Amel 60 Information, Review, Specs

The story of the Amel 60 begins in 2019, marking a significant evolution in Amel's storied history of building long-distance cruising yachts. While Amel, founded by Henri Amel, has historically focused on ketch rigs, the Amel 60, much like its smaller sibling the Amel 50, embraces a tall sloop rig, signifying a modern approach to sailing efficiency and simplified management. The design, penned by Berret-Racoupeau, reflects Amel's commitment to durability and ease of maintenance, values deeply ingrained in the company's ethos since its establishment in La Rochelle in 1965. Amel's unique ownership structure, where the company was left in perpetuity to its workers, fosters a strong sense of craftsmanship and continuity, ensuring that each vessel, including the 60, upholds the brand's reputation for quality. The design philosophy of Berret-Racoupeau for the Amel 60 emphasized creating a luxury cruiser capable of extensive navigation across all latitudes. They focused on respecting the vessel's lines and balance, ensuring a harmonious blend of aesthetics and functionality.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Amel 60 is designed to deliver capable sailing performance, particularly for a yacht of its substantial size. With a sail area to displacement ratio of approximately 19.78, the Amel 60 suggests a good balance for a powerful cruiser, indicating a yacht that should perform well in varying wind conditions, including lighter airs, without being overly sluggish. Its displacement to length ratio of approximately 151.27 places it in a category that, for a boat of this size, leans towards a more performance-oriented cruiser rather than a traditional heavy displacement vessel. This suggests a design aimed at achieving respectable speeds and an engaging sailing experience while retaining the robust nature expected of an Amel. The ballast to displacement ratio, at around 0.2769, indicates a focus on stability for comfortable cruising, though it is not as high as some dedicated offshore racing yachts, aligning with Amel's emphasis on comfort and safety over extreme stiffness. Owners and reviewers often describe the Amel 60 as sailing well and being remarkably easy to manage, particularly noting its cutter configuration and electrically furled sails, including a Code 0, which simplify operation. It is widely regarded as a supremely capable yacht for shorthanded world cruising.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Amel 60 is a hallmark of luxury, comfort, and practical design, meticulously crafted for long-term liveaboard cruising. Isabelle Racoupeau, responsible for the interior design, focused particularly on lighting to create an inviting and sophisticated ambiance. The layout is characterized by its simplicity and functionality, with the main saloon typically situated amidships, providing a spacious and comfortable living area. The navigation station is often tucked away to port, while a longitudinal galley is positioned to starboard, offering ample space for meal preparation and storage. A standout feature for owners is the aft owner's cabin, described as a "palace" and an ideal place to enjoy sailing from below deck. This area is configured as a dedicated owner's space, reflecting Amel's "one and only long cruise cabin concept." The Amel 60 is comprehensively fitted out, featuring high-quality finishes and an emphasis on comfort and practicality, making it a true benchmark for quality in modern cruising yachts. The refined design integrates both indoor and outdoor living seamlessly, and the boat is rich in technical equipment.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Amel 60 consistently praise the yacht's refined and optimized design, noting that Amel actively incorporates owner feedback into adjustments and changes. The vessel is frequently highlighted for its comprehensive outfitting, solid construction, and ease of management, making it an excellent choice for blue water cruising. Owners often comment on the high degree of confidence they have in the vessel's capability, a sentiment reinforced by Amel's established reputation for building hardy and capable yachts. The unique ownership structure of Amel, where the company is left to its workers, further fosters a strong and supportive global community among owners, who appreciate the consistent quality and dedication to the brand's core values.