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Meet the Wauquiez 55

• By Cruising World Staff
• February 20, 2024

The French shipyard Wauquiez has been turning out boats since 1965, when its first model was the Elizabethan 29. Many sailors know Wauquiez for its Centurion models, which established the brand name through the Centurion 32 in 1968. More recently, in 2014, an updated version called the Centurion 57 marked the return of that well-known line.

Now comes the Wauquiez 55, for which the builder offered a sneak peek during the recent boat show in Düsseldorf, Germany—and which is scheduled to make its debut in the flesh at the Cannes Yachting Festival later this year.

The Wauquiez 55 is the first model of a new range, with a design by Marc Lombard that screams fully modern sailing yacht. It’s intended for owners who want to head offshore, with light-filled living spaces and updated performance elements. Styling is clean and sophisticated, inside and out.

A hardtop protects the central cockpit, which looks (in the renderings) like it will have good visibility through the windshield. There are wipers to clear away the remains of afternoon showers. The navigation space also has opening panels for letting in fresh air.

Back in the cockpit, there’s a relaxation space for guests who want to stretch out in the two sunbathing areas. There’s also what Wauquiez calls a “leisure deck,” which could be used for putting on snorkeling equipment, fishing or preparing to head off and explore with kayaks or paddleboards.

Interior design is by Stéphane Roséo in La Rochelle, France. The layout incorporates stowage between the salon benches and sheer, with portholes on the hull for guests to enjoy views of the outdoors. Portholes are on the coachroof too.

Dining is to port, with a table surrounded by C-shape booth seating. Bench-style seating runs along the side closest to centerline. Across from there, to starboard, is seating for intimate conversations, working a bit on a laptop or tablet computer, or getting lost in a good book. The navigation station is abaft this seating area, with the galley also nearby for easy service inside and out.

The forward stateroom is down a few steps with a walkaround berth and a head. Another stateroom is aft, with a glass opening and direct access out onto the deck. 

Depending on what type of sailing owners want to do, they can opt for a lifting keel, carbon rigging and a furling jib. 

How does the Wauquiez shipyard fix the keel? By stainless steel bolts. The rigging and appendages are integrated into the structure of the boat, to ensure distribution of their forces.

Where to learn more: click over to wauquiez.com

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Revolutionizing Tradition: The Wauquiez 55 Breaks Cover at boot Dusseldorf 2024

The latest model that the French shipyard will present (with a virtual tour) at boot Dusseldorf 2024 is called Wauquiez 55. It is the first model of a new range designed to revive interest in a historic brand that aims to renew enthusiasts’ interest. The official physical debut? That will have to wait for the Cannes Yachting Festival 2024 in September.

The break with the past , already apparent in the first images of the Wauquiez 55, is quite evident. To begin with, there is a significant volume of the hull. Marc Lombard designed a particularly wide hull but also chose to widen the coachroof up to the sheer. “ We haven’t invented anything, ” explains Éric Levet, naval architect and co manager at Marc Lombard Yacht Design , “ this feature was already present on the Corsaire .”

The hardtop is also for safety

Like the famous micro-cruiser designed by Herbulot in 1954, there are portholes on this coachroof, and one has to pass over them to reach the bow. Movement is easy thanks to the ability to lean on the hard top that protects the central cockpit. This rigid structure ensures that the crew is particularly protected during navigation. Visibility for the helmsman remains correct, thanks to the glass windshield (equipped with windshield wipers) and the opening panels for ventilation.

The cockpit of the Wauquiez 55 is expanded aft with two sunbathing areas and a large resting or leisure deck. The initial renderings show the presence of balcony seating and the unusual height (75 centimeters) of the steering lines: crew comfort has been taken care of.

Attention to ergonomics is also noticeable below the deck. The impression of space is evident, even though interior designer Stéphane Roséo wanted to leave ample storage space between the salon benches and the sheer. The portholes on the hull offer an extensive view of the sea. Those on the coachroof offer the same view in an upright position, with the addition of a forward view.

The dining area on the left, the armchairs facing it on the right, the guest toilet, and the navigation table are all positioned at the same level. The kitchen is slightly lower. To reach the forward cabin, you need to descend a few steps. It is spacious, the bed is accessible from three sides, and it has a bathroom with a shower well isolated from the toilet. But what stands out is the aft cabin, which perfectly utilizes the boat’s width and stands out for two innovative features: an exceptional aft glass opening and direct access to the deck.

You can also choose the lifting keel and carbon rigging. It should also be mentioned the engine room, accessible from both the cockpit and the interior, the choice of two twin engines to improve maneuverability, the electrical and electronic systems provided by Garmin with the Empirbus system, and the lifting keel. Combined with high-form stability and reasonable displacement, the keel ensures good seaworthiness without hindering easy access to ports (1.60 meters in the raised position). In its performance version, the Wauquiez 55 is also available with carbon rigging and a furling jib.

Wauquiex 55 specs

Hull length: 16.40 m (overall length 17.50 m) Width: 5.25 m Draft: 1.60-4.20 m (fixed 2.40 m) Displacement: 20,000 kg Ballast: 3,840 kg (lifting keel) or 4,950 kg (fixed keel) Sail area: 169 m2 Engine: 2 x 50 HP Architect: Marc Lombard Yacht Design Design: Stéphane Roséo Builder: Wauquiez Price: n/a.

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Wauquiez 55 : Quite far from the mainstream

Michael Good

 ·  09.02.2024

Wauquiez as a baking deck

More benefits for owners.

The Wauquiez brand has been relatively quiet for a long time. The last time the French presented a completely new boat was six years ago with the PS 42. Now the traditional brand is surprising everyone with its plans to completely relaunch the concept of the traditional centre-cockpit yacht. The project for the new Wauquiez 55 was officially unveiled at the boot trade fair in Düsseldorf.

The remarkably innovative design comes from the studio of Marc Lombard Yacht Design and features an interesting reinterpretation of the classic forecastle deck with a cabin superstructure across the entire width of the ship and running decks running high above the arched cabin superstructure. The cockpit and the steering position built into the side at the front are protected by a robust dodger with a hardtop and a fixed windscreen.

