New model launched for Damen Yacht Support Range
Joy Rider's launch was photographed by Tom van Oosannen.
The latest addition to the Damen Yacht Support Range – the 46m Joy Rider – was launched last Friday (July 5) at Dutch yacht builder Amels & Damen’s yard at Gorinchem in the Netherlands.
Designed to offer superyacht support and standalone functionality, the new model, designated YS 4508, joins the existing fleet of 15 Damen yacht support vessels. Joy Rider includes: outdoor sun and shade on bridge deck; a spacious main deck lounge; accommodation for six guests and seven crew and a touch-and-go helipad.
The 310t vessel has a maximum speed of 16.5 knots and a range of 5,000 nautical miles when cruising at 10 knots. It is said to achieve high comfort thanks to zero-speed stabilisers and the yacht’s patented Sea Axe pedigree. Read the box below for more specifications.
Submarines and tenders
“The newly-developed YS 4508 design is perfect for the owner who wants to enjoy amazing adventures, undersea treasures and come face-to-face with Earth’s most spectacular wildlife,” according to Amels & Damen. The design offers “a fun and flexible configuration” with comfortable accommodation and lots of room for high-end toys, submarines and tenders.
At the heart of Joy Rider’s support function is a high-performance 6.7-tonne deck crane, which makes use of the aft deck space for tenders and toys. “The huge and powerful deck crane enables you to launch your toys and tenders quickly and more safely in difficult circumstances,” said managing director Rose Damen.
The exterior design includes: wet exhaust for all engines; smooth power management; generators in sound enclosures; fan coil-based HVAC system; water-maker and large tank capacities. The vessel is equipped with big cool and freezer stores for provisions, a petrol store and multifunctional stores – to facilitate, for example, beach-party set ups.
‘Lower cost’
“Compared with the alternative of acquiring a larger yacht, a Damen yacht support vessel offers more capacity and flexibility and, most importantly, lower cost,” said Damen.
Following outfitting at the Damen yard in the Netherlands, Joy Rider will be available for immediate delivery in September. The support vessel will be showcased at the Monaco Yacht Show, which takes place between Wednesday 25th September-Saturday 28th September.
Meanwhile, watch the launch of Joy Rider by clicking on the video link below.
Joy Rider specifications – at a glance
- Length overall: 46m
- Beam overall: 8.20m
- Draught (full load): 2.40m
- Gross tonnage: 310t
- Speed maximum: 16.5 knots
- Range at 10 knots: 5,000 nautical miles
- Guests: six
- Staff: crew and pilots: seven
- Deck space: 120sqm
- Deck crane: 6.7t at 7.4m
- Heli touch-and-go pad: 3,700kg.
