The Amels Authority

Published 11 August 2025

No one knows Amels like Burgess

Burgess has a long-established track record with the world’s best shipyards. These relationships span decades and are built on mutual trust, technical collaboration, successful project delivery and sales. We operate with complete independence meaning our guidance is shaped solely by the needs and priorities of each individual client. Our role is to ensure your focus is directed to the shipyard and platform that aligns perfectly with your vision and ownership goals.

Our relationship with Amels and Damen Yachting spans nearly three decades. Since our first collaboration on the TIGRE D’OR series in 1997, we’ve delivered, sold, managed, and chartered more Amels yachts than any other brokerage house in the industry. It’s this unrivalled experience that makes us the go-to partner for owners looking to buy, build or manage an Amels yacht.

BY THE NUMBERS

36 Amels & Damen yachts sold
10 new builds delivered
8 under management
6 for sale with Burgess
4 for charter
3 in build

With 10 new build projects delivered, another three 75m+ yachts currently in build, over 30 yachts sold, and 14 Amels yachts currently under Burgess charter and operational management, we bring unique insight into every step of the ownership journey – from concept and contract to cruising and resale.

And if you’re looking at Amels, you already know you want a yacht that’s best in class. That means working with a team that knows how to unlock the potential of this Northern European shipyard – maximising design, engineering, operations and resale value.

 We sat down with Jan van Hogerwou, Commercial Executive at Damen Yachting, and Peter Brown, Sales Broker at Burgess.

How has the Burgess/Amels relationship evolved over the years?

Peter Brown: It’s always felt like a true collaboration. When I joined Burgess in the early 2000s, I was running our Fort Lauderdale office, which at the time operated as ‘Amels Nigel Burgess’. It was a formal partnership to help Amels grow in the US, and it worked – we co-developed TIGRE D’OR, a project so successful that the client ended up selling it before it was finished and then going on to fund the construction of eight more, of which Burgess were involved in six.

That led to a series of speculative builds that evolved into what became the Amels 171 and later the Amels 180. It was the first time a shipyard had offered semi-custom platforms at the 50m+ scale.

Later, we worked together on BOADICEA, a landmark 70m yacht at the time and the setting in 2001 for Burgess to receive the prestigious Queen’s Award for Enterprise – the first yacht brokerage ever to do so. From those early successes, the relationship has continued to grow.

Today, we’re selling and building production boats like the Amels 80, and collaborating on full custom projects, including a 76.5m currently in build.

What’s it like working with Burgess?

Jan van Hogerwou: When clients ask about leading brokerages, Burgess is certainly among the houses that stand out. They bring a high level of professionalism and show real respect not only for the client, but also for the shipyard. That combination creates strong, lasting partnerships.

And from your side, Peter?

PB: There’s a huge level of trust. Amels is refreshingly pragmatic and transparent – we can have honest conversations to get things done. That makes a broker’s job much easier, and always secures a better outcome for the client.

Peter from your perspective at Burgess, and Jan being at Amels, what sets Amels apart from other yards?

PB: For one, it’s family owned. Damen Group’s long-term approach means it’s not about short-term gains, and that culture filters into the yachts. Amels listens – to the industry, to clients – and that’s why their semi-custom offerings hit the mark. Plus, their range is unique: from Amels white yachts to Xplorers and Yacht Support vessels. There’s something for every owner profile.

JvH: We’re proud to be a 100% family business. For us, it is about more than the transaction, it is about building something lasting. That is why we stand by our yachts well beyond the warranty. Our reputation and long-term relationships mean everything to us.

Why do you think the Amels 60 and 80 series have been so popular?

JvH: The Amels 60 and 80 are both part of the Amels Limited Editions series. They combine strong design with real value. The Amels 80 ticks all the boxes. Its incredible design is by Espen Oeino and Sinot, and the price per GT is very competitive. The Amels 60, also by Espen, has been equally as successful – everyone who steps on board immediately sees the quality.

What client demands or lifestyle trends are influencing the direction of future models?

PB: We’re seeing a new generation of younger clients – in their 30s and 40s – buying yachts earlier. They’re more mobile, online 24/7, and looking for a yacht that supports their lifestyle. As a result, today’s yachts have a more relaxed beach house feel with an increased focus on health and fitness. Owners also want seamless connectivity to the water and a focus on the outdoors, with large windows bringing light in and focusing on the views.

Platforms like the Amels 60 and 80 suit them well – less risk, shorter lead times, and proven performance.

JvH: Exactly. Features like beach clubs with folding terraces and full owner’s decks are becoming standard on 60m+ yachts. Clients want to feel connected to the ocean and have dedicated, private space on board.

Are you seeing a generational shift in buyers?

PB: Definitely. This younger clientele often doesn’t have the appetite, the time, or the energy to build a custom boat. They want something proven and turnkey – and they want it in months, not years. That’s where the Amels semi-custom model really delivers: known costs, known timelines, known performance.

What’s next for the Damen Group? What are your plans for the next few years?

JvH: We’re focusing a lot on the Xplorer as well as a slightly larger Yacht Support vessel in between our current 50m and 75m models. We’re also in early research on evolving the Amels 80, potentially scaling it slightly – but always with the same focus on design and value.

Having a relevant, diverse and well-balanced portfolio that appeals to multiple markets has always been one our key strengths and we will continue to build on that for the future.