Sailing Yachts

Beneteau Oceanis 60 Review – The Powerful Cruising Boat

Oceanis 60 Beneteau

For sailors who are big on the performance and sailing characteristics of a boat, monohulls continue to be the holy grail.

Even among monohulls, sailors are partial towards boats with a longer waterline as they translate into impressive cruising miles.

Not surprisingly, Beneteau Oceanis 60 has been one of the best-selling boats owing purely to its long-distance sailing performance.

In this Beneteau Oceanis 60 review, however, I would show that this boat packs in much more than just its high-octane cruising characteristics.

The makers have improved upon the established Berret Racoupeau hull, adding bells and whistles that are typically the preserve of custom-built boats.

Where Does the Oceanis 60 Sail?

The Oceanis 60 is a large boat capable of sailing comfortably over long distances.

It is not unusual to see this boat taking its owners over to the tropical islands near the equator during the fall season.

For those desirous of chartering this boat during the Mediterranean summer, several charter companies offer her in France, Croatia, Spain, Italy, Greece, Turkey, and Belgium.

Whether it is the 3 or 4-cabin layout, you will discover that Oceanis 60 offers a terrific mix of luxury and performance and one of the best ways to explore the Mediterranean and beyond.

Accommodation

As mentioned above, the Beneteau Oceanis 60 is available in two configurations of 3 and 4 cabins, each with its own separate heads.

The latter is strictly driven by the need to cater to the demands of the yacht charter industry.

The first thing to note as you step inside the below deck area is the abundant use of Alpi wood.

It has a luxurious look and feels and is designed to last in the salty marine environment. The crew quarter can accommodate two and comes with a head.

The layout is identical in both configurations, except that the master stateroom forward gets replaced with two separate cabins, each with its own head.

While one of the staterooms on the starboard side features two separate single beds, it is also available in the double bed configuration.

To conclude, the Oceanis 60 can easily accommodate 6-8 people in the two versions, excluding the crew.

Interiors

Stepping down the 5 steps staircase, lit up with courtesy lights, you would come face to face with a truly cavernous saloon.

It becomes immediately apparent that the makers have put considerable thought into design and spared no effort to ensure a truly opulent below-deck experience.

To the left of the stairs is the navigation station that can easily seat two. The navigation table itself is large to spread large maps, and there is plenty of room for all the modern gadgets and electronics.

The navigation table itself is large to spread large maps, and there is plenty of room for all the modern gadgets and electronics.

Forward to the stairs is the sofa with a cocktail table that can be converted into a bench to seat two.

While the saloon is truly cavernous in size, it still feels light and airy owing to the generously sized sunroofs placed at the back and the middle.

The galley is a moderately sized space with a sufficiently large countertop for food preparation.

On the other hand, for a boat that is designed to sail with a full complement of 10 people, the three burner stove feels inadequate.

That aside, the galley is generously equipped, featuring a large dishwasher space, rubbish disposal unit, and a Siemens washer.

In addition, there is a large refrigerator, a separate freezer, and a 100-liter icebox.

Exterior

The first thing you notice on the deck is the unusually large cockpit space where no less than 14 people can be accommodated in total comfort.

What I particularly appreciate is the large double hemp seats where a couple can enjoy sailing together or a novice can pick up the nuances of sailing sitting beside the skipper.

As I mentioned at the beginning of this review, the Beneteau Oceanis 60 is designed for much more than pure sailing pleasure.

The designers of this boat have gone to extreme lengths to ensure that this boat does not disappoint casual sailors with its generous social spaces.

For example, the Oceanis 60 features an abundant aft sunning deck. This cleverly designed deck ensures that you do not run the risk of sprays and wind while being in close proximity to the helm station.

Other notable features include an extra wide side deck that makes moving to and from the forward deck a breeze, even in breezy conditions.

The placement of winches and having them electrically operated means the boat is ideal for short-handed sailing.

Below the aft deck lies a nifty garage where you can easily keep an inflatable dinghy.

Under sail

The Beneteau Oceanis 60 is powered by 150 hp diesel engine with a 600-liter fuel capacity.

