“Success depends on how well we work together. My signature is in doing my work diligently and collaborating with all the other disciplines.”
- Rick Wood, Team Manager Purchase
With more than two decades at the yard, what makes working on the Amels 80 special for you?
“After 24 years, I have seen around sixty-five yachts leave the shed, and that number reminds me how special this work remains. Over the years I have worked across many iconic builds. For the Amels 80, I have been involved from the very start of the design phase, around 2020. When you work on a yacht from those early sketches all the way to delivery, the involvement is more intense.”
How do you approach selecting materials and suppliers for a yacht of this calibre?
“For interiors, the Interior Designer, Client, Damen Yachting specialists and Subcontractor specialists lead the selection process for materials and we subcontract and source according to the final specifications. For this we choose from a selection of highly experienced and qualified interior subcontractors. For technical and structural materials such as stainless steel, coatings and glass, we follow our own specifications and work only with proven suppliers, which ensures we receive the exceptional quality from the very beginning. A lot on board is non-standard. The strength of the Amels 80 lies in the refinement of every detail, across every discipline.”
Can you share a detail that illustrates what sets the Amels 80 apart?
“Even after decades in the job, certain things still impress me: the flawless paintwork, polished stainless-steel railings, mosaic-lined pools, custom build cranes and passerelles, the beautifully laid teak decks and the refined interiors in leather, marble and crafted wall panels. Even the super-clean engine rooms in high-gloss are remarkable. Those standards, across so many different disciplines, are what defines an Amels Yacht. Of course, it all starts with the beautiful design of the Amels 80.”
What makes procurement particularly challenging in a multi-yacht production programme?
“The biggest challenge is getting the timing right. Materials must be ordered, subcontracted and delivered exactly when needed, within budget and with the required quality. For the first yacht in a new series, receiving engineering information from suppliers on time is an additional challenge. The completeness and punctuality of those details are crucial for the timely completion of the hull and the rest of the build.”
How do you safeguard quality when nothing onboard is off-the-shelf?
“We select the best suppliers and sub-contractors, define exact expectations, and test everything; Factory Acceptance Tests, onboard inspections, end-to-end validation. Our specialist teams across every discipline ensure one outcome: excellence.”
What does it mean to you to leave your signature on the Amels 80?
“Procurement is an important part of building a yacht, and we strive to execute it to the highest level. But many other disciplines are just as essential. Success depends on how well we work together. My signature is in doing my work diligently and collaborating with all the other disciplines.”
