David Geffen’s superyacht Rising Sun is a 138-metre Lürssen-built vessel, but the often-cited $590 million figure is a reported 2010 purchase price, not a verified current value. Later published estimates are substantially lower: Forbes put its estimated value at $214 million in an article published around 2024, while a yacht listing showed $200 million. Neither is a formal appraisal.
How much is David Geffen’s yacht Rising Sun worth?
There is no definitive current valuation established by the available sources. The figures refer to different things and should not be treated as interchangeable:
| Figure | What it represents | Source and qualification |
|---|---|---|
| $590 million | Reported purchase price | Forbes reports that Geffen bought the yacht from Larry Ellison in 2010 for this amount. It is a historical reported transaction, not a verified present-day value. Forbes |
| $214 million | Estimated value | Forbes gives this estimate in an article published approximately 2024; it is not identified as a formal appraisal. Forbes |
| $200 million | Listing figure | A current yacht listing showed this amount. A listing is not proof of a completed sale or an independent appraisal; no URL for the listing was published. |
No primary transaction document or formal appraisal is established by these sources. So the $590 million headline figure is best understood as a reported past purchase price, while $214 million and $200 million are later estimates or listing information—not a certain current market value.
Who built Rising Sun?
German shipyard Lürssen built Rising Sun. The builder describes it as a 138-metre luxury yacht and identifies Jon Bannenberg as its designer, calling the vessel his last project. Lürssen characterizes Bannenberg as a legendary designer. Lürssen
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Superyacht Times lists the yacht as 138.6 metres long and records its gross tonnage as 7,841. Lürssen rounds the length to 138 metres; the different precision reflects how the sources report the measurement, not evidence of two different vessels. Superyacht Times lists delivery in 2004, consistent with the builder’s profile. Superyacht Times
What are Rising Sun’s specifications?
Lürssen’s vessel profile provides the following performance and design details:
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- Length: 138 metres, as stated by Lürssen; Superyacht Times lists 138.6 metres.
- Engine power: 12,230 hp.
- Maximum speed: 28 knots.
- Cruising speed: 26 knots.
- Notable features: large window panels fitted with heat-insulating foil and a bespoke soot-particle filter.
These are figures and descriptions reported by the builder, not independently verified performance-test results. The available sources do not establish operating costs, fuel consumption, or the yacht’s current operating schedule.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What is known about Geffen’s ownership?
Forbes identifies David Geffen as the owner and reports that he bought Rising Sun from Larry Ellison in 2010 for $590 million. The available sources do not include a transaction record, so the price remains a reported figure rather than a documented sale amount. They also do not establish a more detailed ownership structure.
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