Name: Akela 50
Brand: Akela

Sailing Performance & Handling

The sailing characteristics of the Akela 50 are defined by its slender profile and an impressive power-to-weight ratio. With a length-to-beam ratio of approximately 3.9, the hull is significantly narrower than contemporary 50-footers, allowing it to pierce through waves with minimal resistance rather than climbing over them. According to editorial insights from No Frills Sailing, the boat features an upwind sail area of 137 square meters against a light displacement of just 9.5 tons for the aluminum version, and as low as 6.7 tons for wood-epoxy builds. This makes the Akela 50 exceptionally "lively" and prone to high accelerations, though its Motion Comfort Ratio is lower than average, reflecting a ride that is more athletic than sedate.

Handling is optimized for shorthanded use, a requirement for many of the sailors who originally commissioned these custom builds. The cockpit is intentionally narrow to provide secure footing when heeled, and winches are positioned within easy reach of the helmsman. Owners have noted that the boat tracks exceptionally well due to its deep fin keel—or in some rare variants, a sophisticated drop-keel system that extends to 2.80 meters—enabling high-pointing ability that rivals dedicated racing yachts.

Interior Comfort & Variations

While the exterior is all business, the interior of the Akela 50 varies significantly depending on the specific builder and owner requirements. Most models adhere to a minimalist two-cabin layout that focuses on safety and functionality at sea rather than "marina living." In the standard configuration, the owner's suite is located forward, often described as a functional "cave" with limited natural light but excellent sea-berth security. The main saloon is typically dominated by a massive dining table that, in drop-keel versions, houses the hydraulic lifting mechanism.

A notable variation of the hull is the "Pilothouse" edition, which incorporates a massive, watertight superstructure allowing the crew to navigate the vessel from a sheltered interior helm station. This variant is frequently cited as a premier choice for high-latitude or storm-heavy routes. The materials used below deck reflect the boat’s era and purpose, often featuring functional wood veneers over lightweight cores or exposed, painted aluminum.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Akela 50’s design lineage gained wider recognition through its involvement in solo ocean racing. The Open 50 Tagaora, which participated in various offshore challenges, was directly based on the Akela 50 blueprints by Auzepy-Brenneur. The history of this sister ship and its revitalization for events like the Global Solo Challenge highlights the design's enduring relevance in the world of extreme endurance sailing.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of an Akela 50 must consider the technical demands of its specific construction material and age:

Electrolysis in Aluminum: For Alumarine-built hulls, a thorough hull thickness test (ultrasound) and an inspection of the sacrificial anodes are mandatory. Any previous electrical leaks can lead to significant pitting in the AG4 alloy.
Keel Mechanism: On variants equipped with the 1.60m to 2.80m drop keel, the hydraulic rams and vertical tracks require meticulous inspection. These systems are prone to wear if not regularly serviced and can be costly to refit.
Deck Core Integrity: Wood-epoxy versions, such as those built by the MC2 or YES shipyards, should be checked for moisture ingress around deck fittings, as any compromise in the epoxy seal can lead to localized rot in the core.
Rig Tension: Given the boat’s high sail area and slender hull, the chainplates and mast step undergo significant stress. Buyers should look for signs of fatigue or deformation in the structural grid that supports the masthead rig.

Community & Resources

Technical support for the Akela 50 is largely found within the broader French aluminum boat-building community and specialist naval architecture circles. The Alumarine Shipyard remains a point of reference for technical history, while the archives of the Association des Propriétaires de Bateaux en Aluminium (Aluminum Boat Owners Association) provide a wealth of knowledge on maintaining AG4 hulls of this vintage.

The Verdict

The Akela 50 is a uncompromising vessel designed for the experienced sailor who views the ocean as a playground for speed rather than a backdrop for a floating apartment. It is a rare, high-performance "needle" that remains faster than many modern cruisers twice its weight.

Pros: