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]