The aft deck is reserved entirely for enjoyment and relaxation with an unusually spacious lounge area that is stepped towards the rear. In addition to extensive sun loungers, a wide bathing platform ensures easy and safe access to the water.

Exciting and unique in its form: a separate entrance leads from the aft bridge deck directly into the large double cabin in the aft section. This gives the owners more flexibility and customised options for using their own living area.

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The Wauquiez 55 is built with either a fixed keel or a swivelling keel. With the flexible annex, the boat should even be able to fall dry without any problems. There are also variations for the rig. In addition to the standard version with a conventional but relatively high aluminium mast with two spreaders, a furling mast or a higher rig made of carbon fibre for sportier requirements is also available as an option. Customers can also choose whether they want to sail the boat with a self-tacking jib or with a larger, overlapping genoa. A gennaker or a reacher can be attached to the relatively long, firmly laminated bowsprit. And for longer passages on the high seas in wind and waves, a set-back staysail can also be fitted.

Two motors - Many advantages

The motorisation also matches the extraordinary concept. Wauquiez has fitted its new blue-water yacht with two built-in engines, each with an output of 50 hp. The bottom line is that this should reduce fuel consumption and significantly reduce noise emissions. In addition, the boat will be much easier to manoeuvre in the harbour with two engines and will also manage without a bow or stern thruster. As an alternative, Wauquiez also wants to offer the new 55 with a hybrid system with two electric motors and a large generator.

The Wauquiez 55 will be fitted out below deck with two very spacious double cabins forward and aft, each with its own bathroom and separate shower area. An additional Pullman cabin with two bunk berths and its own bathroom is provided for guests, but can also be converted into storage space, a workshop or a walk-in wardrobe. The galley is installed to the side in the passageway to the aft cabin. The shipyard does not offer any significant alternatives for the interior design, the standard layout can be seen in the photo gallery above.

The world premiere of the Wauquiez 55 is scheduled for next autumn at the Yachting Festival in Cannes. However, the shipyard has not yet given an initial price estimate.

Technical data Wauquiez 55

• Designer: Marc Lombard Yacht Design Group
• Hull length: 17.58 m
• Width: 5.25 m
• Draught with fixed keel: 2.40 m
• Draught with swing keel: 1.60-4.20 m
• Weight (empty): 20,0 t
• Ballast/proportion of fixed keel: 4.95 t/25 %
• Ballast/proportion of swing keel: 3.84 t/19 %
• Sail area downwind: 164.0 m² (Std.)/157.0 m² (Furling)/169.0 m² (Performance)
• Engine (Volvo Penta): 2x 50 hp (2x 75 hp optional)
• Fuel capacity: 930 litres
• Fresh water capacity: 720 litres

Further interesting links on the topic

• The unusual Jeanneau Yacht 55 in the YACHT test
• The premiere of the new Moody DS48 at the trade fair in Düsseldorf
• Nordship 570 DS - the new flagship from Denmark tested by YACHT tv
• The Wauquiez PS 42 in the YACHT test
• Elan GT6: A touring boat that doesn't fit into any box

Most read in category Yachts

French builder founded by Henri Wauquiez in 1964 and located at provincial town of Neuville en Ferrain, near the Belgium border. Purchased in 1988 by Olivier Prouvost. Purchased by Beneteau. (2007)

Associations

• One Ton Class
• Elizabethan Owners Association
• IOR 3/4 ton
• Berret-Racoupeau
• Britton Chance
• Dominique Presle
• Groupe Graal
• Holman & Pye
• Marc Lombard
• Rob Humphreys
• Ron Holland

36 sailboats built by Wauquiez

Centurion 32

Gladiateur 33

Pretorien 35

Wauquiez Hood 38

Wauquiez Amphora

Wauquiez Amphitrite 43

Wauquiez pilot saloon 40.

Centurion 40S

Wauquiez Chance 37

Centurion 42, victorian 27.

Wauquiez Pilot Saloon 43

Centurion 45S

Wauquiez Pilot Saloon 41

Centurion 36

Centurion 40

Centurion 49, centurion 41s.

Centurion 38

Centurion 45.

Wauquiez Pilot Saloon 48

Wauquiez Amphitrite 45 MS

Elizabethan 35

Wauquiez kronos 45.

Centurion 59

Wauquiez optio, centurion 47, wauquiez 33.

Wauquiez Pilot Saloon 47

Elizabethan 29

Centurion 57

Feeling 1350

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• Digital Edition

Wauquiez PS42 review: Interior finesse shines through on classy cruiser

• April 25, 2019

The Wauquiez PS42 raises the 40-footer production cruiser to new levels of style and practicality, writes Graham Snook

Photos: Graham Snook / Robin Christol

A good brand exudes quality. Seeing a logo on a car or a yacht is a visual pat on the back from the manufacturer, a little thank you from them that you made the right choice.

As I stepped on board the Wauquiez Pilot Saloon 42, I spotted the ‘W’ cut out in the stainless steel plates on the coachroof sides and the stainless steel ‘Wauquiez’ on the transom. Are these clues that this yacht might be something special?

Yes they are and so she is. You could feel it as we rode down the Med swell at 9 knots, and in the sociable, safe, comfortable cockpit, but it’s down below that this yacht really impresses. The interior makes this boat unique among production boats of this size. She also has the coolest windows and light switches I’ve ever seen on a production yacht – but more of that later.

Fold-down transom reveals liferaft storage and a fold-out step to reach cockpit level

Substance with style

Just from looking at the new launches at Boot Düsseldorf in January, I had already placed the Wauquiez Ps42 at the top of my wishlist. The layout, the styling and the quality all stood out as a superior all-round package. There is no other boat quite like her for styling – not as 40-something foot production yachts go.

She has style, but a stunning looking boat is no good if it lacks substance. And the great news is that this is an enjoyable yacht to sail too; but her performance and good behaviour on the water almost seem to pale beside the interior because this is leagues above her rivals.

You don’t find many production yachts with leather-covered wardrobes and that’s just one example of Wauquiez doing something new. This is quite a small French yard that can tailor yachts to its owners’ requirements. So if, like me, you aren’t keen on, say, the leather wardrobe pull-handles, it can replace them.

