Do you want to go for a boat ride? A canoe or fishing boat — maybe even a sailboat — is probably what comes to mind. But for the ultra wealthy, "boat" can mean something more like a floating mansion.
A Redditor shared a photo to the r/plymouth subreddit showing a massive, stately yacht docked in a harbor. Nearby, a scattering of humble sailboats and fishing vessels seemed diminutive in comparison.
"Whose boat is this? Looks fancy," the poster asked.
While some commenters responded with humor, others were less amused. "That's where I parked it. Thank you," one person joked. Another added, "I don't like displays of wealth." The image sparked a conversation about inequality, excess, and how luxury can overwhelm local spaces.
One user suggested it belonged to Graeme Hart, "New Zealand's wealthiest man." Hart is a billionaire businessman.
Superyachts have an enormous environmental impact. A 2022 report by The Guardian revealed that a single superyacht can emit over 7,000 tons of carbon dioxide per year, 1,500 times more than the average family car.
For those struggling with rising energy costs and housing prices, a fuel-guzzling mega-vessel parked next to modest boats can feel like a slap in the face. While it isn't necessarily rational, it's a natural reaction.
Unfortunately, this isn't an isolated case. Billionaires including Jeff Bezos and Roman Abramovich have spent hundreds of millions of dollars on yachts, often staffed by dozens and trailed by support ships. These vessels flaunt excess at a time when ordinary people face mounting pressure to cut back and conserve.
Fortunately, there is growing pressure on ultra-wealthy individuals to reduce their footprints. Some countries are exploring luxury taxes and carbon accountability for large personal vessels. Others are investing in cleaner boating tech, including electric ferries and hydrogen-powered ships.
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