The Moonrise, one of the world's most technologically advanced superyachts and the property of WhatsApp co-founder Jan Koum, dropped anchor in the Saronic Gulf off the Athens Riviera coast of Varkiza on Sunday, drawing crowds of onlookers to the shoreline.
Mr. Koum, whose net worth is estimated at over $15 billion, is on his second consecutive summer cruise through Greek waters.
Beachgoers along the Attica coast spotted the nearly 100-meter vessel tracking slowly along the regional maritime shelf before anchoring off Varkiza.
Built by Dutch shipyard Feadship and delivered in 2020, the Moonrise is valued at approximately 325 million euros and won top honors in its class at the 2021 World Superyacht Awards.
The vessel features a grey steel hull, a modern vertical bow and expansive flush-hull windows, and is capable of near-silent cruising at speeds up to 18.5 knots.
The floating residence accommodates up to 16 guests across eight custom-designed staterooms, served by a crew of more than 30. Its facilities include a beach club, helipad, cinema, gym, beauty salon and wellness spa.
Mr. Koum sold WhatsApp to Facebook in 2014 for approximately $19 billion in one of the largest technology acquisitions in history.
His repeated choice of Greek waters reflects a broader trend of ultra-high-net-worth individuals gravitating toward the Aegean and Saronic Gulf during summer months, drawn by the coastline, privacy and increasingly sophisticated marina infrastructure along the Athens Riviera.