We had already introduced you to the Sense 57 when it was launched to the general public in September 2016 at the Cannes Motor Show on the Bénéteau stand. A discovery with 360° panoramic photos in order to help you better understand the facilities and volumes. We had the opportunity to sail on this unit and to validate the choices made by the shipyard at sea.
The Sense range, which included 4 models, has now been reduced to 2 units: the Sense 51 and the Sense 57. No more smaller models. Indeed, as much as the design of this type of sailboat works very well on "large" units, so much so that the smaller models are much more unsightly and do not attract the public.
The Sense 57 is an evolution of the late Sense 55 for which the entire rear has been redesigned. Exit the skirt, make way for a tilting transom. This offers two advantages: this skirt, when sailing, closes the cockpit aft and provides a reassuring feeling for the crew. In addition, at anchor, it offers a magnificent platform for swimming or to facilitate boarding on the tender. Note the electric lifting system, fully integrated in the hinge, which avoids the often unsightly cylinders.
The transformation of this transom made it possible to modify the helm seats. Now massive, they integrate a plancha on starboard and a sink on port. This outdoor kitchen is only accessible at anchor when the platform is lowered.
We tested this sailboat with its semi-rigid sunshade option. This structure is a real success. Unlike the canvas biminis usually installed, the rigid structure offers beautiful handrails all around the cockpit and facilitates access to the foredeck. The team member naturally clings to it. And for those who, like me, too often blame the bimini for hiding the view of the sails, the central part, made of waterproof tarpaulin, can be folded back with a twist. Depending on the team members who want to stay in the shade, you can even choose to only partially open the bimini. If we were septic when we saw the first drawings of this type of bimini, this test on the Sense 57 convinced us.
With its small, narrow deckhouse, the Sense 57 clears the gangways well, which are not obstructed by the lower shrouds. Moving around on deck even at the lodge is very easy.
Life indoors is as pleasant as on deck. Indeed the numerous hull and deckhouse portholes give a very pleasant view from the saloon, but also from the 2 guest cabins. Indeed, it has an opening on the central bulkhead which increases the impression of volume of the boat.
The central corridor leads to the owner's cabin at the front. The 2 guest cabins are widely open to the corridor with 2 galley doors. All cabins have their own bathroom. The only small criticism we could make is that the width of the corridor is a little narrow and requires "strong" squares to position themselves in profile to pass. The same applies to the toilet facilities in the guest cabins.
Another surprise of this day of sailing: the nautical qualities of the Sense 57. Despite light airs (less than 10 knots), we were able to sail at speeds of more than 5 knots under gennaker. Obviously this hull is well born, it sits on its bilges and tends to accelerate at the slightest laugh. And since the arrangements are cleverly designed, this sailboat is a good, well-marked boat on which it is not afraid to set sail in complete safety.
