Sailing in Style and Safety: The Allure of the Amel Santorin Ketch.
There’s something timeless about the silhouette of a well-rigged sloop slicing through the waves, and when that sloop is an Amel Santorin, it’s more than just a pretty picture—it’s a testament to thoughtful engineering, unmatched comfort, and sea-kindly performance. For sailors seeking a yacht that balances bluewater capability with creature comforts, the Santorin stands out as a quiet legend among cruising sailboats.
Born from Ocean-Going Heritage
The Amel name is synonymous with seaworthiness and craftsmanship. Henri Amel, the founder of Chantiers Amel, was a visionary in yacht design, famously prioritizing safety, simplicity, and comfort. The Santorin, built in the early 1990s, is no exception. While she may not be as well-known as her larger sisters, such as the Super Maramu, the Santorin inherits all the DNA that made Amel yachts the go-to choice for serious offshore cruisers.
Thoughtful Design, Inside and Out.
At just under 46 feet, the Santorin offers a layout that punches well above its weight. The center cockpit is deep and well-protected, giving a sense of security in heavy weather, while still offering excellent visibility for the helm. The furling sloop rig is not just elegant—it’s practical. Sail handling becomes far easier, especially when shorthanded or in rising winds.
Below deck, you’ll find the signature Amel approach to interior design: practical, ergonomic, and built to last. Every locker, cabinet, and system has been designed with passage-making in mind. The aft owner’s cabin is spacious and private, separated from the forward cabin and salon by a full galley and generous nav station. This separation creates true livability for long-term cruising couples or small crews.
Built for Bluewater
The Santorin’s construction reflects Amel’s obsession with integrity and redundancy. Her solid fiberglass hull is overbuilt by modern standards, and systems are logically laid out with ease of maintenance in mind. Water tanks, fuel capacity, and storage are all sized for extended time away from shore. And like all Amels, the engine is easily accessible—positioned under the cockpit and insulated for quiet operation.
Her sailing characteristics are steady and forgiving. While she’s not a racer, she tracks beautifully under sail and inspires confidence in all conditions. Whether ghosting along in light air or romping through a blow, the Santorin always feels composed.
A Hidden Gem for the Discerning Sailor.
In today’s market, the Amel Santorin represents exceptional value. Many yachts in this size range focus on marina-based comfort rather than offshore capability. The Santorini offers both. It’s a yacht that doesn’t just look the part—it plays it, over and over again.
And because Amel owners are a loyal and tight-knit community, support and knowledge-sharing are always available. Even decades after launch, the builders and owners take pride in keeping these boats going strong.
Final Thoughts
If you're dreaming of a yacht that you can sail across oceans or simply enjoy for coastal exploration—with confidence, comfort, and classic French styling—the Amel Santorin ketch deserves a serious look. She's a sailor’s boat, a voyager’s home, and a floating expression of timeless design.
The specific boat we have listed has a circumnavigation under belt. One advantage and drawback at the same time is the eternal finish of Amel yachts eschewing teak decks and having cream, as opposed to white, GRP topsides they can look a little tired. A look down below will dispel any doubts about her durability or build quality.
Come and see her!
These boat details are subject to contract.
Note: Offers on the asking price may be considered.
Since 1990
Age
Mediterranean