Steve Jobs' yacht cleared to sail

$138 million vessel was chained to a dock in Amsterdam last week after a dispute over non-payment of fees to designer Philippe Starck.

Thu, Dec 27 2012 at 11:36 AM

Related Topics:

Apple, Celebs

Photo: YouTube/Michiel Frackers

One of Steve Jobs' last great creations is finally cleared to make its maiden voyage to America.

The late Apple CEO, who passed away from from complications related to pancreatic cancer, never got to see his $138 million superyacht completed, but its minimalist design and aluminum construction are hallmarks of his design philosophy. Named Venus and created by noted designer Philippe Starck, the 256-foot vessel features a massive sundeck with a built-in jucuzzi, a gorgeous glass cabin, and seven 27-inch iMacs that handle the ship's navigation and controls.

Jobs' widow Laurene originally took possession of the ship back in October, but authorities in Amsterdam impounded the vessel last week after Starck made claims of an unpaid $4 million invoice. According to sources, the relationship between Jobs and Starck was so tight that the two never created a formal agreement. As compensation, Starck would reportedly get 6 percent of the cost of the yacht, which was estimated in 2007 to be close to $200 million. Unfortunately, the original cost came in much lower ($140 million), but Starck nevertheless wanted the original agreement honored.

Yesterday, that issue was finally resolved for an undisclosed sum. "The Venus is no longer impounded, we have found a solution," Gerard Moussault, a Hague-based lawyer for the Steve Jobs estate, told AFP. "A security deposit was paid into a bank account, but I cannot say for how much."

The ship and its crew will not wait for better weather before setting sail for California and final delivery to the Jobs family.

In his best-selling book "Steve Jobs," biographer Walter Isaacson revealed how he first learned of the Apple CEO's superyacht.

"After our omelets at the café, we went back to his house and he showed me all of the models and architectural drawings," writes Isaacson. "As expected, the planned yacht was sleek and minimalist. The teak decks were perfectly flat and unblemished by any accoutrements. As at an Apple store, the cabin windows were large panes, almost floor to ceiling, and the main living area was designed to have walls of glass that were forty feet long and ten feet high. He had gotten the chief engineer of the Apple stores to design a special glass that was able to provide structural support. By then the boat was under construction by the Dutch custom yacht builders Feadship, but Jobs was still fiddling with the design. 'I know that it’s possible I will die and leave Laurene with a half-built boat,' he said. 'But I have to keep going on it. If I don’t, it’s an admission that I’m about to die.' "

See new amateur video of the ship below.

Related post on MNN: Chuck Leavell, keyboardists for the Rolling Stones, remembers Steve Jobs

The opinions expressed by MNN Bloggers and those providing comments are theirs alone, and do not reflect the opinions of MNN.com. While we have reviewed their content to make sure it complies with our Terms and Conditions, MNN is not responsible for the accuracy of any of their information.

Previous Post
Madonna sends strong anti-smoking message to fans

Next Post
Patrick Dempsey wants to buy Seattle coffee chain