Sailing Performance & Handling
The Pilot Saloon 60 is a heavy-displacement cruiser, designed more for momentum and sea-kindliness than for light-air agility. Its hull features a powerful midsection and a broad transom, a design choice by Berret-Racoupeau that provides significant initial stability and reduces heel angles—a critical factor for long-passage comfort. On the water, the PS 60 is noted for its "freight train" tracking; once the 27-ton (approximate) displacement is in motion, the boat carries its way through chop with minimal loss of speed.
The sail plan is typically configured as a cutter rig, which is highly praised by owners for its versatility in varying wind conditions. The ability to deploy a staysail on a furler allows the yacht to maintain balance in heavy weather without the need for dangerous foredeck work. While the high freeboard and large pilot house windows create more windage than a traditional flush-deck yacht, the deep keel options (often exceeding 2.5 meters) provide the necessary leverage to keep the boat stiff. Handling is primarily managed from the twin steering stations in the aft cockpit, where electric winches are standard, allowing the helmsman to trim the primary sails without leaving the wheel.
Interior Comfort & Variations
The hallmark of the Pilot Saloon 60 is its "true" deck saloon, where the cabin sole is raised to allow passengers seated at the dining table to enjoy 270-degree views of the horizon. This design solves the "basement feel" often associated with deep-hulled cruising yachts. Interior joinery is typically finished in high-grade teak or waxed oak, reflecting Wauquiez's heritage of woodworking excellence.
Layouts generally focus on a palatial owner’s suite. In the most popular configuration, the master cabin is located aft, spanning the full beam of the boat and featuring a centerline king-size berth, a private desk/vanity, and an en-suite head with a separate stall shower. Forward of the mast, two guest cabins (often one VIP double and one twin) provide ample accommodation for visitors. The PS 60 also frequently includes a dedicated crew cabin in the forepeak, accessible from the deck, which maintains owner privacy during chartered passages or professionally crewed deliveries. Its sibling models, specifically the Pilot Saloon 55 and the later Pilot Saloon 58, share the same design language but offer slightly reduced volume in the galley and aft stateroom areas.
Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist
Prospective buyers of a pre-owned Pilot Saloon 60 should focus their surveys on the complex mechanical and electrical systems that support such a large vessel.
- Hydraulic Systems: The PS 60 utilizes hydraulics for the swim platform/tender garage and often for sail furling. Check for weeping seals at the rams and the condition of the hydraulic power pack.
- Teak Deck Integration: Wauquiez uses high-quality teak, but at this age, look for signs of "tenting" or failing caulk lines, especially around the complex curves of the pilot house.
- CAN-bus Electronics: The yacht features sophisticated digital switching systems. Inquire about software updates and check for "ghost" alarms in the monitoring system, which can indicate sensor corrosion.
- Keel Bolt Inspection: Given the yacht's deep draft and significant ballast, the keel-to-hull joint should be inspected for any "smile" or movement signs, particularly if the vessel has been cruised in areas with poorly charted shallows.
Community & Resources
Owners of the Pilot Saloon 60 are supported by a dedicated international network. The most prominent is Wauquiez Forever, a non-profit association that preserves the technical history of the brand and organizes rendezvous for owners. Technical documentation and historical hull data are often archived through the Wauquiez Owners Info portal, which serves as a vital peer-to-peer resource for troubleshooting the specific systems found on the larger flagship models.
The Verdict
The Wauquiez Pilot Saloon 60 is a premier choice for the circumnavigator who refuses to compromise on aesthetics or domestic luxury. It is a "purpose-built" ocean crosser that trades raw racing speed for safety, volume, and visibility.
Pros:
- Exceptional natural light and panoramic visibility from the saloon.
- Robust construction capable of handling heavy weather with ease.
- Versatile cutter rig sail plan for short-handed management.
- Superb interior craftsmanship and joinery.
Cons:
- High windage can make docking in crosswinds challenging without a powerful bow thruster.
- Deep draft limits access to some popular shallow-water cruising grounds (e.g., the Bahamas).
- High maintenance overhead due to the complexity of onboard hydraulic and electrical systems.
