Review: Amels Latest Princess - "Larissa"

Amels "Larissa"​

by Capt. Chuck Gnaegy​

Like the lovely first glimpse of a new bride, making her way to the altar, Larissa enters demurely with elegance and splendor. Her bearing is such that, perhaps not the most extravagant or largest yacht in the sea, she is certainly one of the most beautiful. ​

Gliding in with her smooth, symmetrical lines – reminiscent of a blushing bride down the aisle – her confidence swells as she presents the luxury of superb design with outstanding comfort. Amels’ Larissa is but one star in a galaxy of luxury yachts produced by a family heritage which began in 1918. At Makkum, Holland, just an hour away from Amsterdam, at the outset the yard produced medium size cargo and fishing vessels. A few generations later, by 1980, Amels introduced its first yacht, 158’ Katalina. She became a noted, classic design, persuading the firm, in 1987, to concentrate its full yard production on the finest of super yachts.

Associated financially with the Damen Shipyards Group, in 2000 Amels acquired the 125 year-old Royal Schelde Group in Vissingen. With those extensive, covered facilities, and Royal Schelde’s engineering expertise – including CAD facilities – Amels was able to accommodate vessels up to 655’. A major advantage is the scale of the dockage, under-cover building halls, cranage and fabrication machinery; an enormous building capability.

That prologue contributes to the luxury yacht history which continues today; Amels’ list of luxury yachts – from 110’ to 242’ – has grown to 24, embracing some of the most glamorous, individually custom-designed yacht creations on the world’s oceans. In addition to a world-wide network of customer support, Amels builds every yacht to comply with Lloyds Register, and safety standards of Classification Societies, MCA – Maritime Coastguard Agency Code of Practice, including SOLAS for yachts over 500 gross tons.

Every masterpiece yacht produced by Amels is still in service, cruising the globe, quality assured. Its long term relationships with renowned designers and naval architects include Terence Disdale, Tim Heywood, Andrew Winch, Donald Starkey (Larissa), Redman Whiteley Dixon, Michael Leach, Alberto Pinto, Walter Franchini and the late John Bannenburg.

The craftsmen who build Amels yachts rank among the finest in the industry, many who have apprenticed traditionally under its rigorous training program, and many whose families include Amels craftsmen of prior generations. Amels is proud to note a group of its original employees continue to provide their expertise on a daily basis.

From the distance, her size is understated. The low-profile lines of this lady take a back-stage as she comes closer, revealing her sheer size of 162 feet. Among the many well-engineered design features of Larissa, are the main deck outer-walkways that run the entire length of the hull, converging on a raised bow. This configuration provides extended and protected walkways for guests, as well as ease of access for the crew. It also makes quick work of line and fender handling.

The photo below illustrates the forward exits of the walkways, rising from the main deck and exiting through the roof line of the mid-level deck. This provides immediate access to the bow or seating areas. To the left and right of the bow station are doors that seperate anchorage equipment from the guest settee.

Larissa’s expressively clean exterior lines offer the maximum amount of utilitarian space, without compromising the balance of her aluminum hull and superstructure. Techies will be impressed with the dual sat-nav pods and double radars overhead, gauged to cover every wave-length in the spectrum.

Her details are equally impressive; well proportioned, with elaborate attention to the niceties yachtsmen and women appreciate. Her sun deck, for example, boasts as large an area as most yachts half again her size, yet the space is so well designed that everything belongs exactly where it is.

High up on the Bridge Deck, Larissa’s entertainment offerings multiply. No unsightly davits and cranes here, just a cleanly integrated sliding track system for deployment and recovery of the well concealed, matched pair of motorized tenders standing ready for inshore adventures or a quick jaunt for supplies. But that’s only the beginning...

Huge curving sun pads amidships, and a Jacuzzi dip pool are in league with the fully stocked, refrigerated bar and convenient food prep area. The five-stool bar offers whatever libation may suffice, while aft, a shaded dining table seats as many as 12.

At the stern, a circular settee invites good conversation as well as feasting. Unsurpassed for socializing and parties, the sun deck is also perfect for an intimate tête-à-tête under a sensuous tropical moon.

The curvacious seating theme is carried throughout the exterior decks. The seating on the bow can be accessed from port or starboard main decks, as well as the skylounge/bridge deck.

An assortment of sunscreens compliments the forward settee, offering protection from sun for those that enjoy the wind in your face view from the bow.

Looking aft from the flybridge wetbar, exterior dining is covered by the integrated hardtop, while the bar is in a free-standing island position with a suspended sun-shade.

The lower aft deck has access to the swim platforum via port and starbord stairwells.

A curved plexi-rail jettisons out over the stern of the mid-level deck, for panoramic views aft.

A view from the lower aft deck, through the sliding glass door entrance, where the world of Amels and their legendary Dutch craftsmenship begins.

Tastefully envisioned, a decorator’s dream, the spacious salon reverberates with crispness and poise. Ecru carpeting forms its base and is echoed by the overhead, in an octagonal pattern rimmed by rare Canadian elm. Chosen for its moderate shading that radiates warmth, elm makes a fine visual contrast to the furniture and themed décor.

Starlights from the ceiling illuminate the entire space, with its deep-cushioned, light tan couch and clubby cocktail table. Comfortable overstuffed chairs are mobile, some patterned and some leather, to add variety to its overall theme. Large French-paned windows all around add to the commodious comfort.

Amidships, centrally located on the main deck, a modern Swedish-designed formal oval-shaped dining table dominates, seating 8 – 12 for lavish dinners.

The dining table, too, is surrounded by massive cutlery and chinaware storage cabinetry, also in light Canadian elm. Echoed overhead is the ecru ceiling and an attractive ash octagon motif.

The Skylounge features a complete entertainment center, with its built-in 42” plasma TV and floating chairs for capturing the best of what's showing. At starboard a small bar awaits, with entertainment of its own. Also starboard is a love-seat couch and coffee table.

The Skylounge (or Bridge Deck) also offers a conversation pit and gaming tables, plus, on the aft deck, another dining table for 8 to 12 in the fresh sea air. The Guest Lobby and Pantry are also situated forward on this upper deck.