In a surprising turn of events, billionaire Laurene Powell Jobs’ super-yacht, the Venus, was involved in a minor crash with another mega-vessel, the Lady Moura, owned by Mexican billionaire Ricardo Salinas Pliego. This collision, between two boats worth upwards of $120 million each, occurred on July 22nd in Italy. According to a source familiar with the situation, both yachts were actually anchored when the incident took place.
Details of the Incident
The insider revealed that the Venus came into contact with the Lady Moura while both boats were anchored. Strikingly, no family members were on board the Venus at the time, only crew members. The accident was said to have occurred due to a sudden change in the wind, which escalated from a breeze to 55 knots in just a few minutes.
Following the collision, both captains engaged in discussions about the minor repairs needed for their respective vessels. Despite claims that neither boat dragged anchor, it was alleged that the Lady Moura was on a chain double the length expected for the depth of water they were in. An interesting twist to the story is that Pliego’s side recorded the incident, with video footage of the nautical fender-bender circulating on Instagram. Pliego himself can be heard expressing his astonishment in Spanish, questioning the awareness of the captain and crew on his boat.
The 256-foot Venus, custom-designed for Steve Jobs by Philippe Starck, was passed on to Laurene Powell Jobs after the Apple founder’s death in 2011. On the other hand, the Lady Moura, spanning 344 feet, was previously owned by a Saudi businessman before being acquired by Pliego for a reported $125 million. Pliego, the third richest person in Mexico, is involved in various business ventures ranging from banking to telecommunications and retail.
The clash of these two luxurious yachts serves as a stark reminder of the opulence and extravagance prevalent among the world’s wealthiest individuals. Despite the minor nature of the incident, it sheds light on the lifestyle led by billionaires and the assets they possess, oftentimes beyond the comprehension of the average person.