1. main@AmelYachtOwners.groups.io
   Date   
Re: [Amel Yacht Owners] Amel Meltem for sale

Hajé Weisfelt
 

Dear Ron,

I light be interested. Are you Dutch? Cause I AM....

Kind regards, Hajé Weisfelt




Op 13 jul. 2017 4:27 a.m. schreef "Ron Hynes riffhynes@... [amelyachtowners]" <amelyachtowners@...>:

 

Age and crew issues have combined to force the sale of my 1976 Amel Meltem. Experienced blue water cruiser with 2 circumnavigations under her keel.  Sound, solid vessel.


Lightning strike in June, 2015 resulted in total replacement of wind, depth, speed, radar and autopilot as well as alternator and charger/inverter, VHF, AIS w/splitter and Go-Free WIFI, HDTV and stereo (basically all electronics replaced).  New B&G Zeus and Triton equipment. 


Volvo MD32 rebuilt by certified rebuilder in Sneek, Netherlands in June, 2016. (Approximately 600 hours on since rebuild) at which time standing rigging was also replaced.  Topsides Awlgripped (White) then also.  New refrigeration/freezer (Frigoboat) June, 2016 draws about 1A per hour. Decks need refinishing. Presently lying in Majorca, Spain, but might consider delivery to other local. 


B/O over €50k takes it.  Full particulars supplied to your email response. 


Ron Hynes
A/V Swan Song
1976 Amel Meltem #29
Re: [Amel Yacht Owners] Best trade wind rig for an Amel 55

gavin <gavingilmorelodge@...>
 

Bill,

 

I’m not a big user of forums but when I do I’m always struck by the kindness of others who give their time selflessly to complete strangers. The Amel owners group has certainly not disappointed on this score so many thanks for your further input which is much appreciated.

 

Thanks also for mentioning your connection with Jimmy Cornell.

 

Kind regards,

 

Gavin

 

From: amelyachtowners@... [mailto:amelyachtowners@...]
Sent: 23 August 2017 17:59
To: amelyachtowners@...
Subject: Re: [Amel Yacht Owners] Best trade wind rig for an Amel 55

 

 

Gavin,

 

 You said, "We were thinking of poling-out the genoa to windward and using the Code 0 on the other side when not blanketed by the main."

 

I have done this on a SM and it works fine...if the main blankets, furl the main and you will speed up...you can use the mizzen if the wind is forward of 150 degrees and using the mizzen in this configuration does help reduce roll.

 

I should have mentioned that Jimmy Cornell is a friend and I could be prejudiced, but when you analyze the two Atlantic crossing rallies that Jimmy Cornell founded, The ARC and The Atlantic Odyssey, the only reason to pay $$$+ more for the ARC is if you like racing and don't mind being 1 of 275+ boats. That said, you and I both know that if two are more boats are in sight of each other, a race will probably begin. Jimmy emphasizes safety, families, and cruising. The ARC is more of a race.

 

Best,

 

CW Bill Rouse

Admiral, Texas Navy

Commander Emeritus

Amel School  http://amelschool.com

720 Winnie St

Galveston Island, TX 77550

+1(832) 380-4970
Re: [Amel Yacht Owners] Best trade wind rig for an Amel 55

Danny and Yvonne SIMMS
 

Hi,
I'm a fan of the SM twin headsail system. However if I'm lazy or some other reason a very effective system is wing on wing x 3. Pole the headsail out to (say) port. Prevent the main out to starboard and percent the mizzen out to port.
This system gives wind acceleration. The wind hits the mizzen, accelerates across it and hits the main faster, then accelerates across the main and hits the biggest sail twice accelerated. You can sail downwind up to 15/degrees off 180 .put the boat on wind steer auto helm and kick back.
Regards
Danny
SM 299
Ocean Pearl
 

Sent from my Vodafone Smart

On 24 Aug 2017 16:41, "Bob Grey renaissanceiii@... [amelyachtowners]" <amelyachtowners@...> wrote:
 

Hi Gavin, I have a 55 


In answer to your questions.

You need to re tension the pole down haul ropes (3) after setup as they stretch, then the pole moves and chafes the genoa sheets. The pole should be tensioned with its halliard to keep it stable and not move.

If your running downwind 150-210deg then put the mizzen away it just cuts flow to the main or Genoa.

I rarely use the staysail, but when I need it 45+knots tacking to windward, the running back stay really needs to be tightened by winch, don't rethink the Amel design.

The staysail is your storm jib.

The most obvious is that the heat exchanger plates on the bottom of the boat have been painted or antifouled.

Bob Grey
Renaissance 3
Amel 55 #25.


Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPad

On Tuesday, August 22, 2017, 19:24, Gavin Shaw gavingilmorelodge@... [amelyachtowners] <amelyachtowners@...> wrote:

 

We hope to cross this year with the ARC on an Amel 55 from 2012.

 

We are completely new to the boat and have not sailed an Amel before. We would therefore really appreciate advice from Amel 55 owners with ocean experience, particularly on these topics.

1.       The ideal trade wind rig with the apparent wind below 15 knots and the best reduced sail plan with a stronger wind. In addition to the standard cutter rig we have a cruising chute and a Code 0 on board.

2.       Any tips on setting up the pole for long term running to minimise chafe and wear on the pole and fittings?

3.       How best to rig a preventer on the mizzen boom when running?

4.       Should we consider a mizzen staysail, if so how best to rig it on the 55 which doesn’t seem to be set up for one?

5.       When should we use the forward staysail and whether it is safe to rig the running backstays with a tackle and integral jamming cleat like a sailing dinghy mainsheet? (To avoid blocking the secondary winch on the windward side)

6.       I don’t think we have a storm jib or trysail but imagine we should use the forward staysail and deeply reefed main in heavy weather. Do we need additional heavy weather sails?

7.       Our fridge and freezer are not working properly. The freezer struggles to reach -5C and the fridge achieves no cooling at all.They are Frigoboat units with keel coolers, made by Veco. The boat is currently in Golfe Juan where the local service company seem unable to fix them. Any suggestions would be welcome.

Many thanks for experienced input on any of these topics.

Gavin
Re: [Amel Yacht Owners] Best trade wind rig for an Amel 55

Bob Grey
 

Hi Gavin, I have a 55 

In answer to your questions.

You need to re tension the pole down haul ropes (3) after setup as they stretch, then the pole moves and chafes the genoa sheets. The pole should be tensioned with its halliard to keep it stable and not move.

If your running downwind 150-210deg then put the mizzen away it just cuts flow to the main or Genoa.

I rarely use the staysail, but when I need it 45+knots tacking to windward, the running back stay really needs to be tightened by winch, don't rethink the Amel design.

The staysail is your storm jib.

The most obvious is that the heat exchanger plates on the bottom of the boat have been painted or antifouled.