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Using leather and painted wood does seem odd for a company that can build good quality woodwork. Take the forecabin, for example. Apart from the shelf that runs either side up to the long bed, the dark laminate wood sole and the thick laminated wood surround for the mattress, no other wood is visible. The hull sides are white, the headlining is white and it is brightly lit with LED lights.

It could be like sleeping inside a fridge, but the style with which Wauquiez has added recessed areas around the lights and hull window surrounds, and broken it up with a black cove line that makes the space seem longer and wider, is elegant. This cabin has a good-sized en suite with a separate shower compartment – with the mast compression post for company.

The full-beam aft cabin has the same neat semi-minimalist feel, but with a swathe of dark grey leading the eye around the cabin until it stops at the chaise longue on the starboard side.

Interiors are predominantly white, but design highlights raise them to something out of the ordinary

There are practical features too: the forward and aft berth cushions are split and leecloths are standard.

In the aft cabin, cushions not only run centrally, but also down the sides. The occupants of the forward cabin have only one central leecloth. There is plenty of stowage under the berths: the bases lift and are held up by gas struts. In the forward cabin there are drawers beneath the aft end and stowage forward, but there’s the option of filling this with a 200lt tank for fuel or water, which would obviously reduce this cabin’s stowage.

Aft cabin ventilation is excellent – all three sides of the cockpit mould over the berth have opening hatches, and there are more in the coachroof. Space over the berth is good too and there’s plenty of stowage behind the grey-fronted lockers and in the leather-covered wardrobe. An en suite with a separate shower compartment offers lots of headroom.

The Wauqiuez PS42 sleeps four in supreme comfort

White and bright

These are good cabins, but it’s the saloon and galley area that make her rivals look, frankly, bland in comparison.

Many people like varnished wood on boats, and I’ll include myself among them, but with the notable exception of RM Yachts there hasn’t been a good alternative before or, when there has, it’s mainly been down to saving money or weight. I’m not saying I’m a convert, but it’s surprising how large areas of white can give a positive impression; and there’s no shortage of it on the Wauquiez PS42.

The forward bulkhead and the under deck lockers are white, so is the 2.72m white Corian galley worktop, with recessed white Corian sinks. The surface is stain resistant and it was child’s play to clean up thanks to the gently curved fiddles that surround the inside of the worktop. Drawer fridge/freezers are fitted so items can be easily found without having to clear the worktop and there is lots of easily accessible stowage.

Blue-tinted windows – which can be made clear at the turn of a switch – help keep the pilot saloon cool in sunny climes

What isn’t coloured white, or finished in stainless steel (such as the stove or fridges) is in horizontally grained teak. This visually lengthens the galley, and the grain matches from door to door to drawer, all being edged with a bead of solid teak for good measure.

In the saloon, seating trim is illuminated by LED strip lights. The saloon sits a couple of steps up from the galley, and is raised enough to take advantage of those large curved coachroof windows. The view out from the saloon is good, although a bit more limited forward. When working at the galley you’re treated to a panoramic view.

As the saloon is raised, there are two layers of stowage, one down to the floor of the galley, the second between the tankage underneath the outboard seating and galley sole. The saloon table has some wonderfully smooth veneer work in opposing directions and when folded in half has good fiddles surrounding it. When opened, it is flat and flush and gives seating for a cosy six – only an issue with guests or if opting for the twin double aft cabin layout.

Berret-Racoupeau Yacht Design is behing the super-modern styling of the Wauquiez PS42

The chart table is the only area where Wauquiez fumble the ball slightly. The table isn’t that easy to open (a finger groove would be good), the navigator doesn’t get a view, and with the seat back cushion in place the seat’s a little narrow and feels more like a perch than one designed to be sat on. Remove the backrest and it feels like a seat again.

With the electronics package offered, the owner gets a 12-inch iPad that mirrors, and can control, the chartplotter display. The iPad is held in a stylish anodised aluminium bracket, so hopefully you won’t have to hunt through your children’s cabins looking for it.

Beautiful details

Now for the really good bits. I’ve never been excited about coachroof windows or light switches – until now. Thank you, Wauquiez. While on the outside the coachroof windows look like almost every other boat on the water: they are not. From down below the windows have a heavy cool blue tint (in both senses of the word cool). They’re a deep azure blue and prevented the Med sun from heating the saloon like a greenhouse.

But twist a brushed-aluminium knob, mounted on a bevelled, monogrammed plate, and in a second or two the windows lose their heavy tint and go clear.

And you have to love those switches. Whether it’s a toggle switch (with a beautifully positive click) and built in USB sockets, a plug surround, a dimmer switch for the windows or the lights, these are all in brushed aluminium, with an engraved W in the bottom corner.

Wauquiez has seen to it that the upper switches turn on the ceiling lights while the lower lights turn on the floor lights. Someone has thought about all this.

Not to be outdone by the people in charge of tinting windows and designing light switches, the person responsible for locker catches was also on fire, They obviously thought: ‘Who wants a latch you have to push in to pop out, then twist or pull?’

Their solution: to tie knots in short bits of leather and use these as pull tabs to release the latch mechanism and open the locker door in one movement. Genius.

On deck there’s lots to enjoy too. All three wires in the transom gate slide back into the pushpit – two guardrails is one too few for Wauquiez, it seems. The coamings are wide and all lines are brought back to forward of the helm. The genoa winches can only really be used at the helm, so I’d tick the electric winch option.

The lines are led in recesses in the top of the broad coamings and these act as handholds while moving around the seating. Access to the deck is forward of each helm pedestal via a step which has a good-sized rope bin beneath it.

The helm area isn’t the widest of spaces and if I’d been wearing full winter sailing kit I might have found it a little tight, but that said Wauquiez is moving the wheel forward 3cm and hopefully it’ll also move it inboard a bit too – I kept trapping my fingers between the wheel and the corner of the helm seat coaming. The corner is bevelled for the comfort of the helmsman, but it stops where the wheel is, reducing the gap.

It’s a step up from the cockpit to the companionway before heading down again to the pilot saloon

The cockpit is set quite high – headroom in the owner’s cabin has to come from somewhere – but it didn’t feel precarious or that I was perched on top, even though the helm is as far aft as it’s possible to be. The only time the cockpit did feel high was when stepping over the bridge deck to go down below.

