New yachts: Boot premieres 7: Sense 43

The fact that there is only one wet room per 13.20 metres is equally unusual and yet understandable in the context of the ship's design. However, it is correspondingly large.

The space in the owner's area in the foredeck is also striking. The large berth is framed by many usable stowage spaces. What is particularly striking is the generous amount of free space available. Here, two people can prepare for shore leave at the same time without getting in each other's way.

If guests come on board, they will find sufficient space in the second cabin. However, the visitor and owner's cabins are very close together. Combined with the fact that there is only one toilet room, there is less privacy than with the classic layout of modern yachts with aft cabins. These are completely absent from the Sense. Instead, the cockpit has been lowered and the saloon raised. This allows the interior and exterior areas to merge together.
The small Sense looks just as coherent as her big sister. The designers from Berret Racoupeau put a lot of thought into the concept, which, according to the shipyard, is partly based on a survey that was launched on the Internet. The result was a consistent focus on small owner crews. Many details show that not only the concept but also the entire ship received some development input. For example, the helm seats can be folded up to create a clear passageway, and the railing wires in the stern disappear into the tubes of the pushpit when not in use and do not hang around loosely. The seating position on the steering wheels also appears to be a success. All halyards and extenders are routed to central stopper batteries in the cockpit, where they are easily accessible for use.

All other controls are also in a central location, and the overview from the wheels is good despite the high superstructure. From autumn 2011, the Dock and Go system from Beneteau will be available on request to help with harbour manoeuvres.

Such details cost money. A base price of around 190,000 euros is no small amount. This is why the French are positioning the ship alongside the First and Oceanis series in the upmarket segment. This is also reflected in the exhibition stand. While the other ships are freely accessible, the Sense models are in a cordoned-off area. Access by appointment only. Hall 16 Stand B42.