beneteau first yacht 53 review

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Boat Review: Beneteau First Yacht 53

• By Mark Pillsbury
• Updated: February 20, 2020

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.

Standing atop an angled fold-up helmsmen perch at the starboard wheel, with the lee rail close to buried and the windward rudder completely out of the water, I had the otherworldly feeling of flying across the water, and it was absolutely a thrill. Think high-end sports car winding through the gears on a twisting mountain road, and, well, you get the idea: Power on and knuckles white, but it was a ride you’d not want to miss.

Beneteau introduced the First range in 1977, with racing sailors in mind. Most recently, the French builder refreshed the line with several smaller, sporty models it acquired when it bought Seascape Yachts. The 53, though, is a whole new concept entirely. Luxury ­performance is how it’s put in the marketing material, and, in all honesty, that’s a pretty apt description.

Walking the docks at the US Sailboat Show in Annapolis, Maryland, this past fall, the First 53’s plumb bow, slight reverse sheer, dark metallic hull, and broad deck and coach roof all covered in teak made it instantly stand out from the sea of white production cruisers. Even tied up, the boat looked ready to rip.

The First’s performance potential comes thanks to Biscontini Yacht Design and Roberto Biscontini, who earned his drawing creds over the course of two decades of America’s Cup campaigns. And the luxury? Well, Beneteau turned to Lorenzo Argento for deck and interior styling. Argento has been involved with a number of high-end projects, including Wally Yachts. Together, the pair created a vessel that’s easy to look at and riveting to sail.

A quick peak at the 53’s ­performance ratios, as well as a few other numbers, begins to tell the story. Its displacement-length ratio is a very sporty 118 (a fast-cruising X-Yacht clocks in at 161), while its sail area-displacement is a whopping 27.1—right on par with an all-out racer such as the Jeanneau Sunfast 3300’s SA/D of 27.6. And that’s for the standard First 53, which comes with an 8-foot-2-inch cast-iron T-keel and 85-foot aluminum mast. You can up the muscle power further by ordering the boat with a carbon-fiber rig that’s a full meter taller, and a 9-foot-10-inch performance T-keel with a lead bulb down deep, where it counts. Owners can choose sails of their liking, but Beneteau offers the 53 with a set from North Sails that includes North Panel Laminate main, 105 percent genoa and a code zero, so right out of the box, the boat’s regatta-ready.

On deck, the layout is at once simple, elegant and purposeful. All lines, including the double-ended mainsheet, run under panels back to twin helms, where controls for the electric below-deck jib furler, fold-down bow thruster, swim platform, house- and ­navigation-lighting systems, and matching sets of engine controls are mounted on pedestals, along with B&G plotters and instrument displays. Just forward of each wheel, a pair of Harken Performa electric winches sit adjacent to banks of line clutches.

The open transom is ­enclosed by lifelines, with a sturdy handhold on the centerline and solid stanchions and rails that curve around each quarter. With the boat heeling, these provide places for the crew to brace themselves if standing, or act as handholds when navigating the boat’s 16-plus-foot beam—a formidable amount of open space between steering stations.

Forward of the wheels, long cockpit seats await the crew. Each has its own teak table that does double duty as a sturdy place to grab if moving about. Beneteau has introduced a neat feature on this boat: The cockpit coamings drop to pass under the winches and past the wheels, giving crewmembers a place to sit when trimming, and the skipper a seat while steering. They don’t run all the way to the transom, though, which allows crew to pass behind either wheel and take an easy step up onto the deck when going forward. It was a detail I liked quite a bit, along with the 25-inch lifelines set atop 3-inch bulwarks all around.

Underway, I found that I had just about everything to maneuver the boat at my fingertips. As I said at the outset, conditions were light at first. In just under 5 knots of wind, we cranked along closehauled at nearly 6 knots. Later, with the breeze up to 15 or a little higher, the speedo hovered in the 8-to-9-knot range, and I saw 10 and a little more when we cracked off to a reach and unrolled the code zero.

My Beneteau-dealer shipmates suggested reefing the main at 13 to 14 knots. We didn’t, of course, and though we were overpowered a bit, judging by the angle of heel, the boat seemed to like it just fine, and so did we. And when it came time to tack, feathering up even a little quickly tamed things. There is no traveler available for the 53. Instead, the mainsheet runs through a centerline block mounted just forward of the wheels, the theory being that anyone paying in the $1.2 million ballpark for this size boat likely will spend more time cruising than racing.

Down below, Argento and Team Beneteau came up a refreshingly new approach to accommodations. White lacquered bulkheads and panels, coupled with a teak sole and molded wood furniture, kept the interior quite bright. In place of the traditional large dining area found in most boats these days, a well-equipped galley, complete with a home-size fridge, and a small dinette (expandable to seat six or so) took up the port side of the saloon. Opposite was a large L-shaped couch and small table for entertaining. Fiddles on counters and handholds were plentiful. And throughout the boat, lights and other electrical equipment were controlled by Beneteau’s proprietary Ship Control electrical system, which can be accessed using a smartphone.