Bob Grey
Renaissance 3

On Tuesday, August 22, 2017, 19:24, Gavin Shaw gavingilmorelodge@... [amelyachtowners] wrote:

 

We hope to cross this year with the ARC on an Amel 55 from 2012.

 

We are completely new to the boat and have not sailed an Amel before. We would therefore really appreciate advice from Amel 55 owners with ocean experience, particularly on these topics.

1.       The ideal trade wind rig with the apparent wind below 15 knots and the best reduced sail plan with a stronger wind. In addition to the standard cutter rig we have a cruising chute and a Code 0 on board.

2.       Any tips on setting up the pole for long term running to minimise chafe and wear on the pole and fittings?

3.       How best to rig a preventer on the mizzen boom when running?

4.       Should we consider a mizzen staysail, if so how best to rig it on the 55 which doesn’t seem to be set up for one?

5.       When should we use the forward staysail and whether it is safe to rig the running backstays with a tackle and integral jamming cleat like a sailing dinghy mainsheet? (To avoid blocking the secondary winch on the windward side)

6.       I don’t think we have a storm jib or trysail but imagine we should use the forward staysail and deeply reefed main in heavy weather. Do we need additional heavy weather sails?

7.       Our fridge and freezer are not working properly. The freezer struggles to reach -5C and the fridge achieves no cooling at all.They are Frigoboat units with keel coolers, made by Veco. The boat is currently in Golfe Juan where the local service company seem unable to fix them. Any suggestions would be welcome.

Many thanks for experienced input on any of these topics.

Gavin
Re: [Amel Yacht Owners] Best trade wind rig for an Amel 55

Bill & Judy Rouse <yahoogroups@...>
 

Gavin,

 You said, "We were thinking of poling-out the genoa to windward and using the Code 0 on the other side when not blanketed by the main."

I have done this on a SM and it works fine...if the main blankets, furl the main and you will speed up...you can use the mizzen if the wind is forward of 150 degrees and using the mizzen in this configuration does help reduce roll.

I should have mentioned that Jimmy Cornell is a friend and I could be prejudiced, but when you analyze the two Atlantic crossing rallies that Jimmy Cornell founded, The ARC and The Atlantic Odyssey, the only reason to pay $$$+ more for the ARC is if you like racing and don't mind being 1 of 275+ boats. That said, you and I both know that if two are more boats are in sight of each other, a race will probably begin. Jimmy emphasizes safety, families, and cruising. The ARC is more of a race.

Best,

CW Bill Rouse
Admiral, Texas Navy
Commander Emeritus
Amel School  http://amelschool.com
720 Winnie St
Galveston Island, TX 77550
+1(832) 380-4970
Re: [Amel Yacht Owners] Best trade wind rig for an Amel 55

ianjenkins1946 <ianjudyjenkins@hotmail.com>
 

Hi all,


 This is our experience--we crossed east to west with the Arc in 2002 ( when it suffered its first fatality, one brother falling overboard from a two brother boat, drowning despite being attached on his harness. The boat was doing 8 knots .)

 We enjoyed the competitive sailing, crossing two up in just over 17 days ,  for the most part just poling out our genoa . We had some good parties in Las Palmas at the start and many more at the end.Over the  next seven months that we were in the eastern Caribbean we bumped into a number of friends whom we had met through the Arc and 15 years later still stay in touch with a handful, now scattered all over the world.


 Do you feel safer on a rally ? The fact that we didn't see another boat for the whole crossing after the first 24 hours says it all. Whether you are on a rally or crossing solo an ocean is a big place and you are entirely on your own. Yes, there have been occasions when one Arc boat has been able to help another but you would be unwise to rely on that happening.


Our subsequent ocean passages  circumnavigating South America and crossing back to Europe from the Bahamas were all solo. The Arc is the only rally that we have been on, but it was great fun and if setting off for the Caribbean again from Europe we would certainly consider doing it again.


Ian and Judy, Pen Azen, SM 302 Greece

From: amelyachtowners@... on behalf of 'sailormon' kimberlite@... [amelyachtowners]
Sent: 23 August 2017 04:14:47
To: amelyachtowners@...
Subject: [Amel Yacht Owners] Best trade wind rig for an Amel 55
 

I hate to be a party pooper. I feel that rally’s gives one a false sense of security.

If you are attending for the camaraderie , then that’s good.

 

If you feel that someone is going to help you out in the middle of a long passage, I would not count on it.

I have sailed Kimberlite somewhere between 73-76,000 miles and have never been in a rally. I have heard of disastrous happenings on the radio from rallies. A benefit is weather routing.

 

My friend Eric Forsyth just left  NY for the Azores having already logged 375,000 miles on his home made 42 footer. He is 85 years young. I asked what he did about weather routing and he said “I just go out and deal with it”. You might check out his website www.yachtfiona.com. He has never sailed in a rally. 2 circumnavigations the Antarctic 3 times, Northwest passage and more.

 

I would rather be 101% prepared before leaving a port and sailing  on my own.

I have made many long passages sometimes singlehanded.

 

I guess to each his own.

I just remember being the last person to speak to Triple Stars before the wife died. They were in the NARC rally. There were fast Swans in the rally and the slowest was Triple Stars a Pacific Seacraft they were 190 miles from the leader and 80 miles from the nearest NARC member

 

I recall one brother drowning on an ARC because he was over the side and could not disconnect from his harness.

 

There was Stars and  Stripes sailing just west of me and was lost with all hands.

 

Numerous boats have hit whales and had to jury rig things to make it home. I remember a boat with a red sail and  a sail number 666, lost and never heard of again. There are others , but I cannot remember.

 

Fortunately you can hit a whale without much, if any damage to your boat- we did off of Grand Canaria.

You might look at the ORC category 1 monohull rules for your boats passage.

 

I wish you good luck on your passage.

 

I would also highly recommend that you have a Jordan Series Drogue on hand made by the originator Ace Sailmakers in Connecticut. It is a lifesaver in extreme weather. I sailed through a hurricane with it.

 

Fair Winds

Eric

Kimberlite Amel Super Maramu #376

 

 

 

From: amelyachtowners@... [mailto:amelyachtowners@...]
Sent: Tuesday, August 22, 2017 5:14 PM
To: amelyachtowners@...
Subject: Re: [Amel Yacht Owners] Best trade wind rig for an Amel 55

 

 

Gavin

Agree 100% about going with Jimmy Cornell, Last year we sailed a rally called the Barbados 50 but now the Canary Rally I think, we were ca 30 boats sailing all Canary Islands and the Cape Verde together. It was very nice indeed and we got many cruising friends that we now and then sail together with. Very good value for money, we all agree to that and almost all participants after the finish said that this was one the best thing so fare ever.

When we crossed we sailed more than 70% of the time with pooled out Genua and Balooner. We were first monohull and beat many multihull, only performance multihull faster than us.

