The new Beneteau Oceanis 60 builds on the lines and concepts that have proven to be so successful in the rest of the 9-boat Oceanis fleet which starts at 31′ (9.45 m). But there is nothing quite like a 60′ (18.29 m) vessel with a navy blue hull, a 2,000 sq. ft. (190 sq. m) sail plan, and a trunk cabin that seems to go on forever to stir the heart of any sailor. Because of her 16’4″ (4.99 m) beam she has the room below normally found on a powerboat of her size, but with the comfort of an ocean-going sailboat. She has two layout plans available and an innovative cockpit.

The new Beneteau Oceanis 60 promises to be one of the most compelling large sailboats on the market. Best of all, she is easy to sail short-handed.

The deck plan of the Oceanis 60 is typical of Beneteau sailboats except for the added space abaft the helm, the halyards and trim lines lead to the secondary winches in the aft end of the cockpit, and the crew quarters forward under the forward hatch.

The Oceanis 60 has an LOA of 59’10” (18.24 m), a hull length of 58’3″ (17.75 m) and an LWL of 53’11” (16.43 m). Her total sail area is 2,006 sq. ft. (186 sq m) with a 120% headsail.
Vessel Overview
In its light configuration, the Oceanis 60 displaces 48,600 lbs. (22,044 kg) and draws 8’10” (2.69 m). With a 7’3” (2.20 m) draft she displaces 50,176 lbs. (22,807 kgs.). (Like many Beneteau sailboats, consumers have a choice of deep or shallow draft.) Her beam is 16’4″ (4.99 m).
Her cutter rig is well balanced with the 120% genoa measuring 1,062 sq. ft. (99 sq. m) and her main being 944 sq. ft. (88 sq. m).
She is powered by a 150-hp diesel engine and she carries 159 gallons (600 L) of fuel. With an optional water tank she can carry 258 gallons (977 L) of fresh water. Obviously, those wanting to make long passages should consider a watermaker.
Short-Handed Sailing
The primary difference between sailing a large boat such as the Oceanis 60 and a small boat such as a 35-footer — other than the sheer comfort of it — is the handling of the larger sails. Indeed, even though the 60-footer is less than twice as long, her sail area is nearly 3 times that of the smaller boat. Humans tend to be the same size and strength no matter what size vessel they are on.
Beneteau has managed to make the Oceanis 60 nearly as easy to sail short-handed as a smaller boat by means of six important details —
1) Providing two huge, self-tailing sheet winches next to the helm.
2) Motorizing those winches, as well as the mainsheet and halyard winches.
3) Running the mainsheet and all halyard and trimming lines back to the aft end of the cockpit instead of the coach roof.
4) Designing an easily-handled cutter sail plan.
5) Utilizing a self-tending staysail large enough to drive the boat.
6) Using three blocks to increase the mechanical advantage on the mainsail sheet.

Cracked off the wind, this is probably the Oceanis 60’s best point of sail. She is set-up for short-handed and single-handed sailing.

Here we see the Oceanis 60 reaching with her jib sheet led directly to the turning block aft.
Larger sails require more energy with which to control them. But by utilizing a roller furling headsail, three blocks on the mainsail, and powered for all sail evolutions, the 2,006 sq, ft. (66 sq. m) Oceanis 60 sail plan is virtually as easy to handle as that of a 35-footer.
Single-Handed? Because the mainsheet and halyards have all been run back to a point just forward of the helm, the captain need not take more than two or three steps to handle all of the lines on the boat. Because of this layout, and with an autopilot, the Oceanis 60 becomes a boat that is proabably as easy to single hand as any on the market, no matter what the size.

An innovation in the new Oceanis 60 is her “aft deck” which the builder recommends for sunning. We think it is a versatile venue while sailing and at anchor when in entertainment mode.
Unusual Cockpit
When underway or entertaining, the boat’s cockpit is the primary venue. For that reason Beneteau takes pains to make sure it is both large and comfortable — and equally as good for sailing as it is for entertaining. At anchor or in a marina, no fewer than 14 people can comfortably sit in the cockpit, counting four in the port and starboard helm seats. Underway, there are so many places to sit, both on the high side and to leeward that half the yacht club can probably be accommodated on deck to watch the start of the annual regatta.
Double Helm Seats. We particularly like the design of the double helm seats, port and starboard. In this way a couple can enjoy sailing together, or a parent and child. There is nothing like this proximity to teach a beginner how to sail, where to look, then right next to the expert driving the boat.

The double wide helm seats are on fiberglass boxes that double as storage for fenders, lines and a life raft.
Special Winch Placement. Beneteau has for some time been placing the headsail sheet winches within reach of the captain. That aids short-handed or single-handled sailing. What is partiularly innovative on the Oceanis 60 is the placement of the secondary winches. By running all of the halyards and trimming lines under the deck and having them emerge at the aft end of the cockpit in the coaming, crew can easily sit, kneel or stand to bring home or pay out these lines. Likewise, it is only a short step or two for the captain to move forward to man these stations.
Aft Sun Deck. The Oceanis 60 is designed for more than just sailing. She is also intended for sunning and doing it in comfort. On most boats the only place to work on one’s tan is on the foredeck — but that can be not only uncomfortable, but also wet, and even too breezy.
Beneteau’s solution is to add nearly 4′ behind the helm for sunning. With the addition of a comfortable pad, now bathing in the sun on board a sailboat takes on a whole new dimension. First, the location is within earshot of what is being said in the cockpit; second, because it is located behind the helm, the location is protected from both wind and spray. Thirdly, when at anchor, it is only a step or two into the cooling waters of the Caribbean or wherever.

The stem of the Oceanis 60 has a slight cant forward. We like the solid pulpit for the plow anchor and the standard windlass on deck. The hatch leads to the crew quarters.
On Deck
Starting forward, the vessel has a small pulpit that holds the anchor. The electric windlass is standard.
A large hatch forward permits access to crew quarters in the boat’s forepeak. Those eschewing crew will probably use it for storing sails, lines and fenders.
Further aft we find two more opening hatches and two skylights. These hatches are over the master stateroom, or two cabins, depending on which layout is chosen.
Just forward is the track for the self-tending staysail. The staysail is 517 sq. ft. (48 sq. m), almost exactly half the size of the boat’s standard 120% genoa.

Note the wide side decks, thanks to the vessel’s 16’4″ (4.99 m) beam and the molded-in pad for the shrouds to meet the chain plates.

Here we see the headsail rolled up a few feet to keep the boat from being overpowered. Note that the car for the jib sheet has been run forward to maintain good sail shape.
Standing Rigging. The mast is supported with three sweptback spreaders connected to upper shrouds affixed to chain plates just outboard of the trunk cabin slightly abaft the mast. The rig is also supported by two permanent backstays that lead just behind the port and starboard helm stations. One advantage of this arrangement, in addition to stabilizing the mast, is that it leaves the centerline at the transom unencumbered for watersports activities.
Side Decks. The boat’s 16’4″ (4.99 m) beam pays off with wide side decks that make negotiating one’s way forward in a breeze a relatively easy proposition. Beneteau has placed over 10′ of track on deck so the cars for the headsail lead block can be adjusted to optimize sail shape for the conditions. Two turning blocks aft are designed to handle the headsail and asymmetrical spinnaker. We like their location as it’s almost impossible for someone to inadvertently stand in the bight.

A view of a couple enjoying the aft deck while at anchor. This makes an excellent place to launch water toys.
Aft Deck. Behind the helm, which is located on two molded-in fiberglass boxes that help enclose the cockpit and provide ventilation to the cabins below. We should add that in addition to sun bathing, this large aft deck can be used for other things as well. It is large enough for several folding chairs that can be used as fighting chairs for the occasional dolphin dinner. Likewise, when at anchor it becomes another venue for cocktails and keeping a sharp eye out for the green flash.

Seen here is a clever place to stow an inflatable. A small outboard motor can be hung on the stern rail. Note the cushions on the aft deck for lounging.
Dingy Garage. When the swim platform is deployed a compartment is reveled that holds an inflatable dinghy. While not large, it is certainly easy to launch and retrieve and will get the job of going ashore done. We’d hang a 3.5-hp outboard that weighs just 41 lbs. on the stern life rails and store the gas can in the dinghy when underway.

The arch comes optional in navy blue — just like the hull — and makes what we think is an attractive design statement. More important it handles the main sheet, keeping that mess out of the cockpit. The boom is over 7′ off the deck and is a major safety feature of the boat.

The arch becomes a terrific anchor for a dodger which makes the cockpit dry and cozy.
Below Decks
The drawings and photos below do the best job of describing the Oceanis 60 below decks. It has two layout versions: one with three staterooms and three heads, and another with four staterooms and four heads. The latter is ideal for the charter trade. Otherwise both layouts are identical.
The interior joinery work is Alpi wood, the same composite material that Beneteau uses in all of its boats for durability in the marine environment. Note that the Oceanis 60 has standard hanging lockers in both layout plans. Crew quarters with two pipe berths and a head come in both layouts.

This layout features the owner’s stateroom forward and features two hanging lockers, a good-sized head and a desk/vanity. Note that both aft cabins have heads with separate shower stalls.

The 4-stateroom version replaces the master with two staterooms forward. Because these cabins have their own private heads this version is particularly attractive in charter trade. Note that the single bed in the starboard can be a double, if wanted.

One of the attractive features below is the easy-to-negotiate stairs leading below — the five steps have courtesy lights, moderate risers and are not steep. Note in the foreground that the sofa at right has a moveable arm rest and that there is a wood cocktail table on the bench at left.

View of the stairs and the navigation station as well as the refrigerator and cabinets.

The navigation table is large and there is plenty of room for electronics.

Looking forward from the steps we see that the sofa’s cocktail has been converted into a wide bench seat for two, thereby allowing 8 people to sit at the dinner table.

The galley has a fair amount of counter food prep space and a large gimbaled stove outboard. The counters have moderately high fiddles. Refrigeration is under the counters and there is a deep, double ss sink which is typical on virtually all Beneteau sailboats.

Beneteau has done a good job of providing a place for galley necessities such as pots, pans and flatware.

Behind the navigation table is a pull-out refrigerator drawer and drawers for china and place settings.

Forward is the master stateroom. We like the two bench seats port and starboard that are very welcome when putting on shoes and socks.

To port in the master is a small desk/vanity. We like the large book shelf and the cabinets.

A view looking aft in the starboard guest cabin. The window in the background with the opening hatch is looking through the compartment where the inflatable dinghy can be stored. The two beds can be moved together.

In the port quarter is the third stateroom with a large bed.
Observations
We have saved the best news for last. While this boat looks like she should sell for well over $1 million, she retails for substantially under that figure.
She makes a good summer cruiser, and because she is so large and capable she can also be sailed fairly quickly to the tropics in the fall. We can see her easily making the round trip from the Caribbean to New England, Canada or the Great Lakes — or from Seattle down to Mexico on the West Coast. Likewise for yachting people in the Southern hemisphere.
We very much like the three stateroom version because of the remarkable master and, of course, that version can be chartered, too. But either way, the Beneteau Oceanis 60 is a versatile boat that should be comfortable in most conditions.