cnb 66 yacht review

Yachting World

• Digital Edition

CNB 66 yacht test: Intoxicating cruiser is a cut above the mainstream

• Toby Hodges
• July 4, 2019

Is the CNB 66 the largest Sailing yacht that can be handled by a family crew? Toby Hodges reports

All photos: Nicholas Claris

Congratulations. You’ve finally received that hefty bonus. Or perhaps you cashed in your pension, married wisely, or are a successful gambler or racketeer. However you came across the funds, you have decided now is the time to spend them and live the dream.

You want a modish monohull, a yacht that is both spirited to sail and sexy to look at – something out of the ordinary. You crave a yacht that is as at home crossing an ocean with friends as it is providing premium class coastal holidays with the family. And you want something that you can contemplate with pride.

At first glance, the CNB 66 could be the ideal choice. But is this just another pretty face or will she perform? And will she, as CNB suggests, be manageable by owners and their families without needing paid crew? We sailed her off the south of France to find out.

Backstay rams run vertically under the aft deck. Runners are used only to stop the mast pumping when sailing under staysail in a swell.

Punchy design

An increasing number of production yacht builders have moved up to this mid-60ft mark, but the key difference with CNB is that it has come down in size from superyachts. It uses the Beneteau Group’s buying power and industrial experience to help keep price tags modest, combined with its own R&D, engineering and big boat know-how to produce elegant craft that are a cut above the mainstream in style and substance. Think superyacht looks and feel but without the cost of a similar-sized semi-custom yacht.

The base price of a CNB 66 is around 40 per cent less than that of an Oyster or Contest, though if all the optional extras are chosen, as was the case with the test boat, that margin reduces considerably.

The 66 marks CNB’s 30th anniversary and is a model that plays on the success of the Bordeaux 60 (46 sold in nine years) and the CNB 76 (21 in four years). She shares a similar Philippe Briand-designed sporty hull and coachroof shape to the 76, but the bowsprit option is new.

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Upwind control

Docking out of the bustling marina at Port Cogolin, we were met by ideal sunny sailing conditions. It was the day after the closing regatta of the Mediterranean season, Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez. A Force 4 easterly was blowing and we had the Golfe de Saint-Tropez to ourselves.

Beating upwind under full main and genoa, we could pinch up to 22° to the apparent wind, making 7.5 knots. This rose up to 8.5 knots at 25° apparent as the breeze picked up into the mid-teens. My three crewmates demonstrated how easy it is to reef the CNB 66, an important consideration in taming this powerful cruiser.

The test boat has a carbon mast and hydraulic roller-furling carbon vee boom, developed with Hall Spars. Although this is an option over the standard aluminium rig, it is a significant feature for CNB in its efforts to convince couples that this is a manageable yacht.

Once the main is hoisted, the mandrel is hydraulically engaged. To furl, a remote switch powers the mandrel while the halyard is eased from the mast base winch. The system can also be controlled manually using an emergency line.

Without changing our heading, the main was sheeted out, a reef was wound in and we sailed on – at the same speed and with a bit less heel and pointing. Point nicely proven.

The boom and reefing mechanism is a seriously expensive option though. I would expect that, for €140,000, it might hoist or lower sails automatically and make drinks at the same time. Yet this system still requires a crewmember at the mast base to work the halyard winch and the control switch for the mandrel.

With full sail quickly and easily restored, we were soon out of the bay and into a steady sea breeze – and the 66 was in her element. Once she has that extra couple of knots of wind and degrees of heel, the CNB 66 accelerates another half-knot.

The masculine styling, including the low, wraparound design of the coachroof, is signature Briand

The sweet spot

It was a noticeable and delightful difference – she is a boat that sails best powered up. Indeed, it is once we cracked off a little onto a fetch that I found her sweet spot. This is the way to cover the sea miles, I thought – 15 knots wind at 50° apparent, clocking a steady 10 knots boat speed. We spent an intoxicating hour like that, close reaching back and forth across the mouth of the bay, savouring the experience.

The test boat had twin headsails – 90 per cent of CNB owners take this staysail option

In general, the feel on the helm is fun and authoritative. When the boat is less pressed, it can feel a little neutral and she can wander. The large twin rudders suit her design though.

Despite a noticeable amount of drag off the leeward blade, the direct grip they provide make easy work for the autopilot.

We hoisted a bright pink asymmetric sail for the return leg into the bay. This felt wonderful for the short spell when I could heat her up a little, making up to 10.5 knots.

But depth restrictions soon forced us to bear away to a more sedate angle, heel and speed. If we tried to sail much lower than 120° apparent, the asymmetric would lose too much apparent wind and start to flog.

As we slid past the old harbour at Saint-Tropez under port gybe, I couldn’t help thinking how at home the CNB 66 looked. This is one chic and stylish mini superyacht that will stand out for the right reasons wherever she sails.

Modern deck design

The twin helm stations are well designed. The outboard helm seats enable you to sit out in comfort, both to windward and leeward, with full vision along the side decks. Foot chocks will help when standing at the helm, and these are installed at handover stage according to each owner’s specification.

Directly in front of the helmsman’s seats are consoles for plotters, instruments, engine throttles and thruster controls. However, I found the motorboat-style joystick thruster controls were positioned too close to the wheel and could easily get knocked. Bow and stern thrusters help alleviate concerns about handling a yacht of this size with twin rudders in port – but I’d ask for conventional switches.

The main cockpit is set up for relaxing. The table lowers to form a sunbed but the coamings are a little low.

To get to the winches the helmsman has to walk outboard around the large consoles or inboard around the pedestals. It is then possible to keep a hand on the wheel and let off a lazy sheet. In reality, however, either one crewmember (or the autopilot) would helm while one or two others trim main and foresails.

The benefit of keeping the sailing systems aft is that, like most big yachts today, it leaves the main cockpit free of sailing systems. The seating area is larger to port and the companionway is offset a little. This slightly unsymmetrical design continues below through to the forward accommodation to provide privacy to the offset berth in the owner’s cabin.

The cockpit coamings are low, maintaining the sleek aesthetics of the superstructure, but offer little comfort or protection. This makes the optional padded backrest cushions a wise choice. Playtime at anchor and a smart means of getting ashore are important considerations for a yacht of this type.

Leisure time at anchor is well considered. The bathing platform is large and the RIB can be launched within a minute

A large, hydraulic-powered bathing platform lowers to reveal a tender garage roomy enough to house a 3.25m Williams jet RIB. Runner boards can mount onto the platform to help deploy the dinghy and an electric belt winch aids retrieval.

The forepeak sail locker is large enough to be used as an optional crew cabin, it has 7ft headroom, a proper fixed ladder and a useful watertight door into the interior. I liked the workbench with sockets for charging power tools and the tower of bosun’s boxes for spare parts.

Deck saloon appeal

Jean-Marc Piaton has designed another elegant, modern and light interior, which, as with the CNB 76, produces an air of quality and distinction throughout. The beamy deck saloon, with its ample natural light and views, creates a superb first impression.

Feedback from owners about its previous models led CNB to maximise interior space in the saloon and adjoining galley. It uses the full beam in the saloon, with the sofas taken right out to the hull sides. Elsewhere the 66 shares a similar layout to the 76, except the aft galley adjoins the saloon and the aft double cabin is suitable for either guests or crew.

The airy galley connects nicely with the deck saloon via an open bulkhead and navstation desk

Open spaces have their downsides at sea, however. Going below when the yacht is heeled quickly establishes that the CNB 66 badly needs a handrail on the deckhead in the saloon. It is a good distance between the saloon table and the sofa. And the carpet had yet to be secured down, which merely compounded my precarious efforts to walk forward. I also found the 90° companionway steps too angular for use at heel – curved sides would help.

An open bulkhead separates saloon and galley but allows interaction between both. These areas are divided by an aft-facing navstation, which is well placed to communicate with those on deck.

The cabins have an attractive décor. They feature lit and ventilated wardrobes, bookshelves, leecloths and fittings, fabric on the hull liners and full-length mirrors on the doors. It’s a harmonious mix of designer and practical details.

The word ‘smart’ littered my notes. Even the heads and shower compartments, which have heated towel rails and electric flush as standard, are very, um, smart. The effect is of a modern, chic apartment. The cabins are all rather compact though. A combination including both a sail locker and a tender garage squeezes the rest of the accommodation space slightly.

For a new boat, she also felt very complete. Yacht Solutions, an independent company based near CNB in Bordeaux, supplies equipment for most new CNB clients, ranging from safety and technical gear to crockery and bed linen.

Below the saloon

Another reason a deck saloon is popular on medium-to-large sized yachts is that it allows the builders to install tanks and mechanics beneath it, keeping the weight central and freeing up accommodation and stowage space elsewhere.

CNB uses a modular build system where the interior is fully constructed before being lowered into receivers in the hull. This ensures consistent quality and reduces build times.

The engine room, all contained in one metal box, is one of these five modules on the CNB 66. Two quick access points in the saloon sole allow for regular maintenance checks, otherwise, the carpets and chairs need to be removed to lift the soleboards. The benefit of doing so, however, is that access to machinery is then excellent.

It needs to be. With tanks, plumbing, and optional watermaker all contained in here, it is a crowded machinery space. Indeed, the hot water tank has been moved aft on future models to free up room around the genset.

A generous fuel tank capacity (1,300lt) helps provide a motoring range of over 1,000 miles, including three hours’ genset use per day. I like the way the filters, separators and coolant refill are neatly mounted and easy to access. CNB has certainly made sure the parts that require regular servicing are as user-friendly as possible.

The galley is a spacious area to work in, a practical U-shape, with plenty of light and headroom. There is ample cold stowage space, including a 157lt domestic-style fridge. If all the extras are chosen, as aboard the test boat with its extra fridge-freezer, washer-dryer, dishwasher and wine climatiser, dry goods stowage space is compromised.

CNB uses electric cooking appliances as standard to avoid the need to carry gas. These are powered off the batteries and inverter for quick cooking, or the genset for Sunday roasts.

The aft cabin is versatile because it will suit either guests or a paid crew, and the separation in space to the forward cabins ensures a good degree of privacy from and for the owner. However, the cabin is on different sole levels and does feel slightly cramped, particularly in the compact ensuite heads where a larger-framed crewmember would struggle to get through the doorway. To provide space for a separate shower cubicle, the heads is crammed in behind the door.

The elegant owner’s cabin has a large ensuite forward with access to the sail locker

Forward cabins

The owner’s cabin décor is clever because it feels calming and luxurious despite this not being a particularly large area. It lacks stowage space for couples staying aboard for long periods, but there is an option to choose a dressing room over the fourth heads (currently accessed via the bunk cabin).

The ensuite heads forward has a generous sized separate shower. A door through the forward bulkhead provides useful internal access into the sail locker. The other two guest cabins are a double and a functional family bunk cabin, both with ensuite heads.

Our verdict

The CNB 66 is pitched at the point where two markets meet: where semi-custom luxury rubs up against the economic practicality of serial production. You are led to feel you are aboard a superyacht, but the focus is still on ease of handling for a crew of family and friends at a price that is (just about) still within production yacht territory.

It’s a contemporary design that ticks many boxes that potential owners looking at this size level desire: enjoyable sailing, plentiful deck space, a garage for a jet RIB, a proper deck saloon and a luxury feel to the interior.

CNB says this is the largest yacht that can be handled by its owners. That may be the case, but only provided the owner/skipper has some experience in handling big yachts and their associated loads.

You would need to have a few reliable sailing friends if not using a paid crew. The test boat has a clever in-boom furling system, but still requires at least a couple of able sailors to work it.

