Delivered in 2026, Rafter is part of the Damen Yachting YS 53 series. She features a 498GT and was designed entirely in-house by Damen Yachting, with the shipyard responsible for her exterior design, interior styling and naval architecture.
A purpose-built extension of a modern yacht fleet
Delivered as the fourth hull in its series, the superyacht has been conceived as a practical and highly capable companion vessel designed to expand the possibilities of life at sea. Developed around the owner's specific requirements, the yacht support vessel balances operational functionality with personalised living spaces, creating a platform capable of supporting extended cruising, watersports activities and family adventures. Her design reflects the growing role support vessels now play within modern superyacht ownership, providing additional capacity and flexibility without compromising comfort.
Expansive deck space for toys, tenders and aviation operations
A defining feature of yacht is her substantial open main deck, which offers more than 200 square metres of configurable space for carrying tenders, toys and specialist equipment. A 15-tonne crane enables the handling and deployment of large loads, while the reinforced deck structure supports touch-and-go helicopter operations, enhancing the vessel's versatility. Damen's distinctive axe bow design contributes to smoother performance in a variety of sea conditions, ensuring the vessel remains capable whether supporting remote cruising programmes or day-to-day yacht operations.
Comfort and capability tailored to modern superyacht ownership
While operational capability remains central to the project, the motor yacht also provides comfortable accommodation for up to eight guests alongside ten crew and the captain. Interiors reflect the owner's personal style through a blend of timeless elegance and traditional Old English influences. Built on Damen Yachting's proven YS 53 platform, the yacht features owner comfort and the flexibility to support expedition cruising, watersports, aviation operations and specialist equipment transport. Her delivery marks another milestone, the builder has now completed more than 20 purpose-built vessels across its Damen Yacht Support range.
Damen Yachting continues to expand its specialist fleet
According to YachtBuyer MarketWatch, the largest yacht database in the world, Damen Yachting currently has multiple projects in build across its Amels, Xplorer and Yacht Support ranges. Among its most notable recent deliveries is the 80m superyacht Project Zurich, the third hull in the successful Amels 80 series, which showcases Espen Øino exterior design and the builder's Limited Editions approach.
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