Zuckerberg’s superyacht anchored in B.C. ahead of World Cup match

Launchpad, the 119-metre vessel reportedly built in 2024 at a cost of US$300 million, was anchored near South Pender Island, B.C., on June 18, 2026. (Feadship)

A superyacht reportedly owned by billionaire Mark Zuckerberg was spotted off the coast of British Columbia on Thursday, just days after the Facebook founder and Meta CEO attended U.S. President Donald Trump’s 80th birthday celebration at the White House.

Launchpad, the 119-metre vessel built in 2024 at a reported cost of US$300 million, was anchored near South Pender Island on Thursday after spending several days in Seattle, according to ship-tracking websites.

The Marshall Islands-flagged megayacht is typically accompanied by a support vessel named Wingman.

Ship-tracking data from MarineTraffic.com indicates the 80-metre support ship remained behind in Seattle before departing the city in the direction of the mothership on Thursday afternoon.

Online brokerage YachtWorld described Launchpad in 2024 as one of the most expensive private vessels in the world.

The yacht was built by Dutch luxury shipbuilder Feadship, with exterior design by De Voogt Naval Architects and Espen Øino International.

Feadship describes the vessel as a “classically balanced yet edgy and innovative yacht,” featuring two helipads, a “spacious beach club,” a jacuzzi and a swimming pool with a moveable floor.

The vessel was “by far the largest yacht Feadship had ever built,” the company said on its completion.

According to the builder, the vessel features a steel hull, an aluminum superstructure and interiors by Zuretti Interior Design.

Netherlands-based marine publication SuperYacht Times reports that Launchpad is powered by four heavy-duty engines and can reach a top speed of 24 knots.

The support ship functions as a floating toybox for the larger vessel, reportedly carrying its own helicopter, a fleet of watercraft and a scuba-diving support centre equipped with a decompression chamber, according to SuperYacht Times.

Launchpad was anchored near Bedwell Harbour, B.C., roughly 50 kilometres from Vancouver, where scores of celebrities, business leaders, and politicians were expected to attend Thursday’s World Cup match between Canada and Qatar.