Beneteau marketed the Sense 51 as a stable, short-handed-friendly cruiser for coastal and offshore sailing, with CE Category A certification for ten people.
Design and Construction
The Sense 51 has a 15.95-meter hull, a 4.86-meter beam, and a light displacement of 15,515 kilograms. Her character begins with a hull “specially designed to lie low on the water,” a configuration the builder cites as the source of her incredible stability and the safe, secure feeling she imparts at sea.
Beneteau paired the sleek, light-displacement hull and low coachroof with angular windows. The wide, clear decks have 15 flush hatches.
The redesigned cockpit is one of the boat’s most notable features. Twin helm stations sit outboard, while a new composite structure extends aft from the arch to just above the winches, with stainless-steel grab rails all around. A three-panel folding acrylic companionway door opens outward.
The SmarTop Bimini combines a hardtop with a soft center section that slides open like an accordion sunroof. Its sturdy stainless-steel frame doubles as a handhold. At the aft corners, the frame angles inward so crew can stand and toss a line to the dock.
Nauta Design fitted out the interior with careful attention to detail, using noble materials and offering a choice of fruit-tree or matt walnut wood. Later boats added richer Alpi walnut, deeper-toned trim paint, and better-finished cabinetry edges.
Rig, Handling, and Performance
Berret-Racoupeau’s original sail plan carries over. It is built around a Selden rig with double spreaders, a split backstay, and a rigid boomvang. The arch over the companionway secures the mainsheet for efficient end-boom sheeting, and all control lines run aft to the cockpit through tunnels.
The standard mainsail measures 63 square meters, paired with a 105% genoa of 60 square meters. Choosing the furling mainsail reduces its area to 53 square meters—a ten-square-meter loss noted by one reviewer.
A Facnor furler attaches to a newly integrated sprit, which holds twin anchors and also serves as a Code 0 tack point.
The boat is highly manoeuvrable for short-handed sailing and perfectly balanced under sail, with good performance and outstanding seakeeping for a monohull. During test sailing, she made 7.5 knots in 11 knots of apparent wind at 60 degrees off the bow. She slowed to 6.6 knots when hardened to 45 degrees, then reached 8.3 knots on a beam reach. Under a Yanmar 4JH80 saildrive, she settled at 8.5 knots at 2400 rpm.
One tester found the helm a little stiff even in weak wind, although the boat felt sturdy and steadfast overall.
Cockpit and Interior
With the cabins placed forward, the cockpit sits lower on the water, allowing the cockpit and dining area to share the same level. This arrangement reinforces the sense of continuity between inside and outside. Three steps angled at 45 degrees—rather than the usual five—connect the cockpit and saloon naturally and comfortably.
The bright, spacious saloon centers on a square 320-by-360-centimeter dining area near the cockpit. An L-shaped bench sits to starboard, while tables with telescopic legs lower to create a sunbed. One table also converts into a double berth, allowing accommodation for up to nine occupants.
The long galley is built into the central furniture. It has a grey resin worktop, concealed appliances, and a service hatch opening to the cockpit. Its position also supports the cook when the boat is heeled.
Outside, food-preparation equipment is concealed in the helm seats, including a plancha and sink. A lowering swim platform closes off the cockpit for safety under sail.
Cabins
The owner’s suite in the bow has an island bed with a marine mattress and slatted frame. It also includes an ensuite with a separate shower, up to five drawers, and hanging lockers.
A central cabin can have either a double bed or, in the three-cabin layout, bunk beds that can be exchanged for a writing desk. A third cabin with bunks is standard.
Known Issues
The only handling caveat comes from a period review, which noted slightly stiff helm feel in light air.
The Verdict
The Sense 51 is a thoughtfully unconventional 51-footer that succeeds as a level-living cruiser for short-handed coastal and offshore sailing. Her forward-cabin arrangement frees the cockpit to become a safe, shaded, single-level social space. Nauta’s interior and the low, stable hull also make her genuinely inviting.
The smaller sail area of the furling mainsail and a touch of helm stiffness are the only noted trade-offs in an otherwise well-executed cruising platform.
Pros
- Low, stable hull with outstanding seakeeping for a monohull
- Level cockpit-to-saloon living area, with a shaded SmarTop and safe drop-down transom
- Short-handed-friendly rig, with all lines led aft and easy helm access
- Flexible cabin layouts, including an office option and convertible berths
Cons
- Furling mainsail loses roughly ten square meters compared with the traditional mainsail
- One reviewer reported a slightly stiff helm in weak wind
