Inside the ‘Were Dreams’ Yacht – Amels’ 52m Luxury Motor Yacht

The Amels-built Were Dreams is a 52.3 meter (171 foot) motor yacht that lives up to its name. Launched in 2008 from the Amels shipyard in the Netherlands, this tri-deck superyacht has turned heads in the yachting world. According to SuperYacht Times, Were Dreams measures 52.3m overall and was built by Amels in 2008. Imagining life aboard such a vessel can feel like a dream come true – in fact, yacht broker Camper & Nicholsons describes it as “the type of superyacht that dreams are made of”. Truly, Were Dreams turns the idea of a dream yacht into reality. From its classic styling to its long-range capability, Were Dreams combines top-tier engineering with true luxury living. In this comprehensive tour, we’ll cover all aspects of this yacht – from the Dutch craftsmanship behind its build to the lavish amenities on board, as well as its performance and ownership history. By the end, you’ll know exactly what makes the Were Dreams yacht special.

Design and Construction

Were Dreams is part of Amels’ celebrated Limited Edition 171 series. She was delivered in 2008 as one of only twelve Amels 171 yachts built. In other words, her design is rare and exclusive. As Camper & Nicholsons notes, “the 52.30m yacht is one of only 12 Amels 171 limited edition yachts to be built and was one of the first in the series.” This exclusivity means Were Dreams isn’t a run-of-the-mill yacht; it was tailored and customized to high standards during construction. For example, the sun deck was redesigned to include a jacuzzi surrounded by sunpads, a bespoke feature not on the base model. The hull and decks follow the proven Amels 171 blueprint but with owner-specific changes. This level of craftsmanship is characteristic of Amels – a Dutch yard founded in 1918 known for high-end custom yachts. By the late 2000s Amels had joined Damen and built a reputation for sturdy, elegant Limited Edition superyachts.

The yacht was constructed at Amels’ Vlissingen shipyard in the Netherlands. She has a steel hull and aluminium superstructure, with teak decks on top. The naval architecture is credited to Amels (now part of Damen Yachting), while the exterior styling was done by Tim Heywood Design. Tim Heywood is known for elegant, timeless yacht exteriors, and on Were Dreams his influence is clear in the sleek profile and graceful curved windows. The overall effect is a classic, sophisticated look – bright white superstructure atop a streamlined steel hull, giving Were Dreams good stability and a dignified presence in port or at anchor.

In terms of dimensions, Were Dreams is 52.3 meters long, with a 9.0 meter beam and a maximum draft of 3.35 meters. Her gross tonnage is 642 GT. These measurements place her solidly in the superyacht category (generally yachts over 24m qualify as “superyachts”), but still on the “mid-size” end of the 50m+ segment. That means she provides ample living and deck space while remaining easier to handle than the 80–90m megayachts. For scale, a 52m yacht can often fit into marinas or can anchor closer to shore than larger ships. It also has more headroom and interior volume than a 40m yacht.

Amels, founded in 1918, has a reputation for building high-end luxury yachts. By the time Were Dreams was delivered, Amels had become part of the Damen Group (since 2011) and was well-regarded for its semi-custom “Limited Edition” range. That range takes the proven 171 hull and lets owners choose bespoke interior layouts and special features. Were Dreams being “one of the first” in that series means it helped set the standard for those customizations. Subsequent Amels 171 yachts often took inspiration from what Were Dreams proved – such as the idea of a large sun deck jacuzzi and expansive deck areas.

Her exterior was last refitted in 2018: in that year she received a full new paint job on hull and superstructure. Repaintings are common at 10-year marks to keep a yacht looking fresh. After this refit, Were Dreams was described as being in “perfect state inside and out, ready for immediate long-range adventures”. In plain terms, she looks as good now as when new, with no hull or deck blemishes.

Luxury Interiors and Amenities

Step inside Were Dreams, and you enter a world of elegant luxury. Her interior was styled by Italian design firm Studio Laura Sessa (Laura Sessa Romboli). The look is modern and welcoming, with light polished woods for flooring and paneling, offset by contemporary furnishings. According to Camper & Nicholsons, the décor uses bright, airy color palettes and sophisticated accents. This makes the living spaces feel spacious and comfortable rather than dark or cramped. Large windows in the salon and main guest cabins frame panoramic ocean views, flooding the interior with natural light. The overall effect is like a luxury beachfront condominium transplanted onto the waves.