Paul on SY Kerpa SM259 now in Newport

 
Re: [Amel Yacht Owners] Best trade wind rig for an Amel 55

gavin <gavingilmorelodge@...>
 

Thanks again Eric, as before see further comments below, Gavin

 

From: amelyachtowners@... [mailto:amelyachtowners@...]
Sent: 23 August 2017 05:15
To: amelyachtowners@...
Subject: [Amel Yacht Owners] Best trade wind rig for an Amel 55

 

 

I hate to be a party pooper. I feel that rally’s gives one a false sense of security.

If you are attending for the camaraderie , then that’s good.

 

If you feel that someone is going to help you out in the middle of a long passage, I would not count on it.

I have sailed Kimberlite somewhere between 73-76,000 miles and have never been in a rally. I have heard of disastrous happenings on the radio from rallies. A benefit is weather routing. I’m copying your perspectives to the skipper, for his consideration

 

My friend Eric Forsyth just left  NY for the Azores having already logged 375,000 miles on his home made 42 footer. He is 85 years young. I asked what he did about weather routing and he said “I just go out and deal with it”. You might check out his website www.yachtfiona.com. He has never sailed in a rally. 2 circumnavigations the Antarctic 3 times, Northwest passage and more. Fascinating, thank you for the references

 

I would rather be 101% prepared before leaving a port and sailing  on my own.

I have made many long passages sometimes singlehanded.

 

I guess to each his own. Agreed

I just remember being the last person to speak to Triple Stars before the wife died. They were in the NARC rally. There were fast Swans in the rally and the slowest was Triple Stars a Pacific Seacraft they were 190 miles from the leader and 80 miles from the nearest NARC member

 

I recall one brother drowning on an ARC because he was over the side and could not disconnect from his harness.

 

There was Stars and  Stripes sailing just west of me and was lost with all hands.

 

Numerous boats have hit whales and had to jury rig things to make it home. I remember a boat with a red sail and  a sail number 666, lost and never heard of again. There are others , but I cannot remember.

 

Fortunately you can hit a whale without much, if any damage to your boat- we did off of Grand Canaria. You might look at the ORC category 1 monohull rules for your boats passage.

 

I wish you good luck on your passage. Many thanks Eric

 

I would also highly recommend that you have a Jordan Series Drogue on hand made by the originator Ace Sailmakers in Connecticut. It is a lifesaver in extreme weather. I sailed through a hurricane with it. Hopefully the skipper will consider it.

 

Fair Winds

Eric

Kimberlite Amel Super Maramu #376

 

 

 

From: amelyachtowners@... [mailto:amelyachtowners@...]
Sent: Tuesday, August 22, 2017 5:14 PM
To: amelyachtowners@...
Subject: Re: [Amel Yacht Owners] Best trade wind rig for an Amel 55

 

 

Gavin

Agree 100% about going with Jimmy Cornell, Last year we sailed a rally called the Barbados 50 but now the Canary Rally I think, we were ca 30 boats sailing all Canary Islands and the Cape Verde together. It was very nice indeed and we got many cruising friends that we now and then sail together with. Very good value for money, we all agree to that and almost all participants after the finish said that this was one the best thing so fare ever.

When we crossed we sailed more than 70% of the time with pooled out Genua and Balooner. We were first monohull and beat many multihull, only performance multihull faster than us.

Paul on SY Kerpa SM259 now in Newport

 
Re: [Amel Yacht Owners] Best trade wind rig for an Amel 55

gavin <gavingilmorelodge@...>
 

Hey Jean-Pierre, please see comments in your text, Gavin

 

From: amelyachtowners@... [mailto:amelyachtowners@...]
Sent: 23 August 2017 04:55
To: amelyachtowners@...
Subject: Re: [Amel Yacht Owners] Best trade wind rig for an Amel 55

 

 

Hey Gang,

 

We too came across with pole out genoa and ballooner. Same question again: is what you call a “ballooner” also known as a “cruising chute”?  No main nor mizzen.

 

Worked well. Made it from Lanzarote direct to Guadeloupe in 18 days. Good job Works well!!!

 

Jean-Pierre Germain,

SY Eleuthera, SM 007. Thanks again, Gavin

 

 

On 22 Aug 2017, at 23:14, osterberg.paul.l@... [amelyachtowners] <amelyachtowners@...> wrote:

 

 

Gavin

Agree 100% about going with Jimmy Cornell, Last year we sailed a rally called the Barbados 50 but now the Canary Rally I think, we were ca 30 boats sailing all Canary Islands and the Cape Verde together. It was very nice indeed and we got many cruising friends that we now and then sail together with. Very good value for money, we all agree to that and almost all participants after the finish said that this was one the best thing so fare ever.

When we crossed we sailed more than 70% of the time with pooled out Genua and Balooner. We were first monohull and beat many multihull, only performance multihull faster than us.

Paul on SY Kerpa SM259 now in Newport

 

 

 

 
Re: [Amel Yacht Owners] Best trade wind rig for an Amel 55

gavin <gavingilmorelodge@...>
 

Thanks Eric, please see comments in your text. Gavin

 

From: amelyachtowners@... [mailto:amelyachtowners@...]
Sent: 22 August 2017 22:28
To: amelyachtowners@...
Subject: [Amel Yacht Owners] Best trade wind rig for an Amel 55

 

 

Hi,

We bought a 1400-1500 sq.  foot gennaker.

Once we had great trade winds we flew it non stop for 7 days. I had it made out of heavier material 1.5 oz instead of the normal .75 oz We were able to fly it up to 30 knots true. Wow! How about the main, mizzen and forward staysail? Did you use any of these other sails together with the gennaker?

Much of the time we were surfing near and above 10 knots. I have a photo of the knot meter going down a big wave at over 19 knots. What my old shipmate Don Street calls “A Nantucket sleigh ride”! I think we crossed in either 15 or 16 days from Grand Canaria-Puerto Mogan to Guadeloupe.

Fair Winds,

Eric

SM 376 Kimberlite



----- Original Message -----
From: "osterberg.paul.l@... [amelyachtowners]"
Date: Tuesday, August 22, 2017 5:14 pm
Subject: Re: [Amel Yacht Owners] Best trade wind rig for an Amel 55
To: amelyachtowners@...

