steve jobs yacht australia

Late Steve Job’s Super Yacht Venus

As inspiring and revolutionary Steve Jobs’ engineering concept is, equally brilliant is the late innovator’s mega yacht named Venus. Having commissioned the vessel even before the diagnosis of his terminal illness, Jobs intended the vessel to be his swan-song , after his terminal health problem was brought to light. According to the reports, the mega yacht was put into operation in 2012, a year after Jobs’ untimely demise.

The designing concept of the vessel was carried out mainly by reputed French marine architect Philippe Starck with several noteworthy inputs provided by Jobs himself. However for a brief period, the designing of the vessel was almost stalled by the American tycoon on account of the state of his health, though he later resumed it as a way of ensuring that his legacy and presence was carried forth even in his absence.

Feadship is known world-wide as a specialist in building one-of-a-kind super yachts.

With regard to Venus, it has provided the following technical uniqueness:

• A stream-lined aluminium hull that replicates the visual effect of the Apple gadgetries
• State-of-the-art technological inclusions like incorporation of iMac systems to allow for superior manoeuvring on water
• Ultra-modern accommodation amenities

Controversy about Payment

Almost immediately after the mega yacht was launched, there was a slight controversy surrounding the Venus. Principle designer Philippe Starck alleged that the legal inheritors of the yacht had failed to pay the balance of his dues, amounting to around US$ four million. Following the allegation, the yacht was seized at the Rotterdam harbor before the defaulted dues were paid and settled by the late entrepreneur’s legal team on behalf of the inheritors.

The mega yacht was named for the Greco-Roman Goddess of romance, Venus and it was with great love that Steve Jobs envisioned its completion. Although unfortunately he was unable to see his vision brought to life, yacht Venus holds one lasting memory of Jobs to his loved and cherished ones.

Video of Superyacht Venus

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The story behind Steve Jobs’ $120 million Venus superyacht

Published on Jul 11, 2023 at 12:16PM (UTC+4)

• by Adam Gray

Last updated on Jul 11, 2023 at 5:14PM (UTC+4)

One of the most striking superyachts ever built has been shrouded in secrecy since her inception.

But with a famous name attached to the project, she was bound to garner attention.

The Venus superyacht is a fully custom creation, built for the late Apple founder Steve Jobs.

READ MORE! The annual running costs of owning a superyacht are enough to buy a mansion

Sadly, Jobs never had the chance to set foot on board before his untimely death in 2011, the year before the superyacht launched.

Venus remains in the family, now owned by his widow Laurene Powell Jobs.

This yacht isn’t only interesting because of its owner, Venus’s exterior profile is also incredibly unique.

Measuring 256 feet (78.2 meters), the exterior is dominated by a striking silver paint job, gleaming stainless-steel details, and a line of rectangular windows.

Built by Feadship and designed by Philippe Starck, she is long and lean, with an 11.8 meter beam and a low-slung superstructure made entirely of glass.

Starck designed Venus’ exterior with straight lines and 90-degree angles.

She has an axe bow, and an unusal flat, squared stern, which opens to reveal a tender garage.

The long forward deck, planked in teak, is completely free of clutter.

Notably, she has no visible radar arch or satellite equipment; all of this is hidden within a box to keep Venus’s exterior extremely clean.

Venus’s minimalist style, reminiscent of Apple products, extends to the interior, where multiple Mac computer screens line the bridge windows.

Other than glimpses into the bridge, the Venus superyacht’s interior has never been seen publicly.

It was never offered for charter or presented at trade shows, but Feadship did reveal that it has six suites offering accommodation for 12 guests, and separate quarters for 22 crew.

According to Styarck himself, the rooms are completely sound-proof and isolated from one another, so that no noise ever goes through.

Instead, guests rely on a high-tech internal communication system to communicate.

“Think Different” has been Apple’s longtime slogan, and it’s clear Jobs wanted to create something amazingly different with his iconic Venus superyacht.

