Cruisers who spend extended periods away from the dock, either under sail or at anchor, will appreciate the practical and cosmetic enhancements made to the newly redesigned Bluewater Sailboat Beneteau Sense 57. The initial Sense line debuted to great acclaim in 2010. It appears to have a similarly bright future thanks to a number of enhancements.
The regular Beneteau 57 has one electric winch; this one has two-speed electric winches for the headsail sheets (also used to hoist the main); both headsails are on furlers (the genoa furler is motorised), and the staysail is self-tacking. The main is cut in a tri-radial pattern to accommodate the ‘Leisurefurl’ motorized boom furler.
When the transom is lowered, it creates a teak beach that extends the cockpit and allows easy access to the sea or a dock. It’s also where you’ll stand when you’re cooking at the outdoor galley module hidden inside the chairs. To the left is an electric Eno grill, and to the right is a sink and prep space. One of the advantages of this arrangement is that the chef may interact with the guests while the food is being prepared. The heat and odors of cooking are also kept out of the interior.
The Sense interior, which was revolutionary when it was first presented, is based on the premise that the living quarters should be isolated from the noise and vibration of machinery, the majority of which is located aft under the cockpit sole. As a result, the three cabins in the basic plan are grouped forward and are less distinct (and hence less private) than on a boat with a more traditional arrangement. The master stateroom is located in the bow and has an ensuite head and plenty of stowage space.
Gianguido Girotti, Beneteau’s new Italian head of product planning and development, has recently added some extra fashionable luxury to all of the company’s yachts, particularly those over 50ft, and the 57 is no exception. The open concept saloon and galley layout of the Sense 57 remain unchanged. However, the finishes have been updated throughout, with the choice of a richer walnut Alpi wood hue combined with a deeper tone of trim paint now available.
The margins of the cabinetry are likewise more finely polished, and the locker faces are either lacquered or wood grain. Light pours in through several ports, hatches, and fixed windows. It seems more like a power cruiser than a typical sailboat in many aspects, with no sense of being buried inside. The saloon merges with the Sailboats Galley and is separated by a panel containing a pop-up flatscreen TV, conjuring feelings of how we live and entertain at home.
The inside of the boat is designed to prevent water penetration to a minimum. There are eight watertight compartments on board, with special valved limber pipes channelling any stray moisture to a deep central sump. Originally, the Super Maramu had three raw-water intakes in the hull (two for the two toilets and one for all machinery), but this was eventually reduced to only one intake with one master sea-chest in the so-called Millenium edition of the boat constructed after 1998. Meanwhile, all outputs are above the waterline.
The engine arrangement is likewise completely unique, incorporating a proprietary U-drive in which the engine is situated facing aft and its thrust is transmitted to a specific integral drive leg mounted on the back of the keel via two right-angle joints. The propeller’s thrust is completely horizontal and carried entirely by the keel, allowing the engine to be positioned on extremely soft mounts, reducing vibration to a minimum. When you add in some excellent sound insulation, you get a really quiet experience when driving.
The Beneteau 57 provides vital sailing characteristics like as deck room, dinghy storage, and seclusion below decks. Everyone who goes cruising needs space for additional water, a life raft, a bicycle, and the sailboard that the kids demand you bring but never use. Most new production yachts try to pretend that these items don’t exist; granted, this boat is 57 feet long and can hold a lot, but there are other production boats of a comparable size that don’t have place for the cruising necessities. If the 2.6m draught is too much for you, there is also the option of a shallow keel, which is also heavier to ensure stability.
Despite her size, the Sense 57 sails well and is readily handled by a cruising pair. The wide helm consoles are modelled after those found on superyachts and are well-organized, with 12in B&G displays and wind instruments at both wheels. (Because electronics are priced in packs or combos, it’s simple to specify exactly what you require.) If you’re standing behind the wheel, the Harken primary winches are a bit out of reach. However, for a boat of this size, it makes sense to upgrade to the electric alternative, which moves the control buttons aft of the winch and closer to the driver. There are two draught options (6ft 10in or 7ft 10in). Although neither is ideal for narrow water, they both keep the boat afloat in a storm. Twin rudders provide a firm grip in a seaway or at steeper heel angles.
Overall, the Sense 57 has a relaxed and easygoing vibe that instils confidence even when sailing alone. Nothing happens too rapidly or in an irregular manner, resulting in a civilised afloat experience: whether from the safety of the helm area aft or when moving ahead along the side decks beside the pleasantly tall lifelines.
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