This is a dream boat for doing an ocean crossing at pace and in real comfort. It’s sporty enough for the odd social regatta and offers a luxurious platform for holidaying with family. But once you moor up and leave a boat of this size, cost and quality, it would still be prudent even for an owner-operator to have someone to help with maintenance. Volunteers will surely not be hard to find.

Specification

LOA: 20.61m (67ft 7in) LWL: 18.45m (60ft 6in) Beam (max): 5.51m (18ft 1in) Draught: 2.95m (9ft 8in) Displacement (lightship): 31,000kg (68,563lb) Ballast: 9,350kg (20,613lb) Sail area (100% foretriangle): 208.8m 2 (2,248ft 2 ) Berths: 8 Engine: 180hp Volvo D4 Water capacity: 1,000lt (220gal) Fuel capacity: 1,300lt (286gal) Price from: €1,390,000 (ex VAT) Price as tested: €2.1m Design: Philippe Briand & Jean Marc Piaton

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BOAT TEST: CNB 66 (WITH GALLERY)

Cruising yachts keep getting bigger and CNB’s new 66 is pretty damn huge. Yet her manufacturer maintains she is designed to be handled by a couple. What is going on? ST editor Sam Jefferson finds out…

I’m not going to say this too many more times, but it wasn’t so very long ago that 38’ was considered pretty damn huge for a cruising yacht. Well, those days are gone; bigger, it appears, is better. All the big manufacturers have unveiled 60’ plus yachts in the last couple of years and – with the notable exception of Bavaria – all these flagship models have been massive hits. Jeanneau’s 64 was the trailblazer and the concept was a ‘mini superyacht’ that could still be handled by a couple. It went down a storm. What is driving this trend? Well, a certain demographic of the population – not me – must have a good deal more money for starters but, beyond that, simple refinement of deck hardware combined with hugely effective bow and stern thrusters mean that handling a 60’ plus yacht is no longer the challenge it once was. Parking a 65’ fin keeled yacht with bow and stern thrusters is arguably easier than a 25′ long keeler without a bow thruster – provided you can find a space. Meanwhile, electric winches and improvements to in-mast furling systems mean that – at least in theory – you or I could singlehand a 60’ plus yacht without any great dramas.

But still, why? Well, the other obvious explanation is that the profit margin on a 65’ yacht is exponentially greater for a manufacturer than it is on a 35’ yacht. So really, it’s hardly surprising that boatbuilders have been gently encouraging people that bigger is better. And, in fairness, sometimes they have a point. Having worked on a 37’ yacht with eight guests aboard I can attest that an extra 30’ or so in length would have been a bit of a boon. Plus, the trip that personally got me hooked on sailing was delivering a 65’ yacht across Biscay, running hard before a succession of gales and feeling the power and beauty of a big boat being driven before big winds.

Anyway, all of that brings me to the CNB 66. Yet another bloody big boat. This one is a bit different because CNB is not so much upscaling as downscaling. The manufacturer had enjoyed success with its 76-footer but customers wanted something similar that did not require a crew. This presented CNB with a dilemma; the company was acquired by the Beneteau Group a while back. CNB has a strong name for high-end yachts and Beneteau understandably saw the company as a gateway into a more rarefied market. Times are changing though and, given that Beneteau has its own monster in the Oceanis Yacht 62, the 66 had to be radically different from that. And it is. I guess in the most crude motoring terms, this is a Lexus to Beneteau’s Toyota. CNB do semi-custom yachts and therefore the requirement to be different from the Beneteau is the absolute raison d’etre behind CNB. Too similar to Beneteau and they die, essentially.

Je ne sais quoi

Which is probably why the 66 looks strikingly different from the Oceanis Yacht 62. She’s a Phillippe Briand design that has a certain air of class to her; a je ne sais quoi. There’s nothing too radical about her design although it does tell you a fair amount about what sort of sailing Briand had in mind when he designed her. She features twin rudders and the choice of an L-shaped cast iron fin keel or a steel fin with a lead bulb. Married to that are fairly conservative lines: she boasts relatively modest beam with plenty of taper aft conbined with the merest hint of a chine. The hull also has plenty of rocker to it. In other words, she’s no Solaris, nor is she a Discovery. Essentially, she’s a fairly sea kindly compromise between the two. I suspect CNB see her as a Med cruiser first and foremost but one that would be a solid performer on the Atlantic circuit if needs be.

It’s on deck where those Med cruiser credentials truly show themselves. The decks are so clear and uncluttered you pretty much want to hurl a bean bag on the front deck and get busy lounging – having dropped the hook off Cap Ferrat first, of course. With the self tacking jib track recessed into the deck and wall to wall flush deck hatches (eight in total) there really is very little up here to get in your way. This might actually make her a caution in an Atlantic head sea but, as I say, I don’t think that is envisioned as her primary purpose. Besides, everything is controlled from the cockpit. The only thing at the bow is that fixed sprit with integrated anchor roller and access to a huge sail locker that can double as crew accommodation if you wish.

Speaking of the cockpit, this is aft of a very sleek coachroof that has become a bit of a CNB trademark. This flows seamlessly into the cockpit coamings to form a fairly high, shallow cockpit. As with a number of recent designs, this has been carefully delineated in to the ‘working’ area aft, with the two wheels, winches and all running rigging and the ‘relaxing’ area forward. This is a sane approach and makes for a very practical boat handling area and a perfect haven of tranquillity forward of that. Plus, while there is clear delineation between the areas, they are not cut off from one another, so you can still sail and socialise. It just means if someone is having lunch, they are not going to sit on a vital rope at a vital moment.

The relaxing area is particularly nice. The companionway entrance is offset to starboard, meaning that the main lounging area with a drop down table (electric, obviously) is to port and there is a fridge under the bench seats which is handy for the sundowners. Again it’s all lovely and simple and uncluttered. Aft of this is the business end of the boat and there are further nice touches here. First up, there is a central winch for the mainsheet. This is a method first adopted by Dehler in about 1850 but was more recently seen on the Maxi 1200. It’s a good system but on a smaller boat it means the rear of the cockpit can get a little bit cluttered. Not so on a 66 and it works a treat, giving the main a clear designated winch well within reach of the skipper. Aside from that there are two pairs of secondary winches again, well within reach of the helmsman. All of them are electric and, I must reluctantly admit, that the 66 is probably easier to handle than my own 28’ yacht – provided nothing gets jammed of course.

There are some nice moulded helmsman’s seats with the instrument pods integrated into the forward end of them. All very slick. The whole thing looks very classy as, of course, it should do. The aft end of the cockpit feels very exposed to the elements though and, given that this is a yacht that has the power to tackle some pretty heavy weather, I couldn’t help but think you’d feel a tad vulnerable out here in mountainous seas. Perhaps part of the reason you are perched so high up is because there is a pretty substantial dinghy garage set into the transom. Yes, the dinghy garage is the bane of modern yacht designers. Basically, you can shoehorn one into a 55 footer but it generally screws up the rest of the yacht. With a 66 footer, that’s no longer the case, as I’m sure Monsieur Briand was extremely delighted to discover. You can get a 3.2m RIB in there. The dinghy garage is also in its own watertight compartment which is a reassuring feature. The bathing platform is great with a very nicely integrated ladder from the deck down to the platform itself.

That’s about it on deck, although I forgot to mention the rig. It’s a relatively big rig and there is the option of either carbon or aluminium. The recommended boom is a thing of beauty, being one of those hydraulic ‘Park Avenue’ in-boom jobbies from Hall Spars. There is the option of in mast furling – or slab reefing – plus a cutter rig.

Stepping below is a real treat, and an object lesson in how to maximise light and space. It generally shows when boatbuilders employ a separate design agency to do the interior and, in this case, CNB employed Jean-Marc Piaton/Rafael Bonet and the results are pleasing. The layout is pretty simple really and, this being a top end yacht, the emphasis is not on cramming people in, it’s about creating a feeling of luxury and space. Certainly I felt so relaxed as I slumped on the couch to starboard that I very nearly dozed off in the late autumn heat of the Cote d’Azur. The layout features a palatial saloon area with the dining area to port. There is a nav station here which in the brochure is described as ‘bar and navigation area’ which made me laugh. The galley is aft and to port and this is a big working space which is very much part of the saloon – underlining the fact that this is primarily a yacht for a family as opposed to a crewed yacht. Aft and to starboard is a nice roomy guest cabin with an ensuite.

Step forward and there is a corridor leading to the owner’s suite forward. To port is another double berth and to starboard is a bunk room, both have their own ensuites. The owners berth is set far enough aft to mean it is not excessively narrow and the double berth has been offset to port which means you get a bit of privacy even with the door open. There’s ample storage and a dressing room table to starboard, then the ensuite heads/shower room is forward of this.

Overall, the feel down below is extremely pleasant; masses of natural light, a high quality of finish and thoughtful layout mean that this is a genuinely lovely place to be.

I tested the yacht in the Bay of Cannes in 10 or so knots. So essentially we were in the natural domain of this yacht. My concern was primarily with the wind – or lack of it – but this is the Med and, lets face it, this is the sort of sailing that goes on here a good deal.

Still, 66’ is a lot of boat to drag around in 10kn of breeze. I should not have worried. The CNB has a big sail area, the hull was clean and easily driven and she was surprisingly confident in breezes that would have many much smaller yachts drifting somewhat aimlessly. The helm was nicely balanced too and very responsive. I have sailed big yachts in the past and it’s not always fun. I recall a particularly scarring test in similar conditions on another big, heavy 64 footer where I eventually surrendered the helm in disgust as I was simply unable to coax any speed out of the yacht at all. It handled with all the ponderousness of a cross channel ferry. Happily, the CNB was absolutely NOTHING like this – she was almost playful on the helm and made a mockery of the light airs.

Gradually, the wind also started to fill in, it never got over 15kn, but that was more than adequate for the powerful sail plan and the big boat started to stretch her legs as we raced across La Golfe de Napoule.

No question, this was anything but a chore and a few tacks confirmed how sprightly and sharp she was. What was also at the back of my mind was that any boat with a waterline length of 66’ or so is going to be very comfortable in a bit of a blow. Imagine how exhilarating this one would be storming before a Bora off Croatia, or the Tramontana off France. A lot of fun.

Sam’s verdict

Given the circumstances of my test (a beautiful day in the Bay of Cannes) it was very hard to dislike the CNB 66. She performed her purpose beautifully. She has to be a cut above the flagships of Hanse, Bavaria, Beneteau, etc. and she is certainly that. She has an air of class to her. Money talks, and more has been put into the CNB than those marques – she essentially works for a different market which was the aim. That said, a Hanse 675 has a base price of £1.1m and the CNB starts at £1.3m. I’m not a multi millionaire so I don’t know if £200,000 seems significant when you are THAT rich. CNB must know its market and – despite her size and undoubted ocean crossing ability – this isn’t really an out and out blue water cruiser – she’s an out and out Med cruiser as far as I’m concerned. But one that could race from Gibraltar to the Hellespont without breaking sweat. In fact it would be a joy.

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2022 Boat of the Year: Best Luxury Cruiser

• By Cruising World Editors
• December 15, 2021

During and in the four days immediately following the US Sailboat show in Annapolis, Maryland, the  Cruising World  judges inspected and sailed on 27 boats vying for recognition. Learn more about the boats in our  2022 Boat of the Year  »

So what, exactly, constitutes a “luxury cruiser”? It’s certainly up for debate and open for interpretation. However, for the purposes of this discussion directly related to the 2022 Boat of the Year contest, let’s go down a checklist: price tag in the seven figures? Check. Over 60 feet? Check. Provisions for a “crew cabin” so the boat can accommodate a professional skipper and/or mate? Check. Not every one of the boats in this category will require the latter (the CNB 66 we tested was owned and operated by a very experienced cruising couple, who had voyaged extensively aboard her), but you get the idea. These are big, rangy, systems-rich, well-executed cruisers with the ability to take you anywhere on the planet (another criteria). State-of-the-art? Check. And a big challenge for the BOTY judges to test and analyze? Check, mate.

