Yachting Art Magazine

The La Rochelle-based shipyard is preparing the successor to the AMEL 50. Named the AMEL 50.2, this new long-range cruising yacht will make its world premiere at the 2026 Cannes Yachting Festival. True to the Blue Water Cruising DNA developed by Henri Amel, it retains the fundamentals that made its predecessor a success while evolving its design, ergonomics, and living spaces.

The AMEL 50 bids farewell after a successful career

True to the La Rochelle shipyard’s tradition, the AMEL 50.2 remains, above all, a cruising yacht designed for long voyages and round-the-world expeditions.

With this new model, AMEL is ensuring the legacy of the AMEL 50, one of the most iconic models in its range of long-range cruising yachts.

Far from a revolution or a stylistic break, the French builder has opted for a measured approach, faithful to its long-standing philosophy. The aim is not to reinvent the AMEL concept but to evolve a boat whose seagoing qualities, safety and ergonomics have largely contributed to its success among offshore cruising enthusiasts.

In a long-range cruising yacht segment dominated by a handful of Blue Water Cruising specialists, AMEL thus continues to develop its range without compromising the principles that have built its reputation among offshore sailors.

This strategy also reflects the shipyard’s confidence in a formula that has proven its worth in the highly specialised market of cruising yachts designed to be sailed by a small crew.

A targeted modernisation of the design and living spaces

Designed by Berret-Racoupeau Yacht Design, the AMEL 50.2 immediately retains the attributes that make an AMEL instantly recognisable. The changes relate more to the overall harmony of the lines, the fluidity of the volumes and the integration of the various spaces than to the boat’s overall silhouette.

The shipyard highlights a slightly wider hull, an inverted bow and a modernised hull form. These developments align with current trends in the long-range cruising yacht market whilst preserving the brand’s core values.

Externally, the sheltered central cockpit naturally remains one of the boat’s defining features. A true hallmark of AMEL for several decades, it continues to be a major selling point for sailors who favour long crossings and offshore sailing.

Its layout has, however, been revised to facilitate movement and manoeuvring, whilst the shelter has been improved to optimise visibility.

An interior more focused on on-board well-being

It is probably inside that the evolution is most significant.

According to information provided by the shipyard, the AMEL 50.2 favours a softer, more contemporary ambience, with particular attention paid to space, circulation and quality of life on board.

This evolution reflects a fundamental trend observed across the entire yachting industry. Owners are no longer simply looking for a high-performance, safe boat; they also expect a level of comfort comparable to that of a second home or a luxury apartment.

The aft owner’s cabin has therefore been redesigned to enhance the sense of privacy and comfort. The more enveloping shapes, the reworked volumes and the orientation of the berth all contribute to this clear aim of creating an environment conducive to rest during long voyages.

The shipyard also notes that particular attention has been paid to safety when moving around the interior, thanks to the integration of handrails discreetly incorporated into the boat’s architecture.

True to the spirit of Blue Water Cruising

Beyond the aesthetic changes and new fittings, the AMEL 50.2 remains, above all, an offshore cruising yacht designed for long-distance sailing.

The Blue Water Cruising concept historically developed by Henri Amel remains at the heart of the project. The objective remains unchanged: to enable a couple or a small crew to undertake long crossings in conditions of high safety and comfort.

This philosophy continues to set AMEL apart from many competitors whose yachts prioritise pure performance or the optimisation of port space.

With an overall length of 16.70 metres, accommodation for six people and substantial autonomy in terms of both water and fuel, the AMEL 50.2 is fully in keeping with the tradition of cruising yachts designed for long-distance cruising and extended voyages. Positioned in the segment of long-range cruising yachts and sailing yachts designed for round-the-world voyages, it aims to uphold a sailing philosophy centred on autonomy, safety and ease of use.

A highly anticipated unveiling in Cannes

Seeing the actual boat will provide a concrete opportunity to gauge the scale of the developments announced by the shipyard.

The AMEL 50.2 will make its world debut at the 2026 Cannes Yachting Festival, the first major European sailing event of the season and a global benchmark for cruising yachts.

For AMEL, this launch will be an opportunity to demonstrate how one of its most iconic models is evolving to meet the current expectations of yacht owners without compromising the principles that have built the brand’s reputation over several decades.

Key features of the AMEL 50.2

• New offshore cruising yacht from AMEL
• A direct evolution of the AMEL 50
• Design: Berret-Racoupeau Yacht Design
• Modernised hull with inverted bow
• Protected central cockpit retained
• Completely redesigned interior
• Revised aft owner’s cabin
• Sailboat designed to be crewed by two
• Accommodates up to 6 people
• World premiere at the 2026 Cannes Yachting Festival

Technical specifications – AMEL 50.2

Designer: Berret-Racoupeau Yacht Design

Type: Offshore cruising yacht / Blue Water Cruiser

Overall length: 16.70 m

Hull length: 15.79 m

Maximum beam: 4.99 m

Draft: 2.20 m

Mainsail: 71 m²

Genoa: 64 m²

Staysail (optional): 27 m²

Engine: 150 hp (110 kW) diesel

Fresh water capacity: 600 litres

Fuel capacity: 670 litres

Solar panels: 570 W / 24 V

Accommodation capacity: up to 6 people

FAQ – AMEL 50.2

What is the AMEL 50.2?

The AMEL 50.2 is the successor to the AMEL 50, whilst retaining the key features that made the latter so successful. The shipyard has announced several developments relating to the design, layout and overall ergonomics of the boat.

When will the AMEL 50.2 be unveiled?

The boat will make its world debut at the Cannes Yachting Festival from 8 to 13 September 2026.

Does the AMEL 50.2 replace the AMEL 50?

AMEL presents the 50.2 as an evolution of the AMEL 50, incorporating several improvements in design, ergonomics and comfort.

What kind of sailing programme is the AMEL 50.2 designed for?

The boat is intended for offshore cruising and long voyages undertaken by a small crew, particularly by a couple.