-
Guests
8
-
Cabins
4
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Crew
7
| Length | GT | Built |
|---|---|---|
|
55.5m
|
499 GT | 2020 |
| Beam | Draft | Top Speed |
| 9.25m | 2.67m | 20 Kts |
The award winning 55.5m expedition yacht Gene Chaser was delivered to her owners in 2020 by Dutch shipyard Damen Yachting. Her interior and exterior has been penned in-house by the Damen Yachting design team.
Key Features
- Research and laboratory support vessel
- Hangar space for submersibles and dive operations
- Conferences areas onboard
- Main salon converted into a laboratory space
- Extended aft deck with 12 tonne capacity crane
Design & Construction
Designed around a displacement steel hull and a steel / aluminium superstructure she features a 9.25m beam and a 2.67m draft. The yacht is built over 3 decks with an internal volume of 499 GT (Gross Tonnes). The design also incorporates a heli-pad.
This was the eighth yacht built on the YS 5009 design. Launched in March 2020 this yacht undertook sea trials over the following months. She was delivered to her owners in August 2020.
Exterior Design
Gene Chaser's exterior design reflects its dedicated purpose as a state-of-the-art support vessel for Gene Machine. The 55.5-meter yacht, with its Damen Sea Axe hull, ensures excellent sea-keeping capabilities, a feature that is crucial for the varied operations it's designed to undertake.
The yacht's deck layout is practical and focused on operational efficiency. The 225 square-meter deck is equipped with a high-performance knuckle-boom crane with a 13-tonne capacity, essential for handling heavy equipment such as submersibles, tenders, and mission-specific gear. This feature is integral to the vessel's support role, enabling the safe and effective deployment of various tools and vehicles necessary for research and exploration activities.
In addition, the vessel features a spacious multipurpose Main Deck hangar, which can serve as a garage for the onboard all-terrain vehicles, motorcycles, and even a submersible. This versatile space is indicative of Gene Chaser’s capability to adapt to a range of expedition and support functions, from dive operations to transporting and servicing equipment.
The exterior also accommodates a Fjord 42 and a Hatløy Maritime Oxpro AL8 landing craft, further expanding its capacity for shore-based operations and excursions. The adventure-ready design includes a 50 square-meter Aft Adventure Centre/Dive Centre, accessible via the Swim Platform, which adds another dimension to the vessel's functional attributes.
Gene Chaser's exterior is not just about function; it also provides space for leisure with a Sun Deck and a Main Deck lounge offering panoramic views, allowing guests and crew to enjoy their surroundings in comfort.
Interior Design
The main salon, converted into a wet and dry laboratory, features robust, easy-to-clean surfaces and state-of-the-art equipment necessary for scientific inquiry. Durable materials, such as stainless steel and marine-grade laminates, are chosen for their resistance to the harsh marine environment and their ease of maintenance.
Lighting within Gene Chaser is designed with precision, providing ample illumination for detailed lab work and conferences. LED fixtures are strategically placed to enhance visibility and are equipped with dimming capabilities to adapt to various requirements, from analytical tasks in the lab to presentations in the conference areas.
The dining area is designed to be practical and accommodating, with furnishings that are both comfortable and easy to clean. Surfaces are made from resilient materials that can withstand frequent use, and the layout allows for efficient service and clear communication among guests and crew.
Moving to the helm, the design is straightforward and focused on navigational efficiency. Control panels and instruments are arranged for optimal ergonomics, ensuring that the captain and crew can effectively monitor and operate the vessel. The helm's design reflects the pragmatic nature of the yacht, with emphasis on safety, ease of use, and accessibility.
The galley is equipped to cater to the needs of the crew and visiting researchers, with commercial-grade appliances and ample storage for provisions. The design is utilitarian, with a focus on workflow optimization and hygiene. Stainless steel work surfaces and splashbacks are employed for their hygienic properties and durability, ensuring a clean and professional environment for food preparation.
Accommodation
Accommodations aboard the Gene Chaser are configured to support a blend of research work and comfort for guests and crew. The vessel offers well-appointed living quarters for up to eight guests in four cabins. These guest suites are designed to provide a comfortable stay for visiting researchers and experts who may be aboard the Gene Chaser as part of ongoing scientific projects.
In terms of crew accommodations, the Gene Chaser can house a crew of seven and has additional living space for four full-time scientists. This ensures that both the operational crew and the scientific personnel have adequate quarters to support the vessel's dual roles as a research platform and a support vessel.
Performance & Capabilities
Equipped with a formidable propulsion system, Gene Chaser is powered by four Caterpillar 3412 engines, each delivering 1500 horsepower. This quad setup amasses a total power output of 6000 horsepower, enabling the vessel to achieve a top speed of 21 knots. Such speed is notable for a yacht of this size and function, ensuring swift transit between locations for research and exploration purposes.
Gene Chaser also boasts an impressive range, capable of covering 5,000 nautical miles when cruising at a steady 10 knots. This extended range is essential for undertaking long-duration missions in remote areas of the ocean, providing researchers and scientists onboard with ample opportunity to conduct their work without the need for frequent refueling stops.
The vessel's mechanical prowess is matched by its functional versatility. The 225 square-meter exterior deck is fitted with a high-performance knuckle-boom crane capable of lifting 13 tonnes, facilitating the handling of heavy equipment and machinery. This robust crane system, combined with the expansive deck space, allows for efficient operations involving submersibles, tenders, and other mission-specific gear.
Moreover, the Gene Chaser's reduced draft of 3 meters (10 feet) makes it suitable for operations in shallower waters, such as those found in the Bahamas, expanding the range of environments in which it can effectively function.
Amenities
Air conditioning offers increased on-board comfort.
Gene Chaser Yacht is not For Sale
Motor yacht Gene Chaser is off the market at the moment, but you can browse other Damen YS 5009 Yachts for sale worldwide. For more options, check out all Damen Yachting Yachts for sale or search all new & used yachts for sale across the globe using YachtBuyer’s Market Watch.
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