Pampero (Amel) Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The creation of the Pampero aligns with the formative years of Chantiers Amel, which was formally established in La Rochelle in 1965, though Henri Amel's shipbuilding ventures predated this. As with most early Amel models, Henri Amel himself was the designer of the Pampero. During this period, Amel distinguished itself by embracing composite materials like fiberglass (GRP) for its durability, a forward-thinking approach for the time that underscored the builder's focus on sturdy, ocean-ready vessels. Henri Amel's core vision was to construct yachts that were robust, comfortable, and easy for owners to manage for extended adventures. While the Pampero is much smaller than the blue water cruisers Amel would later specialize in, its design hints at the underlying philosophy, with the designer reportedly opting for a "significantly more speedy hull design" for its size. Notably, the Pampero featured removable ballast, a unique design choice that facilitated transport over land.

Sailing Performance and Handling

Despite its compact size, the Pampero was designed for a responsive and engaging sailing experience. With a reported sail area of 100 square feet, a displacement of 1,279 pounds, and a narrow beam of 6.56 feet, the boat is inherently light and nimble. Its design incorporates a fin keel and a spade rudder, a configuration known for offering good maneuverability and responsiveness. These characteristics, combined with a hull speed of 5.43 knots, suggest that the Pampero would be lively in light to moderate winds and capable of respectable speeds for a boat of its length. The relatively shallow maximum draft of 3.28 feet also enhances its versatility, allowing access to shallower anchorages and coastal areas. The inclusion of removable ballast further highlights a design that prioritized portability and ease of trailering, making it a flexible option for sailors looking to explore different waterways.

Accommodations and Layout

Given its overall length of just under 19 feet, the interior accommodations of the Amel Pampero are necessarily compact, designed primarily for weekend excursions or day sailing rather than extended liveaboard cruising. Despite its size, the Pampero typically featured one cabin and was configured to offer four berths, a common arrangement for maximizing sleeping capacity in small boats of its vintage. While specific details on headroom are not readily available, it is reasonable to infer that standing headroom would have been limited or non-existent, typical for a vessel of this length. The interior would likely feature a basic layout, prioritizing functionality with simple finishes, likely incorporating some wood trim alongside molded fiberglass components to create a practical yet sturdy cabin environment. Due to the boat's age and design focus on performance and portability, extensive storage or sophisticated amenities would not be a primary feature.