BOLD FIRST IMPRESSIONS
Yachting World|April 2020
BENETEAU HAS TAKEN ITS FAMED FIRST MARQUE INTO THE COMPETITIVE SECTOR OF LUXURY PERFORMANCE
MATTHEW SHEAHAN
BOLD FIRST IMPRESSIONS

There is big talk and bold talk, but often it is no talk that speaks loudest when it comes to a new launch. As I walked down the quay towards Beneteau’s latest as it sat stern-to the dock I was greeted by just that: silent smiles from the crew.

There was every reason why the world’s biggest boatbuilding company might want to deliver a fanfare to accompany one of its latest new models. It has been 13 years since it launched its last 50ft racer/cruiser. The First 53 is the new flagship of the range and this latest model celebrates the First marque, which is now over 40 years old and has delivered some important landmark designs for the sport.

So, there was every reason to make a big noise. But they didn’t.

No brochures, no fast talk, no speeches and no well rehearsed tours. Just a welcoming gesture, a nod and a USB stick holding the hard facts on the boat’s full CV.

The reason was clear: this particular new model speaks for itself, especially if you approach her from behind, where first impressions will play a large part in understanding what she is all about.

SERIOUS BEAM

From the outset, there is no mistaking how beamy it is. For its length, its 5m beam makes it like an aircraft carrier and, with the folding transom/bathing platform lowered to reveal the dinghy garage that can house a fully inflated 2.4m RIB, along with the ample stowage either side, there was no mistaking one of the key features of this boat: space. It is a feature that runs throughout this design.

This story is from the April 2020 edition of Yachting World.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the April 2020 edition of Yachting World.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM YACHTING WORLDView All
EXTRAORDINARY BOATS: NIGEL SHARP ON THE YACHTING WORLD DIAMOND
Yachting World

EXTRAORDINARY BOATS: NIGEL SHARP ON THE YACHTING WORLD DIAMOND

The Yachting World Diamond is a Jack Holt design which continues to attract devotees who sail them on some extraordinary adventures - in Australia, 60 years after its conception

time-read
6 mins  |
March 2024
5 EXPERT TIPS: CHRIS BROOKS ON SAILING OFFSHORE IN BIG CONDITIONS
Yachting World

5 EXPERT TIPS: CHRIS BROOKS ON SAILING OFFSHORE IN BIG CONDITIONS

Sailing in the middle of the world's oceans gave Chris Brooks plenty of experience handling big weather conditions. He shares his knowledge here with Andy Rice.

time-read
3 mins  |
March 2024
NAVIGATION BRIEFING
Yachting World

NAVIGATION BRIEFING

Inaugurated in 2009, the RORC Caribbean 600 is a relatively recent addition to the calendar of 600-mile offshore yacht races, adding to the list of established bluewater classics like the Rolex Fastnet and Sydney Hobart races.

time-read
6 mins  |
March 2024
SPECIAL REPORT: MARK CHISNELL ON PROBLEM SOLVING AT SEA
Yachting World

SPECIAL REPORT: MARK CHISNELL ON PROBLEM SOLVING AT SEA

On his new book, Knowledge 2.0, author Mark Chisnell - who has been published on a wide range of topics and is also a former professional sailor, navigator, and most recently a rules advisor for the British America's Cup challenge INEOS Britannia - offers a 'user's guide to knowledge'.

time-read
8 mins  |
March 2024
NIKKI HENDERSON
Yachting World

NIKKI HENDERSON

NO MATTER HOW TECHNOLOGICALLY ADVANCED OUR SPORT GETS, IT'S THE HUMANS THAT MAKE THE DIFFERENCE

time-read
3 mins  |
March 2024
MATTHEW SHEAHAN
Yachting World

MATTHEW SHEAHAN

HURTLING AROUND THE OCEANS ALONE IN GARGANTUAN MULTIHULLS CAPABLE OF HUGE SPEEDS AND UNTHINKABLE CAPSIZES - REQUIRES A MENTAL LEAP

time-read
3 mins  |
March 2024
Ainslie steps down as SailGP driver
Yachting World

Ainslie steps down as SailGP driver

Sir Ben Ainslie, who is both CEO, skipper and co-helmsman of the British America's Cup team INEOS Britannia, and CEO and skipper of the SailGP entry.

time-read
1 min  |
March 2024
Around the world in company
Yachting World

Around the world in company

January 2024 saw two fleets of cruisers set off on a sociable circumnavigation, with the 13th edition of the World ARC departing Rodney Bay, Saint Lucia, meanwhile the Oyster World Rally fleet also began their world tour from Nelson's Dockyard, Antigua.

time-read
1 min  |
March 2024
Ocean Globe Race skipper quits after false declaration
Yachting World

Ocean Globe Race skipper quits after false declaration

The third leg of the Ocean Globe Race, the Whitbread-era-style around the world race, is underway from Auckland, New Zealand to Punta del Este, Uruguay on a classic Southern Ocean leg. However, the skipper of race leaders Translated 9, the Swan 65 which won both Legs 1 and 2, has stepped down after breaching the race rules regarding sail repairs and making a false declaration.

time-read
1 min  |
March 2024
Cruisers awarded
Yachting World

Cruisers awarded

Kirsten Neuschäfer, the winner of the Golden Globe Race and the first woman ever to win a solo nonstop around the world ocean race, is among the skippers honoured in the Cruising Club of America's 2023 awards.

time-read
1 min  |
March 2024