Billionaire’s $15 Million Support Yacht Is Part of an Iconic Sports Fishing Fleet

Anthony Hsieh is one of the many US billionaires with rags-to-riches stories. He was a young child when his family emigrated from China to the US. Hsieh made his fortune in the mortgage business but became famous for his love of boats and sports fishing. He currently holds multiple world records.

Even more impressively, the billionaire founded a non-profit organization named WHOW (War Heroes on Water), through which he takes American war veterans out on his boats. In his own words, this program combines his love of fishing with his admiration for America's veterans.

This modern hero and avid sports fisherman will undoubtedly be remembered for his impressive fleet, called Bad Company. It includes his champion fishing boats (which competed as part of Team Bad Company) and the giant support vessels that carry some of them across the oceans. In total, this fleet boasts 11 vessels.

Hsieh purchased the Damen Yachting support vessel Bad Company Support in 2021. The yacht was launched in 2019 as Joy Rider, then became Pink Shadow – the world's first support vessel for a sailing yacht, the famous Pink Gin (the world's largest carbon composite sloop, owned by a German billionaire). Hseih, described by Damen as "a highly experienced owner with a passion for sport fishing and ocean life," bought the shadow vessel at the end of 2021.

Damen Yachting is one of the pioneers of the support yacht concept. The idea was to provide a logistics solution for megayacht owners. Even the biggest superyachts require serious design and engineering efforts to be able to mix generous accommodation with water toy storage and comfortable outdoor spaces.

Builders came up with the concept of a separate yacht that would carry all the boats, water toys, and adventure vehicles while also providing additional accommodation. This shadow vessel would follow the mothership during trips, allowing owners and guests to enjoy full comfort and privacy onboard the main yacht while still having immediate access to all of the additional equipment.

Support yachts come in different sizes and basically increase the main yacht's capacity for water toys, helicopters, tenders, and diving equipment. They’re easily recognizable due to the huge helipads and enormous cranes for water toy launches.

The concept turned out to be very successful, and many megayacht owners chose to travel with two vessels. These support or shadow yachts are also luxury pleasure craft in their own right and are worth tens of millions.

Damen Yachting claims to be an industry leader, with more than 20 such vessels, part of its Support Yacht line, sold since 2009.

The 46-meter (151-foot) Bad Company Support was designed entirely by Damen Yachting. It can comfortably accommodate six guests and a seven-person crew, including the captain. Performance-wise, its twin Caterpillar engines propel it at 17 knots (19.5 mph/31.4 kph). At an economical speed of 12 knots, it can comfortably cover 5,000 nautical miles (9,260 km).

Bad Company Support was the first unit in Damen's YS 4508 series and was designed to blend superyacht amenities with support vessel capabilities seamlessly. In other words, this toy hauler of the seas offers luxurious accommodation while carrying heavy-duty toys, including a helicopter and even a submarine. All of the toys and tenders are housed on its huge 120-square-meter (nearly 1,300 square feet) deck.

After becoming Pink Shadow, the massive vessel got a stylish touch, matching Pink Gin's famous hot pink sails. After changing its looks, it traveled from Florida to South America. It changed its appearance once again a year later after Hsieh purchased it.

Last summer, it completed a refit in Fort Lauderdale. It went from the previous extravagant look to a masculine, strictly utilitarian appearance. It was redesigned for an exciting fishing excursion, during which it would carry a sport fishing boat onboard. It indirectly became a gamefishing star simply by being part of the well-known Bad Company fleet.

However, this adventurous role didn't last too long either. Bad Company Support is currently up for grabs, asking for $15.5 million. Its reputable owner decided to part with it and keep a younger model, delivered this year.

The new YS 53 is slightly bigger (51 meters/175 feet) and ready for adventure. It will carry a Blackfin 32 and a 43 Release Boatworks Gameboat. The Blackfin was Hsieh's first-ever fishing boat, which he recently re-purchased and refurbished. The new Bad Company will take over the previous yacht's duties in the Atlantic Ocean and also operate extensively in other oceans.

The 46-meter Bad Company Support paved the way for higher-performance models like the new YS 53. It's also remarkably versatile, with a lot of potential for charter service, due to its superyacht-like amenities, including a gym and beautiful dining areas.