If you were not in London recently you will have missed a rare sight on the River Thames.
The new 70-metre support vessel from Damen spent three days in London in a bid to sell the yacht and introduce her to new markets.
Visitors enjoyed a full array of tenders, toys and a submersible, but she also prompted many serious discussions about safe helicopter operations.
Game Changer made a big impression on the owners, captains, brokers and designers who joined us on board, particularly with its helicopter capability and all-weather protected hangar.
When it comes to superyacht helipad design and operation, many in the industry are re-examining accepted practice and rethinking the level of risk that we are asking owners to accept for their family and friends. This style of craft offers a better yachting solution for professional helicopter operations.”
The yacht features a fully certified LY3 helideck suitable for charter/commercial use and based on DAMEN’s long experience building to stringent offshore regulations.
Game Changer’s future owner can operate larger helicopters with 5-tonne maximum take-off weight and D14 rotor diameter. These long-range aircraft can land safely night and day in a wider weather window. Lowering the helicopter into the hangar protects it from the elements so it can be refuelled and made available for take-off without causing hassle, disruption and noise on the mother yacht. The hangar and refuelling systems – including Jet A-1 fuel tanks holding 10,000 litres – are built to high safety and fire-fighting standards.
Game Changer is the fourth Yacht Support vessel in the 70-metre segment following the delivery of Intrepid, ‘6711’ and Garcon. With its Yacht Support range, DAMEN is now the established leader in this rapidly developing niche. In total 11 DAMEN Yacht Support vessels have been delivered or are in build.
The Yacht Support range is based on DAMEN’s patented and proven SEA AXE range of offshore vessels – DAMEN has sold more than 200 of these vessels.
Game Changer is now returning to the AMELS yard in Vlissingen the Netherlands where it is available for immediate delivery.
Specifications
Length overall 69.15 metres
Beam overall 11.50 metres
Draught (full load) 3.65 metres
Gross Tonnage 1,200
Naval architecture DAMEN
Speed (maximum) 22 knots
Range @ 16 knots 4,500 nautical miles
Crew 22
Deck space 250 square metres
Deck crane 12 tonnes
Heli max. take-off weight 5,000 kg