Beneteau Oceanis 55: A Relieable Sea Beauty

Choosing between the many boat models offered, picking one that would satisfy your needs the most, might be a challenge, but with some yachts, you just couldn't go wrong. World-renowned Berret Racoupeau Yacht Design has gifted us with a boat that can sail on any sea on the world all the while providing its crew with ample space for comfortable stay and enjoyment.

Design and layout

In contrast with its predecessor, Oceanis 55 has a newly developed hull with a full-length chine which doesn't serve only as a fancy designer solution but helps to keep the boat on its lines and gives it greater stability.

Oceanis 55 features optional twin rudders which provide excellent steering control and comes with three different keel depths of:

• 1,56m
• 1,91m
• 2,30m

By choosing the smallest keel depth, even the shallowest Adriatic coves and ports become accessible, not to mention that sailing right at the shore of a beach can become possible as well.

The design of the boat with its mainsheet control system leading to helm station allows for the helmsperson to easily control the ship, even singlehandedly if need requires.

There are even 5 different accommodation plans to choose from, allowing for up to 10 people to be hosted by this beauty. By choosing the five cabins and three heads layout plan with the addition of accommodating two more people on the sofa Oceanis can host a party of twelve. 

It is an ideal boat for a family of any size or even two with plenty of space for anyone.

The deck

The added accent on comfort and practicality is visible in any aspect of the yacht's design and the deck is no exception.

Of course, relaxation was also taken into account so there are plenty of areas available for sunbathing or simply lounging, but especially nice are two sunning areas on each side of the companionway protected by sprayhood, so you can even lie there during not so great weather conditions.

The cockpit provides plenty of space for 10 people with a handsome teak cockpit table, opening leaves, and a built-in refrigerator. The opening transom seat is controlled by an electric motor that allows it to pivot and fold thus providing the boat with a swim platform with the press of a button.

The interior

The interior was designed by the Italian company Nauta which gave it a modern flair flooded with light and air. There are plenty of portlights as well as numerous overhead hatches that serve to create a very pleasant environment with the abundance of natural light.

Despite modern shapes prevalent onboard, designers have managed to accomplish a traditional seafaring feel that breathes comfort thanks to an Alpi mahogany joiner work with the cabin sole parquet laminated wood of similar color.

The entrance is easy thanks to a slight slope of 45 degrees with ergonomically designed handrails which brings you into the spacious saloon fitted with an expandable table and wraparound settee to starboard and double settee to port. 

There are storage spaces in the form of overhead lockers as well as below settees.

The galley is to the port, beside the companionway, which is the consistent location with all five layouts, while the kitchen is furnished with double refrigerator, stove and double stainless sinks and with an abundance of storage area.

Under sail

Oceanis 55 is propelled with a Yanmar 75-hp diesel engine with three.bladed prop. This engine works in concert with an electric bow thruster that allows the boat to be controlled with the optional „Dock & Go“ system with a joystick in the cockpit. The software works to convert the movements of the joystick and the input from a GPS into digital commands for the engine that can easily push the boat at 8 to 9 knots.

The system has proved to be quite responsive and easy to use but quite unnecessary for experienced sailors.

The incredible thing about sailing the Oceanis 55 is the ease with which it stays connected to the water even during rocky weather while the cockpit, placed well aft and thanks to the forward chine, remains completely dry.

Final conclusion

The Oceanis 55 can easily be sailed by two and even just one person which is a huge advantage compared to other boats her size. The steering is impressively light and will provide a flat and fast sailing experience, which helps to bring the ultimate feeling of connection to the sea.

From the living onboard point of view, the five different accommodation plans available will satisfy any preference, while the ladies will surely be overjoyed with two sun pads placed so close to the cockpit, while everyone will appreciate the swim platform, one of the most memorable things on the boat.