Oceanis 60 (Beneteau) Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The genesis of the Beneteau Oceanis 60 in 2015 marked a significant addition to Beneteau's celebrated Oceanis line, building upon the series' reputation for creating comfortable, seaworthy yachts. Beneteau, with a heritage stretching back to 1884, transitioned into fiberglass construction in the 1960s, a pivotal moment that democratized sailing by allowing for more efficient production and broader appeal. The Oceanis 60 reflects this evolution, designed to balance performance, moderate heel, and inherent safety, adhering to the core philosophy of the Oceanis range. Naval architect Biscontini Yacht Design, known for performance-oriented concepts, crafted a hull that is both high-volume yet aesthetically pleasing, maximizing deck space without appearing unwieldy. Nauta Design contributed to the interior, ensuring a contemporary and elegant living space. Throughout its production, the Oceanis 60 has maintained a consistent design, though owners can choose between a three or four-cabin layout, with an optional forepeak cabin, and options for a shallow draft keel and a furling mainsail.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Beneteau Oceanis 60 is engineered to deliver a rewarding sailing experience that belies her substantial size. With a sail area to displacement ratio of approximately 20.73, she boasts a powerful rig relative to her weight, indicating a boat that should perform well even in lighter wind conditions and maintain good speed. Her displacement to length ratio of around 138.4 classifies her as a relatively light-displacement yacht for her waterline length, aligning with modern performance-cruiser characteristics. While her ballast to displacement ratio of approximately 0.291 is on the lower side, the innovative hull form and the integration of twin rudders contribute significantly to her stability and control.

Anecdotal reports suggest that the Oceanis 60 performs surprisingly well across a range of wind conditions, from light breezes to stronger gusts, demonstrating a remarkable ability to hold a high angle to the wind. Sailors frequently describe her as fun and rewarding to helm, highlighting her ease of handling for a yacht of nearly 60 feet. This user-friendly nature is partly attributed to the modern hull shapes which smartly adapt performance characteristics to cruising needs. The dual rudder system further enhances safety and confidence at the helm, providing excellent control and responsiveness in varying sea states.

Accommodations and Layout

Below deck, the Beneteau Oceanis 60 offers an ample and versatile living space, designed for extended cruising comfort. The interior, conceived by Nauta Design, features brushed anthracite linings complemented by glossy finishes, creating a refined and contemporary atmosphere. The yacht provides flexibility with a choice of three or four cabin layouts, including an optional forepeak cabin that offers separation from the main living areas for added privacy.

The design emphasizes safety and practicality at sea, incorporating handrails along the companionway and furniture with rounded edges throughout the "cavernous" interior. The layout typically includes a well-appointed galley, often equipped with amenities like a dishwasher, reflecting a focus on home-like convenience. The owner's cabin, often located forward, is thoughtfully designed to serve as a private sanctuary, complete with features that promote sound dampening and separation from the rest of the boat. Overall, the accommodations are designed to be comfortable and functional for long passages or extended stays aboard, with careful attention paid to the quality of materials and finish.