Yacht Reviews

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.

Fountaine Pajot Helia 44 Review – The Sea Creature!

Fountaine Pajot

The last time we went on a sailing trip off the Italian coast, all of my friends were unanimous over getting a catamaran with a skipper and crew.

My friends and I agreed that catamarans would provide the best of both worlds in terms of creature comforts as well as the sailing experience.

Once we had decided about the catamaran, it was easy to settle on Fountaine Pajot’s Helia 44. The La Rochelle-based boat maker has been a leader in the multihull market for years now, and we wanted to experience their latest in the 40-45 feet segment, the Helia 44.

It also gave me a wonderful opportunity to write a first-hand and in-depth Fountaine Pajot Helia 44 review.

Accommodation

Designed by the Fountaine Pajot design office in collaboration with Berret Racoupeau, the Helia 44 marks the evolutionary step up from the earlier Orana 44.

In terms of layout, Fountaine Pajot offers two choices of three or four cabins. The latter option is clearly an acknowledgment of the demand generated by the charter industry and can accommodate 8 people.

For private owners, however, there is the three-cabin layout, designed to luxuriously entertain as many as 6 people, with the master stateroom occupying the whole of the starboard hull.

In the master stateroom in the owners’ layout, the large queen size bed is located aft, with space for a private lounge and a work desk. Both of these layout options come with en-suite bathroom facilities.

Regardless of the layout you choose, it is hard not to be impressed by the sense of space and luxury afforded by the Helia 44.

Located next to the passageway, the cabins are truly cavernous and peaceful for a mid-size catamaran.

In addition, the large and cleverly designed windows allow for plenty of light so that guests are not overcome with a feeling of claustrophobia.

Interior

While the Helia 44 may be offered in twin layouts catering to both the private owners and the charter industry, the design office at Fountaine Pajot has wisely chosen not to compromise on its interior design, seeking to enhance the total social space aboard.

For example, the galley-up design allows for cooking to be done in a truly social atmosphere with provision for al-fresco dining.

As a matter of fact, the moment you step aboard the Helia 44, it is hard not to be struck by the fact of how large and capacious it seems from the inside for a midsize catamaran.

Some of it can be put down to the use of clerestory windows in both the saloon as well as the lounging deck, allowing for plenty of natural light. It makes for a truly airy and expansive feel.

The saloon itself has been thoughtfully designed in a french chic manner that is not only plush and luxurious but also caters to all the needs aboard a cruising catamaran.

The large sofa with the adjoining coffee table is the perfect place to curl up with a book. There is also a forward-facing navigation station that comes with Fountaine Pajot’s standard range of Garmin electronics.

The navigation port is well-designed in terms of both accessibilities as well as 360-degree views.

The open plan galley on the aft port side comes fully equipped with some of the top range appliances, including a 3 burner stove, microwave, oven, and two generously sized fridges.

The storage options are similarly plenty as well as innovative, with a hatch leading to a nifty underfloor storage facility.

Exteriors

That Helia 44 has been designed not only for socializing but is clear once you are at the main helm station that is joined to the starboard.

Seamlessly connected to the cockpit below through a staircase, the helm station features a large seating arrangement so that as many as two guests can join the skipper during a sail.

The sail controls are standard Fountaine Pajot, refined through years of experience, and appointed to offer easy control and maneuverability.

The saloon top converts into the flybridge area, designed alongside the helm station. The luxurious sofa on the flybridge offers another picturesque spot to soak in the sailing experience.

At the lower level, the saloon is integrated into the outside through a large slide in the door. Protected with a hardtop roof, the aft deck is a capacious 50 square meter space.

Here, you can find a large teak dining table that can seat 8 people without any fuss. In addition, there is a large bench opposite it with a cavernous storage box beneath.

Noting the potential of this aft deck as a prime social area, the makers have provided another fridge for sundowners.

Among other clever design interventions, the provision for transom walkways is particularly novel as they allow for crew or other guests to move about without bothering people lounging on the aft deck.

Under Sail

Our skipper took us out on the sail aboard the Helia 44 on a perfect day with gentle winds and moderate swells.

At its stiffest, we recorded the wind at a clock below 10 knots. Under these ideal conditions, Helia had no problems in swiftly reaching a speed slightly north of 7 knots while at the same time exhibiting a level of stability we can expect from a well-designed catamaran.

Setting up the mainsail and Genoa was a breeze with the aid of electric winches.

We did get a chance to start both engines during a period when the wind died out and found ourselves motoring at a maximum of 9 knots.

We also got a taste of its excellent autopilot function, as the electronics took over steering while we enjoyed a cold one.

