Step One
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Guest options abound on board the
latest example of Amels’ constantly
evolving Limited Editions range
Mike Edwardson
Photographs: Jeff Brown
Superyacht report
Superyacht report
She’s the perfect example
of how fluid and
evolving the range is
Facing page: The extended
sundeck opens up the
space for guests hugely.
Above: The forward part of
the sundeck features these
inviting shaded loungers
from Glyn Peter Machin.
Above right: The oversized
hot-tub can accommodate
plenty of guests.
Right: Distinctive bar chairs
from Glyn Peter Machin.
Below: The sundeck dining
table has been created
in white gloss lacquer
with details in polished
stainless steel.
26
P
leasantries aside, invariably the first
question you ask when you meet a captain
on board his newly launched yacht is: so what
does the boss make of it? For Captain Simon Truelove,
master of the Dutch-built 55-metre Amels Limited
Editions 180 Step One, the answer is simple: “The
owners are extremely happy with their yacht. Our
maiden voyage was to Norway – we did a week cruising
the beautiful Sognefjord area and we spent this summer
in the Western Med.” So far the yacht has only been used
for extensive private use – a healthy recommend.
Perhaps the second most important question is: and
what does the captain think? “She’s a great sea-going
vessel and handles well, as we found out in the North
Sea, when we sea trialled in challenging conditions. You
can see the quality of the construction and finish
throughout is superb. The systems are well laid out and
overall access to areas for maintenance has been very
well thought through,” says Captain Simon.
When you think of a semi-custom superyacht it can
be tempting to think of compromises on the things that
make owning a superyacht so special: the ability to
bespoke, to fuss around, to fiddle with, to change. But
Amels’ successful Limited Editions concept will make
you think again. It is anything but limited.
Step One is the thirteenth member of this hugely
successful range that started in 2007, and is the perfect
example of how fluid and evolving it is (you can see the
renderings for the impressive 272 in New Yachts, page
16). “The 180 was born out of the 52-metre 171. A client
came to us for a 171, but required more space for sports
activities and entertaining. This idea then led us to build
a one-off 55-metre 177. Now the platform has been
further extended and restyled to create the 180,” says
Victor Caminada, Amels’ marketing manager. For
Limited Editions, read ‘Evolving Editions’.
Three Limited Editions owners have already ordered
larger models and none has gone to another yacht
builder. This is clearly a concept that is working and is
testament to the relationship the owners have with
Superyacht report
The striking thing on
deck is the many options
that guests have
Above: The bridge deck
dining area is a great place
to eat. The table has been
finished in black gloss
lacquer, with strips
and edging in stainless
steel. Fabrics are from
Ralph Lauren.
Left: The after area of the
bridge deck can be shaded.
Right: The bridge deck
lounge, with armchairs in
Loro Piana fabric and bar
chairs from Foglizzo. The
artwork is by Rieko
Yamamoto from the Louis
Gendre Gallery.
Above right: The sheltered
Portuguese bridge is a
great spot, but so is the
sunlounger just forward
of it.
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Amels. Not only are there technical advantages and a
shorter delivery time but also the ability to customise is
significant and every LE has been delivered on time
(Step One was “slightly ahead of schedule”, according
to Captain Simon). A Limited Editions yacht is,
fundamentally, great value.
The owners worked closely with the new yacht
construction team from Moran Yacht & Ship, who
guided them through the preliminary process, visiting a
number of shipyards before the owners decided on
Amels. Moran then negotiated the contract and wrote
the technical specification, and ensured a smooth build.
As you tour the decks of Step One, the striking thing
is the options that guests have. An extra-large sundeck
allows for the engineering of a 2,000kg touch-and-go
helipad, which in turn adds 32 square metres of space
to the sundeck – a glorious, elevated area where you
can dine or relax. The bridge deck also allows for groups
to dine in a relaxed environment, while forward is an
enormous full-width sunbed. The sundeck is now 25
metres long, with an area of 155 square metres.
But there are plenty more exterior spaces to explore.
The Portuguese bridge is the perfect place to breakfast
or to just stay out of the sun. Positioned forward on the
sundeck is a 3,000-litre hot-tub with unrestricted views.
There is a well-stocked bar situated under the arch –
just the place for pre-dinner drinks. Informal meals can
also be served for up to ten guests using the grill
(there’s also a dumbwaiter). The arch houses a large
fold-down TV, with a state-of-the-art entertainment
centre and there’s seating both sides.
One aspect an owner controls from the start is the
interior. The owners of Step One had a very clear idea of
how the interior should look. “It needed to be highgloss, and very modern – all light-coloured woods,” the
owner tells us. His chosen interior designer was Laura
Sessa from Rome, who is best known for her zingy
Mediterranean-influenced style.
“I was totally inspired, and fortunate to work with
owners who have such a strong sense of direction, and
Superyacht report
“I was fortunate to work
with owners who have such a
strong sense of direction”
a complete understanding of precise detailing,” she
says. It was a level of precision that went down to deep
discussions on the embroidery for the cushions.
The sky lounge walls are veneered in bleached curly
maple with a high-gloss finish, offset by a black skirting
made from louro faia wood, while the bar is finished in
polished white onyx inlaid with LED lights. Custommade furniture is covered in Loro Piana fabric from the
stunning Gorgona collection. In contrast to the brilliant
white of the bar on the bridge deck, the salon bar on the
main deck is made from very special glass with Nero
Assoluto black marble – introduced to create a
stunning visual contrast. It was decided to use lighter
woods throughout the yacht, but with different types
predominating on each deck. “The lower deck is very
light, although offset by some dark wood detailing. I am
excited by the fact that everything on board is
customised, from the wall-to-wall carpeting, to the
upholstery, down to every small detail,” says Laura
Further along on the main deck, the walls of the
owner’s stateroom are also decorated in the bleached,
high-gloss curly maple. White mother-of-pearl and
silver leaf are used to great effect in the fine detailing.