The Contest 67 CS was the first up on the docket, which the BOTY team examined and then sailed on a windy Chesapeake Bay afternoon on the concluding afternoon of 2022’s U.S. Sailboat Show in Annapolis, Maryland. 

Judge Tim Murphy said: “The Contest comes from a Dutch boatyard, and while this is the most expensive boat in this year’s competition, they do really fine work, and this yacht certainly reflected that. It’s built to Lloyd’s specifications, so there’s a high level of inspection in the quality of construction, the systems and so on. It’s more on the boutique side of the equation as far as production boats are concerned. And man, she really sailed well.” Gerry Douglas said: “It was presented as a blue-water performance cruiser, and it certainly met those qualifications. Vacuum-infused construction with a foam core: pretty high-tech for a traditional-looking boat.” Frankly, the BOTY crew was blown away by the sophistication and presentation of the Contest, which was run by the young couple of pro sailors who are entrusted to her care and management. 

Next up was the Dufour 61 , the company’s flagship vessel, which is somewhat of a departure from previous models from the well-established French builder. Having tested many a Dufour in previous BOTY contests, Tim Murphy was well-acquainted with the brand. “Dufour has done well here over the years,” he said. “They generally have a few common denominators: They come in at a fair price point within their given category, and they usually have a strong mix of good accommodations and performance, though I’d say they typically lean more toward the performance end of the equation.” Now under new management, the company is taking a different tack: While Dufours used to share a common aesthetic, the 470 (the smaller of two Dufour yachts entered in the 2022 BOTY contest) and the 61 are clearly different craft. A new Dufour age is upon us—an interesting one.

Of course, Jeanneau is another French brand that has enjoyed entering many a winning vessel in previous BOTY contests. A collaboration between renowned French naval architect Philippe Briand and British interior designer and stylist Andrew Winch, the Jeanneau Yachts 60 is part of the company’s high end Yachts collection, which also includes a 51, 54 and 65. The profile is striking, with a long waterline, sleek coach roof, a cockpit arch that anchors the mainsheet and provides the foundation for an opening Bimini and enclosed cockpit dodger, and an integrated bowsprit from which to launch both the ground tackle and a code zero reacher or asymmetric kite. A dedicated dinghy garage houses a RIB, and there are multiple interior -layouts from which to choose. Like several recent Jeanneaus, the Yachts 60 incorporates the walk-around deck layout that is the signature feature of BOTY category winners over the last few years. 

But it was the final French entry in the Luxury class, making its US debut at the Annapolis show, that exceeded the efforts of all the others. The BOTY judges actually inspected a pair of CNB 66s , a semicustom yacht with countless available options. The dockside model was brand new; the one we sailed had been cruised by a husband and wife for two years (underscoring the company’s claim that it could indeed be handled by a savvy sailing couple). Judge Gerry Douglas found much to like: “The build quality was just impeccable. The layout [of the older CNB] was terrific; they didn’t try to cram things in but had three really nice cabins with en suite heads and a nice desk/office area, plus the chart table. Aesthetically, it’s a really pretty boat. The owner understood how to sail it well, and he had a system where he could handle it solo. He proved that you could operate a big, sophisticated boat alone.”

In fact, that demonstration played a big role when the time came to deliberate the pros and cons of this big-boat class. “The sail plan really worked for the (heavy) displacement of the boat,” said Murphy. “It was a real pleasure to sail. You know, when we started to see boats getting this big marketed to couples, maybe 10 years ago, we were all extremely skeptical about whether it would really work. You know, can they actually handle it when things get real? And it was lovely, actually, to spend time with the people who have been doing it for more than a year and have some real ocean miles under their belt at this point. And I’m a believer that they can. So that was good, I thought. It was a big, big boat, but it looked like it worked. And we sailed it today in very light air, and she moved well. So, I came away with a stronger impression after being aboard with the owners under sail.”

In such a competitive class, even in light winds, the sail trial swayed the votes in favor of the CNB 66, so much so that it was the runaway winner of the Best Luxury Cruiser category for 2022.

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CNB 66: Philippe Briand´s Approach to Luxurious Sailing

• February 7th, 2018
• Sailing Yacht

I must admit that I didn´t had CNB on my list of items up until I joined Beneteau as a professional. This brand is, although around in the yachting business since the year 1987, a very small and seldom mentioned manufacturer of boats. Which is a pity indeed because yachts built by CNB – Construction Navale Bordeaux – are not only very beautiful but have the reputation of being of superior quality and blessed with a number of fine properties.

As a matter of fact, I had to skip a chance to board a CNB during Cannes Yachting Festival last year (read my article here ) and thus I was happy seeing a CNB yacht displayed at this year´s edition of Boot boat show in Duesseldorf. Thanks to the kind staff I was allowed to stroll around inside and on deck of the CNB 66 for as long as I wanted before show opened gates to the public. Here´s what I brought home from this yacht. The CNB 66 as displayed in Duesseldorf is the smallest sister of the current product line of three yachts available, ranging from 66 to 76 and 94 feet. There´s also an older 60 ft model still available. The 66 is the latest thus newest boat in the line. The hull has been designed by Philippe Briand, interior design has been done by renown architects Jean-Marc Piaton and Rafel Bonet.

What is CNB? The yard is a brand of Beneteau Group and marks the upper end of the Group´s range of brands. Semi-custom and custom-built superyachts is the main product of the CNB yard. As one employer tells me, the yard is due to make one ship per month which makes a total of 10 to 15 boats annual output of the yard. With prices starting from around 1.4 Million Euros for the CNB 66 the range of potential clients is naturally a small one – but also the range of possible competitors. So I was very keen on the boat´s finishing quality.

My personal opinion is that yachts ought to have a white hull. This is something I find compulsory in a boat. Nevertheless, the grey hull of the boat shown in Duesseldorf has something to it. No matter which colour, one thing can be taken for grated here: And this is the finest quality of the build and the utilization of best equipment and parts.

Flush Deck and Cluttered Cockpit on the CNB 66

First I noticed her very sleek and modern hull design. There´s a very short deck superstructure which is also very flat indeed. The windows are made of a continuous facing to appear even slicker. Rounded surfaces at the transom play around with edgy forms – not unlike the Beneteau Yacht 62 – to break with accustomed viewing patterns. It´s definitely not a classic and bootlicking design – Briand created a unique and one-time style here.

Standing in the cockpit I first noticed a very familiar layout that reminded me of the Maxi 1200 which – during last year´s Boot Duesseldorf – really got me excited. Also here on the CNB 66 there´s the mainsheet winch positioned right in the middle of the cockpit, easily reachable from either of them two steering wheels. Another sheet winch is positioned forward of the helming station to either side for the jib sheets. But that´s essentially it. So a skipper will have to run the boat with German Mainsheet System and a multitude of clamps – no secondary winches whatsoever. The CNB 66 is a cruiser made for easy cruising.

Steering post has an interesting configuration. First I notice a GRP moulded seat to emulate the place to sit when the boat is salting away when heeled. That´s a nice feature because having this allows the rest of the boat´s superstructure to be teeny-weeny flat. A forward extension of this seat features the steering elements like an (electronic) lever for the engine, bow and stern thruster controls, plotter and other gauges and buttons. The steering post with the carbon wheels are making a solid impression. Of course, all of the deck of the CNB 66 is covered with massive Teak. I liked the bright caulking instead of the classic black caulking which matches the grey hull colour of the boat and also breaks with viewing patterns.

All secondary winches are positioned aft right in front of the wheel. That´s a great position (if all winches are electric and may be operated by pushing buttons) because either the helmsman can do work the winches from behind the steering post from the control panel or – if wanted – by classic grinding because there is sufficient space in front of the steering post up until the seating area for the guests begins with large sofas to allow a person working the winches manually. The guest´s area is thus free of lines and working staff. A U-settee around a hydraulic movable table and one larger 4-seater vis-à-vis are a great place to enjoy sailing or a sundowner.

A bit disappointing is the fact that the Teak decking in the bow doesn´t feature a classic fish batten in the middle of the longitudinal axis. Instead, there´s a simple single batten. I think for a boat in this price range and class a classic fish would have suited very well – on the other hand, the clean straight lines of the decking and especially of the fish-batten matches the modern approach of the boat. Maybe that´s my personal opinion because on production boats that´s a matter of price saving with “cheap” Teak decking. Anyway, that´s the only small thing of an otherwise flawless CNB 66 appearance on deck.

Pure Luxury Sailing: CNB 66 Interiors

As one can clearly see, Briand did a wonderful job in designing the CNB 66: The superstructure of the coachroof is very, very short in relation to the overall length of the hull itself. At the same time, the roofing structure is very flat. In combination with the sleek, dark black windows and the catlike design this is creating a very speedy and aggressive look. The whole boat appears more to resemble a classic sportscar than a sailing boat and this might be very appealing to customer´s eyes here.

Then I entered down the smooth angled and very wide ladder to the saloon area. And I was surprised at first. It feels rather “small”. Well, small isn´t the right word in this case as the CNB 66´s saloon is nearly some four to eight times bigger than the saloon on my own boat , but for a yacht that big I was surprised to see such a cosy and intimate saloon creating a mere “living room”-like atmosphere.

Two big sofas are arranged facing each other, one of them in “lounge mode” thus creating a big lying and lounging area. The upholstery is comprised of finest leather and fabrics, the flooring is a very fine carpet. Well, from a seafarer´s standpoint and also practical reasons I would always tend to darker upholstery and a clean and neat wooden flooring rather than having white colours prone to red wine spots and other things which can make this fine material look dirty in a course of a cruise, but this boat was shown in “millionaire´s mode” I guess so we´d have to imagine this fine yacht being fitted to really set set sails.

The CNB 66 is not a classic deck saloon yacht like an Oyster or alike but there such a certain feeling created by the nearly 270 degrees panorama view-capability provided by the portholes in the superstructure. What looks very sharp from the outside – the flat and short superstructure design – has now to be credited once in the inside: The windows appear very flat and small. Because of the high freeboard creating immense internal volume and standing height the windows are very, very high: So, getting a nice view means to get onto your toes and stretch your neck as long as you can. Smaller people are advised to go outside on deck in the first place here.

I love the sofa. The quality of the upholstery is beyond any doubts perfect. Taking a seat here means sitting down on a cloud of the heavens. Very, very comfortable and I can imagine myself after 4 hours on duty up on deck coming down below, sitting down, laying down – I would fall asleep at an instant because of this cosiness. Just wonderful! Also in harbour, this lounge configuration might add to a private party or being used for an extra couple of guests if the big cabins are occupied already.

Like all big boys this yacht isn´t a no frills boat at all. The energy consumption must be huge as this yacht is bristling with electrical consumers all over the place. The illumination of the staircases, steps and doors of the boat alone must equal that of my whole own yacht. Nevertheless, the level of luxury achieved on this boat at no time appears without reason to me. Everything, although agreeably oversized to a large proportion, makes sense in it´s own way. You´d find the illumination of the staircase up on deck a bit over? Me too, but you would also agree that having the stairs illuminated is a practical and good thing to have.

You see, I am a kind of “classic” sailor and I love paper naval charts, classic logbook entries, dead reackoning on a chart every two hours and to sum it up: I love classic nav stations with a decent seat to haul myself onto, a nice big chart table and thus the nav station of my dreams is sort of the most sacred, most special place aboard a yacht´s interior. Thus the reduced and “modernized” version inside the CNB 66 isn´t quite what I like here: Sitting stern ahead on a stool which is part of the sofa is one thing, having no backrest and being forced to sit averted from the crew and guests in the saloon is a big issue too, but being forced to look right into the galley (and presumably being reminded to do the dishes) is a no-go. That´s definitely not my favourite solution here. If I were the owner, a wooden bulkhead to seal off the galley would be something I´d go for here.