• Tags - Apple , superyachts

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$120million Venus superyacht owned by Steve Job's billionaire widow Laurene Powell docks in Cairns, Australia as workers stock the 255ft vessel with supplies

• The $120million Venus superyacht boasts six bedrooms and is 255ft long
• It docked in Cairns, Queensland on Friday
•  The vessel is owned by Apple co-founder Steve Jobs' widow Laurene Powell Jobs

By J. Peterson For Daily Mail Australia and Rachael Bunyan For Mailonline

Published: 11:16 EDT, 26 August 2023 | Updated: 11:44 EDT, 26 August 2023

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The Venus superyacht is one of the most expensive and luxurious boats in the world.

And on Friday, the $120million vessel owned by Apple co-founder Steve Jobs' widow Laurene Powell Jobs docked in Cairns, Australia. 

It's unclear if Laurene, 59, was on the scene, but various staffers were pictured loading Venus with supplies.

The superyacht looked like the picture of perfection as it sat in the crystal green and blue waters of Queensland .

At 255ft long, it dwarfed several smaller yachts that were docked nearby.

The $120million vessel owned by Apple co-founder Steve Jobs' widow Laurene Powell Jobs docked in Cairns, Australia on Friday

The late tech CEO (left) and his wife Laurene Powell are pictured together in Hollywood in 2010

The superyacht looked like the picture of perfection as it sat in the crystal green and blue waters of Queensland

The mammoth size of Venus can be seen in comparison to some nearby cars that are parked on the dock

The spectacular sea vessel was last spotted in November, 2022, when Laurene enjoyed a holiday in Barbados. 

The glamorous socialite had spent the afternoon swanning around the luxury 5-star hotel Sandy Lane's restaurants, shops and spas. 

Powell was left widowed after Jobs passed away, age 56, from complications from pancreatic cancer in October 2011. They had three children together and Powell is also step-mother to Jobs' daughter, Lisa Brennan-Jobs.

A number of people were pictured on board and seemed to be inspecting something down below

At 255ft long, it dwarfed several smaller yachts that were docked nearby

The modern and sleek design of the superyacht is much different the more old fashioned style seen on many other yachts

Powell (pictured in 2019) was left widowed after Jobs passed away, age 56, from complications from pancreatic cancer in October 2011

When Jobs died, most of his assets passed on to his wife, making her one of the 50 richest people in the world.

Powell married Jobs in 1991 - ten years before the release of the first iPod - and now manages a fortune estimated to be worth $12.3 billion according to Forbes.

In addition to the Venus, she owns two private jets, four large real estate properties and a large stake in the Walt Disney Company.

The Venus was Steve Jobs' final masterpiece, after he commissioned it in 2008 and worked painstakingly on the design with superstar French product designer Philippe Starck.

He did not survive to see the ship completed and launched, dying of pancreatic cancer a year before work was finished in 2012.

It's unclear if Laurene, 59, was on the scene, but various staffers were pictured loading Venus with supplies

Boxes were being unpacked from several vehicles and were then brought on board the superyacht

The superyacht looked far more impressive than the vessels featured on reality shows such as Below Deck

In his final years, Steve Jobs told his biographer Walter Isaacson: 'I know that it's possible I will die and leave Laurene with a half-built boat. But I have to keep going on it. If I don't, it's an admission that I'm about to die.'

Starck helped design the sleek 256-foot long vessel, and Jobs enlisted the chief engineer of the Apple Stores to design reinforced glass for its walls, according to his biographer Walter Isaacson.

Starck spoke about Venus in an interview with French Vanity Fair, explaining the yacht houses six bedrooms along with communication systems between the kids' rooms in the front and the adult quarters in the rear.

The Venus was Steve Jobs' final masterpiece, after he commissioned it in 2008 and worked painstakingly on the design with superstar French product designer Philippe Starck

In his final years, Steve Jobs told his biographer Walter Isaacson: 'I know that it's possible I will die and leave Laurene with a half-built boat. But I have to keep going on it. If I don't, it's an admission that I'm about to die'

Designer Starck spoke about Venus in an interview with French Vanity Fair, explaining the yacht houses six bedrooms along with communication systems between the kids' rooms in the front and the adult quarters in the rear

It's unbelievable size seemed to stretch out for eons as it remained docked and floated on the Australian seas

The 255ft yacht is made of light-weight aluminium and Jobs employed the chief engineer of his Apple stores to help design special glass that allowed the ship to be installed with ten-foot-high windows across the hull

'Steve wanted to be sure that the teenagers could be set up in the front of the boat when he was at the back and vice-versa. He was obsessed with silence,' Starck said.

