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The World's First Hydrogen-Powered Superyacht Has a $644 Million Price Tag

By Nick Mafi

Superyachts seemed to be among the last modes of (luxe) transportation to bend toward the growing consumer demand for eco-friendly engine designs. But if news from last week’s Monaco Yacht Show served as a bellwether, the industry meant to cater to the wealthiest among us made a progressive splash with the unveiling of Aqua, the world's first hydrogen-powered superyacht.

Designed by the Dutch firm Sinot Yacht & Architecture Design, Aqua is a nearly 400-foot-long vessel that's run entirely by a renewable energy source. "Water is the eternal fuel of life, the life-sustaining force that makes planet Earth habitable," says Sander Sinot, founder of the firm that bears his name. "Water is soft, yet at the same time it cuts through hard rocks." It was this appreciation of water that helped the firm find balance between the natural world and the technological. The propulsion system is made up of two 28-ton vacuumed tanks that each contain liquified hydrogen which are stored at -423 degrees Fahrenheit. Along with being eco-friendly, hydrogen-based energy means for a quieter experience aboard the ship in comparison to traditional engines. That said, there will be backup diesel generators handy should the captain ever need them.

The infinity pool aboard AQUA. 

There was much confusion on Monday if there was already a buyer who had paid the hefty $644 million price tag. Reports spread throughout the internet that billionaire Bill Gates had purchased the superyacht, rumors that proved to be false. Yet readers couldn't be blamed for believing such reports, as images show Aqua to include its own infinity pool, helipad, spa, and gym—amenities meant to attract billionaires such as Gates.

An aerial view of the superyacht shows how close passengers can get to the water, as well as the cascading design of the infinity pool.

Sinot and his team designed the vessel to safely bring passengers as close to the water as possible. "Water is relaxation; it makes us calmer and more creative," Sinot comments. "We wanted to provide those on board with the closest possible proximity to the water. The aft deck features an innovative series of platforms cascading down towards the sea, while a large swim platform allows all passengers to enjoy the optimal experience of accessing the water at sea level."

One of the bedrooms inside of Aqua shows a minimalist aesthetic. 

Aqua can reach speeds of up to 19.5 mph and features enough room for 14 guests and 31 crew members. The firm plans to complete the vessel by 2024.

By Katherine McLaughlin

By Katie Schultz

By Elizabeth Fazzare

Billionaire Bill Gates buys hydrogen-fuelled superyacht for $500 million

By Rebecca Cope

Microsoft billionaire Bill Gates is currently celebrating the engagement of his daughter, Jennifer, to Egyptian showjumper Nayel Nassar, but he's also got another reason to be happy - a brand new superyacht.

The 112-metre luxury vessel is the world's first hydrogen-powered super yacht, and will feature all the usual billionaire mod-cons, including an infinity pool, helipad, spa and gym. There are five decks, with accommodation for 14 guests and 31 crew members - more than two per person.

By Harriet Johnston

As well as being powered by liquid hydrogen, another eco-feature are the fire pits, which are actually gel-fuelled fire bowls, designed to keep guests warm outdoors without burning wood or coal.

Costing in the region of $500 million, the Aqua ship was first publicised at the Monaco Yacht Show in 2019 by Dutch design firm Sinot. Speaking then, the company's eponymous designer said, 'For the development of Aqua we took inspiration from the lifestyle of a discerning, forward-looking owner, the fluid versatility of water and cutting-edge technology, to combine this in a superyacht with truly innovative features.'

He went on to explain how the hydrogen fuel works, saying: 'AQUA is fuelled by hydrogen, a unique concept which represents a significant progression towards achieving a new balance between nature and technology. The system is based on the use of liquified hydrogen, stored at -253°C in two 28-ton vacuum isolated tanks. The liquified hydrogen is converted into electrical energy by proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells, with water being the only by-product.'

The Daily Telegraph reports that the ship will be in service from 2024, and will reach speeds of 17 knots. It will be able to travel for 3,750 miles before refuelling but will also have a diesel back-up due to the lack of hydrogen refuelling stations available.

This will be the world's second richest man's first yacht. He has previously rented them for holidays, most recently including the $330m yacht Serene, which he borrowed from Stolichnaya vodka magnate, Yuri Scheffler, to sail around the coast of Sardinia.