The owner’s cabin was ­forward, and featured a split head and shower. Two more cabins were aft, with a shared head to starboard at the foot of the companionway. A three-cabin, three-head layout is also available, but it would cost you space in the galley.

The First 53’s hull and deck are cored and infused, with solid glass wherever hardware is mounted. An inner hull liner takes up loads from the mast, chainplates and engine. An 80 hp Yanmar diesel and saildrive come standard; the boat we tested was powered by the optional 110 Yanmar with shaft drive. Beneteau offers several other electronics and equipment packages as well.

If a boat is to be judged by how well it meets its design brief, the First Yacht 53 is already a winner. And did I mention? The sailing was out of this world.

Mark Pillsbury is CW ’s editor.

SPECIFICATIONS – Beneteau First Yacht 53

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Beneteau First Yacht 53 Review: Luxury & Performance

With their new model First Yacht 53, Beneteau have opened a new chapter in performance cruisers, a segment they have ruled for decades. As you can find out from our review, new First 53 presents brand vision of performance as something that needn’t exclude luxury and style

At first, before this review we thought the new Beneteau First Yacht 53 thrilled us so much because of a simple personal preference for sailing yachts – especially properly designed sailing yachts . But even after taking a step back to assess the new model more objectively, our opinion held, for several reasons. Firstly, the 53 is the embodiment of all the qualities this extremely popular and enduring series stands for – launched back in 1977.

Beneteau sailing yachts

She is also the biggest First in history, designed by a brand newcomer, has a new hull concept and is the first model to belong to a new category, dubbed Luxury Performance by Beneteau. Finally, new Beneteau First Yacht 53 is available for charter in Croatia, in Split, with Beneteau dealer Ultra Sailing.

Beneteau First Yacht 53 performance

The very first thing that impresses us on this Beneteau First Yacht 53 review are her performance-related features. Although built within same dimension range as models of the beloved TP 52 class, the new First is not a single-minded racer like her professional ‘cousins’, but a well balanced sailing yacht with two rudders and a multi-use sail plan that on its own sets her above the usual available-for-charter crowd. The unit we tested was equipped with an aluminum mast, and a 2.5-meter deep keel, as well as a set of North Sails XI Tour sails.

Jeanneau Yachts 60

In addition to her 5m wide aft, the model has a new concept hull, ideal for moderate speed. Beneteau opted for a soft chine, allowing Beneteau First Yacht 53 performance to glide effortlessly with almost no wind, and reach interesting speed in record time should the wind speed change.

During our test, 10 knots of mistral allowed us to pass seven knots of speed easily, while 12 knots pushed us over 8 knots. Sailing downwind using a gennaker pushed us to 10 knots of speed and spurred some jealousy of those who’ll get to push Beneteau First 53 speed to her limits during a proper race. We couldn’t help but noticing how lively the model is, how promptly she reacts to even smallest changes in the speed of the wind – sing of a truly well designed yacht considering her weight is in excess of 15 tonnes.

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We must also mention the Code 0 sail, the additional front sail that helps a lot when the wind decides not to, and pass on the observation of the tested unit’s owner, who spent the entire summer sailing around: 18 knots of wind are enough to force you into the first reef. Still, the owner acknowledged one summer was not enough to prove his sailing skill and is looking forward to an interesting sailing fall.

Performance sailing yacht

Attractive on the outside, this Beneteau First Yacht 53 review confirmed it is equally appealing on the inside, which, in our opinion, is another page in that new chapter Beneteau opens with this model

Beneteau First Yacht 53 isn’t equipped with mainsail traveler, but does have electric winches for trimming the main. Another couple of details we have noticed missing are an electrically powered hydraulic pump for the backstay, as well as a mainsail vang, but we’re aware this is a perfectly well equipped sailing yacht of her size and type, not a flight of fancy in the style of Perini Navi. Even without these things, First Yacht 53 is pure joy for everyone who really enjoys sailing.

Beneteau First 53 layout

With sails down, new Beneteau First 53 Yacht layout is as cozy and comfortable as any yacht her size. Her open and clean deck is covered in teak, all ropes are hidden under the cockpit roof and the deck is ideal for hanging around or even doing yoga. The cockpit is impressive, with two long benches and teak tables that can change size and shape as needed. The two steering wheel consoles are positioned wide apart and allow easy access to the aft, where you’ll find a truly magnificent aft platform fit for a motor yacht, accessible by teak stairs and descending all the way to the sea.

The cockpit and the aft platform of First 53 Yacht are so well designed they belong in the top ten in her class, and designer Lorenzo Argento deserves a special mention if only for that detail. That space is easily protected by a spray-hood and a bimini in navigation, or a big soft top at anchor.