Our skipper took us out on this boat in 20 knots of Mediterranean breeze, and the waters were challenging but manageable.

Initially powered by the Volkswagen engine spinning at an efficient 3300 rpm, we achieved an impressive speed of well over 9 knots.

Subsequently, we set up the sail controls and got to witness the true sailing performance ability of this boat.

With consistent speeds of 11 knots and occasionally hitting 13 knots, the boat proved itself in upwind conditions.

The boat also stayed dry, negotiating 5-foot seas without a hint of stress.

Why Sail the Oceanis 60?

1) A proven hull with an illustrious pedigree
2) Sheltered cockpit with abundant social spaces
3) A large interior that feels light, airy, and welcoming.
4) Thoughtful round-edged designs to keep people safe during turbulent passages
5) Use of quality materials, high-end appliances, and reliable gadgets

In Conclusion

Beneteau is unarguably the largest yacht maker in the world, and its domain expertise is best showcased in the Oceanis 60.

Make no mistake; the Oceanis 60 is a truly imposing vessel with all the modern comforts taken care of. And yet, it seems almost miraculous that boat of this size could be perfect for single-handed sailing.

The best part of the boat, apart from its superlative sailing performance and comfort, has to be the competitive price which is substantially less than a million.

There is no doubt that this boat is worth its price, both for private owners and the charter industry.

Specifications

  • Length Overall: 62′ 3” 18.27 m
  • Beam: 16’ 4” 4.99 m
  • Draft: 8’ 10” 2.69 m
  • Shallow Draft (Shallow Keel): 7’ 3” 2.21 m
  • Hull Length: 58’ 3” 17.75 m
  • Fuel Capacity: 127 gal. 481 L
  • Water Capacity: 171 gal. 647 L
  • Mainsail Area: (Classic) 944 sq ft 87.73 m²
  • Headsail Area: (105 %) 969 sq ft 90.06 m²
  • Cabins: 5
  • Berths: 11
  • Bathroom: 5

Have you sailed the Beneteau Oceanis 60? If so, share your experience in the comment below.

Hanse 575 Yacht Review – Solid As a Rock!

For those of us who love to sail as often as possible, the Adriatic Sea affords you plenty of opportunities to do so, but the quality of your experience will largely be determined by the boat you choose.

I recently took to the waters of the Adriatic out from Porto San Rocco in Muggia, Italy, for a test sail on one of the most remarkable boats I have been on in recent memory–the Hanse 575.

Commonly billed as a stress-free distance cruiser that can offer “home-away-from-home” comfort for couples and families, the Hanse 575 is quite large both in appearance and accommodations.

While this Hanse 575 yacht review will obviously relay my personal observations, it is highly doubtful that any person who spends time aboard this very capable cruiser will walk away with anything other than a positive experience.

Accommodations

The Hanse 575 model that I test sailed with a local broker featured a three-cabin/three-head layout, with the master cabin lying forward.

One of the first things I took note of was the strikingly spacious master cabin; it features a centerline double berth, giving you plenty of “elbow room” for making up the bed or climbing in/out of it without being a nuisance to your mate.

The head and shower each have their own compartments to port and starboard, and I also noticed a generous amount of hanging and locker space forward, enabling occupants to store lots of clothes for sailing and living aboard the vessel on a lengthy charter.

Interior

With a stylish, modern fit and finish, generous space, and comfortable furniture, the Hanse 575 is a boat that a couple or a family of four could easily live aboard and cruise the waters in comfort and style.

The interior is open and roomy, featuring a loft-like design with a portside center-ship galley, a forward-facing navigation desk, and a spacious settee area that features a retractable table (which can be easily converted to a king-size berth).

I was impressed with the well-thought-out design of the saloon, which features a galley to port that runs the full length of the space, along with a generously sized dinette to starboard.

The galley also features a large refrigerator and freezer, as well as allotted space for a dishwasher. The all-important wine cooler (one of my personal favorite features) is neatly tucked away in the furniture aft right beside the chart table.

The intuitive design of the accommodations for the Hanse 575 makes it a prime choice when it comes to selecting a worthy boat for your next charter.

