Forum Topic

Don't raise the bridge, lower the river

Jeff Bezos, with a brain the size of a planet, gets Rotterdam to temporarily disassemble a historic bridge, so he can get his ridiculously huge new "yacht" out into the open sea. Being obscenely rich means that you actually don't need to give a s**t.------------------------------------"The yacht’s towering height has presented other problems for the world’s second-richest man. The boat’s tall masts would present a hazard to helicopters, so the former Amazon CEO commissioned a support yacht with a helipad to follow in its wake, the outlet said." (New York Post)

David Ainsworth ● 1460d11 Comments

I guess that either the "municipality spokesperson" yesterday had been on a trip to Amsterdam:-https://www.timeout.com/amsterdam/restaurants/best-coffeeshops-in-amsterdamor this was some kind of a pre-emptive strike?Testing the water?

David Ainsworth ● 1459d

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/feb/04/rotterdam-says-no-request-made-to-dismantle-bridge-for-bezoss-yacht-reports

Sean Hodges ● 1460d

If only "Do not Bend!" worked for customers too! 😂I bet there were some boat owners that wished we did the same when Hammersmith bridge was closed.

Ed Robinson ● 1460d

That's the way to do it!https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2870004/Noah-way-Father-son-spent-six-years-building-38ft-yacht-garden-way-CRANE.html

David Ainsworth ● 1460d

It makes you wonder.The yacht is being built there and they must have known the proportions of it for some time.  It beggars belief (even if the construction of the yacht ensured employment for many) that plans were not made to ensure it went under the bridge and then finalize the masts?  I assume it is the masts that are the problem.But dismantling the bridge (when they said the would not do it again) for a privately owned yacht, well, it sits very uncomfortably with common sense.

Ivonne Holliday ● 1460d

In practice it appears to be a request made by a local boat builder for commercial, economic reasons rather than a direct request by Bezos. However, it doesn't look like a trivial exercise, I wonder if it will only take two weeks?The whole yacht thing just seems to be an ego trip: mine's bigger and posher than yours! https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-60241145

Michael Ixer ● 1460d

The 'bridge' is the middle section of a metal framework that can be raised and lowered for normal vessels. The centre section will be temporarily removed then put back. It's not that big a deal.

Sean Hodges ● 1460d

Yes. Why do I feel so angry? I've never been to Rotterdam!At least the Gates try to use their money to help the poverty stricken in the 3rd world. And I make every effort to avoid Amazon - buy books from WH Smith or Waterstones, and search out other bricks and mortar retailers for other products.

Elizabeth Balsom ● 1460d

I agree!!  What an absurdly ridiculous thing to do!! Dismantling a bridge for one yacht????????????As you say, Michael, dismantle the yacht!

Ivonne Holliday ● 1460d

They should have suggested he could dismantle his yacht ...

Michael Ixer ● 1460d

Why do I feel so cross!  Why do I care!  But I SO wish Rotterdam had said a resounding NO.  Why does the world pander to this overgrown spoilt child!  Oops, there goes my blood pressure again.

Judy Allen ● 1460d