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The 55.5-metre vessel Power Play currently under construction at Dutch shipyard Damen is nearing completion, the yard has recently announced. Upon completion this summer, she will mark the sixth successfully delivery of the YS 5009 design in Damen’s ever-popular Yacht Support range. <img src="/uploads/store/photo/27513/image/large-9fdde981989026168dab5a3fdcbb0d04.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/27513">Damen’s Product Director, Mark Vermeulen, comments on the success of the yard’s Yacht Support range as a reflection of the changing times in yachting: “It’s inspiring to see how a new generation of owners is driving this market. It’s very dynamic, it’s not the conventional thinking about luxury yachting. Our clients have fantastic ideas for diving, aircraft, luxury toys and serious boats. They are planning adventures of a lifetime and even getting involved in underwater exploration, science, film-making or racing yacht events. As a shipbuilder, it’s exciting to be a part of making their ideas a reality.”<img src="/uploads/store/photo/27512/image/large-79b3dd94b92f18766c8fbe4f0256e5eb.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/27512">Like previous deliveries, Ad-Vantage, Axis and Shadow, the new addition to the Damen fleet has been configured for a blend of adventure and superyacht support functions. On Power Play, the Damen team has included several enhancements, including a 50 square-metre Aft Adventure Centre, increased autonomy and facilities for operating in zero-discharge zones such as marine nature reserves.<img src="/uploads/store/photo/27854/image/large-e55d7fb17da439411775ace125dc8cc7.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/27854">The yacht accommodates six guests on board across three suites, making her suitable for short breaks away from the mother yacht or even a complete yachting solution. She reaches speeds above 20 knots.

Damen’s 55.5m adventure yacht Power Play nears completion 

Dutch shipyard Damen has gone from strength to strength in the development of their Yacht Support concept. Since the introduction of the concept to the yachting world almost a decade ago, 10 vessels have been successfully delivered to general industry-wide acclaim, and the line has been expanded to include four size ranges from 43.2-metres to 89.40-metres. We caught up with Damen’s Victor Caminada for a closer look at how Damen’s Yacht Support has developed over the years and how they have secured their success.&nbsp;<img src="/uploads/store/photo/21524/image/large-8960709c360b7191438659aeefe8fb58.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/21524"> Talk us through the development of Damen's Yacht Support vessels - the interest, particularly over the last couple of years, has been quite substantial. How has the concept been received over the years and are you still experiencing the same amount of interest and success 9 years following introduction to the industry?We formally introduced the Damen Yacht Support concept at the Monaco Yacht Show in 2009 with the YS 5009, a 50-metre “basic” version. We delivered the first two vessels, Oberon and Umbra in 2010. The concept immediately caught a lot of attention from superyacht owners and captains alike, and we soon after sold the 67-metre version to be named Garçon, which was completed in 2012. This, in turn, sparked the sale of the 6711 (6711 is the name of the vessel and, at the same time, the model), of which we have completed the two vessels; Intrepid and Game Changer. The YS 5009 also caught on fairly quickly after this, with the sale of Fast &amp; Furious, New Frontiers&nbsp;and Advantage.&nbsp;Our purpose-built, high-end Yacht Support concept has been gaining more and more momentum and clearly, we are the market leader in this field. Equally, we receive more and more enquiries as word spreads, and at this very moment, we are building another YS 5009. Our dedicated Damen yacht design and build-team here in Holland gains more and more experience and the vessels get better and better, so we’re confident in the successful longevity of this division of the company.&nbsp;<img src="/uploads/store/photo/16115/image/large-184e4ebf860041acb5234132c3a844cb.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/16115"> The number of clients looking for a sizable Yacht Support vessel is of course limited. How do you attract more potential clients?Well yes, it really is a niche market but Damen as a company in combination with the know-how of Amels is extremely well equipped to serve this market very well in terms of short delivery times, vessel capabilities, quality and - very importantly - value for money. Ticking all of these boxes helps us to attract as many potential clients as we can.<img src="/uploads/store/photo/23922/image/large-09b3137c3243710626d5e3259fb143ba.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/23922">What are some of the main advantages of owning a Yacht Support vessel?The advantages of owning a Yacht Support vessel is one of the reasons why the concept itself has gained so much momentum over the past few years. Just some of these advantages are a much better service to the owner and guests of the mother yacht (no waiting!), the ability to have more and much bigger toys, very safe helicopter operations, submarine handling, longer autonomy to make the most of cruising grounds such as Asia with little infrastructure and the fact that the commissioning of a YSV is a much lower investment than buying a larger mothership.<img src="/uploads/store/photo/15560/image/large-02fae8325c57dba5b46d5ad5f086a8c7.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/15560"> What is the 'next level' Yacht Support at Damen? With the first Damen SeaXplorer scheduled for delivery next year and already a high-level finish on the Yacht Support models, is it difficult to take the concept to the next level without bordering too many similarities to the SeaXplorer?Well, right now we’re looking at expanding the size range of the Yacht Support range - both smaller and larger versions than what we have currently seen. And yes, the Yacht Support vessels and the SeaXplorer are getting closer in terms of the level of finish and the quality of both vessels, but it’s important to realise that the SeaXplorer is still a different kind of vessel to any of the Yacht Support designs. There are key differences in the exterior design, the finish in guest accommodation and level of autonomy on board… there’s room for both in the Damen family.&nbsp;<img src="/uploads/store/photo/13947/image/large-e0124071cf44ab0cc74458c8274d638e.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/13947">