Exterior

When I first saw the Hanse 575 at the marina, I was immediately struck by its distinctive look, impressive size, and voluminous presence.

Designed by the renowned studio Judel/Vrolijk, this German cruiser offers groundbreaking aesthetics, comfortable deck layouts, and fantastic open sightlines from practically anywhere aboard the boat.

In fact, when I looked straight ahead while standing at the aft end of the cockpit, I could have sworn that I was standing aboard a 70-footer.

The Hanse 575 has an expansive teak decking layout with an obvious emphasis on comfort and enjoying the view.

I took note of the exceptionally roomy cockpit, as well as the widely spaced twin composite wheels that can easily facilitate steering from either the high or low side.

The bow and stern are virtually plumb, and the topsides of the vessel are notably high off the water, which makes for generous headroom on the inside.

The design mavens at the Judel/Vrolijk studio spared no detail in terms of incorporating aesthetically pleasing features, such as flush deck hatches to “clean up” the visual appeal of the deck and eliminating any sharp edges on the hull to afford a sleek look.

In addition, the boat features a standard two-spreader Sparcraft aluminum rigging system (keel-stepped) with a self-tacking jib.

Under Sail

True to its Euro-designed pedigree, the Hanse 575 is intended to be sailed flat. The hull is quite quick and slippery and can cover significant ground even in choppy waters, which on this particular day, we had plenty of to navigate.

The semi-balanced, high-aspect rudder definitely makes its presence felt, as it is able to grab the water and turn the boat with impressive facility.

The mechanical steering system carries a nice feel, affording precise movement. The designers of the 575 have kept things simple by equipping the vessel with a traditional mainsail (including lazy jacks as well as a stack pack).

During our outing, I took note of the fact that the helm was keenly balanced, and the feel was remarkably precise.

The Hanse 575 offers a pleasant, stress-free, and non-intimidating sailing experience for couples or families who want to charter this vessel without a crew, but should you choose to hire a crew for your charter, you can enjoy the services of a cook, hostess, and skipper.

The Hanse 545 vs. the 575

Besides being a more recent model than the Hanse 545 (they were produced about 3 years apart), the Hanse 575 has nearly a full meter’s worth of extra LOA, as well as a slightly longer hull length.

The sail area of the Hanse 575 comes in at a little over 160 square meters, affording nearly 4 more square meters of space than the 545.

In addition, the 575 is equipped with 5 standard cabins compared to only 3 for the 545, although both boats feature 2 standard heads.

Why Sail the HAnse 575

* Dry and comfortable ride
* Remarkable control and an excellent feel
* Great tender garage
* Expansive and well-laid-out teak decks

In Conclusion

If I could relay some of the main takeaways from my experience aboard the 575, it would be the following:

The build quality of this vessel is rock-solid, its deck layout is spacious and clean, and its performance-oriented sailing characteristics and features make it an ideal vessel for practically any cruising adventure you may have in mind.

Whether you’re looking to enjoy some coastal cruising with family and friends or embark on a transoceanic cruising rally, the Hanse 575 is a very capable vessel that can suit your needs.

When creating your sailing charter, keep the Hanse 575 in mind as a top choice for exploring your next destination.

Specifications

  • Manufacturer: Hanse
  • Length overall: 5.23 m
  • Length waterline: 4.62 m
  • Beam: 1.57 m
  • Draft: 0.86 m
  • Engine Volvo Penta: D3
  • Fuel: Diesel
  • Fuel capacity: 520L
  • Cabins:3 to 6
  • Berths: 6 to 10

Have you sailed the Hanse 575? If so, share your experience in the comment below.

Dufour 560 Grand Large Review – The New Design!

An improvement over the original Grand Large 500, the Grand Large 560 was tweaked just enough to give the new version an edge over the old.

At first glance, I failed to notice most of the differences between the 2 vessels. I think this was likely intentional, so sailors who liked the old design would be lulled into accepting the new design.

My Dufour 560 grand large Review focuses on the subtle improvements made to an already well-made sailing vessel and how successful these changes were following time spent onboard.

