Wauquiez 55 (16.40 m), the boat that breaks with tradition

First 30, XR41, Saffier SL 46, J/36, the upcoming Boot in Düsseldorf, scheduled for January 18-26, is once again a central event for the sailing world, and for lovers of long-distance sailing boats there is also another novelty: the recently launched Wauquiez 55. A boat that goes to renew the tradition of the French shipyard, with new lines and a new concept, while not abandoning the dimension of blue water sailing. Marc Lombard has left. But his name and his practice are more alive than ever. This is evidenced by the new Wauquiez 55 (16.40 x 5.25 m).

Wauquiez 55, the deck

The challenge was to combine the efficiency of a sport cruiser with the comfort of a deck saloon: a yacht with a dual identity characterized by a distinctive design (with “arched” edges running along the bulwarks, a reverse bow, and a long integrated dolphin trap that brings the overall length to 17.50 m) and, above all, equipped to be a perfect blue water from long sailings.

Comfort, above and below deck, is “betrayed” by the width of the hull and the widening of the deckhouse to the bulwarks (a legacy of Herbulot’s glorious Corsaire of 1954). There is no lack of a rigid hard-top that offers protection and comfortduring sailing.

The cockpit houses two large sunbathing areas and a large deck. The seating at the pulpits and the unusual battlement height (75 centimeters) are details that testify to the focus on safety and comfort.

Wauquiez 55, the interior

We go down below deck. The interiors were designed by Stéphane Roséo. The dining area, seating, guest toilet and chart table are all located at the same level.

The forward cabin, accessible by a few steps, offers a large space with a large bed free on three sides with the toilet room with separate shower and a panoramic view through the portholes in the hull and at the large windows towards the bow.

The aft cabin is obviously generously sized, taking advantage of the width of the aft sections. But what sets it apart is the glass opening with direct access to the aft deck.

The engine compartment is accessible from both the cockpit and the interior, and the boat is propelled by twin engines to improve maneuverability.

Price and options

Electrical and electronic systems are provided by Garmin with the Empirbus system, and there is an optional option to have a lifting keel (which reduces from 4.20 m to 1.60 m). In its performance version, the Wauquiez 55 is also available with carbon mast and rigging. The price of the boat is available upon request and is still subject to change as the model is in production. But it will surely be just over 1,100,000 euros.

Wauquiez 55 – Data Sheet

Hull length 16.40 m
Overall length 17,50 m
Width 5.25 m
Draft 1.60/4.20 m (fixed keel 2.40 m)
Displacement 20,000 kg
Ballast 3,840 kg (lifting keel) or 4,950 kg (fixed keel)
Sail area 169 sqm
Engine 2 x 50 hp
Naval architecture: Marc Lombard Yacht Design
Design: Stéphane Roséo
Builder Wauquiez
Italian dealer: Yacht Synergy