Behind the Build
with Build Captain Tristan Le Brun
Amels 60 21:12
Among the impressive Amels 60 fleet already sailing the oceans worldwide, 21:12 stands out in her own individual way. Beyond her striking exterior and inherent Amels elegance, quality and ocean-going reliability, this is a yacht that has been built with a vision of global travel in mind. The man at the helm of overseeing this build process of the most recently delivered Amels 60 was Build Captain Tristan Le Brun.
We sat down with Tristan to take a deep dive into his experience of building an Amels at our shipyard in Vlissingen and to take a look behind the build of the 60-metre Amels limited Editions 21.12 in her preparations for her extensive global itinerary.
Part of the Process
Tristan Le Brun oversaw 21.12's build journey through to the launch and took delivery of the yacht in Vlissingen before subsequently handing over to the sea-going Captain. Whilst his journey with this Amels 60 ended with the conclusion of the build, his connection to the Owner and being part of the build process dates much further back. Having played a leading role in the selection process that led to the Amels 60, Tristan has a unique perspective on the key factors that make this 60-metre Amels Limited Editions stand out.
"Having known the client for a decade, I was the first point of contact when the client decided to pursue a new build yacht project. This led to an extensive research phase, lasting over a year, where we meticulously reviewed various shipyards, new builds, and second-hand yachts. It was a voyage of discovery that included both explorer vessels and more traditional superyachts. A journey that ultimately led us to the Amels 60. It's where the search ended and the build journey began.''
Referred Reliability
With such an extensive research carried out, Tristan highlighted what the deciding factors came down to. During the quest to find the ultimate superyacht to match the client's needs, the possibility to acquire an already-delivered Amels 60 came around. An opportunity that was greatly considered but ultimately, the client opted for a new build Amels 60 - the sixth in the series.
"Strong recommendations, particularly from an Amels 180 Owner, ultimately swayed the decision towards the Amels 60. It became very clear that this was a superyacht that aligned with my client's dream of circumnavigating the globe and his desire for a reliable, top-tier luxury product. While he did consider explorer vessels given his ambitious itinerary plans, the proven track record of the Amels 60 series carried a great appeal factor."
Dual Role
Tristan’s role was dual, serving as both the Owner's representative and Build Captain. His experience as a knowledgeable sea-going Captain allowed him to fully understand and implement the Owner's specific requirements.
"I was particularly impressed by the Amels 60 series, noting the significant evolution in the features and technical platform compared to the Amels 180. The leap in the next gen approach to the series in quality and technology is phenomenal, and it's a sentiment I extend to the new Amels 80 series as well."
“Witnessing hundreds of drawings materialise into a stunning yacht, built by the hands of so many skilled craftsmen and women to match such a unique and personal vision of the client, was a profound experience.”
Professionalism of the Yard
One of Tristan's most significant highlights of overseeing the Amels 60 21:12 build was the unwavering reliability of the Damen Yachting shipyard. He was extremely pleased with the quality of the work, noting the meticulous attention to detail and the absence of any shortcuts. The collaborative spirit between the build team and the yard team also stood out, creating a positive and productive atmosphere.
''Every milestone point was achieved on time and to the highest quality standards. Decisions were made promptly throughout the process and without conflict. Once an agreement was reached, there was never a need for revisions, a testament to the shipyard's professionalism and efficiency."
An Evolution
When it comes to the Amels 60, it is the build philosophy that Tristan believes makes the biggest difference. The space and system to allow the evolution of an already exceptional yacht, with each iteration building upon the successes of its predecessors.
"Being involved from the project's early stages, I witnessed this evolution first-hand, incorporating improvements and upgrades based on observations from earlier builds in the series. This iterative process, I believe, ensures that the Amels 60 remains at the forefront of yacht design. 21:12 further distinguishes herself through its improved layout and engineering, a spacious master cabin, the integration of a Dynamic Positioning System, and innovative tender solutions."
21:12 Ready for the World
Reflecting on the broader process, Tristan described the journey from the initial meeting and LOI to the final unveiling as akin a newborn entering into the world. An experience he would be happy to talk any Amels new build Captain through to share his insights.
"If you want to know more, call me! It's such a profound experience. I cannot emphasise the artistry involved in shipbuilding enough. While a yacht might be perceived by some as an object or simply another yacht once on the water, its creation is a testament to human craftsmanship and truly unique. The day before the launch was emotional and the day of the launch was particularly special, with the stunning blue hull emerging from the build shed, offering a unique perspective on the culmination of years of dedication."