> Gavin Agree 100% about going with Jimmy Cornell, Last year we
> sailed a rally called the Barbados 50 but now the Canary Rally I
> think, we were ca 30 boats sailing all Canary Islands and the
> Cape Verde together. It was very nice indeed and we got many
> cruising friends that we now and then sail together with. Very
> good value for money, we all agree to that and almost all
> participants after the finish said that this was one the best
> thing so fare ever.
> When we crossed we sailed more than 70% of the time with pooled
> out Genua and Balooner. We were first monohull and beat many
> multihull, only performance multihull faster than us.
> Paul on SY Kerpa SM259 now in Newport
>
>
>
>

Re: [Amel Yacht Owners] Best trade wind rig for an Amel 55

gavin <gavingilmorelodge@...>
 

Thanks Paul, see comments in your text, Gavin

 

From: amelyachtowners@... [mailto:amelyachtowners@...]
Sent: 22 August 2017 22:14
To: amelyachtowners@...
Subject: Re: [Amel Yacht Owners] Best trade wind rig for an Amel 55

 

 

Gavin

Agree 100% about going with Jimmy Cornell, We’ve long been believers in Jimmy’s approach ever since his World Cruising Survey. Sadly we didn’t know about his rally before our skipper signed up for this year’s ARC+ Last year we sailed a rally called the Barbados 50 but now the Canary Rally I think, we were ca 30 boats sailing all Canary Islands and the Cape Verde together. It was very nice indeed and we got many cruising friends that we now and then sail together with. Very good value for money, we all agree to that and almost all participants after the finish said that this was one the best thing so fare ever.

When we crossed we sailed more than 70% of the time with pooled out Genua and Balooner. Is that aka a cruising chute or is it something else? We were first monohull and beat many multihull, only performance multihull faster than us. Brilliant!

Paul on SY Kerpa SM259 now in Newport

 

Good stuff, many thanks, Gavin
Re: [Amel Yacht Owners] visit to Hyeres/Amel 55 trade winds rig

gavin <gavingilmorelodge@...>
 

Thanks Joel, please see comments in your text, Gavin

 

From: amelyachtowners@... [mailto:amelyachtowners@...]
Sent: 22 August 2017 15:16
To: amelyachtowners@...
Subject: [Amel Yacht Owners] visit to Hyeres/Amel 55 trade winds rig

 

 

Hello Gavin and congratulations on your Amel 55 purchase. As John mentioned, be sure to call ahead to the Amel base in Hyeres before you go there. Will do, thanks for the tip Berths are nearly impossible to find there at this time of the high season for tourists. Additionally, Amel will be short-handed as some of their techs will be on holiday too  If you arrive unannounced you will probably be disappointed..

 It feels good to be part of the Amel family, kind regards. Gavin

All The Best, Joel

 

Joel F. Potter/Cruising Yacht Specialist LLC

THE EXPERIENCED AMEL GUY

954 462 5869 office

954 812 2485 cell

 

From: amelyachtowners@... [mailto:amelyachtowners@...]
Sent: Tuesday, August 22, 2017 8:40 AM
To: amelyachtowners@...
Subject: Re: [Amel Yacht Owners] Best trade wind rig for an Amel 55

 

 

Hi Gavin,

    Congratulations on the purchase. I spent almost a year looking at Amels and traveling near and far to visit.   At one point I had planned on buying a Super Maramu in Europe which was in sail off condition.  I actually had lined up crew for a transatlantic but the deal fell through.   I finally purchased a Super Maramu in Martinique, and I am now glad I purchased her close to an Amel service center(Le Marin) and also closer to my home in the US.

 

I have sailed her about 2700 nm so far and feel like I am still learning her sail plan characteristics.   I look back now and am grateful that I did not purchase a boat in Europe and then almost immediately embark on a crossing.   Playing around the islands and walking the boat (and crew) up to longer passages was definitely the way to go.  I would be cautious about doing a crossing straight off after purchase.  Maybe some other 55 owners would be able to help you with the crossing?

 

There is an Amel service center in Hyeres, about 100 or so nm from where you are now.  I would suggest contacting them and sailing to Hyeres to allow them to take a look at the boat. Their technicians may have better insight into the refrigeration issues.   I had the Amel technicians in Le Marin walk through my boat and inspect my spare parts and pretty much gave me a "free survey."  They recommended several items be serviced and provided me with a list of common wearable parts I should keep in inventory.  Another reason for you to meet them is that they should be able to provide you with an Amel recommended/intended sail plan for the 55.  The SM has a detailed guide for how to and when to run with the different sails and configurations, I am sure there exists a similar guide for the 55.

 

On refrigeration, I have not yet met a refrigeration/air conditioning technician that is worth a darn.  At purchase time all the AC units on my SM were non-functioning.  The previous owner had gotten repair quotes from several shops in Martinique, all of which recommended complete replacement of all units at a cost of over 12,000 eur.  I spent a bit of time on the Amel Forum  and tinkering with the units and found  a bad capacitor (big surprise), sea water supply run in parallel rather than series(sw flow was unregulated between the units causing unpredictable behavior), a clogged sea water hose(caused one unit to trip on high pressure after 10 seconds, which was confusing since we had water flowing out the thru-hull...now explained by the parallel sw routing which masked the no flow situation), and finally a broken refrigerant line(vibration fatigue failure.)  I replaced the capacitors, sea water hoses and one complete unit with a new self contained model.  Less than $1500 USD, and now I type this email in a 68F (20C) salon while it is 92F(33C) outside.  Refrigeration technicians in my experience tend to very quickly throw their hands up and report the whole unit need to be replaced if they cannot find an obvious fault.  If you don't have the inclination to tinker, then try the Amel service center, at least there, there will be technicians with some experience on your system to help.

 

                                Regards,   John

 

 

John Clark

SV Annie  SM 37

cruising Pamlico Sound

  

 

On Tue, Aug 22, 2017 at 5:24 AM, Gavin Shaw gavingilmorelodge@... [amelyachtowners] <amelyachtowners@...> wrote:

 

We hope to cross this year with the ARC on an Amel 55 from 2012.

 

We are completely new to the boat and have not sailed an Amel before. We would therefore really appreciate advice from Amel 55 owners with ocean experience, particularly on these topics.

1.       The ideal trade wind rig with the apparent wind below 15 knots and the best reduced sail plan with a stronger wind. In addition to the standard cutter rig we have a cruising chute and a Code 0 on board.

2       Any tips on setting up the pole for long term running to minimise chafe and wear on the pole and fittings?

3.       How best to rig a preventer on the mizzen boom when running?

4.       Should we consider a mizzen staysail, if so how best to rig it on the 55 which doesn’t seem to be set up for one?

5.       When should we use the forward staysail and whether it is safe to rig the running backstays with a tackle and integral jamming cleat like a sailing dinghy mainsheet? (To avoid blocking the secondary winch on the windward side)

6.       I don’t think we have a storm jib or trysail but imagine we should use the forward staysail and deeply reefed main in heavy weather. Do we need additional heavy weather sails?

7.       Our fridge and freezer are not working properly. The freezer struggles to reach -5C and the fridge achieves no cooling at all.They are Frigoboat units with keel coolers, made by Veco. The boat is currently in Golfe Juan where the local service company seem unable to fix them. Any suggestions would be welcome.

Many thanks for experienced input on any of these topics.