Why Sail the Helia 44

1) Vast space complemented with an excellent, intuitive design
2) Interior quality and the fit and finish which rivals 5-star resorts
3) Massive storage spaces for long offshore voyages
4) Excellent sailing characteristics for a catamaran of its size
5) Top-of-the-line appliances and electronics.

In Conclusion

Fountaine Pajot has won several prestigious industry awards in the multihull category over the years, and it is easy to see why.

Offering true blue water sailing capability, the Helia 44 is perhaps the finest blend of performance and comfort.

Indeed, if there is any doubt why catamarans have done so well in the market over the last few years, a guided tour of this boat should erase all doubts.

When it comes to sailing in style, you cannot go wrong with the Helia 44.

Specifications

  • Manufacture: Fountain Pajot
  • Model: Helia 44
  • Length Overall: 13.25 m / 43.50 ft
  • Beam: 7.40 m / 24.30 ft
  • Draft: 1.15m / 3.80 ft
  • Air Draft: 20.44m
  • Main Sail Area: 70 m² / 753 sq ft
  • Genoa Area: 45 m² / 484 sq ft
  • Engines: 2 x 40 hp –
  • Fuel/Diesel: 1 x 470 liter
  • Freshwater: 2 x 375 litre
  • Cabins: 3 to 6
  • Berths: 8 to 10

Have you sailed the Helia 44?  If so, share your experience in the comment below

Lagoon 630 Review – Fulfill All Your Needs!

As a sailing enthusiast, I am always looking forward to opportunities to sail aboard yachts designed and crafted by different makers. What really excites me about them is the opportunity to experience the variety among these boats in terms of their sailing characteristics, design philosophy, onboard amenities, etc.

In other words, most of these boats have something different and unique to offer, and, as a reviewer, I find it important to tell my readers whether they succeeded in their effort.

Not surprisingly, I was thrilled when my husband told me he had chartered a Lagoon 630 for a holiday in Croatia as my birthday gift.

Now here was a boat I had been waiting to get an opportunity to sail aboard and, of course, review. In this Lagoon 630 review, I have sought to provide a detailed write-up based on my experiences during this sailing holiday.

Accommodation

With a length of 63 feet and a beam that measures over 32 feet across, the Lagoon 630 feels big even before getting aboard this boat. The boat has been designed with both private owners and charter operators in mind. In other words, you can hire the Lagoon 630 in different cabin layouts.

The excess space certainly allows the boat to be versatile in terms of its deck layout, which is available in four, five, and six-cabin configurations. Most impressively, even at the maxed-out six-cabin configuration that we chartered, the guests still enjoyed all en-suite amenities.

In other words, 12 people can be luxuriously accommodated in six cabins with en-suite bathrooms and toilet facilities.

The galley downstairs further amplifies the sense of space especially due to its clever design. I particularly liked the top-notch amenities and modern appliances provided in the kitchen, which made me feel like I was at an upscale residence.

During the course of our sail, we found the kitchen large enough to easily support a dinner party for 12 people.

Interior

Before the start of our sail, we were provided a brochure about the Lagoon 630 highlighting its main features, and it made a special mention of its interiors designed by Nauta Design.

I can confirm that the interiors of Lagoon 630 can rival the best in its class with its top-of-the-line finish and sophisticated, clean look. The real star of the show is, unsurprisingly, the main stateroom.

The stateroom can be accessed down a few steps from the starboard side of the saloon. Once inside, our jaws dropped at its size and opulence, which easily rivals a typical luxury downtown apartment.

It features a double bed, lounging area, a heads compartment, and a substantial bathroom. What really caught our attention was the sliding door at the aft end that leads to the rear deck.

The rest of the cabins, in a six-cabin configuration, are reasonably sized with a fit and finish that rivals the main stateroom. The Lagoon 630 comes with a crew, and the cabin reserved for them, unlike the rest, features two bunks instead of a bed.

The saloon area, owing to actual generous space as well as the lateral galley being a part of it, feels wide open. Once again, in theme with the rest of the interiors, Nauta Design has done a fine job when it comes to the layout, finish, and overall design of this integrated space.

The kitchen looks sophisticated with the top of the line appliances such as a fridge, freezer, ice maker, barbecue, and bar. We spent a lot of time socializing and entertaining ourselves in the saloon, where the excellent crew took great care of our every little need.

Exterior

While the interiors of this boat are truly spacious and opulent, they are easily outdone by the sprawl of the main deck area. One measure of the sprawl can be gauged from the fact that the beautifully teak-lined side deck itself is wide enough to easily accommodate a lounge chair.