Accommodation

The Grand Large 560 can have up to 5 cabins in addition to a small crew cabin on deck. I found that we had more than enough space for everyone onboard and a little leftover.

The head clearance is 6′ 7,” and you can practically do cartwheels in the saloon and galley, but the size of the rooms manages not to overwhelm you. The most significant difference to the cabin layouts is the positioning of the berths, heads, and showers.

As the spacious saloon and galley stay the same, the cabin configurations can change dramatically.

The berths can be a centerline island with head and shower compartments on either side, a berth /head combination located in the bow, an island berth, or a stateroom that can be converted into 2 smaller cabins.

If this still isn’t enough room, I would recommend using the crew cabin for another passenger cabin if you don’t need to hire a skipper.

Interior

Below deck on the 560 is a surprise if you’ve ever spent time aboard yachts where space was minimal. I was instantly struck by how much room there was in the saloon and the galley.

I have rarely had the luxury of moving through a galley without running the risk of bumping into something every time I turned around, but the galley on the 560 afforded me almost as much space as I have in my kitchen at home.

The saloon is set up with a U-shaped settee, a table, an L-shaped settee, and a navigation table. We could stretch out our legs and not have to worry much about invading each other’s space.

This boat is the perfect setting for a big group of people or a bunch of tall people who would normally be cramped and stooped every time they are below deck.

Exterior

The Grand Large 560 has a low profile in the water and gives the impression of sleekness and modernity.

The above deck is sleek and simple in design, with room for 8 people to sit at the twin settees while you skipper the boat yourself or enjoy the view while the hired crew handles everything for you.

The biggest change I found was the accessible crew cabin on deck, which can be repurposed for extra guests if needed. The cockpit also comes equipped with a grill, prep station, and sink so you can perform double duty as a skipper and chef.

Under Sail

Sailing comfortably at 8-10 knots, the 560 rides the surface quietly and cleanly. I was surprised to find that the size of the deck was a little disconcerting when at the wheel, but I adjusted to it quickly enough.

Overall, the vessel responds well to the wheel, tacks easily, does very little healing, and the cockpit is in a prime position to see across the water far and wide.

For a vessel this size, I was pleased with the ease of control I had over it while under sail. I never felt that the boat was taking over at any point, and I give credit to the well-thought-out design of the boat for that characteristic.

Why Sail the Dufour 560 GL

  • Big and roomy
  • Easy to maneuver around on deck while performing essential tasks
  • Many cabins and layout options
  • Performs very well under sail, often averaging 8 knots
  • Ample storage
  • A lot of headroom
  • Controlling the vessel is not a difficult task
  • Can comfortably accommodate at least 10 passengers
  • Design considerations were made down to small details such as cabinet hinges
  • Crew cabin on deck
  • Quiet under sail

In Conclusion

The Dufour 560 Grand Large lives up to its name! It’s grand and large, but not cumbersome or almost plodding as some extra big vessels can feel when you’re in the water.

This is the boat I would live on if I ever gave up my home on dry land!

Charter this vessel if you need to accommodate a large party, you have an exceptionally tall family, or you just want an overabundance of space to enjoy while you sail.

I would probably save this yacht for a special occasion, though. It can certainly spoil even the most jaded sailor!

Specifications

  • LOA: 56ft 3in LWL 49ft 9in
  • BEAM: 16ft 6inn
  • DRAFT: 7ft 2in (shoal); 8ft 2in (std)
  • SAIL AREA: 1,400ft2
  • FUEL/WATER:(GAL) 132/180
  • ENGINE: 110HP Volvo Penta with V-drive
  • Cabins: 3 to 4
  • Berths: 6 to 10

Have you sailed the Dufour 560GL? If so, please, feel free to share your experience in the comment below.

Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 469 Boat Review – All About Her!

Sun Odyssey 469 is the latest model to be produced by Jeanneau. This manufacturer is well known for the quality of its design and boats that are swift, attractive, and durable.

My own experience prompted this Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 469 boat review. This boat had the ability to stand out when compared to the other yachts I’ve been fortunate enough to sail aboard in my lifetime.

