The Launch of the Amels 8003 Yacht, 3rd Amels 80 Series Superyacht: Sunday Superyacht Video

If you’ve never seen a traditional down-the-ways launch, you’re in for a treat. This is the way that commercial shipyards do it, and the Damen Yachting team does it, too. The latest of its megayachts to slide sideways to the water—and, as you’ll see, make quite a big splash—is the Amels 8003 yacht. This is hull number three in the Amels 80 series, part of the builder’s broader Limited Editions semi-custom line.

Damen Yachting marked the moment in late November at its hull-construction facility in Galati, Romania. Naturally, the craftspeople contributing to the creation of the steel hull and aluminum superstructure were present. They stated the work on the 262-footer (80-meter) on spec, similar to the other Amels Limited Editions models. Naturally, since she’s semi-custom, the Amels 8003 yacht will be personalized to her owners’ preferences. Those preferences are confidential, however, according to Damen Yachting.

Regardless, a few things generally do apply, since Sinot Yacht Architecture & Design came up with the interior concept for the series. For instance, the Amels 8003 yacht can include seven staterooms for the owners and their guests. The owners’ suite typically occupies much of the deck directly above the main deck. This affords a strong sense of privacy, including access to a personal hot tub directly forward outside. Family and friends benefit from good floorspace on the main deck. Should the owners not want six permanent staterooms for them, one of the two VIPs forward can be a convertible lounge. This therefore creates a full-beam VIP with an adjacent sitting area. Additionally, cabins for 20 crewmembers and the captain can be aboard, with the captain’s cabin directly aft of the wheelhouse. Overall, volume is 2,175 gross tons, with five of six decks featuring social and private spaces.

Whatever these owners decide in terms of the layout and décor, capacious alfresco areas will cater to the guests. The sundeck is a good example, with 2,153 square feet (200 square meters) of space. A deep, fixed swim platform can have lounge seating nestled against the stairways leading to the main deck. Even with them, there’s still plenty of room for the group to board tenders and watertoys for an afternoon of fun. (On a side note, the shipyard can include a fast-charging station for electric watercraft.) Plus, the beach club is conveniently just off the swim platform, with opening side platforms.

While the launch of the Amels 8003 yacht took place in Romania, full outfitting is occurring at Damen Yachting’s shipyard in Vlissingen in The Netherlands. That’s further where the owners can celebrate her christening prior to taking delivery in 2026.

Meanwhile, hulls number four and five are under construction, with the latter available for sale. Plus, the first Amels 80 is in the final stages of outfitting for her owner. She sees delivery this coming year.

Damen Yachting damenyachting.com

Sinot Yacht Architecture & Design sinot.com