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Bill Gates’ former berths at Antibes’ Port Vauban put up for sale

Two of the French Riviera’s most sought-after yacht berths, reportedly linked to Bill Gates, have been placed on the market in a deal worth potentially tens of millions of euros.

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Bill Gates’ former berths at Antibes’ Port Vauban put up for sale
Bill Gates’ former berths at Antibes’ Port Vauban put up for sale. Picture: Alamy

By Camille Bidard

Two of the most prestigious yacht berths on the French Riviera, reportedly linked to tech billionaire Bill Gates, have been placed on the market at Port Vauban in a deal believed to be worth tens of millions of euros.

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The berths, located on the famous Billionaires’ Quay in Antibes, were acquired in 2020 and adapted to accommodate the hydrogen-powered superyacht Breakthrough, a 119-metre vessel reportedly commissioned by Gates.

However, the yacht was sold before he ever used it.

According to reports, the vessel changed hands in a deal worth around $650 million and is now owned by Canadian businessman Patrick Dovigi.

The two berths, designated A01 and A02, are now being marketed through yacht brokerage firm Edminston.

No asking price has been disclosed, with offers being accepted privately.

Industry observers estimate their value could run into several tens of millions of euros.

Port Vauban underwent significant upgrades to accommodate the groundbreaking yacht, becoming the first marina in the world capable of supplying liquid hydrogen to large pleasure vessels.

The investment transformed part of the harbour into a showcase for emerging clean-maritime technology.

While no official reason has been given for Gates’ decision to sell the yacht, French media suggest a combination of personal and reputational factors may have influenced the move, including his 2021 divorce and increasing scrutiny over the environmental impact of ultra-luxury yachts.

The sale leaves open the question of who will become the next owner of some of the Mediterranean’s most exclusive mooring spaces.