Respire  Jeanneau 54 (2016)

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Not Afraid is a new (2016) Jeanneau 54. Like its big sister, the lines of the 54 were drawn by longtime Jeanneau collaborator Philippe Briand, with a contemporary (and comfortable) interior fashioned by designer Andrew Winch. With this vessel, Jeanneau is going after a particular corner of the market: younger sailors who look for all the comforts of home whether they’re off to their slope-side condo or their summer home on the water. Erik Stromberg, Jeanneau’s sailboat marketing director, says the company’s new Yacht range is intended for couples and families who don’t necessarily want to take a crowd on vacation or pack the boat with friends while off on a charter. Topsides, there’s a big cockpit and multiple spaces dedicated to relaxation (more on that in a minute), while below, the owner’s cabin is premium, guest cabins are well appointed, and the galley is fitted out with the size and sorts of appliances one might find in an urban apartment, right down to a front-opening full-size fridge, washer and dryer, dishwasher, and vent hood for the propane stove and oven. In addition to the 64 and 54, there’s a 57 in the Yacht range, and Stromberg says more models will be added over time as the company plans replacements for its larger DS (deck saloon) models.

The idea, he says, is to provide a standard of living aboard that we have elsewhere in our lives. My life should be so good. Climbing aboard the 54 dockside or from a tender, one steps onto the “terrace,” which might be called a swim platform if not for the cushions to each side that, when unfolded, let you sit astern and take in the surroundings. Underway, the cushions are folded up, and the terrace folds as well, creating a level sole between the dual helms. A centerline swim ladder then becomes part of the transom lifelines.

While still at the stern, there are a couple of other noteworthy innovations. Jeanneau has solved the vexing problem of a lack of davits on wide-beam modern cruising boats by installing a pair that fold down and retract into the hull when not in use. The designer also moved the ends of the split backstay inboard, so they’re out of the helmsman’s way when he or she is seated. Sitting or standing, I found the sightlines from either wheel were quite good.

A centerline drop-leaf table fills the middle of the cockpit. There’s plenty of room to both sides to pass forward, and a life-raft storage compartment is located in the table’s center. Seating has been carried forward, past the companionway, to create two comfy lounging areas beneath the dodger, complete with armrests and cup holders. More cushions are found in a space forward of the mast, where there is also a fold-up bimini for shade. At sea, the area would make a handy nest for a RIB, keeping it safe from boarding seas, noted Boat of the Year judge Alvah Simon.

At the show, the 54 was introduced in conjunction with Assisted Sail Trim, Jeanneau’s new collaboration with Harken. Using Harken electric rewind winches, the companies are developing a system that can raise, lower and reef sails at the touch of a button; trim sheets automatically when tacking; and even react to excessive levels of heel by easing lines. A finished product is still in development, but the boat in Annapolis was fitted out with the reversing winches as a first step.

Call me an old-fashioned, winch-handle kind of guy, but under sail, I found the new winches a bit confusing to use initially. I had to remember to toggle switches to control speed and direction, though I guess that if I played with them a bit longer, they’d become intuitive. The benefit, of course, is that under load, sheets can be eased without removing the line from the self-tailer. Regardless, once the sheets were properly trimmed, we had a very pleasant and lively ride.

An electric headsail furler and an in-mast furling main took the work out of setting sail, and when the double-ended main and jibsheets were hauled tight, the 54 settled into a comfortable groove, with respectable numbers on the speedo.

ALL PICTURES ARE STOCK PICTURES, COURTESY OF JEANNEAU.