The year 2021 got off to a good start for the superyacht industry when Amels and Damen Yachting waved a fond farewell to their 74 metre new build: Synthesis as she left their Vlissingen City shipyard.
The Dutch shipyard group first introduced its Limited Editions range of semi-custom yachts in 2005. In the 15 years that followed, a total of 39 those semi-custom designs were delivered, and Synthesis becomes the 40th of those and the 5th in their 242 series.
The business model behind the success of the Limited Editions series relies on the upfront investment from Damen in engineering and pre-construction, while allowing the potential owner to maximise the permitted customisation. The concept offers a good balance between full custom and semi-custom and reduces delivery time from several years to as little as a few months.
The 74-metre (242 ft), design features a number of layout possibilities. On Synthesis these manifest themselves in a dedicated Owners Deck with foredeck jacuzzi and there is a significant focus on blending the interior into the exterior throughout with unique dining and entertaining layouts on multiple decks. This is a move away from the more traditional configurations. There is a large aft deck swimming pool and the Lower Deck Wellness Spa continues this play on the indoor-outdoor with direct access to the swim platform for guests.
The yachts experienced Owner is a repeat Amels client whose last yacht was the 55 metre Limited Editions 180 Kamalaya. She was launched in 2013 and was built as hull 464. Fergus Torrance CEO of the international yacht brokerage specialists Torrance Yachts advised the client on both the sale of Kamalya and the purchase of Synthesisand managed the build on his behalf.
Captain James Griffiths joined the project in spring last year forming part of the team overseeing the build on behalf of the Owner. “This has been my first new build Amels project – the previous projects I have been involved with at the Damen Yachting shipyard have been refits. As always, the experience has been great and the cooperation with the shipyard, project manager and his team has gone very well. It is fantastic to see such an amazing product come together after what hasn’t been the easiest of times given the global circumstances.”
With a Gross Tonnage of 1,790, Synthesis accommodates 12 guests in 6 cabins with 19 crew. The yacht’s garage holds two 9-metre luxury tenders and the Bridge Deck aft features a helipad. Synthesis benefits from the proven naval architecture by Damen Yachting. Like Kamalaya her exterior bears the unmistakable signature of Tim Heywood and where the interior of Kamalaya was designed by Rémi Tessier, Synthesis features bespoke interiors by Winch Design.
Kamalaya has been to the Arctic Circle and Svalbard, as well as the most of off-the-beaten-path hideaways in the Mediterranean and Caribbean. The planned itinerary for Synthesis is based around an extensive cruising schedule which will take the superyacht worldwide.
Damen Yachting Managing Director Rose Damen says, “It has been a wonderful experience to work with the same client again and to see them incorporate so many personal touches onto this Amels 242. It is a fantastic example of what our Limited Editions concept is all about. This owner has been able to benefit from the existing and proven platform we have created whilst still having the freedom to customise it to meet their own specific yachting needs and still receive delivery within 12 months.”