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Live and kicking – Damen set to be first shipyard this year to hold a live private event
La Datcha emerging from dock.
Live and kicking
DAMEN YACHTING IS SET TO BE ONE OF THE FIRST SHIPYARDS THIS YEAR TO HOLD A LIVE PRIVATE event in the wake of postponed boat shows to present its collection of new builds.
The entire yachting calendar has been put on hold in 2020 following the outbreak of the coronavirus, with high profile events including the Monaco Yacht Show postponed for another year. But Dutch shipyard Damen Yachting has announced plans for a live private event that will give its clients the opportunity to view its latest yacht portfolio without concerns about safety or large crowds. The three-day event – the Amels and Damen Yachting Private View 2020 – is set to take place at the Damen shipyard in the south of the Netherlands from 17-19 September. Set to showcase around ten yachts from the yard’s current portfolio, its headline act will no doubt be La Datcha, the new 77m SeaXplorer expedition yacht launching the same month. “It’s great to see how clients have embraced virtual technology during the last few months, but in our business nothing can replace the opportunity to step on board a selection of beautifully presented showcase yachts”, says Rose Damen, Managing Director of Damen Yachting. “We’re delighted to offer charter and new build clients the first chance to join us on board our yachts again since this all began. And by hosting them at our yard, we can ensure maximum comfort, safety and privacy with a very limited number of VIP guests invited.”
Best in show At 77m La Datcha will be the first SeaXplorer to ever be shown, not to mention the largest yacht on display. It’s hoped that with a private audience of top tier invites, Damen will find takers for La Datcha’s 2021 worldwide charter itinerary, which is reported to still have availability. Private viewing is by invitation only and there is no general admission to the yard. For clients unable to attend, VIP virtual tours on board will be arranged. Also on display will be a 74m Amels Limited Edition and a new Amels 242 under
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construction for 2021 delivery. From its collection of yacht support vessels a 55m vessel, which is currently under construction at the Damen yard in Antalya and will head straight to Vlissingen after completion. Further yachts due to be included in the line-up will be confirmed in the coming weeks. “This is something we’ve never done before”, says Rose Damen. “Together with the yacht crews at our yard, my family and our team are looking forward to welcoming our guests for a very special private visit to the yachts in top presentation with full luxury service. We have a helicopter landing area on site so our guests and their families can enjoy the experience securely and privately – almost like having a whole boat show just for themselves. And at the same time, we have boats in production right next door for fast delivery in 2021, so it makes the whole decision-making process very transparent for our clients. We’re also missing the boat show buzz, so we’re very excited about making this happen in September.”