Gavin

 

 
Re: [Amel Yacht Owners] Best trade wind rig for an Amel 55

gavin <gavingilmorelodge@...>
 

Thanks Bill, please see responses in your text.

Gavin

 

From: amelyachtowners@... [mailto:amelyachtowners@...]
Sent: 22 August 2017 14:02
To: amelyachtowners@...
Subject: Re: [Amel Yacht Owners] Best trade wind rig for an Amel 55

 

 

Gavin,

 

Once you head West at some point after the Canaries, my experience is that most of your wind will be between 150 Port and 150 Stbd. If you had a Mizzen staysail, it would be used at 90 degrees. My guess is your chute and code zero will not be too happy at this point of sail

​, unless poled-out​ We were thinking of poling-out the genoa to windward and using the Code 0 on the other side when not blanketed by the main.

. 

​Your Atlantic crossing should be mostly downwind. You will likely experience opposing swell from NE and SW.​ Thanks for the warning

 

 

I have sailed a 55. You should have both a User's and Owner's manual. We only have the document titled “Amel 55 Owner’s manual” which makes no reference to sail or rigging configurations. We’ll ask Amel if they can provide a “User’s manual”, thanks for the tip.  Many of your questions can be answered by reading the manual and practice. I would estimate 3-5 days of practice in setting the pole, WOW! That’s harder than expected, we’ll try it asap  but remember the sea conditions on your passage will be more challenging. It is possible that you will cross the Atlantic with wind between +/- 150 degrees, no main, the genoa poled out and the mizzen on a preventer

​(mizzen when wind is at 150 degrees or less), ​

which came with your 55. We haven’t found an identifiable mizzen preventer on board. This a pre-owned 55 from 2012.  We crossed with an Amel 55 and finished only 1 hour behind because the 55 crew couldn't set the pole. BTW, overall, out of 30 boats, the 55 finished first, we were second, and another SM third. All the other brand boats finished later, including an Amel Maramu which stopped for a few days in Verdes. 

​The 55 would have done much better if the crew had practiced setting the pole.​ Got it!

 

You ask about chafe on pole lines, but have you considered the halyards? I recommend dropping all sails and possibly cutting about a foot from the top end of the halyard. The very top of that 

​halyard gets chafe from the sheaves and UV damage from the sun...don't cross an ocean without inspection.​ We’re on it, thank you

 

My advice to you is not to cross with the ARC, rather cross with the founder of the ARC, Jimmy Cornell, in his Atlantic Odyssey

. The ARC will have 275 boats while Jimmy has a maximum of

​about ​

50 boats

​ because he wants to limit the size​

.

​The reputation of the ARC was established by Jimmy Cornell, the founder of the ARC and Atlantic Odyssey. ​

The

​ Atlantic Odyssey has many

 other advantages including less than half the cost. Let me know if you want more information on the Atlantic Odyssey. I’ll check with the skipper if there is flexibility but thanks very much for taking the time to share your knowledge and experience.

 

Your advice is much appreciated.

 

Gavin

 

Best,


CW Bill Rouse
Admiral, Texas Navy
Commander Emeritus
Amel School www.amelschool.com
720 Winnie St
Galveston Island, TX 77550
+1(832) 380-4970

   

 

 

On Aug 22, 2017 4:49 AM, "Gavin Shaw gavingilmorelodge@... [amelyachtowners]" <amelyachtowners@...> wrote:

 

We hope to cross this year with the ARC on an Amel 55 from 2012.

 

We are completely new to the boat and have not sailed an Amel before. We would therefore really appreciate advice from Amel 55 owners with ocean experience, particularly on these topics.

1.       The ideal trade wind rig with the apparent wind below 15 knots and the best reduced sail plan with a stronger wind. In addition to the standard cutter rig we have a cruising chute and a Code 0 on board.

2.       Any tips on setting up the pole for long term running to minimise chafe and wear on the pole and fittings?

3.       How best to rig a preventer on the mizzen boom when running?

4.       Should we consider a mizzen staysail, if so how best to rig it on the 55 which doesn’t seem to be set up for one?

5.       When should we use the forward staysail and whether it is safe to rig the running backstays with a tackle and integral jamming cleat like a sailing dinghy mainsheet? (To avoid blocking the secondary winch on the windward side)

6.       I don’t think we have a storm jib or trysail but imagine we should use the forward staysail and deeply reefed main in heavy weather. Do we need additional heavy weather sails?

7.       Our fridge and freezer are not working properly. The freezer struggles to reach -5C and the fridge achieves no cooling at all.They are Frigoboat units with keel coolers, made by Veco. The boat is currently in Golfe Juan where the local service company seem unable to fix them. Any suggestions would be welcome.

Many thanks for experienced input on any of these topics.

Gavin

 

 
Re: [Amel Yacht Owners] Best trade wind rig for an Amel 55

gavin <gavingilmorelodge@...>
 

Thanks John, very helpful, please see comments in your text.

Gavin

 

 

From: amelyachtowners@... [mailto:amelyachtowners@...]
Sent: 22 August 2017 13:40
To: amelyachtowners@...
Subject: Re: [Amel Yacht Owners] Best trade wind rig for an Amel 55

 

 

Hi Gavin,

    Congratulations on the purchase. I spent almost a year looking at Amels and traveling near and far to visit.   At one point I had planned on buying a Super Maramu in Europe which was in sail off condition.  I actually had lined up crew for a transatlantic but the deal fell through.   I finally purchased a Super Maramu in Martinique, and I am now glad I purchased her close to an Amel service center(Le Marin) and also closer to my home in the US.

 

I have sailed her about 2700 nm so far and feel like I am still learning her sail plan characteristics.   I look back now and am grateful that I did not purchase a boat in Europe and then almost immediately embark on a crossing.   Playing around the islands and walking the boat (and crew) up to longer passages was definitely the way to go.  I would be cautious about doing a crossing straight off after purchase.  We’ll give her an intensive shake down in the Med, including whatever heavy weather comes our way, and see how we feel after a month. Maybe some other 55 owners would be able to help you with the crossing?

 

There is an Amel service center in Hyeres, about 100 or so nm from where you are now. Great idea we’ll make it our first port of call on our way down to Gibraltar I would suggest contacting them and sailing to Hyeres to allow them to take a look at the boat. Their technicians may have better insight into the refrigeration issues.   I had the Amel technicians in Le Marin walk through my boat and inspect my spare parts and pretty much gave me a "free survey."  They recommended several items be serviced and provided me with a list of common wearable parts I should keep in inventory.  Another reason for you to meet them is that they should be able to provide you with an Amel recommended/intended sail plan for the 55.  The SM has a detailed guide for how to and when to run with the different sails and configurations, I am sure there exists a similar guide for the 55.