I was, at turns, thrilled and put at ease by the smoothness of the boat when under sail, and it would be a shame to keep my knowledge of the Sun Odyssey 469 to myself.

Accommodation

The beauty of the accommodations aboard the 469 is that they are functional without being fussy. 3 different layouts are available for the 469, including a 3-cabin plan with 2 heads, another 3-cabin plan with 3 heads, or 4 cabins with 4 heads.

The forward and aft cabins all come with double berths for storage, and there is an attached shower in the main cabin head of any layout design.

Depending on the layout, there will be another shower in the galley and other showers in the heads of the other cabins.

The galley has all the comforts of home with a 2-burner stove, oven, and fridge. A larger oven is available in another layout design, along with a washer and dryer set, a microwave, and a wine cooler to chill bottles.

The layout I chose was the 3 cabin/2 head option, and we found that it more than met our needs, but if you are concerned about accommodating all guests at once, a different layout may be more to your liking.

Interior

Below the deck in the saloon are two large lounge seats that have plenty of space for everyone to sit together for meals, a cup of coffee, or a game of cards.

Between the lounge seats, a pullout table doubles as a bar. Across the saloon are settees that can be secured, so they won’t slide all over the place.

These settees are surrounded by locker space that can be used for storage. Admittedly, I spent a lot of time below deck because it was one of my favorite spots to relax on the boat.

When you charter the 469, you will find yourself making up excuses not to leave the boat either!

Exterior

A twin helm cockpit is just the first aspect of the above deck design that lent itself to the comfort and functionality of the boat. 4 lockers are built in, 1 under each seat, and 2 more under the chart plotter, so anything you made need will be well within reach at all times.

The 469 is also incredibly easy to control and is a short distance from the helm. The 469’s winches are located beneath the panels, but the panels are removable for easier access.

Equipped with a self-tacking jib, anchor rollers, a windlass, and an option for a removable inner forestay, the 469 has every feature imaginable.

All of this put together makes furling, unfurling, and storing the sails a simpler task, which is especially helpful if you have less experience or just don’t want to work too hard while you sail because it is your vacation, after all.

Under Sail

Stable, sturdy, and slick describe the 469 best when it’s under sail. The 469 performs best in a steady wind and will pick up speed quickly while staying level and sailing smoothly over the water.

Only a light touch is needed to control the vessel, as she responds quickly and does not resist the controls. Though capable of even higher speeds, the 469 seems to have found her niche at around 8 knots.

On a good day, we enjoyed long hours of sailing without interruption, but when the wind died down or the direction of the wind wasn’t in our favor, the 469 easily slipped back into the command of the controls.

Why Sail the Odyssey 469

  • Easily controlled
  • Navigates the water, under any conditions, easily and smoothly
  • Functional, well-designed cockpit and helm
  • 3 design layouts to choose from
  • Sturdy construction
  • Very comfortable saloon/galley that can be utilized for planning outings, gathering for meals, or socializing
  • Ample storage space and plenty of deep lockers
  • Gathers impressive speed while under sail

In Conclusion

It is difficult to find fault with the 469. The vessel is classy without being pretentious, but it can hardly be labeled rustic or average. I like the balance of the vessel, both in the literal and figurative sense.

You will find yourself feeling at home right away but will also feel pampered by the quiet elegance of the yacht.

Charter the 469 if you are looking for a home on the water that reminds you of returning to your childhood room after years away with all your clutter removed.

Be sure to get a photograph of you and your guests on deck to show off to the friends who couldn’t be there!

Specifications

  • Length overall: 14.05 m / 46’1″
  • Hull length: 13.65 m / 44’9″
  • Hull beam: 4.49 m / 14’8″
  • Standard keel draught: 2.24 m / 7’4″
  • Fuel capacity: 240 l / 63 US gal
  • Water capacity: 618 l / 163 US gal
  • Engines Yanmar: 54 HP / 40 Kw CE
  • Cabins:3 to 4
  • Berths:6 to 8

Have you already sailed the Sun Odyssey 469? If so, please, feel free to share your experience in the comment below.

