Damen Yachting has delivered the 53-metre Yacht Support vessel “Rafter”, built as a dedicated extension of her owner’s fleet.
The yacht has now departed from the company’s dedicated shipyard in Antalya and will support the owner’s private yachting programme.
Created around family experiences, YS53 “Rafter” has been developed to provide additional space, support and flexibility for the owner’s fleet. On board, “Rafter” accommodates up to eight guests and ten crew members plus the captain, with spaces designed around both functionality and comfort. According to Damen Yachting, her interior reflects the owner’s personal style, combining timeless elegance with Old English influences.
The 53-metre Yacht Support vessel offers more than 200 square metres of open main deck space, providing a configurable area for tenders, toys and specialist equipment. A 15-tonne crane supports the handling of large tenders and heavy loads, while the reinforced deck allows for touch-and-go helicopter operations. Her signature axe bow is designed to ensure smooth performance in a wide range of sea conditions. The Yacht Support 53 series features exterior design, interior design and naval architecture developed in-house by Damen Yachting.
For Damen Yachting, the departure marks an important milestone for the teams involved. Jan van Hogerwou, Commercial Executive USA, said: “Seeing the 53-metre Yacht Support RAFTER depart Antalya is a proud moment for everyone involved. As the fourth Yacht Support 53 delivered by Damen Yachting, she reflects the versatility of the Yacht Support range within modern superyacht ownership and has been created with a very clear purpose. We are delighted to see her begin her next chapter as part of her owner’s fleet and wish her owner, captain and crew fair winds and following seas.”
Built for operational flexibility, Damen Yachting has delivered more than 20 purpose-built support yachts to date.
About “Rafter”
- 53.00 metres / 175 ft
- 498 GT
- 8 guests, 10 crew plus Captain
- Interior Design by Damen Yachting
- Exterior Design by Damen Yachting
- Naval Architecture by Damen Yachting
