Lagoon 560 Information, Review, Specs

As a product of Lagoon, a specialized arm of the renowned French boat builder Jeanneau that later became a core brand within the Groupe Beneteau, the Lagoon 560 carries a legacy of innovation and engineering excellence. Lagoon has consistently focused on translating the benefits of multihull design—stability, speed, and expansive living spaces—into production cruising yachts, prioritizing comfort, volume, and safety for long-distance cruising and liveaboard lifestyles. This ethos is profoundly evident in the design and execution of the 560.

History and Design Evolution

The Lagoon 560 was officially introduced in December 2010, marking a significant entry into the large luxury catamaran market. Its creation built upon Lagoon's extensive experience, completing their range of large offshore cruising catamarans. The design philosophy behind the 560 aimed for an optimum balance between design aesthetics, high-quality construction, and exceptional onboard living. Lagoon sought to push boundaries in terms of comfort, ergonomics, and style, offering layout choices that were largely unmatched in its class at the time.

A notable evolution of the model is the Lagoon 560 S2, which incorporated updates designed to further enhance its luxury and performance. These updates focused on refining the interior and potentially optimizing the sail plan, making the vessel even more versatile and enjoyable than its original iteration. The design features a clever approach to space utilization, ensuring panoramic views and abundant relaxation areas, which are hallmarks of Lagoon's commitment to maximizing harmony between interior and exterior spaces.

Sailing Performance and Handling

With a length overall of 56 feet and a waterline length of 56 feet, combined with an impressive beam of nearly 31 feet, the Lagoon 560 leverages its multihull platform for exceptional stability and volume. While traditional monohull performance ratios don't directly translate, certain calculations provide insight into its characteristics as a cruising catamaran.

The Lagoon 560 boasts a healthy Sail Area to Displacement Ratio (SA/D) of approximately 21.36. For a cruising catamaran of this size, this indicates a design capable of performing well in lighter air, ensuring enjoyable sailing even in moderate conditions without requiring strong winds. Its Displacement to Length Ratio (D/L) of roughly 380.37 highlights its substantial volume and robust construction, signifying a heavy, voluminous vessel optimized for comfort and carrying capacity rather than light-displacement racing.

Owners and reviewers frequently praise the Lagoon 560 for its easy-to-handle trimming and navigation systems, making sailing manageable even with a smaller crew. Its design incorporates features like Lagoon's signature bridgedeck "gullwing" approach, which is intended to mitigate slamming—a common concern for large catamarans in certain sea states—contributing to a more comfortable motion. Overall, the 560 is regarded as a capable offshore cruising catamaran designed for comfortable and secure passages.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Lagoon 560 is designed for sumptuous living, prioritizing space, elegance, and functionality. It offers a bright salon and a fully equipped galley, alongside elegant cabins, catering to an exceptional onboard experience. Lagoon notably gained a significant lead in terms of comfort, ergonomics, and styling with the 560, offering a variety of layouts unparalleled by competitors at the time.

The vessel is typically delivered in several versions, including an owner's version and configurations with up to five cabins, such as a four-guest cabin layout. A highlight is the "incredible owner's cabin," which often features direct access to both the main salon and an aft terrace, blurring the lines between indoor and outdoor living. The cabins are generously sized, allowing occupants to "spread out," and the interior woodwork, entirely crafted in Alpi® wood, contributes to a luxurious and personalized ambiance. The thoughtful design ensures ample living space, panoramic views, and numerous areas for relaxation throughout the vessel.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of Lagoon catamarans, including the 560, generally commend the brand for its focus on comfort, voluminous interiors, and robust construction, which align with the demands of long-distance cruising and liveaboard lifestyles. The Lagoon 560, in particular, is valued for its ability to provide a high level of luxury and ease of handling for a vessel of its size.

While the brand is widely popular, some discussions within the owner community have touched upon specific common issues, notably concerning bulkhead integrity in certain Lagoon models. However, it is noteworthy that Lagoon has a history of addressing such concerns and working with owners to resolve them. Despite isolated discussions on maintenance topics, the collective sentiment often highlights the Lagoon 560's strengths in providing a spacious, comfortable, and reliable platform for extensive cruising and entertaining.