Damen Yachting recently announced the successful launch of the first YS 5301 support vessel in Antalya, Turkey, with the owner in attendance. The 175ft yacht was completed entirely in house by Damen Yachting and built at the yard’s Turkish facilities.
Image Credit: Damen Yachting
Sold to her owner, Anthony Hsieh, in May 2022, the support vessel will be delivered later this summer under the name BAD COMPANY SUPPORT. Hsieh will be replacing his current 150.9ft YS4508 support yacht which was built by the Damen Yachting team in 2019 and sold to Hsieh in 2021.
A Shift in Yacht Support
The YS 53 range was first introduced by the team over a year ago in February 2022 as a strategic shift in Damen Yachting’s Yacht Support approach. Having completed nearly 20 yacht support vessels in the last 10 years, Damen Yachting sees this new range as the natural evolution and next generation of yacht support vessels. The design is built to be highly flexible, with plenty of customization available for their prospective owners.
Hsieh plans to use his new YS 5301 as a mothership to his well-established fleet, Bad Company. Known for their sport fishing missions (and currently completing a world tour), The Bad Company fleet is well-known for its modern sports fishing missions with the owner currently involved in several marine conservation projects in remote locations around the world, such as those initiated by the Coastal Conservation Association of California.
BAD COMPANY SUPPORT is fully IMO Tier III compliant to reduce emissions by 70% for full-range operations. Also included is a large 15-tonne deck crane, and the yacht is capable of reaching a speed of 19 knots thanks to her two main engines.
“What we are planning to do with the YS 5301 no one has ever done before, and I think this will set a whole new tier of adventure for future yachts people,” comments Hsieh. “This is a lifelong dream starting to become reality. The plans we have with the boat in future years is stunning — she will see the world! We will spend all our time on this boat to make the most of all the different luxuries and amenities she has, and we are very excited for this milestone.”
On the launch of this milestone, Jan van Hogerwou, Damen Yachting’s Commercial Executive North America says, “This is one of the most exciting projects we have worked on. Not only is this the first of our new YS 53 range but this is also the first Yacht Support we have built that will be used exclusively as part of a sport fishing fleet and program. Hsieh’s unique vision and mission are very inspiring.”
After delivery, YS 5301 will enjoy the summer on the Mediterranean before moving onto the Atlantic Ocean in her first year, followed by the Indian Ocean and Pacific the following year.
BAD COMPANY SUPPORT will be equipped with a 43ft Release Game boat and a 32ft Blackfin – “a boat which carries significant sentiment for the owner. Recently repurchased and refurbished for this adventure, the Blackfin was the Owner’s first Game fishing boat purchased more than 30 years ago. The helicopter on board will provide the Owner with easy airport transfers to and from the mothership,” the Damen Yachting team shares.
