What’s in a name? In the case of the new Jeanneau Yachts 55, there’s a double number that seems to speak of this monohull’s dexterous adoption of some of the best multihull characteristics. Look once and you’ll see a monohull, but look twice – especially from aft or above – and you may sometimes wonder if you’re not aboard a catamaran.
Jeanneau chose Philippe Briand to design the hull of its new sailing boat and Andrew Winch to design the interiors. The combination of these two star designers was sure to produce an outstanding result. They continued the successful design team that produced the Jeanneau Yachts flagship 65 and the Jeanneau Yachts sixty. The 55 is designed to be a comfortable and stylish option for sailors looking to enjoy long-distance cruising.
The 55 is built to last with a vacuum-infused GRP boat hull. It has an LOA almost 17m, and a beam of just over 5m. The keel draught is 2.45m and the yacht’s twin rudders have self-aligning roller bearings. The in-mast mainsail is furled and the jib has a self-tacking track.
There are so many options that it is almost disorienting. This yacht can be customized to fit a wide range of sailing abilities and lifestyle requirements.
Social Space Cat-Like
The monohull’s focus was on the quality of life aboard. This includes many features found on catamarans that are not available in this type of boat. For instance, the layout of the aft-deck is all for lounging.
You might think you’re seeing double when you board and find a U-shaped seating arrangement starboard, opposite an L-shaped sofa to port. Both can serve a dual purpose by converting to large sunpads that guests can use without being disturbed by the presence winches and other sail gear.
Note also that the flooring is all on one level, so you have a space dedicated to enjoyment that spans almost a quarter of the yacht’s length.
Transoms can be opened to create a large swimming platform, which offers much more than easy access to water. It’s also the base for an outdoor kitchen when a grill is mounted onto the starboard side. While hovering just inches above the water, preparing meals in a setting like this offers those ‘what-more could-you-ask-for’ moments that go to making a vacation truly memorable.
Although there’s no tender garage, a 2.9m tender can be stored and launched from telescopic davits, much like those found aboard catamarans. Should there be a tender at the aft end, the side bench can be raised to allow passengers to safely disembark while leaving the tender in its stowed position.
Comfort and Protection
While the aft area seems to be inching up on a catamaran lifestyle, forward of the large lounging areas are the twin helming positions, with wheels mounted onto pedestals that contain the beating heart of the yacht’s sailing soul.
Sure, it’s easy sailing with Raymarine touchscreen commands, joystick controls for bow and aft thrusters, electric winches and all lines close at hand, but it’s serious sailing nonetheless and it’s good fun.
Sailors will be able to easily monitor the headsails, and walk on the side decks that are on a single level. This allows them to quickly get up and down the decks as they slowly ascend towards the fixed bowsprit and headsails. In the fore section is anchoring equipment and even an en-suite skipper’s cabin.
The mainsheet traveller mounts directly on an arched rollbar that defines the protected cockpit. The windscreen has a curved glass section with an opening in the middle, allowing for a clear view.
Depending on the climate they’re planning to sail in, owners can opt to mount a hard top dodger or a fold-away bimini. After the roll bar, the owner can install protection for the steering positions to allow them to sail in any weather condition or latitude.
In the cockpit, a navigation area with chart table, GPS display and autopilot control to port is an indoor/outdoor zone.
The owner can choose how much protection they want to give their equipment from the elements. Everything is accessible and easily accessed. Two experienced sailors can easily navigate this boat by themselves, and explore the world with total freedom.
Light Below
The design of the lower saloon reinforces the feeling of freedom. The hull, coachroof and flush hatch skylights allow three layers of light to enter the area. This brightens it and allows for excellent air circulation.
A well-equipped galley, a dinette with L-shaped seating and tables that adjust in height to become an extra berth are similar to what you’d expect to find on a sailing yacht this size.
However, what is surprising is that the area can be used as a single open space together with the full-beam owner’s cabin fore by leaving the two sliding doors open. This creates a kind of ‘loft living’ vibe where divisions between day and night areas are blurred to create a single large space that’s perfect for a couple sailing on their own.
While it’s spacious and airy, it’s also seaworthy and practical, with plenty of well-placed handrails, pointing to the designers’ will to keep the boat and its occupants safe, even in rougher conditions.
While the Jeanneau Yachts 55 pampers its owners with the luxury of space and privacy, let’s not forget that this is a 17m boat, so it’s probable that guests will be part of the picture at some point. No problem.
Nobody’s privacy will be disturbed because of a truly innovative setup, which is so well-conceived that you might not even notice it at first. The twin glass doors with gullwings that are located just in front of the helms open up to reveal two symmetrical companionways, leading to the guest cabins. It’s a similar setup to a catamaran. You enter a separate hull.
This clever solution allows guests to sleep in total privacy. They are kept separate from both the owners and other guests. The two double cabins each have their own bathroom, which again is reminiscent of the privacy that can be found on a catamaran.
Can a sail yacht take on some of the lifestyle features that a catamaran offers and still stay true to itself? According to sales figures, the Jeanneau Yachts 54 can.
It may well be that this yacht, with its combination of catamaran comforts and sailing performance, will win back monohull sailors from the catamarans who have drifted into their ease and stabilities. This yacht may appeal to motoryachters who are looking for an eco-friendly, sustainable way to spend their time on water.
Because aboard a sailing yacht where you’re free as a bird to choose your location, location, location, it’s the many ways the Jeanneau Yachts 55 allows you to enjoy your life aboard that makes all the difference.
http://www.jeanneau.com
This article was first published on yachtstyle.co
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