Having kick-started the Oceanis Yacht collection with the previous 62, Beneteau adopted up in 2020 with the Oceanis Yacht 54, the ‘Yacht’ designation differentiating the top-of-the-range offshore cruiser fashions from the remainder of the Oceanis collection, now starting from the 30.1 to the 51.1.
Throughout a take a look at sail off Barcelona, we have been seduced by the 54’s efficiency and manoeuvrability, which make it appropriate for a household or a short-handed crew — the identical factor a variety of the time.
The Oceanis Yacht 60 we found on the Cannes Yachting Pageant final September is completely different due to its much more elegant silhouette. Its measurement and the strains of the inflexible bimini cap give it a extra imposing stature, extra fashionable, racier, whereas early gross sales to Taiwan by Simpson Marine point out its suitability for Asian waters and recognition amongst regional sailors.
Like its smaller sister, the hull design of the Oceanis Yacht 60 is from the drafting board of Italian Roberto Biscontini, who additionally designed the First 53, the largest mannequin within the First vary.
Past the pure efficiency, the stability underneath sail of those boats when underneath approach creates a freedom for the yachtsman within the sense that one can obtain excellent common speeds with out being an incredible racer and even with out pushing it, whereas your companions get pleasure from a snug journey.
The reasonable angle of heel on all factors of sail gives the look of security and serenity, which is what a ‘yacht’ is all about. However what else is required to attain this coveted standing?
A Pleasant Central Cockpit
As you step aboard, through a hydraulic gangway, the huge deck offers a pure ease of motion, helped by very completed ergonomics.
Lorenzo Argento, the Italian inside and exterior designer, has created modular rest areas that can be utilized in any state of affairs. Beneath the inflexible bimini, whose tender high might be retracted to get pleasure from both the solar or the celebs, a central cockpit has been designed to supply straightforward circulation.
On both aspect of a major aisle, two tables can seat 10 individuals for eating or might be lowered on the contact of a button to change into a lounger. Two additional solar loungers are put in on this area underneath the retractable roof, whereas there are two extra ahead of the mast.
A wonderful aft deck completes the ‘rest’ areas, which keep away from any mixing with the crusing zones. The crusing gear is all grouped collectively on the helm stations so there’s no must let go of the wheel for setting, trimming or lowering sail. Notice that shifting from one finish of the deck to the opposite is completed with out having to step over any coaming.
With stairs main from the showering platform and well-hidden steps on the aspect decks, shifting round is straightforward and protected, even for the shortest of distances, giving the sensation of being in a flush-deck area.
Inside of Excessive Standing
This ease of motion is confirmed by the light, huge companionway main right down to a really spacious inside, which features a saloon, eating space and central galley throughout the width of the boat. The three en-suite and bogs are positioned on the ends of the boat.
The inside might be fitted out in walnut for a really intimate ambiance or in oak, for a brighter impact, whereas the format has been designed to make each transfer easy and straightforward.
Throughout our go to aboard, there will need to have been a dozen of us — together with Argento — within the saloon, and nobody was in one another’s approach. The semi-circular chart desk and its bucket seat enable the proprietor to get pleasure from life on board with mates.
The complete-width galley, separated into two zones, has complete work areas and gear. On one aspect, there are plus-sized refrigeration amenities and on the opposite, the cooking and serving station convey the culinary potentialities nearer to what you’d discover ashore.
Every cabin has its personal toilet with separate bathe. A door from the saloon transforms one of many aft cabin bogs into a rest room for day friends.
The proprietor’s suite ahead could be very spacious and vivid, with 4 hatches within the deck. Its forward-facing island mattress is ahead of the en-suite toilet and away from prying eyes, reinforcing the personal facet of the yacht, whereas the space for storing features a full wardrobe.
Gear That Makes a Yacht
These residing areas and storage areas — apart from the wine cellar, which is a contact on the small aspect — contribute to the consolation anticipated on a bigger boat. Nonetheless, it’s due to the sum of the gear, the usual of end, and the coherence of the entire that one recognises an actual ‘yacht’.
Beneteau has additionally supplied an exhaustive checklist of choices to arrange your Oceanis Yacht 60 in response to your expectations and crusing programme, all in accordance with the model’s Premium service, which accompanies you thru the second of handover.
Judging by this mannequin, nothing is lacking to create a snug onboard expertise. Air con, multimedia, high quality upholstery and bedding, high-end blinds, a dishwasher and a washer present virtually each consolation you might want for and most of what you want.
On the technical aspect, the Ship Management and Seanapps methods enable the skipper and/or proprietor to handle the onboard gear each onboard and from a smartphone, enhancing security and lowering issues. The selection of in-mast furling — the AST system developed in affiliation with Harken — eliminates the trouble concerned in tacking and trimming the sails, and limits heeling.
This, mixed with the bow and stern thrusters that help with port manoeuvres, are all a part of the ‘straightforward crusing’ idea that the model has been selling for a few years to encourage entry to boating for even novice sailors.
And since each element is essential, the storage permits you to effortlessly launch and recuperate a 2.8m RIB with an electrical winch. There’s even a skipper/hostess cabin within the forepeak, one more characteristic that reveals all bases are lined and is one other enhance to its reputation in Asia.
This text first appeared on Yacht Fashion.
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