There’s a growing class of Filipino yachtsmen for whom sailing is no longer just a casual hobby. For them, sailing is a source of their joie de vivre, as well as a nurturer of their competitive spirit. If you count yourself among this subset of sailors, no ordinary yacht will suffice—you’ll want a regatta-worthy vessel for cruising on the high seas.

French boatbuilder Bénéteau may have just the answer in the Bénéteau First Yacht 53, the latest model in their pioneering First racing yacht series. Launched at the Cannes Yachting Festival last September 2019, the First Yacht 53 boasts a handsome appearance, race-worthy features, and lap-of-luxury interior and deck design. Combined, all of these are certain to satisfy the discerning tastes of advanced-level Filipino sailors and their companions.

Europa Yachts, the Philippines’ exclusive distributor of Bénéteau and other fine European watercrafts, is happy to put the spotlight on the First Yacht 53. Get to know the history of Bénéteau’s First line and the exceptional features on the new First Yacht 53, all before you encounter this boat for yourself in the Philippines!

A Brief History of Bénéteau’s Milestone First Racing Yachts

To know the true value of the Bénéteau First Yacht 53, one must be aware of her pedigree. The First line began in 1977 with the First 30, a boat designed by none other than André Bénéteau, scion to the family that founded the illustrious boatbuilding company. In order to launch a vessel that was ideal for racing, Bénéteau partnered with an external architect, André Mauric, who paid special attention to the First 30’s sail plan, keel, roof shape, and interior layout. The collaboration was a success, and the First 30 won
the Boat of the Year award at a Paris boat show in 1978. The rest, as they say, is history.

In over forty years, Bénéteauhas produced 70 boats under the First series that have been acknowledged globally for their racing performance, safety, stability, and premium craftsmanship. Noteworthy models include the First 14, a reliable beginners’ sailboat; the First 38, popular for charter work; and the First 25, a family-friendly vessel.

The First Yacht 53, which took two years to develop, is the maiden offering in the seventh generation of this legendary series. She’s a worthy heir to the legacy of her predecessors, but as Filipino sailors will soon discover, she’s got some singular qualities of her own.

Yachting Performance That’s Fit For A Racer

The First Yacht 53 is a 53-foot sailing yacht with high performance potential. The naval architecture on this boat was done by Roberto Biscontini of Biscontini Yacht Design, who has previously worked on vessels that have earned plum distinctions, most notably at the America Cup. As such, you can be assured that the First Yacht 53 was designed with a winning formula.

She possesses a straight, slender bow that affords plenty of forward space, as well as a five-meter maximum beam further aft. These contribute to her stability, balance, and buoyancy while on the water. Her responsive hull, draft of 2.5 meters or 3 meters (with lead bulb), and twin rudders all contribute to her maneuverability and her ability to clock up the miles quite easily. She also boasts a high-quality mast, state-of-the-art deck gear, and a sail plan that can be mastered by a short-handed crew. When racing on the First Yacht 53, sailors will have the advantage of speed, control, and ease of maneuverability. And even outside of regattas, she affords a wide range of thrilling sensations at her helm, something that everyone on board is sure to enjoy.

Her cockpit has also been carefully planned so that it does not hamper forward movement or movement between her twin helm stations and side decks. All throughout, she provides passengers with generous space, which makes it easy for anyone to move around, no matter if the vessel is engaged in a competitive race or in a leisurely cruise.

Noble and Opulent Interior and Deck Design

Passengers on the First Yacht 53 are in for a treat both on deck and below deck. The yacht features the design work of Lorenzo Argento, whose minimalist, clean, and elegant philosophy is seamless throughout every corner of the boat. She is well-lit, well-ventilated, and luxurious in her appearance, thanks to her molded wood and plush leather accents.

Below deck, the First Yacht 53 houses 3 cabins, 2 heads, and a living area that is quite clever in its use of space. One side contains a sofa and a coffee table, while the other side features a streamlined galley and dining area. Numerous fiddles and handrails are also integrated into the design, ensuring stable footing for passengers.

The living area is only one place on the boat where passengers can stretch their limbs. They can also relax and dine out in the cockpit, where they’ll have a romantic outdoor view of the sea. Whether you’re on deck, in the indoor living area, or cozily settled in your cabin, you’ll experience Argento’s vision of a space where “everything flows.”

If you would like to learn more about the Beneteau First Yacht 53, please visit the official website of Europa Yachts Philippines. You may also send your inquiries to info@europayachts.net or call (+632)
8553-2027 for assistance.