Yacht Bad Company Support Splashes, 1st Damen Yachting YS53 Hull

Anthony Hsieh (above), whose passion for gamefishing has earned him and his Bad Company fleet world renown, was on hand in Turkey to see his newest fishing machine lower into the water. The launch of his yacht Bad Company Support marks the launch of the first Damen Yachting Yacht Support 53, a.k.a. YS 53, too.

The occasion comes just a year after Hsieh signed a contract for the project, his second Yacht Support vessel so far. In fact, he’s had a 151-foot (46-meter) Yacht Support 45 since 2021, though the vessel originally launched in 2019. She’s served fishing operations for him and his fellow anglers in the Atlantic Ocean. Not coincidentally, she, too, bears the name Bad Company Support.

The new launch is larger, at 175 feet (53 meters), with promising plans laying ahead. “What we are planning to do with the YS 5301, no one has ever done before,” Hsieh says. Firstly, no other Damen Yachting Yacht Support vessel has ever seen use exclusively for sportfishing. More importantly, though, “The plan we have with the boat in future years is stunning—she will see the world!”

the launch of the yacht Bad Company Support in Turkey

Before seeing the world, though, the yacht Bad Company Support will see the Med, this coming summer. She’ll then head out to the Atlantic Ocean, managing operations her smaller predecessor did. Next year, she’ll head out to the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean.

True to her mothership role, the yacht will carry a Blackfin 32 and a 43 Release Boatworks Gameboat. The Blackfin especially holds special significance to Hsieh. She was the first sportfisherman he ever bought three decades ago. He recently reacquired her and refurbished her. A 15-ton deck crane will lift the two craft on and off deck when needed. Additionally, a helicopter will whisk Hsieh between airports and her fishing spots. Further noteworthy, the yacht will support Hsieh’s marine-conservation pursuits in remote locations.

Although Damen Yachting hasn’t disclosed the interior configuration, Hsieh says, “We will spend all our time on this boat to make the most of all the different luxuries and amenities she has.” Generally speaking, the YS 53 series provides accommodations for six to 16 guests and staff. Ten crewmembers plus a captain get cabins, too.

“This is a lifelong dream starting to become reality,” Hsieh notes. “I think this will set a whole new tier of adventure for future yachts people.”

Jan van Hoerwon, Damen Yachtings’ commercial executive North America, agrees. “This is one of the most exciting projects we have worked on,” he says. “Hsieh’s unique vision and mission are very inspiring.”

Damen Yachting damenyachting.com