Dutch shipbuilder Damen has launched Game Changer, its latest 70-metre Yacht Support (YS) vessel, 227 feet with a helicopter hangar. It is the fourth of its kind in this range establishing Damen as the leader in this rapidly developing niche. In total 11 YS vessels have been delivered or are in build.
Game Changer is the fourth YS vessel in the 70-metre segment following the delivery of Intrepid, ‘6711’ and Garçon.This latest launch also follows last year’s delivery and sale of the 55-metre showcase vessel Fast & Furious (181 ft).
‘Our clients want to go to exciting new destinations with less established super yacht infrastructure and they want to have more fun with larger tenders, larger helicopters and submersibles,’ comments Damen product director, Mark Vermeulen. ‘They also want to take more staff, guides, pilots and security personnel with them.
YS vessels of this calibre are the future
Game Changer is the massive leap forward in capability that they need, but at a much lower cost than a larger yacht. Plus, they get all the benefits of flexible operations and privacy. That’s why we call it the Smart Stretch.'
The vessel features a fully certified helideck so owners can take larger helicopters on long range flights to their mother yachts and land safely in a wider weather window. Lowering the helicopter into the hangar protects it from the elements so it is refuelled and available for take-off without causing hassle, disruption and noise on the mother yacht.
In addition, the vessel has 250 square metres of open deck space for tenders and toys. The large deck crane makes logistics and handling simple, fast and safe. Below deck there is a further 110 square-metre storage space and dive centre. The YS 6911 has offices, facilities and accommodation for 22 crew and staff. It can carry a huge amount of extra provisions, fuel (marine, aviation and petrol), luggage and spare parts.
