Galactica Star is a 65-metre (213 ft) Heesen superyacht launched in 2013, estimated at $50 to $70 million, and the most reliable fact about its famous guests is that Beyoncé and Jay-Z celebrated her 32nd birthday aboard in September 2013, not that they bought it. Our original version of this article repeated a rumour that Jay-Z bought the yacht for $70 million as a gift. We could not confirm a purchase, and the reporting from the time points to private access or a charter.
Galactica Star: key facts
| Detail | Fact |
|---|---|
| Builder | Heesen Yachts, the Netherlands |
| Length | 65 metres (213 ft) |
| Launched | 2013 |
| Hull type | Fast displacement, the first yacht with Heesen’s FDHF hull |
| Top speed | Reported at about 28.8 knots |
| Interior | Bannenberg & Rowell, London |
| Guests | Up to 12, with a crew of 13 (as reported at launch) |
| Value | Estimates range from about $50 million to $70 million; no verified sale price |
How we valued it: the range combines the two published estimates; neither is a documented transaction.
Did Beyoncé and Jay-Z buy Galactica Star?
Not as far as we can verify. A 2013 report said the couple celebrated her 32nd birthday with family and friends aboard the newly built yacht, boarding in Formentera and cruising towards the Italian coast near Stromboli. The same report noted the yacht was not listed for charter with major brokers, so the couple likely had private access or a limited arrangement. Later reports describe charters, including a fortnight-long Mediterranean cruise.
What makes the yacht special?
Galactica Star was the first yacht built with Heesen’s FDHF hull, a fast-displacement design meant to combine low resistance with high performance and good fuel efficiency across the speed range. It was launched in 2013 to wide acclaim, and Heesen followed it with the 70-metre Galactica Super Nova in 2016.
On deck, the yacht has a sundeck, a duplex beach club covering about 25% of the main and lower decks and a touch-and-go helipad on the foredeck. Accommodation was reported as a full-beam master suite with a private balcony and a VIP suite on the upper deck, plus a swimming pool, sauna and on-deck Jacuzzi.
Who owns Galactica Star now?
We could not verify the current owner, and we are not publishing a charter rate, since we could not source one.
Keep reading
- Expensive things Beyoncé owns: the rest of her collection
- Most expensive celebrity gifts: more big birthday presents
- Richest couples in the world: where the couple ranks among others
- The world’s most expensive yachts: the top of the market
FAQ
Did Jay-Z buy Galactica Star for Beyoncé?
We could not verify it. A 2013 report only said the couple celebrated her 32nd birthday aboard the yacht, and described private access or a charter.
How big is Galactica Star?
It is 65 metres (213 ft) long and was built by Heesen in the Netherlands.
How much is Galactica Star worth?
Published estimates range from about $50 million to $70 million. We found no verified sale price.
How fast is Galactica Star?
Reported at a top speed of about 28.8 knots.
What was special about its hull?
It was the first yacht with Heesen’s FDHF fast displacement hull, designed for low resistance and fuel efficiency.
Last updated: October 2026.