The generous trampoline area at the foredeck was a special attraction for a sun worshipper like me, a perfect spot to enjoy the agility and swiftness of this boat over calm blue waters.
The helm station at the center of the saloon features two multi-function displays as well as a joystick instead of steering.

The other two helm stations are to be found on the flybridge, with two multi-function screens each, near the seating and sunning area. The flybridge was accessible from the port side of the aft deck, where we went up the handrail-equipped staircase. Once again, it’s hard not to admire the space, versatility, and layout of the flybridge.

Designed with the specific goal of doubling up as an entertaining social space, the two helm stations are flanked by a wet bar, a kitchenette, and a dining area large enough to seat 10 people. The dining table itself is foldable onto the starboard, securing additional space. While we didn’t have it during our sail, there is also an option to accommodate a Jacuzzi close by.

What I particularly liked is that in terms of lounging, the flybridge accommodates the needs of both the sun worshipers as well as those who prefer the cool of a shade. While I was typically enjoying the sun underneath the sliding sunroof, other guests admired the view from the comfort of shade below the hardtop.

Under the Sail

Given the dimensions of this boat, there would be legitimate questions about its fuel efficiency, cruising speeds, and range. However, the Lagoon 630, fitted with two standard Volvo D-4 260 horsepower engines, impresses on all counts.

The Lagoon 630 underwent significant modification in the aft section of its hull to improve buoyancy required to house the Volvo engines. We felt the effect of these design changes in the hull as well as the keel in the boat’s performance characteristics, as it delivered a satisfying cruising speed of 12 knots with a top speed of 16 knots.

Why Sail the Lagoon 630

1. Supremely spacious interiors and deck areas
2. Excellent sailing characteristics and cruising range for a boat of its size
3. Luxurious fit and finish inside and out exemplified by the owner’s stateroom

In Conclusion

There is no doubt that Lagoon 630 has aimed at hitting the sweet spot of sprawling luxury and satisfactory sailing characteristics. On the basis of my experience aboard lagoon 630, I can confidently say this boat ticks all the boxes.

Whether it is space and comfort, stability at sea, a gentle ride, impressive cruising range, or onboard luxuries, the Lagoon 630 seems to tick all the boxes.

The fine crew, who were truly knowledgeable about the hidden coves and beaches along the Croatian coast, further made this a memorable sailing trip with their attention to detail and courteousness.

Specifications

  • Manufacturer: Lagoon
  • Length: 63’11”
  • Beam: 32’10”
  • Draft: 5’1″
  • Displacement: 74,750 lbs
  • Fuel capacity: 793 gal.
  • Water capacity: 254 gal.

Have you sailed the Lagoon 630? If so, feel free to share your experience in the comment below

Fountaine Pajot Saba 50 Review – The Elegant Cruising Palace

With the launch of the new Saba 50, it was immediately obvious that Fountaine Pajot was trying to meet a number of competing design goals.

In terms of accommodation and layout, there are different expectations from private owners and charter companies, while the trade-off between sailing performance and onboard luxuries has always been a difficult one for boat designers.
Impressively, with their renowned ship designing pedigree, Fountaine Pajot has ticked all the boxes with the latest Saba 50.

While I did not sail the Saba 50, my friends chartered one with a crew (also available for charter without a crew) in Croatia.

This Fountaine Pajot Saba 50 review will take you through the major design innovations of this boat while also taking a detailed look at its performance characteristics.

Accommodation

As mentioned above, the Saba 50 has tried to oblige the differing demands from both private owners and charter companies by offering this boat in two flavors, the Maestro and the Quintet.

The Maestro, designed for private owners, comes with 4 cabins, while the Quintet has 5 cabins, not including the one reserved for the skipper and the crew.

The social area on the main deck is even more generous in terms of space, easily capable of accommodating as many as 3 dozen people on a day sail.

Two spacious sun pads on the bow, the full-width cockpit settee, a generous transom seat aft, and the flybridge come together seamlessly to create a sense of space that would make a medium-sized apartment dweller in London envious.

Especially on a chartered sail, the generous space, along with its intelligent design, would allow the sailing parties a sense of privacy.

Interior

One of the defining features of the Saba 50 is how it has optimized the exterior social spaces without any trade-off with its profile and performance.

The cockpit has a seating layout for eight to ten people, while up top, there’s an understated sun lounge.

Another sun lounge awaits you behind the bow just ahead of the cabin. Once again, at the helm station, the crew can have a conversation with the guests without being intrusive.

