Design and Construction
The Sense 57 is an original Berret-Racoupeau design, although the hull, underbody, and rig remain largely unchanged from the original Sense line. At just over 17 metres, she is the same length as her predecessor, the 55-foot Sense. Her cockpit sits closer to the water, emphasizing the boat’s slender profile.
The exceptionally wide cockpit prompted the term “monomaran,” a reference to its catamaran-like breadth. Moving the cabins forward allowed the saloon to sit closer to the water. Together, those choices create a very large aft living area.
A self-stabilising stern platform completes the arrangement. Lowered, it becomes a teak beach that extends the cockpit and provides good access to the water or a dock. The previous lifting helm seats were replaced by two fixed seats and an electrically activated hydraulic transom, providing a backstop for pets and small kids.
Rig, Handling, and Performance
The Seldén rig has double spreaders, a split backstay, and a rigid boom vang. The headsail uses a Facnor furler at a shapely integrated sprit, which also carries twin anchors and provides an attachment point for a Code 0.
A rollbar at the aft end of the deckhouse carries the mainsheet block, keeping it out of the cockpit. Fibreglass structure aft of the rollbar supports a soft top that protects the entire cockpit without traditional awnings.
Test sailors found the Sense 57 exceptionally well-mannered and easy for a cruising couple to sail. Twin rudders maintain a firm grip in a seaway and at more dramatic heel angles.
On Biscayne Bay in 12–14 knots true, she easily reached 8.8 knots on a beam reach. Easing to 125 degrees apparent reduced her speed to 6.7 knots. In Barcelona, with near-metre waves and 12–13 knots of wind, the wheel wasn’t especially stiff. She held her course under Code 0 in following waves, sailed to 35 degrees apparent, and topped ten knots with the Code 0 set.
Cockpit and Outdoor Living
The aft platform operates hydraulically. Raised, it closes off the cockpit completely and makes the area safe under sail; lowered at anchor, it creates a real terrace flush with the sea.
Outdoor amenities are concealed beneath the helm seats. An electric Eno plancha grill sits to starboard, while a sink and preparation station are fitted to port.
The Bimini was specially developed for the Sense 57 and is a significant innovation. It’s easy to open and close, shelters the spacious cockpit, and can be enclosed with additional side protection.
The B&G electronics package places instruments at each helm, with room for a 9-inch plotter beside the repeaters. The wide, superyacht-styled helm consoles also carry 12-inch B&G displays at both wheels.
Accommodations
All the main cabins are forward, freeing the aft third of the boat for the cockpit and terrace. Three steps down a 45-degree companionway lead from the cockpit to a large, naturally bright saloon with an almost constant view of the sea.
The saloon and dinette are on the same level, with direct access to the chart area, galley, and table. The three roomy forward cabins include a master suite with an island bed, marine mattress, slatted frame, up to five drawers, hanging lockers, a leather dressing table, and an ensuite head with a separate shower. Each of the two guest cabins has a sliding door and private head. Every sleeping space has exceptional headroom.
The lengthwise galley has a grey resin worktop and appliances that can be concealed when not in use. Its central furniture helps brace the cook when the boat is heeled and also serves as a grab rail. An additional cabin is accessed from the cockpit.
Machinery, Tankage, and Finish
The Sense 57 carries 110 gallons of fuel, and an additional tank can double that capacity. Water tankage is 169 gallons, with an optional watermaker.
Engine choices are an 80 hp Yanmar with saildrive or a 110 hp Yanmar with a straight shaft. At wide-open throttle, the 80 hp engine produced 9.5 knots at 3,200 rpm. At a cruising speed of 2,200 rpm, it still drove the boat at 8.1 knots.
Sound levels at the dinette beside the engine room were around 60 decibels, rising above 70 only at top speed. Interior finishes include Alpi fruit tree or matt walnut stains, with neatly edged cabinetry and locker fronts finished in lacquer or wood grain.
The Verdict
The Sense 57 is a bold reinterpretation of the cruising monohull. Clustering the cabins forward frees the aft third of the boat for a near-catamaran-sized cockpit and a hydraulically sealed swim terrace. Below, the arrangement centres on a light-filled saloon and a galley that disappears when it isn’t being used.
Under sail, she is balanced and manoeuvrable, while her docile handling makes her manageable for a couple. The machinery separation also keeps the interior quiet enough to count as a genuine design success rather than a marketing claim. Pros
- Forward-clustered cabins give every berth an ensuite and leave room for a vast, secure aft cockpit and terrace
- Easily handled by two, thanks to twin rudders, electric winches, and a well-balanced rig
- Hydraulic transom closes for safety at sea and opens into a teak beach at anchor
- Dinette remains quiet despite its proximity to the engine space
Cons
- Primary winches are slightly difficult to reach from behind the wheel
- Standard fuel capacity is modest unless the optional second tank is fitted