Beneteau First Yacht 53 interior

The final surprise awaits below deck, Beneteau First 53 Yacht interior is pleasant as all the previous ones, with noticeable touch of luxury. The French giant Beneteau had no qualms about hiring Italian designers for the interior, and opted for a studio best known for working with one of their Italian competitors, best known for exclusive and expensive sailing yachts. Gentle, soft forms of the salon seem to glide and melt one into another, inviting the eye to roam from the moment you step in.

Plenty of natural light that seeps through two side panels – that also allow uninterrupted view of the sea in navigation – and combination of light and dark details give the interior a breath of exclusivity, while the wood in the interior in its entirety is molded as if it belonged on a luxury motor yacht. Attractive on the outside, this Beneteau First Yacht 53 review confirmed it is equally appealing on the inside, which, in our opinion, is another page in that new chapter Beneteau opens with this model.

Beneteau opted for only one version of the model, with a three-cabin layout, and the only option available is the addition of a third head. The First Yacht 53 we had on test indeed had three heads, as well as an extensive extra equipment package – including a wine cooler, air conditioning systems in all cabins, a dishwasher and a microwave oven, a 9 kW generator and a full set of B&G navigation instruments. In the bow, the tested unit had the skipper’s cabin, and 1.5 meter further aft from the forestay, a storage unit for the jib.

Modern, fast, sporty and comfortable is a new First Yacht 53. First 53 will take your breath away with its striking and racy shape, sleek design and plenty of space underline the comfort onboard.

Croatian fans of either Beneteau or sailing interested in purchasing a First Yacht 53 can try her for themselves, no matter whether they are planning to take her for a fast ride, or simply relax and enjoy her unusually cozy interior and exterior, a bonus to all her excellent performance capabilities. Beneteau First Yacht 53 price will also be a good reason to take a closer look at this sailing beauty.

Text Darko Šupuk

Photos Mario Jelavić & Beneteau

Video Yachts Croatia

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Published on February 20th, 2020 | by Editor

Boat Review: Beneteau First Yacht 53

Published on February 20th, 2020 by Editor -->

This isn’t your parent’s Beneteau as Mark Pillsbury of Cruising World reviews their new Beneteau First Yacht 53.

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.

Standing atop an angled fold-up helmsmen perch at the starboard wheel, with the lee rail close to buried and the windward rudder completely out of the water, I had the otherworldly feeling of flying across the water, and it was absolutely a thrill. Think high-end sports car winding through the gears on a twisting mountain road, and, well, you get the idea: Power on and knuckles white, but it was a ride you’d not want to miss.

Beneteau introduced the First range in 1977, with racing sailors in mind. Most recently, the French builder refreshed the line with several smaller, sporty models it acquired when it bought Seascape Yachts. The 53, though, is a whole new concept entirely. Luxury ­performance is how it’s put in the marketing material, and, in all honesty, that’s a pretty apt description.

Walking the docks at the US Sailboat Show in Annapolis, Maryland, this past fall, the First 53’s plumb bow, slight reverse sheer, dark metallic hull, and broad deck and coach roof all covered in teak made it instantly stand out from the sea of white production cruisers. Even tied up, the boat looked ready to rip.

The First’s performance potential comes thanks to Biscontini Yacht Design and Roberto Biscontini, who earned his drawing creds over the course of two decades of America’s Cup campaigns. And the luxury? Well, Beneteau turned to Lorenzo Argento for deck and interior styling. Argento has been involved with a number of high-end projects, including Wally Yachts. Together, the pair created a vessel that’s easy to look at and riveting to sail. Full report .

Tags: Beneteau First Yacht 53 , Boat Review , Cruising World , Mark Pillsbury

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Beneteau First Yacht 53

From eur 507,300.

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Boat Review: Beneteau First Yacht 53

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Beneteau First Yacht 53: Secrets and… Pictures

Benefiting from the “First” legacy of 40 years at sea, the new  Beneteau  First Yacht 53 has been revealed at the 2019 Cannes Yachting Festival. The First Yacht 53 is a high-end sailing yacht, making her comfortable and easy to move around. Two stars aligned for her creation: Roberto Biscontini of America’s Cup fame for the hull design and Lorenzo Argento for the interior and exterior design .

Biscontini on the hull

Roberto Biscontini ’s thirty years of America’s Cup experience has given the First Yacht 53 a balanced hull under sail with extremely promising performance. Over twenty drawings and simulations were used to position the center of buoyancy accurately, to achieve the desired result.

Featuring a full plumb bow and a maximum beam further aft, the twin rudders give the correct feedback to control this highly responsive hull. The 2.5 m or 3 m draughts (with lead bulb), as well as an optional carbon mast, gives the First Yacht 53 the competitive advantage to clock up miles quickly.