Sleeping accommodations are generous for a yacht this size. In total there are 6 guest cabins sleeping up to 11 guests. Notably, the main deck forward is taken up by a full-width owner’s stateroom with private facilities. This master suite spans the entire beam of the yacht, so it’s exceptionally large (often called a “sky-lounge suite” on many Amels 171s). On the lower deck are two double cabins and two twin cabins (each double sleeps 2 adults, each twin sleeps 2 people on separate beds). There is also an additional single cabin on the main deck, which could be used as an extra guest room, staff room, or office. In short, the layout accommodates families or groups comfortably, giving everyone some privacy. Each cabin has its own en-suite bathroom and built-in storage.

The design ensures that common areas and private spaces complement each other. The main saloon (living area) is aft on the main deck behind the wheelhouse. Although we don’t have a photo in this text, typical Amels 171 layouts include a formal dining table plus lounge seating here. The dining area usually seats all guests together. The saloon likely features a large flat-screen TV and surround sound, plus plush sofas and occasional chairs. Floor-to-ceiling windows (or large side windows) mean guests can enjoy views even while indoors. Sliding doors at the back probably open onto the aft deck for easy indoor-outdoor flow.

A notable feature is the beach club – a lounge right at the waterline, accessible through the aft hull doors when at anchor. This space has a sofa, coffee table and bar, and it can open directly onto a large hydraulic swim platform. In practice, it’s like having a floating beach house. Guests can hang out here feet from the water, dive off the platform, or launch a tender or jet ski. Many photos of Were Dreams (from brokers) show an aft lounge area on the swim platform level, confirming this layout. Underwater lights in the stern illuminate the water at night, adding ambiance to late-night swims.

The upper decks provide more social and entertainment areas. Above the salon is typically a sky lounge on the bridge deck. This sky lounge can serve as a TV or game room, and it opens aft onto an exterior deck. The bridge deck exterior often has another dining table and sun loungers. Then above that is the sundeck. On Were Dreams, the sundeck has been outfitted with cushioned sunpads and that well-known Jacuzzi surrounded by sunpads. In daylight, it’s a prime spot for sunbathing; in the evening, it’s a relaxing hot tub under the stars with sweeping sea views. The deck also likely has seating and a small bar or grill area for afternoon cocktails. Given her 9.0m beam, the decks are broad and don’t feel tight.

Entertainment systems on a yacht of this caliber include high-end audio and video setups. Were Dreams has Wi-Fi throughout, so internet and streaming services work anywhere onboard. There would be flat-screen TVs in the saloon and each cabin, connected to satellite TV and DVD/Blu-ray systems (or modern equivalents). The sound system can play music in multiple zones (salon, sky lounge, decks). For example, a guest could watch a movie in the salon while another listens to music on the deck via Bluetooth speakers. Underwater lights provide dramatic evening illumination – when turned on, the water under the yacht glows, which is great when anchored at night.

Finally, every superyacht of this class has its creature comforts: a professional galley (kitchen) fully equipped for a gourmet chef, a laundry room, and advanced bridge electronics. Were Dreams specifically lists generators (two Northern Lights, plus emergency) and active fin stabilizers in her spec sheet. That means she can stay rock-steady even at anchor, keeping everyone comfortable. All these “behind-the-scenes” features run quietly below decks, ensuring guests only experience the luxury of the spaces.

In short, life on board Were Dreams feels like staying at a five-star resort on the ocean. Each area is designed for relaxation and socializing. Guests could enjoy breakfast in the aft deck’s dining area, lounge by the jacuzzi in the afternoon, and have dinner in the air-conditioned salon at night. With 13 crew aboard for 11 guests, service is attentive – from gourmet meals to cocktail service. The combination of elegant interior design, expansive decks, and modern amenities makes each moment on board special.

Performance and Range

Don’t let the emphasis on luxury fool you – Were Dreams was engineered for serious voyaging. Beneath her decks are the machinery to power long-distance travel. The yacht’s twin MTU 16V 2000 M70 engines each produce about 1,408 horsepower. Those big diesels push her comfortably along at 13 knots (about 15 mph), which is her typical cruising speed. If more speed is needed, she can top out around 15.5–16 knots (roughly 18 mph). This top speed is respectable though not extreme – it means the hull form is optimized more for efficiency than for sprinting. At 13 knots, she burns fuel at a steady rate that enables long-range travel.

