New Beneteau Oceanis 54 Sailboat in the Offing for Australia

The first of this sleek new offering from Beneteau is onboard ship and closing fast on Australian waters. Last year I posted a blog(see 'New Oceanis 54 from Beneteau', 04 July 2008) prior to the Sydney Boat Show. An incredible amount of interest has resulted from that posting with many visitors searching for more details of this new vessel.

I can reliably inform you that the first one of these keenly awaited boats is now less than two months away. On its arrival it will be based at Vicsails' facility in Rushcutters Bay, Sydney.

The yachting magazines are yet to publish their boat tests on this new Berret-Racoupeau designed variant from Beneteau so here is an extract from the UK agents, Ancasta Yachts:

Sea views: The Super Yacht expertise of Nauta Design is very clear in the interior space and accommodation of the Océanis 54. The hull ports together with the long deck plexiglass windows bring natural light and give a view over the sea which will delight aesthetes. As to the deck, access to the sea is by means of a wide, very comfortable stern skirt.

Handling: Thanks to its well-sized deck gear and a wisely designed running rigging plan, the flagship of the range remains a boat that is extremely easy to handle and, in particular, can be sailed short-handed. Also of note is the capstan type windlass, the arrangement of which is inspired by the Super Yachts.

Accessibility: The OCEANIS 54 is generous with its real living spaces (saloon, cockpit) in an Owner’s layout version (3 cabins + forepeak cabin). In addition, BENETEAU makes a 54 footer more affordable than ever thanks to a powerful pricing position for a boat of this size (indicative list price ex tax: 249,900 Euros, 322,327 USD, 489,679 AUD).

Principal features:
Balanced, comfortable hull for good average daily runs whilst cruising.
Easy access forward: wide, safe side decks, coachroof shape, handrails etc.
Deck gear and running rigging plan designed to allow short-handed sailing.

Electric primary winches.
Twin steering wheel positions, a large table for a very friendly cockpit.
Spacious sea galley built-in beneath the companionway capable of accommodating any appliances needed for comfort.

Long cruising range: 970 litres fresh water and 475 litres fuel.
Two levels of trim for real luxury: ‘Avantage’ and ‘Elégance’.
Length overall: 16.7mWaterline length:

WL: 15mMaximum

Beam: 4.9m

Light displacement: 14,450 kg

Draught (shallow keel option): 1.8m

Draught (standard deep keel): 2.3m

Sail area - mainsail: 69m²Sail area - genoa: 85m² (135%)Sail area – asymetric spinnaker: 170m²

Design: Berret Racoupeau

Design and interior design: Nauta Design

Engine : Yanmar 110HP diesel

Fuel capacity: 475 L

Fresh water capacity: 970 L

Sailing categories requested A12/B13/C14

These good looking boats are going to be in great demand, and even in these turbulent times there will be a number of folks ready to be the first on Australian waters with one.

Master agents for Australia are Vicsail and you can view them on http://www.vicsail.com/

The first arrival will be based at the marina in Rushcutters Bay. You can contact Micah Lane on micah@vicsail.com there for further details.

Sub agents are 'Sydney Yachting Centre' at Middle Harbour Yacht Club, The Spit Marina, where Dave Wilkinson will be happy to talk to you about the new '54'. You can contact Dave on sales@sydneyyachtingcentre.com.au

Extract and images reproduced courtesy Ancasta Yachts UK.

You can read more about the cruising lifestyle in my ebook 'Voyage of the Little Ship 'Tere Moana', downloadable from my website http://www.sailboat2adventure.com