Elan 45 Impression Review – What Makes Her So Unique?

The Elan 45 Impression has the distinction of being a boat that embodies a classic style with all the trimmings of the modern conveniences of the newest vessels on the water.

This Elan 45 Impression review will highlight the aspects of the Impression that make this vessel unique while keeping its traditional feel.

The Impression left a lasting impression on me, and I wouldn’t hesitate to board this boat yet again.

Accommodation

The Impression has 4 cabins and 8+2 berths that are designed to take advantage of the simplicity of the vessel while emphasizing the elegance of the below deck of the boat.

I have had friends comment that the boat reminds them of a vessel James Bond may frequent, just on a smaller scale. I’ve always found this comparison close to the mark, if not a bit fanciful.

The cabins can accommodate a tall person, which is a plus, but there is also plenty of space for whatever sized occupant inhabits the cabin. The showers and toilets are situated together in a head in the main cabin and one in the corridor.

The 4 cabin layout is perfect for families, a small group of friends, or just a couple on a getaway. If you are planning to travel in a small group or as a couple, the 4 cabin design is perfect if you have chosen to hire a skipper, as he/she will need a cabin as well.

Always keep in mind that if you plan to hire a skipper, he has to sleep somewhere, so if you are looking at yachts without limited accommodations, you will run into a problem.

Interior

The saloon and galley are divided into separate spaces by the clever use of a sink/counter. The dining area doubles as the chart table, and the dinette can be stored if more space is needed for the saloon.

The entire interior is encased in light wood and cream-colored fabric that make the saloon look modern yet breezy and relaxing.

Room-to-room access is fluid, and you won’t find yourself needing to maneuver around the furniture to enter or exit the galley, saloon, or corridor leading to the cabins.

There is ample storage space, including a hanging locker in the cabins to stow items conveniently.

I found the hanging locker a godsend when unpacking and was not sure where to put certain items that I wouldn’t need on a daily basis but still needed with me.

Exterior

The cockpit on the Impression is one of my favorite cockpit designs. The cockpit is deep, offering better sea spray protection than your average design.

The steering wheels are light and react quickly to commands without you having to fight for control of the vessel.

Further shade and protection are afforded via the retractable bimini. The deck also has plenty of room to spread out if you want to escape the cockpit and enjoy the sunshine.

Under Sail

I sailed in Croatia with a hired skipper, and the experience was excellent. I could sit back and enjoy the boat without having to worry about operating and controlling the boat, but I found myself drawn to the cockpit and learning all that I could about the Impression.

As the wind hits the sails, the strength of the wind and the sails’ ability to harness the wind and propel the entire vessel through the water depends, at least in part, on the positioning of the sails.

As the wind catches the sails, the boat will pick up speed, which is measured in knots. To put it roughly, 10 knots is about equal to 11.5 miles per hour.

However, no amount of explanation can accurately describe what it feels like to sail the Impression, so if you really would like to know, charter this vessel!

Why Sail the Elan 45 Impression

  • Sailing is easy, and the boat performs well out on the water
  • The cockpit is very well protected from water and the sun
  • The design and layout of the boat are simple and straightforward while appearing modern and sleekly elegant
  • A good amount of space to move both above and below the deck
  • Space for a skipper if so desired

 

In Conclusion

The Elan 45 Impression was a dream to sail aboard around Croatia. Our skipper was friendly, knowledgeable, and eager to share information and tall tales with us.

My experience was largely colored by my rapport with our skipper, but I don’t think it would have been the same aboard a different vessel.

The Impression made all the difference and created the perfect sailing environment for us. You can sail in Croatia without an Impression, but why would you?

Specifications

  • LOA: 45’0”
  • LWL: 39’4”
  • Beam:13’1”
  • Draft: 6’0”/4’6”
  • Air draft: 64’0”
  • Water: 136/208 gals.
  • Fuel: 70 gals.
  • Engine: 55/75 hp.
  • Sail Area: 1m016 sq. ft

Have you sailed the 45 Impression? If so, feel free to share your experience in the comment below.

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