Being Ship´s Cook aboard a CNB 66

Speaking of the galley. As the CNB 66 bears a stern owner´s cabin the galley is classically situated port side aft. There are two small steps down and you are finding yourself in a cook´s paradise. The boat features everything a ship´s cook would need to prepare the finest food. A multitude of freezers and fridges, a dishwasher (of course), a large circumferential Corian-like worktop, CNC-cut from one piece, and again finest stainless steel fittings round the picture. This is a galley of my dreams and probably bigger than most ordinary people´s kitchens at home.

There´s not much to say about the galley rather than it must be a pleasure working here. The same reasons which are making the nav station´s rigging a no-go for me are the plus points for the galley: This area isn´t cut off from the saloon thus from the rest of the crew. It´s a nice and open space which is transferring a lush atmosphere and will make the ship´s cook´s work more bearable. I love the galle for it´s light suffused open architecture and the sheer volume – even better than on the Hallberg-Rassy 64 in my eyes.

One odd thing though was to find two steps on the floor here which might bring the cook in trouble because they are placed right where the cook is going to work all the time. This could pose a threat to the cook when the boat is working it´s way through heavy seas and higher waves. You can easily overlook the steps and miss is – falling and serious injury might occur. I don´t think that this is a clever idea to put not just one, but two steps in the middle of a galley.

Nevertheless, the pluses and the minuses are in equilibrium here and the overall impression is a positive one. I particularly loved the woodworks inside the CNB 66 which an employer explained: The veneer is prepared in a very interesting way. The wood is fully submerged in wood stain and by technical means, similar to vacuum infusion technology, the stain is forced to permeate the whole material. So when sanded and treated later, the stain is not just colouring the outer perimeter of the veneers but through and through the whole thickness of the material. That should also create this saturated colour and the full force of it.

Cabins on the CNB 66

I didn´t take too much pictures of the cabins of the CNB 66 because as you might imagine on a 66 feet superyacht the internal volume and fitting of these is of superior quality. And it really is indeed. What I found interesting on the other hand was the pureness and – to my mind – relatively bling-free appearance of the cabins. They are virtually “empty” and there is no overload of design features or material cockalorum whatsoever.

I loved the materials used for ship´s side covers and the colour scheme. That´s something completely unseen on boats so far for me, just like transferring a New York City-loft to the seas. The cabins do not tell you that you are actually aboard a boat. It´s the understating design of a neat Hotel room. For my taste it´s too much of it but I can clearly see the point why this may attract many people. When for example people tell me that the wooden fittings on a Hallberg-Rassy are too much of a ship for them, I can imagine these people feeling perfectly fine aboard the CNB here which appears totally “un-shiplike” in this manner.

I liked the working area in the owner´s cabin with a small (but again very cosy chair) facing a small table. It´s not too big so maximum is a laptop fitting here, but I assume that most owners will work that way nowadays. All the other elements like size of the beds, stowage and stuff are beyond expectations, this is a multi-million Euros yacht and believe me, there´s more than enough space for finding a good night´s sleep here.

A Dream Made in Bordeaux

CNB yachts are said to be seaworthy and fast sailing boats. The tradition of CNB is a long one and I´ve heard up until now no contradicting arguments. The yard output isn´t that high so CNBs might be seen seldom. The hull looks sleek, the rigging of the lines and the layout of winches refers to a serious sailing yacht.

The stern is moderately chined and the double rudder configuration is state of the art. A fixed shaft engine with a very nice folding prop might propel the boat when there´s no wind at all and there´s also a sufficient garage down under the cockpit area for the obligatory jet tender. Although the CNB 66 bears lots of elements of a pure luxury cruiser made purely for mooring and serving as a party location in the lush nights of the Cote d´Azur I can also spot elements which hint the sailing performance of this beauty.

All in all the CNB 66 was a very interesting yacht to visit. The boat seems to try a balancing act between a modern luxury superyacht bristling with all amenities imaginable and a true performer when it comes to sailing. It would be such a treat being able to witness this yacht unfurling the sails and getting the mighty main up and jumping to life, being heeled and cutting majestically through the blue waves – because this is what the CNB 66 surely is able to perform very well, I am sure.

You might read all articles on the Boat Show Duesseldorf by clicking on this hashtag #boatshowduesseldorf

Read more about other Dream Yachts here:

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Route 66: Inside the 20.61m CNB 66 semi-custom series

Want a family cruiser for sailing short-handed but with superyacht style ? Don’t let the CNB 66 semi-custom series pass you by, advises Clare Mahon...

While some may think that moving from making some of the world’s most admired superyachts to producing series builds is a step down, Olivier Lafourcade, co-founder and director of CNB , thinks differently. “We saw that we could provide a better product for our owners if we moved to semi-custom,” he says. “Combining our one-off experience with an industrial approach takes nothing off our standards and adds dependability. It allows us to offer luxury at a reasonable price.”

CNB had built 15 custom projects with sailing superyacht veteran  Philippe Briand  before it turned to him for the design of its semi-custom series – and Lafourcade has never looked back: “Custom builds are a new adventure every time,” he says, “but when we commission a series project we can take the time to target a market and fine tune. We conceived the CNB 66 as a luxury cruiser for families who sail short-handed but may want to race in a regatta or take off across the ocean one day. We spent three years pre-production with Briand and the interior designers Jean-Marc Piaton and Rafael Bonet going over every design aspect and solving any potential problems.”

Briand’s superyacht touch is evident from the 20.61 metre yacht’s distinctive coachroof: an eyebrow-like overhang above vertical wraparound windows gives the yacht an air of gruff honesty that suddenly makes years of low-slung curves seem passé. The yacht’s vertical lines, hard aft chine and wide beam all say “action”.

The deck has dual helm stations with carbon wheels flanked by seats that are ideal for visibility and comfort. Raymarine sail control pads are close by, as are winches for the mainsheet and headsails. All headsails are on furlers and the mainsail furls in-boom. The teak and light caulk deck is all on one level, making fore-to-aft passage easy and safe. The foredeck is uncluttered, with flush hatches and integrated tracks. Even the grab rails are integrated and moulded into the coachroof.

While all of these features will make the serious sailor happy, those who want to sit back and relax are well provided for, too. The guest cockpit is completely free of equipment and is very safe when the boat is under sail. The companionway entrance is set slightly off-centre, making space for built-in L-shaped seating around a table and a long sofa. The table can fold out and adjust in height to become a dais for a sunpad.

The saloon is airy thanks to Briand’s panoramic coachroof windows and Piaton and Bonet’s light, contemporary furnishings. The same slightly asymmetrical layout used on deck is repeated, which makes space for a dining area to port and a lounging area to starboard. Comfortable seating has views through the hull windows and furnishings convert several ways to multi-task. Leather detailing on grab bars is a luxurious touch and LED lighting is indirect and discreet.

The engine room is under the saloon sole and systems such as the air conditioning can be easily accessed behind the furnishings. The galley is a couple of steps down and open to the saloon so that the chef can socialise. Extra headroom is provided by the hollow centre of the built-in sofa directly above. A hatch concealed under the sofa cushions can be used to pass food and drink up to the deck.

An en suite crew cabin has a double bed that can adjust in height to be used as two twins. Even if the crew is not on “in-the-same-bed” terms they had better be friendly because the only access to the side berth is by climbing over the central one, a slightly strange arrangement but one that can be negotiated.

The full-beam master cabin is forward and has plenty of storage and even space for an office area. The height of the double bed in the guest cabin can be staggered to become two twins and there is also a Pullman cabin. All are en suite and make use of the same materials, colour tones and level of design for a unified, harmonious feel.

The CNB 66 was designed for short-handed family sailing and lives up to the promise; a couple can easily raise the sails themselves. Once under sail the yacht feels strong and seaworthy, powerfully swift yet stable when heeled on to the chine. The dual rudders are light and nicely balanced. Back in port, bow and stern thrusters with joystick steering make manoeuvring easy.

Not only is the CNB 66 fast under sail, she’s also fast out of the build shed. CNB shipyard rep Christophe Harvey says: “We infuse the hulls in one piece while the interiors are built to exact tolerance and assembled in modules. By constructing the hull and interior simultaneously we reduce build time and cost.”

Build time will not be a problem for owners, but popularity might: while CNB can get almost a yacht per month out of the sheds, there is already a waiting list until April 2019. Move quickly or the kids will be grown before you get your family out on one.

All images courtesy of Nicolas Claris

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Philippe Briand on the new CNB 66

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Legendary yacht designer Philippe Briand explains how you can combine sleek, minimalist contemporary lines with a massive interior volume.

A boat starts with a design brief, so what was the brief for the new CNB 66? ‘Put simply,’ explains her naval architect Philippe Briand, ‘I was asked to design the best semicustom 60ft production boat in the world’. But that wasn’t all. CNB’s stunningly sleek 66ft performance cruiser was to be the biggest yacht that could be easily be handled by a couple or family without the need for extra crew. It also had to be a capable, comfortable blue water cruiser that offers a good lifestyle for her owners and safe but exciting to sail. As for its appearance, the silhouette of the design was to be kept as clean as possible. Finally, Philippe has his own personal personal brief: ‘I’m a sailor, a boat has to look elegant’.

Construction Navale Bordeaux (CNB) was founded more than 30 years ago in 1987, based in a historic shipyard on the “right bank” of the Garonne River, south of the rolling vine-clad hills of the region’s wineries. The shipyard has produced many notable yachts. Its first, the 92ft Frers aluminium cutter Mari-Cha II, was an instant classic while the largest was the 117ft Hamilton II commissioned for Prince and Princess Sadruddin Aga Khan. For 20 years, if you wanted CNB quality, a one-off fully custom aluminium yacht was the only option. Then, about a decade or so ago, CNB noticed that its clients’ needs were changing so it evolved with them.

Not all clients wanted to wait three years for a new boat to be customdesigned and built for them. While custom one-off yachts are still available, a semi-custom GRP yacht offers a shorter delivery time at less cost. Price and speed of delivery aren’t the only benefits. The design, build and ancillaries are already well-proven so there is also greater reliability – especially in the first year after delivery, which is a rite of passage that all owners of new fullcustom yachts have to experience.

Rather than fabricated aluminium, CNB’s usual material of construction, the CNB66 and CNB76 both have strong, lightweight, vacuum-infused GRP hulls built in-house by CNB. No part of the build is outsourced. CNB has its own design department and the hulls, decks, carpentry and stainless steel work are all produced in-house. This enables CNB to control and maintain the quality one expects from a shipyard that was born creating superyachts.

The hull are moulded in the usual way but left free from bulkheads. The interior is made outside of the hull in five accommodation “modules”. Building outside enables access from all directions when constructing the module, making the process more efficient and enabling a higher standard of build quality and finish. All the CNB carpenters need is close to hand and they are not competing with their colleagues for construction space in the confines of a hull. Conduits, cables and pipework are added to the bare hull, as is the ducting for the air conditioning system. Once the modules are completed they are craned into exact position, where they are bonded and laminated in place. With all five modules in place the deck is bonded and laminated to the hull to make a strong and stiff boat.

CNB’s 66 and 76 are both built using this method and while the yard only offers these two models, there is wide variety in the ways both yachts can be laid out for their owners and adapted to fit the purpose they have in mind for the boat. The CNB 76 was launched in 2013 and aimed at owners who want a stylish long-distance cruiser with the option to race. It was conceived to be managed and sailed by a professional crew. In contrast, the CNB 66 is focused on the ownerskipper. Typical CNB 66 owners will sail as a couple or with their family and enjoy the privacy and freedom of sailing without a paid crew. So while both yachts share the same design ethos they are designed to be used in different ways.

