by FULL SIZE 17.14m (56ft 3in) EN 4.99m (16ft 5in) DISPLACEMENT 15.500kg PRICE Not yet announced.
Last year, Beneteau acquired the Slovenian Seascape company and produced four different First-brand sports boats up to 30ft. In the future, Beneteau will be divided into First Series sports boats, performance cruisers between 30-50ft, and luxury performance yachts between 50-60ft.
Girotti says designers have successfully interpreted First’s historic DNA and managed to show a vision for the next 10 years. At the end of the work, a fast cruiser was created. A notable feature of the boat is the large (5m) stern mirror with a form that also allows for a longitudinal boat garage. The islands, which are directed below the deck, extend to the four winches behind the seating group and the optional fifth winch.
Quality materials, good workmanship and interior spaces are provided with plenty of natural light. Argento wanted to offer a higher level of comfort and aesthetics: The preference of rounded corners and smooth varnished surfaces in the furniture stands out as details reflecting the history of the series. Given Beneteau’s industrial approach, this has been difficult to achieve, but the company has worked on the solution for two years.
Girotti acknowledges that this segment in the market is already full of Italian designs, but says that all of these size boats are aimed at a price of 800,000 euros, while Beneteau will be 30 percent below the price.
“We can set a very aggressive price because we invest three times as much in developing industrial design.” explains Girotti. “The details of course bring the boat to the fore, but the price of the boat will be what makes the sale.” The price is expected to be announced in August, while the First 53 will be on display at the Cannes Yachting Festival in September.