Insight: The success of Damen’s Yacht Support Vessels

Owning a support yacht and the effect it has on your experience as a yacht owner remain somewhat of a mystery to some. ‘Do I really need one? Does it not complicate things? How will I benefit from owning another vessel? Surely it would be easier to buy an entirely new, larger yacht, right?’

<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/166028/image/large-b16f988f57a00f09adcb01a20dbdf685.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/166028">

For the adventurous type, the obvious benefits that owning a support vessel hold, are clear: more toys = more fun! But is there more to this cruising-buddy lifestyle than just that? To answer these questions and shed light on other aspects of this topic, we have gathered together a few experts in the field with experience in the areas of building, captaining, and managing these type of vessels and the lifestyle associated with it.

Meet Adam Hart (AH), Filippo Rossi (FR), Mark Stothard (MS), and Ben Lyons (BL). Adam is Captain onboard the 55-metre shadow vessel Advantage (serving the 46-metre Palmer Johnson motor yacht, Vantage), with Filippo being the Sales and Marketing Manager of Lynx Yachts in the Netherlands. Mark joins the conversation as Director of Echo Yachts in Australia as does CEO of EYOS Expeditions, Ben Lyons, who knows a thing or two about leading the more off-the-beaten-track yachting lifestyle.

<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/166029/image/large-3b042c34bd45acbc051479251e774308.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/166029">

Why would an owner consider to buy a support vessel instead of buying/building a larger yacht?

AH - I would say the best reason is the massive amount of space a support vessel gives you. We are running a pretty exciting worldwide itinerary and we use Ad-Vantage for all of our tenders, toys, food supplies and spare parts. We have four very large tenders and a submarine which just wouldn’t be possible with Vantage on its own or even to a 70 or 80-metre superyacht as there just isn’t the space. The opportunities that such a fleet offer the charter market are also endless as more clients can afford to charter the two smaller vessels together against some of the massive weekly rates chartered by larger vessels.

FR - Time, money and flexibility. Ease of manoeuvring in certain bays, coves and marinas as the mothership can remain a manageable size and possibly below the 500 GT mark. All these fundamental elements mean more time spent enjoying life onboard.

MS - If you are into adventure-cruising and really getting out and seeing the world then having a support vessel is a very cost effective way of ending up with a good size platform that can carry the kit required to enjoy all sorts of aspects of water sports.

BL - First and foremost, you own a support vessel for greater capability and options. However, for many owners, a larger yacht is just a different experience - it may be more limiting in terms of ports you can dock in, or you simply prefer the more intimate size of the current yacht you own. You get a lot more capability at a very different price point per tonne than you would by owning a larger yacht.

<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/166030/image/large-e8e3233e00d00ebecd0edc8f7ffbf0c0.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/166030">

Does owning a second vessel drastically increase the time management and operational costs of enjoying the yachting life?

AH - Certainly the operational costs increase as you are now budgeting for two vessels, but I think the reward that the owner gets from such a setup is far greater. In terms of time management, we manage everything in-house and have a captain running each vessel with our fleet captain running the shore side of things. I would say the biggest increase is the time spent on crew management, making sure both vessels are streamlined in the way they run, use the same procedures etc. We are setup in such a way that crew can change between the two vessels as required.