 

On refrigeration, I have not yet met a refrigeration/air conditioning technician that is worth a darn.  At purchase time all the AC units on my SM were non-functioning.  The previous owner had gotten repair quotes from several shops in Martinique, all of which recommended complete replacement of all units at a cost of over 12,000 eur.  I spent a bit of time on the Amel Forum  and tinkering with the units and found  a bad capacitor (big surprise), sea water supply run in parallel rather than series(sw flow was unregulated between the units causing unpredictable behavior), a clogged sea water hose(caused one unit to trip on high pressure after 10 seconds, which was confusing since we had water flowing out the thru-hull...now explained by the parallel sw routing which masked the no flow situation), and finally a broken refrigerant line(vibration fatigue failure.)  I replaced the capacitors, sea water hoses and one complete unit with a new self contained model.  Less than $1500 USD, and now I type this email in a 68F (20C) salon while it is 92F(33C) outside.  Refrigeration technicians in my experience tend to very quickly throw their hands up and report the whole unit need to be replaced if they cannot find an obvious fault.  If you don't have the inclination to tinker, then try the Amel service center, at least there, there will be technicians with some experience on your system to help. Thank you very much

 

                                Regards,   John

 

 

John Clark

SV Annie  SM 37

cruising Pamlico Sound

  

 

On Tue, Aug 22, 2017 at 5:24 AM, Gavin Shaw gavingilmorelodge@... [amelyachtowners] <amelyachtowners@...> wrote:

 

We hope to cross this year with the ARC on an Amel 55 from 2012.

 

We are completely new to the boat and have not sailed an Amel before. We would therefore really appreciate advice from Amel 55 owners with ocean experience, particularly on these topics.

1.       The ideal trade wind rig with the apparent wind below 15 knots and the best reduced sail plan with a stronger wind. In addition to the standard cutter rig we have a cruising chute and a Code 0 on board.

2.       Any tips on setting up the pole for long term running to minimise chafe and wear on the pole and fittings?

3.       How best to rig a preventer on the mizzen boom when running?

4.       Should we consider a mizzen staysail, if so how best to rig it on the 55 which doesn’t seem to be set up for one?

5.       When should we use the forward staysail and whether it is safe to rig the running backstays with a tackle and integral jamming cleat like a sailing dinghy mainsheet? (To avoid blocking the secondary winch on the windward side)

6.       I don’t think we have a storm jib or trysail but imagine we should use the forward staysail and deeply reefed main in heavy weather. Do we need additional heavy weather sails?

7.       Our fridge and freezer are not working properly. The freezer struggles to reach -5C and the fridge achieves no cooling at all.They are Frigoboat units with keel coolers, made by Veco. The boat is currently in Golfe Juan where the local service company seem unable to fix them. Any suggestions would be welcome.

Many thanks for experienced input on any of these topics.

Gavin

 

 
[Amel Yacht Owners] Best trade wind rig for an Amel 55

eric freedman
 

I hate to be a party pooper. I feel that rally’s gives one a false sense of security.

If you are attending for the camaraderie , then that’s good.

 

If you feel that someone is going to help you out in the middle of a long passage, I would not count on it.

I have sailed Kimberlite somewhere between 73-76,000 miles and have never been in a rally. I have heard of disastrous happenings on the radio from rallies. A benefit is weather routing.

 

My friend Eric Forsyth just left  NY for the Azores having already logged 375,000 miles on his home made 42 footer. He is 85 years young. I asked what he did about weather routing and he said “I just go out and deal with it”. You might check out his website www.yachtfiona.com. He has never sailed in a rally. 2 circumnavigations the Antarctic 3 times, Northwest passage and more.

 

I would rather be 101% prepared before leaving a port and sailing  on my own.

I have made many long passages sometimes singlehanded.

 

I guess to each his own.

I just remember being the last person to speak to Triple Stars before the wife died. They were in the NARC rally. There were fast Swans in the rally and the slowest was Triple Stars a Pacific Seacraft they were 190 miles from the leader and 80 miles from the nearest NARC member

 

I recall one brother drowning on an ARC because he was over the side and could not disconnect from his harness.

 

There was Stars and  Stripes sailing just west of me and was lost with all hands.

 

Numerous boats have hit whales and had to jury rig things to make it home. I remember a boat with a red sail and  a sail number 666, lost and never heard of again. There are others , but I cannot remember.

 

Fortunately you can hit a whale without much, if any damage to your boat- we did off of Grand Canaria.

You might look at the ORC category 1 monohull rules for your boats passage.

 

I wish you good luck on your passage.

 

I would also highly recommend that you have a Jordan Series Drogue on hand made by the originator Ace Sailmakers in Connecticut. It is a lifesaver in extreme weather. I sailed through a hurricane with it.

 

Fair Winds

Eric

Kimberlite Amel Super Maramu #376

 

 

 

From: amelyachtowners@... [mailto:amelyachtowners@...]
Sent: Tuesday, August 22, 2017 5:14 PM
To: amelyachtowners@...
Subject: Re: [Amel Yacht Owners] Best trade wind rig for an Amel 55

 

 

Gavin

Agree 100% about going with Jimmy Cornell, Last year we sailed a rally called the Barbados 50 but now the Canary Rally I think, we were ca 30 boats sailing all Canary Islands and the Cape Verde together. It was very nice indeed and we got many cruising friends that we now and then sail together with. Very good value for money, we all agree to that and almost all participants after the finish said that this was one the best thing so fare ever.

When we crossed we sailed more than 70% of the time with pooled out Genua and Balooner. We were first monohull and beat many multihull, only performance multihull faster than us.

Paul on SY Kerpa SM259 now in Newport

 
Re: [Amel Yacht Owners] Best trade wind rig for an Amel 55

Germain Jean-Pierre <jgermain@...>
 

Hey Gang,

We too came across with pole out genoa and ballooner.  No main nor mizzen.

Worked well. Made it from Lanzarote direct to Guadeloupe in 18 days.  Works well!!!

Jean-Pierre Germain,
SY Eleuthera, SM 007.


On 22 Aug 2017, at 23:14, osterberg.paul.l@... [amelyachtowners] <amelyachtowners@...> wrote:

 

Gavin

Agree 100% about going with Jimmy Cornell, Last year we sailed a rally called the Barbados 50 but now the Canary Rally I think, we were ca 30 boats sailing all Canary Islands and the Cape Verde together. It was very nice indeed and we got many cruising friends that we now and then sail together with. Very good value for money, we all agree to that and almost all participants after the finish said that this was one the best thing so fare ever.
When we crossed we sailed more than 70% of the time with pooled out Genua and Balooner. We were first monohull and beat many multihull, only performance multihull faster than us.
Paul on SY Kerpa SM259 now in Newport
[Amel Yacht Owners] Best trade wind rig for an Amel 55

eric freedman
 

Re: [Amel Yacht Owners] Best trade wind rig for an Amel 55

Paul Osterberg
 

Gavin
Agree 100% about going with Jimmy Cornell, Last year we sailed a rally called the Barbados 50 but now the Canary Rally I think, we were ca 30 boats sailing all Canary Islands and the Cape Verde together. It was very nice indeed and we got many cruising friends that we now and then sail together with. Very good value for money, we all agree to that and almost all participants after the finish said that this was one the best thing so fare ever.
When we crossed we sailed more than 70% of the time with pooled out Genua and Balooner. We were first monohull and beat many multihull, only performance multihull faster than us.
Paul on SY Kerpa SM259 now in Newport
visit to Hyeres/Amel 55 trade winds rig

amelforme
 

Hello Gavin and congratulations on your Amel 55 purchase. As John mentioned, be sure to call ahead to the Amel base in Hyeres before you go there. Berths are nearly impossible to find there at this time of the high season for tourists. Additionally, Amel will be short-handed as some of their techs will be on holiday too  If you arrive unannounced you will probably be disappointed..