When designing the CNB 66, Briand spoke to owners of similar sized yachts to find out how they used their boats – asking them where they are on board and what they are doing every hour of the day. Whether it was going for a refreshing morning swim before taking a shower and sitting with the family having breakfast, what feeling they wanted from the sailing, even down to their favourite spot on the boat for an evening aperitif after taking the tender ashore. Philippe then set about tailoring every part of the boat accordingly,to give its owners the best experience. ‘The challenge was to deliver a good boat at sea and one that also offers space and luxury’, he says. ‘While it should be able to cruise offshore or compete in race series there is no reason why it shouldn’t also be a place to relax.’

With all of these factors in mind, the saloon is a very large and versatile space offering seating on both sides of the wide, bright central area. The seating units on the starboard side can be converted from U-shaped settees to a large day bed or a more intimate snug area in the evening. The saloon table, to port, can convert from a low coffee table to a larger electrically-raised dining table. Extra seating inboard is made with the infill benches from the starboard snug. A raised saloon floor gives panoramic views out when you stand up or move around, which ensures that those on board get a real sense of place whether they happen to be cruising the Baltic or the Bahamas.

Headroom in the L-shaped galley comes from the long cockpit seating overhead. This, along with the generous portlights and hatches overhead, makes the galley bright and well-ventilated. The stylish and practical galley furniture has an abundance of stowage.

Each of the three guest cabins on board benefit from generous berth sizes and offer views out of large through-hull windows. All cabins are served by their own en-suite bathroom and the two double cabins also have a separate shower compartment in the bathroom. There is more than enough interior volume in the hull to ensure that none of these cabins are compromised in space, style or comfort.

Up forward is the owner’s suite. The double berth is offset to port for privacy – in bed you remain unseen from the rest of the living space even when the door is open. Outboard of the berth is a desk while forward is a large en suite bathroom with a separate shower compartment.

Stowage on board, in all cabins and throughout the boat, is all that’s expected of a long-distance cruiser.

But it’s not just down below that the 66 excels. On deck too the boat has been tailored to the needs of the owner-skipper. Its lines are clean and sleek; the coachroof is raised just enough to give a view from the saloon while keeping her silhouette sharp and purposeful. The window line tapers as it sweeps aft, cleverly distracting the eye from what little height the coachroof needs. A 3.25m-long tender garage, which can comfortably accommodate a Williams jet RIB or similar, is hidden behind the fold-down transom.

A fixed bowsprit juts forward from the plumb bow, giving an attachment for code zero or asymmetric sails and housing the anchor and bow roller. The cutter rig with hydraulic furling headsails makes sail-handling more manageable for a small crew and the addition of hydraulic in-boom furling completes a sail plan that is both practical and controllable at the push of a button. As should be expected on a long-distance cruiser all of the sail-trimming and handling systems have manual back-up.

The mainsail furling is operated at the mast. In the interests of safety, all other control lines are led aft to the helm. The sail-trimming area is just forward of the twin carbon-fibre spoked, laminated teak wheels and aft of the large, sociable cockpit seating area. The mainsheet is controlled by a dedicated winch set amidships on a raised plinth and can be trimmed either by foot controls at the winch or with buttons on the command station forward of each wheel. Likewise, the sheet winches for both headsails and any offwind sails are controlled either at the winch or from the helm.

It’s perhaps the promise of easy handling (and lots more living space) that has enticed five of the first seven owners to upgrade from yachts in the Beneteau Sense range to the CNB 66. Another obvious attraction is the better quality of build and of course there’s the option for the owners to customise and make the boat their own in a way that isn’t possible with a standard production yacht.

Many will be drawn by the 66’s sleek silhouette and the spacious, bright living area. If you’re used to sailing as a family – whether as parents with your children, or as grandparents – stepping up to a larger boat needn’t be a challenge but the space, comfort and luxury that comes with the extra length of a yacht like the CNB 66 is definitely a big step up.

While advanced sail handling systems (like those in use on the 66) make it possible for a couple to handle almost any size of yacht, the physical practicalities of sailing – the handling of sails, fenders, warps and of course cleaning – have led CNB to the 66ft size limit. Systems like bow and stern thrusters make managing a yacht of this size easier in marinas and harbours. Sailing the CNB 66 shouldn’t be hard work either; a twohanded crew can easily ready the boat for mooring or prepare a 185m2 furling code zero to hoist from the cavernous forward deck locker.

With all this this luxury and the design focus on improving the owner’s life on board, it might be easy to forget that the CNB 66 is designed to be as rewarding under sail as it is in harbour. ‘I could not design a boat that isn’t exciting to sail’ explains Briand – and he hasn’t. The hull is easily driven and while it’s wide enough to allow massive accommodation down below, that hasn’t compromised the hull shape.

But one question remains. Does Philippe think he has fulfilled the brief to design the best 60ft semiproduction boat in the world? He pauses for a second. ‘I think I have.’

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CNB 20m CNB 66

We had our first peek at the CNB 66 when she was first debuted in late 2017 to celebrate the 30th anniversary of CNB Yacht Builders. Like the Philipp Briand-designed 76, which preceded her, she was also sleek and sporty, though considerably downsized to be family-friendly, perhaps even couple-friendly. In fact, the objective was to create ‘the largest sailing yacht that could be handled by a family crew.’ Indeed, at fully 20.61 m., the 66 is just that: elegant and certainly not less formidable than her semi-custom sisters from luxury brand: the Bordeaux 60 and the 76, although still benefitting from the design and build expertise firmly based in the superyacht sector. The CNB 66 has incredible genetics: the architectural design and styling of bespoke superyachts, along with the considerable buying power and precision build that CNB’s parent company, Beneteau, can command. As the CNB team calculated when they first launched this model, she is in demand. We were excited to be able to take her out on our own recently for a test during a recent visit to Cannes.

The CNB 66 certainly didn’t disappoint. The maximization of the interior with its spare, yet elegant, authentically residential design, is inspired. Little is overlooked here in terms of fine detail, and you do feel, once you relax in the saloon or tuck away into the owner’s cabin, that you are enjoying a very pleasant afternoon in a friend’s pied à terre: contemporary luxe in miniature. You would expect no less when Jean-Marc Piaton and Rafael Bonet lend their design expertise to an interior, as they have done -- to much acclaim -- on the 76. Even on this production model, the finishes were note-worthy. It was a pleasure to be aboard and have a better look around after our eyebrow-raising first glance several years ago.  

A refined re-imagining of the ‘open concept’ so in-demand is right in sync here: the expansive aft galley is adjacent to the saloon here, making for easy conversations. The galley itself embodies that residential feel and provides ample space for culinary collaboration. A bright and airy space at the standard 25 m², its adjoins the saloon, whose seating is pushed out all the way to the hull, easily and efficiently able to be reconfigured into the ideal hangout for a post-dinner movie night, without impairing nav station displays. The owner’s cabin (one of four cabins total that comes standard), at 14 m² is a near-ideal size and even comes with a small office area, although an option for adjoining closet space exists. The berth is offset from the door to create a more private space, perhaps in counterpoint the openness of the galley/saloon. And while we generally feel more comfort and ease in symmetry again, as in the main stateroom’s berth, the companionway is also slightly offset, so as not to disrupt those on deck, where the clean lines ethos is even more striking. 

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CNB 66, comfort sailing

Above all CNB 66 is a pure cruiser yacht, which means large areas, but also good performance under sail. Even when there is not much wind

by Niccolò Volpati, photo by Nicolas Claris

The sea is calm, except for the normal wakes from passing boats, but most of all there isn’t very much wind . The high pressure over the Gulf of Cannes has given us a day, which nearly feels like summer. The problem is that I am on board the latest model from CNB , which is twenty meters long, and is a boat that is most definitely aimed at cruising. How will it handle? Will five knots wind speed be enough to get it moving?

We move up to the deckhouse at the base of the mast. That is where the electric winch control is for hoisting the mainsail. The halyard is not taken down to the cockpit, so a crew member has to go there. The advantage is that it is very close and you can see when to raise it, without wasting energy unnecessarily. It is not a furling mainsail like most. This furls within the boom, and the system was worked out by CNB working together with Hall Spars .

The unusual aspect is that the tension doesn’t weigh on the hydraulic part because there is a mechanical sprocket which blocks it . That is very useful when you have to reduce the amount of sail because the mainsail can go as low as the batten, for example, and then you can use the sprocket to block it. At that point you just have to haul the halyard back in to the required tension. It is easier to use than it is to explain. Essentially this system means you can have a high-performing battened mainsail and not just a handkerchief of a few square metres, which doesn’t give good performance under sail, as is often the case with pure cruiser boats.c

As soon as the genoa is unfurled, I take the boat close to the wind . The instruments show that we are doing five knots, when the wind speed is at most six. And of course I don’t like to pinch the wind. It luffs if you go beyond thirty degrees. So it is best to stay around 45 degrees. The CNB 66 is very sure footed. It doesn’t react to gusts, and not even to lulls. It is a perfect cruising machine. It holds its speed and proceeds without paying much attention to changes in wind speed.

It is easy to steer and soft on the waves. The feel is that it would behave pretty much in the same way even if there were a lot of wind. It is the balance that a sailor looks for from a cruiser. It isn’t in a rush to get the most out of the smallest gust, because it isn’t in a race, but it also doesn’t want to slow down if the wind falls away. CNB 66  is the “third way”.

The sail plan has been developed so as not to have any problems. As well as the furling mainsail, which means you can trim without much trouble, there is also a foremast with a self-furling system. Everything you need, both for light wind and for tougher conditions is there to hand.

I liked the deck a lot. I appreciated the fact that everything from stern to bow was practically all at the same level. Portholes and gangways are all flush and the size of the cockpit makes it look like a motor boat. There are two benches of course, but the special feature is that the area available is so extensive that the one to port isn’t linear but U-shaped. In the middle there is a large foldable table with telescopic legs. It is also nicely located. The table is actually on the left, so it is never in the way of people who are going forward. Even with the table open you can go across the cockpit without difficulty.

I also liked the two seats for the helmsman, because they don’t take up room to the stern, given that they are arranged vertically to the sides. The instrument holders are large enough to hold two displays in each position. Everything is under control, including the electronics. Two things are notable in terms of engine performance . Firstly because of the speed we achieved. The top speed we managed actually exceeded ten knots, which means that you can go comfortably over nine knots without forcing the engine too much. The CNB 66 engine is a 180 hp Volvo D4, with in-line transmission .

The second positive aspect of the engine performance is how very quiet it is . The sound measured in the stern cabin, so really close to the engine room, was between 60 and 70 decibels at cruising speed. Moving further forward, in the owner’s cabin, the loudest noise was caused by the water outside, rather than the engine.

Below decks , as well as the natural light – which comes into the dinette from nearly 360 degrees – and the quality of the finish, I also liked the CNB 66   layout. There is actually just one cabin in the stern, while the owner one is in the bows and there are two further guest cabins amidships. The galley takes the place of the second stern cabin. This layout gives two advantages. The first is that the galley is distinctly large, and has an extensive work surface, and the second is that there is more room available in the dinette. The dinner table, a living area with a huge television, seats and map area, are not so restricted. All in all, it is a boat that makes you want to spend time on board.