FR - Operational costs do not drastically increase, and neither does this have to become a time-intensive operation if managed correctly. In fact, the job of a support yacht is to allow guests on the mothership more time to enjoy their stay onboard. Being able to separate from the support vessel to offload and retrieve the toys, for instance, is just one such example.

MS - I think if you compared owning a second vessel to trying to build something big enough in a superyacht to carry the same kit, there will be considerable overall savings. Case in point, if our current 84-metre Trimaran was to be extended to be able to carry a heli deck, a 12-metre cat, a hovercraft, four jets skis, a luxury tender and two other RIB’s the vessel size would have increased considerably at much more cost than simply designing and buying a dedicated vessel.

BL - Certainly owning a second vessel will increase, naturally, the time spent maintaining and operating your yacht fleet. However, upgrading to a larger yacht also increases the costs and complexity - there are more crew, more costs, etc. So adding a support vessel does not necessarily represent a significant increase in complexity over what upgrading to a larger yacht would.

<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/166031/image/large-a59ecdaae079c3f27cf4e986f04a899c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/166031">

Have you noticed that owner’s use of their vessels change considerably following the addition of a support vessel to their fleet?

AH - Our owner’s usage has not changed drastically, I just think their experience onboard has significantly improved.

FR – I would say the owner enjoys his/her time aboard much more. The overall experience is more relaxing and, with a good crew, runs smoother. Guests are more likely to embark on a full day of watersports fun knowing that they will not have crew around the breakfast table offloading toys, for example.

MS - Having the additional vessel gives a lot of flexibility in the kit that can be carried and which vessel is used, or both together, for extended explorations.

BL – Yes, definitely. Adding a support vessel opens up a whole range of new experiences - even for yacht owners with vessels around 50-metres - including submersibles and helicopters. For the new type of owner that wants to maximise their experience, this type of support vessel change fundamentally and enhance their yachting experience. 
	 

<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/166032/image/large-7fd0453f92667b6c173cf8552c022b64.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/166032">

Will we see an increase in the size of support vessels as the size of the top-end of the superyacht fleet keeps increasing?

AH - I am sure we will, yachts are always getting bigger, although I don’t really see the point in much bigger support yachts as, at their current size, they already offer so much. The great thing about our vessels is that we both have reasonably shallow drafts so we can get into places most bigger yachts just can’t go and I have noticed this is a real plus for the owner.

FR - For sure, but you will also see an increased number of shadow vessels built to match the same size as the mothership.

MS - I think there is no doubt that we will see an increase in these types of vessels as they are readily affordable and they can really boost the exploration experience.

BL - I would imagine so. Certainly, a trend we see in yachting is bigger and better, and I don’t see why that wouldn’t apply to larger yachts as well. The same equation and value proposition holds true— the support vessel, no matter its size, will naturally add more to the experience for a yacht owner.

This article was published in a recent edition of the SuperYacht Times newspaper. <a href="http://www.superyachtcompany.com/newspaper/the-superyacht-times-subscription" target="_blank">Subscribe</a> now to receive your copy straight to your door and never miss another issue!

<a href="http://www.superyachtcompany.com/newspaper/the-superyacht-times-subscription" target="_blank"><img alt="[no-lb]" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/166033/image/large-061a32b424d99be35b2bddbbfc441238.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/161506"></a>

Captain’s Insight: Bigger Yacht or Support Yacht?

