Mega yachts look backwards

After decades of giant motor yachts getting more and more futuristic-looking with raked bows and swept-back superstructure, the renowned Dutch builder Amels has taken a step backward to a more relaxed time.

The company's new Limited Edition 199 could point the way to the future for giant motor yachts as the costs of running a futuristic yacht at more than 30 knots become something even the world's richest boat owners have to think about.

Amels' designer Tim Heywood has stepped back in time to the hull designs of early 20th century battleships and North Atlantic steamships for the distinctive vertical bow, long waterline and more upright windows of his latest creation. The design allows the yacht to easily reach its displacement hull speed of around 12 knots without the need for massive engine power and huge fuel bills.

Heywood believes the Amels Limited Edition 199 is the forerunner of a new era of superyacht design as owners realise that the quiet voyage is as important a part of the pleasure of yacht ownership as relaxing at the destination.

Amels' decision to build the yacht "on spec" was justified when it was sold to one of the company's repeat customers not long after the design and layout were first published on the Amels' website.

The yacht will be handed over in the northern spring of 2013.

Another breakthrough of the yacht's design is the fitting of folding balconies off the sides of the main dining and lounge areas. Designed for use when at anchor, the balconies will allow the interior of the yacht to be opned to the great outdoors.

Since Amels introduced its Limited Edition line of yachts in 2005, rather than just building one-off designs, its has produced and sold seven yachts, ranging in size from 177 to 212 feet, and 12 more are under construction.