Boat Tour: Wauquiez 55
Editor Sam Jefferson takes us round the new Wauquiez 55 – here’s everything you need to know about this fresh design.
Wauquiez has long been an iconic French boatbuilder but one that seemed to have fallen into the doldrums, having not released a new boat since 2018. Yet the marque has clearly been reinvigorated after being acquired new owners and their new 55 is the first evidence of the financial shot in the arm their new backers have given the company. The new boat is clearly meant for blue water cruising with the intention of a couple being able to handle the boat on their own. So far, so conventional – but from hereon the narrative changes because this is a wild and innovative boat that taps into that Gallic spirit on nonconformity. The boat is designed by Marc Lombard and from the get go you can tell this is a yacht with a difference; the styling is pretty wild with a massive 5.25m beam married to an aggressively styled hull where marked reverse sheer allows the low, curved coachroof to be integrated into the hull, running the full width of the deck. This is topped with a huge glass bimini/doghouse. The boat is a mass of smooth curves and sharp angles and looks remarkably futuristic. The innovation doesn’t stop there. The boat has been built in foam sandwich to keep weight down to 20 tonnes and features the option of a swing keel which reduces the substantial 4.2m draft to a more manageable 1.6m. The idea behind the twin 75hp engines is that it gives you backup if you have a problem with a single motor while adding manoeuvrability and increasing battery charging capacity.
On deck, the boat is anything but conventional. The centre cockpit is well protected by that huge solid bimini. At the heart of this is the single helm station offset to port and is reminiscent of many Amel blue water cruisers. With a selection of winches and all running rigging leading into this area, the boat can be sailed from here. Aft of this enclosed centre cockpit is a large lounging area leading down to the broad bathing platform which is only interrupted by a short mainsheet traveller.
Down below, the sense of both light and space is extraordinary. The saloon is truly immense while there is also a big double cabin in the bow plus a smaller bunk room aft of the saloon to starboard which also has walk in access to the huge engine room that lies at the heart of the boat. Head aft on the port side and you have a well thought out galley which leads on to the simply enormous owner’s stateroom, with ensuite heads and shower room. There is a separate exit straight out onto the aft deck. An extraordinary boat.
Specifications
LOA: 17.58m 57ft 8in
Hull length: 16.4m 53ft 10in
Beam: 5.25m 17ft 3in
Draught: 2.4m 7ft 10in or 1.6m-4.2m 5ft3in-13ft9in
Displacement (light): 20 tonnes
Price: from €1.8m ex VAT
Builder: wauquiez.com
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