Damen may not exactly be a household name in megayacht circles. However, it is a powerhouse in maritime construction. It is further the parent company of another powerhouse, Amels. Damen holds the patent for the famed Sea Axe hull design, which emphasizes consistency of speed and reliable performance. That performance includes fuel efficiency, too, even in some of the nastiest sea conditions. Amels began promoting the design to megayacht owners a few years ago for shadow boats. It calls the design a Sea Axe Fast Yacht Support Vessel. Garçon is among the most well-known ones to date.
Garçon accompanies the megayacht Ace as she travels oceans with her owner and guests. The 220-footer (67.15-meter) strikes quite a contrast to her mothership, both in abilities and looks. Garçon is capable of a reported 28 knots, for example. She further has more than adequate deck space for several PWCs, a personal submarine, a handful of tenders to 46 feet (14 meters), and a helicopter. She recently received the Innovation Award from the International Superyacht Society, too, during its annual Design Awards gala.
It’s little wonder, then, why Sea Axe Fast Yacht Support Vessel designs are growing in interest as support yachts. Here’s a look at Garçon on sea trials in 2012. (Editor’s note: Unfortunately the video owner has changed the settings to prevent the video from being embedded. Therefore the only way to view the video is to follow the link to YouTube.)
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