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The Economic Times daily newspaper is available online now.

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5 years in the making, eco-warrior Bill Gates’ hydrogen fuel-cell-powered megayacht is finally ready. A first of its kind in the world, the 373 feet long vessel has stealth balconies that pop out with the press of a button, multiple libraries, fireplaces, a private elevator, and a hospital

Bill Gates’ megayacht is equal parts clean and smart –

The stunning five-decker is a win-win vessel for an eco-conscious billionaire . From being innately clean, it even flaunts an efficient waste heat recovery system. It heats everything from the pool, Jacuzzi, and steam room to the ambient air temperature and towel bars and floors in the guest bathrooms. A Smart AC system includes sensors that automatically reduce air conditioning or heating in unoccupied guest spaces. Talk about a smart superyacht, and it could have only come from the genius of a tech tycoon! Back in 2020, rumor mills went abuzz with reports that Bill Gates pledged well over $600 million to build a 376-foot-long, hydrogen-powered superyacht concept. Guess there is no smoke without fire, and the result is now out of dry dock for all to see.

[All images of the Feadship Project 821 provided by Feadship]

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Bill Gates Yacht: Everything You Want To Know

In 2020 the yachting world was abuzz with news that Bill Gates had bought as stunning and advanced yacht known as Project Aqua. The massive, 370-foot concept yacht was revealed in 2019 at the Monaco Yacht Show and news soon followed that billionaire Bill Gates, once the richest man in the world and the founder of Microsoft, had commissioned the construction of his own hydrogen-powered Aqua. But that never actually happened and, in fact, as near as anyone can tell for real, Bill Gates doesn’t own a yacht at all. 

So where did the story come from? What’s the deal with the Aqua? And hasn’t Bill Gates been pictured on a yacht before? Let’s get some answers.

How Much Did the Aqua Yacht Cost at the Monaco Yacht Show?

According to the stories online, Bill Gates paid $600 million for the hydrogen powered yacht. But that’s not true at all. According to the yacht makers, the Dutch company Sinot, the price tag is $645 million but no one bought it after it was revealed at the Monaco Yacht Show, and that includes Bill Gates. It’s expensive but definitely not the most expensive in the world.

How Fast is the Aqua Yacht?

Aqua is a unique yacht in the yachting world which is why it garnered so much attention in the first place. It’s the first mega yacht that runs on a fully operational liquid hydrogen and fuel cell system that features two hydrogen engines that can produce 1,341 horsepower. The top speed is 17 knots and  the Aqua has a cruising speed of 12 knots. The total range is 3,750 nautical miles. The liquid hydrogen is stored in two 28-ton vacuum sealed tanks where it can be held at -253 degrees C. The only exhaust is water.

What Does the Interior of  the Aqua Yacht Look Like?

The Aqua has 7 suites meant to house up to 14 guests at any given time. Two of those suites are larger VIP cabins. The ceilings throughout are 9 feet and stretch as high as 12.5 feet elsewhere thanks to the luxury Sinot yacht architecture. The vessel has room for a crew of 31 as well. The beach deck lounge aboard the boat alone looks like a luxury hotel space.

The Aqua features a bow observation room which is surrounded by windows to give a panoramic view of the ocean which has been described as the “ultimate superyacht owners lounge.” In addition, there’s a movie theater on the upper deck. It also includes a wellness center with a hydro massage room. You can also do some yoga in a workout space. There’s a fully equipped gym, a beauty salon, and even a hairdresser.

Up on the main deck there’s a luxury swimming pool that even includes a waterfall. One of the yacht’s defining features is the spiral staircase that covers all five decks and is covered by a skylight. On the way up it also offers a view of the interior of the hydrogen fuel tanks so you can see just what 56 tons of ultra cold liquid hydrogen looks like as you move between decks. 

The tender garage has an array of toys such as jet skis while the main deck features a beach club with a dining area designed for all 14 guests and a lounge that converts into the cinema space.

What Yacht Has Bill Gates Actually Been On?

Bill Gates does seem to like yachts, just not enough to spend his money owning one, and that’s fair. Yachts cost millions to maintain every year. No one got rich spending millions to maintain a boat.