So this yacht is safe, stylish and practical. She was a joy to sail, too. Admittedly, the conditions were in her sweet spot with a good Force 4 and only when the apparent wind went over 20 knots did we have to ease the main to keep her composure.

The twin rudders give excellent grip in the water and the Wauquiez PS42 was unflustered even when I was trying to make her misbehave. The Jefa steering had a reassuring weight to it in the same way the door of a good car has a solid thud. On the wind we were making 32°- 36° at 6.7-7.2 knots, but on a fetch she excelled, topping out at 9.2 knots and rarely going below 7 knots on all points of sail but a dead run.

We tested hull number one the Wauquiez PS42 off Mallorca in 12-16 knots of onshore wind

Our verdict

The Wauquiez’s styling is modern and won’t appeal everyone, especially to traditionalists, but they have been well served in the past and anyone can appreciate the quality of the build and the workmanship that’s gone into this yacht. From her vacuum-infused hull, deck and inner grid structure to the finish of the visible wood, it’s all top quality stuff.

This could be seen as a boat full of gimmicks, but it’s actually an incredibly practical boat with loads of stowage space both on deck and below, and a layout that works in port and at sea. The inclusion of leecloths and decent tankage shows that this yacht is meant to sail, not just spend days port-hopping round the Med.

I have some sympathy for Wauquiez’s rivals. The Pilot Saloon 42 is a great boat. She’s unbeatable in style and looks, is well made too (one of the better first-off-the-line boats I’ve seen) has good views from the saloon and galley and sails very nicely indeed. She is not perfect – no boat is – but she’s not far off.

Specification

Yachting Monthly

• Digital edition

Wauquiez Pilot Saloon 45: ‘Speed and quality’

• Graham Snook
• July 17, 2020

The Wauquiez Pilot Saloon 42 promises speed and exceptional build quality.
 Graham Snook went to see if she had the wow factor on the water

The hull has a soft chine aft. Credit: Graham Snook

Product Overview

Wauquiez pilot saloon 42.

• Smooth and assured handling
• High quality throughout
• Serious and seaworthy boat
• Reduced stowage in the forecabin
• Wheel too close to pedestal
• High bridge deck

Manufacturer:

Price as reviewed:.

There is no boat quite like this one, and it’s not often I can say that. It’s not that the Wauquiez Pilot Saloon 42 is unique in her design or that she has an original concept, but the interior, wow.

I haven’t seen anything quite like it on a production yacht before: custom yachts, motor boats and superyachts, yes. 42ft French cruisers? No.

Gorgeously finished teak, white and grey leather, swathes of white Corian, light surrounds, light switches and plug surrounds in brushed aluminium, and little leather pull toggles on the locker front are just a few of the details.

Large windows, plenty of locker space and bracing against the saloon seating makes the galley pleasant to work in. Credit: Graham Snook

Then there are cool blue saloon windows that clear or darken at the twist of a knob.

As nice as the interior is, it would mean very little if she’s as useful as a foghorn in a library, just as well, then, she a comfortable and practical cruiser and the attention to detail down below has been taken to on deck too.

Performance

Conditions for the test in Palma Bay were perfect, a good Force 4 with warm bright sunshine; and the Wauquiez Pilot Saloon 42 relished them, topping out at over 9 knots on a fetch.

This boat had the optional 2.15m draught deep lead keel, a 1.65m draught iron keel is standard with a lead keel of the same draught also an option.

The boat has an optional Sparcraft painted rig and Park Avenue boom. Credit: Graham Snook

She was a joy to sail, only when the apparent wind went over 20 knots did we feel the need to ease the mainsheet, the grip from the twin, splayed rudders was unflappable.

Steering is via Jefa chain and cable, it had a solid feel and reassuring weight to it without being too heavy.

The cockpit is high, and occasionally feels it when going over the raised bridge deck, you feel a little exposed but the addition of grab handles either side would help, as would the sprayhood – if we hadn’t taken it off for the photographs.

Deck Layout

The single bow roller is recessed into the large, shiny, fixed stainless-steel bowsprit.

Directly aft is the windlass, the chain drops straight into the bows.

Access to the chain locker is via a watertight hatch in the forward bulkhead of the deep bow locker, which itself is accessed via a flush hatch in the foredeck.

It was nice to see three guardrails, and even nicer to see that the end fittings are in the pulpit and pushpit so there are no pins to catch crew or sails.

Lockers beneath both helm seats provide good stowage. Credit: Graham Snook

It’s an easy step up to the coachroof from the mast, less so further aft.

Lines from the mast are led under the eyebrows of the forward facing saloon windows, to reappear at the forward end of the cockpit.

The rope clutches and Andersen size 40ST winches aren’t far enough aft for the helm to have easy access, on this boat the starboard winch was electric which made raising the mainsail a doddle.

Andersen size 46ST for the genoa are next to the helm, and the helm is the best placed to use them, electric winches are an option and, with them being far aft, it would be hard not to justify ticking the option box – especially on a yacht this size and price.

Access to the cockpit from deck is just forward of the wheels where there’s a good-sized rope locker on each side with a hinged lid to stand on.

The handholds on the binnacle weren’t very high, this will improve when Wauquiez raise the pedestals by 8 cm, but I’d still like to see them a little higher.

Deck stowage is good, there are lockers under both helm seats (port is the gas locker).

The liferaft locker that’s accessed from the fold-down transom; released from inside the lazarette locker.

At the helm

There is seating aft and outboard of twin wheels. It’s not the widest of helm spaces, but the pedestals will be moving forward 3cm.

I did find the gap between the pedestal and the wheel caught my knuckles, and if she was mine I’d be searching for a spacer to bring the wheel aft a tad.

The backstay does cut across the helm seat outboard a little, but it can also be used to hook an arm around.

A fixed windscreen increases protection in the cockpit which could otherwise feel exposed. Credit: Graham Snook

Both hull and deck are balsa cored and vacuum infused, the hull’s internal grid structure is also vacuum infused after which, it’s bonded and laminated in place.

The trapezium shaped hull windows have a recess in the hull and are bonded in from the outside.