CNB 66 Project: Philippe Briand (naval architecture) •Jean-Marc Piaton and Rafael Bonet (interiors) Hull: LOA 20.61m • Length 19.86m • Waterline length 18.4 m • Maximum beam 5.51m • Draft 2.95m • Standard keel (approx.) 9,350 kg • Displacement 31,100 kg • Fuel tank volume 1300 l • Water tank volume 1000 l • Mainsail area 112 m 2 • Genoa area 103 m 2  •  Asymmetric Spinnaker area 330 m 2 • Staysail area 55 m 2 • Code 0 area 155 m 2 Main Propulsion: Volvo D4-180 • Outlet mechanical power 132 kW (180 hp) • 4 cylinders • Bore%Stroke 103 mm x110 mm • Swept volume 3,7 l • Maximal rotational speed 2800/min • Dry Weight 482 kg EC Certification: CAT A Price:  1.690.000 € Excl.VAT (As tested) – 1.450.000 € Excl.VAT (As standard).

CNB 162 quai de Brazza CS 81217 F-33072 Bordeaux CEDEX, France +33 05 57808550 [email protected] www.cnb.fr

( CNB 66, comfort sailing – Barchemagazine.com – Dicembre 2018 )

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Fortitude | 66' 2021 CNB

Listed at $2,340,000

Interested in this yacht contact us.

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Available for Sale Fortitude 66' 2021 CNB  

Discover the 2021 CNB 66, where luxury seamlessly meets functionality in a yacht designed for the discerning sailor. Experience its state-of-the-art deck, spacious cockpit, and Jean-Marc Piaton's elegantly crafted interior. Each of its four staterooms and four heads radiates comfort and style.

To truly appreciate this yacht's unique blend of performance and luxury, we invite you to view the virtual tour and sailing video and embark on a journey of unparalleled sailing excellence.

Fortitude comes with a one-year general warranty and a two-year structural warranty from CNB.

Specifications

Manufacturer Provided Description

Taking on the family resemblance, the CNB 66 was designed as the largest sailing yacht that could be handled by a family crew. It can be equipped with the hydraulic roller-furling boom developed in an exclusive partnership with Hall Spars. Endowed with a carbon bowsprit, her elegant lines conceal an abundance of volume, exploited with all our know-how. This is the case, for example, in the owner's cabin, where the queen size island bed is offset to the side to remain invisible when the door is open. In the light-filled saloon that occupies the entire beam (5.50 m), the large, nearly 3-metre long sofa to starboard can be divided into three parts to increase the seating around the adaptable saloon’s massive table. As for the galley, we wished it to be practical, well ventilated, but in direct contact with the living space. Decoration and interior environments are designed by Jean-Marc Piaton and Rafael Bonet. Outside, there is clear separation between the lounging and handling areas. As on the One-offs, we have sought throughout to eliminate differences in level in order to facilitate movement without impairing safety. Finally, what sailing yacht of this size can boast a tender garage enabling the launching in less than a minute of a 3.25-metre tender with its engine?

Beyond question, the CNB 66 redefines what is possible with a 20-metre yacht. No wonder that even before she was launched, seven owners from Europe, Australia and Mexico put their faith in us.

21 HULLS BUILT IN ALL - THIS IS HULL # 18 IN THE SERIES.

Naval Architect: Philippe Briand

Interior Designer: Jean-Marc Piaton / Rafaël Bonet

Length overall (with anchor davit) - 20,61 m 67.61'

Hull length - 19.86 m 62.20'

Length with bowsprit - 21.36 m 70.07’

Length @ waterline - 18.45 m 60.53’

Maximum beam - 5.51 m 18.07’

Draught - Lead bulb with iron cast fin, draft 2,40m - 7.87’

Light displacement MSC (approx.) - 31,100 kg 68,563 lb

I - 25.00 m 82’

J - 7.67 m 25.16’

P - 24.13 m 79’

E - 7.80 m 25.59'

Air draught (excluding aerials) - 28.76 m 94.35'

Full batten mainsail area (approx.) - 112 m2 1,205 ft2

Furling Genoa area (approx.) - 103 m2 1,108 ft2

Staysail area (approx.) - 55 m2 592 ft2

Asymmetric spinnaker area (approx.) - 330 m2 3,552 ft2

Gennaker or Code 5 area (approx.) - 250 m2 2,690 ft2

Code 0 area (approx.) - 155 m2 1,668 ft2

Main Engine - VOLVO D4 180 Hp @ 2,800 rpm

Fresh water capacity - 2 x 500 l 264 gal

Fuel capacity - 2 x 650l I 343 gal

Construction

The hull and bulkheads are made of vacuum-infused balsa, fiberglass, and resin sandwich

Deck made of composite/Balsa sandwich is vacuum infused as well

White gel-coat finish on the hull and on the deck. Non-skid white gel coat on roof

Waterline stripe - single black thick stripe

Main deck is laid with teak (8mm thickness) with grey caulking

Cockpit sole and cockpit seats are laid with teak (8mm thickness)

Keel fitted to the hull with s/s bolts

Lead bulb with iron cast fin, draft 2,40m - 7.87’

Twin hanging rudders with vacuum-infused rudder blades, s/s rudder stocks

Opening transom/swim platform giving access to tender garage

Deck Hardware

Fixed davit integrated in bowsprit, electrical windlass, Delta stainless steel anchor 40Kg/88 lbs, and chain (100 m/328 ft., 12 mm dia.)

Quick Wired remote w/ chain counter - anchor locker, MZ Wireless remote w/ counter - Holster at helm and power socket at chart table

Deck wash pump close to windlass (fresh & salt water)

Deck wash pump in cockpit (fresh water)

S/s pushpits and pulpit

LED navigation lights

Double s/s lifelines, opening gate in lifeline each side

8 mooring cleats and 2 fairleads

S/s recessed chainplates

Self-tacking track for staysail

Genoa sheet tracks and cars

Recessed companionway sprayhood

2 x Harken primary electric winches ST70 instead of manual (2 speeds)

2 x Harken multi-function cockpit electric winches ST60 (2 speeds)

Harken electric mainsail sheet winch (3 speeds)

1 x Harken manual halyards and reef winch on deck at mast step (Starboard)

Port winch at mast step electric ST60 (3 speeds)

2 x steering wheels in fiberglass composite, black varnish

Handrails on steering consoles and guard rail in aft deck

Electric telescopic teak cockpit table

Drawer fridge in the cockpit

Sideboard ladder - foldable, can also be used as a swimming ladder

Canvas and Cushions

Sprayhood (Dodger) - SUNBRELLA Taupe Plus

Bimini top (with connection to sprayhood) - SUNBRELLA Taupe Plus

Cockpit covers - Covers for the wheels, the navigation panels, the cockpit

winches, and the cockpit table and garage white canvas screen - SUNBRELLA Taupe Plus

Cockpit cushions - Sunbrella Lopi Sand

Large deck hatch with exterior lock in PMMA

Stainless steel ladder

Lights, handrails

Access to: bow thruster (tunnel), chain locker and windlass electrical box

Windlass remote control

Forepeak equipped as a skipper cabin

2 bunk beds (lower bed with mattress, upper bunkbed), WC, shower, sink

Tender Garage

The tender garage is accessible from the transom when opened and from a deck hatch located in the cockpit

Hot and cold shower

Remote control of the transom

Wireless remote control of the transom

Electric winch, sliding board and rollers

TENDER - Williams Jet 345

There is one lazarette on port, one on starboard. Access from the cockpit.

Electric bilge pump

Access to the steering mechanism

Spare and Rigging

In mast main-sail hydraulic furler with outhaul feedback control - re-painted in white 2023

3 sets of spreaders

White-painted aluminum boom

Dyform standing rigging

Running rigging for genoa and main sail

Hydraulic pump with electric control panel for boom vang, main outhaul and backstay

Deck lights and mooring light

Spreader lights facing up (x6)

Electric furler for genoa (Profurl)

Staysail rig on fixed stay, with electric furler

Running backstays

Gennaker/Code 0 rigging with sheets, 2:1 halyard and blocks

North Sails

Mast Furling Mainsail 3Di OCEAN 700

Furling Jib with Battens 3Di OCEAN 700

Furling Inner Jib 3Di OCEAN 700

G Zero Gennaker SuperLite/Kote SK 350

Facnor Manual furler FX 12000 for Furling code

Electronics and Communication

Raymarine Brand

Helmseat Chartplotter: Axiom

Helmseat Multifunction display: Axiom "i70s" + autopilot "P70"

Saloon: Autopilot wireless smart controller, touch screen gS195, VHF Ray260

Radar Quantum 2

AIS B class 650 (Transceiver)

3 x jumbo displays at mast step with carbon fiber bracket

Engine and Thrusters

Engine: Volvo Penta D4 - 175hp, @ 2800rpm - 910 Hours

4-blade folding propeller with rope cutter on shaft

Engine control panel on the starboard helm console

Additional engine and 2nd thruster control on portside

Fuel tankage: 1300 liters in two aluminum tanks

Fuel filter

Tunnel Style Bow Thruster

Retractable electric stern thruster

1000 liters (264 gallons) of fresh water in two PEMD (polyethylene medium density) tanks

100 L/26 gal (water heater on 220V, and heat exchanger from main engine)

Freshwater shore inlet

Fresh electric water pump. Hot and cold water under pressure

Watermaker 220V Sea Recovery - Aquamatic 280 l/H 74 gal/hr

Drying System

2 Electric automatic bilge pumps, located: 1 in the lazarets, 1 beneath the guest cabin walkway

1 Manual bilge pump located in the cockpit

Electrical panel 24V / 230V. Control panel in the aft area (galley)

1 Shoreline 63 Ah

13,5 Kw/h, 230 V generator with sound shield

24V / 100 Ah battery charger for service batteries

Additional 100A/h battery charger

​​12V alternator on main engine

24V alternator on the engine, 80 Amp

24V service gel batteries bank, 840 Amp/h capacity

24V / 230 V / 5000 W inverter

Engine and generator start batteries

24V lighting throughout

230V electric outlets

Underwater lights - 4 white spotlights under the waterline, on the aft of the hull

Accomodations

Wood finishes: colored walnut (open grain finishes) and lacquered areas

Light oak on floorboards

Blinds on portholes

Blinds and mosquito screens on deck hatches

Saloon cushions and bed heads in Trojan water-repellent fabric

Companionway

Access to the saloon is through a sliding hatch and a retractable door

Companionway wooden steps with recessed lighting

Engine Room

Access by hatches on the saloon sole

Sound-insulated engine compartment

Remote-controlled fire extinguisher

230 V outlets

This compartment houses the main Volvo diesel engine, the Onan generator, pumps, filters, and the watermaker.