That said, Bill Gates has not only vacationed on yachts – he spent his 66th birthday on one – he also got married on a yacht.

In 2021, Gates made the news when he celebrated his 66th on board a luxury yacht called the Lana alongside Jeff Bezos. He spent $2 million to charter the yacht for a week and flew 50 guests out to celebrate with him. 

The Lana is a 351 foot yacht with room for 12 guests and a cruising speed of 12 knots with a max speed of 18 knots. The master suite is 1,184 square feet. The room features his and hers walk-in dressing rooms and a private terrace.

Elsewhere on board you’ll find a piano in the lounge area as well as a full gym for working out. There’s both a sauna and a well-appointed spa as well. On deck you can head to the beach club or take a dip in the pool. 

There are three tenders in the garage alongside a bunch of toys including various jetskis, a seabob, wakeboards, WindSurfers, fishing equipment, scuba diving equipment and more. 

Back in 2014, Gates rented an even more expensive yacht, the $5 million per week Serene, to go on a vacation with his family. The Serene, once owned by  Russian vodka magnate Yuri Shelfer before being purchased by the crown prince of Saudi Arabia, clocked in at a massive 450 feet making it one of the world’s biggest and even had its own on board submarine

The Serene features 7 decks, a saltwater pool, a climbing wall, a surprisingly large library, health spa, outdoor cinema and a nightclub. This is all spread across 48,000 square feet.

It’s also been confirmed that Gates met his wife Melinda on a yacht owned by Paul Allen, the co-founder of Microsoft, all the way back in 1994. 

Why Do People Think Bill Gates Owns the Aqua?

It’s easy to see why people may have thought Gates owned the Aqua when you consider a handful of factors. First, as mentioned, we have lots of evidence that Bill Gates really does enjoy luxury yachts. The extremely high price tag was something that only a few people in the world are going to be able to afford and Gates, who doesn’t own a yacht, seems like a likely candidate for those reasons. 

In addition, Gates has spent several years now as a climate activist and has supported a number of green technologies. A yacht that runs on hydrogen seems like something he would support as well. So, with no real evidence, the circumstantial evidence was enough to easily convince people. Once it’s presented as fact on the internet, and it was in many articles and videos, few people had reason to question it. 

The Bottom Line

The mega yacht known as the Aqua has a price tag of $645 million and it runs on clan burning hydrogen fuel. The only byproduct of its operation is water, making it a very environmentally friendly yacht. It made waves, so to speak, when it debuted at the Monaco Yacht Show in 2019. Rumors soon began to spread that billionaire and known climate activist Bill Gates had ordered one for $600 million. However, despite many videos and articles that refer to him as the owner, the truth is no one bought the Aqua at the yacht show and, as of 2023, Bill Gates does not own a yacht at all. He is know to charter extremely luxurious yachts for vacations and parties, such as the Lana and the Serene, but he does not own any just now.

My grandfather first took me fishing when I was too young to actually hold up a rod on my own. As an avid camper, hiker, and nature enthusiast I'm always looking for a new adventure.

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World's first hydrogen-powered superyacht — 'commissioned by Bill Gates' — hits the water and goes on sale for €600m

Dutch shipbuilder Feadship says technology developed for 'Project 821' is being used for Norway’s landmark H2 ferries

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Inside AQUA: The 112m hydrogen-powered superyacht concept which emits only water

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By Katia Damborsky   10 February 2020

Computer-generated images give us a look inside the 112m/ 372ft superyacht AQUA , an eco-friendly concept developed by Sinot Yacht Architecture that is powered by liquid hydrogen and emits only water. 

Breaking new ground in form and function, AQUA is a yacht concept that’s at the cutting-edge of what is possible in superyacht design and engineering today. 

The yacht concept was presented at the 2019 Monaco Yacht Show by Sinot, the esteemed Dutch design studio. They have collaborated with Lateral Naval Architects for the yacht’s naval architecture. 

AQUA will be powered by liquid hydrogen stored in two on-board tanks at -423F, meaning the yacht’s only emission is water. This innovative technology nods to her namesake.

She comes with an incredible selection of amenities, including a waterfall pool and fully-equipped spa.

