on 27 Jan 2019
Brand aims to reinvent the range with a sailboat that offers luxury high-performance yachting
Later this year at the Cannes Yachting Festival (September 10-15), Beneteau will be launching the first First Yacht: 53 feet of sheer audacity and performance, keeping perfectly in line with the new brand signature of ‘avant-garde in boating’.
After the launch of four small sport boats in the First range, the brand aims to reinvent with a beautiful sailboat for new customers who enjoy luxury high-performance yachting.
(Image: Beneteau)
Gianguido Girotti, Managing Director in charge of product strategy, mapped out this path to restore the prestige of sailing on which Beneteau’s reputation was originally built.
A competition was launched in late 2016 to find the architects and designers who would help develop the First range, where a new duo stood out.
“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,” said Damien Jacob, Sailing Yacht Product Coordinator of Beneteau.
Naval architect Roberto Biscontini’s thirty years of America’s Cup experience has given the First Yacht 53 a perfectly balanced hull under sail with extremely promising performance. Over twenty drawings and simulations were used to position the centre of buoyancy accurately in order to achieve the desired result.
(Image: Beneteau)
The deck plan and interior of the First Yacht 53 were the result of designer Lorenzo Argento’s keen attention to detail. She is graced with the minimalist features of modern yachting: low coachroof, broad open stern and clean cockpit. The new First Yacht is designed to complement the distinctive style and the racing spirit of its owner.
Beyond her silhouette, stylishness and speed, a few details also hint at what she holds in store. The yacht has a tender garage, carbon rigging, generous interior spaces, a real lounge area, teak mouldings and top quality materials.