Design and Construction
The Bordeaux 60’s hull is built from vacuum-infused GRP, a material choice that reflects CNB’s move under Beneteau Group ownership toward composite semi-custom construction after 1992. The hull carries a plumb stem and a flush deck forward, with appendages tuned for reduced wetted surface to ease her passage through the water. A high-ratio rig sits atop the hull, and the aft cockpit is well protected while giving direct access to the sea by way of an opening transom that doubles as the door to a tender garage. Three draft configurations were offered: a 2.95 m standard keel, a 2.45 m shoal-draft version, and a 2.55 m telescopic keel, letting owners trade offshore stability for access to thin water.
Rig and Sail Plan
Briand gave the 60 a tall, powerful rig with a 93.8 to 95 m² mainsail and an 82 to 85 m² furling genoa rated at 108 percent overlap. A 44 m² staysail adds options in heavy air, and the asymmetric spinnaker stretches to 256 m² for downwind passages. The high ratio rig and reduced appendage wetted surface speak to a boat meant to sail efficiently at load rather than merely motor-sail, and the furling genoa keeps short-handed handling manageable without sacrificing area.
Accommodations
CNB offered the 60 in three, four, or five cabin versions, with four interior layouts available from the builder. The central living area sits at the maximum beam—close to five metres wide—specifically to reduce the effect of pitching, and it is raised and abundantly lit through the panoramic windows of the coachroof. One documented layout places a forward owner’s cabin with the berth to port and a separate full-beam en suite ahead, plus two double berth cabins aft. The forepeak sail locker is unusually flexible: it can be fitted as a crew or children’s cabin with top-and-bottom bunks and a separate head, converted to a double berth, or used as a workshop.
Engine and Systems
A 180 hp Volvo Penta D4 diesel provides auxiliary power, paired with 930 litres of fuel and 1000 litres of fresh water—generous reserves for a 60-foot cruiser. The opening transom and tender garage integrate the swim and stowage function without a separate sugar-scoop, keeping the aft end clean when closed.
Ownership and Refits
As a semi-custom model, the 60 invites owner-selected layouts and equipment, and the four interior plans show the yard was willing to adapt the same hull to different briefs. The telescopic keel option and opening transom systems are the most mechanism-dependent features, and any used example will reward close attention to those hydraulic components.
The Verdict
The CNB 60 is a thoughtfully engineered semi-custom cruiser that punches above its “entry-level” label. Briand’s hull and rig deliver efficient sailing, while the beam-wide saloon and configurable forepeak make her genuinely adaptable for owner or light-charter use. She is a serious offshore boat dressed in restrained French styling.
Pros
- Central living area at max beam cuts pitching motion
- Three keel drafts including a telescopic option
- Configurable forepeak for crew, kids, or workshop
- Generous 1000 L water and 930 L fuel capacity
Cons
- Opening transom and telescopic keel add hydraulic complexity
- Entry-level positioning means fewer custom touches than full CNB yachts
