A renowned architect
After the revival of the First range at the end of 2018 with the launch of four "small" sportboats, Bénéteau has taken a giant step forward with the launch of the First Yacht 53. Hence the use of the term "yacht". The First 27 has a hull length of 7.99 m, compared to 15.98 m for this modern tall ship with a sleek and flush design.
It is not only in size that Bénéteau is on a course. With a top-of-the-range positioning, the First Yacht 53 should have a higher level of finish and equipment. For the architect first, the Vendée called on Roberto Biscontini, more used to designing the racing boats for the America's Cup, on which he worked for 25 years, from his debut in 1989 with the design of Il Moro di Venezia to his collaboration with Team New Zealand, via Luna Rossa or BMW Oracle Racing.
Straight bow, recoil master, double rudders, 2.50 or 3 m keel, carbon mast (optional), balance under sail and weight distribution, position of the buoyancy centre... Nothing has been left to chance to provide maximum sensations at the helm, as the architect explains: "I have always sought performance on the boats I sail with and on the ones I build. First Yacht 53 me ressemble?!"
The fittings were also carefully chosen: North Sails for the sails, Harken for the fittings, Lorima for the mast and the Lemer foundry for the keel.
Top-of-the-range design
If it has been developed to be efficient, with many 3D models to find the best balance of weights and the best hull shape, the exterior and interior design has been just as well worked on. Because the Fisrt Yacht 53 is not a regatta boat - even if it should be powerful and provide good steering sensations under sail - but above all a hedonist's sailboat.
The Italian designer Lorenzo Argento - who worked on the design of four Wally in his early days - was in charge of the aesthetics and style. In the cockpit, the stern is reserved for navigation with two wheel steering and separately applied winches. The front accommodates two benches with two tables, which make it possible to free the central passage leading to the descent. In the back, there is a garage with an annex.
Inside, the layout of the square has been redesigned. Unlike the Oceanis Yacht range - which is more family oriented - the First Yacht range is aimed at epicurean owners, who will sail in small groups, as if they were on a dayboat. However, the interior fittings allow for a week's cruise on board.
"On these exceptional yachts, there are fewer owners on board, enjoying more lunches outside in the cockpit than around a large inner saloon table. To meet their expectations, we have changed the configuration: a smaller table and a relaxation area with a large sofa and a coffee table" lorenzo Argento explains.
There are two separate areas: a small kitchen and dining table on the port side and a sofa with a coffee table on the starboard side. Two versions of fittings are available: three cabins and two bathrooms with owner's cabin at the front and optionally three cabins and three bathrooms with skipper's cabin.
Other 3D views of First Yacht 53
The square
Kitchen area
Dining area
Living room area
Owner's cabin
