Shipyards are understandably proud when they sign a contract with an owner. Amels has extra reason to be pleased when it comes to the Amels 188. Hull number one not only now has a buyer, but also marks the builder’s first hybrid-powered project.
Like the Dutch builder’s other Limited Editions yachts, the Amels 188 features styling by Tim Heywood. She also offers significant volume of 970 gross tons. Creature comforts include customary requests like a beach club and a fold-down balcony, situated off the master suite. In fact, the beach club encompasses 323 square feet (30 square meters). Complementing its relaxing vibe, the megayacht also features a sauna, Turkish bath, and gym. Overall, she accommodates 12 people in the owner’s party and 12 crewmembers, plus the captain.
Unfortunately, Amels cannot reveal details on what the design studio Reymond Langton Design is creating on the owner’s behalf. However, the performance aspects of the yacht are of strong note. Amels decided to employ hybrid propulsion for two reasons. First, customers are more concerned these days about efficiency, which impacts the cost of ownership, as well as environmental impact. Second, Amels is part of the Damen Group, which has extensive experience constructing hybrid commercial vessels. The Amels 188 employs what it calls the Amels Hybrid Switchboard. In short, it’s a switchboard with battery power.
Ultimately, the system brings together gensets, a battery bank, and recaptured heat (sometimes called residual energy, or waste heat). Amels says it spent a year and a half researching not just how to best bring this to reality, but also how to maximize owners’ savings. In fact, Amels says the switchboard system could save its clients €100,000 (about $120,300 at press time) or more per year.
The Dutch builder, which recently added the Amels 206 to its Limited Editions series, will deliver the Amels 188 next summer. That’s perfect timing to enjoy the Med cruising season or even explore Norwegian fjords, something other Amels customers have done. For now, the shipyard simply says the owner plans to cruise worldwide. Considering the Amels 188 should have a range of 4,500 nautical miles at 13 knots, there’s plenty that awaits.
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