Sneak Peek: Beneteau First 53

Beneteau First 53

Jan 9, 2020

As you consider visiting the boat shows, it’s a good time to take out the just published Canadian Yachting February issue and look at some dreamboats. Here’s some excerpts from a great review.

With 24,000 boats produced in nearly 40 years, French builder Groupe Beneteau is reinventing their First range, which was introduced in 1977.

With the introduction of the Beneteau First 53, they’ve dispensed with the concept of barebones racing hulls and launched what they refer to as “luxury performance” sailing. Her profile is imposing as if she was drawn specifically to intimidate on the racecourse.

Not surprisingly, the interior is open concept creating a feeling of space and light. A departure from most layouts in this class, the designer separated the dinette from the salon lounge. The dining booth is forward of the galley to port.

Beneteau First 53 DinghyThere are two steps that interrupt an otherwise flat cabin sole. One step down is into the galley and the other is into the master stateroom, which is in the bow. Here you’ll find a large island berth, a split head and shower, an impressive amount of stowage space and plenty of light from the hull windows.

The 53 is a big and showy effort to revive the First name. At $1.1 million as tested (or $1.25 million with everything including a carbon rig) she’s not for everyone but she does breathe new life into what has become known as a line of small racing boats. With this new model, Beneteau has definitely gotten everyone to take notice. She has a specific set of skills, which expert sailors will appreciate, and a refined style that makes her a true gentleman’s racer.

To read the entire review and see more of the great photos, be sure to check your copy of Canadian Yachting, February edition.

Related Articles

American Tug Spring Fling

American Tug Spring Fling

For American Tug owners, the season officially starts at the annual Spring Fling. This year, the informal rendezvous was held at Deer Harbor Marina in the San Juan Islands April 24-27. Twenty-six American Tugs, more than 50 crew, and about a dozen dogs were present. For the second year in a row, the marina rolled out the red carpet for the group.  The event started with the “best ball” golf tournament: 12 golfers enjoyed sunny weather at the Orcas Island Golf Course. Two evenings of potluck dinners were held at the beautiful community centre, and the wrap-up was a memorable dinner Saturday night at the Deer Harbor Inn.

Finally

Finally

Yes, friends and boating neighbours, it’s Launch Day.  It should be a national holiday and I am hoping you will treat it as one.  Launch Day literally means the day you launch the boat but, in this context, it means more.  The boats may already be in the water. A friend tells me they launched two weeks ago and it snowed the next day.

Video Gallery

Pursuit S268 Sport CC

By Andy Adams

The Pursuit S 268 Sport centre console is a do-it-all kind of boat with a solid sense of style. Centre console designs have been developed for the southern blue water sport fishing enthusiasts (and this boat would raise fish with the best of them) but the Pursuit S 268 Sport centre console offers far more utility and enjoyment than just fishing.

Read More

Destinations

Bayfield Marine Turns 40 with Big April Events

(l to r) Holly, Adam, Pat, Ron, Shelley

Ron and Pat Reder started out in October 1984 across the road from where they are right now on the Bayfield River in Bayfield ON. The store front was about 10 x 20 and the rest of that side of the building was a stock room, wood finishing room, then behind that was more back stock and the lunchroom. Expanding every few years for the store front, then moving over to this new building five years ago, this year with Adam, Shelley, and Holly are carrying on the business.

Read More

Lifestyle