In January 2021, the Dusseldorf Boot will be the opportunity for the Vendée-based shipyard Jeanneau to unveil a new sailing yacht, the Jeanneau Yachts 60. This model will mark a strategic shift for the shipyard: positioned between Jeanneau Yachts 54 and Jeanneau Yachts 64, and replacing the Jeanneau Yachts 57, the Jeanneau Yachts 60 will inaugurate a new style, which will then be applied to the rest of the range, while offering a semi-custom personalisation programme, marking an undeniable move upmarket.
The Jeanneau Yachts 60 has been designed to match every desire, every layout requirement and every sailing style. Thanks to its numerous options, such as the roll-bar, hard top, spray hood, outdoor galley, removable forestay, furling mast, the Jeanneau Yachts 60 can be upgraded from a “Mediterranean sport” version to a version adapted for ocean cruising.
The fruit of the joint work of Jeanneau’s design offices, British designer Andrew Winch and naval architect Philippe Briand, this new yacht asserts itself with an elegant style, highlighted by a powerful inverted bow, a hull chine, an integrated bowsprit, and a high sheer line.
The Jeanneau Yachts 60 can be split into four living areas, each offering multiple options: the forepeak, the forward cabins, the saloon with the forward galley, and the aft cabins.
First off, the forepeak: three versions are possible, with a sail locker, a skipper cabin or a real sixth cabin. Next, two versions of the large forward cabin are possible: an owners’ cabin or a cabin with a double berth. Here, again, an extremely clever feature enables you, in under five minutes, to transform this cabin with a double berth into a true owner’s cabin. The central bulkhead slides away into a dedicated storage space, without requiring tools or hardware, to enlarge the berths or convert them into a sofa.
Three possible layouts are available for the starboard saloon: a version with a sofa and accompanying chart table, a pullman cabin, or an “open plan” version that could accommodate two armchairs chosen by the customer. Finally, the aft living area can be configured as either an owner’s cabin, or as two cabins, one double berth to welcome guests and the other for three children or for one other couple of friends.
The Jeanneau Yachts 60 and the designer
He may be one of the most prolific yacht designers of his time, but London-based Philippe Briand is not resting on his laurels. In fact, he has just seen what he calls his ‘most advanced’ yacht yet through to production.
It took four years of hard work with Jeanneau’s in-house designers to bring the project to fruition. Measuring 60ft overall, with a modest taper towards the stern, a chine in the hull and a reverse bow, the proportions of the boat are close to perfection. It has been such a labour of love, that the habitually modest Briand is putting himself into the media spotlight to talk about it.
“The Jeanneau Yachts 60 is special because it is the last in the range, and also the 120th of our series drawings,” explains Briand. “We put all our know-how into the yacht and also a lot of personal emotion. I am used to putting myself in the shoes of the customer every time I draw a production boat. It’s easy for me: I would like to own this one.”
Innovation is at every level
Beneath the aesthetics, the technical qualities of the hull and rig also promise agility, seakeeping and excellent balance. The chine will dig in to fight heeling, while buoyancy at the bow and stern reduce pitching. Twin rudders give perfect balance on the helm and the integrated bowsprit makes light work of launching a big reaching sail. In fact, the boat can be readily sailed by a couple, thanks to the option of in-mast furling for the main and a self-tacking jib. Either way, it is a fast hull, capable of an easy 8kt upwind and 12kt on a broad reach.
“This is a real sailor’s boat,” says Briand. “It is ideally suited to almost any brief from fast bluewater cruising to a leisurely jaunt across the bay – a boat for both the Mediterranean and the Baltic. The interior volume is the owner’s home on the water, while her exterior living spaces are unmatched by the competition. She is more fun to sail, faster and more comfortable under sail and power than any catamaran available for same budget.”
Innovation runs right to the core of this yacht. For instance, it offers an exterior galley in the cockpit, for instance, and the choice of hardtop, awning or arch. That cockpit measures a record 3.0m by 4.8m, giving more space than ever, and it is accessed via a smooth ramp to the side decks. Briand put particular thought into the steering pedestals, to create the best experience for the helmsperson. Their position outboard gives a great view ahead and up to the sails, while the winches and control lines are still within easy reach.
A world of elegance below
He also worked with Andrew Winch on the interior design of the yacht. The result is total mastery of the volumes offered by the spacious hull. There is the option of a full-beam owner’s cabin that is simply flooded with light, with a his-and-hers bathroom not usually seen in this size range. The open galley is positioned forward and includes the option of a full-height fridge. Meanwhile, the floor of the flexible saloon is slightly raised to give clearer sightlines out through the coachroof windows. Sculpted surfaces, the use of real wood, fine fabrics and leathers create an atmosphere of timeless elegance below.
“The interior was designed after feedback from a panel of owners, and in collaboration with another passionate owner: Andrew Winch. Compared to the previous 58 model, she offers 20 per cent more interior volume,” says Briand. “I truly put my energy and creative thinking into the design and interior layout of this yacht, which reaches another level of precision and care.”