The French builder is scheduled to debut its new flagship sailing yacht at this year’s Cannes Yachting Festival in September.

Roberto Biscontini and Lorenzo Argento designed the Oceanis Yacht 60

Beneteau is developing a new flagship sailing yacht, with the Oceanis Yacht 60 scheduled to premiere at this year’s Cannes Yachting Festival from September 6-11.

The Oceanis Yacht 60 ocean cruiser has been designed by Italians Roberto Biscontini and Lorenzo Argento, who also designed the Oceanis Yacht 54. Featuring a gentle reverse sheer, the elegant 18m hull profile of the 60 echoes that of its 54ft sister.

The yacht features two well-equipped helm stations

The cockpit’s matching sofas, tables and sunbathing areas continue the Oceanis Yacht design, while the safe, free-flowing movement includes wide side-decks that run around the helm stations and offer access to the foredeck.

With two helm stations, controlling the boat’s course is as easy as trimming the sails, windward or leeward. The owner can carry out all the usual manoeuvres without leaving the helm, a plus on a big boat when sailing short-handed.

The garage can house a 2.8m tender

An innovative bimini is supported by the mainsail arch, keeping sheets safe and out of the way, and comes in an optional rigid version. Maintained by two lateral supports, the central section can slide forward to adjust the amount of cover in the cockpit.

The large bathing platform provides access to a garage that can house a 2.8m jet-propelled tender, which is launched and retrieved by a system with double wires and guiding rollers. Onboard systems such as Ship Control and Seanapps manage the boat’s systems and simplify maintenance and monitoring.

The interior in the light oak option

The companionway leads down to a large, well-lit interior featuring side and overhead skylights, with walnut as a standard finish and light oak as an option. The saloon features a C-shaped sofa and a table by the port hull window, while to starboard is a two-seat sofa and a curved chart table with seat.

The galley is positioned just forward of midships for greater stability and is full beam, with storage and a fridge to port, a sink, oven and dishwasher to starboard, plus plenty of storage and worktop surfaces.

The forward master cabin enjoys lots of natural light

Accommodation comprises a master suite forward and two en-suite aft cabins. Illuminated by hull windows and four skylights, the master starts with an en-suite to starboard, while the bed is lined with extensive storage spaces and faces a TV on the forward bulkhead. www.beneteau.com www.simpsonmarine.com