Jeanneau Yachts 55
Hull length 16.09m 52ft 9in
• Beam 4.99m 16ft 4in
• Draught (std keel) 2.45m 8ft 0in
• Displacement 18,542kg 40,880lb
• Price (inc Elegance pack) €690,000 ex VAT. jeanneau.com
Interior accommodation has been a decisive factor in selling yachts for decades; witness hordes of boat show visitors that immediately dive below decks to check out the accommodation.
Yet interior arrangements, master suite aside, have limited bearing on how most owners really use their boats.
Everyone spends as much time on deck as possible in decent summer weather and hot climates, even when in port. In addressing this factor the Jeanneau Yachts 55 represents a new paradigm in monohull design, which some are dubbing ‘monocat’.
Maybe it helped that legendary designer Philippe Briand did most of his work during the initial Covid lockdown, when all of us were re-assessing priorities, often with an outdoor first attitude. Andrew Winch Design also undoubtedly added an extra touch of refinement.
The end result is a step change in outdoor space and in facilitating other outdoor activities. At the same time, the huge owner’s suite forward takes up almost half the length of the boat’s interior. It’s comparable to that of many yachts 10ft or more longer.
On deck, in a notable break from standard practice, the aft end of the cockpit forms a huge rest and relaxation area, with convertible sunbeds, big tables and easy access to a huge bathing platform.
“The programme of sailors today is largely warm water sailing and they are looking for large spaces outside,” Briand explained to us at the show. “...I’m a sailor and I like to keep the sensitivity [on the helm],” he continued while demonstrating the midships yet outboard steering position.
Locating the helm stations and sail handling systems more towards the central part of the boat has the potential to work well – there’s good visibility and decent shelter, while galley and saloon are nearby when on passage. There’s also easy access to the side decks via Jeanneau’s now trademark ramp that eliminates the need for awkward steps.
This area also has a further outdoor dining area and navigation station, both of which are very well protected from the elements. The latter could double as a great spot from which to work from home. This part of the boat is very much an indoor/outdoor zone, protected by either a fabric or solid sprayhood and hardtop. The feel is similar to that offered by multihulls, yet it will be much easier to find a berth for this boat on a busy Mediterranean quay.
Instead of being accessed from the saloon, the two en-suite quarter cabins are reached via individual companionways with gullwing doors just ahead of the wheels. The starboard cabin is relatively compact for a double, while the other is significantly larger, with room for a two seater sofa.
The concept’s biggest drawback is the small saloon, located amidships opposite the galley.
It’s one of a number of factors that won’t please traditionalists.
For comparison, it is around two tonnes heavier than the Oceanis Yacht 54 and at a high starting price but with more included.