The hull has a soft chine aft and while she is beamy aft, the waterline is quite narrow which should make her less sticky in light conditions, but as she heels the waterline extends and she’ll happily rest comfortably on her chine

This Wauquiez Pilot Saloon 42 had the optional Sparcraft painted rig and Park Avenue boom – an anodised mast is standard.

This boat had an optional 2.15m draught deep-lead keel. Credit: Graham Snook

The rig comes with Dyform rigging is standard, as does the track on the mast which makes hoisting it less of fight with friction.

The genoa cars were adjustable from the cockpit and are set against the coachroof. The bowsprit can accept an off-wind sail.

The Test Verdict

It was refreshing to see that style can be well executed and practical and that a company will throw convention 
to the wind to use ideas and systems not on production yachts: monogrammed light switches and plug surrounds, dimmable glass windows and pull toggles instead of latches.

Then there is the overall look of the interior and its high build quality; it really does have the wow factor.

The vast double berth in the aft cabin has lee cloths down the middle and at the sides making it a useful place to sleep when at sea. Credit: Graham Snook

Add to this her handling, performance and composure on the water and you’re left with a modern, spacious cruiser that will eat up the miles.

The sea doesn’t care about style, and when it gets rough, the light white hull sides will be the last thing on your mind.

But even in such conditions, the Wauquiez Pilot Saloon 42 should 
still look after you.

There are plenty of handholds and 
the stowage around the boat, especially in the galley,
can be safely accessed without dodging airborne
 objects from cupboards you’ve just opened.

Would she suit you and your crew?

At first glance it could be easy to think of the 42 as
 what Americans term a ‘dock queen’ – she looks nice 
in her berth, but you’d rattle like a pea in a can at sea.

This couldn’t be further from the truth; she has style 
and substance.

The modern interior may not be your thing, in which case you can buy a Rustler 42.

Drawers under the saloon seating increase stowage for galley items. Credit: Graham Snook

Whether you’re sailing or in harbour, the 42’s interior
 is practical and, thanks to the large saloon windows,
 you can be out of the elements and still get a sense of place.

She has the space, both living and storage, that would make life on board for extended periods a joy.

The Wauquiez has good build quality, modern
styling, she’s spacious and practical with easy handling – especially with a self-tacking jib fitted.

All boats are inevitably a compromise but the 42 seems to have compromised little in any areas.

This makes her
 a cracking yacht. If you want modern styling and your budget will run to it, this 42ft cruiser is an absolute must.

Facts and Figures

Price as tested: £474,332 in VAT LOA: 12.99m (42ft 6in) Hull Length: 12.42 m (40ft 9in) LWL: 12.8 m (4ft 1in) Beam: 4.34m (14ft 2in) Draught: 2.15m (7ft 05in) Displacement: 11,593kg (25,558 lb) Ballast: 3,100kg (6,834 lb) Ballast ratio: 26.7% Displacement / Length: 197.1 Sail area: 89.5m2 (sq ft) SA/D ratio: 17.9 Diesel: 415 litres ( gal) Water: 615 litres ( gal) Engine: 57hp Transmission: Saildrive RCD category: A Designer: Berret – Racoupeau Yacht Design Builder: Wauquiez Boats UK Agent: Parkstone Bay Yachts Tel: 01202 724917 Website: www.pilot-saloon42.com

This review was first published in our Summer 2018 issue. Back copies of Yachting Monthly can be bought at www.mags-uk.com

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This site's modest goal is to chart your course to all of the information available online about Wauquiez sailing yachts. It is not a product of or affiliated in any formal way with Wauquiez Boats .

Learn about the Google Group , the PNW Owners Rendezvous , and check out the other information using the site navigation links.

Who we are ?

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A familly' story

Charles-Henri Wauquiez - Philippe Wauquiez

Wauquiez is a non profit organisation established by Charles Henri Wauquiez, son of Henri, Wauquiez Boatyards founder, and by his uncle Philippe Wauquiez, Henri’s brother.

VERDOSO steps down

Owners of the the Wauquiez boatyards for 10 years, the Bénéteau group sells its shares to Verdoso Industrie in June 2008.

Verdoso, who specialises in acquisition of industrial companies in need of turnaround, quickly realised that the Wauquiez Boatyards were quite different from all of their other companies, belonging more to the field of luxury craft than industry.

But the Verdoso takeover of Wauqiez boatyards unfortunately took place at the beginning of the economic crisis, and despite starting off very well, the company’s reorganisation suffered from adverse market conditions.  Indeed, it is well known that demand for luxury boat had slowed down in the past two years.

In those conditions, Verdoso and Hugues Thiébault the previous CEO had to manage the company with due regard to economy and efficiency, whilst improving existing models quality and giving back their confidence to employees.

The order book and works in progress gave reasons to believe that if recovery could be sustained, the Wauquiez boatyards stood a good chance to take back their position in the luxury boats hierarchy for the greatest pleasure of the most demanding clientele.

Despite all their efforts to give back the Wauquiez boatyards specific organisation and the necessary dynamics to climb back towards the high-end market, the Verdoso group was forced to go into liquidation in October 2010.

A race against time then starts to try and avoid commercial court.

It is within this context that Charles Henri and his uncles Philippe and Christian Wauquiez step in, in a desire to ensure the lifelong company’s sustainability, and despite having no financial interest in the business.  They get in touch with the Experton Révollier group, who warmly welcomed the initiative, and after lengthy discussions, decided to give it a go.

We would like to offer our most sincere thanks to those who rallied in favour of the Wauquiez boatyard rescue, to all its employees, who fought hard, to Tilbor Sillinger for his precious support, Alain Coroller, the Wauquiez family and the administrators who believed in the Wauquiez boatyard’s future.

The project is based on long term investment and support principles dear to the group.  A strategy aiming to stimulate activity is being implemented and investments are being made to consolidate what has already been achieved – quality, attention to details, customer care – before undertaking new developments.

Production is maintained on the historic site of Neuville en Ferrain, near Lille, in order to preserve a competence and a know-how unique in the shipbuilding industry.  These have been recognised and appreciated for nearly half a century by the owners of the 2500 Wauquiez yachts sailing in France and around the world.

The Experton-Revollier group, who started 5 years ago a strategic diversification in water sports, marked with the Wauquiez boatyards acquisition an important step in its growth strategy.