Speaking about the concept, designer Sander Sinot said: “For the development of Aqua we took inspiration from the lifestyle of a discerning, forward-looking owner, the fluid versatility of water and cutting-edge technology to combine this in a 112-metre superyacht with truly innovative features.

“Our challenge was to implement fully operational liquid hydrogen and fuel cells in a true superyacht that is not only groundbreaking in technology, but also in design and aesthetics."

Alfresco areas

According to Sinot, AQUA has been designed to provide her guests with a constant connection to the ocean.

Renderings show an exterior inspired by the ocean, with sweeping lines and a futuristic profile that looks similar to a spaceship. Large portions of glass and bubble-hood wheelhouse add to the contemporary look.

The yacht’s alfresco areas are centred around the aft decks, which have been designed to provide maximum volume and space. The main deck aft is dominated by a huge pool flanked by steps, with a cascading water feature that offers a show-stopping entrance to anyone stepping on board. 

A variety of seating options are scattered across the deck, before the space merges seamlessly with the yacht’s main salon via sliding, floor-to-ceiling glass doors. This creates a versatile winter garden that allows the deck to be enjoyed by the entire party.

The circular seating area also allows the space to function as a home cinema. 

Open space continues on the upper deck aft, where guests will find more seating arranged around fire pits. Formal dining can be found forward, in an open setting that offers panoramic views over the surroundings. This deck can offer privacy or open entertainment space dependent on the needs of the guests, thanks to Japanese shoji grid screens.

Accommodation

Accommodation is provided for a total of 12 guests in seven cabins. 

Occupying the forward area of the upper deck, the vast owner’s deck is a vast, interlinked space divided by finely crafted wooden screens that allow for complete privacy. On the starboard and port sides, floor-to-ceiling windows offer incredible views and influxes of light.

The ceiling in the owner’s deck varies between 280cm to 380cm, with the tallest point at the central skylight. A wooden structure extends from the skylight, with a raised platform at the base that creates a stage or display area.

The en suite facilities in the owner’s apartment are one of the focal points on board. High gloss black marble floors complement the incredible panoramic views, with a freestanding geometric tub in the centre.

His and hers vanities, basins and crescent-shaped mirrors flank the space. Large walk-in wardrobes and an office area add a level of convenience.

The remaining cabins are similarly styled, with Japanese themes, wide windows and individual en suite bathrooms. Textured silk carpets, wooden furniture and mixed textures on the walls and ceilings contribute to the holistic ambience.

Central Staircase

Situated at AQUA’s core, the spectacular circular staircase winds down from the top deck to the lower deck, floating around a  cylindrical void.

A skylight is located at the top, and an art piece can be found at the base, which mirrors the skylight and reflects an ocean theme. On the lowest level, a panel of glass allows guests to see the two liquified hydrogen tanks which power the yacht. 

The staircase itself features a finely crafted wooden balustrade that seems to defy gravity and catches the light created by the wave structure of the artwork. Backlit glass inserts in the steps accentuate the motif of flowing water, trickling down from the bridge deck.

Spa and Gym Area

Accessed via a circular tunnel, the health and wellness centre boasts an exclusive hydrotherapy suite and a water-level gym. The gym area opens out, giving guests the feeling of working out while being connected to the water. 

There is a yoga space and workout floor, with plenty of the latest exercise equipment to ensure guests can keep up their fitness regimes. 

The Aqua Room

Situated at the very bow of the yacht, the AQUA room adjoins the owner’s apartment and offers an incredible observatory area with some of the best views on board. It can remain the owner’s secret, or be enjoyed by the entire party. 

While underway, guests will love getting comfortable and enjoy the feeling of being totally at one with the ocean thanks to full-height windows that eliminate the borders between the outside and the inside. A stainless steel structural support adds a polished finish to the room. 

The yacht’s interiors are a fine balance of elegance and understated, with an overarching contemporary theme. There is a large main salon with sumptuous sofa seating, a stone-paneled wall and bronze-finished sculptures.

The skylounge is primed for daytime relaxing, with huge expanses of glass and recessed seating.

How does the hydrogen technology work?

