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Jeanneau Yachts 55Groundbreakingly different. The first photos from the YACHT test

Michael Good

 · 26.04.2023

Cruising sailing reimagined. The new Jeanneau Yachts 55 in the YACHT test in the south of France
Photo: YACHT / L. Fruchaud
Steering positions far forward, large lounge areas on the aft deck, covered exterior cockpit and separate companionways to the cabins. With the new Jeanneau Yachts 55, the yacht builders in western France want to rethink the conventional cruising concept. YACHT was on board what was perhaps the most exciting premiere at the boot trade fair in Düsseldorf.

The concept is as exciting as it is unconventional. And it combines the best of different worlds. Although the Jeanneau Yacht 55 is a monohull, it also combines the advantages of catamarans and motor yachts. For example, the cockpit can be partially or fully covered. Depending on the use and purpose, various add-on modules are available, including a fully enclosed cake stand.

However, the fixed dodger as on the test boat remains standard. Underneath, well protected from wind, water and sun, is a seating area and the navigation system from which the boat can be steered without oilskins in bad weather. On the aft deck, two huge seating areas impress, which can also be converted into huge sun loungers thanks to lowerable tables. The helm stations, on the other hand, are located far forward. The layout is extremely unorthodox, but worked excellently in the YACHT test.

The concept is aimed exclusively at owners

The special features continue below deck. There is only one layout without variants, namely as a pure owner's boat. The interior is designed like a luxurious two-room studio for discerning travellers. This means a saloon with a galley at the rear, followed by a bedroom and a generously proportioned toilet room with shower at the front. The owners live on a total of two thirds of the entire extension area below deck. Two additional cabins, each with a wet room, are installed aft and insulated. Separate companionways lead into these double cabins where the guests live.

The YACHT test editorial team took a closer look at the unusual concept of the Jeanneau Yachts 55 in an exclusive test. The comprehensive test report will follow soon in YACHT. Until then, you can see the first photos from the trial run in the south of France in the gallery above.

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Technical data Jeanneau Yachts 55

  • Designer: Philippe Briand
  • Design and styling: Andrew Winch
  • Hull length: 16.09 m
  • Overall length (with bowsprit): 16,93 m
  • Waterline length: 16.05 m
  • Width: 4.99 m
  • Weight: 18.5 tonnes
  • Draughts: 2.55 m (standard)/1.98 m (optional)
  • Mast height above waterline: 25.2 m
  • Sail area downwind: 130.1 m² (standard) / 159.0 m² (optional)
  • Gennaker: 250.0 m²
  • Engine: Yanmar 110 hp/shaft drive
  • Fuel capacity: 230 litres
  • Fresh water capacity: 760 litres
  • CE category: A (12 persons)
  • Base price ex shipyard: 821,100 euros, incl. 19% VAT

Further links on the topic

Michael Good

Michael Good

Editor Test & Technology

Michael Good is test editor at YACHT and is primarily responsible for new boats, their presentation and the production of test reports. Michael Good lives and works in Switzerland on the shores of Lake Constance. He has been sailing since childhood and, in addition to his professional activities, has also been an active regatta sailor for many years, currently mainly in the Finn Dinghy and Melges 24 classes. He is also co-owner of a 45 National Cruiser built in 1917. Michael Good has been working for the YACHT editorial team since January 2005 and has tested around 500 yachts, catamarans and dinghies in that time.

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