The Crash of Billionaire Super-Yachts: Venus vs. Lady Moura

In a rare and extravagant collision at sea, 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. The incident, which occurred on July 22nd in Italy, left both yachts slightly damaged despite being anchored at the time of the collision.

According to a reliable source familiar with the situation, the Venus came into contact with the Lady Moura due to a sudden change in wind conditions, escalating from a gentle breeze to 55 knots within minutes. It was mentioned that neither boat dragged anchor, but there were discussions between the captains about minor repairs that needed to be addressed following the accident.

Reports from Boat International suggest that Pliego’s team documented the collision, and footage of the nautical fender-bender was later shared on Instagram. In the video, the billionaire expressed his concerns in Spanish, questioning the awareness of the captain and crew for not being able to avoid such a collision. Despite the damages being described as minor, the cost of repairs was expected to be significant.

The Venus, a 256-foot luxury yacht, was originally commissioned for Steve Jobs but was inherited by his widow after his passing in 2011. Designed by Philippe Starck, the Venus never got the opportunity to be used by the late Apple co-founder. On the other hand, the Lady Moura, measuring 344 feet, was previously owned by a Saudi businessman before being acquired by Pliego for a reported $125 million. Pliego, one of Mexico’s wealthiest individuals, is a prominent figure in the banking, telecommunications, and retail sectors.

The collision between the Venus and the Lady Moura serves as a stark reminder of the opulent lifestyle enjoyed by the ultra-rich, where multi-million dollar yachts are just a part of their extravagant possessions. Despite the damages being minimal in this instance, it sheds light on the risks and responsibilities that come with owning such luxurious vessels.