The hydrogen is pumped through a special type of fuel cell which converts it into electricity while emitting only water which can be safely pumped into the ocean.

Despite its novel fuel source, the vessel is able to reach 17 knots and travel 3,750 miles before it needs to refuel, enough to cover an Atlantic crossing from New York to Southampton.

What’s the price of AQUA?

The yacht is reported to cost around $645 million.

Media reports stated the yacht was being built by Feadship and had been purchased by Bill Gates. These claims have been denied by Sinot. The Dutch designers have said that any links between Aqua and Mr. Gates are "factually incorrect."

To learn about chartering an eco-friendly superyacht, please get in touch with your preferred yacht charter broker . 

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Breaking news, bill gates reportedly orders $644m hydrogen-powered superyacht with gym, helipad, infinity pool.

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Bill Gates reportedly has his eye on the world’s first hydrogen-powered superyacht — a $644 million, environmentally friendly oasis on the sea with its own infinity pool, helipad, spa and gym.

The billionaire Microsoft co-founder was initially rumored to have already commissioned the 370-foot luxury Aqua yacht in a report Sunday in the UK paper The Telegraph.

However, the Dutch design firm Sinot insisted Monday that Aqua had yet to be sold to Gates, stressing it did not yet have a “business relationship” with the second-richest person in the world.

“We invite any visionary client to show their interest,” insisted the company — clearly aiming at eco-warrior billionaires just like him, with designer Sander Sinot saying the inspiration was “the lifestyle of a discerning, forward-looking owner.”

The vessel is powered by two 28-ton vacuum-sealed tanks cooled to minus-423 degrees Fahrenheit and filled with liquid hydrogen — with the only emission being water, according to the report. It will reach a top speed of 17 knots (19.5 mph) and be able to cross the Atlantic, the report says.

While far from the world’s largest yacht, plans show extreme luxury for the 14 guests and 31 crew members who can be accommodated.

It includes its own fully equipped gym, yoga studio, beauty room, massage parlor and a stunning outdoor infinity pool.

Along with luxurious bedrooms, there are numerous outdoor lounges, a giant spiral staircase and an amazing observation room at the front.

Gates’ main motivation in wanting to commission the yacht would be to signal his backing for new, clean technology to cut carbon emissions, the Telegraph said.

He regularly takes superyacht vacations — but usually rents yachts rather than owning his own.

Whoever buys it will not be able to enjoy it for a few more years, however, with the report saying Aqua will not be ready until 2024.

The Gates Foundation and Gates Ventures declined to comment to the Telegraph for its report.

“Aqua is a concept under development and has not been sold to Mr Gates,” Sinoit insisted.

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Gates doesn't want it

First hydrogen superyacht becomes a shelf warmer.

Project 821 is the world's first hydrogen fuel cell yacht - but despite its innovative, environmentally friendly propulsion system, the Dutch shipyard Feadship is apparently struggling to find a well-heeled owner. Microsoft billionaire Bill Gates, who is said to have ordered the floating temple of luxury, no longer wants to ...

The Feadship 821 is almost 119 meters long - offering plenty of space for luxury. The superyacht has 14 balconies and seven fold-out platforms where you can dive into the sea. On the owner's deck, there are two bedrooms with two bathrooms, several changing rooms, a gym, a living room and two offices, which are even equipped with fireplaces. A whirlpool also invites you to relax. There is even an elevator in the ship.

Hydrogen is stored in a huge tank at -253 degrees But the really unique feature of the new yacht is to be found in the engine room. The ship has a 92 cubic meter hydrogen tank in which the gas is stored at -253 degrees Celsius. The tank is up to ten times larger than would be required for the energy equivalent of diesel fuel - because it has to be double-walled for safety reasons.

The fuel can be generated into electricity in 16 fuel cells. According to the manufacturer, the ship should be able to spend a week in port without producing any emissions or be able to travel at a speed of ten knots (around 18.5 km/h) for a much shorter period of time. The hydrogen is therefore intended to supply electricity for consumers such as heating or air conditioning. "Providing this electrical energy via environmentally friendly hydrogen fuel cells has a rapid and significant impact," Feadship is convinced.

