AMEL 50

THE TEST VERDICT

The Amel 50 is a luxurious, well-engineered yacht which genuinely exceeded my expectations on sailing performance – for a boat designed to cross oceans in luxury. The Amel philosophy of a maintenance free boat results in features that are clever but at times chunky. Thanks to this approach I believe this is a vessel that could sail tens of thousands of miles and show little sign of wear and tear.

At €790,000 ex VAT the Amel 50 would clearly suit couples seeking adventures in their retirement and I believe she caters well to this market, offering a sailing experience with minimal physical effort and a high standard of living accommodation. There are some aspects of sailing the Amel 50 that smaller people, women in particular, may struggle with, such as the seated steering position and handling the jib pole. However, the electric furling and winches make sailing this boat a generally inclusive experience.

WOULD SHE SUIT YOU AND YOUR CREW?

This boat is clearly aimed at couples with occasional guests who are looking for maximum comfort and space. It is designed to sail well but with minimum effort. This type of low engagement sailing offers a compromise; it allows those with a thirst to see the raw beauty of remote places to do so without having to endure physical hardship along the way. This boat will not suit those seeking more interactive quality of sailing but it will be great for effortless offshore passage making; and when you eventually decide to drop the hook, the Amel 50 will provide a sumptuous standard of living on-board regardless of conditions on deck.

For those looking to explore the world by boat, and who have the funds to do so, the Amel 50 offers the opportunity to take on the challenge with a mix of luxury, style and practicality few other boats this size offer.