Sunseeker Camargue 55, one of the most popular yachts in its line

The Performance Motoryachts are the cream of Sunseeker offerings, and the Camargue 55 is one of the most popular yachts in this line. Intended as a no-compromise express cruiser with an equal balance between cockpit space for lounging and entertaining and luxurious interior accommodations for owner and guests, the Camargue feels right at home on American waters. Low, lean and stylish, the Camargue’s foredeck seems long enough to launch carrier aircraft, yet there’s ample cockpit space for a dozen or more of your closest friends.

The wide integral swim platform makes boarding easy, with a teak stairway leading to the cockpit level via a walkway to port that leaves a spacious sun pad for soaking up rays. As the entryway widens out, a deeply upholstered U-shaped lounge has seating for eight around a folding table, providing a gathering spot for cocktails or al fresco dining. Opposite is a built-in wet bar with sink, bottle locker, and refrigerator/ice maker. Just forward is the helm area, with a seat to port and a wide bench seat for the helmsman and companion that is heavily bolstered and hinged to permit both standing and sitting. Hydraulic power steering is standard, and the burled walnut facia on the dash holds a full array of analog engine gauges. Going forward, the side decks are fully protected by the welded stainless-steel rails and the sturdy windshield serves as a hand rail. The electric anchor windlass has cockpit controls for both up and down, and a large locker forward has space for docklines and other deck gear.

It’s obvious that the generous seating and lounge areas of the cockpit are aimed at an open air lifestyle, but Sunseeker includes the radar arch with a full suntop and sidecurtains for those blustery afternoons on the English Channel. The entire transom hinges up on electric lifts to reveal a seagoing garage that can hold a tender or jetbike which is launched and retrieved with a powerful electric winch. In addition, a hidden swim ladder leads down from the stairway and can be converted to a passerelle plank for stern-to boarding. The swim platform also has a hot-and-cold shower, and there’s room in the garage for a windlass to simplify Med mooring.

Step below on the Camargue 55, and you’re in another world of mirror-finished woods, soft leathers, and graceful curves. To starboard is an S-shaped sofa with soft suede upholstery, and a fold-out dining table that can seat six easily. The galley area to port curves to match the sofa and, when not in use, all the galley equipment is concealed under or behind maple panels. The deep sink has folding faucets to tuck under a counter panel, and the two-burner ceramic cooktop has another covering panel. The microwave oven and grill are in eye-level cabinets and even the under-counter double refrigerator/freezer have maple faces. The resulting galley is unobtrusive when entertaining, and fully functional when needed.

The master stateroom is forward, with a centerline oval double berth with large storage drawers and bins underneath, cedar-lined hanging locker, and settee. The private head compartment is of molded fiberglass with maple trim, and includes an electric toilet and separate shower stall with a curved door that rotates into place. Aft, a pair of guest staterooms mirror each other with twin single berths, full headroom, full-height hanging lockers and underberth drawers.

Construction is conventional and well-proven, with handlaid fiberglass, woven roving and unidirectional fabrics for strength. A balsa core is used in the topsides for added panel strength, and Sunseeker uses isophthalic gelcoat and resins backed up by orthophthalic resins. A bonded fiberglass and foam girder system stiffens the hull as well as carries the loads from the engines and structural molds, and an anti-blister treatment protects the hull before the bottom paint is applied.

While prop pockets can sometimes affect the steering, the rudders on the Sunseeker Camargue 55 give away Sunseeker’s performance orientation, with high-performance shapes and transom mounting for maximum control. Four-bladed bronze props are standard, as are the stainless-steel shafts and bronze P-brackets.

SEA TRIAL: Unlike many Euro-styled designs that look fast at dockside and then turn out to be tepid performers offshore, the Sunseeker Camargue 55 has more than enough punch to keep you satisfied. Our test boat, with the Detroit 8V92 DDEC II engines (760 hp. each), topped out at 37 knots, which is impressive when you consider we were pushing a 20 ton boat with an additional ton and a half of fuel, full cruising gear and six people aboard. At a comfortable 1900 rpm cruising speed, our 55 was still doing nearly 30 knots (29.5, actually) which will not only get you to Mackinac Island or Bimini or St. Tropez quickly, but will keep those diesels running happily for thousands of hours. A variety of power options are available, including MAN and MTU diesels, but the Detroit 8V92 has been the most popular package for the 55.

At 30+ knots, the Sunseeker Camargue 55 flattens out even lumpy seas into a mild rocking horse motion that allows your landlubber guests to walk around the cockpit, set their drinks down and, best of all, not turn green. Handling is what you’d expect from 20 tons of inertia: she rolls leisurely into turns and carves an immense white swath as she banks gracefully around. Picture the torpedo runs of PT-109, and you’ll have an idea of the majestic feel of the Camargue.

The standard equipment list for the 55 includes the entertainment center with television, VCR and stereo/CD player,full fire extinguisher system, windlass, cockpit carpeting, shore fresh water, and 10.8 kW generator.

Source: “Boats.com“.