THE BENETEAU OCEANIS YACHT 54 AND LAGOON 55 CRUISE INTO THE FUTURE OF SAILING AT THE SINGAPORE YACHTING FESTIVAL

Among the latest and most compelling launches at the recently concluded Singapore Yachting Festival at ONE°15 Marina Sentosa Cove, were the Beneteau Oceanis Yacht 54 and the Lagoon 55, which are spectacular sailing vessels that premiered in Southeast Asia. Once the domain of serious yachtsman who love the challenge of navigating the wind, such sailing boats are now seeing a surge in interest from the leisure cruising market.

Indeed, thanks to the pandemic-induced personal downtime many have treasured, well-heeled owners of motor yachts have re-discovered the joys of commandeering their boats and indulging in the pleasures the high seas offered. There is also a new generation of cruisers looking for that right mix of exhilaration, accomplishment and enjoyment out in the blue. Nothing truly epitomises the romance of seafaring than a sailing vessel, which is exactly what many consumers are looking for.

At the festival, which ran from April 27 to 30, these two renowned French brands featured both sailing yachts and motor boats that were a hit with buyers looking to elevate their experience and expertise. Represented by Simpson Marine, Beneteau and Lagoon presented an exciting line-up of vessels that are at the forefront of innovation, luxury and performance.

Of them, the Beneteau Oceanis Yacht 54 and the Lagoon 55 stole the hearts of the modern yachtsman with not just their high level of refinement and aesthetics, but also a strong focus on comfort, functionality and easy sailing.

Next-Gen Innovation: Beneteau Oceanis Yacht 54

The star of this Singapore show for Beneteau is the Oceanis Yacht 54. Designed by veterans Roberto Biscontini and Lorenzo Argento, who both conceived the trend-setting new First Yacht 53, this vessel is a masterpiece that seamlessly blends form and function.

This sleek 17m yacht has completely reinvented the traditional central cockpit into a space that allows for free-flowing movement, with ample seating areas and safety features throughout. Incorporated within its innovative flushed cockpit layout is the mainsail arch, a standard feature of the Oceanis Yacht range, which frees up space to ensure unimpeded but safe access across the full deck area.

The Oceanis Yacht 54 also brings the sea closer with an expansive swim platform, which once deployed, reveals a stowing space for a 2.4m tender. Rest and relaxation areas are plentiful, and they include the sunpad on the foredeck, generous lounging space in the centre cockpit, and an open area in the aft.

To simplify manoueuvres both at sea and at port, Beneteau has equipped the boat with impressive Easy Sailing navigational aids. Features range from the standard Ship Control providing intuitive control of all the boat data and components; the optional Dock & Go system that facilitates engine-powered moves in a limited space using a joystick; and the Harken AST (assisted sail trim) that trims the sails automatically to align with the wind.

Inside, the ambience is warm, modern and inviting – especially with the clever use of natural light and ventilation. The full-beam living area offers a chart desk and a large saloon table, which easily accommodates six adults. Whether it is light oak or walnut you choose, the interiors will be a showcase in contemporary sophistication with high-end upholstery, wood linings, riddles and lighting.

Two cabin layouts are available: three cabins with two heads, or three cabins with three heads. Both flaunt an extra-large forward master cabin with a 1.6m double bed and enough room to walk around. Speaking of roominess, storage areas have been optimised – from cabin stowage to the easily accessible tanks and service areas. Whether crew or guest, everyone aboard the Oceanis Yacht 54 becomes one with the craft and sea.

Leisure At Its Finest: Lagoon 55

Combining ultimate comfort with the great outdoors is the Lagoon 55, a 16.56m sailing catamaran that exemplifies the technical and aesthetic innovation of the esteemed brand.

Built to answer to the needs of the modern owner and passenger, who have their individual preferences in enjoying the sea-going life, the boat has been designed from the ground-up, with attention paid even to the smallest details. The result is a better-than-ever cat – with taut lines and compound surfaces that express its strength and quality, and a heightened lifestyle quotient to fulfil the wishes of owners who seek a veritable home on the water.

Access and circulation on the Lagoon 55, with a beam of 9m, are elevated like never before. The transoms (at the stern of the boat) transform into an actual living space at anchor – for alfresco cooking, sun-worshipping or socialising. Likewise, on the flybridge, space is maximised with generous seating and an off-centre helm, whose position also improves visibility.

Yet another living area, the ultra-wide saloon, come with a wraparound row of large, horizontally aligned windows and two amazing skylights that bring the outdoors and sunshine into the stylish interiors. Space here is truly optimised, and flows directly into a large and well-appointed galley that would rival that of a downtown apartment.

In terms of comfort, the Lagoon 55 is unbeatable. Besides being an incredible spot to sunbathe or watch the scenery go by, the large yet cosy forward cockpit has shading options to maximise protection and privacy. Whether the boat is configured in a four-, five- or six-cabin layout, all rooms are designed as modern, expansive retreats that channel a sense of peace and harmony. A highlight is the owner’s suite, which is incredibly large for a boat of this size, and boasts a curated selection of fabric and crafted detailing. There is not a more conductive cat for relaxation and recreation than this.

For more information, visit Simpson Marine at #01-01 Quayside Isle, Sentosa Cove, or book an appointment at 6274 3359 or [email protected].

The post The Beneteau Oceanis Yacht 54 and Lagoon 55 cruise into the future of sailing at the Singapore Yachting Festival appeared first on Prestige Online - Singapore.

2023-05-31T10:15:56Z dg43tfdfdgfd