ShadowCat Introduces Three Foundation Series Support Yacht Concepts

One support-yacht platform, three intended missions

ShadowCat has introduced the Foundation Series, a set of three support-yacht concepts named Basecamp, Waypoint and Altitude. The programme gives owners three distinct ways to allocate space to expedition equipment, tender operations and aviation rather than presenting three completed vessels.

The manufacturer describes the series as an accelerated route to its established catamaran platform. No individual buyer, signed construction contract or completed delivery is established by the concept announcement, and specifications should be reconfirmed when a project proceeds.

Basecamp prioritises equipment and remote operations

Basecamp places carrying capacity at the centre of its layout, reserving space for tenders, supplies, crew, guests and expedition personnel. ShadowCat says it includes a certified landing deck capable of accommodating an Airbus H160, but does not devote interior volume to an enclosed helicopter hangar.

Waypoint distributes its capacity differently, combining tender and exploration operations with dedicated aviation storage. Its hangar is intended to accommodate an H160 after the aircraft's blades have been removed, a distinction that affects both turnaround time and the space available for other equipment.

Altitude makes aviation the organising principle

Altitude is configured around an integrated hangar from which a helicopter can be moved directly to the landing deck. ShadowCat presents this arrangement as appropriate for programmes in which aircraft deployment and protection form a central operational requirement.

All three concepts are based on the builder's catamaran approach, which it associates with broad working decks, comparatively shallow draft and tender handling. Owners comparing the concepts will need to consider real helicopter dimensions, crew and certification requirements, deck loading and the cost of mission-specific equipment before treating any promotional layout as a completed specification.