“ To achieve maximum thrills at the helm, we focused on balancing weight and balance under sail when we designed the boat. We worked hard to optimize the position of the  center   of buoyancy in relation to the center of effort, guaranteeing a lively yacht under sail, and responding quickly to the helm. We asked the best outfitters to provide their top-performing products: North Sails for the sails, Harken for the deck gear, Lorima for the mast, and Lemer for the keel. They were all involved in the recent design of the Figaro BENETEAU 3 with foils “, declared Roberto Biscontini.

Beneteau First Yacht 53: Sailing

Photos Gilles Martin-Raget

The deck plan

Deck circulation, from the helm station to the foredeck, has been improved considerably on the First Yacht 53, by Lorenzo Argento , one of the founders of “Modern Yachting”. 

Winches nearby the steering stations can be easily be operated by crew members wishing to get involved in trimming the sails. Movement is wonderfully safe on this flush deck fitted with handrails and coamings. All these details make the First Yacht 53 a seaworthy boat at ease on the high seas and comfortable on a mooring. What is more, once the anchor is cast, two people can easily take out the 2.4 m (8’) tender stored longitudinally in a tender garage.

“ There is no need to step over anything or to obstruct a crew member. Everything flows, with the cockpit divided into two distinct sections: the helm and maneuver, and a relaxation area. There is just one watchword for this First Yacht 53: “intuitive” , stresses Lorenzo Argento, who is a sailor himself.

Beneteau First Yacht 53: At Anchor

The hull is built by the French yard using the infusion process for optimal control of the boat’s weight and for its excellent mechanical properties. The hull structural inner hull liner is infused, then bonded and laminated in areas subject to high e stress, such as the chainplates and the keel.

In addition to this technique, it makes use of a concept that is mainly used on superyachts up until now, and this is an aluminum sole to which interior fittings are fixed. The overall structure and the lowering and centering of weight have been considerably optimized to improve stiffness and performance.

Interior layout

“ On a beautiful yacht such as this, few owners dine inside. Many of them prefer to lunch outside in the cockpit instead of sitting around a large saloon table indoors. We have changed the layout to meet their expectations, giving it a smaller table and relaxation area with a large sofa and a coffee table. I really love this sofa as I spent a lot of time working on it! ” says Lorenzo Argento.

The interior of the First Yacht 53 comes with three cabins and two heads, including a forward-owner cabin. The other option is a layout with three cabins and three heads and a skipper’s cabin is also on offer.

Photos Guido Barbagelata

Beneteau First Yacht 53 Review

A high-end sailing yacht. Two stars aligned for her creation: Roberto Biscontini for hull design and Lorenzo Argento for interior and exterior design

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Beneteau First 36 review: Is this the best First yacht in years?

• Toby Hodges
• March 14, 2023

Is the Beneteau First back to its iconic best with the new lightweight, sporty cruiser-racer for all levels of sailors, the Beneteau First 36?

Product Overview

Price as reviewed:.

You might not appreciate it at first glance, but this could well be the best performance production yacht we’ll see for some time. This realisation creeps up on you slowly, and is further confirmed the more time you spend aboard the new Beneteau First 36.

I’m far from alone in thinking this and the Beneteau First 36 won the highly competitive performance category in this year’s European Yacht of the Year competition – and with unanimous votes from the 12-strong jury.

The Beneteau First 36 is neither brash nor sexy. Rather, it’s modest, simple even, but, as you soon discover, ergonomically brilliant. It’s not perfect of course – a comparatively small and fiddly heads compartment ensures that – but it is a superb marriage of design, engineering and industrial nous. All of which begs the question, is this finally a return to the dual purpose cruiser-racer roots of the First?

First and foremost

What’s in a name? A lot. More than 25,000 yachts in over 70 different model formats have launched bearing the First branding over the last 45 years. These boats gained a reputation for offering cruising comfort combined with race-winning potential, all at an acceptable price point. That hasn’t really been the focus for many years – until now perhaps.

This Beneteau First 36 was conceived initially in 2018 by Seascape, the sportsboat specialists which Groupe Beneteau bought and rebranded the year before. It became a major collaboration between the brands, their designers and engineers. This is the Slovenian yard’s first new Beneteau, tasked with reviving that dual purpose ethos of First and designed to bridge the gap between its sportsboats and the larger, more luxurious French-built Beneteau First 44 and Beneteau First 53 .

The First 36 is arguably the only mainstream production cruising yacht that can plane in moderate winds. Twin rudders allow you to push but remain in control. Photo: Beneteau First/Ana Šutej

Seascape founders and mini Transat sailors, Andraz Mihelin and Kristian Hajnšek, have collaborated with Sam Manuard on all their designs to date. The racing scene has since caught up and Manuard is now the in-demand Class 40 and IMOCA 60 designer.

Mihelin defines their creation concisely: “It’s designed with one purpose: to motivate people to sail more.” That’s quite the task! Yet since I first sailed with Mihelin on their debut Seascape 18 in 2009, we have seen and frequently discussed how sailing has changed. The desire for space and comfort has driven a burgeoning multihull market, while the planing monohull market has been left largely to a few skilled niche yards such as Pogo and JPK.

