Damen and sister yard Amels have announced that they will be bringing the brand new YS 5009 to the Monaco Yacht Show in September.

The 55-metre yacht is part of the successful Yacht Support series of shadow vessels, whose role is to carry anything from diving equipment to fully functioning helicopter hangars, which frees up valuable space on the mothership. Nine vessels in the range have either already been delivered or are currently under construction.

“What better way to prove the great advantages of the Yacht Support concept than a purpose-built showcase vessel?” says Rob Luijendijk, Managing Director of Amels. “Construction is underway at Damen in Holland and the YS 5009 will shortly begin sea trials. In Monaco we plan on bringing a full array of toys, tenders, a submersible and dive equipment.”

The YS 5009 is an upgraded version of the previous design. “The upgraded YS 5009 offers all the benefits of larger helicopters, safer operations, bigger tenders and a great variety of toys,” says Mark Vermeulen, Product Director Damen Yacht Support and SeaXplorer. “You accommodate more staff and crew. Plus, we can deliver in 8 months from signing depending on the client’s requirements – no other solution can match that.”

The 55-metre YS 5009 can support custom configurations, including space for submersibles and a dive store with safety equipment and accommodation, room for sailing equipment and speed boats and even helicopter operations, which can range from touch-and-go to fully certified hangars.

The yacht support platform has been successful, with Garçon a regular visitor to many of the world’s ports and anchorages alongside her mothership the 87-metre Ace.