I came across a review for a Beneteau Sense 55... and the thing that struck me the most was the flush companionway door, level with the cockpit deck... Am I missing something there... doesn't seem like a great idea for a boat that might take a boarding wave.

Photo below is of a Sense 50... but what is there, about 2 inches of "bridge deck," if that?

There is a raised area further aft, of about 8 inches or so. And the cockpit aft is wide open... although I understand a gate can be closed across the stern. So coming in from the stern you do have to step up into the cockpit area where the wheels are.

Can someone tell me why this works?