Billionaire wants to invest in Venice
Fuss over US ambassador’s yacht trip
Updated June 28, 2026 – 1:42 p.mReading time: 3 minutes
Tilman Fertitta wants to celebrate the 250th birthday of the USA in the lagoon city. But there is resistance to his visit.
In Venice there is a protest against a visit by the American ambassador. Because Tilman Fertitta, who took up his post in… Rome US President Donald Trump wants to arrive with his $450 million superyacht.
The five-story luxury ship “Boardwalk” is scheduled to dock at a festival in the lagoon city in July. Since the Amazon founder’s lavish wedding Jeff Bezoswho also arrived by yacht, there is a movement in Venice against private luxury ships in the city.
Protests already against Bezos’ wedding
Ferrita wanted to carry out the visit as part of a diplomatic initiative to mark the 250th anniversary of the USA to bring to the Italians. His “Freedom 250 Tour” began on June 13th in Civitavecchia and, in addition to Venice, includes stops in Naples, Genoa, Palermo and Cefalù.
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But now he has to expect disruptions. At Bezos’ wedding, activists threatened to throw inflatable crocodiles into the water, forcing organizers to postpone the reception. This action could be repeated, an activist is said to have suggested at the preparatory meeting on Saturday.
“Last year we screwed up the wedding reception of Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez Bezos – this year we screwed up the ambassador’s tour!” said Stella Faye, a 28-year-old researcher and activist, on Thursday at a meeting of about 40 protesters, reports The Guardian.
Does the yacht block the view of the fireworks display?
The activists fear that Fertitta is planning to dock in Venice’s historic center to mark the “Festa del Redentore” – one of the city’s most important traditions and arguably its biggest festival. Part of the celebrations include fireworks, which can be viewed from a makeshift floating bridge that is set up every year. The protesters’ concern: His 32 meter high and 117 meter long yacht could obscure the view of some visitors.
According to the Venice Port Authority website, which handles yacht mooring requests, the key moorings for a boat of this size are in front of Punta della Dogana – opposite the Redentore Church – or at Riva dei Sette Martiri, a popular viewing point for locals.
