Oceanis 55 makes a stunning debut at the Paris Boat Show

by Creating Demand on 18 Dec 2012 Regarded as offering ‘a new lifestyle at sea’, the stunning new Oceanis 55 was the star of opening night at the Nautic Paris Boat Show.

Beneteau General Manager Carla Demaria and Product Development Manager Bruno Belmont officially welcomed this latest offering from the French Manufacturer, with a large audience of Beneteau owners, International Dealers, Press and adoring fans on hand for the worldwide premiere.

The Oceanis 55 is the ultimate cruising yacht, designed for spacious comfortable living whether at anchor or at sea. Below decks you will find a fully fitted L-shaped galley facing the saloon with four hull portholes, two new deck windows surrounding the roof and two hatches with blackout blinds providing a bright and ventilated living space. The functional saloon area can be made up in ‘lounge’ mode for relaxing or it converts simply and easily into a large dining area.

The owner cabin features a panoramic window offering a delightful view to the bow and is finished in stylish materials and trims. The interior layout also has two other aft cabins with a shower room, or three aft cabins, including one with a bunk bed. In the family version you will be able to choose this model with either 4 or 5 cabins and an independent shower room for each cabin.

The exterior was designed like the interior, keeping comfort in mind and developing on the expectations of a legitimately demanding owner. The emphasis placed on relaxation in the design was given careful consideration. On either side of the companionway are two large sun-bathing platforms, which are also excellent watch stations. The cockpit seats have ‘méridienne’ seating, making it easier to stay in line with the yacht's heel angle, and to enjoy greater comfort at anchor or sailing.

At anchor, it is easy to go for a swim thanks to the electric bathing platform system which lowers to provide a terrace at sea level.

The Oceanis 55 is an easy yacht to sail: central mast, jib with little overlap, mainsail sheet on arch - solutions which improve balance and performance. Its seakeeping is good in all weather. It keeps a moderate heel angle thanks to the chine, all the manoeuvring has been brought to the rear and is situated around the helmsman, and the instrument panel is fitted into the helm station.

The genoa winches centred in the cockpit provide both safety at sea and ease of use, perfectly in line with the requirements of a cruising crew seeking to obtain maximum performance.

The Oceanis 55 is expected to make her Australian debut at the Sydney International boat Show in July 2013. For more information about the Oceanis 55 visit www.beneteau.com.