Design and Market Intent
Berret-Racoupeau designed the Cyclades 50.5 for the charter market. The concept centered on creating an especially spacious sailing yacht intended mainly for chartering. The largest model in the range, it was also especially appreciated among family boaters.
This isn’t a boat built to chase silverware. One editorial review described it as not intended for high sailing performance or the top speeds required for competitive sailing. Instead, the design aims to accommodate plenty of people and give them as much comfort and space as possible.
The only alternative version built was the Cyclades 50.4. It shares the same exterior design but has a different interior layout, replacing the 50.5’s separate skipper’s cabin with a fourth head aft to port. It also substitutes four double cabins and one twin cabin for the 50.5’s five doubles.
Construction and Specifications
The Cyclades 50.5 measures 15.6 meters overall and 4.89 meters wide. Below the waterline, it has an iron bulb keel and a spade rudder.
Its ballast-to-displacement ratio of 31.2 percent and displacement-length ratio of 154 place it firmly in heavy, steady cruiser territory rather than among light-displacement flyers. An 8.81-knot hull speed, a 2.12 capsize screening value, and a Ted Brewer comfort ratio of 23.4 reinforce the picture of a forgiving, roomy passage boat built to look after a full complement in moderate conditions.
Rig, Engine, and Handling
The conventional masthead sloop rig carries roughly 110 square meters of sail area. With a sail-area-to-displacement ratio of 18.6, the 50.5 is modestly powered for its weight, in keeping with the review’s conclusion that it wasn’t designed for competitive speed. Its sail plan is ample for cruising without demanding a professional crew.
A 75- or 100-horsepower Yanmar diesel provides direct drive for maneuvering and charging, appropriate for a boat of this size and guest capacity.
Accommodations and Stowage
The interior is where the 50.5 earns its keep. It has a spacious, modern interior with five cabins and a separate skipper’s cabin. With extra sleeping space created by the folding saloon table, it can accommodate up to 12 people.
The saloon offers plenty of stowage, with more easily reached storage beneath the beds forward and aft. Cockpit lockers provide room for additional luggage. The galley is usually equipped with either two refrigerators or a cooling box and a freezer. The most common layout includes three showers and toilets, plus a deck shower.
Every part of the accommodation plan serves the charter brief: maximum berths, generous stowage, and minimal friction for a rotating crew.
Known Issues and Market Criticism
When the Cyclades range was introduced, competitors criticized its low building price. This was criticism of the original concept rather than a documented structural defect in the authority sources.
Beyond that competitive criticism, the authority sources list no specific structural or systems defects for the Cyclades 50.5.
Verdict
The Beneteau Cyclades 50.5 is a purpose-built charter cruiser that succeeds on its own terms. It offers enormous carrying capacity, a straightforward rig, and a stable, comfortable hull form.
It isn’t a performance boat, and buyers seeking sparkling upwind pace or bluewater expedition credentials should look elsewhere. As a spacious charter yacht or family-gathering platform, however, it’s difficult to fault for space and simplicity.
Pros
- Largest and most capacious model in the Cyclades range
- Five double cabins plus a separate skipper’s cabin
- Sleeps up to 12 with the saloon conversion
- Stability and comfort ratios suited to sheltered-water and coastal cruising
- Abundant, accessible stowage throughout the hull and cockpit
Cons
- Not designed for competitive sailing or high performance
- The original concept drew criticism from rivals over its low building price
- Charter-oriented layout prioritizes berth count over owner privacy