Speaking of range, Were Dreams has 115,000 liters of fuel on board. At 13 knots, her range is about 4,500 nautical miles. To appreciate that, consider some example passages: New York to the Canary Islands is roughly 3,000 nm; Miami to the Canary Islands is about 4,000 nm. In other words, she could easily cross oceans without refueling stops. This is what makes Were Dreams a true “world-cruiser.” Indeed, her listing notes she has “cruised extensively in the Indian and Pacific Oceans.” Owners could therefore plan very long voyages – for instance, trans-Atlantic crossings or bluewater loops – without worry. Her fresh water tanks are also large (around 17,000 liters), so she can produce freshwater through evaporators and carry enough for many weeks at sea.

Running those big engines and generators uses a lot of fuel, of course. Operating costs for yachts this size often run into the millions per year (Camper & Nicholsons mentioned ~US$2.5m annual running cost for Were Dreams), covering everything from fuel to crew salaries to maintenance. In design terms, Were Dreams is not the most fuel-efficient yacht out there – but it wasn’t built to be. Instead, it was built to go far and do so in comfort.

Handling-wise, Were Dreams is surprisingly user-friendly for a 52m yacht. She is equipped with modern navigation and bow-thrusters (electric pods that push the bow sideways) and likely a stern-thruster as well. That makes tight turns and docking much easier. Once at sea, her stabilization system (2 × Naiad 820 fin stabilizers) greatly reduces roll – even at anchor she stays steady. According to her spec sheet, she indeed has 2 Naiad stabilizers with zero-speed capability. This means guests are less likely to feel seasickness, and onboard furniture and items stay put.

To summarize performance: Were Dreams excels at steady, comfortable long-distance cruising. She’s not meant to “win races” but to go anywhere reliably. Her powerful engines, huge tanks, and robust construction mean she can handle ocean passages. She also has all the modern gear (GPS, radar, satcom) to assist navigation. For example, she carries multiple generators (two large 188kW Northern Lights plus an emergency unit), ensuring all electrical systems (lighting, AC, galley, etc.) have backup. Anyone wanting to explore far-flung destinations in comfort would find this yacht up to the task.

Ownership and Status

Throughout her life, Were Dreams has remained a private yacht – it’s never been offered for charter. That exclusivity adds to its allure. When built, she was commissioned by Russian banker Andrey Kostin (the CEO of VTB Bank). This connection is reported in industry databases. Years later, she changed hands (details are private) and now sails under Brazilian ownership, though still flying the Cayman Islands flag. (The Cayman registry is very common for luxury yachts.) Her private status means she’s been used only by owners and their guests, which often means more attentive maintenance.

As of 2025, Were Dreams is listed for sale. Major brokerages have her on the market; currently Camper & Nicholsons handles the sale. The asking price has been reported around €24 million (approximately US$24–25 million). To put that in perspective, brand-new 50m+ yachts today typically run $60–70m, so $25m is modest. The price reflects her age (2008 build) and the market climate. However, her excellent upkeep (a full exterior paint in 2018) and pedigree keep her desirable.

Interested buyers can contact Camper & Nicholsons; the listing specifically names broker Charles Ehrardt as the sales agent. Any prospective buyer would commission a survey – a detailed inspection of hull, machinery, electronics, etc. – before purchase. Given that she was refitted and in strong condition, the survey would likely be straightforward.

Because Were Dreams is privately owned, not much more is public. She complies with international yachting regulations (Lloyd’s classification, safety standards, etc.) and is probably insured under international policies. She has appeared at major yacht shows (e.g. Monaco, Cannes) in sales stables, though never for charter. Some recent tracking data has her cruising in international waters (AIS shows occasional positions off various coasts). But often at anchor or in transit, owners turn off public tracking for privacy.

For a U.S. audience, it’s worth noting that a private yacht like this can enter U.S. waters freely as a pleasure vessel (the Cayman registration meets U.S. legal requirements for private use). She does not meet the U.S. Jones Act for commercial operations, but since she’s not for charter that’s not an issue. If an American owner bought her, she could cruise the East Coast, the Great Lakes (if small enough slips), or even Alaska without unusual restrictions (aside from normal customs and immigration).

