Beneteau’s new-generation First Yacht 53 officially teased
Some serious racing pedigree should get you to the anchorage first, and in comfortFrench luxury yacht maker Beneteau has teased the first official images of the first of its First Yacht range, simply called the 53.
The bigger boat’s reveal follows the launch of the smaller, seventh-generation First range, comprising a line-up of stripped out racing hulls ranging in size from 14-28 feet and rolling out of Beneteau’s Slovenian subsidiary, Seascape.
The sleek, new lines of the First Yacht 53, the first new 52-footer from the brand since 1992 and due for a global launch in the second half of this year, tapped the talents of the world’s best boat designers via a targeted competition.
>> Beneteau launches next line of First performance yachts
“Among the four fiercely contended projects, a new duo stood out,” Beneteau sailing yacht product coordinator said. “Roberto Biscontini and Lorenzo Argento won us over with their ability to develop features from the very high-performing yachts that they usually design, while remaining loyal to the First legacy, which has marked the history of sailing.
“They also took into account the studies we carried out beforehand with our keenest customers wishing to move upmarket.”
Balanced hull
The design gives what Beneteau claims is “a perfectly balanced hull under sail with extremely promising performance”. The yacht maker said more than 20 drawings and simulations helped to accurately position the centre of buoyancy.
The deck and interior carry over the minimalist features sweeping the yachting world, including a low coachroof, a broad, open stern, and a clean cockpit.
The yacht houses a tender garage and uses lightweight carbon-fibre riggin to help reduce the centre of gravity. Inside, there’s premium space with a full lounge area, teak mouldings and other “top quality materials”, Beneteau said.
The First Yacht 53 will have its official launch at September’s 2019 Cannes Yachting Festival in France.
Specifications
Model: First Yacht 53
Length overall: 17.14m
Hull length: 15.97m
Beam: 4.99m
Displacement: 15,500kg
Draft: 2.50m (standard, T-keel cast iron), 3.00m (performance, T-keel cast iron and lead)
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