Boot Düsseldorf Premieres II: Something completely different - the amazing 55 from Wauquiez
Michael Good
· 20.01.2025
The Wauquiez brand was rather inconspicuous for a long time. Six years ago, the French presented their last completely new ship, the PS 42. In the meantime, the shipyard was in financial difficulties, but is now back on solid ground with the new owners from Exel Industries. The traditional brand has now surprised everyone with its plans to completely relaunch the concept of the traditional centre-cockpit yacht. The first Wauquiez 55 yacht has been completed and is currently being shown as a world premiere at the trade fair in Düsseldorf.
The exceptionally innovative design comes from the studio of Marc Lombard Yacht Design. It presents an extremely exciting concept with a new, innovative construction with running decks that run high above the curved cabin superstructure and an extremely pronounced deck recess to the hull. The cockpit and the steering position installed at the front are protected by a stable dodger with a hardtop and a fixed windscreen. The aft deck is reserved entirely for enjoyment and relaxation with a generously proportioned lounge area that is stepped towards the rear. In addition to extensive sun loungers, a wide bathing platform provides easy and safe access to the water.
More benefits for owners
Exciting and unique for a monohull of this size: a separate entrance leads from the aft bridge deck directly into the large double cabin in the stern. This gives the owners more flexibility and individual options for utilising their own living area.
The Wauquiez 55 can be built with either a fixed keel or a swivelling keel. There are also variations for the rig. In addition to the standard version with a conventional but relatively high aluminium mast with two spreaders, a furling mast or, for sportier requirements, a higher rig made of carbon fibre is also available as an option. Customers can also choose whether they want to sail the boat with a self-tacking jib or with a larger, overlapping genoa. A gennaker or a code zero are set on the relatively long, firmly laminated bowsprit. And for longer passages on the high seas in wind and waves, a set-back staysail can also be fitted.
Two motors - Many advantages
The motorisation fits perfectly with the extraordinary concept. Wauquiez is equipping its new blue water yacht with two built-in engines, each delivering 50 hp or optionally 75 hp. This should reduce fuel consumption and significantly reduce noise emissions because the two engines run at fewer revolutions. The boat is also much easier to manoeuvre in the harbour with two engines, even without a bow or stern thruster. Alternatively, Wauquiez is also planning to offer the new 55 with electric motors or a hybrid system.
The boat will be fitted out below deck with two very spacious double cabins forward and aft, each with its own bathroom and separate shower area. An additional Pullman cabin with two bunk berths and its own bathroom is provided for guests, but can also be converted into storage space, a workshop or a walk-in wardrobe. The galley is fitted to the side in the passageway to the aft cabin. For owners who are planning a long sea voyage, the shipyard can install a large, walk-in locker from the inside and outside.
Wauquiez does not want to name a specific base price. However, the 55 should cost between 2.0 and 2.6 million euros, net of VAT, depending on the fit-out standard.
Technical data Wauquiez 55
- Designer: Marc Lombard Yacht Design Group
- Hull length: 17.58 m
- Width: 5.25 m
- Draught with fixed keel: 2.40 m
- Draught with swing keel: 1.60-4.20 m
- Weight (empty): 20,0 t
- Ballast/proportion of fixed keel: 4.95 t/25 %
- Ballast/proportion of swing keel: 3.84 t/19 %
- Sail area downwind: 164.0 m² (Std.)/157.0 m² (Furling)/169.0 m² (Performance)
- Engine (Volvo Penta): 2x 50 hp (2x 75 hp optional)
- Fuel capacity: 930 litres
- Fresh water capacity: 720 litres
