Logistical and Financial Challenges

The ‘Koru’ is among the world’s largest sailing yachts and features three open decks, a pool, multiple lounges, a cinema, and conference rooms — Operating the vessel requires a crew of 40 and an annual maintenance cost of roughly $26 million. And, Bezos owns a 76-meter support yacht valued at $75 million, which also has its own hangar and jet ski storage, but it remains unclear whether this vessel will also go up for sale.

The ‘Koru’ caused controversy even during its construction when plans to temporarily remove a bridge in Rotterdam to transport the yacht were proposed, while this led to public backlash, and the yacht was instead moved without its mast to avoid further disruption.

Public and Political Backlash

Bezos also faces public criticism over his involvement in high-profile events, including the 2026 Met Gala, though he and his wife, Lauren Sánchez, were co-chairs of the event after donating at least $10 million, according to ABC and T-Online. Critics have accused them of buying access to elite spaces, with some calling for a boycott of the event; Sánchez attended the gala alone, wearing a custom Schiaparelli gown inspired by the story of Sargent’s Madame X.

Paul Krugman. Writing on Substack. Noted that Bezos’s discomfort over public attention to his yacht highlights a broader issue of wealth concentration in the U.S; he contrasted this with the Gilded Age, when the wealthy maintained a public facade of modesty despite private excess. Bezos’s situation, Krugman argues, reflects a shift in how wealth and influence operate today.

Environmental and Social Impact

Despite the criticism. The Bezos Earth Fund, with Sánchez serving as vice chair, recently announced $34 million in grants for sustainable material research, including biodegradable fibers and plastic-free synthetic silk, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter. This comes amid broader scrutiny of Bezos’s environmental and social footprint.

Bezos’s decision to sell the yacht appears to reflect both practical and public relations considerations. The logistical challenges of accommodating such a large vessel, combined with the political and cultural backlash over his high-profile appearances and donations, suggest a shift in how the billionaire manages his personal and public image.