French shipyard Amel will launch the Amel 60 at the Cannes Yachting Festival (September 10-15) as part of the yacht's world premiere.
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Australian dealers Flagstaff Marine will make the journey over for the debut, with interest from the local market already piqued. The premiere will showcase the Amel 50 and Amel 60 on the same pontoon, and Graham Raspass and Micah Lane from Flagstaff Marine will be conducting VIP tours.
The newest member of the family, the Amel 60 is in the same vein as Amel 50. French naval architects Berret-Racoupeau have again designed the yacht, which promises "the ultimate on-board lifestyle," according to the shipyard.
Previews released from the shipyard are promising. Spacious appointments, a choice of ultra-qualitative materials, comfort of the fittings and attention to detail are hallmarks of Amel, and it seems from early images and details the new 60 model is no exception.
The generous volumes of this large sailboat suggest it has been designed to allow owners and guests to enjoy life on board, while preserving privacy. The 60 features sizable spaces, above and below deck. The high-end kitchen is equipped with large workspaces, generous storage and Miele appliances, along with all the amenities you would expect.
The luxurious owners' cabin aft has a large central bed and ensuite, while the double cabins forward each have an ensuite.
The lavish saloon provides enough space for eight. Interiors are finished in a choice of light oak or American walnut with a matt varnish, with high-end upholstery. The one-piece laminated deck features open space for relaxation, with double sunloungers making for a great sunbathing area on the aft deck. The transom opens into a swimming platform, with remote controlled hydraulic opening system.
Flagstaff Marine highlight that the deep centralised cockpit is designed for comfort and ease, with all controls coming back to the portside helm station for ease and convenience. A wide choice of navigation programs include electric sail furlers and winches and the self-tacking staysail.
The hardtop is designed for safe sailing and protection in all weather. Forward and side windscreens will offer exceptional panoramic views. There's also generous lounge seating and a foldaway teak table for entertaining.
The Amel 60 backs up its layout and refined design with technical assets like its rig, consisting of a new carbon mast, increasing its performance at sea. The 60 also has an electric in-mast furling system, aluminium boom and hydraulic clew sheeting system. Double monolithic rudders and performance keel is aimed at creating comfort under sail.
The Amel 60 is driven by a Volvo 4-cylinder 180HP low-speed diesel engine, housed in the centre engine room which is watertight, fully insulated from the interior and provides easy access for service.
CLUBS TO CLASH
The National Sailing League Oceania is expanding from the single final launch in season one to at least five fleet racing events across two states making up the 2019-20 calendar.
The 2019-20 season will include three regional-based qualifiers and a standalone women's and youth final, plus a new fleet of RS21 keelboats - now the official boat of the Oceania league.
The northern region qualifier caters for NSW, ACT, Queensland and Northern Territory teams; the southern region encompasses Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia and Western Australia; and the Pacific region includes New Zealand and the Pacific Islands.
The top teams from each qualifying final will head to Sydney for the NSL Oceania Open Final in April 2020. Those winners qualify for the Sailing Champions League Final in Europe in the second half of 2020.
A combined women's and youth final - hosted by Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club from March 21-22, 2020 - is the third event of the summer and the first major final, with winners qualifying for the respective Sailing Champions League events in Europe next year.