SUPPORT VESSEL: WHEN A MEGAYACHT IS NOT ENOUGH

Also known as “shadow boats”, support vessels are a category of displacing boats, generally built in aluminium, with a length of 20-36 metres, conceived to offer more space to megayachts (and we have already seen that space issue is a serious matter): guest and crew cabins, car garage, professional kitchen, spa, gym and water toys.

An example? A real supporter of these vessels is Lynx Yachts, a Dutch shipbuilder which has created an entire range of support vessels, called YXT, in addition to its steel and aluminium motorboats (from 25 to 45 metres).

They believe in this kind of boats, they have already sold two models and they have decided to invest in this field. Support vessels can be provided with heliports, garages, saunas and they can be even equipped for regattas.

The new 20-metre-model will be launched next summer: it is called YXT20 and it is totally conceived as support vessel for a superyacht which can be from 30 to over 70 metres long. YXT20 is built in steel and it has a 45 square-metre-deck which will host big tenders, watermotors and many water toys. Two cranes (1,7 tons) will be installed on the deck and on the poop. Two 715 HP Cummins engines will ensure an autonomy of 9,000 miles.

Interiors, designed by Franck Darnet Design, are conceived to host only the crew (4 people), while the rest of the space supports the mothership: two large stowage areas equipped with hatches on the deck that can be used as refrigerating rooms, cellar or small berths.

Price: 1,950,000 Euros.