In a bizarre turn of events, Laurene Powell Jobs’ super-yacht, the Venus, collided with another impressive vessel, the Lady Moura, owned by Mexican billionaire Ricardo Salinas Pliego. The incident took place on July 22nd in Italy, causing quite a stir in the world of luxury yachting.
Reports suggest that both yachts, each valued at over $120 million, were anchored at the time of the collision. According to a source familiar with the situation, the Venus made contact with the Lady Moura, leading to a minor yet significant accident. Surprisingly, no family members were aboard Jobs’ yacht, only the crew was present during the unexpected clash.
The collision was attributed to a sudden change in wind speed, escalating from a gentle breeze to 55 knots within minutes. Despite both boats maintaining their positions and not dragging anchor, it was revealed that the Lady Moura had deployed a chain longer than necessary for the water’s depth, potentially contributing to the collision.
Following the incident, discussions between the captains of the respective yachts centered on the minor repairs required to fix the damages. Reports from Boat International indicated that Pliego’s side documented the collision and even shared a video of the encounter on Instagram. In the footage, the billionaire expressed his concerns in Spanish, emphasizing the significant repair costs associated with the scratch resulting from the collision.
The Venus, a 256-foot creation originally intended for Steve Jobs and designed by Philippe Starck, tragically never saw its visionary owner enjoy its luxury due to his untimely passing in 2011. Consequently, the yacht was inherited by Jobs’ widow, adding a layer of sentimental value to its already impressive design.
On the other hand, the Lady Moura, spanning 344 feet and previously owned by a Saudi businessman, was estimated to cost $200 million before Pliego acquired it for $125 million. As the third wealthiest individual in Mexico, Pliego’s diverse business empire includes holdings in banking, telecommunications, and retail sectors.
As the dust settles on this clash of billionaire yachts, it serves as a stark reminder of the opulence and extravagance that characterize the lifestyles of the elite. Despite the minor damages incurred, both parties involved are likely to swiftly resolve the situation, given their substantial financial resources at their disposal.