 

All The Best, Joel

 

Joel F. Potter/Cruising Yacht Specialist LLC

THE EXPERIENCED AMEL GUY

954 462 5869 office

954 812 2485 cell

 

From: amelyachtowners@... [mailto:amelyachtowners@...]
Sent: Tuesday, August 22, 2017 8:40 AM
To: amelyachtowners@...
Subject: Re: [Amel Yacht Owners] Best trade wind rig for an Amel 55

 

 

Hi Gavin,

    Congratulations on the purchase. I spent almost a year looking at Amels and traveling near and far to visit.   At one point I had planned on buying a Super Maramu in Europe which was in sail off condition.  I actually had lined up crew for a transatlantic but the deal fell through.   I finally purchased a Super Maramu in Martinique, and I am now glad I purchased her close to an Amel service center(Le Marin) and also closer to my home in the US.

 

I have sailed her about 2700 nm so far and feel like I am still learning her sail plan characteristics.   I look back now and am grateful that I did not purchase a boat in Europe and then almost immediately embark on a crossing.   Playing around the islands and walking the boat (and crew) up to longer passages was definitely the way to go.  I would be cautious about doing a crossing straight off after purchase.  Maybe some other 55 owners would be able to help you with the crossing?

 

There is an Amel service center in Hyeres, about 100 or so nm from where you are now.  I would suggest contacting them and sailing to Hyeres to allow them to take a look at the boat. Their technicians may have better insight into the refrigeration issues.   I had the Amel technicians in Le Marin walk through my boat and inspect my spare parts and pretty much gave me a "free survey."  They recommended several items be serviced and provided me with a list of common wearable parts I should keep in inventory.  Another reason for you to meet them is that they should be able to provide you with an Amel recommended/intended sail plan for the 55.  The SM has a detailed guide for how to and when to run with the different sails and configurations, I am sure there exists a similar guide for the 55.

 

On refrigeration, I have not yet met a refrigeration/air conditioning technician that is worth a darn.  At purchase time all the AC units on my SM were non-functioning.  The previous owner had gotten repair quotes from several shops in Martinique, all of which recommended complete replacement of all units at a cost of over 12,000 eur.  I spent a bit of time on the Amel Forum  and tinkering with the units and found  a bad capacitor (big surprise), sea water supply run in parallel rather than series(sw flow was unregulated between the units causing unpredictable behavior), a clogged sea water hose(caused one unit to trip on high pressure after 10 seconds, which was confusing since we had water flowing out the thru-hull...now explained by the parallel sw routing which masked the no flow situation), and finally a broken refrigerant line(vibration fatigue failure.)  I replaced the capacitors, sea water hoses and one complete unit with a new self contained model.  Less than $1500 USD, and now I type this email in a 68F (20C) salon while it is 92F(33C) outside.  Refrigeration technicians in my experience tend to very quickly throw their hands up and report the whole unit need to be replaced if they cannot find an obvious fault.  If you don't have the inclination to tinker, then try the Amel service center, at least there, there will be technicians with some experience on your system to help.

 

                                Regards,   John

 

 

John Clark

SV Annie  SM 37

cruising Pamlico Sound

  

 

On Tue, Aug 22, 2017 at 5:24 AM, Gavin Shaw gavingilmorelodge@... [amelyachtowners] <amelyachtowners@...> wrote:

 

We hope to cross this year with the ARC on an Amel 55 from 2012.

 

We are completely new to the boat and have not sailed an Amel before. We would therefore really appreciate advice from Amel 55 owners with ocean experience, particularly on these topics.

1.       The ideal trade wind rig with the apparent wind below 15 knots and the best reduced sail plan with a stronger wind. In addition to the standard cutter rig we have a cruising chute and a Code 0 on board.

2       Any tips on setting up the pole for long term running to minimise chafe and wear on the pole and fittings?

3.       How best to rig a preventer on the mizzen boom when running?

4.       Should we consider a mizzen staysail, if so how best to rig it on the 55 which doesn’t seem to be set up for one?

5.       When should we use the forward staysail and whether it is safe to rig the running backstays with a tackle and integral jamming cleat like a sailing dinghy mainsheet? (To avoid blocking the secondary winch on the windward side)

6.       I don’t think we have a storm jib or trysail but imagine we should use the forward staysail and deeply reefed main in heavy weather. Do we need additional heavy weather sails?

7.       Our fridge and freezer are not working properly. The freezer struggles to reach -5C and the fridge achieves no cooling at all.They are Frigoboat units with keel coolers, made by Veco. The boat is currently in Golfe Juan where the local service company seem unable to fix them. Any suggestions would be welcome.

Many thanks for experienced input on any of these topics.

Gavin

 

 
Re: [Amel Yacht Owners] Best trade wind rig for an Amel 55

Bill & Judy Rouse <yahoogroups@...>
 

Gavin,

Once you head West at some point after the Canaries, my experience is that most of your wind will be between 150 Port and 150 Stbd. If you had a Mizzen staysail, it would be used at 90 degrees. My guess is your chute and code zero will not be too happy at this point of sail
​, unless poled-out​
. 
​Your Atlantic crossing should be mostly downwind. You will likely experience opposing swell from NE and SW.​


I have sailed a 55. You should have both a User's and Owner's manual. Many of your questions can be answered by reading the manual and practice. I would estimate 3-5 days of practice in setting the pole, but remember the sea conditions on your passage will be more challenging. It is possible that you will cross the Atlantic with wind between +/- 150 degrees, no main, the genoa poled out and the mizzen on a preventer
​(mizzen when wind is at 150 degrees or less), ​
which came with your 55. We crossed with an Amel 55 and finished only 1 hour behind because the 55 crew couldn't set the pole. BTW, overall, out of 30 boats, the 55 finished first, we were second, and another SM third. All the other brand boats finished later, including an Amel Maramu which stopped for a few days in Verdes. 
​The 55 would have done much better if the crew had practiced setting the pole.​

You ask about chafe on pole lines, but have you considered the halyards? I recommend dropping all sails and possibly cutting about a foot from the top end of the halyard. The very top of that 
​halyard gets chafe from the sheaves and UV damage from the sun...don't cross an ocean without inspection.​

My advice to you is not to cross with the ARC, rather cross with the founder of the ARC, Jimmy Cornell, in his Atlantic Odyssey
​ (https://cornellsailing.com/sail-the-odyssey/atlantic-odyssey/)​
. The ARC will have 275 boats while Jimmy has a maximum of
​about ​
50 boats
​ because he wants to limit the size​
.
​The reputation of the ARC was established by Jimmy Cornell, the founder of the ARC and Atlantic Odyssey. ​
The
​ Atlantic Odyssey has many
 other advantages including less than half the cost. Let me know if you want more information on the Atlantic Odyssey. 