'In his home, children did not make noise, nor the dog, nor his wife … no one made any noise, ever.'

The 255ft yacht is made of light-weight aluminium and Jobs employed the chief engineer of his Apple stores to help design special glass that allowed the ship to be installed with ten-foot-high windows across the hull.

It's unclear why the Venus was docked in Cairns and where it will be headed to on its next voyage

The interior also features 27-Mac computer screens, with large cabin windows along the yacht

The yacht can fit 12 guests on board in six suites as well as 22 crewmembers.

The interior also features 27-Mac computer screens, with large cabin windows along the yacht. 

Looking like a floating Apple store, the yacht bears all the hallmarks of a new Jobs-inspired creation — crisp white lines, polished metal, glass.

The superyacht has a long white hull with a row of circular portholes just above the water line and two glass-walled cabins on the top deck, one on top of the other.

Laurene Powell Jobs' $120million luxury yacht Venus

The $120 million luxury yacht Venus was designed by Steve Jobs and French product designer Philippe Starck.

Jobs commissioned the yacht in 2008, but he did not survive to see the ship completed and launched, dying of pancreatic cancer before work was finished in 2012.

The yacht can fit 12 guests on board in six suites as well as 22 crewmembers. 

Starck spoke about Venus in an interview with French Vanity Fair, explaining the yacht houses six bedrooms along with communication systems between the kids' rooms in the front and the adult quarters in the rear. 

Looking like a floating Apple store, the yacht bears all the hallmarks of a new Jobs-inspired creation — crisp white lines, polished metal, glass. 

The superyacht has a long white hull with a row of circular portholes just above the water line and two glass-walled cabins on the top deck, one on top of the other. 

Share or comment on this article: $120million Venus superyacht owned by Steve Job's billionaire widow Laurene Powell docks in Cairns, Australia as workers stock the 255ft vessel with supplies

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Your Insider’s Look at Steve Jobs’ Yacht Venus

The Venus Yacht was built for Steve Jobs, or it almost was. Though Jobs commissioned the yacht, it was launched in 2012, a year after Jobs passed away. He never got to see the finished product. It’s been said that he actually spent the last several years before his death helping to custom design the Venus as his intent was to use it to sail the world with his family.

Venus was designed by a company called Ubik, owned by designer Phillipe Starck. Starck  handled both the interior design and the exterior design. The build was undertaken by renowned shipyard Feadship out of the Netherlands.

The yacht is a little lighter than some of her size thanks to the fact she doesn’t have a steel hull like many superyachts do. Instead, she features both an aluminum hull and an aluminum superstructure. She also features teak decks.

The exterior design features many straight lines and right angles. The stern is squared and it features an axe bow. There’s also very little to see on deck even from above. Unlike most yachts , there is no visible radar arch or satellite equipment because it’s obscured within a box structure to maintain that simple design look. 

Who Owns the Venus Yacht?

As a result of the death of Steve Jobs the yacht became part of his estate which belongs to his widow Laurene Powell Jobs. She has maintained ownership of the yacht since it was finished in 2012. There was a brief time when the yacht was impounded after its construction. This was caused by a dispute over payment. Phillipe Starck claimed that the fee for his work was never paid in full. He was said to have designed the yacht for about $9 million and $3 million was still owing. After 10 days, Jobs’ estate settled the account and the yacht was delivered.

How Big is the Yacht Venus?

The Venus measures in at a respectable 257 feet in length. So clearly she qualifies as a superyacht, even if she doesn’t quite measure up to Jeff Bezos’ 417-foot megayacht Koru . The Venus also has a beam of about 38 feet and her volume comes in at 1,876 GT which is actually a little on the light side for such a large yacht, in part due to the aluminum construction.

How Much Did the Venus Yacht Cost?

Steve Jobs commissioned the yacht for an impressive $120 million. Yachts like the Eclipse are alleged to be upwards of $1.5 billion and even the massive Azzam has been confirmed at around $600 million so obviously the Venus is not the most expensive vessel, but it’s nothing to sniff at, either.

