In 2009, the world market leader Beneteau caused a stir with the announcement of a new flagship for its Oceanis touring line. However, it was not so much the dimensions that were surprising, but rather the independent cockpit concept with the then still very rare targa bar above the cockpit and, above all, the low-lying stern terrace, which was intended to serve both as a bathing platform and as open storage space for the dinghy. Beneteau wanted to set itself apart from the ship concepts of its competitors in the luxury segment.
Now, the French company, in collaboration with the designers from Berret Racoupeau Yacht Design, have revisited the plans for the 58 and thoroughly revised them. The prototype of the new Oceanis 60 is already under construction and will be on show for the first time at the Cannes boat show next September.
The most important and striking change compared to the previous model is the completely remodelled rear area. The open extension at the stern of the previous model is history and is now replaced by a large garage in which a dinghy can be stowed transversely. The folding bathing platform will close off the storage space. The aft deck above the stern garage extends to the rear at the level of the cockpit floor and can therefore be used as an all-round sheltered sun lounge.
The layout of the functions on deck as well as the rigging and the options available for it remain unchanged apart from visual adjustments and some functional improvements. As standard, the largest Oceanis will continue to be equipped with the targa bracket above the cockpit. It banishes the mainsheet from the cockpit and also serves as a solid mount for the sprayhood or an optionally available cake stand. The standard rig is an aluminium mast with three spreaders, a conventional mainsail and a relatively large genoa with 120 percent overlap. Alternatively, a furling mast or a self-tacking jib are on the list of options.
Beneteau has adopted the layouts of the predecessor model for the interior. There are layouts available for owners with three cabins and three bathrooms or for the charter sector with four cabins and four bathrooms. A cabin for the skipper in the foredeck is also possible. However, the designers at Nauta-Design have given the interior a completely new styling. The colour contrasts on the new ship are intended to be even more intense than on the previous model. Beneteau is also sticking with the shipyard-typical, but also relatively dark mahogany wood veneers for the interior of the new flagship. An alternative is not planned for the time being.
The standard version of the Oceanis 60 with a 140 hp built-in engine from Volkswagen Marine will be announced for a price of 538,800 euros (including 19 per cent VAT) at market launch.
Sense 55: The flagship from the sister line at YACHT-TV
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