For a long time, Amel's custom was to build just one model. This was still very much in the spirit of shipyard founder Henry Amel. The Maramu and Super Maramu from the seventies and eighties are almost legendary and are still highly sought-after second-hand boats today. The shipyard recently updated its range with the Amel 55 (test in YACHT 3/2012) and Amel 64 (YACHT 9/2011).
Now the company has surprised everyone by announcing a new and smaller model. Of course, with a hull length of over 15 metres, the Amel 50 is still an impressive, large boat. Nevertheless, the expansion of the line with a "smaller" edition is unexpected and actually runs counter to the general trend in the luxury sector towards ever larger and even more exclusive blue water vessels. Amel now wants to be able to serve a broader demand again.
The designers at Berret/Racoupeau have put the plans for the 50s on paper. These bring a few surprises. Of course, the typical Amel concept with the deep, well-protected steering cockpit with fixed windscreen and complete canopy remains. However, there are some exciting new features around it. For example, the large sunbed on the aft deck and a permanently attached bowsprit for additional sails and as a mount for the anchor.
In addition, the new lines describe a rather blatant departure from the previous typical look. The bow stern drops almost vertically, the stern is wider and flatter at the bottom. This is why the new Amel 50 is also equipped with double rudder blades. The most drastic change in terms of design is the return to the conventional single-masted rig. The last Amel models, including the Maramu and Super-Maramu, were always rigged as ketches. And the construction method is new: the 50 is now built as a GRP sandwich construction using the vacuum infusion process. Previously, Amel only used hand lay-up and wet lamination.
Amel is also known for its exceptionally rich basic equipment. This will not change. Among many other amenities, an electro-hydraulic furling system for the mainsail (in-mast furling) and genoa will be fitted to the boat straight from the shipyard.
For the interior fittings, Amel initially only offers one layout variant with two spacious double cabins, each with its own bathroom in the fore and aft cabin. Additional guests can stay overnight in an extra cabin with bunk berths. With the new ship, Amel is also saying goodbye to the classy, but also rather dark look of the previous models with walnut wood interior fittings - the interior will be finished in light-coloured oak as standard. Of course, other types of wood are still available as options.
The yacht builders at Amel are working flat out to finalise the first 50. The boat is due to enter the water for testing as early as June 2017. The world premiere is then planned for September at the trade fair in Cannes. Unfortunately, the detailed price list is not yet available. On request, however, Wert has already stated the basic price: the boat is expected to cost around 890,000 euros in its largely blue-water-compatible basic configuration and including 19 per cent VAT.
If you want to get an idea of the new Amel 50, you can do so via an exciting interactive 360-degree view. Here is the Link in addition.
