A recent incident off the coast of Italy caused a ripple in the world of the uber-wealthy as two mega-yachts collided. Billionaire Laurene Powell Jobs’ super-yacht, the Venus, found itself in a minor crash with another massive vessel, the Lady Moura, owned by Mexican billionaire Ricardo Salinas Pliego. Both yachts are estimated to be worth upwards of $120 million each, making this collision not only a pricey affair but also a headline-grabbing spectacle.
The collision occurred on July 22nd while both yachts were reportedly anchored. According to a source familiar with the situation, the Venus came into contact with the Lady Moura while both vessels were stationary. Fortunately, no family members were on board the Venus at the time, only the crew was present. The incident took place as the wind shifted suddenly, reaching speeds of 55 knots in a matter of minutes.
Following the collision, both captains engaged in discussions about the minor repairs needed for their respective vessels. The source mentioned that while neither boat dragged anchor, the Lady Moura was anchored with a chain twice the expected length for the water depth. Reports from Boat International indicate that Pliego’s side recorded the incident and shared a video of the collision on social media. In the video, the billionaire is heard expressing his concern in Spanish about the costly damages incurred in the collision.
The Venus, a 256-foot yacht, was custom created for the late Steve Jobs by renowned designer Philippe Starck. However, Jobs passed away before he could use the vessel, and it ultimately went to his widow, Laurene Powell Jobs. On the other hand, the Lady Moura, a 344-foot yacht, was previously owned by a Saudi businessman before being acquired by Ricardo Salinas Pliego for a reported $125 million. Pliego, the third richest person in Mexico, is a prominent figure in the business world with interests in banking, telecommunications, and retail.
The collision between these two extravagant yachts serves as a reminder of the opulent lifestyle enjoyed by the world’s wealthiest individuals. While the incident resulted in minor damages and raised eyebrows in the maritime community, it also sheds light on the luxurious world of billionaire yacht owners and the high stakes involved in their lavish pursuits at sea.
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