Damen has announced that the 55-metre yacht support vessel, Fast &amp; Furious, has been sold. The Dutch shipyard showcased the YS 5009 at both recent editions of the Monaco Yacht Show and Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, where the Damen team report Fast &amp; Furious attracted a substantial interest.  <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/166796/image/large-a48a8f174b4adc225eb0c086dc2aea71.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/166796">“The sale of FAST &amp; FURIOUS further proves how the Yacht Support solution is becoming an established ‘smart stretch’ for owners of all size superyachts,” says Mark Vermeulen, Damen Product Director Yacht Support. “Owners want bigger tenders and a greater variety of toys, as well as helicopters, but they don’t necessarily want to stretch their yacht to carry it all. Compared to acquiring a larger mother yacht with more capability, the existing mother yacht plus Yacht Support scenario offers more flexibility, lower total cost of ownership, and a lot more fun.”<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/166797/image/large-290682b74674a61213d4cbcb51cd7681.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/166797"><img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/166798/image/large-e6746605102161f05fb0276e9c93ffa4.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/166798">The new owner of Fast &amp; Furious was represented by Thom Conboy and Chris Collins of Ocean Independence, who also previously represented the buyer of the 53.25-metre Damen vessel Ad-vantage.<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/166799/image/large-6ab38b643613ea5bd23db0addc4460bc.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/166799"><img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/166800/image/large-e9624a61ea2762843bbd932ade942ac4.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/166800">A total of 10 vessels in the 43 to 90-metre Damen Yacht Support range have now been successfully sold or are currently in build, including the 69-metre YS 6911 and the 55-metre YS 5009, scheduled for delivery in Spring 2017 and Autumn 2017 respectively.<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/166801/image/large-7d81b146513d662154dd368584a481e0.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/166801">

Damen 55m YSV Fast & Furious sold and renamed Axis

It is not often that we are able to get an insight into the operations of a superyacht mothership and her accompanying support vessel. An extension commonly reserved for some of the most private of private yachts, we are now able to take you on an inside tour of what this double luxury lifestyle experience consists of. The two members of Vantage Fleet, the 45.7 metre Vantage and 53.3 metre Ad-Vantage, joined up for the first time in December last year and are now available for charter in the South Pacific to the ultimate thrill-seeking and most adventurous of guests.

<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/159632/image/large-48559b8fa4be51eddffd9f7bc611392e.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/159632">

 

<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/159633/image/large-8923a6a224000c2fd6b9733bc85c45bf.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/159633">

 

Spanning a total of 99 metres in length, the Palmer Johnson superyacht Vantage and Damen-built support vessel Ad-Vantage together make for the perfect blend of luxury, speed, comfort and functionality. The pair offer guests endless possibilities ranging from comfy outdoor cinema experiences and fine dining events to captivating exploration missions and fun-filled family days on the water. Currently based in Tahiti, the fleet is available for charter as a pair or separately depending on guests’ lifestyle needs.

<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/159634/image/large-9d87b95d08044b28c1cfa32ba53f782e.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/159634">

 

Vantage was designed for guests to enjoy the life outdoors with open end sloping aft decks making for a good mix of indoor and outdoor spaces. The flybridge offers a panoramic view and boasts a Jacuzzi with sun loungers, a dining area and a large seating area in the shade with a pop up flat screen television.

<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/159635/image/large-74e6294e67ab507b18811ce6dacf50fd.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/159635">

 

<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/159636/image/large-1daec74726757ff6c0a13684e3cdf466.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/159636">

 

Having undergone a refit period at Oceania Marine in New Zealand early in 2015, the 2010-built Vantage is in top condition. Her 12 guests are accommodated for across five staterooms with the master suite located on main deck forward. The suite comprises of a lobby, and inside the suite, a study area to starboard and seating area to port.

<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/159637/image/large-7a35a53688356c2e1a6ef2e648ee2959.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/159637">

<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/159638/image/large-9073cabcf740a32be1db16a6b305095e.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/159638">

The main saloon brings the sunshine inside with plenty of natural light and sweeping full length windows in the dining room. The master cabin offers a wonderful shaded cocoon and throughout the architecture is complemented by a bright and natural interior finished with a mixture of textures and fun elements.

<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/159639/image/large-bfee9d601d15366c83d22dc6d05444f7.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/159639">

 

 

<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/159640/image/large-9ffd6da91a9258f16e24f03118de5b9a.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/159640">

 

Once anchored, Vantage transforms into the ideal island of fun with easy access into the water from the swim platform and a garage filled with watersport gear.

<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/159641/image/large-ff227857bb708e48c2651f996b0475a0.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/159641">

 

 

<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/159642/image/large-9dc8c4f6bb4d22847c155dfcf676f224.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/159642">

 

What Vantage lacks in toy-carrying capabilities, Ad-Vantage more than makes up for in open deck space and dedicated supply proficiencies. Having recently completed a total transformation also carried out by Oceania Marine, Ad-Vantage was once used as an offshore support vessel. Today she serves as the ultimate water sport and exploration station on the Pacific.