Climate Control

Termodinamica marine inverter air conditioning in saloon and cabins

Low consumption AC. Temperature can be adjusted independently in each cabin

Reverse cycle air conditioning in the forepeak

Just under the deckhouse, the saloon hosts the navigation area, a sofa with two benches, and a dining/saloon area

Direct and indirect lighting via overhead and wall lights

Night courtesy lights & 230 V outlets

Numerous lockers alongside the hull and behind the seat backs

Sofa to starboard

Large U-shaped settee to port

Extending dining/cocktail table for 8 - Telescopic "origami "style table in the saloon

Saloon Upholstery in fabric from SPRADLING "Marlin Weiss"

Telescopic "origami "style table in the saloon

CorianTM worktop

S/s double sink with single lever mixer tap

3 burner electric induction stove

Combined microwave/oven

157 l capacity front opening fridge with 75 l capacity freezer compartment (aft of galley)

230V outlets

Ice-maker function on combined Fridge/Freezer

Additional fridge in the galley (160 L)

Wine cellar 15 bottles

Dishwasher MIELE Marine 220V

Laundry washer/dryer MIELE Marine 220V

Owneru0027s Cabin

Double bed and reading lights

Drawers and lockers underneath

Bookshelves on forward bulkhead

Hanging locker to starboard

Cabinet to port

Desk and armchair to starboard

Private en suite toilet & shower, including:

- Washbasin with hot and cold water,

- Separate shower stall with grating,

- TecmaTM (or similar) freshwater electric marine toilet,

- Bathroom cabinet with electric shaver plug,

- Heating towel holder

Access door to the forepeak

Port Guest Cabin

Transformation system to double bed or two singles

Reading lights

Hanging locker

Storage lockers

Private en suite toilet & shower, including washbasin with hot and cold water, separate shower stall with grating, and freshwater electric marine toilet with protective bench

Bathroom cabinet with electric plug

Starboard Guest Cabin

Two bunk beds to starboard with reading lights

Storage lockers and drawers beneath the bed

A hanging locker

230 V socket

- Washbasin with hot and cold water

- Separate shower stall with grating

- TecmaTM (or similar) freshwater electric marine toilet

- Bathroom cabinet with electric plug

Aft Starboard Guest Cabin

Double bed, with reading lights

A hanging locker to port

230 V sockets

- Bathroom cabinet with electric shaver plug

Entertainment

Flat Screen TV

Omnimax TV FM antenna

Fusion MS-RA770 with an inverter, connected to Amplifier and to TV via optical cable

2 Pairs of Speakers (FM-F77SW) in the saloon

1 400 watt Subwoofer (FM-S10SW)

Fusion Signature Series 8 Channel Marine Amp SG-DA82000 amplifier with inverter, connected to saloon stereo unit

1 Pair 8.8 330 Watt Coaxial Classic Speakers (SG-F882W) at the helm station in the cockpit.

1 600 Watt Subwoofer (SG-S102W) in the cockpit sofa area

2 SM series 6.5’’ 100W Shallow Mount Speakers (SM-F65CW) at cockpit sofa area

Owner's Stateroom

Fusion MS-RA670 unit with inverter, Stereo Unit connected to Wifi system with RJ45

1 Pair Speakers (FM-F77SW)

1 400 W Subwoofer (FM-S10 SW)

1st Spreaders area

1 Pair 8.8 Coaxial speakers (SG-FT88SPWC)

1 pair of Deck Mount Brackets (010-12831-20)

Fitted below the first spreaders on each side of the mast

Three-month general warranty from CNB included

Standard Disclaimer

Potential purchasers should assume that any items on the vessel at the time of viewing, but not specifically listed on this specification sheet, are not included with the sale of the yacht. These specifications are believed to be correct but cannot be guaranteed. Specifications are provided for information purposes. Data was obtained from sources believed reliable but is not guaranteed by owner or brokers. Engine hours are approximate, may be reported verbally by the seller, and are recorded at the time and date of the original listing of this vessel. Owner's use during the time of this listing may affect the total engine hours upon a prospective buyer's inspection. Buyer assumes responsibility to verify all speeds, consumptions, capacities and other measurements contained herein and otherwise provided, and agrees to instruct his/her agents or his/her surveyor to confirm such details prior to purchase. This vessel is subject to sale, price and inventory changes or withdrawal from market without notice.

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“We designed the hull with the triple objective of increasing the volume, performance and seaworthiness of the CNB 66. This yacht will be able to guarantee long distances, even with a reduced crew of two people.”

Philippe briand, naval architect of the cnb 66.

Born to make you feel a family atmosphere in harmony with the sea.

With its welcoming family atmosphere, the CNB 66 has been designed to be the biggest sailboat that can be handled by a family crew. It can be equipped with a hydraulic furling boom, developed through an exclusive collaboration project with Hall Spars. Endowed with a carbon bowsprit, its elegant silhouette encloses precious volumes put to best use by our know-how.

Externally, the two areas, for relaxation and manoeuvring, are clearly separate. As on one-off models, we made every effort to minimise differences in levels everywhere to facilitate movement without undermining safety. And furthermore, what sailboat this size can boast a tender garage that enables a 3.25 m tender to be boarded in less than a minute? Undoubtedly, the CNB 66 redefines the range of possibilities for a 20 m (66 ft) yacht. It is no surprise that even before its launch, seven owners from Europe, Australia and Mexico decided to trust us.

Technical specifications

Philippe Briand

Interior design

Jean-Marc Piaton e Rafael Bonet

20,61 m / 67’61’’

5,51 m / 18.07’

Download Technical Specification

The arrangement of the maneuvering gears makes it possible to handle the boat with a small crew.

The maneuvers are so well organized they create a balanced conditions on board in all sea conditions.

The interior space is distributed so as to separate the crew cabin from the owner’s zone.

The interior accommodates 3 cabins in the forward area, including a spacious owner’s cabin. The aft area, dedicated to the crew, has direct access to the galley. The saloon is raised to make room for a central engine room, and commands a wide view of the exterior.

Each and every detail has been conceived and positioned for use at sea.

The photos show how each component is in the right place. The longitudinal tender garage is the ideal solution providing easy access to the sea.

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Email steve fischer I am available and happy to answer any questions

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CNB 66 yacht test: Intoxicating cruiser is a cut above the mainstream

Toby Hodges

July 4, 2019

Is the CNB 66 the largest Sailing yacht that can be handled by a family crew? Toby Hodges reports

All photos: Nicholas Claris

Congratulations. You’ve finally received that hefty bonus. Or perhaps you cashed in your pension, married wisely, or are a successful gambler or racketeer. However you came across the funds, you have decided now is the time to spend them and live the dream.

You want a modish monohull, a yacht that is both spirited to sail and sexy to look at – something out of the ordinary. You crave a yacht that is as at home crossing an ocean with friends as it is providing premium class coastal holidays with the family. And you want something that you can contemplate with pride.

At first glance, the CNB 66 could be the ideal choice. But is this just another pretty face or will she perform? And will she, as CNB suggests, be manageable by owners and their families without needing paid crew? We sailed her off the south of France to find out.

Backstay rams run vertically under the aft deck. Runners are used only to stop the mast pumping when sailing under staysail in a swell.

Punchy design

An increasing number of production yacht builders have moved up to this mid-60ft mark, but the key difference with CNB is that it has come down in size from superyachts. It uses the Beneteau Group’s buying power and industrial experience to help keep price tags modest, combined with its own R&D, engineering and big boat know-how to produce elegant craft that are a cut above the mainstream in style and substance. Think  superyacht  looks and feel but without the cost of a similar-sized semi-custom yacht.

The base price of a CNB 66 is around 40 per cent less than that of an Oyster or Contest, though if all the optional extras are chosen, as was the case with the test boat, that margin reduces considerably.

The 66 marks CNB’s 30th anniversary and is a model that plays on the success of the Bordeaux 60 (46 sold in nine years) and the  CNB 76  (21 in four years). She shares a similar Philippe Briand-designed sporty hull and coachroof shape to the 76, but the bowsprit option is new.

Upwind control

Docking out of the bustling marina at Port Cogolin, we were met by ideal sunny sailing conditions. It was the day after the closing regatta of the Mediterranean season, Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez. A Force 4 easterly was blowing and we had the Golfe de Saint-Tropez to ourselves.

Beating upwind under full main and genoa, we could pinch up to 22° to the apparent wind, making 7.5 knots. This rose up to 8.5 knots at 25° apparent as the breeze picked up into the mid-teens. My three crewmates demonstrated how easy it is to reef the CNB 66, an important consideration in taming this powerful cruiser.

The test boat has a carbon mast and hydraulic roller-furling carbon vee boom, developed with Hall Spars. Although this is an option over the standard aluminium rig, it is a significant feature for CNB in its efforts to convince couples that this is a manageable yacht.

Once the main is hoisted, the mandrel is hydraulically engaged. To furl, a remote switch powers the mandrel while the halyard is eased from the mast base winch. The system can also be controlled manually using an emergency line.

Without changing our heading, the main was sheeted out, a reef was wound in and we sailed on – at the same speed and with a bit less heel and pointing. Point nicely proven.

The boom and reefing mechanism is a seriously expensive option though. I would expect that, for €140,000, it might hoist or lower sails automatically and make drinks at the same time. Yet this system still requires a crewmember at the mast base to work the halyard winch and the control switch for the mandrel.

With full sail quickly and easily restored, we were soon out of the bay and into a steady sea breeze – and the 66 was in her element. Once she has that extra couple of knots of wind and degrees of heel, the CNB 66 accelerates another half-knot.

The masculine styling, including the low, wraparound design of the coachroof, is signature Briand

The sweet spot

It was a noticeable and delightful difference – she is a boat that sails best powered up. Indeed, it is once we cracked off a little onto a fetch that I found her

The test boat had twin headsails – 90 per cent of CNB owners take this staysail option

sweet spot. This is the way to cover the sea miles, I thought – 15 knots wind at 50° apparent, clocking a steady 10 knots boat speed. We spent an intoxicating hour like that, close reaching back and forth across the mouth of the bay, savouring the experience.

In general, the feel on the helm is fun and authoritative. When the boat is less pressed, it can feel a little neutral and she can wander. The large twin rudders suit her design though.

Despite a noticeable amount of drag off the leeward blade, the direct grip they provide make easy work for the autopilot.

We hoisted a bright pink asymmetric sail for the return leg into the bay. This felt wonderful for the short spell when I could heat her up a little, making up to 10.5 knots.

But depth restrictions soon forced us to bear away to a more sedate angle, heel and speed. If we tried to sail much lower than 120° apparent, the asymmetric would lose too much apparent wind and start to flog.

As we slid past the old harbour at Saint-Tropez under port gybe, I couldn’t help thinking how at home the CNB 66 looked. This is one chic and stylish mini superyacht that will stand out for the right reasons wherever she sails.

Modern deck design

The twin helm stations are well designed. The outboard helm seats enable you to sit out in comfort, both to windward and leeward, with full vision along the side decks. Foot chocks will help when standing at the helm, and these are installed at handover stage according to each owner’s specification.

Directly in front of the helmsman’s seats are consoles for plotters, instruments, engine throttles and thruster controls. However, I found the motorboat-style joystick thruster controls were positioned too close to the wheel and could easily get knocked. Bow and stern thrusters help alleviate concerns about handling a yacht of this size with twin rudders in port – but I’d ask for conventional switches.

The main cockpit is set up for relaxing. The table lowers to form a sunbed but the coamings are a little low.

To get to the winches the helmsman has to walk outboard around the large consoles or inboard around the pedestals. It is then possible to keep a hand on the wheel and let off a lazy sheet. In reality, however, either one crewmember (or the autopilot) would helm while one or two others trim main and foresails.

The benefit of keeping the sailing systems aft is that, like most big yachts today, it leaves the main cockpit free of sailing systems. The seating area is larger to port and the companionway is offset a little. This slightly unsymmetrical design continues below through to the forward accommodation to provide privacy to the offset berth in the owner’s cabin.

The cockpit coamings are low, maintaining the sleek aesthetics of the superstructure, but offer little comfort or protection. This makes the optional padded backrest cushions a wise choice. Playtime at anchor and a smart means of getting ashore are important considerations for a yacht of this type.

Leisure time at anchor is well considered. The bathing platform is large and the RIB can be launched within a minute

A large, hydraulic-powered bathing platform lowers to reveal a tender garage roomy enough to house a 3.25m Williams jet RIB. Runner boards can mount onto the platform to help deploy the dinghy and an electric belt winch aids retrieval.

The forepeak sail locker is large enough to be used as an optional crew cabin, it has 7ft headroom, a proper fixed ladder and a useful watertight door into the interior. I liked the workbench with sockets for charging power tools and the tower of bosun’s boxes for spare parts.

Deck saloon appeal

Jean-Marc Piaton has designed another elegant, modern and light interior, which, as with the CNB 76, produces an air of quality and distinction throughout. The beamy deck saloon, with its ample natural light and views, creates a superb first impression.

Feedback from owners about its previous models led CNB to maximise interior space in the saloon and adjoining galley. It uses the full beam in the saloon, with the sofas taken right out to the hull sides. Elsewhere the 66 shares a similar layout to the 76, except the aft galley adjoins the saloon and the aft double cabin is suitable for either guests or crew.