We know from what we mentioned above that $9 million of that alone went to the designer of the yacht. Like many yachts of this size there is also a considerable cost related to the yearly operations of the vessel. Things like crew salaries, taxes and fuel costs are considerable. In light of that, it’s been estimated that it costs between $10 million and $20 million just to keep the boat on the water for a year. That may seem steep but it’s definitely normal for most yachts.

Is the Venus Yacht Available for Charter?

Jobs was a notoriously private man in many ways and his family remains the same, at least insofar as this yacht is concerned. It’s never been made available for charter and, in fact, very little is known about it.

How Fast is the Venus Yacht and What Engines Does It Use?

The Venus makes use of a pair of twin diesel MTU (16V 4000 M73) 16-cylinder engines. Together they produce  3,433 horsepower. This allows her to cruise at speeds of 16 knots. She can also reach a maximum speed of 22 knots which is fairly substantial for a yacht of her size.

What’s the Interior of the Venus Yacht Like?

As you can tell from the unique hull design, there is a minimalist aesthetic to the yacht. It does resemble some Apple products from the time period in its way. Towards the after of the vessel on the starboard side there’s a launch bay for tenders that can be deployed by crane and apparently the design included a wheelhouse powered by seven 27″ iMacs.

The aft of the vessel opens to a large beach club for guests to enjoy the ocean and the sun, features a swim platform and lounge area.

The yacht has the capacity to accommodate 12 guests across 6 cabins. There is also room for a crew of 22 to maintain the vessel. The design is simple and clean all over. Glass, silver and white with everything polished is what you see all over the vessel.

Features and Amenities

The features of the Venus are actually totally unknown to this day. Jobs has never invited photographers on board to get a glimpse of what the cabins or living spaces may look like so there’s no word on how it all came together. Likewise, the designer has not shared any of the blueprints or ideas that went into making the yacht. This is common among designers of superyachts, however, and many have to sign non-disclosure agreements so they couldn’t share details even if they wanted to. 

Until such time as Laurene Jobs opts to either open the yacht to the public or sell it, the interior details are going to remain a mystery beyond what observers are able to glimpse from afar.

The Bottom Line

The Venus was a yacht partially designed and commissioned by Steve Jobs before his death in 2011. The yacht was finished in 2012 so he never got to see the final product on the water. Jobs once admitted he knew he might die before the yacht was finished but didn’t want to stop his work because he felt like it was an admission that he was going to die and didn’t want to quit like that.

The yacht is very uniquely designed in a minimalist style which reminds many of how Apple products in general are designed. The yacht cost Jobs about $120 million. It measures in at 257 feet in length.

Laurene Jobs is the current owner of the yacht and she has maintained her privacy with the vessel. As such, not only is it not available for charter but no one has seen images of the inside either.

My grandfather first took me fishing when I was too young to actually hold up a rod on my own. As an avid camper, hiker, and nature enthusiast I'm always looking for a new adventure.

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Follow in the wake of Venus: 9 destinations visited by Steve Jobs' yacht

The late Steve Jobs’ superyacht Venus has been making her way around Turkey and the Greek islands over the past two weeks. The 78 metre Feadship Venus is now owned by Steve Jobs’ widow, Laurene Powell Jobs, and is not available for charter . Luxury yacht Venus was commissioned by the late founder of Apple, Steve Jobs, in 2008 and continues to turn heads wherever she docks.

Here are nine of the destinations Venus has visited while cruising along Turkey’s Turquoise Coast and the Greek Islands.

After cruising across from Majorca, the late Steve Job’s luxury yacht Venus ’ first stop in Turkey was at Fethiye, a common starting point for a private vacation or luxury yacht charters in Turkey .

Fethiye is located on the site of the ancient city of Telmessos and in 1958 an earthquake destroyed almost all of the town. More than 50 years later the city has now recovered and it a bustling centre of the Western Mediterranean.

The huge bay offers good protection from prevailing winds if you want to anchor out. Alternatively, Ece Marina can accommodate yachts up to 60 metres.

