At just over 61 feet overall, with a 53-foot-5-inch waterline and 17-foot beam, the CNB 60 displaces roughly 26.7 tonnes.
Design and Construction
The Bordeaux 60’s hull is built from vacuum-infused GRP. The construction reflects CNB’s move toward composite semi-custom yachts after the yard came under Beneteau Group ownership in 1992.
The hull has a plumb stem and a flush foredeck, while the appendages are designed to reduce wetted surface and ease the yacht’s passage through the water. A high-ratio rig rises above the hull. Aft, the well-protected cockpit leads directly to the sea through an opening transom, which also serves 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. These options let owners trade offshore stability for access to thin water, depending on the chosen keel.
Rig and Sail Plan
Briand gave the 60 a tall, powerful rig. Sail areas include a 93.8 to 95 m² mainsail and an 82 to 85 m² furling genoa with 108 percent overlap. A 44 m² staysail provides another option in heavy air, while the asymmetric spinnaker measures 256 m² for downwind passages.
Together, the high-ratio rig and appendages with reduced wetted surface suggest a yacht intended to sail efficiently under load rather than simply motor-sail. The furling genoa also helps keep short-handed handling manageable without sacrificing sail area.
Accommodations
CNB offered the 60 with three, four, or five cabins, and the builder made four interior layouts available. The main living area is positioned at the yacht’s maximum beam—close to five metres wide—specifically to reduce the effects of pitching. It’s raised and receives abundant light through the panoramic windows of the coachroof.
One documented layout has an owner’s cabin forward, with its berth to port and a separate, full-beam en suite farther ahead. Two double-berth cabins occupy the aft section.
The forepeak sail locker is particularly flexible. It can be fitted as a crew or children’s cabin with upper and lower bunks and a separate head, converted to a double berth, or used as a workshop.
Engine and Systems
Auxiliary power comes from a 180 hp Volvo Penta D4 diesel. Tankage comprises 930 litres of fuel and 1000 litres of fresh water, generous reserves for a 60-foot cruiser.
The opening transom combines swimming access and tender stowage without requiring a separate sugar-scoop. When it’s closed, the arrangement keeps the aft end visually clean.
Ownership and Refits
As a semi-custom model, the CNB 60 allowed owners to select layouts and equipment. The four available interior plans show that the yard was prepared to adapt the same hull to different briefs.
The telescopic keel and opening-transom systems are the yacht’s most mechanism-dependent features. On any used example, their hydraulic components reward close attention.
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 saloon at maximum beam and configurable forepeak make the yacht genuinely adaptable for owner or light-charter use. It’s a serious offshore boat dressed in restrained French styling.
Pros
- Central living area at maximum beam reduces pitching motion
- Three keel drafts, including a telescopic option
- Configurable forepeak for crew, children, or use as a workshop
- Generous capacities of 1000 L of water and 930 L of fuel
Cons
- Opening transom and telescopic keel add hydraulic complexity
- Entry-level positioning means fewer custom touches than full CNB yachts
