Zuckerberg Has A “Nauty” Adventure: LAUNCHPAD Goes Dark, Incognito Mode
What did Zuckerberg do on his latest adventure on his superyacht, Launchpad? Let's explore why some yacht owners choose to turn off AIS tracking.
June 21, 2024
Above: Mark Zuckerberg's yacht "Launchpad" has made quite a buzz lately. Photo by Arno Lippert.
In the world of superyachts, few vessels stir as much curiosity and buzz as those owned by tech titans. Recently, Mark Zuckerberg, the Facebook founder, made headlines not just for acquiring a colossal new superyacht, but also for the mysterious way he's managing its whereabouts. The vessel, aptly named Launchpad, is a stunning creation by Feadship, measuring a grand 387 feet with over 5000 GT, making it the largest boat ever built in the Netherlands.
Zuckerberg's foray into the elite world of yachting began with a notable transaction. By purchasing Launchpad immediately upon completion—a rare move in an industry where custom yachts are typically commissioned years in advance—he not only bypassed the usual waiting period but also sparked intrigue among yachting enthusiasts. How did this massive vessel, initially built for a sanctioned foreign owner, end up with an American buyer? It turns out, with the Dutch government's blessing and legal maneuvering, the transition was smooth and swift.
After the purchase, Launchpad didn't linger long in the Netherlands. Its journey quickly took it to Gibraltar for sea trials, and not long afterward, it was spotted alongside the similarly impressive Koru, owned by none other than Jeff Bezos, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. It was here that both tech moguls seemed to adopt a covert operational tactic—going "dark."
"Going dark" in maritime parlance refers to the practice of turning off a vessel's Automatic Information System (AIS). It's a bit like "Incognito Mode" on your internet browser, but for a huge megayacht. AIS is crucial for safety on the seas, broadcasting a ship's position, heading, and other vital data in real-time. This information helps other vessels anticipate movements and avoid collisions, particularly in crowded or obscured waters. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) mandates that any vessel over 300 gross tonnage engaged on international voyages must keep AIS operational to ensure maritime safety. However, Zuckerberg's recent voyage into the Caribbean without AIS signals raises questions and eyebrows.
Above: "Launchpad" will be under close watch from now on. Photo by Arno Lippert.
Why would the owner of such a prominent vessel choose to disable this critical system? While AIS provides invaluable safety benefits, high-profile individuals like Zuckerberg often weigh those against personal and crew security, choosing privacy over visibility. This is not illegal per se but dwells in a grey area of maritime law where enforcement can be as murky as ocean depths. The IMO states vessels must operate AIS "at all times," yet nuances in international regulations and enforcement make compliance complex. For example, the U.S. Coast Guard actively monitors AIS usage and can issue fines, particularly to commercial vessels that flout these rules. Recreational ships, especially those as large and well-equipped as Zuckerberg’s, face less scrutiny unless they are within national waters.
Launchpad's journey didn't stop in the U.S.; it was last reported heading towards the Caribbean, with Panama as its latest dock, indicating perhaps a brief respite in its enigmatic voyage. The companion support vessel, Wingman, a $30 million support ship, has mirrored this path, adding another layer of intrigue and capability to Zuckerberg's maritime adventures.
Above: "Wingman" Mark Zuckerberg's Support Vessel For Launchpad. Photo by Arno Lippert.
As Launchpad and its fleet continue their travels, they highlight a fascinating intersection of wealth, privacy, and maritime regulation. While the average boat enthusiast might never turn off their AIS, Zuckerberg's actions remind us that in the high-stakes world of superyachts, the usual rules might not always apply, especially when privacy and security are at the helm. Whether navigating through regulatory waters or the literal ones, Zuckerberg's nautical maneuvers keep the world watching and wondering what his next course will be.
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