Top Trends for Outfitting SHADOWCAT Support Yachts in 2022
This past year set industry records not only for the number of superyachts and shadow vessels sold, but also for the number of innovative ways that luxury vessel owners played at sea. As 2021 winds down, SHADOWCAT is looking ahead to the coming year, and shares the following emerging trends and must-have features for shadow yachts in 2022 (and beyond).
At-Sea, Night-Sky Observatory
A shadow yacht anchored in an offshore location is an ideal location for a mobile observatory. Surrounded by near-zero light pollution, stargazers can take in the inky night sky from the comfort of an on-board astronomy center, outfitted with telescopes and other instruments to observe stunning celestial objects. The technology for mobile observatories has been around since at least 2018, most notably seen with Nissan’s Navara Dark Sky product, which maps the stars with advanced technology, satellites and an ultrahigh-power telescope. Who says entertainment at sea can’t also be educational?
Photo: Business Jet Traveler
Innovative, Head-Turning Aircraft
For owners who anchor just offshore from the world’s most inviting coastal cities, the logistics of coming ashore for dinner or to catch an outbound flight can be a burden, especially in populated cities with heavy traffic. The latest trend of helitaxies, like those offered by ridesharing startup Blade, offers short and scenic airborne jaunts that skip roadway congestion and allow shadow yacht owners to arrive at select destinations faster than ever. SHADOWCATs have plenty of deck space for helicopter landing pads and offer shallow drafts for close coastline access, making our vessels a perfect match for this innovative form of air transportation.
Larger shadow yachts, like SHADOWCAT’s 78m SC781Xs, offer several decks of generous toy storage and enough space to house a full-size Black Hawk helicopter, which provides more seating and greater safety than other choppers. Thanks to SHADOWCAT’s cargo-carrying capacity and a growing market of Black Hawks available to civilians for personal use, things are looking up when it comes to realizing the dream of owning this type of specialized aircraft.
For ultra-aerophiles, consider the trend of carrying hot-air balloons and float planes aboard support yachts to ensure a pleasurable view from the air everywhere you cruise. No matter how you choose to travel through the sky, SHADOWCATs have the space to store your choice of aircraft.
Photo: SEAmagine Hydrospace Corporation
Subsea Centers
When not taking in the sights by air, many shadow yacht owners choose to dive into the ocean’s underwater playground. An enduring trend that is sure to carry on into 2022, SHADOWCAT receives frequent requests to outfit support yachts with submarines, shark cages, dive and snorkel centers, moon pools, hyperbaric chambers, SEABOB scooters and more. Today’s camera and video technology further enhances your ability to vibrantly capture sub-sea memories … or those must-have underwater selfies.
SHADOWCAT concept Haven, developed by YCTS, Ltd. and Incat Crowther
COVID-Safe Living
While the challenges of the pandemic don’t appear to be abating anytime soon, there’s no reason why support yacht owners have to be inconvenienced by it. SHADOWCAT vessels, like its renowned “safe Haven” concept offer on-board testing and isolation facilities, medical care and hospital-grade air filtration systems, helping to ensure that no guest or employee brings COVID-19 (or any other bug) aboard. For owners who cruise with their families, our support yachts offer ample space for classrooms and accommodation for teachers, helping students stay on track academically.
Photo: Lift Foils
Floating Sport Complexes
For sports enthusiasts, support yachts offer the space and flexibility to feature full-sized basketball courts; golf and tennis facilities; beach volleyball courts; lap pools; batting cages; a watersports center, equipped with water skis, wakeboards, jetovators, hydrofoil toys (shown), paddleboards and more; Ninja Warrior courses; dance and yoga studios; trampoline parks; and entertainment centers stocked with Augmented Reality (AR) games, high-tech theatres and a retro arcade. Ready to unwind after competition? SHADOWCATs can also carry physiotherapy centers, health-food stations, saunas, hot tubs and more. Work hard, play hard.
A hyperbaric chamber adds to the wellness center located aboard SHADOWCAT support yacht Hodor.
The Only Limit is Your Imagination
The beauty of SHADOWCAT support yachts is that they are fully bespoke, meaning owners can customize them to meet their needs and passions. When compared to the competition, SHADOWCATs haul more toys and cargo per square meter, and can often accommodate everything desired without having to order a larger vessel. Pair this with the fact that our catamaran designs are highly efficient, offer some of the fastest speeds in their class, and provide unmatched stability, and you may have the perfect support yacht. Enquire today for more information.