ADVERTISEMENT
Advertisement
alt="Jeanneau Yachts 60 doubles up at Cannes"/>
Always driven by innovation, Jeanneau entrusted its new 60 to two great names in yacht design, French naval architect Philippe Briand and English stylist Andrew Winch, the builder’s faithful partners on multiple previous designs.
Since 1978, Briand has created yachts to match the dreams and expectations of his customers, with over 12,000 sailboats built to his designs, which include at least 120 production models. Winner of dozens of awards, the London-based Frenchman is justifiably renowned in his field, notably in the design of fast hulls.
Philippe Briand designed both Jeanneau Yachts 60 models
From the outset, the Jeanneau Yachts 60 asserts itself with a rare elegance through a powerful inverted bow, an evolving bilge and an integrated delphinière, although Briand himself typically focuses on the freedom offered by his designs.
“Sailing for me is like another world. Everything is different at sea,” he says. “In this world, money no longer exists. The value is the wind, the waves, the sun: if you can use them well and master them, you become very rich, very rich in freedom. It’s a privilege to visit. It offers the possibility of escaping your normal world and be in another place.”
The Cruiser version has a shorter mast and smaller sails
A proud successor to the 57, itself a success story around the world including Asia, the 60 displays a modern and minimalist character, yet one that offers multiple versions, layouts and options.
“The Jeanneau Yachts 60 is truly an à la carte boat, both inside and on deck,” says Francois-Xavier Debeaupte, Jeanneau’s Product Marketing Manager. “You can choose from a multitude of deck options, masts and up to 19 interior layout versions.”
The Cruiser version has a hard top over the cockpit
During a full day of trials in the Mediterranean Sea, we had the opportunity to sail aboard the first two Jeanneau 60s – the sportier Classic model and the more cruising-oriented Cruiser. Two philosophies with several versions of deck fittings, other fittings and sails.
For example, hull two, a Cruiser model, features an arch and a hood fitted with Lexan, which gives excellent forward visibility as if we had glass. A hard top protects the entire cockpit and features a canvas sunroof that can be electrically opened.
The covered cockpit on the Cruiser version
Designed for a more demanding clientele in terms of luxury, the boat has the option of a pop-up wet bar equipped with a plancha, a sink and a 30-litre fridge. It’s concealed within the aft bench and is just one of many good features on board.
On the first hull, the Classic version, the performance mast is 1.5m higher than the basic furling mast, with a ‘canoe’ or full-batten mainsail. It is equipped with a self-tacking staysail, a 119% genoa and a code 0.
The Cruiser version has an aft bench/outdoor galley
The upwind surface area increases from 127sqm to 173sqm of sail area. As there’s no arch, the deck is more streamlined. Instead, the Classic has a retractable hood and a bimini for the helmsman. The cockpit is open to the rear for an even more streamlined deck, without an aft bench/outdoor galley.
On both yachts, we particularly appreciated the sloping side decks first seen on the Sun Odyssey range and which offer a comfortable walkway without steps or obstacles. On the other hand, the storage lockers can be awkward to access because the cushions need to be removed.
The garage door folds down to become a swim platform
The tender garage is clever because it allows you to store the dinghy in the direction of the boat, while deploying or retrieving it is easy due to a swim platform that can tilt 10 degrees at anchor.
For the interior, Jeanneau has increased space and created more refined interior options. Two varieties of wood are offered: open-pore varnished teak or open-pore varnished light oak, each with matching floorboards.
Shown in light oak, the saloon features a C-shaped sofa and a table to port
The upholstery selection includes five new fabrics and five leathers by Foglizzo. Three different cabin styles are available – Sand, Macchiato and Royal Blue – to personalise the headboards and trim around the beds.
The saloon features a very large C-shaped sofa to port and an adjustable table. The starboard side can feature an open area with loose chairs or a fitted sofa with several other design options.
A full-beam owner’s cabin aft is among options
The full-beam galley is forward of the saloon and situated by the entrance to either two guest cabins or a full-width owner’s cabin. Layouts include three, four or five guest cabins, with the option of a large owner’s cabin aft or forward. If selecting the full-beam owner’s cabin aft, there’s the option of two symmetrical cabins forward, each with an en-suite bathroom.
In the forward owner’s cabin, the bed is installed against the bulkhead, away from the front of the boat so it’s more comfortable to sleep at sea or at anchor. A sofa and storage are starboard, with the en suite bathroom forward. In this version, there can be two guest cabins aft, with the starboard double one as the VIP.
The option of two forward cabins, which can be combined
The forepeak also offers the option of an extra guest cabin with double bed, a skipper cabin with single bed and en-suite bathroom, or a sail locker.
Winch, an avid sailor, says: “When you’re given a brief, it’s always exciting to do something new and here we were given the brief to develop the new future of the Jeanneau Yachts line. It is a game of chess in one’s mind to make space where there is no visible space, to look for opportunities, to maximise the pleasures and comforts, while focusing on attention to detail.
The saloon with a teak finish and different starboard furniture
“The Jeanneau Yachts 60 is about comfort, it is about practicality, it is about space and it is about light. Furthermore, the design options available are enormous, so you can personalise the yacht to be your own design, to fit like a glove for you and your family. Ultimately, we want people to feel relaxed, happy and safe.”
At sea and in a real wind of 10 to 15 knots, we were able to appreciate the sporty spirit of the 60, whose weight has been reduced compared to other older models. With a well-cleared deck and a full range of electronic equipment, the yacht is easy to handle with a small crew or even alone.
The forward owner’s suite layout, with sofa to starboard
Options include a deep or shoal keel and either a 110hp or 150hp Yanmar engine, not to mention the various options for sail sets. The Jeanneau Yachts 60 is another winning fusion of the talents of Briand and Winch, but with plentiful options to ensure you can make it your own.
alt="Absolute signatures feature on 52 Fly"/>
alt="Fraser Asia, Ferretti Group APAC sell Custom Line Navetta 30"/>
