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.
Lots of variance in the equipment on deck
The Wauquiez 55 can be built with either a fixed keel or a swivelling keel. There are also variations for the rig. As an alternative to the standard version with a conventional but relatively high aluminium mast with two spreaders, a furling mast or a higher rig made of carbon fibre for sporty requirements 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 is 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.
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. In addition, the boat is much easier to manoeuvre in port 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.
Huge owner's cabin with private access
The boat is equipped 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. Exciting and unique for a monohull of this size: a separate access leads from the aft bridge deck directly into the large double cabin in the stern. This gives the owners more flexibility and customised options for using their own living area.
Wauquiez has now also issued a concrete price list. The basic version of the exciting 55 will be offered for a base price of 1,630,500 euros. Including 19% VAT, the price is around 1,940,300 euros. On top of this, a set of sails costs at least another 60,000 euros.
The complete test report on the Wauquiez 55 will be published in YACHT, issue 15/2025, which will be available at the beginning of July.
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
- Base price ex shipyard: 1,940,300 euros, gross incl. 19% VAT.
