SYDNEY BOAT SHOW: Jeanneau 54 launching

The eagerly awaited new Jeanneau 54 will make a big splash at the 2016 Sydney International Boat Show opening July 28 to August 1. This follows our Jeanneau 54 review earlier this year off Cannes during the French yacht and powerboat maker's 2016 new-model media launch event.

While the stylish 54 is available with various layouts, local importers Performance Boating Sales have backed a winner with the two-cabin owner's version (up to five cabins possible) that, although sailed in light airs, proved slippery.

Based on the 64, the stylish 54 has concealed lines leading aft to electric Harken winches within reach of the wheels. There is a modest 48sq m in-mast furling main (baton-less standard), and a 109 per cent genoa — a perfect set-up for today’s crewless cruising couple.

The patented Aft Terrace is the stuff of superyachts. The dynamic transom opens ingeniously to extend the big cockpit. Cushions create sun lounges at the waterfront, while telescopic davits carry a tender up to 3.2m with 15hp outboard when bluewater cruising with the transom flipped in place.

Running and reaching with the Code Zero on roller furler gave just shy of 6 knots in just 7-9 knots of wind. With all the accoutrements onboard — generator, air con, washer dryer and more — the 54 was no lightweight, but in realistic owner’s trim, it moved along in the light airs convincingly.

Unconventionally, the aft galley filled what would otherwise be the starboard aft cabin, thereby freeing up the saloon for an open-plan layout bathed in natural light. But the huge forward stateroom with island bed is the jewel in the crown and acknowledges that the owners are the ones pulling the luxury-yacht strings these days.

Quick Specs: LOA 16.16m; Beam 4.92m; Displacement 17,164kg; Draft 2.24m standard, 1.77m shoal; Fuel 240lt; Water 724lt; Sleeping 4+2; Engine 80hp 4JHC Yanmar with Saildrive, optional 110hp with shaft; Sail Area, Furling Main 48sq m, standard 109% genoa 63sq m, other options. More on the Jeanneau yachts in Sydney from Performance Boating.