For the past three weeks, Facebook founder and Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg's superyacht has been anchored in Downtown San Diego Bay, sparking curiosity and speculation about its purpose. The $300 million megayacht, named LAUNCHPAD, was first spotted entering San Diego Bay on the morning of Thursday, September 26, and has since remained near Broadway Pier. Alongside it is Zuckerberg's $30 million support vessel WINGMAN, making the tech billionaire's presence in the region hard to miss.
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| Launchpad |
Launchpad, built by renowned Dutch shipbuilder Feadship, is a massive 387-foot luxury yacht that can accommodate up to 49 crewmembers and an estimated 24 guests, likely housed in opulent staterooms. The yacht is equipped with extravagant features, including a tennis court, a helicopter deck, a private cinema, a gym, and a deck jacuzzi, making it one of the most expensive yachts in the world. It is believed it costs an estimated $30 million per year just to maintain this yacht.
Accompanying Launchpad is the 220-foot support vessel Wingman, built by Damen. This vessel's main function is to carry additional equipment and toys that don’t fit on the superyacht itself. Wingman is outfitted with a helipad, a dive center, a decompression chamber, and enough deck space for a range of maritime gear, including a Triton submarine, jet skis, water scooters, and a luxury tender. Powered by four MTU diesel engines, the support vessel boasts a top speed of 21 knots and a cruising range of 8,700 nautical miles, making it ideal for long-distance adventures. It is estimated it costs $3 million per year to maintain Wingman.
Accompanying Launchpad is the 220-foot support vessel Wingman, built by Damen. This vessel's main function is to carry additional equipment and toys that don’t fit on the superyacht itself. Wingman is outfitted with a helipad, a dive center, a decompression chamber, and enough deck space for a range of maritime gear, including a Triton submarine, jet skis, water scooters, and a luxury tender. Powered by four MTU diesel engines, the support vessel boasts a top speed of 21 knots and a cruising range of 8,700 nautical miles, making it ideal for long-distance adventures. It is estimated it costs $3 million per year to maintain Wingman.
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| Wingman |
Zuckerberg's fleet recently attracted attention due to a controversial decision to deactivate its AIS (Automatic Identification System) transponders, effectively "going dark." While this move is a common privacy measure for high-profile yacht owners, it’s ironic considering the ongoing debates about personal privacy and data management within Meta, Zuckerberg’s social media empire.
The origins of Launchpad are notable as well. Originally commissioned by Russian oligarch Vladimir Potanin in 2018, the yacht became tied up in international sanctions and remained docked in the Netherlands until it was finally sold earlier this year to a new owner, at the time an undisclosed American. That American was none other than Mark Zuckerberg, who, with a net worth of over $200 billion, ranks as the third-richest person in the world right now according to Forbes. Although no official reason has been provided for Zuckerberg's yacht's prolonged stay in San Diego, some speculate it may be related to leisure, business, or even high-level meetings.
The origins of Launchpad are notable as well. Originally commissioned by Russian oligarch Vladimir Potanin in 2018, the yacht became tied up in international sanctions and remained docked in the Netherlands until it was finally sold earlier this year to a new owner, at the time an undisclosed American. That American was none other than Mark Zuckerberg, who, with a net worth of over $200 billion, ranks as the third-richest person in the world right now according to Forbes. Although no official reason has been provided for Zuckerberg's yacht's prolonged stay in San Diego, some speculate it may be related to leisure, business, or even high-level meetings.
Over the weekend, on Saturday afternoon at approximately 2:30pm, several armed police officers were recorded on and near Wingman, responding to what is said to be an intruder who allegedly trespassed onto the yacht (video below) and was throwing off expensive scuba equipment. The assailant was ultimately apprehended at gunpoint. We reached out to the Port of San Diego Harbor Police Department for more information and received the below statement.
"On 10/19/2024, at approximately 2:30pm, San Diego Harbor Police contacted a male subject, identified as Christopher Gerritt, who was trespassing on a boat and throwing various items into the water," read the statement sent by Port of San Diego Harbor Police Civilian Manager Christine McMillen. "Law enforcement databases revealed that Gerritt was a sex offender out of compliance from the state of Florida. After further investigation, Harbor Police discovered Gerritt had been in California for about 31 days. Gerritt displayed symptoms of being under the influence of a controlled substance and stated he had taken methamphetamine. Harbor Police determined that Gerritt was in violation of 290.005 PC - Sex Offender Required to Register in Other States, 290.011(A) PC -Transients Required to Register within 5 Working Days of Entering Jurisdiction, and 11550 (A) H&S - Under the Influence of Drugs. Gerritt was transported to the San Diego County Jail where he was booked on the above charges."
San Diego's picturesque harbor is no stranger to hosting the luxury yachts of the world's elite, but Zuckerberg's visit has captured local attention. With his fleet stationed in the bay, residents and tourists alike might just catch a glimpse of the tech titan himself.
For those eager to witness the extraordinary yacht in person, keep an eye on the Downtown waterfront - you never know when you might spot Zuckerberg enjoying some time off the grid in San Diego’s scenic waters.
Originally published on October 20, 2024.
