often described as the "ultimate superyacht owner's lounge." Additionally, there's an onboard movie theater on the upper deck, a wellness center with a hydro massage room, a workout space for yoga enthusiasts, a fully equipped gym, a beauty salon, and even a hairdresser.

    On the main deck, there's a luxurious swimming pool complete with a waterfall. A defining feature of the yacht is the spiral staircase that spans all five decks and is covered by a skylight. As you ascend, it also provides a view of the interior of the hydrogen fuel tanks, offering a glimpse of what 56 tons of ultra-cold liquid hydrogen looks like as you move between decks.

    The tender garage is stocked with an array of toys, including jet skis, while the main deck features a beach club with a dining area designed for all 14 guests and a lounge that can be converted into a cinema space.

Which Yacht Has Bill Gates Actually Been On?

    While Bill Gates does seem to enjoy yachts, he has not gone as far as owning one, and that's understandable given the millions required for annual maintenance. However, he has vacationed on yachts and even celebrated his 66th birthday on one.

    In 2021, Gates made headlines when he celebrated his 66th birthday aboard the luxury yacht Lana, alongside Jeff Bezos. He spent $2 million to charter the yacht for a week and flew 50 guests out to celebrate with him. Lana is a 351-foot yacht with room for 12 guests, boasting a cruising speed of 12 knots and a maximum speed of 18 knots. The master suite covers 1,184 square feet and includes his and hers walk-in dressing rooms and a private terrace.

    Elsewhere on board, you'll find a piano in the lounge area, a full gym for working out, a sauna, and a well-appointed spa. On deck, you can head to the beach club or take a dip in the pool. The garage houses three tenders, alongside a variety of toys, including jet skis, a seabob, wakeboards, windsurfers, fishing equipment, and scuba diving gear.

    In 2014, Gates rented an even more expensive yacht, the $5 million per week Serene, for 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, is a massive 450-foot yacht, making it one of the world's largest, and it even has its own onboard submarine.

    The Serene features seven decks, a saltwater pool, a climbing wall, a surprisingly large library, a health spa, an outdoor cinema, and a nightclub, all spread across 48,000 square feet. It has also been confirmed that Gates met his wife, Melinda, on a yacht owned by Paul Allen, the co-founder of Microsoft, back in 1994.

Why Do People Think Bill Gates Owns the Aqua Yacht?

    It's easy to understand why people may have believed that Gates owned the Aqua. Firstly, there is ample evidence that Bill Gates enjoys luxury yachts. The extremely high price tag is something only a few individuals in the world could afford, and Gates, who doesn't currently own a yacht, seemed like a likely candidate for such a purchase.

    Additionally, Gates has spent several years as a climate activist and has supported various green technologies. A yacht powered by hydrogen aligns with his environmental interests. So, without concrete evidence, circumstantial evidence was enough to convince many people. Once presented as fact on the internet, which happened in numerous articles and videos, few had reason to question it.

    The mega yacht known as Aqua has a price tag of $645 million and operates on clean-burning hydrogen fuel, with water as its only byproduct. It made waves, so to speak, when it debuted at the Monaco Yacht Show in 2019. Rumors soon began to spread that billionaire and well-known climate activist Bill Gates had ordered one for $600 million. However, despite many videos and articles referring to him as the owner, the truth is that no one purchased the Aqua at the yacht show, and as of 2023, Bill Gates does not own a yacht at all. While he is known to charter extremely luxurious yachts for vacations and parties, such as Lana and Serene, he does not currently own one.

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