bad company support leaves the construction shed in turkey

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All images credit: Damen Yachting

Damen Yachting launches first YS 53 support vessel for legendary sportfisherman

25 May 2023 • Written by Katia Damborsky

Dutch yard Damen Yachting has launched the first unit in its new support vessel YS 53 series for legendary sportfisherman Anthony Hsieh. The yacht was rolled out of the shed in Antalya, Turkey as part of an exclusive ceremony attended by Hsieh and members of the BOAT International team.

Now christened Bad Company Support, the 53-metre support vessel will join an expansive fleet of yachts and boats as part of Hsieh's global fishing programme. 

Bad Company Support will be the flagship of the Bad Company fleet
Imagery courtesy of Damen Yachting

The hull formerly known as YS 501 is the first unit in the yard's new support yacht line, which aims to offer increased flexibility and customisation while drawing on Damen Yachting's significant experience in building hardy explorers. Bad Company Support will cruise in some of the planet's most unchartered waters, offering gamefishing expeditions and supporting marine conservation projects.

Hsieh has a total of 10 yachts and boats across the world, but this is his largest, as well as his first time commissioning as opposed to buying second-hand. The new Bad Company Support will replace his 46-metre former Damen Yachting model of the same name.

Anthony Hsieh and his new Damen Yachting model

"No-one has ever done this before and I think this will set a whole new tier of adventure for future yachts people,” said Hsieh in a press release. "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.”

The sale of the model was announced in early May 2022 after being brought to market in February 2022. At the time, he commented: "My hope is that this ambitious programme will inspire a whole new generation of sportsmen to create their own programmes. It will be good for the sport, yachting and fishing industries.”


Features of the 499GT yacht include an impressive 15-tonne deck crane and full IMO Tier III compliance, which aims to reduce emissions by 70 per cent. Top speeds will be 19 knots, and Bad Company Support will have accommodation for between six to sixteen guests and staff, plus ten crew and a Captain. Design and naval architecture has been completed entirely in-house by Damen Yachting.

Jan van Hogerwou, Damen Yachting's commercial executive for North America, called the launch "one of the most exciting projects we have worked on" and said that Hsieh's unique vision and mission were inspiring. "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 programme", he commented.

Damen Yachting's Antalya facility is where the brand produces its SeaXplorer line, with 58-metre Pink Shadow recently launched from the site.

Yesterday (May 24), Damen Yachting's sister brand Amels released the first images of Amels 60 Entourage.

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