Beneteau First 53 sold into China

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Beneteau First 53

Simpson Marine, which has represented Beneteau since 1985, has secured the first sale in mainland China of Beneteau’s First 53 (formerly First Yacht 53). The First series flagship is scheduled to arrive in southern China next year and could compete in the 2023 edition of the Beneteau Cup Hong Kong.

The First 53 is the first Beneteau sailing yacht designed by the Italian duo of Roberto Biscontini and Lorenzo Argento. Having worked for America’s Cup teams, the performance-focused Biscontini designed the hull and sailing rig, while Argento was responsible for the deck and interior design.

The 52ft 5in hull has a maximum beam of 5m, with the beamy design for much of the aft half of the hull.

The sporty ‘luxury performance’ yacht is sleek, minimalist and has a teak-laid deck with barely a rope in sight, with the design focused on short-handed sailing from the twin helms. The two L-shaped sofas in the cockpit are clear of the sailing zone.

Below deck, there’s a C-shaped galley and a dining area to port, facing a saloon area with an L-shaped sofa and a coffee table to starboard. Guest accommodation comprises two aft cabins and a large master forward, while there’s also a crew cabin in the forepeak.

The First 53 represents the start of Beneteau’s new generation of larger models, with Biscontini and Argento since designing the Oceanis Yacht 54, flagship Oceanis Yacht 60 and First 44, the latter two having their world premieres at this year’s Cannes Yachting Festival.