At this year’s Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, renowned support yacht designer ShadowCat unveiled Sentinel — a groundbreaking 71-metre catamaran concept that redefines onboard security and situational awareness.
Developed in collaboration with maritime security specialist Allmode, Sentinel is designed to “create a mobile perimeter of protection” around her mothership. The vessel features an integrated surveillance suite combining radar, long-range optical and thermal sensors with a coordinated network of autonomous and piloted drones, enabling 360-degree aerial and surface monitoring.
“At this ownership level, privacy and security are inseparable,” said Jennifer Johnston Smith, ShadowCat’s Commercial Director. “Sentinel allows owners to live without hesitation, travel without constraint, and enjoy their time at sea knowing their world is protected in every dimension.”
A key feature is the integrated citadel, conceived as a secure refuge for owners, guests, and crew. Designed for multi-hour endurance, it offers communications resilience and physical protection, ensuring operational continuity in critical situations.
Drone docking bays connect directly to encrypted data systems, while dual-certified helipads enable simultaneous operations for transport, support, or rapid evacuation. The vessel’s hydraulic launch system allows deployment of submersibles, tenders, sportfishing boats, and even terrestrial vehicles such as armored SUVs and ATVs.
Sentinel’s platform also supports a full complement of specialist personnel, including security, logistics, and medical teams. Onboard facilities can be configured with modular medical suites, isolation rooms, physician quarters, and even a recompression chamber — offering healthcare capabilities equivalent to high-end shore-based clinics.
The ship’s secure operations center functions as a command and coordination hub, protected by ballistic shielding integrated into critical compartments and stairwells.
“This vessel is about foresight,” added Smith. “Every structural element was conceived to protect quietly — from reinforced bulkheads to the embedded intelligence network that keeps the owner informed and secure without ever disturbing the guest experience.”
With Sentinel, ShadowCat extends its reputation for innovation in the support yacht sector — combining technological sophistication, modular functionality, and a new level of discreet security for ultra-high-net-worth owners.
