Inventing the boat of your dreams
The story begins as often in the nautical world. Jack Wijnants, electronics engineer, dreams of the motor catamaran that will allow him to sail around the world with his wife and a crew. Disappointed by the market's offer, he decided to produce his own boat and consequently his own shipyard.
"I was looking for a 20 to 25 m motor catamaran to sail the world. Having failed in my attempt to find the ideal boat on the market, I leaned over my drawing table to create the catamaran of my dreams. They were all very expensive with too limited layout solutions and poor quality materials. In addition, there was too much proximity with the professional crew, we had to share the same kitchen, for example. So the whole story began with our own requirements, which composite manufacturers could not meet. So I decided to develop my own catamaran and, after showing my project to yacht brokers, they encouraged me to market it " said Jack Wijnants, founder of Amasea Yachts.
Aluminium construction, custom decoration
Amasea Yachts is therefore launching into the market of small series catamarans. The boats will be built in aluminium rather than fibreglass, a material that is well suited for small series construction. The shipyard that will build the hulls and superstructures should soon be built in Turkey.
While the construction of the first 25 m model - intended for the site founder - should take between 18 and 20 months, the next models will be built between 13 and 16 months with a maximum production of 7 models per year. The yard is currently in negotiations with Italian and Dutch nautical professionals for the development of the project.
Another characteristic of this new brand is the three bridges instead of the two traditional ones. The owner wants a space reserved for the crew. This additional level sets the air draft at 12.31 m, a brake for some bridge crossings for example.
"Having three decks instead of two brings much more flexibility in terms of layout. The main suite, for example, may be located on the main deck or on the lower deck. The yacht is designed to offer two kitchens: one for the owners and a smaller one for the crew" explains Jack Wijnants.
Another concept, the interior decoration will be totally custom. Owners will be able to choose their own designer.
Transatlantic race on the agenda
In its press release, the shipyard states that the power catamarans will have enough range to cross the Atlantic. However, the manufacturer does not specify whether it is a transatlantic crossing by the far north (500 miles) or by the trade winds (maximum leg around 2?500 miles.)
The shipyard indicates that the boat has enough storage for 6 weeks of food, without specifying for how many people.
