First look
jib, while light weather
enthusiasts will be hanking
onto the bail on the anchor
roller for the Code zero.
Utilising the beam of
the cockpit, all the lines,
halyards and sheets are
brought under-deck past
the lounging area to the
working area just in front
of the twin helms. Here the
twin primary winches set
on plinths are electric to aid
shorthanded maneuvers
or taking the sweat out of
hoisting sail. With all lines
locked in jam cleats it is also
easier for either crew or
speedy help to complete the
exercises as suggested.
Setting the fully battened
main and roller headsail
encouraged the hull to bite with a 15-degree heel, the
topsides chines kicking in to keep the boat tracking straight,
while the twin rudders dig deep to give plenty of feedback
at either helm station. Even with the cockpit arch keeping
the mainsheet out of head’s way, the sightlines forward
and over the cabin are excellent, with the primary winches
holding the genoa placed well for watching the trimming
effect on the speed through the dual Simrad chartplotter
displays. Taking waves in her stride by powering through
them with her lowered COG and point of effort brought
astern slightly with the displaced rig, she responded in a
lively but controlled fashion, the twin rudders keeping
her leashed in.
Combining this new rig placement with the wide beam
and 10% overhang, the hull speed of 9.5 knots is often
within grasp, and easily overtaken when dropping off a
reach onto some friendly rolling waves that helped surf us
over ten knots. With three keel options, from shallow at
1.8m to the deep at 2.3m, the draft can be tailored to your
cruising area, though I would opt for the deeper version for
improved offshore stability.
The standard 75hp “Iron Jib” Yanmar turned out a good
eight knots with ease, a further knot possible in the higher
rpm if speed is a must. As a must-have option for the tech-
kids, coupled with a three-blade prop in saildrive format,LOA:
Beam:
Draft:
Displacement:
Hull speed:
Guide Price:
Builder:
Tel:
Web:
Email:16.79m
15.16m
1.45m / 1.8m / 2.21m
16.7 tons
9.5 knots
339,300 Euros
http://www.beneteau.com
+971 4399 4554
http://www.duboats.com
[email protected]SpecificationsOceanis 55
Topside with a
view: Serene
at rest, the hull
portlights provide
an exciting view
of the sea when
going hard onnow called a ‘pod’ due to its connection to the main engine,
the Beneteau ‘Dock & Go’ system incorporates a clever
Vessel Management Unit (VMU) that electronically regulates
the engine, transmission and bow thruster through a
joystick for ‘fly-by-wire’ maneuvering and putting an end
to the centuries old sundowner spectacle for marina users
of the marital disputes taking place along the side deck
stretch from captain to crew. However, even without the
joystick, the dampening effect of the twin rudders negated
propwash, leaving a more controlled approach astern –
better for med mooring.VERDICT:
The ‘shorthanded ceiling’ used to be around 45ft – the size
of sailing yacht that two could handle comfortably without
falling out, or overboard. But with the ergonomic thought
and use of fairleading the lines to a central working zone,
that glass ceiling has been well-and-truly raised with the
Oceanis 55. Whether for the couple who want to cruise
alone, or the sociable skipper who has a torrent of friends
and family who want to be sailed around, or for charter
purposes, the Oceanis 55 is a useful size for satisfying all
sailing and sunning enthusiasts needs without breaking
the bank.Beneteau
Oceanis 5536
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