Bordeaux 60 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Bordeaux 60 is defined by its remarkable balance and stiffness, a result of its relatively high displacement-to-length ratio which favors stability in heavy offshore conditions. Despite a light-ship displacement of approximately 26,700 kg, the yacht remains surprisingly agile in light air due to a generous sail plan and a clean, low-wetted-surface underbody. As noted in editorial testing by Yachting World, the boat exhibits "superb manners" when powered up, maintaining a light helm even as the wind increases.

Under sail, the boat feels like a true performance cruiser. The twin-wheel configuration provides excellent visibility of the jib tell-tales and the horizon, while the primary winches are positioned within reach of the helmsman, facilitating solo or couple-manned operation. Its performance is further enhanced by a 2.45m standard draft (or an optional 2.95m deep keel), which provides the necessary leverage to carry a large mainsail without excessive heeling. Owners frequently report that the yacht tracks exceptionally well, requiring minimal autopilot correction when properly trimmed.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Bordeaux 60, designed by Jean-Marc Piaton, centers on a "Deck Saloon" concept that maximizes natural light through large wraparound windows and numerous flush deck hatches. The layout typically features an expansive owner’s suite forward, which occupies nearly a third of the yacht's length and includes a private office area and en-suite head. A signature design element of the Bordeaux 60 is the longitudinal galley located on the port side, which serves as a passage to the aft guest cabins while offering substantial counter space and professional-grade appliances.

While the hull remained constant, the Bordeaux 60 was offered with several layout variations to suit different cruising needs. The most common configuration is the three-cabin version, but a four-cabin variant was also produced, which divides the aft section differently to accommodate more guests or a permanent professional crew. High-quality materials such as Alpi oak or teak were used for the cabinetry, applied with the precision CNB inherited from its custom yacht heritage. The engine room is centrally located under the cockpit sole, providing excellent sound insulation for the living quarters and easy 360-degree access to the 110hp or 180hp Volvo Penta powerplants.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Bordeaux 60 has earned a reputation as a quintessential "ARC boat," frequently appearing at the top of the leaderboards in the Atlantic Rally for Cruisers. Its reliability on long-distance passages has been documented by various circumnavigators and featured in sailing documentaries focusing on high-end Mediterranean and Caribbean cruising. The model's transition from the French shipyard to its Italian acquisition by Solaris has also been a point of significant discussion in maritime journals, marking it as the definitive bridge between two eras of European yacht building.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of a Bordeaux 60 should focus their surveys on several high-signal areas common to yachts of this vintage and complexity:

• Teak Deck Maintenance: The Bordeaux 60 features expansive teak decks that are vacuum-bonded. While durable, hulls from the early production years (2009–2012) may show signs of thinning or seam failure if they have been aggressively cleaned with pressure washers.
• Hydraulic Systems: Many units are equipped with hydraulic backstay tensioners, vang, and occasionally retractable bow or stern thrusters. These systems require meticulous service records to ensure the seals and pumps are not nearing the end of their service life.
• Keel Bolt Inspection: Given the yacht's offshore mission, the internal grid and keel attachment points should be inspected for any signs of movement or "smile" cracks at the leading edge of the keel-to-hull joint, though the infused hull is generally regarded as exceptionally strong.
• Electronic Integration: The original Raymarine or B&G suites found on older hulls may be reaching obsolescence. Buyers should verify if the NMEA backbone has been updated to support modern MFDs and radar systems.

Community & Resources

While CNB does not maintain a traditional "one-design" association, the community is highly active through the CNB Owners’ Club, which organizes rendezvous events in the Mediterranean and the Caribbean. Technical support and original build specifications are often accessible through the CNB Yachts official archives and through the Solaris Yachts service network, which took over the brand's legacy. Owners also frequently collaborate on forums like CruisersForum to share specific maintenance tips regarding the boat's unique longitudinal galley drainage and engine room ventilation.

The Verdict

Pros:

• Exceptional build quality that rivals custom superyachts.
• Easily handled by a couple despite its 60-foot length.
• Timeless Philippe Briand design that remains aesthetically relevant.
• Spacious, light-filled interior with a world-class owner’s cabin.

Cons:

• High maintenance costs associated with complex hydraulic and electronic systems.
• The longitudinal galley can be challenging to use in heavy seas compared to a U-shaped layout.
• Significant draft may limit access to shallower cruising grounds in the Bahamas or US East Coast.