A picture may be worth a thousand words, but at Amels, only a handful are needed. The photo here, just a few of the six superyachts being handed over in the coming weeks, came through with the comment, “never mind the Côte d’Azur, here’s Côte Flushing!”
Specifically, Amels has two refit projects (both Amels builds, too) departing its shipyard on the North Sea in a few weeks. On the new-construction side, it’s putting finishing touches on two Limited Editions Amels 180s and a Limited Editions Amels 212. Then, this summer, Amels anticipates delivering a new 220-foot (67-meter) Sea Axe Fast Yacht Support vessel.
You may recall that, when she was announced in early 2011, the first Amels 180 was commissioned to be ultra-bespoke, more custom than semi-custom. That’s in keeping with what other Limited Editions buyers have requested. Indeed, even though the Limited Editions offerings have set LOAs and engineering packages, they offer a good amount of flexibility for tailoring. Amels isn’t releasing further details on this or the other 180; same for the Amels 212.
As for the Sea Axe project, though, Amels says there’s a possibility she’ll be on display at September’s Monaco Yacht Show. If that does happen, it would be a good opportunity for owners to see first-hand what these support yachts can do. Other Sea Axe support yachts carry everything from a helicopter to extra toys and tenders. They can also accommodate additional crewmembers and members of the owner’s staff. The rugged Sea Axe is based on the Axe Bow vessel created by Amels’ parent company, Damen Shipyard Group. They’re used for commercial and military applications where consistency of speed and reliable performance, including fuel efficiency, are needed regardless of weather conditions.
UPDATE, APRIL 6, 2012: Amels started sea trials on April 3 for the first Limited Editions Amels 180 mentioned above. The photo here was taken that day. Christened Step One, she bears styling by Tim Heywood and interior design by Laura Sessa. Amels reports that all tests went well. Step One may also be on display at the Monaco Yacht Show.
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