Get people sailing

Typically, when you crave the conditions to really send a yacht, you get no such luck. I had two trials out of La Rochelle, where we spent the majority of the time in single figure windspeeds. That said, there was plenty of opportunity to see just how easily driven – and easy to drive – this design is, and to learn more about how it achieves that from the designers and builders who joined us on board.

Simple but really neat control lines led to hand. Photo: EYOTY/Ludovic Fruchaud

The light breezes dictated that our preferred option was to reach whenever possible with a big (140m2) blue gennaker, where we could induce some heel and make average speeds of 8-8.5 knots. The Beneteau First 36 is designed to hit double figures in around 14 knots wind and we noted how it starts planing in the high 8-knot boatspeeds in around 12 knots wind.

It also has the stability and control to keep plenty of sail up when speed reaching. A couple of my fellow European Yacht of the Year jury members did get to sail it in 20 knots and recorded figures of 10-13.5 knots under Code 0 at 90° and up to 14.5 knots under kite at 120°. That’s rapid for an 11m monohull.

The Beneteau First 36 is also quick upwind, even in the light stuff, where we typically made around 7 knots in these conditions, although it’s not one for pointing too high – start to pinch (less than 45° true) and you quickly sacrifice half a knot.

The sporty feel on the helm and how it moves on the water is the real take away. It’s a light boat with plenty of rocker and is responsive to longitudinal weight distribution, so crew weight distribution will be important when racing. Nevertheless, on the second day in slightly lighter breezes and with eight people aboard, we maintained a consistent 7.5 knots, occasionally touching 8 knots with the gennaker (with little attention to crew weight positioning!).

Manuard’s powerful hull shape uses reverse sheer for a low look. Photo: EYOTY/Ludovic Fruchaud

It’s the ease of that speed that stood out. For a 36ft boat to be averaging high rather than mid single figures, is the difference between sporty and displacement sailing. That translates to a significant increase in fun factor too. The First has a very high sail area to displacement ratio and although it’s technically a planing/high performance boat, it doesn’t look like one whether on or below decks.

How do they do that?

The mastery lies in the engineering and build. The Seascape team has produced an impressively light standard boat, a fully cored, vacuum infused hull and deck with sandwich bulkheads. Everything is structural with no needless weight. It’s closer to specialist race boat building than the more industrial methods its parent company specialises in, yet without the expensive exotic materials. The wide but short foam cored swim platform weighs just 8kg for example, and the overall light displacement is under 4.8 tonnes.

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“There’s no silver bullet here, it’s lots of small things,” Mihelin comments. All scantlings were optimised by Kiwi specialists Pure Design and Engineering and adapted by Manuard and Hajnšek to within labour cost targets.

The ease with which you can maintain good speeds on the water is one thing, but then there’s the ease of sailing the boat. As the boat’s interior designer Lorenzo Argento proved, you can spend long periods reaching with no hands on the wheel as it tracks along effortlessly. He is so impressed he has bought a Beneteau First 36 for his 60th Birthday.

The First 36 is a great deal of fun to sail. Photo: EYOTY/Ludovic Fruchaud

In fact, there was very little pressure increase in helm on all angles, whether sailing upwind under jib at 7 knots, or beam reaching with the code 0 at 8.5 knots. “Sam’s brief was that we don’t want a boat that’s hard to sail,” says Mihelin.

The Jefa steering links to high aspect rudders on stainless steel stocks. Were twin rudders really needed on this, as it’s not an overly beamy shape? A well mannered boat is part of the core brief, Manuard replies, adding that with this type of hull shape even pros would struggle to control it with a single rudder when pressed.

Manuard has found fame with his scow bow shapes so I was also curious if he’d considered that approach here. “We thought it out of the scope of the boat – it’s not an extreme racer,” he explains. “The scow comes with negatives, the slamming is really difficult to bear… the biggest point of this boat is that it suits a lot of people.”

Warmth of wood. The compact galley has adequate stowage, particularly in the raised lockers and bin outboard of the sink. Photo: Branko Ceak

The designer used reverse sheer as a styling and space trick, to keep the bow and stern comparatively low (the latter to avoid a bulky appearance), yet maintain reasonable coachroof height for access. The deck design is also deliberately simple. “It’s one of the reasons we threw out a tiller system,” says Mihelin, explaining that the Beneteau Group has a lot of customer and user data, and knew that 90% of 37.7s were sold with wheels.Nevertheless, a tiller is an option many racing and short-handed sailors would love to have on this boat.

Keep it simple

The clean, working cockpit transforms from cruising to racing mode by removing the aft sets of cockpit benches and table, leaving just the short forward benches. This not only jettisons some weight but frees up key space to work the sheets, particularly the primary winches, where there is then space enough to stand and grind.

