Wauquiez Pilot Saloon 48-2 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The creation of the Wauquiez Pilot Saloon 48-2 marks a continuation of Wauquiez's visionary Pilot Saloon series, which first revolutionized the deck saloon concept in 1991. Production of the 48-2 model began in 2015, carrying forward Wauquiez's philosophy of building "original, authentic sailing yachts that are safe" and designed for a lifetime of sailing. The shipyard, known for its non-industrialized, small-series production, focuses on meticulous craftsmanship and an unwavering commitment to the owner's experience.

Berret-Racoupeau Yacht Design, a key partner for Wauquiez's contemporary Pilot Saloon range, penned the lines for the 48-2, combining performance with sophisticated living spaces., 3, 17] The design prioritizes ergonomic, comfortable, and practical exterior layouts. While the original Pilot Saloon 48, an earlier model, was designed by Ed Dubois, the 48-2 represents a distinct, updated design. The model is offered with two keel options: a standard deep keel with a draft of 6.89 feet (2.1 meters) and a shoal keel variant drawing 5.9 feet (1.8 meters), providing flexibility for various cruising grounds.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Wauquiez Pilot Saloon 48-2 is engineered to deliver a blend of comfortable cruising and capable performance, particularly well-suited for challenging conditions. With a calculated Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio of approximately 16.64, she possesses a moderate sail plan relative to her weight, suggesting a balanced performance across a range of wind conditions. Her Ballast to Displacement (B/D) ratio of about 27.8% indicates a good degree of initial stability, allowing her to stand up to a reasonable amount of wind.

Furthermore, a Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio of approximately 188.5 places the Pilot Saloon 48-2 in the lighter end of the cruising yacht spectrum for her size. This indicates a design leaning towards performance, allowing for potentially swifter passages compared to heavier, more traditional cruisers. Owners and reviewers have noted her as a "light displacement cutter" capable of tackling all conditions while ensuring a comfortable and peaceful cruise, highlighting her suitability for serious blue water sailing. The design emphasis is on a vessel that is not only capable in demanding seas but also swift and maneuverable.

Accommodations and Layout

The defining characteristic of the Wauquiez Pilot Saloon 48-2 is its exceptional interior volume and the "Pilot Saloon" concept itself. This design features large deck saloon windows that offer unobstructed 360-degree views and flood the interior with abundant natural light, creating a bright and airy atmosphere. 5, 9, Builder Article With a maximum headroom of 6.56 feet, the interior feels remarkably spacious.

The typical interior arrangement often includes a generous full-beam owner's cabin located aft, complete with a private en-suite head, providing a luxurious and private retreat. Forward, there is generally another large VIP double cabin, and the boat can typically accommodate three guest cabins in total. The interior woodwork is meticulously crafted from teak with a beeswaxed finish, complemented by wengé laminate floorboards, reflecting Wauquiez's dedication to high-grade materials and refined aesthetics. The hull itself is doubled with a GRP liner, contributing to the yacht's robust construction. Owners have appreciated the quality of the finishes, with some opting for details like white leather upholstery, which contributes to the yacht's overall sense of luxury and comfort. The expansive volume of the pilot saloon design also inherently provides ample storage throughout the vessel.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of Wauquiez yachts, including the Pilot Saloon 48-2, often speak to a strong sense of community, sharing experiences and organizing rendezvous. The robust construction and suitability for long-distance cruising are frequently highlighted, with at least one Pilot Saloon 48-2 reported to have completed a circumnavigation with its owner, underscoring its blue water capabilities and the confidence it instills in its crew. The comfortable motion in a seaway and the overall build quality are consistently praised, aligning with Wauquiez's reputation for durability and seaworthiness. The luxurious, well-appointed interiors, with their bright and panoramic views, are also a significant source of owner satisfaction, making the boat a pleasurable living space for extended periods at sea. While no pervasive common issues were prominently noted in readily available reviews, the overall sentiment points to a yacht that largely meets the high expectations set by the Wauquiez brand.