Sense 57 (Beneteau) Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Beneteau Sense 57 debuted in 2016, joining a line of innovative yachts that first emerged in 2010. The Sense range itself was introduced as a fresh concept, focusing on enhanced accessibility and a closer connection to the water, distinguishing itself from Beneteau's more traditional Oceanis and First lines. The design of the Sense 57 remains loyal to these distinctive features, aiming to provide a yacht that is not only comfortable but also incredibly easy to sail, even for a cruising couple.

Naval architecture for the Sense 57 was handled by Berret Racoupeau Yacht Design, known for their performance-oriented yet comfortable cruising designs, while Nauta Design crafted the interior and exterior styling, bringing their signature elegant and contemporary touch. This collaboration aligns with Beneteau's long-standing practice of partnering with top naval architects and designers to ensure their yachts remain cutting-edge and appealing. During the Sense 57's production era, Beneteau continued its manufacturing ethos of utilizing robust fiberglass construction, a pivotal material transition the company embraced in the 1960s to create more accessible and appealing recreational sailboats. This commitment to efficient production methods and robust build quality has solidified Beneteau's reputation for value and reliability.

The Sense 57 was offered with two main keel options: a deep draft of 7.87 feet (2.4m) and a shallow draft of 6.07 feet (1.85m), allowing owners to choose based on their cruising grounds and preferences. The shallow keel, surprisingly, carries more ballast (5,500 kg or 12,125 lbs) than the deep keel (4,900 kg or 10,803 lbs) to compensate for its reduced depth.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Beneteau Sense 57 is designed for well-mannered and easily managed sailing, even for a cruising couple, despite its substantial size. Its key performance ratios provide insight into its character:

• Sail Area to Displacement Ratio (SA/D): At 22, the Sense 57 is considered a lively performer for a cruising yacht of its size. This ratio suggests that the boat will perform well in a variety of wind conditions, showing good responsiveness in lighter airs without being overly powerful or difficult to manage when the breeze picks up.
• Ballast to Displacement Ratio (Bal/Disp): With a ballast ratio of 26% (0.26), the Sense 57 offers a solid level of stability, allowing it to stand up to wind and maintain a comfortable motion in a seaway. While not the highest in its class, this ratio, combined with its wide beam, contributes to a stable and secure platform for offshore cruising.
• Displacement to Length Ratio (D/L): A D/L ratio of 130 places the Sense 57 firmly in the lighter, more performance-oriented cruiser category. This indicates a yacht designed for efficient passage making, capable of good average speeds without the heavy, often slower, characteristics of more traditional, heavier displacement cruisers.

The Sense 57 features a fractional sloop rig and a bulb keel, enhancing both its sailing efficiency and stability. Owners consistently report that the boat is well-balanced and responsive, making for an enjoyable sailing experience across different sea states.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Beneteau Sense 57, designed by Nauta Design, is a highlight, known for its "open concept" and a focus on natural light and an omnipresent sea view. A defining characteristic of the Sense range, and particularly prominent in the 57, is the innovative layout that places the saloon and galley areas right at the aft end of the boat, just a few steps down from the cockpit. This creates a large, luminous living space that feels directly connected to the outside environment, fostering a more social and relaxed atmosphere.

All night spaces, including the cabins, are strategically located in the bow, enjoying generous headroom of 6 feet 5 inches (1.94 meters). The typical interior arrangement includes a spacious salon, a well-appointed galley, and multiple cabin configurations, often featuring a luxurious owner's cabin forward and guest cabins. The finish quality is generally high, utilizing a blend of modern materials and thoughtful design elements. Large hull portholes and numerous hatches ensure excellent ventilation and an abundance of natural light throughout the interior. Storage is ample, designed to accommodate the needs of long-distance cruising.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Beneteau Sense 57 frequently praise its distinct design philosophy, particularly the unique aft-galley and saloon layout that fosters an unparalleled connection between the interior and the cockpit. The boat is often highlighted for its ease of handling, with owners noting that it feels "incredibly well-mannered and easily sailed by a cruising couple" despite its considerable length. The spacious, open cockpit design also receives positive mentions, providing ample room for entertaining and sailing operations. While specific common problems were not widely detailed in available owner forums, the general sentiment points to a yacht that delivers on its promise of comfortable, accessible, and enjoyable offshore cruising.