Ocean 60 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The genesis of the Ocean 60 is rooted in Southern Ocean Shipyard's legacy of building high-quality marine vessels. Founded in 1959 as Southern Ocean Supplies Ltd. in Poole, Dorset, England, the company transitioned into yacht building, operating under the name Southern Ocean Shipyard Ltd. until 1987. During this era, the shipyard embraced hand-laid marine grade glassfibre reinforced polyester, often exceeding Lloyds' stringent standards for construction, a hallmark that imbued their yachts, including the Ocean 60, with exceptional strength and durability crucial for ocean voyaging, 12].

Richard Rascoe, the designer of the Ocean 60, created a vessel that aligned perfectly with Southern Ocean Shipyard's philosophy of producing capable and timeless ocean-going yachts 1, 8, Builder Article. While specific details of Rascoe's personal design philosophy for this model are not widely publicized, the resultant vessel reflects a clear intention for comfortable and secure offshore cruising. The ketch rig was specifically chosen to offer a sail plan that could be easily managed, even single-handed, providing versatility and ease of handling for long passages. The Ocean 60 remained a consistent model during its production, though it later inspired the more opulent, private-use variant, the Ocean 62, 13].

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Ocean 60, with a length overall of 60 feet and a waterline length of 47 feet, is a substantial vessel designed for ocean passages. Its displacement of 62,000 pounds, combined with its waterline length, yields a Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio of approximately 267. This figure positions the Ocean 60 as a moderately heavy cruiser, suggesting a comfortable motion in a seaway and good momentum for covering long distances, rather than an emphasis on light-air racing performance. The fin keel design contributes to both performance and stability.

The ketch rig, a defining feature, provides a flexible sail plan that enhances stability and comfort, particularly when sailing downwind or on a broad reach. Owners and reviewers frequently highlight its "sea kindly qualities" and the simplicity of its rig, which can be managed with ease, making the large yacht accessible even for a smaller crew. While specific sail area and ballast figures are not consistently published to calculate precise performance ratios, the builder's reputation for robust construction and the proven success of the Ocean 60 as an offshore cruiser underscore its inherent stability and capability in varied conditions.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Ocean 60 is characterized by its spacious and often luxurious accommodations, befitting a yacht designed for extended cruising and comfortable living aboard. Descriptions frequently note a raised saloon arrangement, creating an expansive and inviting living area below deck. Typical layouts feature five cabins and two bathrooms, along with amenities such as a dedicated laundry room and a large sail locker, highlighting its design for self-sufficiency on long voyages. The interior is generally described as "light and airy," with an original "loft-inspired design" that maximizes the feeling of space and comfort. While specific materials and finishes can vary between individual yachts, the overall impression is one of quality and thoughtful arrangement, designed to provide a comfortable home at sea.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Ocean 60 generally form a passionate community, cherishing these vessels for their seaworthiness, comfortable accommodations, and enduring design. The model achieved status as a "cult classic" and was a highly successful charter boat, a testament to its practical layout and robust construction. Owners consistently praise the Ocean 60's capable and timeless hull form, which contributes to a comfortable and secure motion in challenging sea states, 13]. While direct compilations of common weaknesses are not widely published, the enduring popularity and the active community surrounding these yachts suggest a high degree of owner satisfaction with their fundamental design and build quality.