Fango (Amel) Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Amel Fango emerged from the Chantiers Amel shipyard in La Rochelle, France, during a period when the company was well-established in its commitment to building formidable blue water cruising yachts. Designed by Henri Amel, the visionary founder, alongside Jacques Carteau, the Fango's creation was guided by Amel's enduring principle to craft vessels that were robust, supremely comfortable, and easily managed by their owners, facilitating grand adventures on the open ocean.

Throughout its history, Amel embraced composite materials, utilizing fiberglass (GRP) for the Fango's solid hull and deck construction, a choice indicative of the shipyard's early adoption of durable materials suitable for ocean voyaging., This focus on longevity and ease of maintenance was a hallmark of Henri Amel's engineering and design philosophy. While no significant variations such as MkI or MkII versions are commonly noted for the Fango, its design remained consistent with Amel's reputation for unwavering quality and a clear focus on the needs of serious cruisers.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Amel Fango exhibits characteristics of a capable and stable cruiser, reflecting its design intent for comfortable passages. With a reported sail area of 538 square feet and a displacement of 11,023 pounds, the Fango has a Sail Area to Displacement ratio of approximately 17.45. This places it in a moderate performance category, suggesting a boat that will move well in a range of conditions but is not overtly optimized for light-air racing.

Its substantial ballast-to-displacement ratio of 0.40 (40%) indicates a particularly stiff and stable vessel, well-equipped to stand up to a breeze and provide a comfortable motion in a seaway. The Fango’s displacement-to-length ratio of around 257 further reinforces its identity as a moderate to heavy cruiser, designed for comfort and resilience rather than light displacement speed. Owners and reviewers frequently highlight Amel's general design goal of producing boats that are easy and safe to sail, even for a couple, regardless of the conditions. The fin keel with a skeg-hung rudder further contributes to its solid handling characteristics and directional stability.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific interior layout details for the Amel Fango can be scarce in readily available public reviews, the vessel adheres to Amel's overarching commitment to quality finishes and comfortable cruising. 7, 8, Builder Article Amel yachts of this era were known for their practical and well-appointed interiors, designed for liveaboard comfort during extended voyages.

The Fango, as a luxury cruising yacht, would typically feature a functional galley, a comfortable salon, and sleeping accommodations usually comprising a V-berth forward and potentially quarter berths aft. The interior would likely incorporate quality wood trim and durable fiberglass surfaces, consistent with Amel's reputation for robust construction. The Fango boasts a generous water capacity of 79 gallons, underscoring its design for self-sufficiency on longer trips.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of Amel yachts, including the Fango, consistently praise the brand's solid construction, comfortable motion in a seaway, and the inherent safety features built into their designs. The robust nature and ease of handling make Amels a preferred choice for couples seeking to undertake serious cruising. However, a common consideration for owners of older Amel models like the Fango is the availability of original parts and spare units, which can be challenging to source over time. Despite this, the enduring quality and design of Amel vessels often mean they remain cherished and capable yachts for many years.