At the same time as the ambitious new launch, Bénéteau is saying goodbye to its previous flagship, the Oceanis 51.1, after eight years on the market and sending it into well-deserved retirement. Although at first glance there are external parallels, the design of the new Oceanis 52 differs significantly from its predecessor - whose hull was designed by Berret-Racoupeau. The new Biscontini hull brings many changes: The foredeck area is now even more voluminous, the side chine of the hull is more pronounced and extends much further aft. As a result, the waterline in the stern area has been narrowed considerably - which not only reduces the wetted area, but also significantly improves dimensional stability when heeling.
New shapes, new possibilities
The most striking feature of the Oceanis 52 is its completely redesigned cockpit layout. The double C-shaped seat thwarts form a flowing, diamond-shaped arrangement that enables natural movement from the companionway to the bathing platform. With two height-adjustable tables, the space can be flexibly adapted to the needs of the crew. Two spacious sunbeds can be set up and the passage through the cockpit remains free.
The two rudder blades are built relatively far under the boat. Two keel variants are available. The standard fixed keel in a sporty T-shape with ballast bomb has a draught of 2.36 metres. Alternatively, an L-shaped short keel with a reduced draught of 1.92 metres is available. The targa bracket above the cockpit is an option that was already available for the previous model. It removes the mainsheet guide from the cockpit and also enables a complete or partitioned cockpit roof with flexible bimini elements.
The new Oceanis 52 is equipped with a self-tacking jib as standard. There is also a furling mast. As an option, the boat can also be ordered with an overlapping genoa and a conventional mast with slightly more sail area. Sporty sailors also have the option of equipping their boat with a 1.85 metre higher performance rig. In this version, the Oceanis can carry up to 143 square metres of sail area on the wind (standard: 94 square metres). The sail carrying capacity increases to a very sporty 4.8 metres.
Lots of variance, lots of comfort
The interior design provides for a layout with three, four or five double cabins. There is also a maximum of three bathrooms. The individual layout variants can be viewed in the gallery above. On request, Beneteau will also install a cabin for the skipper in the bow instead of a large sail load as on the standard boat. Beneteau's designers have paid particular attention to comfort in the owner's cabin in the foredeck. With a 1.60 metre wide island bed, a separate wet room (shower and WC in separate rooms) and plenty of storage space, it is designed to meet the highest standards of comfort.
Beneteau will present the Oceanis 52 as a world premiere at the Cannes Yachting Festival in September. An initial price announcement has also already been published on the Beneteau website: the new Oceanis flagship will cost 481,950 euros, gross including 19% VAT.
Technical data Oceanis 52
- Designer: Biscontini Yacht Design
- Interior styling: Nauta Design
- Hull length: 15.31 m
- Overall length with bowsprit: 15.75 m
- Length waterline: 14.67 m
- Width: 4.84 m
- Weight: 14.47 tonnes
- Standard draught (T-keel): 2,36 m
- Ballast/proportion standard keel: 3.39 t / 23 %
- Draft short keel (L-keel): 1,92 m
- Ballast/proportion short keel: 3.6 t / 25 %
- Mast height above WL: 22.00 m
- Mast height above WL (performance rig): 23.85 m
- Mainsail furling mast (standard): 46.50 m2
- Mainsail for classic mast: 59.50 m2
- Mainsail for performance rig: 66.50 m2
- Self-tacking jib (standard): 47.50 m2
- Genoa 105% optional: 59.50 m2
- Genoa 105% for performance rig: 76.50 m2
- Motorisation: Built-in diesel Yanmar 110 hp / Saildrive
- Fuel capacity: 200 litres / + 200 litres optional
- Fresh water capacity: 420 litres / + 300 litres optional
- CE design category: A(13) / B (14) / C (16)
