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Shadow Boat builds?

Discussion in 'Yacht Escort Ships & Shadows' started by mp-willow, Jun 14, 2007.

  1. mp-willow

    mp-willow Senior Member

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    Ok all this is a reply for the builders out there, and for YES to start with. But it was suggested that I ask the forum. So have at it. :)

    I have a question for YES. What makes your product different then the other shadow/support builders?

    I did like your site, and would also like to ask if the Lady Lola Shadow is still named as such or was sold with her mother boat? :eek:
  2. Rene GER

    Rene GER Senior Member

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    The LADY LOLA SHADOW is renamed in AMEVI SURPRISE
  3. mp-willow

    mp-willow Senior Member

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    Ok, thanks for the help. Can I ask if you have any thoughts on the first question?
  4. Rene GER

    Rene GER Senior Member

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    Hmm...I'm thinking about wether it's okay if I say it:

    I think there is not a big difference between YES and other builders. BUT, Stan was the captain of LADY LOLA and the head behind LADY LOLA SHADOW and he is one of the founders of Shadow Marine.

    Stan would be my choice to build a shadow boat. :)
  5. YES!

    YES! Senior Member

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    Thank you for the kind words, Rene'. I hope this finds you well as we have not communicated in quite some time.

    A brief history of the "yacht escort ship" (as is now my preferred description) probably starts as far back as Anthony having the harem supply vessel (HSV) following Cleopatra's barge. For me it started as the need for a transporter to support the 63 meter Oceanco Lady Lola which I completed in 2002. I designed the helo deck for a Jet Ranger but the boss fell in love with a Bell 430 Executive. At three times the gross, I studied every way possible to beef up the Lady Lola structure, but as you know, that load bearing must be carried down through all of the decks. Fortunately, the owner also understood that the rotor wash completely trashes a yacht every time it comes and goes, thus the 186 Lady Lola Shadow was born, and is now named Amevi Surprise. I have heard that Amevi and Amevi Surprise are now for sale since the delivery of the new 77 meter Amevi, but I digress.

    When a financial partner and I started Shadow Marine, we purchased the offshore supply vessels Tender Tide and Sabine Seahorse in July 2005. I delivered Paladin Shadow (ex-Tender Tide) completely refit and converted into a yacht escort ship for the Ft. Lauderdale Boat Show in October 2005. Carl honored us with a fine article about PS in these very Forums. The Sabine Seahorse was finished within the same year as Mystere Shadow which remains for sale by Shadow Marine.

    Paladin Shadow was purchased by a Saudi gentleman who re-converted the vessel into a dive platform with an excellent dive facility installation executed by Robert's fine team at Brownies. The YES is now named Peaceful Fish and was cruising the Med last I heard.

    I parted ways with Shadow Marine last year and started my own company named Yacht Escort Ships (YES).

    Back to the original inquiry, YES will deliver a 176 foot YES to a very active yacht owner of a 50 meter yacht from our current facility in Seattle, WA. She is really a hybrid, as the vessel features 3 luxurious, yacht quality, guest cabins including a full beam master suite; a steam bath; massage room; large gymnasium (20 X 25 feet); luxury sky lounge; while retaining all of the attritubutes of the classic shadow boat to carry and hangar tenders, toys and helicopters. The profile styling has been significantly enhanced to eliminate the "boxy" appearance of the previous shadow boat hangars and the hull is being faired to commercial quality for her paint job.

    We have also commenced with the conversion of the Pacific Provider for the Eastern Pacific Yacht Club (www.epyc.com) which will be delivered in October of this year.

    As for the future, we have complete designs, plans and contract in place for a 205 foot YES to be converted from a 192 foot OSV with that refit starting this fall back in the Gulf. Winter in Seattle is no place for shipbuilding.

    Nice to have a break to join in the Forum on this Father's Day 2007, wishing all of you other dads the joy that comes with having children....while taking time to make sure that you might not need to make that mistake again. Busy in the shipyard so I do not visit here as much as I should.

    Regards to all, Stan
  6. CaptTom

    CaptTom Senior Member

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    Stan,
    Good to hear from you and Happy Father's Day. I've attached a photo of Peaceful Fish when I saw her back in March Send me the info on the new project when you can (check your e-mail for my address, sent a few months ago).
    Be well.

    Attached Files:

  7. Rene GER

    Rene GER Senior Member

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    Don't worry, always nice to hear from you :)
  8. mp-willow

    mp-willow Senior Member

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    Thanks Stan. I hope you will have the time to check in with us while we talk. Now for the rest of you all we have a little more insight as to a Yacht Escourt Ship, so what do you all like or look for in an escourt?

    For me, it would be a mix bag. I like amphibian Helis and the thought of taking the Yacht out away from people to the wilderness. She would need to support a 82m Mother ship that has a lot of toys and hangers the main Heli. So the Esscourt should have fuel, machine shop, and maybe an amphibian plane. Lastly some space for the crew to get away and unwind. My ideas are always evolving for the moment, so this is what it is now.

