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Manon Pianazza visits Hyères for an AMEL 50 test sail

Just a few days before the start of the French Olympic Week in Hyères, we had the pleasure of meeting with Manon Pianazza, the talented Olympic windsurfer supported by AMEL, for a very special encounter.
On the Mediterranean coast, two worlds came together: the fast, high-flying IQ-Foil, an Olympic-class board, and the AMEL 50, a quiet, majestic cruising yacht designed for long-distance comfort. Two different styles, two different speeds… but one shared passion for the sea.

A Committed Sailor

More than a top-level athlete, Manon represents a new generation of sailors—driven, focused, and deeply respectful of the ocean.
That day, after a few flights on her foil, Manon stepped aboard our AMEL 50 demo yacht and discovered a whole new sailing experience. Comfort, control, and peace of mind. A different world from racing, but one that offers its own deep connection with the sea.

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A True-to-Life Sea Trial

 

The bay of Hyères offered ideal conditions to showcase the full potential of the AMEL 50. From the centralized helm station and electric furling sails to the protected cockpit and premium interior finishes—everything delivered a definite “wow” effect. Despite strong westerly gusts, each maneuver was smooth and effortless. Back in port, the yacht’s agility stood out once again, especially thanks to its powerful bow thruster.

Want to know more about the AMEL 50? https://youtu.be/aQ_0aeMzCSY

Or book your own test sail?
Contact us: https://amel.fr/contact

Follow Manon Pianazza on her journey:
@manonpianazza

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Henri Amel: The legacy of a visionary dedicated to long-distance cruising

Henri Amel, born in April 1913, was a passionate sailor, an inventive engineer, and a dedicated entrepreneur. His journey was shaped by an unwavering determination to create safe, comfortable, and reliable sailboats designed for long-distance cruising.

After enduring World War II and overcoming personal challenges, Henri Amel founded Chantiers AMEL with a clear vision: to enable sailors, even with a small crew, to navigate with complete peace of mind. His designs quickly stood out for their groundbreaking innovations, including a protected central cockpit, automated rigging, and a rigid balcony surrounding the deck—features that would become hallmarks of the AMEL brand.

Believing that performance should always go hand in hand with exceptional comfort, he envisioned spacious and welcoming interiors, crafted to withstand long journeys with elegance and practicality. His commitment extended beyond yacht design; he also left a lasting impact on the company’s management, pioneering progressive social policies such as profit-sharing and improved working conditions.

Today, every AMEL yacht continues to embody this unique legacy. The founder’s philosophy remains at the heart of the brand’s design, staying true to his guiding principle: “Sailboats that are true to the sea.”

Find the book “The Legacy of a Passion”, which traces the history of the shipyard, available now in our online store!

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AMEL shipyard’s sports partnerships: supporting passion and excellence

At Chantiers AMEL, we are committed to supporting local athletes, celebrating inspiring journeys that reflect our core values: passion, performance, and teamwork. Through various partnerships, AMEL accompanies high-level athletes in their respective disciplines, strengthening the connection between the nautical world and the pursuit of excellence.

Among the talented athletes we support are Louis and Arthur Radier, two young sailors excelling in Laser racing. 

Louis, 14, has already secured multiple podium finishes in Ilca 4 and Laser, while Arthur, 17, is the Nouvelle-Aquitaine League champion in Ilca 7, with four podiums in the 2023-2024 season. Training with ASPTT Voile La Rochelle, their goal is to secure a league podium and a top 10 finish at the French Youth Championship in La Rochelle (August 22-27, 2025).

Since 2022, AMEL has also supported Manon Pianazza, a rising star in iQ-Foil windsurfing.

A U19 World Champion in 2021 and U21 World Champion in 2023, she now aims for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics in the IQfoil 7m class. Manon has also excelled in Wing Foil, winning 3rd place in 2023 and 1st place in 2024 at the World Cup in Sardinia. Her upcoming competitions will take her across the Balearic Islands, southern France, Denmark, Portugal, and Italy for iQfoil, as well as Turkey and Italy for Wing Foil.

Raphaël and Arthur: passionate about Nacra 15!

In addition, AMEL is proud to support Raphaël and Arthur, two 12- and 13-year-old sailors from La Rochelle Nautique Club who are taking their first steps in Nacra 15 competition. The Nacra 15, a high-performance catamaran, is the official youth class recognized by World Sailing. Despite being among the youngest crews in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine league, they have ambitious goals: to master the Nacra 15, reach the podium against top national competitors, compete at the World Championships in La Rochelle (July 5-11, 2025), and eventually join the Pôle Espoir training program, a stepping stone to the French National Team.

Beyond individual athletes, Chantiers AMEL is actively involved in sponsoring local clubs and supporting sports events. In 2024, AMEL contributed to funding a young underwater hockey team’s participation in the World Championships in Malaysia, renewed its partnership with the Trail du Canal in La Rochelle, and supported a club specialized in obstacle course racing, including an athlete selected for the 2025 World Championships. These collaborations highlight AMEL’s commitment to fostering determination and teamwork, values that align perfectly with the shipyard’s philosophy.

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Amel Cup Med 2025: Heading to Porquerolles for a unique gathering

From June 19 to 22, 2025, the Amel Cup Med is making a grand return to the island of Porquerolles, offering AMEL yacht owners four days of sailing and camaraderie.

This event will bring together AMEL 50, 55, and 60 models for friendly regattas, cultural discoveries, and moments of sharing.

To learn more about the event and past editions, check out the article by FIGARO NAUTISME:
https://figaronautisme.meteoconsult.fr/actus-nautisme-courses/2025-02-11/75444-amel-cup-med-2025-cap-sur-porquerolles-pour-un-rassemblement-unique

©V & J Saintenoy