UPDATE, JULY 7, 2018: Volpini 2 has departed The Netherlands on her delivery trip. Read on for our original article on this technologically advanced megayacht project.
Launch days are special no matter how many megayachts a builder has. They’re even more special when the moment marks a first for the yard. Amels enjoyed that this week. As you’ll see below, hull number one of the Amels 188 range slipped out of her build shed. But that’s not the only first. Christened Volpini 2, the megayacht is Amels’ first hybrid-powered project.
Hybrid power comes in different forms, and for different reasons. Amels’ management team notes that more buyers want more operational efficiency. This simultaneously reduces costs and emissions. Amels therefore drew upon lessons its parent company, the Damen Group, has learned. The Damen Group has many years of building hybrid commercial ships under its belt. The solution aboard the Amels 188 is the Amels Hybrid Switchboard.
First AMELS 188 launched! Proud to share a first look at our new #LimitedEditions #superyacht #hybrid #tierIIIcompliant #Vlissingen pic.twitter.com/RVJPvoRx3p
— Amels (@AmelsNews) April 25, 2018
In brief, the system incorporates gensets, a battery bank, and recaptured waste heat (a.k.a. the residual heat or energy from machinery). Amels says this results in lower fuel burn and, of course, compliance with the newest emissions standards. But, the system further automatically draws power from the gensets or the batteries as needed. Better yet, Amels asserts that the switchboard system will save owners €100,000 ($121,000 at press time) annually.
With Volpini 2 set for hand-over this summer, the Amels 188 does have some things in common with other Limited Editions range projects. For example, styling comes from Tim Heywood. She offers good volume, too, at 970 gross tons. In keeping with how cruisers like to enjoy anchoring out, the Amels 188 contains a beach club. It’s nicely sized as well, at 323 square feet (30 square meters). The megayacht additionally has a wellness center, complete with a gym, a Turkish bath, and a sauna. Dive gear also gets housed here.
So far, Amels hasn’t disclosed what woods or other decor items the owner of Volpini 2 chose with Reymond Langton Design. Regardless, the Amels 188 does have accommodations for 12 people. The master suite should be particularly impressive, encompassing about 861 square feet (80 square meters). A deploying balcony brings the great outdoors inside here. Furthermore, the owner can close sliding doors mid-beam for a bit more privacy. Speaking of doors, folding glass doors open up the lounge and bar on the sundeck on comfortable days. If it’s too hot, the doors remain closed and air conditioning keeps everyone cool.
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