<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/159643/image/large-30ea362386afc2a8218cac9e6244d779.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/159643">

 

<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/159644/image/large-8e32b3632fa0cfd9c584dbef03d0e656.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/159644">

 

With her own dedicated and professional crew, Vantage offers guests the ability to reach ocean depths they never would have imagined possible in an on board submarine named Moby. Other on-deck tenders include a 34’ sportsfisher, a 26’ fast RIB as well as a G21 Wakeboat that is ideal for all kinds of fun watersports. A Van Dutch 40 chase boat follows Vantage wherever she goes. A dedicated toy garage makes for easy stowing of dive gear and fishing equipment.

<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/159645/image/large-212b345a9b5c3333983564354a81e2fe.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/159645">

 

 

<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/159646/image/large-a5010a7a749d8bebc11112f2c76a3848.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/159646">

 

<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/159647/image/large-11034ba171c2f90c96b057d49fd62eab.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/159647">

Available to operate separately from her mothership, and capable to cater to her own set of guests, the purpose built interior that was designed to carrying 60+ crew members was removed and three new guest cabins, a captain’s cabin as well as a mess area and office was installed on the main deck. Below, the crew area and galley were stripped and upgraded, fit for its new purpose as a superyacht support vessel.

<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/159648/image/large-7b7dd57418be103436397e3f76aab15d.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/159648">

 

<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/159649/image/large-15baade1639c69e46da24e57c041d7b4.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/159649">

Both yachts are manned by experienced and friendly crew ready to take guests on an unforgettable ocean adventure. To meet the crews, or learn more about the boat, go <a href="http://yacht-vantage.com/" target="_blank">here</a>. <a href="#managed-by-application" style="line-height: 1.42857; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);" target="_blank" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2404">Vantage </a> &amp; <a href="#managed-by-application" style="line-height: 1.42857; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);" target="_blank" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5937">Ad-Vantage </a>are currently available for charter through Ocean Independence cruising Fiji, French Polynesia and other South Pacific areas.

<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/159650/image/large-d6d9fc9ee1ddaf6dcb6077eeeb63dffe.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/159650">

 

<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/159651/image/large-5f56cdb20db2aa1ff725290eb4acfb65.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/159651">

 

<div id="media_1460384179061_box">
	<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="295" mozallowfullscreen="" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/154276231" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="550"></iframe>

	Photos by Rodolphe Holler &amp; Greg Lebacon
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Superyacht of the Week: The Vantage Fleet

Superyacht Private Expeditions has recently posted the following remarkable video of the 45.7 metre superyacht Vantage cruising with her support vessel, the 54 metre Ad Vantage. Vantage was designed by Nuvolari &amp; Lenard and constructed by Palmer Johnson in 2010, and is part of the yard’s 150’ Super Sport Yacht Series.

 

​<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="281" mozallowfullscreen="" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/154276231" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="500"></iframe>

 

 

The 53.25 metre Damen-built Ad Vantage was previously used as an offshore patrol vessel. She underwent an extensive transformation into a luxury support vessel which was completed at the end of last year in New Zealand based Oceania Marine.

 

<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/158594/image/large-73c7300f5628339814139f390ac4b33c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/158594">

 

As part of her substantial reimagining, Ad Vantage’s purpose built interior for the carrying of 60+ crew members was removed and three new guest cabins, a captain’s cabin as well as a mess area and office was installed on the main deck. Below, the crew area and galley were stripped and upgraded whilst on the main deck, a new Bolidt synthetic deck was applied, a stern anchor fitted to the transom area and a submarine garage installed.

 

<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/158595/image/large-1334eb1735e3574e96b5b19379a87d35.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/158595">

 

Ad Vantage’s mothership also underwent a refit at Oceania Marina in 2015, and was relaunched in May.