The navstation is comfortable and a good size, although you lose seated headroom outboard, and the saloon is generous and comfy. Photo: Branko Ceak

A prime benefit of creating a lightweight shell is that you can take weight out of the appendages too. Here a 1.5 tonne cast iron keel and unfussy Z-Spars aluminium rig comes as standard, while a square top main was rejected because it adds weight to the mast and the additional complication of runners.

All running rigging is left exposed, led aft to a bank of six clutches each side of the companionway. The jib sheets are led through low friction rings, controlled via in- and outhaul purchase systems each side, to give full cockpit control of jib sheet leads and angles with minimal weight. Tail bags help keep the cockpit and companionway area tidy and the six-winch layout is designed to allow cross-sheeting of all sheets to the windward side.

There’s a slot in front of the wheels to work the mainsheet winches, and without the aft benches, more space to sit and trim the main or jib. The traveller controls and backstay purchase are led neatly to camcleats here too, within reach of trimmer or helm.

The stanchions are through-bolted with supports for hiking crew, while an offshore hatch on the foredeck provides bracing if changing headsails. On deck stowage is in a quarter locker and one large main aft locker, from where the steering gear is accessed.

simple, no frills forward cabin has 6ft headroom up to the berth, a single locker and raised shelving. Photo: Branko Ceak

Lightweight performance yachts are typically stripped or have a very minimalist feel, an impression you certainly don’t get here. The Beneteau/Seascape team has been clever in maintaining a feeling of warmth and a certain level of cruising comfort needed for a dual-purpose boat.

The surprising part is perhaps how this is achieved, in that many of the kilos that have been saved, by using sandwich bulkheads rather than any structural plywood for example, are added back in the form of proper doors, tables, wooden floors and trim. It makes a difference between cruising and camping aboard.

Key criteria were to include a proper navstation for racing with a chart table large enough to be used as an office desk, and a three cabin only layout. The thinking is that a two cabin yacht of this size would typically have a stowage area in place of the third cabin, whereas here the identical aft cabins are adaptable and can both be used either as doubles or a single with large work cabin/stowage space.

Overall, the interior is kept symmetrical and simple with easy flowing access. The central island, with its integral two-level fridge, is an excellent feature. Conceived by Argento, it provides bracing where you need it most, yet a clear passage each side, which will be valuable for moving or stacking sails. A large wooden chopping board extends work surface space by joining the island to the sink or chart table.

Aft cabins are clever as they can be used as doubles or work cabin/stowage space. Photo: Branko Ceak

The saloon has long, sleepable berths with particularly comfortable cushions, however, with tanks below the berths, practical accessible stowage is found wanting. An angled V-shaped entrance to the forward cabin and heads helps extend the saloon and there is decent space at both ends of the table to sit or walk around.

The small heads compartment and decision to go with a door that opens inwards will be an area of contention, and the lack of separate shower a potential deal breaker. The solution is more reminiscent of an airline- or train-style toilet. While it is possible to shut the door after you, it takes a bit of practice and larger crew will need contortionist skills. The folding sink is neatly done, with a drop down mirror above it, but it leaves you questioning the long term practicality and durability of such a fitting.

Build quality is impressive. The Beneteau First 36 has a vacuum infused Vinylester hull and deck and a Corecell foam core. “Using foam helped us take 200kg out of the hull”, says Seascape’s CTO Hajnšek, adding that Pure Design helped them to get rid of balsa as a core. The lightweight sandwich technique results in all the liners weighing just 60kg for (an estimated 200kg saving).

Seascape will know better than any that it can shed another 300-500kg by removing timber and using a different keel. It leads one to think there’ll be a turbo edition of this model in the future, with tiller, water ballast and foam cored furniture.

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The First 36 strips away sailing complexities in an effort to ensure it can be fun for crewed racing and short-hand sailing. This is the planing boat amateur sailors can enjoy. It’s no glitzy head turner, we’ve yet to see how it will rate and perform on the race course, and it’s fairly basic with small tanks for cruising. However, it still firmly ticks the cruiser-racer box. It’s built with production ‘standard’ (non-exotic) materials, and thanks to good design and engineering, it delivers on the water. Is this a new First icon then? The First marque used to dominate the value-for-money cruiser-racer sector, and this model arguably takes us back to those roots. And yet the 36 introduces another factor above these – high performance that is approachable enough to encourage fun for all levels of sailors. The heads is arguably a mistake and will be inconvenient for larger crewmembers. I also wonder if they can be built quickly enough to this standard, while hoping that the more sustainable materials Beneteau is already employing on its First 44 can be used for this model soon too. But how refreshing! A stiff, planing boat that puts the focus back on sailing is surely the way to go. Easy speed equates to more sailing time. The 36 is indeed class. First class.

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Beneteau First 53

Enjoying the sea close up

56'2"/ 17,16 m.

