The Wauquiez shipyard announces the launch of a new monohull: the Wauquiez 55. This shipyard, which dates back to 1965 and has produced yachts that have marked their era, such as the Centurion range, changes course completely with this 55. Gone is the Pilot Saloon range, PS 40 to 60 feet, replaced by a central cockpit yacht.
An original design
For the Wauqiez 55, the shipyard started from scratch. It relied on the architectural firm Marc Lombard for the hull design, Stéphane Roseo for the fittings, and in-house skills with Pierrick Cruzol for the technical definition.
A full-width deckhouse
If the starting sheet was blank, the architectural choices were based on relevant existing solutions. Only the silhouette seems truly innovative. Indeed, the choice was made to create a deckhouse that reaches right up to the planking. The result is a significant gain in volume below deck. To refine the silhouette, the top of the planking is slightly inclined to reduce the deck area. This choice is undoubtedly very interesting for the habitable volume, but will be more difficult to defend when the crew must be asked to disembark alongside a pontoon, as the deck is very high above the water.
To refine this silhouette, the shipyard opted to integrate the hull portholes into a black net that runs the length of the plating, pinching at the bow. The curves are harmonious and create a line that is pleasing to the eye.
Small cockpit and hard cap
The deckhouse is dominated by a rigid cap. This protects the central cockpit, and especially the helm station forward of it. This layout is reminiscent of the Amel, which uses exactly the same organization, opting for a very small cockpit with a stern sunbathing area above the aft cabin. Access to the cockpit from the center of the boat, like the sliding roof of the deckhouse, is also reminiscent of the Amel layout.
A large yacht sundeck
The aft deck innovates with a glass surface that brings light and visibility into the large aft cabin. We're more used to seeing this type of solution on much larger units. The companionway on the port side gives direct access to the owner's cabin.
Fixed or lifting keel
In terms of appendages, the Wauquiez 55 is available as standard with a fixed keel and 2.40 m draught, or with a lifting keel that should be more efficient, with a draught variation from 1.60 to 4.20 m. The fixed keel is also heavier, weighing in at 4.95 t, while the lifting keel weighs in at 3.84 t. The overall weight of the beast is announced at 20 tons light, with between 164 and 169 m2 of upwind sail area, depending on the mast option chosen (aluminum or carbon).
2 motors, but no group
In terms of engines, Wauquiez has chosen to install 2 engines in the hold. A solution already adopted on the Feeling 52 launched in 2008, a yacht that didn't shine in terms of sales. Here, the engines are 2 x 50 or 2 x 75 hp options. Equipped with saildrives protected by keels, the layout of the engines, spaced 1.20 m apart, facilitates manoeuvring, rather like a catamaran. With these two engines fitted with large alternators producing 8 kW per 48 V motor, the Wauquiez 55 dispenses with the need for a generator to run all the comfort equipment, such as the air conditioning and watermaker. The engines are installed in an engine room below the cockpit, perfectly insulated for crew comfort.
Safety first
Designed for long-distance sailing, the Wauquiez 55 has two watertight zones: one at the stern to isolate the rudders from the rest of the boat, and a crash-box at the bow. A good argument for safety at sea.
Accommodations for a couple
The layout is designed for a couple who can invite friends aboard. There's a huge aft cabin, 4.80 m wide, and a beautiful forward cabin. A children's cabin with 2 bunk beds completes the sleeping arrangements. Note the "Long-distance travel which slightly reduces the surface area of the aft cabin, using the space to create a storage area or workshop. Everything has been designed with crew comfort in mind, such as the galley's extra-large 1.50 m-long worktop.
To be discovered in September 2024
Available for between ?1.6 and ?2.1m ex VAT, the first hull of the Wauqiez 55 is already out of the mould, and the new yacht is due to be exhibited at the Cannes boat show in September 2024.
