Yacht Class n°28 (march-april-may 2022)

PERMARE YACHTS

Classified as one of the biggest units exhibited at the Cannes Yachting Festival 2021, the Amer 120 is also Permare’s largest yacht. For several years already, the Italian shipyard, based in Sanremo, has been won over by Volvo Penta IPS, hence the “quadruple motorization” it has opted for for this unique unit. In addition, the interior layout of this three-deck is designed to satisfy the needs of yachtsmen for whom comfort is a priority.

Written by : Alain Brousse – Photos : DR

The yachting world has not hesitated to take the path of innovations, especially “environment friendly” ones. If they are not compelled to do so, the shipyards are well aware that it is in their interest to conceive units meeting “clean” standards, to minimize sources of pollution. Permare has always taken this into account. It was actually one of the first to opt for composite materials for their recognized strength and lightness. In this search, the Italian shipyard has also developed close relations with the engine manufacturer Volvo Penta, particularly on the basis of its IPS propulsion system, whose assets are in line with eco-responsibility: lower fuel consumption, less noise and vibration, hence better performance plus, in addition, a smaller volume in the engine room that favours habitability on the lower deck. Even though the maximum rated power of a IPS does not currently exceed 1 000 hp, opting for multiple engines is a solution. Thus, the Amer 120 is fitted with four Volvo Penta IPS1350 diesel engines (4 x 1 000 hp) and can boast of being the world’s largest unit with this configuration at the moment.

An interior design by Stefano Tini

As required from a technical point of view, a Volvo IPS-powered hull necessitated a study conducted by the shipyard’s in-house design office in association with Swedish engineers, particularly in the case of a quadruple motorization. The notion of performance was definitely listed in the specifications of this 35-metre whose maximum speed is announced at 26 knots, while she boasts a range of 520 miles at the “fast” cruising speed of 24 knots. This is another benefit in addition to the ease of manoeuvring provided by the four IPS. The Amer 120 could not navigate its way at such speeds without a suitable silhouette. Thus Permare’s design team has endowed this three-deck with a conquering look. There are many windows on the lower deck and especially on the main one: a total of 93 square metres that will bathe the interiors in abundant light and offer passengers a panoramic view of the sea. We saw this when we entered the largest interior space, the salon-dining room, which enjoys a maximum of light and an interesting surface area of 55 m2. The decorative stainless-steel arches catch the eye and brings some originality. Special attention is to be paid to the lateral openings at the level of the dining area that create a pleasant interior terrace. Still on the main deck, the port side passageway leads to the galley, appropriately furnished with professional equipment, while the starboard goes to the entrance of the master suite and some sort of “antechamber” opening onto a balcony. Then comes the 30 m2 master cabin bathed with light thanks to side windows. It has a full beam bathroom with two washbasins and an independent shower with a sea view. The lower deck accommodates the four guest cabins, all en suite and equipped with a double bed facing a large porthole. Such a large sleeping capacity will allow the Amer 120 to be easily chartered.

A very convivial foredeck

Forward of the main deck, a staircase leads up to the enclosed wheelhouse where, in addition to the large central dashboard, there is a small lounge and a chaise longue. The Amer can also be piloted from the flybridge (the sitting position is recommended for an unrestricted view) thanks to a helm station protected by an inverted windshield and the flybridge roof. As on all flybridges, the upper deck is first a place to relax, to sit on the aft deckchairs or enjoy a meal in the central dining area. It also features on each side a staircase leading to the cockpit of the central deck, where are gathered a lounge, another dining area, whose settee can be folded down to act as a solarium. The stern of this 120 has a swim platform whose central part is hydraulic to facilitate the launch of the tender from its garage, closed by the transom. Let’s head now to the bow where the foredeck was generously designed in terms of comfort. Proof is the 35 m2 of deck space entirely dedicated to relaxation where are gathered a pool, two large solariums plus a huge U-shaped settee. With this flagship, Permare has taken a major step forward in its conquest of the market of units over 24-metre, a sector undeniably dominated by Italian shipyards. This is yet another demonstration of its know-how in the flybridge category.