Design and Construction
The Sense 57 carries a Berret-Racoupeau original design, and the hull, underbody and rig remain mostly the same as the original Sense line. At just over 17 metres long she is the same length as her predecessor, the 55-foot Sense, and her cockpit sits closer to water level, emphasizing a slender profile. The wide cockpit launched the term "monomaran" for its catamaran-like breadth, and the saloon lies closer to the water because the cabins were moved forward. A self-stabilising stern platform completes a very large aft area, and when lowered it forms a teak beach that extends the cockpit with good access to the water or a dock. The old lifting helm seats were replaced with two fixed seats and an electrically activated hydraulic transom, a change that provided a backstop for pets and small kids.
Rig and Handling
The rig is by Seldén with double spreaders, a split backstay and a rigid boom vang, and the headsail runs on a Facnor furler at a shapely integrated sprit that also holds twin anchors and serves as an attachment point for a Code 0. A rollbar at the end of the deckhouse houses the mainsheet block so it steals no space from the cockpit, and the fibreglass aft of it carries a soft top that protects the whole cockpit without needing traditional awnings. Test sailors found the Sense 57 incredibly well-mannered and easily sailed by a cruising couple, and twin rudders ensure a firm grip in a seaway or at more dramatic heel angles. On Biscayne Bay in 12–14 knots true she easily made 8.8 knots on a beam reach, and easing to 125 degrees apparent dropped her to 6.7 knots. In Barcelona with near-metre waves and 12–13 knots, the wheel was not especially stiff, she stayed on course under Code 0 with following waves, and she sailed to 35 degrees apparent, topping ten knots with the Code 0 up.
Accommodations
All cabins are located in the bow, a layout that leaves the deck plan clever and exceptional. Three steps down a 45-degree companionway from the cockpit brings you to a large salon bathing in natural light with an omnipresent sea view, and the saloon and dinette sit on the same level with direct access to the chart area, galley and table. The three roomy forward cabins include a master suite with island bed, marine mattress, slatted frame, up to five drawers and hanging lockers, a leather dressing table, and an ensuite head with separate shower; two guest cabins with sliding doors each have private heads. Every night space enjoys incredible headroom. A lengthwise fitted galley with grey resin worktop conceals its appliances when idle, and its central furniture supports the cook when heeled and acts as a grab rail. An extra cabin is accessed from the cockpit.
Equipment and Outdoor Living
The aft platform operates hydraulically to close off the cockpit entirely and make it safe under sail, and at anchor it creates a real terrace flush with the sea. Concealed below the helm seats are a sink and plancha grill for open-air living, with an electric Eno grill to starboard and a sink and prep station to port. The Bimini specially developed for this boat is a major innovation, easy to open and close, sheltering the spacious cockpit and closable with added side protection. The B&G electronic pack places instruments at each helm, with room for a 9-inch plotter alongside repeaters, and wide helm consoles styled like a superyacht carry 12-inch B&G displays at both wheels.
Refits and Ownership
Fuel capacity is 110 gallons but can be doubled by adding a tank, and water tankage of 169 gallons takes an optional watermaker. The engine choice is an 80 hp Yanmar with saildrive or a 110 hp Yanmar with straight shaft; at wide-open throttle the 80 hp reached 9.5 knots at 3,200 rpm, while a 2,200 rpm cruise still made 8.1 knots. The dinette next to the engine room holds around 60 decibels and only exceeds 70 at top speed. Finishes run to Alpi fruit tree or matt walnut stains, with cabinetry elegantly edged and locker faces lacquered or wood grain.
The Verdict
The Sense 57 is a bold reinterpretation of the cruising monohull: a forward-cabin layout that frees the aft third for a near-catamaran cockpit and a hydraulically sealed swim terrace, wrapped around a light-filled salon and a galley that disappears when not in use. She is balanced and maneuverable under sail, docile for a couple, and quiet enough below that the machinery separation reads as a genuine design win rather than a marketing line.
Pros
- Forward-clustered cabins give every berth an ensuite and leave a vast, safe aft cockpit and terrace
- Easily handled by two thanks to twin rudders, electric winches and a well-balanced rig
- Hydraulic transom closes for sea safety and opens to a teak beach at anchor
- Quiet dinette despite proximity to the engine space
Cons
- Primary winches are a bit of a reach from behind the wheel
- Standard fuel is modest until the optional second tank is fitted
