Dutch yard Damen Yachting has sold the first unit in its new support vessel YS 53 series to legendary sportfisherman Anthony Hsieh. Still known under the project name YS 501, the 53 metre support vessel is on track for delivery in 2023. 

Once delivered, she will join Anthony Hsieh’s Bad Company fleet to take part in his extensive private fishing programme primarily around the Indian and South Pacific oceans. The yacht will offer fishing expeditions in relatively uncharted waters, alongside supporting marine conservation projects. 

“My hope is that this ambitious programme will inspire a whole new generation of sportsmen to create their own programmes,” commented Hsieh. “It will be good for the sport, yachting and the fishing industries.” 

The YS 53 range was introduced to the market in February 2022 and has a design that builds upon the existing fleet of support vessels unveiled by Damen Yachting over the last decade.

“This is one of the most exciting projects we have worked on,” said Damen Yachting’s commercial executive Jan van Hogerwou. “Hsieh’s unique vision and mission he has planned for this all-new Yacht Support is very inspiring and we are looking forward to the next 12 months and getting her ready to head out with the rest of his fleet.”

The YS 5301 has interiors of 499 GT and will host up to 16 guests onboard alongside a crew of 10. The yacht’s complete design and naval architecture package has been completed in-house. 

Notable features include a 15-tonne crane towards her stern, while the vessel carries a 13 metre Release Game boat and a 9.7 meter Blackfin boat, the latter being the first game fishing vessel purchase over 30…