Yacht Feature- The Beneteau Sense 55
by Sail-World Cruising on 7 Oct 2012
Beneteau Sense 55 at anchor SW
Newly introduced yachts are getting larger and larger. Once a yacht over 50ft was considered bigger than the average. Now, it's just the norm among newly introduced models. The latest to join the 'bigger is better' club is Beneteau, with another of its 'Sense' Range, the Sense 55, in production for little more than a year.
The boat takes on all the attributes of the rest of the Sense range, including the easy relationship between the saloon and the cockpit, access to the sea, and exceptional accommodation in all living areas.
When introducing the new yacht, Thomas Gaillard,Oceanis & Sense Product Manager said, 'The words that come to mind when I talk about the Oceanis 55 are sophistication and suitability! We strived to make a cruising yacht with clean modern lines, using contemporary design codes, favouring an extremely comfortable interior where there is an ambient feeling of great pleasure, quiet, peacefulness, coolness and space!
'The interior is meant to be bright thanks to the many openings, and the generous volumes of each space. As for the exterior, it is modern and ahead of its time! At sea, this 55 foot sailing yacht instantly stands out because of its
handsome appearance and taut lines. With this new model, we built a yacht with an avant-garde design, and a strong and immediately identifiable character.
'At the same time it was endowed with exceptional seafaring qualities, worthy of the BENETEAU brand'.
Description:
The Oceanis 55 is hedonism personified, ideal for leisure sailing in enclosed waters. It is an easy yacht to sail: central mast, jib with little overlap, mainsail sheet on arch: solutions which improve balance and performance. Its seakeeping is good in all weather. It keeps a moderate heel angle thanks to the chine, all the manoeuvring has been brought to the rear and is situated around the helmsman, and the instrument panel is fitted into the helm station.
The genoa winches centred in the cockpit provide both safety at sea and ease of use, perfectly in line with the
requirements of a short-handed cruising crew or a solo sailor.
The exterior was designed always keeping comfort in mind, living up to the expectations of a demanding leisure-seeking owner. On either side of the companionway are two large sun-bathing platforms, which are also excellent watch stations. The cockpit seats have 'méridienne' seating, making it easier to stay in line with the yacht's heel angle, and to enjoy greater comfort at anchor or sailing.
At anchor, it is easy to go for a swim, thanks to the electric bathing platform system which lowers to provide a terrace at sea level.
Interior:
Inside, is an extremely comfortable 45° companionway, framed by handrails, making access to the saloon safe and easy under sail. Below, there is a fully fitted L-shaped galley portside, opening onto the saloon space, left clear for social interchange when cooking in the galley.
Facing is the saloon, which is cool and bright, with: 4 hull portholes, 2 new deck windows surrounding the roof, and two hatches with blackout blinds, providing light and ventilation. Lots of scope for a window cleaner. The windows do, however, make the most of the light coming in from the side. Blacking out the roof hatches maintains a cool atmosphere on board, a welcome getaway from the long exposure to the sun when sailing or at anchor.
Made to measure: The saloon can be set up in 'lounge' mode for when you are relaxing or at anchor, when it is really hot outside, so you can lie down fully and read quietly inside, around the table, or on the large sofa facing it.
And when you are enjoying brunches or dinners with the family, you can convert it into a large dining area, and sit
around the table together.
To the fore, materials and trims pleasantly enhance the owner cabin. The décor has been chosen carefully, with anthracite grey panelling at the head of the bed. The light is perfect thanks to the panoramic window which offers a stunning view to the bow. The shower room is not pokey, but very open and bright.
There are options in the aft cabins - either two other aft cabins with a shower room, or three aft cabins, including one with a bunk bed. In the Family version, you will be able to choose either four or five cabins, and an independent shower room for each cabin, so that each member of the family can enjoy a certain amount of privacy on board.
Technical specifications:
Naval Architect Berret Racoupeau Yacht
Interior designer Nauta Design
Length overall 55’ 0’’
Hull length 52’6’’
Waterline length 49’9’’
Hull beam 16’3’’
Air draught 78’ 7’’
Short draught (option) 5’ 11’’
Long draught (Standard) 7’ 3’’
Long ballast weight 9.65 lbs
Short ballast weight 10.91 lbs
Water capacity (max) 172 US Gal
Engine power SD 75 cv
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