ABB pod drives for longer trips For longer trips, there are also 3200 kilowatt ABB pod drives that run on HVO fuel. This synthetic biofuel is said to reduce CO2 emissions by up to 90 percent. HVO is produced from vegetable oil.

Environmentalist Gates is said to fear criticism Despite these more environmentally friendly properties - in comparison with a conventional superyacht - Microsoft founder Gates apparently no longer wants it, even though he is said to have commissioned it. There is speculation about the reasons for this: The prominent environmental activist may fear coming under criticism, it is thought. After all, despite hydrogen technology, the CO2 footprint of such a huge yacht is enormous, which could damage Gates' image. The Wayfinder yacht, which has already been purchased and was intended as a dinghy for Project 821, is also said to be up for sale.

The price for the floating innovation is quoted in media reports at 600 million US dollars. However, the sale is being handled discreetly - in this price range, only a limited group of wealthy potential buyers are eligible anyway.

This article has been automatically translated, read the original article here .

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Internet not buying claims after Bill Gates announces selling of 'green' megayacht: 'There is no way'

C an a megayacht really be green? That's the question Redditors asked after Bill Gates put his yet-to-be-completed large boat up for sale.

The asking price is €675 million, according to The Telegraph (via Yahoo ), which reported that the "green" aspect of the ship may be more aspirational than existent.

It is fueled by hydrogen , but of course, there is a catch: diesel generators for longer and faster trips (they can reportedly run on hydrotreated vegetable oil).

The specs alone belie the descriptor. The yacht is two meters longer than Jeff Bezos' and features a four-story private townhouse with a gym. There are 14 retractable balconies, a spa, a pool, two hot tubs, a movie theater, a library, a games area, a coffee corner — and a hospital.

It sounds amazing. It also sounds unnecessary — like, no one-needs-to-experience-this- ever unnecessary. Twelve guest rooms and accommodations for 44 crew members?

As the original poster wrote: "Green super yachts? They're taking the p*** now."

Watch now: Solar-powered boats from the Honnold Foundation are making a difference in the Amazon

The top comment stated : "Maybe the part underneath is painted green? Because there is no way they are actually pretending that there are eco-friendly yachts."

Another user wrote "Super yacht" and "green" on separate lines and said, "Pick one."

"Nothing these billionaires do is whatever 'green' is," someone else said .

The Telegraph pointed out that Gates, the Microsoft co-founder, is "a leading advocate of decarbonising the energy system." The yacht, more than four years in the making , signaled his dedication to such initiatives, but the industry has tanked with Russia's war in Ukraine and global economic uncertainty.

And even if this particular project is hypocritical, Gates has been pushing the investment in renewable energy and divestment from the dirty energy sources that overheat the planet. The outlet cited an op-ed he wrote in The New York Times in December.

"Very wealthy individuals should also be making changes to their lifestyles to bring their emissions close to zero," Gates stated. "If you fly in a private jet, as I do, you can afford the extra cost of sustainable aviation fuel made from low-carbon crops and waste ."

He also put the onus on companies and governments to lead us into a cleaner future.

As for Gates selling his boat before it's even completed?

"He must have been buying too many avocados on toast," one Redditor joked . "Poor guy."

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Internet not buying claims after Bill Gates announces selling of 'green' megayacht: 'There is no way' first appeared on The Cool Down .

How Bill Gates spends his $153 billion fortune, from a luxury car collection to pledging most of his wealth to his charity foundation

• Bill Gates, the cofounder of Microsoft, has a fortune worth an estimated $153 billion.
• Gates has said he'll one day give most of his wealth to his charity foundation .
• For now, he indulges in a few luxuries, from his car collection to a vast real estate portfolio.

Bill Gates may be the world's fifth-richest person, but he doesn't plan to stay that way forever.

The Microsoft cofounder said in 2022 that he "will move down and eventually off of the list of the world's richest people" as he plans to give "virtually" all of it to his philanthropic organization.

Gates is worth $153 billion, according to Bloomberg's Billionaires Index, and is one of only a handful of moguls to reach centibillionaire status.

Gates has made some lavish purchases over the years: He owns a Washington estate worth $183.5 million, a private airplane, and a luxury car collection. But these indulgences make up only a fraction of his massive fortune, and Gates isn't known to throw his money around.