Video of Vantage and Ad Vantage cruising side by side

Superyacht Private Expeditions has recently posted the following remarkable video of the 45.7 metre superyacht Vantage cruising with her support vessel, the 54 metre Ad Vantage. Vantage was designed by Nuvolari &amp; Lenard and constructed by Palmer Johnson in 2010, and is part of the yard’s 150’ Super Sport Yacht Series.<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="281" mozallowfullscreen="" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/154276231" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="500"></iframe>The 53.25 metre Damen-built Ad Vantage was previously used as an offshore patrol vessel. She underwent an extensive transformation into a luxury support vessel which was completed at the end of last year in New Zealand based Oceania Marine.<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/158494/image/large-72f7fe87af9c67f16a42967482cf229e.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/158494">As part of her substantial reimagining, Ad Vantage’s purpose built interior for the carrying of 60+ crew members was removed and three new guest cabins, a captain’s cabin as well as a mess area and office was installed on the main deck. Below, the crew area and galley were stripped and upgraded whilst on the main deck, a new Bolidt synthetic deck was applied, a stern anchor fitted to the transom area and a submarine garage installed.<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/158495/image/large-3a87455406e8aacd5bb043c532e603f9.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/158495">Ad Vantage’s mothership also underwent a refit at Oceania Marina in 2015, and was relaunched in May.By Gemma Fottles

Video of Vantage and Ad Vantage cruising side by side 

Following the successful conversion of the 54 metre offshore support vessel Advantage in New Zealand last year, comes another offer from Ocean Independence on the same platform. The crew transport vessel Transit has been serving offshore platforms in the eastern Mediterranean from her Cyprus base and is now ready to sail alongside a superyacht mothership carrying watersport toys, provisions and crew in support.<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/158090/image/large-b2fb622d6151cad2fd767e8290ac65ba.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/153654">Advantage is a good example of the capabilities of these seaworthy and tested vessels. She sailed away from Whangerei-based Oceania Marine capable of carrying a submarine, 40’ and 34’ tenders and two 20’ inflatable RIBS. She is also capable of accommodating a helicopter once her deck has been cleared of the water craft.Transit is currently on offer through Ocean Independence at an asking price of EUR 8,500,000.

Another Damen Sea Axe platform ready for support yacht conversion

It seems like yesterday when the 54m Damen-built Sea Axe support vessel Ad Vantage arrived in the New Zealand port of Whangarei to start work on her transformation into a superyacht support vessel at Oceania Marine. Diverse Projects, the company that was in charge of the refit operations has now reported that the vessel has departed New Zealand and is en route to join her mothership, the 45.70 metre Palmer Johnson superyacht Vantage.<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/157553/image/large-1a1419bf3d66aa6d177c14227691c2c0.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/157553">Used as an offshore support vessel previously, Ad Vantage’s purpose built interior for the carrying of 60+ crew members was removed and three new guest cabins, a captain’s cabin as well as a mess area and office was installed on the main deck. Below, the crew area and galley were stripped and upgraded, fit for its new purpose as a superyacht support vessel.<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/157554/image/large-b5e16347a447219d5146ddbed761089f.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/157554"><img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/157555/image/large-2e0c0680156534090ee944e2eda8d0fe.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/157555">Outside on main deck, a new Bolidt synthetic deck has been applied, a stern anchor fitted to the transom area and a submarine garage installed, which was constructed offsite and will greatly enhance the mothership’s exploration capabilities.<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/157556/image/large-573c1c9f4641cdf1d8eed92db6c726bc.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/157556">Earlier in the year, superyacht Vanatge also paid a visit to Oceania Marine where the 2010-built yacht received a refit. The following video shows her being re-launched at the site.<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" scrolling="no" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6wlDAftohQE" width="560"></iframe>By Charl van Rooy, photos by Diverse Projects

Damen support yacht Ad Vantage underway to join mothership

Following a comprehensive refit which started in August this year, the 54m Damen-built Sea Axe support vessel Advantage has emerged from the shed at Oceania Marine in Whangerei. New Zealand company Diverse Projects oversaw the extensive refit which was completed in just under four months by Oceania Marine, and comprised of custom changes such as the installation of a submarine garage, newly configurated deck and the fitting of Quantum stabilisers. This is all finished by a prominent new grey and white paint job.<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/157287/image/large-b3462de2ae3e4aa151868658721019d7.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/157287">Used as an offshore support vessel previously, Advantage’s purpose built interior for the carrying of 60+ crew members was removed and three new guest cabins, a captain’s cabin as well as a mess area and office was installed on the main deck. Below, the crew area and galley were stripped and upgraded, fit for its new purpose as a superyacht support vessel.<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/157288/image/large-2c40ab3661a14adad5203dfa6729e9a7.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/157288">Outside on main deck, a new Bolidt synthetic deck has been applied, a stern anchor fitted to the transom area and a submarine garage installed, which was constructed offsite and will greatly enhance the mothership’s exploration capabilities.<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/157289/image/large-400af839047fee569bfb24d1c2ece000.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/157289">“A phenomenal amount of work has been done in a short period of time” says Diverse Projects director Lars Bjorklund. “This is an absolute credit to the yard and all involved, given the wide ranging and very specific compliance requirements entailed in a refit to this scale.”Following the installation of her on-deck tender crane, testing of the stabilisers and fulfilling classification requirements, Advantage will depart from New Zealand to join her mothership in Tahiti.By Charl van Rooy