Life Onboard and Unique Experience

What stands out about Were Dreams is the seamless blend of spacious luxury with a true private-yacht feel. Picture a day on board: You wake up in the master suite and step outside onto a private deck or balcony to breathe the sea air. Then head down to breakfast in the beach club lounge, enjoying direct sea views just above the waterline.

During the day, you might sunbathe on the sun deck (maybe with crew bringing fresh juice), take a dip in the Jacuzzi as waves pass by, or lounge in the salon watching a movie. The yacht’s wide decks mean you have plenty of room even with a full guest list. Children (if any) could play in one of the twin cabins, while teens hang out in the sky lounge, and adults relax on the aft deck.

In port, Were Dreams looks regal. Visitors approach via a gangway to the stern or bow, greeted by crew members. The broad deck space can accommodate a cocktail party or a small buffet. When docking, the captain handles the thrusters and lines – as a guest, you barely notice the maneuver. Once secure, it’s easy to hop off for a day ashore via the tender (often housed in the forward garage) or simply enjoy the view from the deck.

Evenings aboard are special. The entertainment systems allow you to watch a film in the saloon or play music on the deck. Lighting transitions from daylight to ambient deck lights. At the aft swim platform, the crew can light torches (the blue-green underwater lights), so the surrounding water glows softly. Dinner might be a gourmet affair prepared by the ship’s chef – perhaps grilled fish caught on the voyage. After dinner, a toast on the flybridge under the stars is magical, as the yacht gently rocks in the calm night.

At anchor, Were Dreams effectively becomes a private island. The crew lowers the hydraulic swim platform, and guests can step right into warm water. Paddleboards, jet skis and other water toys (the tender garage often also holds diving gear) are ready to launch. For example, if the listing mentions “Personal Watercraft” as an amenity, it means things like jet skis are available. Family members can snorkel right off the platform while others relax in the beach club lounge sipping cocktails.

Each space is thoughtfully arranged. The crew quarters and galley (hidden away) mean guests hardly see the staff, making it feel like the yacht is all yours. Modern comforts – like fast satellite Wi-Fi – mean you can even work remotely if needed. But mostly, life on Were Dreams is about disconnecting from land life and enjoying the sea. The yacht’s name hints at this: on this vessel, it truly feels like all your dreams are floating with you on the waves.

Key Specifications at a Glance

• Length Overall: 52.3 m / 171′7″
• Beam: 9.0 m / 29′6″
• Max Draft: 3.35 m / 11′2″
• Gross Tonnage: 642 GT
• Builder: Amels (Vlissingen, Netherlands)
• Year: 2008 (refit 2018)
• Model: Amels 171 Limited Edition
• Exterior Designer: Tim Heywood
• Interior Designer: Laura Sessa Romboli (Studio Laura Sessa)
• Cabins/Guests: 6 cabins, 11 guests
• Crew: 13
• Engines: 2 × MTU 16V 2000 M70 (1,408 HP each)
• Max Speed: ~15.5–16 knots
• Cruising Speed: ~13 knots
• Range: ~4,500 nm at 13 knots
• Fuel Capacity: 115,000 L
• Fresh Water: 17,000 L
• Flag: Cayman Islands
• Classification: Lloyd’s ✠100A1 SSC Yacht (P) Mono G6 LMC UMS

These figures confirm that Were Dreams has the size and endurance expected of a long-range luxury yacht.

Conclusion

The Amels Were Dreams yacht is exactly what its name suggests: a dream on the water. This 52.3m luxury motor yacht blends Dutch engineering with sumptuous amenities to create a vessel designed for unforgettable experiences. From her spacious decks to her comfortable cabins and impressive range, every aspect is geared towards making cruising feel effortless and exclusive.

Whether you’re a yachting enthusiast or just curious, Were Dreams represents a pinnacle of mid-size superyacht design. For readers in the United States, imagine this vessel cruising in the Bahamas or Alaska – in any case it exemplifies the dream of sea travel. As highlighted by leading yacht publications, Were Dreams truly lives up to expectations. If you’ve ever wondered about life on a superyacht, this yacht provides a clear picture: luxury, freedom, and the sense that your dreams have come alive on the open sea.

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