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.
Denne historien er fra April 2020-utgaven av Yachting World.
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Denne historien er fra April 2020-utgaven av Yachting World.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
wallywind 110 launches
The first example of Wally Yacht's new wallywind performance cruising range launched this summer, during the iconic Italian brand's 30th anniversary year - and in time for its debut at the Monaco Yacht Show in September.
Irish skipper wins Figaro
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Youth AC puts on a show
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UNCONTROLLED
HELPLESSLY APPROACHING AN UNINHABITED ISLAND IN THE GALAPAGOS WITHOUT ENGINE OR ELECTRONICS, JON VAN TAMELEN FEARED BEING IMMINENTLY SHIPWRECKED
SECRET ISLAND
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HARD CHOICES
IN AN EXCLUSIVE EXTRACT FROM HER NEW BOOK, PIP HARE REVEALS WHAT DROVE HER ON WHILE RACING THROUGH THE SOUTHERN OCEAN IN THE 2020 VENDÉE GLOBE.
INTO BATTLE
COULD THIS BE THE MOST COMPETITIVE VENDÉE GLOBE EVER? HELEN FRETTER FINDS OUT WHAT THE SKIPPERS WILL BE FACING.