Sharki 39 (Amel) Information, Review, Specs

The Amel Sharki 39 was produced by Chantiers Amel in La Rochelle, France, from 1980 to 1987. The design, a collaboration between the legendary Henri Amel and Jacques Carteau, sought to create a vessel that was supremely comfortable, robust, and manageable for its owners, enabling grand adventures. This aligns perfectly with Amel's foundational ethos of building yachts for long journeys and liveaboard comfort, emphasizing durability and ease of maintenance. Amel Builder Article During this era, Amel distinguished itself by embracing fiberglass (GRP) construction, a material chosen for its inherent durability and suitability for demanding ocean voyaging. Amel Builder Article While the Sharki 39 consistently adhered to its core design, minor refinements were likely incorporated throughout its production run, though no distinct Mark I or Mark II variations are widely noted.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Amel Sharki 39, with its masthead ketch rig, is designed for predictable and comfortable offshore performance rather than outright speed. Her sail area to displacement ratio of approximately 16.8 indicates a moderate cruiser, suggesting she will perform adequately in a range of wind conditions, leaning towards solid performance in moderate to strong breezes without being overly sensitive in light air. With a ballast to displacement ratio of around 33.1%, the Sharki 39 demonstrates a solid, albeit not exceptionally stiff, platform. This proportion often translates to a comfortable motion in a seaway, prioritizing initial stability and ease of handling over extreme upwind performance.

Further affirming its cruising credentials, the Sharki 39 boasts a displacement to length ratio of approximately 295. This places her firmly in the category of a heavier, more traditional cruiser, indicative of a stout build and a capacity to handle significant loads while providing a comfortable ride even in challenging conditions. Owners generally praise Amel yachts for their solid construction and comfortable motion in a seaway, characteristics the Sharki 39 undoubtedly shares as a blue water capable vessel. Amel Builder Article, 10 The ketch rig provides excellent flexibility for sail management, allowing for easy reefing and adaptation to various wind strengths, a key advantage for long-distance cruising.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Amel Sharki 39 is designed with a strong emphasis on comfort, utility, and practicality for extended living aboard. Owners describe the layout as sophisticated and highly functional, maximizing comfort for both short trips and long journeys. While specific headroom figures are not consistently available, Amel yachts are known for their well-designed cabins and efficient use of space.

Typically, the interior features a comfortable salon area, a practical galley designed for use at sea, and well-appointed sleeping berths. Amels are also distinguished by their excellent tankage, providing ample fuel and water capacity for self-sufficient cruising. The fit and finish generally reflect Amel's commitment to quality, utilizing durable materials suitable for the marine environment, often with robust wood trim and joinery. Ventilation is typically well-considered, an important feature for liveaboard comfort. The protected center cockpit design, a signature Amel feature, offers excellent safety and convenient access to the interior, further enhancing its suitability for serious cruisers. Amel Builder Article

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Amel Sharki 39 consistently praise its robust build quality and its comfortable motion even in rough seas. They express a high degree of confidence in the vessel's capability to handle challenging offshore conditions, a hallmark of the Amel brand. Amel Builder Article The durability and relative ease of maintenance often cited for Amel yachts contribute to a positive ownership experience. Amel Builder Article, 14

While generally well-regarded, common issues, as with any vessel of this age, can include maintenance related to original deck fittings or wear on older mechanical systems like the Perkins 4108 engine. [13, 14, Some discussions among owners revolve around optimizing elements like the wheelhouse for varying climates, suggesting that while the boat is highly capable, individual preferences may lead to minor modifications. Overall, the Amel Sharki 39 is seen by its owners as a dependable and comfortable liveaboard cruising yacht, fostering a supportive community among its enthusiasts. Amel Builder Article, 15