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PROPOSAL ID: BFY532023

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About the yacht

sailing monohull

Cruising, Luxury, Performance

989850€ (Ex. VAT)

Charter Management

Holiday, Family, Luxury

Layout & Equipment Flexiblity

Expected delivery date, location/delivery.

Mediterranean

Hull length

Yacht availible for.

DEMO BOAT 2023!

EQUIPMENT LIST:

YANMAR 4JH110 CR 81KW (110HP) DIESEL

DEEP CAST IRON KEEL

3 CABINS 2 HEADS VERSION – TEAK ALPI

BOW CABIN – TEAK ALPI

ALUMINIUM MAST VERSION

LOUNGE FALCON 162 UPHOLSTERY IN SALOON

LUXE TRIM LEVEL

Offshore Garmin Pack 1 Harken Performa H50.2 STPEH starboard electric manoeuvring winch (in lieu of standard) Windlass control in the cockpit with chain counter Tilting transom remote control Retractable bow thruster + 4 dedicated batteries (50 Amps – 12 V) + 1 Battery charger (30 Amps – 24 V) TECMA electric freshwater/seawater WC in the owner’s head IBS sensor 2 Additional 140 ampères service batteries Electrical engine control on the starboard console Mosquito nets for opening portholes 2 wooden cockpit tables with extensions on a stainless steel pedestal and Charcoal Grey covers Outside cockpit upholstery, Sunbrella Terry beige seats and backrests (terrycloth), Filter foam 80 mm/3″ thickness (Density: 60F + 20S) Spring mattress in the owner’s cabin (thickness: 180mm / 7″) Quiet Flush freshwater/seawater electric WC in the aft starboard head

DOWNWIND PACK

2 Additional halyard clutches to starboard 2 HARKEN Black Magic blocks for spinnaker sheet/code 0 1 HARKEN Black Magic block for spinnaker tack line with return on dedicated cleat in the cockpit 1 Dyneema sheaved halyard with block for spinnaker or code 0 1 Dyneema halyard for spinnaker 1 Spinnaker tackline with return on a dedicated cleat in the cockpit

ALUMINIUM SAILS MAST PACK

Mainsail (87 m²/936 sq/ft) and Genoa (82 m²/882 sq/ft) INCIDENCE Hydra Net® radial – D3 Range Charcoal Grey lazy bag + lazy jack

MOORING-ANCHORING PACK

Delta 32 kg/71 lbs anchor (galvanized steel) Chain Lines 6 Fenders: – 4 XL – 2 L 4 Moorings lines

COASTAL PACK – GARMIN

Port and starboard helm stations:: – 1 12″ GPS Map 1223 multi-function touchscreen (GPS, Chart plotter, Card reader – Bluechart G3 cartography included) Wind Sensor gWind Race – pole 1 m/3’3″: Windvane, Anenometer Airmar DST810 sensor (Log, Speedometer, Temperature) PC interface (GND10) Fixed 315i VHF at chart table, without AIS receiver function Windex Windvane Protective covers for helm & consoles (Charcoal Grey)

OFFSHORE PACK – GARMIN

= Coastal Pack: Port and starboard helm stations:: – 1 12″ GPS Map 1223 multi-function touchscreen (GPS, Chart plotter, Card reader – Bluechart G3 cartography included) Wind Sensor gWind Race – pole 1 m/3’3″: Windvane, Anenometer Airmar DST810 sensor (Log, Speedometer, Temperature) PC interface (GND10) Fixed 315i VHF at chart table, without AIS receiver function Windex Windvane Protective covers for helm & consoles (Charcoal Grey) + Reactor 40 Pilot with GHC50 control on port console Wireless autopilot remote control Garmin Quatix 7 connected watch

ELECTRIC GENOA FURLER BELOW DECK

ELECTRIC GENOA SHEET WINCHES 2 STPEH – PERFORMA

CODE 0 WITH FURLING SYSTEM- INCIDENCE LAMINATED -FOR ALU MAST

RETRACTABLE CAPSTAN (BOW)

COACHROOF SPRAYHOOD – CHARCOAL GREY

CHARCOAL GREY SUNSHADE FOR THE COCKPIT

TENDER LOADING SYSTEM

ELECTRICAL BASES + MATTRESS FOR COCKPIT TABLES – LOOP SAND

RETRACTABLE STERN THRUSTER

ELECTRIC DECK WASH PUMP (SEA WATER-FRESH WATER)

DOCK WATER INLET

GENERATOR 7,5KVA 230V 50HZ-WITH COCOON -FOR AIR CONDITIONING

UNDERWATER PROJECTORS (X3)

LED SPREADER LIGHTING (ANODISED MAST)

