P
reposterous as it might sound, it’s getting harder
for builders of motor yachts in the hundred-foot
class to stand out from the crowd. If you paced
the pontoons at the recent Cannes Boat Show
you’ll know what I mean. There were plenty of
sensible family-sized fl ybridge cruisers to look at,
and a fair few sleek sportsboats, but they seemed
pretty thin on the ground compared with the big
stuff. Moored by the stern in endless rows, each one was a major
work of art and engineering. But with just the cockpit and transom
to go on, they were virtually impossible to tell apart.
Even the new Amer 94, with its beautiful steel-trimmed teak
cockpit table and slick aluminium chairs, its immaculate bespoke
stainless steel work and that cute little upholstered seat on the
transom garage hatch – all surmounted by a massive fl ybridge with a
distinctive carbon T-top – had a tendency to merge into the crowd.
Yet even more than most at that star-spangled boat showcase, this is a
custom-built yacht with a distinct personality and much else to
recommend it. Hidden at its heart, meanwhile, is a unique selling
point which is, for once, genuinely unique.
AS YOU LIKE IT
A development of the earlier 92 model, the Amer 94 is a completely
bespoke motor yacht. Within the confi nes of its fi breglass structure
and, of course, the non-negotiable engineroom bulkhead, you
can have pretty much whatever you want. To stimulate your
imagination the shipyard publishes fi ve lower-deck suggestions,
and the plans show layouts of three, four or fi ve cabins composed
of a variety of singles and twins and doubles. There can be as many
as three full-beam suites if you want them, not to mention the
tempting alternative possibility of a full-beam lower lounge fi tted
out as a cinema, karaoke room, gym or anything else you fancy.
The most sumptuous option features a huge owner’s suite amidships
with a full-beam head and shower compartment. Access down
A beautiful steel-trimmed
teak cockpit table and sleek
aluminium chairs