The Wauquiez boatyards

The Wauquiez boatyards, founded in 1965, are specialised in the manufacture and distribution of high end yachts.  Designers of great ranges of yachts that have marked history of international luxury yachting (with the legendary Centurions, Gladiators, Pretoriens, Pilot Saloon…), the Wauquiez boatyards create 39’ to 65’ fast offshore cruisers, based on strong and original concepts, “for those who sail”.

The northern boatyard is particularly renowned for the marine quality of its yachts, the carpentry and the perfection of finishings.

The Experton-Revollier group

Family-owned industrial group established in 1810, Experton-Revollier is the first French independent steel processor with over 2000 employees across 70 sites and an annual turnover of 450m Euros.

The group is present in all sectors of the construction industry, automobile, railways, hand tools and leisure yachting.

Pierre Antoine Experton co-gérant                                      Renaud Fontanilles co-gérant

WAUQUIEZ FOREVER

L'association

« Wauquiez Forever » a pour but de rassembler tous ceux qui souhaitent la pérénité de la marque pour des raisons diverses, sportives, affectives, ou, pour les propriétaires de voiliers Wauquiez, par souci du maintien de la valeur de leur capital, ou encore pour les amateurs éclairés, au même titre que l’on soutient les marques prestigieuses d’automobiles anciennes.

Objet de l’Association

Wauquiez Forever, a pour but de créer une dynamique en réunissant le plus grand nombre de membres actifs autour de la marque de bateaux Wauquiez.

A cet effet, l’association pourra notamment mettre en œuvre les moyens suivants :

• Maintenir des liens étroits avec la direction des Chantiers Wauquiez et contribuer activement à l’élaboration de la stratégie, la conception des nouveaux modèles et la promotion de l’image de marque. (Escale Wauquiez…)
• Créer une médiathèque Wauquiez, virtuelle sur le site web de l’Association, réelle sur le site de production, rassemblant l’ensemble de la documentation historique sur la vie du chantier depuis sa création jusqu’à nos jours.
• Veiller d’une manière générale et à l’occasion des diverses campagnes de communication, au maintien de la réputation et à l’esprit « haut de gamme » des Chantiers Wauquiez. L’association se propose de devenir par son dynamisme, une courroie de transmission entre la clientèle existante et future et la direction de l’entreprise.

Ces actions seront menées en étroite collaboration avec les actionnaires actuels.

L’Association veillera également à l’avenir, et dans la mesure de ses moyens, à la pérenité de la marque et au maintien de l’esprit haut de gamme quels que soient les actionnaires futurs.

Nous espérons, que vous aurez à cœur de soutenir nos efforts en devenant membres de l’Association « Wauquiez Forever ». Nous restons à votre disposition pour répondre à toutes vos questions, et vous prions de croire, chers amis, sympathisants ou parents à l’expression de nos sentiments les meilleurs.

Charles-Henri Wauquiez                                        Philippe Wauquiez

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THE WAUQUIEZ SHIPYARD: A HISTORY OF PASSION SINCE 1965

• 18 April 2023

• history of the construction sites , Wauquiez

From military service to boat building: the creation of the Wauquiez shipyard

The founder of the Wauquiez shipyard is Henri Wauquiez. In addition to his degree in organic chemistry and engineering, Henri obtained his pilot’s license during his military service in the ALATE (Aviation Légère de l’Armée de Terre) .

He also discovered his passion for sailing at an early age. One day, he decided to use part of the family tannery to build boats. His goal was to produce top of the line sailing boats. The very first Elizabethan 29 model left the yard in 1965. The boat was built in 30 copies. The Elizabethans are so well made that their architect Kim Holman decides to design other models exclusively for the shipyard. In particular, the first Centurion , famous throughout the world, were born from this collaboration.

The Wauquierez models: A history of shipbuilding since the foundation of the shipyard

Following the commercial success of the Elizabethan 29 , the yard launched a larger model – the Elizabethan 35 . From 1966, 15 examples were built.

Between 1966 and 1968, 52 of the fabulous Victorian were built.

The Centurion 32 is the emblematic boat of the Wauquiez shipyard. In particular, this model really reinforces the reputation of the shipyard. Robust and easy to handle, 380 boats were built between 1968 and 1977.

The other models that were very successful at Wauquiez are :

• The Chance 37 was built in 95 units between 1973 and 1977
• The largest and most luxurious boat, launched in 1975 is the Amphitrite
• The Amphora was built in 96 units between 1976 and 1981
• The Gladiator was built in 299 units from 1977 to 1986
• The only dinghy of the yard – Hood 38
• The Pretorien (1979) benefits from all the expertise acquired by the shipyard, in the line of the Centurion and the Gladiator
• The Antigua 34 is a sailboat with a deck saloon offering exceptional visibility, not found in any other shipyard. It was produced in 19 copies between 1980 and 1983.
• The Antigua 37, built in 17 copies between 1981 and 1982
• The Centurion 47 (1984)
• The Centurion 42 (1985)
• The Centurion 38 (1987)
• The Centurion 40 is built in 33 copies between 1988 and 1993
• The Centurion 59, 45 and 49 (1990)
• The Centurion 61S and the Kronos 45 catamaran
• The Pilot Saloon 54 (1993)
• The Centurion 41S (1994)
• The Centurion 37 S and 48S liveaboard monohull (1996)
• The Pilot Saloon 48 (1997)
• The Pilot Saloon 43 (1999)
• The Pilot Saloon 40 (2000)
• The Pilot Saloon 40S (2002)
• The racing-cruising monohull Opium 39
• The Centurion 57 (2014) marks the return of the legendary “Centurion” line
• The Optio monohull (2014)
• The Pilot Saloon 48 (2022)

Indeed, Henri’s choice to name his boats Centurion, Gladiator and Praetorian is not only interesting, but also very significant. Being a great admirer of Jean Lartéguy’s literary work “Guerre d’Algérie”, which includes the titles “Les Centurions” (Volume 1) and “Les Prétoriens” (Volume 2), Henri wanted to pay tribute to this epic saga by using these names for his boats.