The airy galley connects nicely with the deck saloon via an open bulkhead and navstation desk

Open spaces have their downsides at sea, however. Going below when the yacht is heeled quickly establishes that the CNB 66 badly needs a handrail on the deckhead in the saloon. It is a good distance between the saloon table and the sofa. And the carpet had yet to be secured down, which merely compounded my precarious efforts to walk forward. I also found the 90° companionway steps too angular for use at heel – curved sides would help.

An open bulkhead separates saloon and galley but allows interaction between both. These areas are divided by an aft-facing navstation, which is well placed to communicate with those on deck.

The cabins have an attractive décor. They feature lit and ventilated wardrobes, bookshelves, leecloths and fittings, fabric on the hull liners and full-length mirrors on the doors. It’s a harmonious mix of designer and practical details.

The word ‘smart’ littered my notes. Even the heads and shower compartments, which have heated towel rails and electric flush as standard, are very, um, smart. The effect is of a modern, chic apartment. The cabins are all rather compact though. A combination including both a sail locker and a tender garage squeezes the rest of the accommodation space slightly.

For a new boat, she also felt very complete. Yacht Solutions, an independent company based near CNB in Bordeaux, supplies equipment for most new CNB clients, ranging from safety and technical gear to crockery and bed linen.

Below the saloon

Another reason a deck saloon is popular on medium-to-large sized yachts is that it allows the builders to install tanks and mechanics beneath it, keeping the weight central and freeing up accommodation and stowage space elsewhere.

CNB uses a modular build system where the interior is fully constructed before being lowered into receivers in the hull. This ensures consistent quality and reduces build times.

The engine room, all contained in one metal box, is one of these five modules on the CNB 66. Two quick access points in the saloon sole allow for regular maintenance checks, otherwise, the carpets and chairs need to be removed to lift the soleboards. The benefit of doing so, however, is that access to machinery is then excellent.

It needs to be. With tanks, plumbing, and optional watermaker all contained in here, it is a crowded machinery space. Indeed, the hot water tank has been moved aft on future models to free up room around the genset.

A generous fuel tank capacity (1,300lt) helps provide a motoring range of over 1,000 miles, including three hours’ genset use per day. I like the way the filters, separators and coolant refill are neatly mounted and easy to access. CNB has certainly made sure the parts that require regular servicing are as user-friendly as possible.

The galley is a spacious area to work in, a practical U-shape, with plenty of light and headroom. There is ample cold stowage space, including a 157lt domestic-style fridge. If all the extras are chosen, as aboard the test boat with its extra fridge-freezer, washer-dryer, dishwasher and wine climatiser, dry goods stowage space is compromised.

CNB uses electric cooking appliances as standard to avoid the need to carry gas. These are powered off the batteries and inverter for quick cooking, or the genset for Sunday roasts.

The aft cabin is versatile because it will suit either guests or a paid crew, and the separation in space to the forward cabins ensures a good degree of privacy from and for the owner. However, the cabin is on different sole levels and does feel slightly cramped, particularly in the compact ensuite heads where a larger-framed crewmember would struggle to get through the doorway. To provide space for a separate shower cubicle, the heads is crammed in behind the door.

The elegant owner’s cabin has a large ensuite forward with access to the sail locker

Forward cabins

The owner’s cabin décor is clever because it feels calming and luxurious despite this not being a particularly large area. It lacks stowage space for couples staying aboard for long periods, but there is an option to choose a dressing room over the fourth heads (currently accessed via the bunk cabin).

The ensuite heads forward has a generous sized separate shower. A door through the forward bulkhead provides useful internal access into the sail locker. The other two guest cabins are a double and a functional family bunk cabin, both with ensuite heads.

Our verdict

The CNB 66 is pitched at the point where two markets meet: where semi-custom luxury rubs up against the economic practicality of serial production. You are led to feel you are aboard a superyacht, but the focus is still on ease of handling for a crew of family and friends at a price that is (just about) still within production yacht territory.

It’s a contemporary design that ticks many boxes that potential owners looking at this size level desire: enjoyable sailing, plentiful deck space, a garage for a jet RIB, a proper deck saloon and a luxury feel to the interior.

CNB says this is the largest yacht that can be handled by its owners. That may be the case, but only provided the owner/skipper has some experience in handling big yachts and their associated loads.

You would need to have a few reliable sailing friends if not using a paid crew. The test boat has a clever in-boom furling system, but still requires at least a couple of able sailors to work it.

This is a dream boat for doing an  ocean crossing  at pace and in real comfort. It’s sporty enough for the odd social regatta and offers a luxurious platform for holidaying with family. But once you moor up and leave a boat of this size, cost and quality, it would still be prudent even for an owner-operator to have someone to help with maintenance. Volunteers will surely not be hard to find.

Specification

LOA:  20.61m (67ft 7in) LWL:  18.45m (60ft 6in) Beam (max):  5.51m (18ft 1in) Draught:  2.95m (9ft 8in) Displacement (lightship):  31,000kg (68,563lb) Ballast:  9,350kg (20,613lb)

Sail area (100% foretriangle):  208.8m 2 (2,248ft 2 ) Berths:  8 Engine:  180hp Volvo D4 Water capacity:  1,000lt (220gal) Fuel capacity:  1,300lt (286gal) Price from:  €1,390,000 (ex VAT) Price as tested:  €2.1m Design:  Philippe Briand & Jean Marc Piaton

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Source:  https://www.yachtingworld.com/boat-test/cnb-66-yacht-review-122028

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2018 CNB Yachts 66

Review of CNB 66

Basic specs..

The CNB 66 is equipped with a fin keel. The fin keel is the most common keel and provides splendid manoeuvrability. The downside is that it has less directional stability than a long keel.

The boat can only enter major marinas as the draft is about 2.95 - 3.05 meter (9.68 - 9.98 ft) dependent on the load. See immersion rate below.

Sailing characteristics

This section covers widely used rules of thumb to describe the sailing characteristics. Please note that even though the calculations are correct, the interpretation of the results might not be valid for extreme boats.

What is Capsize Screening Formula (CSF)?

The capsize screening value for CNB 66 is 1.77, indicating that this boat could - if evaluated by this formula alone - be accepted to participate in ocean races.

What is Theoretical Maximum Hull Speed?

The theoretical maximal speed of a displacement boat of this length is 10.4 knots. The term "Theoretical Maximum Hull Speed" is widely used even though a boat can sail faster. The term shall be interpreted as above the theoretical speed a great additional power is necessary for a small gain in speed.

The immersion rate is defined as the weight required to sink the boat a certain level. The immersion rate for CNB 66 is about 681 kg/cm, alternatively 3814 lbs/inch. Meaning: if you load 681 kg cargo on the boat then it will sink 1 cm. Alternatively, if you load 3814 lbs cargo on the boat it will sink 1 inch.

Sailing statistics

This section is statistical comparison with similar boats of the same category. The basis of the following statistical computations is our unique database with more than 26,000 different boat types and 350,000 data points.

What is L/B (Length Beam Ratio)?

The l/b ratio for CNB 66 is 3.74.

What is SA/D (Sail Area Displacement ratio)?

The SA/D for CNB 66 with ISO 8666 reference sail is 19.5, with a 135% genua the SA/D is 23.0.

Sorry, we do not have sufficient statistical information available for this boat to provide a significant reliable analysis.

Maintenance

When buying anti-fouling bottom paint, it's nice to know how much to buy. The surface of the wet bottom is about 117m 2 (1259 ft 2 ). Based on this, your favourite maritime shop can tell you the quantity you need.

Are your sails worn out? You might find your next sail here: Sails for Sale

If you need to renew parts of your running rig and is not quite sure of the dimensions, you may find the estimates computed below useful.

This section shown boat owner's changes, improvements, etc. Here you might find inspiration for your boat.

Do you have changes/improvements you would like to share? Upload a photo and describe what to look for.

We are always looking for new photos. If you can contribute with photos for CNB 66 it would be a great help.

If you have any comments to the review, improvement suggestions, or the like, feel free to contact us . Criticism helps us to improve.

This is a description for the first slide.

A beautiful Briand designed for performance family cruising

At 20 meters long, the CNB 66 is the ideal yacht. She is large enough to be free of space constraints. Moreover, she still is on a good scale for a family crew that will be able to sail it to its full potential. The CNB 66 boasts a tender garage and the four cabins with shower rooms. All of it is part of the design brief. However, not in any way impair the fluent and harmonious lines drawn by Philippe Briand.

Furthermore, the CNB 66 presents a massive saloon. It occupies the entire beam and communicates with the galley by means of a subtle interplay of levels. When standing, there is an unobstructed view of the sea thanks to the vast panoramic deckhouse. When seated, the eye alights on the horizon through the huge hull ports.

The CNB 66 flowing and well-proportioned lines conceal exceptional volume, exploited with all CNB’s expertise. In and out, elegance combines with simplicity through the maximum integration of equipment and fittings.

Read more here .

Virtual tour here.

5 Reasons to buy the CNB66

• Deck is organised to facilitate manoeuvre, relaxation, security of crew and access to the sea
• Modular furniture in the saloon offers flexibility to fit your need
• The self-tacking staysail helps the shorthanded crew when tacking
• The wide and practical transom is friendly user for the tender and ideal to go swimming
• Smart use of space throughout the boat offers comfort and lots of storage

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Designed as the largest sailing yacht that could be handled by a family crew

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About the yacht

1499000€ (Ex. VAT)

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Key Highlights

• Single-level cockpit
• Galley open on the saloon
• Wide and practical transom
• Simple and very pleasant navigation
• Saloon with a 360-degree view over the sea

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Redefines what is possible with a 20-metre yacht

CNB 66. Tailored charter management in Greece, Croatia, Italy, Spain, Caribbean and Thailand.

Description from Yard: “With her unique style, the CNB 66 redefines the concept of the large family yacht. The flowing and well-proportioned lines drawn by Philippe Briand conceal exceptional volume for an outstanding life on board. We put all our expertise to combine comfort and simplicity for sailing. Taking on the family resemblance, this 20-metre yacht reflects the values that make the reputation of CNB yachts on all the world’s oceans: quality, elegance and performance.”

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CNB 66 CNB Bordeaux | From EUR€ 17,000/wk

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CNB 66 CNB Bordeaux | From EUR€ 17,000 /wk

The 20.61m (67'61") sailing yacht CNB 66 was build in France at CNB shipyard to the design by famous Philippe Briand. Jean-Marc Piaton and Rafael Bonet created her stylish interiors. With a beam of 5.51m (18'07"), yacht CNB 66 provides accommodation for up to 6 guests in three cabins.

NOTABLE FEATURES: ~ Air-conditioning ~ Wi-fi ~ Bbq ~ Snorkelling gear and beach games

This family-friendly yacht was built with top-quality materials and features excellent performance.

The exterior living area has a convenient setup, which can be used as an alfresco dining area, and a sunbathing space in which the table is folded down to support sun pads.

Outdoors, there is a smart separation between the lounge and handle areas. There is a separate space for a 3.25m tender in the garage.

Available to access the water easily and enjoy snorkelling, the swim platform is located at the stern of the yacht.

CNB 66 Specifications

The salon has a modular table, perfect for dining, or serves as a coffee table when lowered down. The lounge area is transformable from a 3m sofa into separate seating, which can be moved to the dining table for everyone to sit down for a meal. The galley is very well ventilated and is placed next to the salon.

Yacht Charter Accommodation

Accommodation is offered across three cabins: the master suite, a double cabin and a twin.

Charter Amenities and Extras

We do have available further amenity, owner and price information for the 20.61 (67'61") yacht CNB 66, so please enquire for more information.

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CNB 66 Enquiry

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