Jeanneau Yachts 55 boat test

‘Yotamaran’ and ‘monocat’ are monikers coined for the Jeanneau Yachts 55, arguably for want of a better way to describe a sailboat that cherry-picks the best lifestyle aspects of monohulls, multihulls and power cruisers while adding a few of its own.

The looks, layout and luxurious finishes are all sculpted for comfort, privacy and relaxation when you’re under sail or sitting at anchor. Swimming, sipping, socialising and snoozing are all within the remit.

Gone, in fact, are the days when European yachts sported small cockpits and big cabins – the 55 shows more than many, if not any, other yacht that you can now have both, along with impressive performance and stunning aesthetics. 

Speaking of swimming, the boarding platform is huge because the hull carries its 4.99m beam well aft. Barbecuing takes place on a swing-out moulding, with wind protection afforded to the electric grill by the rear lounge. 

Jeanneau Yachts has dispensed with a full tender garage – instead, a 3.1m inflatable can swing off a pair of telescopic davits, and the lazarette space is employed for fenders, watertoys, extra sails and covers.

Usually you’d also find two wheels and all the sailing paraphernalia located aft, but not with the 55. It has a full-width, sun-protected lounge and dining space overlooking the water, so you can take a dip, rinse off and relax right here … swimmers paradise.

It pushes the twin helm stations into the cockpit’s mid zone. You’re closer to the centre of the hull for safety and a smoother motion, it has weather protection from the dodger, plus a good view of the sails. From here it’s an uninterrupted stroll to the bow, up a slight incline then onwards along the flat walkaround decks. 

Despite the mast standing over 25m, or 80ft, above the waterline, the rig is relatively simple – in the test yacht’s case, an electric-furling jib and in-mast furling mainsail measuring 122m2 between them. The headsail is self-tacking, the mainsail sheeted off an arch, the backstay fixed.

Notable feature number 2 is found immediately forward of the helm, with gullwing companionway doors giving private entry to two self-contained guest cabins boasting double beds and en suites.

Privacy is a rare commodity on conventional yachts of this size, yet it’s so important if you have several couples aboard. It means you’re not all downstairs in a share house, conscious about using the loo, but instead enjoying personal space.

The navigation station is next in line and I can’t remember seeing too many yachts where it’s outside the cabin. You can engage with the elements while on watch and keep an eye on the chart and autopilot.

Opposite there’s an alfresco dinette nook where four people can enjoy breakfast, a coffee or a cheeky cocktail while sailing. A larger gathering would go to the aft table.

Beneath the cockpit sole is the engine compartment, which in this case has a 110hp Yanmar swinging a shaft. Achieving a brisk 9.6 knots (17.8km/h) at full herbs, it’s the same as the standard power on the Jeanneau Yachts 60.

You’d also add a generator to the compartment so that the engineering is centralised.

Below, the saloon is more compact than some other production 55-footers. But here’s the thing – two-thirds of the onboard space is dedicated to the owners. It can be communal, of course, or it can meld into the forward suite to create an apartment vibe. 

You’ll have less foot traffic because of the separate guest cabin access and, when it does get busy, twin pedestal dinette tables convert to an additional double berth.

The starboard-side galley is longitudinal, however an island bench provides bracing support when you’re heeling. Double sliding bulkhead doors allow privacy for the forward cabin, where an offset queen-sized berth resides, along with a sofa opposite, cupboards and en suite in the vee. Such is the spaciousness, it genuinely feels like a full-beam mid-cab.

When the time came to sail, Port Phillip Bay could only muster 10 knots of sou-easter. We achieved a respectable five knots (9.3km/h) on a close fetch, while polars show that eight knots is well within the 55’s capabilities under canvas.

Designer Philippe Briand has given the 55 a moderate wetted surface area but long waterline, good form stability and volume, via a chine. Twin rudders keep the boat on track when heeled and there’s a choice of two cast iron keels 

To sum up, the Jeanneau Yachts 55 is as sailable as it is sociable, as functional as it is elegant, as luxurious as it is well built. It doesn’t need a fancy moniker in my view because it’s a leader, not a follower, in cruising couture.

Price correct as of December 2025

• Priced from: $1,570,000
• Price as tested: $2,000,000
  

• LOA: 16.98m
• Hull length: 16.15m
• Beam: 4.99m
• Draft: 2.45m/1.9m
• Ballast 4900kg/5690kg
• Displacement: 19,311kg
• Fuel capacity: 230lt standard
• Power: Yanmar 110hp diesel
• Test boat supplied by 38 South Yachting, Melbourne
  
  SUBSCRIBE TO THE CLUB MARINE MAGAZINE.