Gates has also given money to charitable causes through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and vowed to give away most of his fortune through the Giving Pledge , which he and his ex-wife Melinda French Gates launched in 2010 along with Warren Buffett.

Here is a look at how Gates spends his billions.

Bill Gates, the cofounder of Microsoft, has an estimated net worth of $153 billion.

Gates long held the title as the world's second-richest person until Elon Musk unseated him in November 2020.

Now, Gates is the world's fifth-richest person and part of an exclusive club of centibillionaires — people worth more than $100 billion.

Gates has invested in various stocks and assets and launched a $1 billion investment fund, Breakthrough Energy, with 20 others.

Despite his massive fortune, Gates previously told Ellen DeGeneres that when he became a billionaire at age 31 (which was history's youngest billionaire at the time), he didn't go on a spending spree .

But he has indulged in things over time, he said, like a private plane.

It's been reported that Gates owns a Bombardier BD-700 Global Express, which can seat up to 19 people.

Gates also spent a lot on his estate, Xanadu 2.0, in Medina, Washington. It reportedly took him seven years and $63 million to build.

Gates owns at least 12 parcels of land spanning roughly 10.5 acres, purchased for approximately $34 million between 1988 and 2009. All told, the mansion and parcels have a combined assessed value of roughly $183.5 million.

In 2023, the property taxes on Gates' Medina properties added up to $1.3 million.

Gates' estate includes a 60-foot pool — in its own separate, 3,900-square-foot building — with an underwater sound system.

Gates reportedly has paid to import sand from St. Lucia in the Caribbean to the shore surrounding his house.

There's also a 2,100-square-foot library, home to a 16th-century Leonardo da Vinci manuscript that Gates bought at auction for $30 million in 1994.

It's been reported that Gate's house features some display screens on the walls that can show different paintings or photographs. However, there are real paintings on the wall as well — like the Winslow Homer painting Gates purchased for $36 million in 1988.

In addition to the six kitchens, 24 bathrooms, and a home theater for 20 guests, Gates' house has various garages for 23 cars.

Gates is an avid luxury-car collector.

His first big splurge after founding Microsoft was a Porsche 911 supercar , he told DeGeneres. He purchased the car in 1979 . He later sold it, and it was auctioned for $80,000.

But that wasn't Gates' last Porsche — he's also added a Porsche 959 to his car collection

Outside of his Washington pad, Gates also has a 20-acre estate in Wellington, Florida.

The estate includes at least two mansions, one 6,668 square feet, and the other 5,716 square feet, on the property. He bought the properties over three years for about $35 million.

His daughter, Jennifer Gates Nassar , is an accomplished equestrian, and he bought the property to support her passion. It serves as the home base of her horseback riding facilities, and the area is a hotspot for many other wealthy equestrians as well.

In California, Gates owns the 228-acre Rancho Paseana, which he purchased for $18 million.

At the time he bought it, the property came with a racetrack, olive orchard, and five barns.

He added to his California real estate portfolio in 2020, dropping $43 million on an oceanfront home in Del Mar, California.

It has a 10-person Jacuzzi and 120 feet of Pacific coastline.

Gates also owns a 6-bedroom home on the grounds of Indian Wells' famous Vintage Club.

There's also another home on the grounds of a country club, Santaluz Club, in San Diego, as well as a Del Mar Country Club home, which is likely now solely owned by either Bill or ex-wife Melinda French Gates following their divorce, though it isn't apparent which one.

Gates has also bought property at the Yellowstone Club in Montana.

The main house is 6,993 square feet, with 8 full baths, 8 bedrooms, a sauna, and a home theater, according to property records. It's likely either he or French Gates owns the home following their divorce.

He also reportedly spent $9 million on a 492-acre Wyoming ranch in 2009 that Buffalo Bill named after his oldest daughter, though he is no longer affiliated with this property .

Gates is one of the largest private landowners in the country , with more than 250,000 acres, much of it farmland, according to The Land Report.

He's made numerous investments through his personal investment firm, Cascade, including partial ownership of Charles Hotel in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

A deal announced in 2021 brought his ownership stake in the Four Seasons hotel chain to roughly 71.25%.