Best,

CW Bill Rouse
Admiral, Texas Navy
Commander Emeritus
Amel School www.amelschool.com
720 Winnie St
Galveston Island, TX 77550
+1(832) 380-4970

   


On Aug 22, 2017 4:49 AM, "Gavin Shaw gavingilmorelodge@... [amelyachtowners]" <amelyachtowners@yahoogroups.com> wrote:
 

We hope to cross this year with the ARC on an Amel 55 from 2012.

 

We are completely new to the boat and have not sailed an Amel before. We would therefore really appreciate advice from Amel 55 owners with ocean experience, particularly on these topics.

1.       The ideal trade wind rig with the apparent wind below 15 knots and the best reduced sail plan with a stronger wind. In addition to the standard cutter rig we have a cruising chute and a Code 0 on board.

2.       Any tips on setting up the pole for long term running to minimise chafe and wear on the pole and fittings?

3.       How best to rig a preventer on the mizzen boom when running?

4.       Should we consider a mizzen staysail, if so how best to rig it on the 55 which doesn’t seem to be set up for one?

5.       When should we use the forward staysail and whether it is safe to rig the running backstays with a tackle and integral jamming cleat like a sailing dinghy mainsheet? (To avoid blocking the secondary winch on the windward side)

6.       I don’t think we have a storm jib or trysail but imagine we should use the forward staysail and deeply reefed main in heavy weather. Do we need additional heavy weather sails?

7.       Our fridge and freezer are not working properly. The freezer struggles to reach -5C and the fridge achieves no cooling at all.They are Frigoboat units with keel coolers, made by Veco. The boat is currently in Golfe Juan where the local service company seem unable to fix them. Any suggestions would be welcome.

Many thanks for experienced input on any of these topics.

Gavin
Re: [Amel Yacht Owners] Best trade wind rig for an Amel 55

John Clark
 

Hi Gavin,
    Congratulations on the purchase. I spent almost a year looking at Amels and traveling near and far to visit.   At one point I had planned on buying a Super Maramu in Europe which was in sail off condition.  I actually had lined up crew for a transatlantic but the deal fell through.   I finally purchased a Super Maramu in Martinique, and I am now glad I purchased her close to an Amel service center(Le Marin) and also closer to my home in the US.

I have sailed her about 2700 nm so far and feel like I am still learning her sail plan characteristics.   I look back now and am grateful that I did not purchase a boat in Europe and then almost immediately embark on a crossing.   Playing around the islands and walking the boat (and crew) up to longer passages was definitely the way to go.  I would be cautious about doing a crossing straight off after purchase.  Maybe some other 55 owners would be able to help you with the crossing?

There is an Amel service center in Hyeres, about 100 or so nm from where you are now.  I would suggest contacting them and sailing to Hyeres to allow them to take a look at the boat. Their technicians may have better insight into the refrigeration issues.   I had the Amel technicians in Le Marin walk through my boat and inspect my spare parts and pretty much gave me a "free survey."  They recommended several items be serviced and provided me with a list of common wearable parts I should keep in inventory.  Another reason for you to meet them is that they should be able to provide you with an Amel recommended/intended sail plan for the 55.  The SM has a detailed guide for how to and when to run with the different sails and configurations, I am sure there exists a similar guide for the 55.

On refrigeration, I have not yet met a refrigeration/air conditioning technician that is worth a darn.  At purchase time all the AC units on my SM were non-functioning.  The previous owner had gotten repair quotes from several shops in Martinique, all of which recommended complete replacement of all units at a cost of over 12,000 eur.  I spent a bit of time on the Amel Forum  and tinkering with the units and found  a bad capacitor (big surprise), sea water supply run in parallel rather than series(sw flow was unregulated between the units causing unpredictable behavior), a clogged sea water hose(caused one unit to trip on high pressure after 10 seconds, which was confusing since we had water flowing out the thru-hull...now explained by the parallel sw routing which masked the no flow situation), and finally a broken refrigerant line(vibration fatigue failure.)  I replaced the capacitors, sea water hoses and one complete unit with a new self contained model.  Less than $1500 USD, and now I type this email in a 68F (20C) salon while it is 92F(33C) outside.  Refrigeration technicians in my experience tend to very quickly throw their hands up and report the whole unit need to be replaced if they cannot find an obvious fault.  If you don't have the inclination to tinker, then try the Amel service center, at least there, there will be technicians with some experience on your system to help.

                                Regards,   John


John Clark
SV Annie  SM 37
cruising Pamlico Sound
  

On Tue, Aug 22, 2017 at 5:24 AM, Gavin Shaw gavingilmorelodge@... [amelyachtowners] <amelyachtowners@...> wrote:
 

We hope to cross this year with the ARC on an Amel 55 from 2012.

 

We are completely new to the boat and have not sailed an Amel before. We would therefore really appreciate advice from Amel 55 owners with ocean experience, particularly on these topics.

1.       The ideal trade wind rig with the apparent wind below 15 knots and the best reduced sail plan with a stronger wind. In addition to the standard cutter rig we have a cruising chute and a Code 0 on board.

2.       Any tips on setting up the pole for long term running to minimise chafe and wear on the pole and fittings?

3.       How best to rig a preventer on the mizzen boom when running?

4.       Should we consider a mizzen staysail, if so how best to rig it on the 55 which doesn’t seem to be set up for one?

5.       When should we use the forward staysail and whether it is safe to rig the running backstays with a tackle and integral jamming cleat like a sailing dinghy mainsheet? (To avoid blocking the secondary winch on the windward side)

6.       I don’t think we have a storm jib or trysail but imagine we should use the forward staysail and deeply reefed main in heavy weather. Do we need additional heavy weather sails?

7.       Our fridge and freezer are not working properly. The freezer struggles to reach -5C and the fridge achieves no cooling at all.They are Frigoboat units with keel coolers, made by Veco. The boat is currently in Golfe Juan where the local service company seem unable to fix them. Any suggestions would be welcome.

Many thanks for experienced input on any of these topics.

Gavin
22761 - 22780 of 57526