Frequently asked questions
Everything you need to know about HAKU
Can't find your answer? Write to us at booking@haku-boat.com — Sébastien personally responds within 24 hours.
⛵ The yacht
What is an Amel 50?
The Amel 50 is a French blue-water cruiser built in La Rochelle by the legendary shipyard Amel — the gold standard in offshore sailing, voted Yacht of the Year 2019. Designed for ocean passages, it combines exceptional seakeeping with rare onboard comfort: air conditioning, generator, watermaker, full-size washing machine, and a layout optimised for long-range passagemaking. HAKU is hull #31, launched in 2020, and remains the only Amel 50 available for charter on any platform worldwide.
How many guests can HAKU accommodate?
HAKU sleeps 6 guests in 3 private double cabins, sharing 2 bathrooms. An additional berth is reserved for the skipper. The yacht comfortably hosts 4 to 6 guests, and the spacious cockpit and saloon make socialising at sea a genuine pleasure.
What equipment is included on board?
HAKU is fully equipped for luxury sailing: air conditioning (when moored), Apple TV, high-speed Wi-Fi, washing machine, stainless BBQ, electric winches, bow thruster, autopilot, radar, AIS, GPS chartplotter, 600L watermaker, 8 kVA generator, solar panels, 220V/USB outlets throughout, 2 paddleboards, snorkelling gear, fishing kit, and a RIB tender with outboard. The cockpit features teak decking, a premium bimini, and sunbathing cushions — a floating five-star terrace.
Why is HAKU called HAKU?
HAKU (白) means "white" in Japanese — the white of sails catching the wind, the dazzling light on the Mediterranean at noon, the pure white of the Amel hull cutting through blue water. It is a name that evokes simplicity, purity and freedom. For Sébastien, it also embodies a philosophy: sailing stripped to its essence, the art of being present on the sea.
📋 Booking
How do I book HAKU?
You can book directly via Samboat or Click&Boat using the links on our Rates page. For a personalised quote, bespoke itinerary, or any specific request, contact Sébastien directly at booking@haku-boat.com. Direct bookings often offer more flexibility on dates and extras.
What does the rate include?
All charter rates include the skipper (Sébastien), the yacht, all safety equipment, paddleboards, snorkelling gear, and harbour dues for planned ports of call. Fuel is included in Samboat bookings; on Click&Boat it is billed at actual consumption. Provisioning (food and drink) is not included and can be arranged on request.
What is the security deposit?
A security deposit of €5,000 is required for direct bookings. This amount is pre-authorised on your credit card at embarkation and released at the end of the charter, subject to no damage. For bookings via Samboat or Click&Boat, the platform's own deposit and insurance process applies.
🧭 Navigation
Where is HAKU based in 2026?
HAKU is based at Termini Imerese marina, on the northern coast of Sicily (Italy), for the 2026 and 2027 seasons. From there, Sébastien offers three flagship itineraries: the Aeolian Islands arc, the Sicily & Malta loop, and the two-week Grand Tour via the legendary Strait of Messina.
Can we customise the itinerary?
Absolutely. The three proposed itineraries are starting points, not fixed programmes. Sébastien tailors each voyage to the preferences and pace of his guests. Fancy spending three nights in a secluded Sicilian cove instead of pressing on to the next port? Just say the word. The sea, the weather, and your desires set the agenda.
What if the weather is bad?
Safety is always the priority. If conditions are unsuitable for sailing, Sébastien will adapt the itinerary — seeking shelter in a well-protected anchorage, exploring a coastal town, or simply enjoying HAKU's extraordinary comfort at anchor. The Mediterranean is rarely unpleasant in summer, and an experienced skipper always finds the right route.
👤 The captain
Who is Sébastien?
Sébastien is the owner and skipper of HAKU. A passionate sailor and entrepreneur, he chose HAKU as his vessel of freedom — and opened her to the world. Bilingual in French and English, he holds a full professional captain's licence and brings warmth, discretion, and deep seamanship to every voyage. His response rate is 100%, and guests consistently describe him as the highlight of their charter experience.