Third Amels 80 superyacht Project Zurich on sea trials

Dutch shipyard Damen Yachting has announced that the third unit from its Amels 80 series, Project Zurich, has commenced sea trials. 

The update comes after the 79.8-metre new build was launched at the yard's second build facility in Vlissingen-East in March, after which she was transported to Damen Yachting's main headquarters in Vlissingen City for final outfitting. Delivery is scheduled for later this year.

Project Zurich was sold just months after the model's unveiling in March 2022 and enjoys a "number of spectacular unique features" that set her apart from her sisterships, according to the yard. Her launch came just two weeks after the second unit from the series, the "dolphin blue" Netto II, also entered the water. The first unit, Pangea, was delivered in October last year.

The Amels 80 is the largest offering in the shipyard's popular Limited Editions range, penned with exterior design from long-time Amels collaborator Espen Øino and naval architecture by Damen Yachting.

Model highlights of the 2,175GT superyacht series include a 200-square-metre sundeck with a "substantially sized" jacuzzi, dedicated owner's deck and foredeck helipad.

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Project Zurich was launched in March 2026

Another highlight is the beach club, which serves as a fully-fledged waterfront lounge with unfolding sea terraces on three sides and direct access to a gym, hammam and sauna. The space is illuminated by the 6.5-metre, glass-bottomed pool of the main aft deck above.

In terms of interiors, Project Zurich's "award-winning design team" remains confidential. However, the yard indicated her "bright [and] custom" design theme is different to the interiors of hulls one and two, which were by Sinot Yacht Architecture & Design.

Accommodation is for up to 14 guests in seven cabins and 21 crew, along with plenty of storage for toys and tenders.

“Yachts of this scale require meticulous planning, craftsmanship and close coordination across our teams, together with the owner’s representative," said Damen Yachting project manager, Sander Peeters, at Project Zurich's launch in March. "Managing multiple projects of this size simultaneously calls for experience, precision and focus as we move into the final stages ahead of delivery."

According to BOATPro, Damen Yachting has seven Amels yachts actively under construction, including five Amels 80 builds and its flagship, 120-metre Project Tanzanite, which is scheduled for delivery this year.