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The newly commissioned 2015 Oceanis 55 (the 2nd built in North America) was an unmistakably strong presence on the docks of Liberty Landing Marina in Jersey City. Before even stepping foot onto the boat, the first thing I wrote on my notepad was "contemporary sophistication" due to its ability to appear both classic and modern. Then again, we should expect nothing less from Beneteau, which is the largest sailboat producer in the United States. Founded in 1884 in France, Beneteau began by manufacturing sailing trawlers (and later recreational boats) before building a U.S. factory in 1987. The 55-foot cruising yacht, designed for comfortable living at sea, is an outstanding example of the ingenuity of French Naval Architect Berret Racoupeau, a company that made its mark by designing the Beneteau First 35 in 1979. Many of Beneteau's sailing vessels arrive to the U.S. in pieces and are then transported by truck to Haverstraw Marina, where they are put together at a private work dock operated by Great Hudson Sailing. Great Hudson Sailing began as a sailing school in 1978, before quickly becoming one of the first Beneteau dealers in the United States by 1986. We were invited aboard by the company's President, Larry Troyano and his son, the General Manager, Andrew Troyano. We eagerly jumped on board after impatiently waiting in the slowly abating rain for the transom to be lowered. As we explored the boat, Larry VUE ON LIFESTYLE FA L L | W I N T E R 2 0 1 5 76

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