Bernard Arnault builds the world’s largest megayacht: 143 meters of ultimate luxury

Bernard Arnault, chairman and CEO of LVMH, may have slipped from the top five on the world’s richest list, but when it comes to megayachts, he is setting his sights on undisputed supremacy. The French billionaire has commissioned a brand-new 143-meter (470-foot) yacht from Dutch shipyard Feadship — immediately making him the owner of the largest private superyacht in the world.

Outpacing Bezos and Other Billionaires

The upcoming vessel will surpass Jeff Bezos’ 127-meter Koru, the 118-meter Launchpad, and even the 466-foot Dragonfly — the largest private yacht in the U.S. The new yacht is being built at Feadship’s Royal Van Lent yard in Amsterdam, the same shipyard where Arnault’s legendary $250 million Symphony was launched in 2015.

While Symphony measured around 3,000 GT with six decks, the new project is expected to reach 10,000–12,000 GT, with eight or nine decks — a scale comparable to a small cruise liner. Its price is estimated at over $650 million, with annual maintenance projected at $60–70 million.

A Floating LVMH Palace

Given Arnault’s impeccable taste and attention to detail, the yacht is expected to embody the full luxury philosophy of LVMH. It is anticipated to accommodate up to 36 guests in 18 staterooms, serviced by a crew of 80. Luxury levels may rival those of the $800 million Dilbar yacht.

Possible features could include:

• A dedicated owner’s deck or full “owner’s townhouse”

• Double-height main lounge with panoramic windows

• Private sky lounge

• Library

• Formal dining room for 20–24 guests with sea views

• Helipad

• Infinity pool

• Expansive outdoor entertaining and meeting spaces

Given that Arnault’s wife, Hélène Mercier-Arnault, is a celebrated concert pianist, a dedicated grand piano room is highly likely — continuing the family legend of Arnault serenading her with Chopin.

The yacht will also likely feature a cutting-edge wellness center, including sauna, steam rooms, massage suites, ice baths, and even cryotherapy chambers.

Symphony: The Predecessor of Superlatives

Arnault’s previous yacht, Symphony, remains one of the most elegant vessels afloat. Its six decks, glass-walled corridors, infinity pool, DJ booth, and even an automatic golf tee set a new benchmark in maritime luxury. Designed by Tim Heywood, with interiors by François Zuretti and Peter Marino, Symphony is still a masterclass in luxury.

However, the new 143-meter flagship is poised to surpass it in scale. If Symphony was the musical overture to Arnault’s maritime legacy, the new megayacht promises to be its grand symphony — the largest and most ambitious private yacht of the modern era.