Millionaire’s Limited-Edition Superyacht Stayed Private for More Than a Decade

All the boat shows that took place during the first half of 2023 proved once again that folks are willing to spend big bucks on new builds with alluring qualities. Still, veteran yacht owners could confirm that older boats are often a wiser choice. With a luxury yacht that's been around for years, if not decades, you get the guarantee of proven cruising performance, resilience, and operational experience.

There's also the pedigree advantage. Many would rather spend more on an older model from one of the top global builders instead of a younger boat from a less prestigious manufacturer. This explains why Feadship and Amels superyachts continue to be among the most popular high-end purchases, even if they're decades old. The Northern European pedigree weighs heavily. If they're also part of a Limited Edition series, their value goes even higher.

With these things in mind, it's no wonder this 2012 Amels is asking for almost $35 million. It may be 11 years old but it holds a prestigious status: it was the first in Amels' highly successful 180 Limited Edition series.

Amels introduced this line in 2011 as a beefed-up version of the Amels 177. The 55-meter (180 feet) yachts were designed to take the proven 177 platform to the next level. The extended size translated to a bigger swim platform and a huge sundeck extending over the bridge coachroof.

Step One, the first unit to incorporate these innovations, was custom-built for an experienced owner. The one who commissioned Step One was reportedly Russian mogul Anatoly Kozeruk, currently linked to the ownership of another famous superyacht, the 243-foot (74 meters) Plvs Vltra, another Amels masterpiece.

In other words, this limited-edition yacht was born due to a visionary owner's requests. He was the one who asked for wider spaces and next-level comfort. Step One would have 32 square meters (344 square feet) added to its sundeck, mainly so that it could incorporate a helipad.

It also flaunted a vast main deck salon, obtained by adding one-third to the original surface. And that wasn't all - it got two folding balconies for guests, and a private fold-out balcony for the owner, as part of an outdoor extension to the master suite. Step One incorporated built-in foldable swim stairs dropping down from the swim platform – a luxurious innovation at the time.

Like all the Amels 180 Limited Edition vessels, Step One was designed by the legendary Tim Heywood. Laura Sessa was in charge of the yacht's interior style with a fresh, contemporary vibe. There's nothing outdated about Step One. A modern cream-and-white color palette with bursts of vivid colors and precious materials, such as onyx and maple wood, gives it a sophisticated allure.

Such a spacious pleasure craft had to boast generous accommodation as well. Step One can welcome 11 guests across five cabins and a large crew of more than ten people. The owner's suite follows the traditional location on the main deck. It's large enough to include a private office, a lavish en-suite bathroom, and a walk-in wardrobe.

The guest cabin configuration is defined by flexibility. The four cabins can be configured either as two doubles and a VIP suite or four double cabins, depending on the number of guests and their preferences.

Undoubtedly, Step One's great asset is the sprawling split-level sundeck, one of the largest for a yacht this size even today. Flaunting a total of 155 square meters (1,668 square feet), this vast area integrates a jacuzzi, a sunbathing spot, al-fresco dining, a well-equipped bar, and even a BBQ. The forward segment comes with optional shading. The large jacuzzi holds 3,000 liters (792 gallons) of water. A large table for dining in the open air is strategically placed under a beautiful arch for sun protection.

Step One's extended main salon turns into a party scene at night, thanks to the modern bar and extravagant lighting. The sundeck also offers plenty of room for parties when the touch-and-go helipad is not in use. When it's time for water fun, guests can access the yacht's extended beach club and large garage, full of cool toys.

Performance-wise, this 55-meter superyacht was designed to hit more than 15 knots (17 mph/28 kph) and to cover up to 4,500 nautical miles (8,330 km) at moderate speed. Most importantly, Step One claims to be in excellent shape. It recently completed the mandatory ten-year survey and enjoyed a makeover worth $2.5 million.

This Limited Edition yacht is one of the few that was used privately the entire time since its debut. However, since it's currently up for grabs, it might also end up in the luxury charter market. The first Amels 180 Limited Edition, and the 50th yacht built by this prestigious shipyard, is ready for a new chapter.