Yacht support vessels, also known as a shadow yacht or shadow vessel, are specialized ships which provide support and auxiliary functions for large sailing and motor yachts. [1]
Support yachts are generally primarily intended to carry the "toys" of the super rich, whether they be a rigid inflatable boat, a fishing boat, luxury yacht tender, jet-ski or submersible. [2]
A helipad is a common feature, especially when supporting sailing yachts which do not have their own landing pad. [2]
Incat Crowther [3] and the Damen Group are major builders of yacht support vessels. [2] Florida based Shadow Marine converts offshore supply vessels into yacht support vessels. [4]