54m Damen Sea Axe Advantage re-launched

Port Whangerei Marine Centre in New Zealand is currently having a new 100 ton travelift assembled at their facility. The lift will soon be operational following inspection and approval from the manufacturer official. The yard reports that an order for a larger 560 ton travelift has already been placed, and following discussions at the recent Monaco Yacht Show, will be delivered before the start of the 2016 season.<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/156871/image/large-e3a3907f11af6802e0f5bb43f1e66054.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/156871">Port Whangerei Marine Centre forms part of Oceana Marine’s companies, one of the various superaycht refit facilities in New Zealand serving global-cruising superyachts and those operating within the Pacific.<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" scrolling="no" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/aPQzFPZdKxE" width="560"></iframe>Oceana Marine is currently working on the <a href="#managed-by-application" target="_blank" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/44711">refit</a> of a 53m Damen-built fast support vessel named Advantage, which is said to be re-launched before the end of this year.By Charl van Rooy

Expansions at Port Whangerei Marine Centre

Oceania Marine, the New Zealand shipyard currently overseeing the conversion project of the Damen fast support yacht Advantage, reports that the vessel has been hauled out and is now ready for work to commence. The yard will have their hands full over the next few months, with a delivery date scheduled ahead of Christmas this year.<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/155718/image/large-b7b855f2786509340f8f493bee22349b.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/155718">Work that will be conducted as part of the vessels conversion include a complete repaint of the exterior, an extension to her stern by having a module fitted to her transom as well as the addition of a large deck crane. Her interior will also see major modifications, with structural changes to take place before the entire interior is to be outfitted to suit her new superyacht standard.“We were very pleased with the outcome on the last Damen project, Umbra, and obviously this has been an influential factor in the decision to bring Advantage to our shipyard. We are well set up to cater for the wide variety of requirements that a project of this nature entails and are looking forward to the challenge of the next few months,” said Oceanis Marine’s Managing Director.By Charl van Rooy

Update on Damen fast support yacht conversion project

Oceania Marine in New Zealand are currently underway with works to transform the 50m fast support vessel known before as EDT Nefeli, into a superyacht support vessel. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5937" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ad Vantage53.25m (174'8&quot;)">Advantage</a>, according to a local New Zealand news source, is receiving a multimillion-dollar refit that will include a new storage garage on deck and tender crane.<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/155629/image/large-b496a852ad2cd3dbc5e8da7c2a26d3fb.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/155629">The Damen-built support vessel <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5937" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ad Vantage53.25m (174'8&quot;)">Advantage</a> started out as a firefighting and fast crew support vessel servicing offshore platforms while being in the service of the Mahita Sea Shipping company. In addition to her new superyacht-standard interior and exterior refurbishing, the vessel will also be lengthened. The ship was reportedly bought two months ago by her owner, who had her shipped to New Zealand to have the refit conducted by Oceania Marine.<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/155630/image/large-439474cf9ed8a16671515945dc1f7b97.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/155630">The Whangarei-based shipyard is no stranger to completing works on superyachts. Recent projects by the yard include the refit of 46m Palmer Johnson superyacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2404" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Vantage45.7m (149'11&quot;)">Vantage</a>, the haul-out of Fitzroy Yachts’ very last delivered yacht, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4573" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Escapade37.5m (123'0&quot;)">Escapade</a>, as well as the incredible transformation of Damen-built sister ship <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/3235" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Umbra51.3m (168'4&quot;)">Umbra</a>, who recently aided devastated communities after a hurricane destroyed the island of Vanuatu.<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" scrolling="no" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6wlDAftohQE" width="560" class="fr-draggable"></iframe>The refit project on <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5937" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ad Vantage53.25m (174'8&quot;)">Advantage</a> is reported to employ 100 people from the local community, with neighbouring company Ship Repair NZ contracted to complete the heavy fabrication tasks of the project.