2021 Beneteau First Yacht 53

EXTERIOR DESIGN

The First Yacht 53 is a happy mix of classic and modern lines. With a straight slender bow providing plenty of forward space, and a 5-meter maximum beam further aft, she immediately stands out for her sturdy seaworthy looks. The cockpit has been studied in detail to ensure nothing can obstruct forward movement: maneuvering close-hauled from the twin helm stations with easy access to the side decks, space given over completely to relaxation near the companionway. With a flush deck, low coachroof and a sleek modern look, she has all the virtues of a thoroughbred. The First Yacht 53 marks a new era with a top quality mast and high-end deck gear and a powerful sail plan that is easily controlled by a shorthanded crew.

INTERIOR DESIGN

The First Yacht 53 matches new sailing requirements with a completely new interior housing a large sofa and coffee table and divided into two very distinct and practical spaces: a relaxation area and a meal space.

Molded wood has made a comeback in the interior of the First Yacht 53. This noble material with polished finishes contrasts with a modern almost minimalist décor of lacquered white bulkheads with a teak sole. There are lots of fiddles and handrails, as well as plenty of storage indoors, where three double cabins and two heads make up the accommodation. The major innovation in the interior has been separating the lounge/relaxation area, with a sofa and coffee table, and the galley space with a dinner table. The result is bright, well-ventilated and it communicates well with the exterior by an easy and intuitive companionway.

COCKPIT

The cockpit of the First Yacht 53 has been studied in detail to ensure everything is of the greatest ease: the twin helm stations make for free-flowing movement about the cockpit and access to the side decks is completely unimpeded. Near the companionway there is ample room to relax on the low-slung and cozy cockpit seats. With a flush deck, low coachroof and a sleek modern look, she has all the virtues of a thoroughbred. Behind the lifting transom, which converts to a swim platform, you can easily stow away a 2.40 m (8’) tender in the tender garage.

SENSATIONS AND THRILLS

To achieve maximum thrills at the helm, Beneteau focused on balancing weight and balance under sail when they designed the boat. For example, the center of buoyancy is aligned on the center of effort. Boasting a straight bow making her more spacious, as well as a maximum beam further aft, a 2.5 m or 3 m draught (with lead bulb), with twin rudders to control her highly responsive hull perfectly, the First Yacht 53 has the competitive advantage of a hull that clocks up miles quickly.

PERFORMANCE

Beneteau asked the best outfitters to provide their finest gear in terms of performance: North Sails for the sails, Harken for the deck gear, Lorima for the mast, and the Lemer foundry for the keel, all of them contributed to the recent Figaro BENETEAU 3 with foils.

With a powerful yet manageable sailplan for shorthanded crews, and some of the finest rigging equipment available today, the First Yacht 53 truly marks the beginning of a new era for luxury performance cruisers.

A HULL AND SAIL PLAN QUICK TO CLOCK UP MILES

The boat design focuses on balanced weight and balance under sail, to achieve maximum thrills at the helm.

Boasting a plumb bow, a 2.5 m or 3 m draught (with lead bulb), with twin rudders to control her highly responsive hull perfectly, the First Yacht 53 has the competitive advantage of a hull that clocks up miles quickly.

What they say

Play

“The new Beneteau First Yacht 53 offers a swanky approach to racing that will also seduce you with its creature comforts. Apparently, Beneteau was interested in making a real statement as it begins working to refresh its First line, and the new 53-footer certainly seemed to catch the attention of attendees at the Annapolis sailboat show last fall. At $1.1 million as tested, this luxury speedster should be on the shortlist of any performance-oriented sailor looking to bring a little hedonism to their racing.”

• Sail Magazine

“A freshening breeze, ­building from near calm to the midteens, brought perfect conditions for a morning sail on the new Beneteau First Yacht 53. With sails up, our speed over the ground effortlessly matched that of the light breeze, and when things got puffy out on Chesapeake Bay a bit later, well, we went soaring.”

• Cruising World

Specifications