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!
