Definition
Beneteau 57 is a family‑size cruising sailboat model built by the French yacht manufacturer Beneteau. The designation refers to the vessel’s overall length of approximately 57 feet (≈ 17.4 m) and denotes a line of blue‑water cruising yachts offered primarily in the early 21st century.
Overview
Introduced by Beneteau in the mid‑2000s, the Beneteau 57 formed part of the Oceanis series of performance‑cruising yachts. The model was marketed to sailors seeking a balance between comfort, manageable handling, and offshore capability. Production continued for several years, with subsequent updates listed under designations such as “Oceanis 57.1.” The boats were sold worldwide through Beneteau’s dealer network and were commonly employed for private cruising, charter operations, and extended passages.
Etymology / Origin
The name combines the manufacturer’s surname, Beneteau, with a numeric length reference. Beneteau, founded in 1884 in Saint‑Denis, France, has a long history of constructing sailing vessels. The numeric suffix follows a conventional naming practice in the yachting industry, where the figure approximates the vessel’s length overall in feet.
Characteristics
| Feature | Typical Specification* |
|---|---|
| Length overall (LOA) | 57 ft (≈ 17.4 m) |
| Beam | 19 ft (≈ 5.8 m) |
| Draft | 6 ft (≈ 1.8 m) with standard fin keel; deeper optional keel available |
| Displacement | Approximately 30 000 lb (≈ 13 600 kg) |
| Hull type | Monohull, fiberglass construction with a solid laminate hull and balsa‑core deck |
| Keel | Fixed fin keel with ballast; optional shoal‑draft keel offered |
| Rudder | Internally mounted spade rudder, controlled by a wheel |
| Rig | Fractional sloop rig with a Bermuda‑style mainsail; typical sail area around 1 200 sq ft (≈ 111 m²) for main + genoa |
| Engine | Yanmar diesel, 110 hp (≈ 82 kW) model, providing auxiliary power for docking and motoring |
| Capacity | Accommodation for 8–10 people in multiple forward, mid‑ship, and aft cabins; galley, salon, and heads arranged for long‑term cruising |
| Electronics | Standard navigation package includes chartplotter, autopilot, VHF radio, and basic instrumentation; upgrades available |
*Exact dimensions and equipment may vary between production years and optional packages; the values presented reflect the most commonly reported specifications.
Related Topics
- Beneteau – French shipyard known for producing a wide range of sailing and power yachts.
- Oceanis series – Beneteau’s line of cruising sailboats emphasizing comfort and ease of handling.
- Cruising sailboat – A category of sailing vessels designed for extended offshore voyages with amenities for live‑aboard comfort.
- Fractional sloop rig – A sail plan where the forestay attaches below the masthead, a common feature in modern performance cruisers.
- Yanmar – Manufacturer of marine diesel engines frequently fitted on Beneteau yachts.
Note: The information provided reflects data publicly available from manufacturer literature, industry reviews, and reputable yachting publications. Precise specifications may differ for individual vessels depending on custom options and production revisions.