The aft guest cabins combine sophistication with
natural freshness, with walls finished in bleached lime
tree with contrasting detail in chocolate lacquer.
Step One will certainly not disappoint more active
guests. “Along with two tenders we carry two PWCs, two
SeaBobs, three Jetsurfs, Wakeboards, dive and fishing
equipment, an inflatable trampoline and a number of
other inflatable toys. Amels has created a beach club in
what used to be the PWC garage area, which now
incorporates a steam room. The owners really enjoy
being in the water so the focus is definitely in that area,”
says the captain.
Below the waterline, Amels’ naval architects have
given her an ocean-proven hull form, while zero-speed
stabilisers make for comfort at anchor. Noise and
vibration have been minimised by having the interior
resting on rubber elements.
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Above: High-gloss
bird’s-eye maple on the
walls of the main salon,
while the tables and side
units are in high-gloss lime.
The fabrics used here are
from Aura.
Left: The spectacular bar is
in sculpted glass with LED
lighting behind to create a
shimmering effect.
Far left: The main salon
table is in lime wood.
Facing page, above left:
Wide side decks are a
keynote theme of the
Limited Editions concept.
Right: Outside on the main
deck, the table moves up
and down and extends
electronically.
Superyacht report
A happy owner, a happy
captain, a happy crew – this is
a very happy yacht
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A yacht, of course, is only as good as its crew, and in
that respect Captain Simon is rather happily blessed.
“As Step One has been used only privately, we have not
had the demands of a busy charter yacht placed on us.
This has allowed us to fully focus on delivering a quality
and professional service to the owners and guests. All
the departments, including the bridge, have been
working to improve the level of service we can offer and
we are gelling well. I have some great crew around me
with a strong team ethic,” he says.
Of course, adjusting to a new yacht is always a
challenge for crew, as there is no history on board for
them to reference. “I believe we have coped very well
and adapted to the requirements of what is expected,”
says Captain Simon. “We’ve a crew of 13 and that’s just
right for the yacht.”
A big help in this is that Amels provides crew training
on the run up to delivery. This includes maintenance
instruction for the engineroom systems and the
all-important IT/AV. “Yachts now are hugely complex,
and educating and training the crew prior to the maiden
voyage is essential. Amels understands this and has
developed a comprehensive training programme along
with their associates. We had good training from interior
builder Metrica and paint manufacturer Awlgrip. It was
of great benefit to the crew,” he adds.
Good back-up is essential, too, and the captain is
impressed. “There were very few things that needed
attending to. The after-sales team is very responsive
and even pro-active. Amels has a good team within easy
reach of the Mediterranean and they can get someone
to us very quickly,” he says.
A happy owner, a happy captain, a happy crew –
Step One is a very happy yacht. “It’s only natural that
there will be minor things the owners want to change
over time, but these will only be determined once a
yacht has been used and lived in, much like it is with
your home,” says Captain Simon. So far, for her
owners, Step One is proving the perfect private retreat
on the sea. SyW
Facing page: The extended
bathing platform creates a
huge beach club area aft.
Above: Master suite fabrics
are from Nobilis, with
handmade embroideries.
Left: The master bathroom
uses salt-white marble.
Below and above left:
Guest cabin carpets are
from Tai Ping, while the
artwork is from Aki Kuroda.
Superyacht report
foredeck: Cradles and
crane for the yacht’s two
6.5-metre tenders.
The specs Step One
Length overall 55.00m (180ft 5in)
Beam 9.40m (30ft 10in)
Draught 3.35m (11ft 0in)
Gross tonnage 670 gross tons
Engines Twin 1,050kW (1,400hp) MTUs
Berths Owner: 2. Guests: 12. Crew: 13
Fuel capacity 115,000 litres (30,380 US gal)
Fresh water capacity 17,000 litres (4,490 US gal)
Hull/superstructure Steel/aluminium
Naval architecture Amels
Exterior styling Tim Heywood
Interior Laura Sessa
Classification Lloyd’s Register ✠100A1 SSC Yacht
Mono G6 LMC, UMS
Generators Twin 155kW Northern Lights M1066H;
emergency single 80kW Northern Lights
PERFORMANCE NOTE
Top speed 15.5 knots
Range @ 13 knots 4,500 miles
sundeck: The benefit of the
extended sundeck can really
be seen in this aerial shot.
CONTACT
Builder Amels, Vlissingen, Holland.
Tel +31 118 485 002. Email: info@amels-holland.com
Website: www.amels-holland.com
bar area: Central on the
sundeck and shaded –
great for escaping the sun.
SUNDECK: Hot-tub has a
large sunlounger and more
beds forward.
bridge deck lounge:
Piano and card table make
this a relaxing spot.
captain’s cabin: A
generous double cabin and
office for the captain.
main salon: Bar area will
prove a popular spot with
guests in the evening.
dining area: Shaded seating
to port and starboard gives
guests more options.
BRIDGE DECK: The sheltered
dining table will be a popular
spot to eat.
owner’s suite: An
impressive 77 square
metres in total.
Wide side decks: Movement
around the yacht is easy for
guests and crew.
steam room: Head here
after a hard day on the
Waverunners.
GUEST suites: Flexible
spaces that can be
configured for parties.
Hull: Tim Heywood’s Limited
Editions hulls have already
proved their worth.
tender garage: PWCs and
dive gear are among the toys to
keep active guests happy.
bathing platform: An
extended area that helps to
create a huge beach club.
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