In 2013, Gates and several unnamed buyers paid $161 million for the Ritz-Carlton in San Francisco.

Gates also takes luxurious vacations.

While Gates said in 2019 that he "didn't believe in" taking weekends or vacations during much of his time at Microsoft, he's been on some splashy trips.

In 2014, he treated his family to a Mediterranean vacation on board the 439-foot superyacht Serene, which he chartered for $5 million a week. It included a helicopter.

He's also traveled to Australia, Croatia, Belize, and the Amazon in Brazil.

He previously said that he likes to play tennis and go skiing. He's also been spotted spectating at tennis matches.

But Gates' downtime isn't always so adventurous. He's an avid reader . He's also an "avid bridge player," as he told Reddit in a 2013 AMA.

But Gates' splurges are only a fraction of his massive fortune.

Gates is known for his philanthropy.

"I have no use for money," Bill Gates told The Telegraph in 2013. But he often speaks of his philanthropic giving and healthcare investments.

A grant from Bill and Melinda led to the creation in 2003 of Amyris , a synthetic biology company that originally produced precursors to malaria drugs and hydrocarbon-based biofuel but also uses the technology for things like fragrances, skincare, and sweeteners. The company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2023.

In November 2017, Gates invested $50 million into Alzheimer's research.

He continued these efforts in 2018 by investing $30 million with a group of investors into the Diagnostics Accelerator, a "venture philanthropy" fund to diagnose Alzheimer's earlier .

Gates is frequently named among the most generous philanthropists in the US by The Chronicle of Philanthropy.

Gates has vowed to give away most of his fortune through the Giving Pledge, which he helped launch in 2010.

Gates and his former wife have pledged about $2 billion to defeat malaria, donated more than $50 million to fight Ebola, and pledged $38 million to a Japanese pharmaceutical company working to create a low-cost polio vaccine.

During the pandemic, their foundation announced a 5-year, $1.6 billion commitment to Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, to deliver vaccines in the world's poorest countries.

The Gates Foundation also gives toward education through its $1.6 billion initiative the Gates Millennium Scholars Program.

The foundation has made $77.6 billion in grant payments from its inception through Q4 2023, and Bill and Melinda's total giving to the foundation during that time period totals $59.5 billion.

Its 2024 budget is $8.6 billion, and the foundation is targeting a $9 billion yearly budget by 2026.

When it comes to the future of his fortune, Gates has said he's leaving $10 million to each of his children, a fraction of his net worth.

He reiterated in July 2022 that he plans to give virtually all his wealth to his and French Gates' organization, stating that he'll eventually fall off the list of the world's richest figures.

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Original davos man unveils half a succession plan.

The original “Davos Man” is handing over some of his power. Klaus Schwab, the founder of the World Economic Forum, will next year give up executive duties at the group which hosts the annual conflab in the Swiss mountain resort. Though he will remain its public face for now, the shift should make it slightly easier for the WEF to eventually nominate a successor.

Melinda French Gates steps down from Gates Foundation, retains $12.5 billion for additional philanthropy

Melinda French Gates is stepping down from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, three years after announcing her separation from Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates.

In a statement posted on her Instagram account, she said that as part of her agreement to step down from the foundation, she will retain $12.5 billion that she plans to put toward her ongoing work supporting women and families.

“This is not a decision I came to lightly,” French Gates wrote. “I am immensely proud of the foundation that Bill and I built together and of the extraordinary work it is doing to address inequities around the world.”

In a  separate statement , Bill Gates said, “I am sorry to see Melinda leave, but I am sure she will have a huge impact in her future philanthropic work.”

Now worth $75.2 billion, the Gates Foundation has over the course of its three-decade lifespan made $77.6 billion worth of grant payments, making it one of the largest donor organizations in the world, with a focus on health and developmental goals. It is one of the largest contributors to the World Health Organization, and played a key role in efforts to address the Covid pandemic.

In 2015, French Gates founded  Pivotal Ventures , an initiative focused on advancing opportunities for women and minorities in the United States, especially in technology.

French Gates, 59, shares three children with Bill Gates. The couple divorced in August 2021.

Here is her statement in full:

Rob Wile is a breaking business news reporter for NBC News Digital.