With three new-builds and three refits delivered in the first half of this year and at least one of each of its Limited Editions yachts in various stages of construction, Amels has enjoyed quite the past 12 months. With some of these Limited Editions builds well into the 272-foot (83-meter) range, the Dutch yard’s mix of a set technical platform and generous owner personalization is gaining more ground.
Since 2007, Amels has delivered nearly two dozen Limited Editions megayachts. Back then, the offerings started with the Amels 171, whereas now they start with the Amels 180 (below). Either way, it’s a high number of large-yacht deliveries for the time frame. Employing a proven engineering platform is a major reason why. It allows the Amels 180, for instance, to be delivered in 16 months’ time. Rob Luijendijk, Amels’ CEO, adds that this also “allows the owners to focus on customizing the ‘fun parts.’”
Interesting enough, those “fun parts” do sometimes include exterior structures, like adding balconies. Typically, owner input for yachts employing set technical platforms is limited to interior arrangements and decor. Luijendijk explains that Amels looks at customizing the Limited Editions on a case by case basis. Some buyers want big changes, he adds, so the management team evaluates whether the existing work volume can accommodate them, among other factors.
A few of the current Limited Editions in build are for repeat customers, too. “As long as you keep your clients happy with the quality and the promises you’ve made, you hope they come back and stay with the family,” Luijendijk says. When they do stay with the family and step up to a larger Limited Editions yacht, the volume afforded is impressive. The Amels 199, for example, has a gross tonnage of 1,075, whereas the Amels 212 has a gross tonnage of 1,574. Then consider the Amels 242 comes in at 1,725 gross tons, and the Amels 272, the biggest offering, has a 2,800 gross tonnage.
Will Amels introduce even larger Limited Editions yachts? “Which step will come after this, we don’t know,” Luijendijk explained to us this summer. Amels keeps an eye on market trends, of course, developing new projects accordingly with Tim Heywood Designs. “We will try to take the steps natural to fulfill the expectations of the client for the right quality, the right delivery date, and no surprises.”
Fulfilling those expectations extends to the Sea Axe Yacht Support boats it markets. (The Sea Axe projects are built by Damen Shipyards, Amels’ parent company. They serve as shadow boats for traditional white yachts.) Several weeks ago, Amels announced that the vessels can now come equipped with heli hangars, a request of clients. The four Sea Axe projects currently in build were commissioned prior to this announcement, but we do expect to see one in coming years with the new feature. You can see an animation of how the heli hangar works on Amels’ website.
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