Signaling Strength of Versatile Series
Damen Yachting has announced the successful launch of the third hull in its 53-metre Yacht Support 53 (YS53) series. Taking place at Damen’s state-of-the-art facility in Antalya, Turkey, the vessel now enters final outfitting and sea trials ahead of an expected delivery in summer 2025. This latest milestone not only represents continued growth for the YS53 series but also highlights Damen’s capability in delivering purpose-driven support yachts tailored for the demands of modern yachting enthusiasts.
“The launch of YS5303 really reflects the fact that this latest Yacht Support design is now coming into its own as a series,” said Pim Oostra, Damen Yachting Project Manager. “We are looking forward to the final build stages as we prepare everything for completion this summer.”
A Proven Design, Refined for the Future
Damen Yachting’s Yacht Support range traces its roots to fast offshore support vessels, developed with a focus on reliability, endurance, and functionality. The YS53 brings this DNA into a sleek, modern package designed for active owners seeking versatility on the water. With over 20 purpose-built support yachts already delivered, Damen Yachting continues to lead this growing segment of the luxury yacht market.
The YS53 series is specifically engineered to support large motherships, providing logistical capabilities, additional storage for toys and tenders, and accommodation for additional crew, guests, or specialists. The latest launch follows in the wake of the first two vessels in the series: BAD COMPANY SUPPORT 175, known for supporting deep-sea fishing and scientific exploration, and FIVE OCEANS, a vessel crafted for adventure, exploration, and conservation.
Built for Purpose: Design and Capabilities
From its axe bow to its expansive aft platform, the third YS53 continues the series’ hallmark blend of sharp utility and performance. The exterior is characterized by forward-raking windows and angular lines that underscore its robust build and seaworthiness. Damen Yachting’s in-house design and naval architecture teams have focused on creating a platform that is both functional and comfortable, meeting the operational needs of expedition-style programs as well as leisure pursuits.
Key design highlights include:
- Axe Bow: Designed to slice through waves efficiently, reducing vertical motion for improved onboard comfort.
- High Bow with Spray Rails: Ensures a dry deck, safeguarding equipment and enhancing safety.
- Forward-Raking Windows: Enhances visibility in poor weather, minimizes glare at night, and optimizes internal space usage.
- Large Aft Deck: Over 200 square metres of configurable space, reinforced for Touch & Go helicopter operations, and capable of launching tenders and toys via a 15-tonne crane.
- Performance Metrics: Top speed of 19 knots and an impressive range of 5,000 nautical miles at 12 knots, supporting long-range missions without compromise.
The vessel accommodates eight guests and ten crew members, including the captain, ensuring flexibility for extended expeditions or bespoke missions. The interior design, also by Damen Yachting, offers refined layouts with smart spatial optimization, delivering comfort and utility in equal measure.
Ready for Delivery: Summer 2025
With sea trials and final outfitting on the horizon, Damen Yachting expects to deliver YS5303 in summer 2025. The vessel is currently available for sale, offering a unique opportunity for prospective owners to acquire a fully engineered and nearly complete support yacht that can be tailored to specific needs during the final build stage.
The Yacht Support Market: Expanding Frontiers
As exploration yachting and adventurous cruising gain momentum globally, support yachts are becoming indispensable assets for owners seeking extended range, additional capabilities, and operational freedom. Damen Yachting’s YS53 series addresses this demand by combining military-grade engineering with luxury yacht aesthetics, offering a bridge between operational capability and lifestyle experience.
Support yachts like the YS53 are ideally suited for expedition cruising, enabling owners to carry a larger fleet of tenders, submersibles, and personal watercraft while maintaining the elegance and comfort of their primary vessel. Additionally, these vessels can house specialist staff such as marine biologists, dive masters, or expedition leaders, broadening the scope of activities and destinations available to owners and guests.
Damen Yachting: Expertise in Innovation
Damen Yachting, the yachting arm of the Damen Shipyards Group, is globally recognized for its dedication to high-quality construction, innovation, and performance. The company’s portfolio includes the Amels superyacht range, the Xplorer luxury expedition series (formerly SeaXplorer), and the proven Yacht Support vessels. With a skilled team of over 500 yacht building professionals and a vast network of specialized co-makers, Damen Yachting has earned a reputation for delivering complex vessels on time and to precise specifications.
YS5303 Specifications at a Glance:
- Length: 53.00 metres / 175 ft
- Gross Tonnage: 499 GT
- Top Speed: 19 knots
- Range: 5,000 nautical miles @ 12 knots
- Guests: 8
- Crew: 10 + Captain
- Exterior & Interior Design: Damen Yachting
- Naval Architecture: Damen Yachting
- Deck Space: Over 200 m² on the main deck
- Helicopter Operations: Reinforced Touch & Go deck
- Delivery: Summer 2025