ADDITIONAL 36 L / 10 US GAL COOL BOX IN THE GALLEY

230V MICROWAVE OVEN

44 000 BTU AIR CONDITIONING

LIBRARY IN THE SALOON

INVERTER 12-230V 50HZ 2000VA

WHITE HULL STD

CARBON FLAGSTAFF

TV PRE-WIRING IN THE SALOON + LIFTING SYSTEM

APOLLO AMPLIFIER + BOSE 2.1 SPEAKERS IN THE SALOON

AIS 800 – GARMIN

TEAK SIDE DECKS

TEAK ON ROOF

Key Highlights

Yacht Review & Polar diagram

First 53 is the most elegant boat Beneteau has ever produced

With sights set on high-performance cruising and more, if you are keen on regattas, this “Luxury Performance” sailing yacht was designed for expert sailors and demanding owners. With a well-balanced hull and helm for unique sensations, easy-flow deck plan, modern marine interior with a décor of white lacquered bulkheads and moulded wood, the First 53 gets the renewal of the new generation of First sailing yachts truly underway! The First 53 is a happy mix of classic and modern lines. With a straight slender bow providing plenty of forward space, and a 5-metre 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: manoeuvring 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 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.

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• Description
• Main Points

Specifications

Capitalizing on 40 years of expertise, the First 53 is the latest member of the First range, launched by BENETEAU in 1977. With sights set on high-performance cruising and more, if you are keen on regattas, this “Luxury Performance” sailing yacht was designed for expert sailors and demanding owners. With a well-balanced hull and helm for unique sensations, easy-flow deck plan, modern marine interior with a décor of white lacquered bulkheads and moulded wood, the First 53 gets the renewal of the new generation of First sailing yachts truly underway!

NAVAL ARCHITECT : Biscontini Yacht Design

INTERIOR DESIGN : Lorenzo Argento

DECK DESIGN : Lorenzo Argento

Watch the video

Exterior design

The First 53 is a happy mix of classic and modern lines. With a straight slender bow providing plenty of forward space, and a 5-metre 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: manoeuvring 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 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

Moulded wood has made a comeback in the interior of the First 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 hand rails, 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.

Enjoying the Sea Close Up

A First in every detail, the First 53 meets a detailed set of specifications, the goal of which is to make it a new gold standard in fast luxurious cruising. She took two years to develop and bring excellence closer to water level, meeting the requirements of highly demanding owners in terms of thrills at the helm, speed and life on board at anchor.

The First 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.

The designer Lorenzo Argento focussed on easy-flow and movement between the helm stations, and on winch layout for manoeuvres and easy access to the deck. 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 dans thrills

To achieve maximum thrills at the helm, we focused on balancing weight and balance under sail when we designed the boat. For example, the centre of buoyancy is aligned on the centre 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 53 has the competitive advantage of a hull that clocks up miles quickly.

A connected boat

The mobile application, Seanapps , and its onboard unit lets you view the status of the boat's various systems (battery charge, fuel or water tank levels, maintenance scheduling) via your smartphone, as well as planning your route or reviewing your sailing status using your mobile phone.

Virtual tour

Length Overall

Beam overall

Lightship Displacement

Air Draught Max

Draught Min

Draught Max

Fuel Capacity

Water Capacity

Max. engine power

Cabin Number

CE Certification

A10 / B12 / C14

• CE Certification A10/ B12/C14 (14 passengers on board)
• Central aisle serving the double cockpit saloon converting into two large sun loungers, solid wood tables, large lockable storage lockers.
• Cockpit divided into two sections: manoeuvres near the twin helm stations with easy access to the sidedecks, and a relaxation space
• Spacious swim platform offering access to below the cockpit where an inflatable tender can be stowed (2.40 m)
• 5-metre beam
• Straight slender bow

3 cabins - 2 heads

• C-shaped fitted galley: fridge, sink, 3-ring hob, oven, storage and large worktop
• Large saloon with two spaces: relaxation space with a sofa and occasional table and a meal space with a dining table
• Extra spacious master cabin: one 1.60 m wide double island bed, two hanging lockers, plenty of storage and large portholes on either side.
• Two aft cabins with double berths
• Two shower rooms with separate shower compartment and sea view
• Several hull portholes and deck hatches make the space naturally bright

3 cabins - 3 heads

• Private shower rooms for each cabin with separate shower and sea view

North Sails

HARKEN HARDWARE

Press Reviews

Seahorse magazine.

Revisiting an old friend (sort of) Read more

SAILING TODAY

Bling me sunshine Read more

1977-2022: The Story of the Firsts

With more than 25,000 boats built since 1977, the First line celebrates its 45th anniversary this year and it is still the gold standard of performance cruising.

Spike in Demand at the BENETEAU Trials Base

First Yacht 53 : a fast, practical, good-looking ocean-going cruiser

Beneteau services.

With teams for sea trials, financing, customization, events, an after-sales service, and a network of dealers worldwide, BENETEAU delivers the help and expertise every boat owner needs throughout his boating life maintaining an enduring customer relationship.

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