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First 53F5 Beneteau
Designer: Bruce Farr/Pininfarina  ·  Builder: Beneteau  ·  First built: 1990
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About the First 53F5 Beneteau

Beneteau's First 53F5 represents the French shipbuilder's commitment to performance-oriented sailing, positioned within their respected First racing series. This model emerged during an era when Beneteau was establishing itself as a leader in production racing yachts that could seamlessly transition between competitive sailing and comfortable cruising. Built with the characteristic First series emphasis on speed and handling, the 53F5 features design elements that prioritize sailing performance while maintaining the livability expected from a Beneteau yacht. The hull design reflects the builder's understanding of modern sailing dynamics, incorporating features that enhance both upwind efficiency and downwind speed potential. This yacht appeals to sailors seeking serious performance capabilities without sacrificing the comfort needed for extended coastal cruising or offshore passages. The First series reputation for solid construction and reliable sailing characteristics makes the 53F5 suitable for both competitive racing environments and long-distance cruising adventures. While detailed specifications remain limited, the model's position within Beneteau's lineup suggests a yacht designed for experienced sailors who demand responsive handling and the ability to cover significant distances efficiently, whether participating in organized racing or pursuing ambitious cruising goals.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 52.17 ft / 15.90 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 43.33 ft / 13.21 m
Beam 14.75 ft / 4.50 m
Max Draft 8.08 ft / 2.46 m
Displacement 30,864.00 lb / 14,000 kg
Ballast 9,480.00 lb / 4,300 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 1,059.00 ft² / 98.38 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin w/bulb & spade rudder
Rigging Type Masthead Sloop
Construction FG
Designer Bruce Farr/Pininfarina
Builder Beneteau
First Built 1990
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Performance Ratios
SA/Displacement Sail Area to Displacement ratio measures how much sail power a boat has relative to its weight. Higher values mean more performance and speed.
Under 14 — Heavy cruiser, slow14–18 — Cruising sailboat18–22 — Cruiser/racerOver 22 — Performance racer
17.29
Comfort Ratio Ted Brewer's Comfort Ratio predicts how comfortable a boat will feel in offshore conditions. Higher values mean a steadier, more comfortable motion in a seaway.
Under 20 — Uncomfortably rough20–30 — Acceptable coastal30–40 — Good offshore comfortOver 40 — Very comfortable offshore
28.8
Capsize Screening Formula The USHS Capsize Screening Formula estimates offshore capsize risk. Lower is safer — values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing.
Under 2.0 — Safe for offshore2.0–2.2 — Borderline offshoreOver 2.2 — Coastal use recommended
1.88
Hull Speed Hull Speed is the theoretical maximum speed of a displacement hull, calculated from waterline length. Most cruising sailboats reach this speed in moderate conditions. 8.82
S# (Speed Number) The Speed Number (S#) is a quick performance index. Higher values indicate a faster, more powerful design relative to its size.
Under 3.0 — Slow cruiser3.0–5.0 — Average cruiser5.0–7.0 — Performance cruiserOver 7.0 — Racer
3.13
Pounds/Inch Immersion Pounds per Inch Immersion (PPI) tells you how much weight is needed to sink the boat one inch. Useful for calculating how additional gear and stores affect waterline. 2.0
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 62.25
J (Foretriangle Base) 17.5
P (Mainsail Luff) 55.42
E (Mainsail Foot) 18.58
SA Fore 544.69
SA Main 514.85
How It Compares

vs. Baltic 52, Oceanis 523 Beneteau, Sweden Yachts 52

This boat Similar boats
Dimensions
LOA
First 53F5 Beneteau ★
52.2 ft
Baltic 52
52.5 ft
Oceanis 523 Beneteau
52.8 ft
Sweden Yachts 52
52.0 ft
LWL
First 53F5 Beneteau ★
43.3 ft
Baltic 52
43.1 ft
Oceanis 523 Beneteau
45.9 ft
Sweden Yachts 52
41.3 ft
Beam
First 53F5 Beneteau ★
14.8 ft
Baltic 52
15.4 ft
Oceanis 523 Beneteau
16.4 ft
Sweden Yachts 52
14.3 ft
Displacement
First 53F5 Beneteau ★
30 lbs
Baltic 52
31 lbs
Oceanis 523 Beneteau
37 lbs
Sweden Yachts 52
33 lbs
Ballast
First 53F5 Beneteau ★
9 lbs
Baltic 52
13 lbs
Oceanis 523 Beneteau
13 lbs
Sweden Yachts 52
13 lbs
Sail Area
First 53F5 Beneteau ★
1 sq ft
Baltic 52
1 sq ft
Oceanis 523 Beneteau
1,292 sq ft
Sweden Yachts 52
1 sq ft
Performance
SA / Displacement (higher = more powerful)
First 53F5 Beneteau ★
17.3
Baltic 52
20.9
Oceanis 523 Beneteau
18.4
Sweden Yachts 52
25.1
Ballast / Disp (higher = stiffer)
First 53F5 Beneteau ★
Baltic 52
41.4 %
Oceanis 523 Beneteau
35.3 %
Sweden Yachts 52
Comfort Ratio (higher = more comfortable offshore)
First 53F5 Beneteau ★
28.8
Baltic 52
28.1
Oceanis 523 Beneteau
Sweden Yachts 52
34.1
Capsize Screening (lower = safer)
First 53F5 Beneteau ★
1.88
Baltic 52
1.95
Oceanis 523 Beneteau
Sweden Yachts 52
1.77
Displacement / Length (lower = lighter)
First 53F5 Beneteau ★
Baltic 52
177
Oceanis 523 Beneteau
172
Sweden Yachts 52
Hull Speed
First 53F5 Beneteau ★
8.8 kts
Baltic 52
8.8 kts
Oceanis 523 Beneteau
Sweden Yachts 52
8.6 kts
Speed Number (higher = faster)
First 53F5 Beneteau ★
3.1
Baltic 52
3.5
Oceanis 523 Beneteau
Sweden Yachts 52
2.8
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