The Beneteau Cyclades 51.5 is a large cruising sailboat designed for comfort, simplicity, and performance, particularly aimed at the charter market and long-range family cruising. Produced between 2008 and 2010 by the renowned French boatbuilder Beneteau, it reflects a design philosophy centered on spacious living areas, ease of handling, and robust construction. With generous dimensions and practical layout, the Cyclades 51.5 remains a popular choice for those seeking a balance between sailing capability and onboard comfort.
Design and Construction
Designed by Berret-Racoupeau, the Cyclades 51.5 is built using fiberglass (FG) for strength, durability, and ease of maintenance. It features a fin keel with bulb and a spade rudder, which together provide good hydrodynamic efficiency and maneuverability while maintaining a moderate draft of 6.56 ft (2.00 m). The hull’s wide beam of 16.08 ft (4.90 m) contributes significantly to interior volume and initial stability. The overall length is 51.34 ft (15.65 m), with a length on deck (LOD) of 50.00 ft (15.24 m) and a length at waterline (LWL) of 43.24 ft (13.18 m). The displacement is 27,954 lb (12,680 kg), carrying 8,708 lb (3,950 kg) of iron ballast.
Performance
Rigged as a masthead sloop, the Cyclades 51.5 offers a sail area of 1,184 ft² (110 m²), delivering solid performance under sail. The calculated Sail Area to Displacement ratio (S.A./Displ.) of 20.65 indicates a relatively powerful rig for a cruising yacht, suitable for good light-air performance. The Displacement to Length ratio (D/L) is 154.36, suggesting a moderate displacement boat—responsive yet comfortable in a seaway. The hull speed is estimated at 8.81 knots, providing efficient passage-making for long coastal or offshore legs.
Comfort and Accommodations
Designed with group cruising in mind, the Cyclades 51.5 features expansive living spaces, including a wide saloon, multiple heads, and flexible cabin configurations. The beam carried well aft creates a voluminous cockpit and spacious aft cabins. With 259 gallons (980 L) of freshwater capacity and a Yanmar diesel engine rated at 110 HP, the boat is well-equipped for extended cruising autonomy. The interior is typically laid out with up to five cabins and five heads, depending on version, making it ideal for charter fleets or large family use.
Safety and Practicality
The Comfort Ratio of 23.42 places the Cyclades 51.5 in the range of stable and comfortable cruising yachts, and a Capsize Screening Formula value of 2.12 suggests good offshore capability. The Pounds per Inch Immersion figure of 2,484.38 means the boat handles additional weight well—important for provisioning and gear. Deck hardware and systems are designed for simplicity, emphasizing practicality over complexity, and the wide decks and twin wheels enhance movement and visibility while under way or at anchor.
Conclusion
The Beneteau Cyclades 51.5 combines practical sailing performance with generous living space and straightforward systems, making it an ideal platform for charter operations or private owners who value comfort and simplicity. While it leans toward functionality over finesse, especially in finish quality compared to premium yachts, its robust design and user-friendly layout continue to make it a solid choice in the large cruiser category.
Specifications
| Hull Type | Fin w/bulb & spade rudder |
|---|---|
| Rigging Type | Fractional Sloop |
| LOA | 51.25 ft / 15.62 m |
| LWL | 49.75 ft / 15.16 m |
| S.A. (reported) | 1,184.00 ft² / 110.00 m² |
| Beam | 16.00 ft / 4.88 m |
| Displacement | 30,142.00 lb / 13,672 kg |
| Max Draft | 6.58 ft / 2.01 m |
| Construction | FG |
| First Built | 2005 |
| Builder | Beneteau |
| Designer | Berret/Racoupeau |
Auxiliary Power/Tanks (original equipment) | |
| Make | Yanmar |
| Model | 4JH3-HTE |
| Type | Diesel |
| HP | 96 |
| Fuel | 116 gals / 439 L |
Accommodations | |
| Water | 246 gals / 931 L |
Sailboat Calculations | |
| S.A. / Displ. | 19.64 |
| Disp. / Len | 109.28 |
| Comfort Ratio | 23.12 |
| Capsize Screening Formula | 2.06 |
| S# | 4.21 |
| Hull Speed | 9.45 kn |
| Pounds/Inch Immersion | 2,844.20 pounds/inch |
Rig and Sail Particulars | |
| I | 59.32 ft / 18.08 m |
| J | 17.88 ft / 5.45 m |
| P | 55.12 ft / 16.80 m |
| E | 20.34 ft / 6.20 m |
| S.A. Fore | 530.32 ft² / 49.27 m² |
| S.A. Main | 560.57 ft² / 52.08 m² |
| S.A. Total (100% Fore + Main Triangles) | 1,090.89 ft² / 101.35 m² |
| S.A./Displ. (calc.) | 18.10 |
| Est. Forestay Length | 61.96 ft / 18.89 m |
Disclaimer
The considerations and analyses presented regarding the Beneteau Cyclades 51.5 sailboat are of a general nature and are based on the available information and technical data on this model, interpreted to the best of our knowledge and understanding. It is important to note that the specific characteristics of any particular sailboat may vary due to custom modifications, maintenance performed, and conditions of use over time, among other factors. Therefore, the details and performance of the boat you are considering may not exactly match the information provided here.
We strongly recommend that, before making any purchasing or usage decisions, you conduct a detailed inspection of the boat in question, consult with nautical professionals and other sailors, and consider your personal needs, expectations, and capabilities. Each sailboat may have unique particularities that affect its performance and suitability for different types of sailing and sailors.
The information contained in this analysis should be used as a general guide and not as a definitive reference. Professional evaluation and personal inspection are essential to ensure that the boat meets your specific requirements and expectations.