Beneteau recently announced the creation of an all-new 53-footer that will be the flagship of the completely re-imagined First line of performance cruisers. The First brand has long been popular worldwide because the designs –36.7, 40.7, 47.7 among them—can be raced in one design fleets, can compete successfully in rated events under the various rating rules, have been successful in long offshore events such as the Newport-Bermuda Race and the designs also double as fun family cruisers.
Since the 1980s, when Beneteau partnered with German Frers, the First line has been the leader in what used to be called dual-purpose boats, or racer cruisers. In the past few years, Beneteau has had the First line has on a back burner as the company expanded its Oceanis and Yacht fleets. But, with the purchase last year of the Seascape company that builds smaller sport boats from 17 to 27 feet, the First line was rejuvenated.
Now, Beneteau has announced the launch of the all new Frist Yacht 53. The new boat was design by Roberto Biscontini and Lorenzo Argento who have extensive experience designing custom racing boats and America’s Cup boats. The new 52 has the sleek lines of a true thoroughbred, with a low cabin top, straight sheer, plumb bow, long bowsprit and broad, powerful transom. It comes with a carbon rig and can be setup with a full racing package that includes an iron-lead deep keel. The working sail area of the standard boat is a whopping 1,800 square feet.
The inside of the boat is open, simple and looks very comfortable for a racing crew or a family out cruising. The whole package truly expresses Beneteau’s new branding slogan: “Beneteau, the Avant Guard in Boating.”
The First Yacht 53 will be introduced at the Cannes (France) boat show in September 2019 and should make its American debut soon thereafter. We’ll keep you posted. Checkout the report published in Sail-World.