For handling and stowing line tails, there’s enough space in front of the wheel, and the active crew enjoys an unobstructed view of the sails.

Exterior

One of the defining features of the Saba 50 is how it has optimized the exterior social spaces without any trade-off with its profile and performance.

The cockpit has a seating layout for eight to ten people, while up top, there’s an understated sun lounge.

Another sun lounge awaits you behind the bow just ahead of the cabin. Once again, at the helm station, the crew can have a conversation with the guests without being intrusive.

For handling and stowing line tails, there’s enough space in front of the wheel, and the active crew enjoys an unobstructed view of the sails.

Under the Sail

In terms of sailing performance, the catamarans are not known for their pointing ability.

However, the Saba 50 surprises with its cruising speed, clocked at almost 7-9 knots with the wind ahead of the beam.

Once the mainsail is raised substantially with the help of the electric winch, the catamaran achieves enough steerage to completely turn the engine off.

For those inclined towards numbers, the maximum speed can reach around 15 knots.

Why Sail the Saba 50

*Thoughtfully designed interiors that offer more cabin and social spaces than other catamarans of similar size

*Caters to demands from both private owners and charter companies through its two distinct cabin layout

*Can accommodate a large group of sailing parties without giving the feel of being crowded

*Excellent sailing and handling characteristics for a catamaran of its size

In Conclusion

As mentioned previously, the genius of the Saba 50 lies in accomplishing multiple design goals set forth by different sets of customers without any discernible prejudicial effect on its sailing and handling characteristics.

This is a boat that has been very well designed, and the experience and nous of its designers speak for themselves.

Apart from the obvious luxury, here is a catamaran that can actually sail to the weather.

Specifications

  • Manufacturer: Fountain Pajot
  • Length: 14.98m
  • Beam: 7.98m
  • Draft: 1.15m
  • Light displacement: 15.7t
  • Mainsail area: 74.05m²
  • Genoa area: 52.60m2
  • Engines: 2x50HP or 2x75HP
  • Fuel tank: 940 liters
  • Water tank: 700 liters / 185 US gallons
  • Cabins: 4 to 6
  • Berths: 8 to 13

Have you sailed the Saba 50? If so, feel free to share your experience in the comment below.

Fountaine Pajot Eleuthera 60 Yacht Charter – The Sailing Beast!

The South of France is about as picturesque of an environment as you can imagine, and if you ever have a chance to hit the lovely waters of the Western Mediterranean in a chartered yacht, it will be an experience that you won’t forget.

I recently had the privilege of cruising the waters off the popular seaside resort town of Cannes (home of the famous film festivals) by way of a Fountaine Pajot Eleuthera 60 yacht charter, and I can confidently say that this cruising catamaran far exceeded my expectations.

With a group of good friends and a skilled crew to guide our course, I was able to experience the best of what the Eleuthera 60 has to offer, and to say that I was impressed with this multihull cruiser would be a huge understatement.

Accommodation

Born from a collaboration of two of the finest minds in boat architecture–Berret and Racoupeau–the Eleuthera 60 has received high remarks ever since its much-anticipated debut in 2004.

There are five different layouts available, but our yacht featured four double bedrooms with our own showers and toilets.

You can definitely detect an emphasis on high comfort levels as this yacht comes equipped with a large refrigerator and freezer, water maker, ice maker, laundry machine, dishwasher, and a large water tank.

Your charter comes with two crew members (a skipper and a mariner), whose accommodations are within the bows of each hull.

The mariner is typically a great chef and does a fantastic job of keeping the refrigerator full (along with everyone’s stomachs).

Interior

Not enough can be said about the attention to detail that has been given to this stylish cruiser, both inside and out.

The interior of the Eleuthera 60 features docks, wood surfaces, and clean lines, a treat for the eyes to go along with the overall luxurious setting.

It also has a large cockpit with a teak floor, as well as a striking banquet-sized dinner table that can seat between eight to ten al fresco diners.

Entering into the spacious saloon, you will be greeted by another generously-sized table (which seats five), along with a nav station (forward-facing to port) and a spacious kitchen located behind the bar.

When you first come aboard this roomy cat, your imagination will kick into overdrive in terms of the entertainment possibilities this vessel offers, and you will quickly see how chartering an excursion on the Eleuthera 60 would definitely be a fun, comfortable and relaxing ride.

Exterior

With 60 feet of overall length, the Eleuthera 60 has wide decks and a smart layout that gives you a solid platform upon which to work.

Its hulls feature a rockered shape as well as short keels, which makes this cat very responsive to its rudders (yes, I talked the skipper into letting me operate the Eleuthera for a small stretch).