The mystery of Jeanneau’s new boat. Behind the scenes it is said that…

Last week we were at the trials organized by Jeanneau in Cannes (remember, we told you about our test of the AST system aboard a Sun Odyssey 519), which was also an opportunity to have a chat … behind the scenes. Over the past two years, the transalpine shipyard, in addition to revamping all Oceanis models, has also focused heavily on upgrading its Jeanneau Yacht range (the flagship, to be clear).

Dockside rumors want drawings of a new model ready for next summer, which is expected to join the already well-known Jeanneau 54, 57 and 64. Or perhaps it will go to replace just the middle model, the oldest of the three. Here we are in the realm, as mentioned, of inferences, but what is certain is that it will echo the styles and characteristics of the 54 and 64, which have won multiple awards in both Europe and the United States.

WHEN WE TRIED THE JEANNEAU 54

There are surprises that succeed better than others. Jeanneau’s came out great. In fact, the French shipyard managed to keep the launch of its new 54-footer, the big news of the coming season, under wraps until the last moment, which will be officially unveiled in Cannes in September.

This is a model with attractive lines, characterized by the large fenestration on the sides of the deckhouse, which manages to maintain a low profile without limiting interior brightness (the four portholes on the broadside also intervene here), a distinctive feature of the Philippe Briand and Andrew Winch pairing, already authors of the 64-footer.

. The focus, also following market demands, is on an extra-large cockpit, which is even more livable thanks to the fold-down transom, which does not just become a bathing platform, but as can be seen in the photos is equipped with cushions to create two real sunbeds.

The winches are positioned immediately forward of the two rudder wheels, in a position that, at first glance, appears correct for working comfortably on the sheets. The split backstay appears, and this is an apt detail, away from the helmsman’s head (how often do you have to dodge it?). The sail plan counts an elongated mainsail and a low-overlap genoa, a clear sign of the desire to achieve a boat that is easy to handle and maneuver.