J.K. Rowling, the author of the "Harry Potter" series, has reportedly taken measures to cover the name of her superyacht while it is docked in Marina del Rey, California. The decision was made out of concern that the vessel could attract protesters, according to local reports.
Locals familiar with the yacht had noted on social media that its name was covered, with one individual claiming it was because the yacht "often attracts protesters." The California Post identified the vessel as belonging to Rowling. Residents also described it as the "worst-kept secret on the marina," and one online report indicated that protesters had previously demonstrated near the boat when it docked in the area last year.
Rowling, 61, has not been publicly seen on the yacht. She has faced significant public scrutiny and protests since she expressed concerns about transgender activism in an essay published in June 2020. The controversy has led to widespread debate and criticism, even from actors associated with the film adaptations of her books.
Marine tracking data indicates that the yacht, named Samsara, remains at Marina del Rey. The vessel was built by Dutch shipbuilder Oceanco and measures nearly 100 yards in length. Originally commissioned for LA businessman Eric Smidt, founder of Harbor Freight Tools, it was sold in 2022 to Australian billionaire Brett Blundy for an estimated $150 million. It appears to have since changed ownership to Rowling.
Amenities on the luxury yacht include a circular swimming pool, a movie theater, and a "tranquil beach club," according to SuperYachtFan.com. Rowling's net worth is estimated by Forbes to be around $1.2 billion.
Rowling has been an outspoken supporter of causes that exclude transgender women from women's spaces since the summer of 2020. In March 2018, she faced criticism for liking a tweet that described transgender women as "men in dresses." More recently, in April 2025, Rowling posted on social media celebrating a UK Supreme Court ruling that affirmed the legal definition of a woman is based on biological sex. She marked the occasion with a post on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, quoting Hannibal Smith from "The A-Team": "I love it when a plan comes together."
