Musashi Yacht, Larry Ellison’s $260 Million Superyacht Exudes Japanese Elegance

• Larry Ellison owns the 288-foot superyacht Musashi built by the shipbuilder Feadship.
• Custom-built vessel features Japanese-inspired design with Art Deco elements.
• Support capabilities include 24 crew members serving 18 guests in luxurious comfort.

When it comes to nautical luxury, billionaires spare no expense in their quest for oceangoing excellence and the finest superyachts. Oracle co-founder billionaire Larry Ellison achieved just that with his $160 million USD ($260 million AUD) superyacht, Musashi, a masterpiece of engineering and a tribute to cultural appreciation.

Named after the legendary Japanese samurai Miyamoto Musashi, this stunning yacht was launched in 2011 at the renowned Feadship Makkum shipyard in the Netherlands. The vessel’s exterior, meticulously crafted by De Voogt Naval Architects, displays a classy blend of the steel hull and aluminium superstructure, complemented by classic teak decking that pays homage to traditional maritime craftsmanship.

Musashi’s Quick Facts

Musashi’s Engine & Speed

Powered by twin MTU 20V4000 M93L diesel engines, each producing an incredible 5,766hp, Musashi has all the makings of a real showstopper. This powerful combination allows the yacht to reach a maximum of 21 knots and cruise efficiently at 18 knots. With enormous 335,000-liter fuel tanks, she has a very impressive range of 6,000 nautical miles at 12 knots, making her perfectly suited for extended ocean voyages.

Musashi’s Aesthetic Influences

The interior, designed with great craftsmanship by Sinot Yacht Architecture & Design, represents an unprecedented fusion of Japanese aesthetics and Art Deco elements. A striking glass elevator, encased in a sculptural stainless steel staircase, serves as the vessel’s central spine, connecting all five decks in spectacular fashion. The top salon features a specially commissioned illuminated waterfall painting by renowned artist Hiroshi Senju, creating an atmosphere of serene luxury.

Musashi’s Amenities and Bedrooms

Musashi’s accommodation layout reflects careful consideration for both privacy and social interaction. Nine meticulously designed guest suites, including two master staterooms on the upper deck, provide luxurious quarters for 18 guests. Each cabin showcases bespoke furnishings and authentic Japanese artwork, creating an atmosphere of cultural immersion.

The yacht’s five decks house boasts an array of facilities, each thoughtfully designed for different social occasions, from intimate gatherings to grand celebrations. At its heart lies a state-of-the-art convertible cinema, offering an immersive viewing experience for guests. Wellness enthusiasts can indulge in comprehensive facilities including a fully equipped gym and a luxurious spa complex.

Musashi employs advanced, zero-speed stabilisers to ensure ultimate comfort, both at anchoring and while navigating in sea conditions. Keeping with the luxury theme, there is a professional-grade beauty salon onboard where guests can get premium grooming services to keep their sophisticated look even at sea.

From Rising Sun to Musashi

Interestingly, Musashi represents a strategic downsizing in Ellison’s yachting journey. While fellow billionaires such as Jeff Bezos and Sergey Brin have opted for yachts 400-plus feet in length, Ellison chose a different path. His previous vessel, the 453-foot Rising Sun — which he sold to media mogul David Geffen in 2010 — proved too cumbersome for certain prestigious ports, including Monaco’s Port Hercule.

The switch to Musashi appears to be a carefully chosen option, as the yacht is still incredibly luxurious but far more nimble. It is like trading in a stretch limousine for a Rolls-Royce — you’re not exactly roughing it, but you can get where you want to go. That smart downsizing enables Ellison to slip into the world’s most exclusive ports with ease and flexibility, navigating areas where larger vessels struggle, all while maintaining an unparalleled standard of elegance and comfort.

Since her launch, Musashi has attended many prestigious events, including the 2013 America’s Cup, where she was an elegant backdrop to high-profile gatherings. The vessel’s appearances in popular culture, including a notable feature in Netflix’s “The Dropout,” have only enhanced her appeal.

Musashi’s Operational Costs

Managing a vessel of Musashi’s calibre requires substantial resources, with annual operating costs estimated at around $15 million USD. This investment involves everything from paying the crew their salaries to maintenance, fuel, and insurance. Unlike many other superyacht owners, Ellison has opted not to make the vessel commercially available to charter.

Today, Musashi cruises the world’s oceans as the perfect blend of East meets West. While other billionaires race to build bigger vessels, Ellison’s floating masterpiece proves true opulence isn’t about size — it’s about getting everything just right. Like a perfectly crafted Japanese sword, she is elegant, powerful, and precisely balanced.