From Fethyiye Venus then cruised the 11 nautical miles to Göcek. The heart of yacht tourism in the area Göcek is starting to regularly attract some of the world’s largest yachts .

The area boasts plenty of coves and beaches, which are great for watersports. There are also a host of ancient cities within an hour’s drive of Göcek.

Göcek has three marinas that can accommodate yachts up to 70 metres. If you are looking for high-end luxury D-Marin Göcek can now accommodate yachts up to 75 metres. It has a white sand beach and is situated next to luxury resort hotel D-Resort. For a central location Skopea marina is within walking distance of the town’s facilities and also has a semi-Olympic sized swimming pool. Alternatively for a quieter setting, Club Marina is only a five-minute walk away from Göcek and offers beautiful natural scenery.

Picture courtesy of Lukash Dmitry/Shutterstock.com

Bozburun peninsula

Venus went on to spend three days exploring Marmaris and the Bozburun peninsula. Marmaris is a tourist hotspot with a waterfront offering host of restaurants. Heading down the coast from Marmaris you are treated to a taste of real turkey. Even during the peak summer period the area remains relatively quiet and offers you the chance to step back in time.

There are no superyacht marinas on the peninsula but, as Venus did, there are plenty of secluded places in which to anchor overnight.

PIcture courtesy of Nejdet Duzen/Shutterstock.com

From the Bozburun peninsula Venus cruised across into Greek waters. Despite the current economical issues and a VAT increase on luxury yacht charters brokers are keen to impress that is still “business as usual” in the country.

Venus visited Milos, the southwestern most island in the Cyclades, which offers more than 75 beaches with crystal blue waters. Because Milos is volcanic is has spectacular rock formations as well as hot springs and stunning cliffs.

You are best to anchor off the island and then tender in to explore further. Milos can also be used as a stop off destination when returning to Athens after exploring the Cyclades Islands on a superyacht .

Picture courtesy of Leoks/Shutterstock.com

From Milos Venus next went on to anchor off Paros. Located at the heart of the Cyclades islands Paros is a popular tourist destination and has traditional whitewashed villages and stunning cliff paths to hike along. Naoussa on the northeaster side of the island has a fishing harbour and also has a small selection of clubs if you fancy letting your hair down.

There are a variety of different secluded anchorages to choose from around the island.

Picture courtesy of Haris Vythoulkas/Shutterstock.com

Superyacht Venus then travelled on to the Greek Island of Samos, which is famous for its vineyards that produce samiotiko wine. The island was home to ancient philosopher and mathematician Pythagoras, the astronomer Aristarchus and the philosopher Epicurus. When Venus anchored off the coast of Samos she attracted attention from a host of locals and tourist.

If you are looking for a marina on the Southeast side of the island Samos Marina can berth yachts up to 50 metres.

Picture courtesy of  Evantravels/Shutterstock.com

From the Greek islands Venus then cruised back across to Kuşadası on the Turkish coast. The town has Turkey’s busiest cruised port and is the coastal gateway to Ephesus.

Kuşadasi Marina can accommodate yachts up to 70 metres in length and offers top quality facilities. Venus only had a short in Kuşadası before heading up the coast.

Picture courtesy of Worradirek/Shutterstock.com

Superyacht Venus then headed up to the seaside town of Ayvalık. The town has interesting architecture with a host of churches and monasteries. The busiest area of the town is the harbour where fishing boats and sightseeing trips are regularly anchored. Ayvalik Marina has 200 berths and can host superyachts up to 40 metres. The marina also offers extensive repair and maintenance services.

Picture courtesy of  Yulia GursoyShutterstock.com

Venus then made her way up to the cultural melting point of Istanbul. Sitting astride the Bosphorus the city straddles Europe and Asia and is a popular start or finish destination for private cruises or luxury yacht charters in Turkey . The iconic city is home to numerous interesting buildings and tourist attractions and is also one of many James Bond locations to visit on a superyacht .

Kalamis and Fenerbahçe marinas are situated next to each five miles east of the city centre and are a good location from which to explore the city. They can both accommodate yachts up to 60 metres and have restaurants, shops and a swimming pool.

Picture courtesy of  Sj Travel Photo And Video/Shutterstock.com

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