Three studios collaborated on the new model. VPLP Design shaped the hull and rig, Nauta Design drew the interiors, and former Renault designer Patrick le Quément handled the exterior styling.
Design and Construction
The 2021 Lagoon 55 has imposing topsides, taut lines, sculpted bows, and a pronounced lower chine that maximizes interior living space while minimizing wetted surface area. Sugarscoop transoms extend beyond the topsides to ease boarding. From there, two steps lead to a cockpit set flush with the aft platform.
Circulation is a clear design priority. Moving the mainsheet track to the bimini eliminates the aft beam, opening the view and making it easier to move around the cockpit, which becomes a terrace over the water. The forward cockpit is no longer dug into the foredeck. Instead, it sits seamlessly at the same level as the trampoline, with comfortable seating, two sun-protection options, and a direct connection to the interior through the opening front window.
The chined hull and flush cockpit terrace make the most of the boat’s 29.5-foot beam and fully laden weight of 33 tonnes.
Rig, Handling, and Performance
In keeping with current trends, the mast has been moved aft. Three winches at its foot handle the sailing maneuvers, allowing one crewmember to hoist the mainsail and unfurl the self-tacking genoa with ease. The self-tacking jib’s sheets lead to a coachroof track just ahead of the mast, while a sprit carries a Code 0 on an electric furler.
Three electric winches manage all sail-control lines except the traveler. That is adjusted by an electric continuous-line winch with push-button controls nearby. An optional rigid bimini raises the boom considerably, compelling the crew to undertake some challenging maneuvers.
Under power at a cruising 2,000 rpm, the Lagoon 55 showed about 9 knots on the GPS. Steering seemed a bit sluggish under both power and sail. With the self-tacker set, she sailed closehauled at about 6 knots and gained another knot and a half on a beam reach.
A 154m² Code 0 produced 5.5 to 6.5 knots with the wind on the beam. Under a 272m² asymmetric spinnaker, she averaged 5.5 knots before returning upwind at 5 knots. The works crew claimed average speeds of 8 to 9 knots during its European tour.
Cockpit and Flybridge
The helm station is on the flybridge, with the wheel offset to starboard. From there, the helmsperson has a very good 270° view when maneuvering off a pontoon. Steps on either side help traffic move through the space.
Abaft the helm, a sink and fridge sit beside a U-shaped seating area arranged around a low cocktail table. Forward and aft sunbathing areas and an outdoor galley complete the flybridge.
The cockpit below has two starboard tables with unfolding tops that can seat a crowd, along with cushioned lounges facing aft. The swim platform can serve as a raised balcony over the water or, when lowered, as a place to sit with your feet in the water.
Directly ahead of the cabin house is a forward U-shaped seating area. The saloon’s center window opens, allowing refreshments to be passed directly to those seated outside.
Interior and Accommodations
The hulls allow all guest berths to be arranged athwartships. Four-, five-, and six-stateroom layouts are available, with berths for up to 16 people, and the owner can choose between a galley-up or galley-down arrangement.
In the four-cabin version, the owner’s cabin is aft in the starboard hull and occupies two-thirds of that hull. Each of the other three cabins has its own en-suite head.
The joinery and materials recall the atmosphere aboard Lagoon’s Sixty 5 and Seventy 7. The saloon includes an L-shaped galley to starboard, extended by a bar unit, as well as a large U-shaped settee and a telescopic table. Stowage ranges from floor hatches to bookshelves.
Machinery, Equipment, and Options
The test boat had upgraded twin 115 hp Nanni engines with saildrives; twin 80 hp diesels are standard. It was also fitted with a suite of B&G electronics.
A cloth sunshade over the forward seating area was supported by removable carbon-fiber poles. An optional second route to the flybridge from the starboard side deck was not fitted to the test boat. Without it, reaching the flybridge requires some additional acrobatics.
The Verdict
The 2021 Lagoon 55 is a head-turner at the dock and is designed to pamper owners and crew alike. It combines generous volume, easy circulation, and sail handling manageable by one crewmember in a high-end cruising platform. The flybridge helm and athwartship berths reflect a considered approach to livability.
That comfort comes with trade-offs. The steering seemed sluggish under both power and sail, while the high boom above the optional rigid bimini can make sail maneuvers awkward.
Pros
- Pronounced lower chine maximizes interior space while reducing wetted surface area
- Self-tacking jib and three winches allow one crewmember to handle the sail plan
- Flybridge helm, offset wheel, and 270° view aid close-quarters maneuvering
- Up to six staterooms, with athwartship berths and an owner’s cabin occupying two-thirds of the starboard hull
Cons
- Steering feels sluggish under both power and sail
- Optional rigid bimini raises the boom and makes sail maneuvers awkward
- Standard 80 hp diesels may feel modest against the fully laden displacement
