By THE ALASKA STORY
July 8, 2026 – Juneau residents living in Auke Bay were greeted by an unmistakable sight: billionaire Mark Zuckerberg’s massive superyacht Launchpad riding at anchor, accompanied by its equally impressive support vessel, Wingman.
The arrival of the two vessels marks the latest stop on what appears to be a summer voyage north after the yachts spent time in the Seattle area in late May and early June before continuing toward Alaska.
There has been no public confirmation that Zuckerberg is aboard. Like many ultra-luxury yachts, Launchpad is often used by family members, guests, and crew, even when its owner is elsewhere.
At 387 feet (118 meters) long, Launchpad ranks among the world’s largest privately owned yachts. Built by the Dutch shipyard Feadship and delivered in 2024, the vessel is widely reported to have cost approximately $300 million. It accommodates about two dozen guests with a professional crew numbering around 50.
The yacht is accompanied by Wingman, a 220-foot support vessel built by Damen Yachting and valued at roughly $30 million. Unlike the main yacht, Wingman functions as a floating garage and logistics platform, carrying a helicopter, smaller boats, personal watercraft, diving equipment, vehicles, and other recreational gear that would otherwise consume valuable space aboard the primary vessel. Together, the pair form a self-contained expedition fleet capable of operating for extended periods in remote destinations.
The vessels’ appearance in Southeast Alaska is not entirely surprising. Auke Bay has hosted other celebrity and billionaire yachts in previous years.
Zuckerberg has vacationed in Alaska before. During the Fourth of July holiday in 2017, he spent time in the Homer area, sharing photos of himself fishing for salmon, kayaking, and enjoying Alaska’s outdoors. His social media posts at the time highlighted the state’s scenery and fishing opportunities.
For Juneau residents, however, the biggest attraction may simply be the scale of Launchpad. At nearly the length of a football field, the vessel towers over most boats in Auke Bay and is difficult to miss from shore.
