Amel cup 2024 [EN]

The AMEL CUP TROPICS 2024,
a successful first edition!

Following the success of the AMEL CUP Med, this year Chantiers AMEL set sail for the Caribbean in Martinique, where sailboats gathered to sail “Together” in a friendly and sporty spirit. The crews got to explore the turquoise waters and the beauty of Martinique, conditions even more exotic than what AMEL owners experienced on the French Riviera during the AMEL Cup Med.

AMEL 55, AMEL 50, and AMEL 60 participated in the regattas. The crews had the chance to test themselves and show off the strengths of their sailboats. The sight of all these sails on the water was magnificent!

To further immerse in the Caribbean culture, participants enjoyed a cultural visit and some relaxing moments by the water. It was an opportunity for them to exchange and share around the passion that unites them.

Discover the summary of the AMEL Cup Tropics and the details of each day to relive this unforgettable edition.

For your information, the final ranking is established based on the calculation of corrected times.

Welcome in Martinique !

At Marina du Marin, on pontoon number 4, the atmosphere is all about welcoming and preparation: the crews of participating sailboats receive their official Marine Pool gear and gifts from partner Pochon, in collaboration with the brands Furuno and B&G.

In the evening, at 7 pm, all teams gather at the Kokoarum bar located on the harbor. The evening has a dual purpose: a briefing to prepare for the next day’s regatta and a social time to strengthen the bonds between participants. Over cocktails and local specialties, this first evening provides a warm start to the event.

The Diamond Rock Regatta (16 NM)

With winds blowing between 18 and 20 knots and a sky dotted with a few discreet clouds, the day promises ideal conditions for sailing. Around 9:30 am, the crews leave the pontoons to gather at the entrance of Sainte Anne bay, the starting point of the regatta.

At 10 am, the excitement is tangible, with sailboats adjusting their positions for an optimal start. When the starting signal is given at 10:05 am, the AMEL 50 Nikiti quickly takes the lead, closely followed by the 50 Traveller IV and the 60 Entropie, the latter unfurling its large orange gennaker.

The race to Diamond Rock, marked by a downwind course, sees gennakers and other light sails unfold, creating a colorful display on the water. The first boats reach the rock after just over an hour of sailing, then begin a tactical upwind battle where each crew’s skills are thoroughly tested. Nikiti maintains its lead to cross the finish line after 3 hours and 30 minutes of racing, showcasing the skill and tenacity of its crew.

Back at the port, participants took some time to relax in anticipation of a day of cultural activities the following day, encouraging sharing and relaxation after this first day of sports.

RANKING ROCHER DU DIAMANT :
1. NIKITI (AMEL 50)
2. SPEED OF LIFE (AMEL 50)
3. TERTIO (AMEL 55)

Relaxation Moments and Cultural Outing

At 9:15 am, the day begins with a trip to Le François, not far from the Marina du Marin. There, we explore the A1710 distillery, nestled within the elegant Habitation du Simon, an 18th-century mansion overlooking the Baie du Simon.

The tour immerses us in the art and tradition of rum distillation, from the artisanal pressing of sugarcane to the wax sealing of bottles, through copper stills and the oak barrel cellar. This immersion in the world of rum concludes with a tasting session, where we explore the nuances of the various vintages from the A1710 distillery.

The day continues at the restaurant Lili au Lagon. Its terrace, opening onto a beach, provides the perfect setting to enjoy lunch. The professional welcome and friendly atmosphere of the restaurant, combined with the quality of the dishes served, round off this cultural and gourmet getaway in Martinique.

Two regattas on this final day

With winds blowing from 15 to 18 knots and a veiled sky, the day’s first regatta begins at 9:30 am. Participants make a synchronized start heading south, skillfully sailing upwind. The AMEL 50 Nikiti is the first to round the buoy at Table du Diable, marking the midpoint of a tight race. After a flawlessly executed course, it crosses the finish line first in 1h41, closely followed by the 55 Tertio and the 60 Entropie.

The competition heats up with the second race, where the sailboats form a closely packed fleet, each aiming to showcase their performance. The AMEL 60 Entropie dominates this race, reflecting the increasing competitiveness among crews as the events progress.

After the races, everyone returns to the port, led by the marina teams and AMEL Caraïbes technicians. The afternoon offers a chance to spend time with the AMEL team in Martinique, busy with various maintenance tasks during this particularly active period for the base.

The day concludes with an evening at Le Zanzibar restaurant, where the results are announced in a festive atmosphere. The winners receive trophies and gifts from the partners.

Amidst applause, the podium is revealed: AMEL 50 Nikiti in first place, followed by AMEL 55 Tertio and AMEL 60 Entropie.

The evening then extends over a delicious meal, thus ending a beautiful day of sailing and shared emotions.

A big thank you to the AMEL teams, Marina du Marin, and the partners Marine Pool and Pochon, for enabling this event to take place under the best conditions.

RANKING TABLE DU DIABLE :
1. NIKITI (AMEL 50)
2. TERTIO (AMEL 55)
3. ENTROPIE (AMEL 60)

RANKING GRANDE CAYE :
1. ENTROPIE (AMEL 60)
2. NIKITI (AMEL 50)
3. TERTIO (AMEL 55)

OVERALL RANKING BY CATEGORY OF THE AMEL CUP TROPICS 2024

1^st PLACE

NIKITI (AMEL 50)

2^nd PLACE

TERTIO (AMEL 55)

3^rd PLACE

ENTROPIE (AMEL 60)

GREAT THANKS TO OUR PARTNERS AND TO THE VARIOUS VENUES THAT HAVE WELCOMED US SO WARMLY!

EXPLORE THE AMEL CUP TROPICS 2024 EDITION IN PHOTOS!

Anti-Waste and Circular Economy Law (AGEC)

Under the above French law, since the 1st of January 2022, each producer (company that places a product in the market) has his unique producer identifier number (Article L.541-10-13). This unique identifier number, assigned by the ADEME (French agency for the environment and energy management), proves that the placer on the market is a member of the APER (French association for eco-friendly pleasure boating) and that it fulfills its regulatory obligations. The AMEL SHIPYARDS’ U-ID number is: FR028009_18AOCF.

The AMEL CUP TROPICS 2024, a successful first edition!