Tradition and innovation: Wauquiez sailboat ranges today

Today, the Wauquiez shipyard continues to offer top-of-the-range ranges of sailing boats, combining tradition and innovation to offer high-performance and elegant boats, whether for cruising or racing. These are :

• Pilot Saloon 42
• Pilot Saloon 48e 
• Pilot Saloon 58
• Centurion  57

Wauquiez’s most sought-after pre-owned sailboats

The most sought-after used models at Wauquiez are generally boats from the Centurion line. It features high-end cruising sailboats. Some of the most popular models include:

• Wauquiez  Centurion 32
• Centurion 36
• Centurion 40
• Centurion  45s
• Centurion 47 

These yachts are very popular on the second-hand market because of their quality of construction, their complete equipment and their excellent sea-keeping.

The Wauquiez Pilot range is ideal for single-handed or short-handed sailing. Among the most sought-after used models are :

• Wauquiez Pilot Saloon 40
• Pilot Saloon 47
• Pilot Saloon 55

These robust boats offer exceptional comfort on board thanks to their spacious and luxurious layout, as well as their complete equipment for sailing on the high seas.

Find all our used Wauquiez boats.

If you own a Wauquiez sailboat and you want to estimate the price, contact us now . You will get an accurate and fair estimate of the value of your boat for free!

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Bluewater Sailboat – Wauquiez Centurion 47

Wauquiez Centurion 47, a Bluewater sailboat produced by the French company Wauquiez. The Centurion 47 is a 47-foot long sailing yacht designed for cruising and racing. It features a spacious interior and modern design, with 3 or 4 cabins and 2 or 3 heads. The boat is typically equipped with a variety of amenities such as a navigation station, galley, and salon. It’s known for its excellent performance and handling.

Wauquiez, a renowned name in sailing yachts with 50 years of building experience, upgraded one Electric Andersen 40ST Winch with variable speed and a new motor, polished and varnished all Teak around cockpit, fresh bottom paint. Throughout his whole life, Henri Wauquiez worked tirelessly to create exceptional pure blue sea sailing ships. 

• Hull Type: Fin with rudder on skeg
• Rigging Type: Masthead Sloop
• LOA: 47.58 ft / 14.50 m
• LWL: 38.00 ft / 11.58 m
• Beam: 14.67 ft / 4.47 m
• S.A. (reported): 1,122.00 ft2 / 104.24 m2
• Draft (max): 8.00 ft / 2.44 m
• Displacement: 30,000 lb / 13,608 kg
• Ballast: 12,800 lb / 5,806 kg
• S.A./Disp.: 18.67
• Bal./Disp.: 42.67
• Disp./Len.: 244.07
• Construction: FG
• First Built: 1984
• Last Built: 1990
• Builder: Henri Wauquiez (FRA)
• Designer: Edward Dubois

The Bluewater Sailboat Wauquiez Centurion 47 company has a long history of building high-quality sailing yachts. The company was founded in the 1960s by Henri Wauquiez, who was a passionate sailor and boat builder.

Wauquiez Yachts quickly became known for their quality and performance, and by the 1970s, the company had established itself as a major player in the European sailing market. They have been building different models of Centurion line, starting from 34ft to 47ft, since the late 70’s and early 80’s. In the following decades, Wauquiez continued to innovate and improve its designs, using the latest materials and construction techniques to build boats that were both fast and comfortable. The company has a reputation for building durable and high-performance sailboats that are well-suited for both cruising and racing.

Centurion 47 was produced in the 2000s, and it was considered as one of the most popular models of the Centurion line. The boat is no longer in production, but it’s still considered as a valuable choice for people looking for a used boat.

For those interested in the design of sailboats, we suggest visiting the page Sailboat Designers . This page offers valuable information and insights into the designers of sailboats and is a great resource for anyone looking to learn more about this subject.

The Wauquiez 47 Pilot Saloon is a cruising sailboat that was first introduced in 2008, designed by the Berret-Racoupeau duo. This model was later replaced by the 48 Pilot Saloon in 2015, which was built on the same hull but with upgrades. The boat is known for its unique Pilot Saloon design, which is a combination of a deck saloon and a raised saloon. This architectural feature allows for crew and passengers to sail under cover and enjoy panoramic views due to the large glazed roof.

However, it should be noted that this design does obstruct forward views at the helm. The cockpit is designed for ease of use and safety and features an arch that supports the mainsail. Additionally, the transom opens electronically to create a swim platform. The interior is bright and spacious, with large windows that provide great views of both the surroundings and the rigging.

The shipyard’s reputation is well-established and its expertise is reflected in the materials handled with mastery, making the Wauquiez 47 Pilot Saloon a luxurious and powerful boat that is designed for life on board and long voyages.

The above deck of this boat is equipped with a variety of features to enhance the boating experience. The spinnaker pole is used to support and control the spinnaker sail, which is typically used during downwind sailing. The cockpit is comfortable with cushions and protected by a mainsail cover. The cockpit also features a teak table and teak-lined sidedecks, adding a touch of elegance to the space. Additionally, there is a cockpit shower, perfect for rinsing off after a swim. The boat is steered using a steering wheel. Overall, this boat’s deck has everything you need for a comfortable and enjoyable day on the water.

Now you can also precisely calculate the expenses related to boat ownership to make smart choices based on your budget and sailing needs. Use this bluewater Sailboat Calculator to explore different options and make the best decision.

The Wauquiez Centurion 40s is the latest yacht from the Centurion generation and is designed by Berret-Racoupeau Y.D. The yacht features a timeless hull and deck design that is reminiscent of the Centurion 45s. The hull is built using the infusion technique, the keel has a moderate bulb, and the deck fittings are of the highest quality. The yacht also features the Wauquiez patented transom platform, which was fitted on the 45s.

The accommodation on the Bluewater Sailboat Centurion 40s prioritizes comfort, with 2 double cabins, separate head and shower compartments, an “L” shaped galley, and 2 sea berths in the salon. The interior cabinetry is of the highest quality, blending elegance and functionality in the pure Wauquiez tradition. The yacht has 3 cabins, and 6 berths, the interior is made of mahogany and the floor is made of teak and holly. The yacht has a headroom of 2.10 meters and it is equipped with diesel ducted hot air heating, Corian countertop, stainless steel sink, 3 burner cooker, 2 refrigerators, and a 220V + engine hot water unit. The yacht also has an electrical water pressure unit. The yacht has an owner’s compartment with a double cot, a bed range of 2.00 meters, a wardrobe with hanging/drawers/shelves, and a shared bathroom and toilet. The yacht also has two guest compartments with a double cot, bunk cot, and shared bathroom and toilet.