    What are your thoughts :)
  9. CaptTom

    CaptTom Senior Member

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    I've done a bit of research on shadow/escort ships so I'll add my thoughts.
    First, it's a great concept. Having one doesn't mean all expenses are doubled (and money is not always the driving force behind getting one or not having one, so I'll stay away from that argument). But these ships are going through a bit of an evolution, whereas some of the original ones are more utility-driven (i.e. carry toys, extra fuel, shopper, etc), but newer ones are capturing more of the creature comforts of yachts, like well appointed staterooms, amenities, lounge areas and more. I think we will see these ships morph, in some cases, to being THE yacht of owners (as in not having another yacht). Add in a pool, inside entertaining and social areas and the such, and who needs a yacht. And some of the designs and styles that I have seen (mostly on drawing boards but soon to be reality) and these shadow/escort ships will lose their utility looks for more elegant lines. And on one project, the escort-style ship will act as a mother ship for a fishing and such (see EPYC in Stan's post).
    Let's be honest, there are two main builders in this business. They both have a focused vision on what their shadow/escort ships could/should do, and the clientel they are targeting. Personally, I think Stan and YES has some very innovative ideas and is willing to get into new areas with escort yachts. On the other hand, Shadow Marine has great insight to their products and is being very creative in developing a better product, albeit to a high-end client base. Is there room for both, I believe yes. And each will have some new and exciting things to show the yachting industry that will take them both to new levels. I, for one, am looking forward to reporting on both company's projects soon.
    Capt Tom (captain and freelance writer/photographer, just so you know where I'm coming from)
  10. mp-willow

    mp-willow Senior Member

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    Captain Tom, thanks for the post. I do agree that the two different companies have there place, but am not sure I want to have my Escort all tripped out. Yes maybe some nice state rooms or a rec space, but for me, it is a ship to support the mother ship. Then again, many places would probable be better to get into with only one yacht.

    So here is a question, for you all. What is, if any, the increased problem with sailing with two yachts to get into the ports you want?;)
  11. YES!

    YES! Senior Member

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    Ahhh, mp-willow, you have struck on the real essence of yacht escort experience.

    I must assume that you are clever enough to keep your principal yacht in the modest 45 - 50 meters to thoroughly enjoy the lively quays at St. Tropez, Portofino and the like.

    Since you cannot operate helicopters in any port that I know, your YES sits comfortably just outside the harbor swinging on the hook with all of your toys at the ready. A short tender ride, your helicopter is already spun up, and off you go.

    You would need an 80 meter yacht (minimum) to have the helicopter, tender and toy capacity of a 50 meter yacht AND a shadow boat. And with that 80 meter, just as you will see Lady Moura do many times a month, spend two hours picking up her anchors and leaving Monaco harbor to launch her helicopter.

    At $1.5 million per meter for a quality yacht compared to under $10 million for a 50 meter yacht escort ship; the value, economy, capability and convenience are indisputable.

    Finally, what everyone ignores, is the inherent safety and security when sailing with a "fleet." Your yacht escort ship can conduct soundings entering shallow ports, tow you during a breakdown, act as fire boat and provide a defensive perimeter when your yacht is at anchor.

    Bottom line: You don't want your shadow boat in port where you cannot use it effectively and immediately.
  12. mp-willow

    mp-willow Senior Member

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    Stan, thanks for the help. I was thinking of an 82m Yacht to hold everything. My big thing for me, I am not too worried about being able to fit into all the top must be seen in places in the Med or elts where. It would be nice and yes at 82m we would have problums. But have been thinking of being able to cruise in remore places. Yes this would also seem to indicate an Escourt ship may be very handy. Charter options might be better with the two.

    Another point of interest the two crews. At least three or four who would have to be added.

    Over all you and the others have been a great help. I hope we can keep this up. ;)
  13. CaptTom

    CaptTom Senior Member

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    Sorry that I have not responded sooner, but travels and other initiatives have taken up much time. Anyway, let me explain what I posted earlier in this thread.

    I have spoken to several folks over the past few weeks regarding some of my comments, and wish to clarify. Part of my original post stated:

    YES does have exciting things happening, and that also came to light after a conversation I had with Tom Ellsworth regarding his Eastern Pacific Yacht Club project. Tom gave me a bit more insight as to the vessel under development and shared some of the renderings for the mothership. One goal of EPYC is to cater to high-end clients, and the mothership amenities reflect that, which in essence reflects the level of ship YES will be building. Additionally, Stan shared info on other projects YES has, and these are by no means anything but high-end ventures.

    When I stated that Shadow Marine has great insight and being creative in developing a better product, it was meant that they are developing a better product than what THEY did before, not a comparison to YES products. Shadow Marine has learned much since the first vessel was floated, and is taking that to their next generation ships.

    Another point of interest; currently, YES builds custom vessels to owner specs from the start, and Shadow for the most part builds more on spec with customization. To some owners, that may not be an issue, but to others who have a particular vision in mind, it may be the deciding factor on which builder to go with.

    Both builders are taking their crafts to new levels. Let’s wait and see what is delivered. Final products and industry/owner (and potential owner) feedback will be the deciding factors.

    I have been invited by both builders to visit the yards and see their ships under construction. If time allows I will certainly try to take advantage of those offers and bring more to you from this side of the industry.
  14. mp-willow

    mp-willow Senior Member

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    Thanks for the help. I hope your travels have been well and you have time to relax.:cool: