Oceanis 55: A new lifestyle at sea
SAINT HILAIRE DE RIEZ, 07 SEPTEMBER 2012. “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, favoring 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”. Thomas Gaillard – Oceanis & Sense Product Manager
Inside, is an extremely comfortable 45° companionway, framed by handrails, making access to the saloon safe under sail. Below, we find a fully fitted L-shaped galley portside, opening onto the saloon space, left clear for interchange and discussions 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. This choice of making the most of the light coming in from the side and blacking out the roof hatches maintains a cool atmosphere on board, which is surprising during long exposure to the sun when sailing or at anchor. Made to measure: The saloon can be adapted to your pastimes! It 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 delighting in the company.
To the fore, materials and trims pleasantly enhance the owner cabin. The décor has been chosen carefully: anthracite grey paneling at the head of the bed adds to the choice of enhancing materials. The light is perfect thanks to the panoramic window which offers a stunning view to the bow. In the very bright and open shower room, the interplay of materials with transparency and the Kerok washbasin emphasizes the elegant and contemporary aesthetic qualities that we find throughout the boat. The interior layout also has 2 other aft cabins with a shower room, or 3 aft cabins, including one with a bunk bed. In the Family version, you will be able to choose this model with either 4 or 5 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.
The exterior was designed like the interior, keeping comfort in mind and developing on the expectations of a legitimately demanding owner. The emphasis placed on relaxation in the design was given careful consideration. 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.
The Oceanis 55 is an easy yacht to sail: central mast, jib with little overlap, mainsail sheet on arch: solutions which improve balance and performance. Its sea keeping is good in all weather. It keeps a moderate heel angle thanks to the chine, all the maneuvering 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 centered in the cockpit provide both safety at sea and ease of use, perfectly in line with the requirements of a cruising crew, seeking to obtain maximum performance.
Provisional technical characteristics
Naval Architect Berret Racoupeau Yacht Design
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
- EC certification In progress