Introduction
The Oceanis line by Beneteau has long been a cornerstone of the cruising yacht world, renowned for its blend of comfort, stability, and seaworthiness since its debut in the 1980s. Now, with the introduction of the Oceanis 52, Beneteau ushers in the eighth generation of this iconic series, setting new standards in design, performance, and onboard luxury. Developed through a collaborative effort with boat owners, dealers, and charter operators, the Oceanis 52 reflects the collective expertise of the sailing community. This article explores the yacht’s design philosophy, innovative features, collaborative development process, and its anticipated debut at the Cannes Yachting Festival 2025.
The Legacy of Oceanis
The Oceanis line has been a favorite among cruisers for nearly four decades, evolving through eight generations to incorporate advancements in design, materials, and technology. Each iteration has built upon the successes of its predecessors, offering sailors a reliable and comfortable platform for exploring the seas. The Oceanis 52 continues this tradition, drawing on the success of the Oceanis 51.1, a bestseller for six years, to deliver a yacht that balances elegance, innovation, and performance.
Design Philosophy: Elegance, Innovation, and Heritage
The Oceanis 52 is a product of collaboration between naval architect Roberto Biscontini, known for his work on high-performance yachts, and Nauta Design, celebrated for their functional and aesthetically pleasing interiors. The design brief was to create a yacht that embodies the Oceanis heritage while pushing the boundaries of comfort and performance. The result is a vessel that offers sailors the freedom to explore the world’s seas with confidence, safety, and remarkable comfort.
Collaborative Development Process
The Oceanis 52’s development was a meticulous process spanning over two years, involving a team of twenty specialists at Beneteau. The team engaged in continuous dialogue with a global panel of boat owners, dealers, and charter operators to understand evolving sailing practices and identify opportunities for improvement. This customer-centric approach ensured that every aspect of the yacht, from its layout to its technology, was designed with the end user in mind. Building on the legacy of the Oceanis 51.1, the Oceanis 52 introduces enhancements that cater to both seasoned mariners and enthusiastic newcomers.
Exterior Design: Bold and Dynamic
The Oceanis 52’s exterior is a striking blend of form and function. Its sleek aft lines and pronounced chine create a bold, dynamic profile that enhances both aesthetics and performance. The full beam design extends to the transom, resulting in a cockpit that is 30% larger than that of the Oceanis 51.1. This expansive cockpit features a diamond-shaped layout with twin C-shaped benches, two height-adjustable tables with cup holders, and a central seating area equipped with a fridge and plancha grill, making it ideal for socializing at anchor.
The cockpit is further enhanced by a sundeck that extends on both sides of the companionway, complemented by two foredeck lounging areas for relaxation. A 12-inch display at the helm provides precise navigation data, ensuring ease of operation. The deck layout is intuitive, with clear separation between primary and secondary winches, facilitating smooth maneuvers and tidy line management.
Interior Design: Light, Spacious, and Luxurious
Below deck, the Oceanis 52 offers a bright and spacious living area that redefines onboard luxury. The gently sloping companionway leads to a saloon with high-density foam upholstery, sanded oak woodwork, and three customizable fabric color options. The C-shaped galley is designed for convenience, featuring a full-height fridge with a total capacity of 450 liters (with an optional second fridge), Corian worktops, two sinks, and a service hatch with ample storage.
The owner’s suite is a highlight, offering a spacious layout with a 160 cm bed, upholstered headboard, and extensive storage, including two hanging lockers, large coaming compartments, and a large drawer. Large portholes provide stunning sea views, while anti-glare spotlights and warm white ambient LEDs create an intimate atmosphere.
For charter purposes, a five-cabin, three-bathroom layout is available, featuring a spacious galley with a 434-litre fridge, two sinks, and a central island, along with luggage storage in each cabin. This configuration ensures comfort for larger groups without compromising on luxury.
Performance and Handling
The Oceanis 52 is designed to balance ease of handling with impressive performance. The standard configuration includes a furling mast and self-tacking jib, making it ideal for shorthanded sailing. For those seeking enhanced performance, the First Line Pack offers a taller mast and an overlapping genoa, adding 49 m² of sail area for superior speed and responsiveness across various conditions.
The yacht’s twin helms and open cockpit design enhance visibility and comfort under sail, while the well-balanced hull and slender bow ensure a stable, responsive ride. Soundproofing is improved with screwed-down soles and jack-operated hatches, reducing noise for a more peaceful experience. The 110 hp Yanmar engine, equipped with a lifting propeller, minimizes drag and improves maneuverability in shallow waters.
Innovative Features and Connectivity
The Oceanis 52 integrates cutting-edge technology to enhance the sailing experience. The Seanapps mobile app, paired with an onboard unit, allows owners to monitor critical systems such as battery levels, fuel, water, and maintenance schedules directly from their smartphones. This connectivity also facilitates route planning, making navigation more intuitive and efficient.
Specifications
The Oceanis 52’s technical specifications reflect its capability for both coastal and offshore cruising:
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Length Overall | 53’5’’ (16.28 m) |
| Beam Overall | 15’11’’ (4.84 m) |
| Lightship Displacement | 31,905 lbs (14,476 kg) |
| Air Draught Max | 78’ (23.85 m) |
| Draught Min | 6’4’’ (1.92 m) |
| Draught Max | 7’9’’ (2.36 m) |
| Fuel Capacity | 53 US Gal (200 L) |
| Water Capacity | 111 US Gal (420 L) |
| Max. Engine Power | 110 HP (110 CV) |
| CE Certification | A13 - B14 - C16 |
Partners
The Oceanis 52 benefits from collaborations with industry leaders:
- Raymarine: Provides advanced navigation equipment.
- Yanmar: Supplies the reliable 110 hp engine.
- Elvström: Delivers high-quality sails for optimal performance.
World Premiere and Availability
The Oceanis 52 will make its global debut at the Cannes Yachting Festival 2025, offering sailing enthusiasts a chance to experience this groundbreaking yacht firsthand. Beneteau is providing exclusive launch offers until December 15, 2025, with pricing starting at €405,000 (VAT excluded), making it an attractive opportunity for prospective owners.
Conclusion
The Oceanis 52 represents a pinnacle in the evolution of cruising yachts, blending elegance, innovation, and performance in a way that resonates with both seasoned sailors and newcomers. Its collaborative design process, luxurious interiors, and advanced technology make it a standout in the Oceanis line. As it prepares to take center stage at the Cannes Yachting Festival 2025, the Oceanis 52 is poised to inspire a new generation of sailors to explore the seas with confidence and style.
Citations
- Beneteau Official Website: Oceanis 52
- Beneteau News: Oceanis 52: A Step Beyond — Designed to Move You