Support yacht specialist Shadowcat has introduced the Foundation Series, a collection of three 67-metre mission-optimised companion vessels purpose-built for private ownership.
Conceived in response to the changing priorities of modern yacht owners, the series is designed to meet the demands of more remote and ambitious excursions without forcing owners to choose between capability, individuality and time, with an expected timeline of approximately 20 months from build to delivery.
Each vessel is built on the yard's proven catamaran platform and features a fully certified landing deck engineered to accommodate an Airbus H160, before offering different features depending on the owner's intended uses.
The first of the three designs is Basecamp, an expedition-focused model designed to maximise carrying capacity for larger tenders, crew, guests, expedition staff, provisions and mission equipment.
Core to the design is a certified H160-capable landing deck that provides aviation access without dedicating volume to an enclosed hangar - instead preserving space for tenders, toys, scientific equipment and expedition gear. It can accommodate up to 41 passengers and boasts a top speed of 21.5 knots.
The most versatile model of the series is Waypoint, which balances expedition capability with dedicated aviation support. An integrated hangar accommodates an Airbus H160 with the blades removed, protecting the aircraft during extended voyages while retaining generous capacity for tenders, equipment, crew and up to 35 guests. She boasts a top speed of 21.5 knots and a cruising speed of 14 knots.
Altitude is an aviation-focused vessel which places the helicopter at the heart of the ownership experience. A fully integrated hangar lets the aircraft move directly between the hangar and the certified landing deck, streamlining flight operations and maintenance and providing enhanced protection on excursions of all lengths. It can accommodate up to 33 passengers and has a top speed of 18 knots.
Jennifer Smith, commercial director at Shadowcat, explained the philosophy behind the new series: “Today’s owners value certainty as much as capability. They want proven engineering, accelerated delivery and the confidence that comes from a mature platform, while still creating a vessel that reflects the way they intend to use it. The Foundation Series is our answer to that evolution.”
Shadowcat will be taking a limited number of reservations for the Foundation Series production schedule at the 2026 Monaco Yacht Show.
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