Performance

The Wauquiez Centurion 47 is known for its excellent performance and handling. The boat is designed to be fast and responsive, with a well-balanced hull and a powerful sail plan. The Centurion 47 is built to be a high-performance cruiser, with a deep keel and a powerful rig that allows it to handle well in a variety of conditions. The boat’s design allows it to achieve high speeds and maintain good control, even in rough seas or strong winds. Additionally, the boat is equipped with high-quality sails and hardware, which contribute to its overall performance. Overall, the Centurion 47 is considered to be a capable and well-performing sailboat, suitable for both cruising and racing.

Quick Notes

The Wauquiez Centurion 47 is in fantastic, fully outfitted, and prepared to sail. Recent updates include a new hot water tank, a 2-year guarantee on the cockpit’s Furuno radar system, and new Jeppersen software for the US East Coast and Bahamas.

Her each top-notch construction serves as a model of excellence in terms of performance, styling, and seaworthiness.

Looking for a used sailboat for sale? Check out the Bluewater sailboat data and specs to make an informed decision. Ocean Wave Sail has data for over 10000+ boats that can help you select one to meet your sailing needs.

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• Yachting Monthly's Scuttlebutt
• Thread starter Seven Spades
• Start date 1 Feb 2016

Seven Spades

Well-known member.

AndrewfromFal

Active member.

They are part of Groupe Beneteau, and IIRC that they share some common components (hulls) with other boats built by the group. YW tested a 48 Pilot House a few years ago and I think it came out quite well in terms of performance.  

Good friends of ours circumnavigated in the 40ft PS version and rated it very highly for the purpose.  

My centurion is 43 this year and is very well-built, tho' she has a few wrinkles.  

Went on one at Soton BS. Winches well set up for single handed  

The Centurions of the 1980's and 1990's were high quality fast cruisers for their time. Not sure if that quality has been passed into the more modern versions. The Kronos Catamaran was highly regarded in it's time  

No longer affiliated to Beneteau, as they were at pains to point out at Dusseldorf. Great boat, proper deck salon..can't recall length..  

Also do the rare but excellent Wauquiez 40 S2 aft cockpit / non deck saloon - very nice boats  

My understanding is that while owned by the same group they function as a independent factory and design and build their own boats. I went and saw my Jeanneau being built and there was no connection that I knew between Jeanneau boats and Beneteau boats except common ownership. It would be sensible if they combine purchasing power but not sure whether they even do that. IMHO They are well built boats build as owners versions only and sail well. They have picked their market position on build quality v cost and interior volume/comfort v sailing speed and its different to both jeanneau & benneteau.  

Sailfree said: My understanding is that while owned by the same group they function as a independent factory and design and build their own boats. I went and saw my Jeanneau being built and there was no connection that I knew between Jeanneau boats and Beneteau boats except common ownership. It would be sensible if they combine purchasing power but not sure whether they even do that. IMHO They are well built boats build as owners versions only and sail well. They have picked their market position on build quality v cost and interior volume/comfort v sailing speed and its different to both jeanneau & benneteau. Click to expand...

Back in the day they built top notch fast cruisers. I maintain that the Centurion 32 is the best boat I've ever sailed (and I've sailed a few!) We occasionally joke that Wauquiez is French for Swan. I'm afraid I know nothing of the modern versions though, other than they look a little generic and soulless.  

Judders said: Back in the day they built top notch fast cruisers. I maintain that the Centurion 32 is the best boat I've ever sailed (and I've sailed a few!). Click to expand...

Judders said: Back in the day they built top notch fast cruisers. I maintain that the Centurion 32 is the best boat I've ever sailed. Click to expand...

Just found an article by Toby Hodges that states that Beneteau owned Wauquiez for a decade up to 2010, but has been a separate entity since then.  

Judders said: Back in the day they built top notch fast cruisers. I maintain that the Centurion 32 is the best boat I've ever sailed (and I've sailed a few!) We occasionally joke that Wauquiez is French for Swan. I'm afraid I know nothing of the modern versions though, other than they look a little generic and soulless. Click to expand...

Metabarca said: Bless you, sir! I'll tell my Kyra: she'll blush with pleasure! Click to expand...

• 26 Jun 2016

I own a Wauquiez Centurion 45S from the era that Beneteau grouper owned Wauquiez. My understanding is that whilst there was some influence and a heavy investment in new plant Beneteau did not interfere too much with them. The 2008 crash put pay to Beneteaus higher sales of the quality brand and so was sold on. It has gone through a buy out and now seems to have stable management and seems to be doing well. I decided to go to Lille to collect an optional extra from the factory and had the opportunity to see their bespoke production facility shortly after the Düsseldorf show. The team there were very welcoming and extremely helpful then and now. Whilst I have only had her since November I have been very pleased with the yacht, she is well built, oozes quality, yet light and, stiff. Easy and fun to sail as a fast and comfortable passage maker regularly making 8 to 10 knots in lighter winds. My only issue is the 2.5m keel which limits some access to shallowest ports and bays BUT this helps give the great sail and if a real issue you can get a shoal draft. The pilot saloons have a similar reputation will more space and light below. The Aussies have called Wauquiez the French Swan. Quite a compliment. So far a big fan.  

There is a lovely French Wauquiez 40S moored behind us now. The stern cockpit sports cruiser type. A real connoisseurs boat, and very rare in the UK. A bit like a French Arcona. Very different from their deckhouse boats  

• 30 Jun 2016

First Mate and I were VERY tempted by a Pilot House which we looked over very carefully with the part time liveaboard owners. The deep draught and spade rudder counted against it for our type of sailing, although the undoubted light wind performance would have been nice. The quality was first rate. We were lucky enough to find our first choice-a fat 'ole cruising Motor Sailer with 1.1 metre draught and a supported rudder and a huge donk for when the wind will not suit. Wauquiez-very nice yachts IMHO.  

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