Celebrating Excellence: Sean Meagher Wins ACREW Best Captain Master Unlimited Award 2024
Sean Meagher has been awarded the 2024 ACREW Best Captain Master Unlimited Award, sponsored by YPI Crew!
The Amels Shipyard story began in 1688. Once a small fishing port in Vlissingen, Netherlands, the shipyard complex was eventually expanded and still serves as the location for the Damen headquarters. The Amels we know today began in 1918 as a boat building business in the Northern part of the Netherlands. At the time, Amels was just a small shipyard. Producing about 100 vessels ranging from wooden fishing boats to steel tugboats. With plans to grow the company, Amels eventually moved their small shipyard to the center of Makkum, a quaint village in the Netherlands. There, skilled artisans worked to create stunning ships, all of which paved the way for bigger, more luxurious ships. In the mid-late 1970s, Amels began crafting luxury vessels. This shift in production helped to elevate Amels to a new level. In 1991, Damen acquired Amels, preserving the name “Amels” for its notorious quality and craftmanship.
Since 1991, Damen has continued to expand its footprint in the luxury yachting market. Taking over his father’s shipyard in 1969, Kommer Damen grew the business from six employees to over 12,000 with 35 shipyards globally. The family-owned legacy of Damen yachts continues to thrive. Today, Amels shipyard creates industry-shattering designs, raising the bar on what is possible. Entering the luxury yacht market in 1982, the 48m KATALINA was the first luxury yacht built by Amels. Situated in Holland, this pristine warehouse continues to produce the highest quality yachts available. Amels is a subsidiary of the Damen Group and is one of the largest luxury yacht builders in Holland.
When it comes to luxury, Amels are the experts. In addition to fully custom yachts, Amels is known for their Limited-Edition yachts, including the Amels 180, Amels 188, Amels 206, Amels 212, Amels 242, and Amels 272. Most recently, Amels has unveiled three new Limited-Edition designs.
The Amels 60 limited-edition yacht is a product of over three years of research and development. Setting the bar to new heights yet again, the Amels 60 offers the yachting experience of a lifetime. A harmonious balance between full custom and semi-custom, the Amels 60 has allowed for faster production time, greater value, and the same notorious Amels quality.
Explore the seven seas without leaving a trace thanks to the cutting-edge hybrid technology. While Hybrid yachts are still relatively new to the world of luxury yachting, Amels has put years of research into making their hybrid models just right. Damen’s in-house design team in collaboration with the in-house research laboratory has created a stunningly efficient yacht.
From the outside, the Amels 60 is breathtaking. Standing proudly over the water, designer Espen Øino describes the yacht as “a dynamic design for the future.” The Amels 60 boasts 5,231 Sq ft (486 sq m) of exterior deck space. Included in that deck space is a shaded dining area with 360º ocean views, raised level foredeck for sun loungers (also doubles as a helipad), and a steamy six-person jacuzzi.
While the ample exterior spaces aboard the Amels 60 are nothing short of extraordinary, the interior spaces are equally as impressive. The Studio Indigo team has worked tirelessly to create a design concept beyond what is expected. When it comes to the interior design of the Amels 60 yacht, Studio Indigo says this, “Consistency of materials, architectural detailing and form means spaces flow easily into the next, thereby creating the illusion of endless space.” The generous interior space lends itself to the generous ceiling heights of up to 2.2m (7’2”). Exploring the interior of the Amels 60 is like seeing a work of art for the first time. Every room onboard features a new hidden design element, keeping you surrounded by beauty at every turn.
The Amels 200 boasts a large volume yet modest carbon footprint. Allowing for unrestricted navigation of the world’s beautiful waters without leaving a trace. At the forefront of sustainability, Amels is committed to building only the highest quality vessels for owners and guests to collect, enjoy, and cherish for years to come.
Combining world-renowned designer Tim Heywood’s expertise with Amels shipyard notorious craftsmanship, it’s no wonder why the Amels 200 is already selling quickly. The Amels 200 features a length of 60m (197’) and a beam of 10.6m (35’). The Amels 200 yacht boasts an impressive gross tonnage of 1,015. The Amels 200 is compliant with the highest emission regulation standards. The efficiency of the Amels 200 lends itself to the commitment to sustainability and a love for the ocean.
When it comes to the sundeck, it doesn’t get much better than this. With a total of 493 square meters (about twice the area of a tennis court) of exterior deck space (5,307 sq ft), the possibilities are endless. The spacious beach club features a sauna, steam shower, and changing room. Additionally, the interior stair access takes you from the Main Deck saloon to the beach club with privacy and comfort. Furthermore, the yacht features an extended fixed stern 31 sq m swim platform (329 sq ft) in teak, with a removable swim ladder. Unveiled by curved glass doors is a massive 7-person jacuzzi along with several plush sunbeds. For your convenience, the deck forward of the jacuzzi converts to a touch-and-go helipad with ease.
The interior of your yacht should feel like home but better. Luckily, the Luxury Projects team has created a space that is sure to feel like home. The ceiling heights aboard the Amels 200 are generous, to say the least, boasting heights of 2.2m (7’2”) on all four guest decks onboard. The dining area features large sliding glass doors, allowing for direct access to not only the dining area but the main saloon as well. The owner’s suite features massive windows, a full office, a stunning en suite bath, and more. All in all, the Amels 200 presents a harmonious balance between luxury and sustainability.
The Amels 242 yacht is 74m (242’) of pure luxury. Described as “the perfect size for a yacht,” the Amels 242 has it all. Perhaps one of the most notable features on board, the dedicated owner’s deck allows for ultimate privacy. Designed to enhance the simple pleasures in life. The main deck offers a 6.7 meter (22 ft) long, 3.4 meters (11 ft) wide swimming pool. The perfect gathering place for family and friends, the pool is surrounded by plush sun chairs.
The interior spaces aboard the Amels 242 are nothing short of extraordinary. Designed by award-winning designer Andrew Winch, the interior of this yacht is truly a work of art. Warm neutral tones create a sense of comfort thought the yacht. As you make your way to the sky lounge, you’ll notice the many unique design elements including the ornate “champagne bar” for guests to relax, have a drink, and enjoy the view. Upon entering the main saloon, guests are greeted with two massive curved doors, opening up to the main saloon and a 14-person dining table.
The owner’s suite is outfitted with floor-to-ceiling windows. Spacious his and hers bathrooms also feature large windows for your viewing pleasure. The owner’s deck also features a 75 square-meter Owners Lounge (807 sq ft). Here, sunshine beams through the windows creating the perfect space to unwind.
Perhaps one of the most luxurious spaces onboard, the wellness center and spa. The huge full-beam 75 square-meter (807 sq ft) Wellness Center can be configured into a multipurpose space. Whether you want a jacuzzi, hammam, sauna with an outside window, gym, or indoor wet space with a juice bar, the possibilities are endless.
All in all, the Amels fleet continues to shatter industry standards with quality, luxury, and sustainability. Be part of something bigger than just yachting with the brand new Amels hybrid models. Whether you prefer the sleek Amels 60 model or the opulent Amels 242, there is sure to be an Amels yacht to suit your every need.
Photos courtesy of AMELS
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Sean Meagher has been awarded the 2024 ACREW Best Captain Master Unlimited Award, sponsored by YPI Crew!
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