Bénéteau First 53F5 (sailboat) for sale

BENETEAU FIRST 53 F5Farr Design – Pininfarina Interior
A pedigree performance cruiser with outstanding potential
Lying in Southern Brittany, this Beneteau First 53 F5 (1991) represents a rare opportunity to acquire one of Bruce Farr’s most successful offshore designs, enhanced by the unmistakable touch of Pininfarina.

Built in limited numbers, the First 53 F5 remains highly regarded for her balanced sailing performance, refined lines and enduring build quality. This example offers an excellent platform, combining strong fundamentals with the opportunity for light optimisation to suit her next owner’s program.

Construction & Recent Works
The yacht has benefited from significant recent structural investment (2025), including:
Structural floors (varangage) professionally rebuilt
Keel removed, inspected and reinstalled
New keel bolts and fastening system
Hull structure locally reinforced

A 2026 marine survey confirms a sound structure, good overall condition and no inherent weaknesses.

Deck & Sailing Systems
A powerful and well-thought-out deck layout, equally suited to performance sailing and short-handed cruising:
Twin helm cockpit with teak seating
Comprehensive Lewmar winch package including electric winch
Navtec hydraulic systems (vang and rig controls)
Genoa furling system
सुरक्षित and efficient sail handling layout

This configuration allows both precise sail trimming for performance sailing and ease of handling for reduced crew cruising.

Interior Accommodation
Elegant and functional interior in mahogany:
Three double cabins
Two bathrooms with showers
Spacious and bright saloon
Owner’s forward cabin
Dedicated navigation station

A layout equally adapted to extended cruising with family or guests and offshore passagemaking.

Galley
Fully equipped galley:
Gas stove with oven
Refrigeration
Double sink
Pressurised hot & cold water

Machinery & Systems
Perkins 4.236 diesel engine (operational)
Electrical system with battery banks
Shore power with charger

Sails & Rig
Mainsail and furling genoa
Asymmetric spinnaker
Rod rigging

Renewal of the standing rigging may be considered in a future optimisation phase, particularly for intensive offshore programmes.

Navigation Equipment
Autopilot (Raymarine)
B&G instruments
Furuno GPS, radar and Navtex
VHF

Two ownership visions – one yacht
For the performance-oriented sailor: A true Farr design offering excellent balance at the helm, powerful sail plan and advanced deck systems, ideal for fast cruising or club racing with a reduced crew.

For the bluewater cruiser: A reassuring platform with proven hull integrity, generous volumes and safe deck layout, perfectly suited for long-distance cruising once tailored to personal standards.

A compelling ownership proposition
Strong structural condition with major works already completed
High-quality sailing systems and deck hardware
A yacht with progressive upgrades rather than heavy refit

Offered at €89,000, representing excellent value and significant potential upside for a yacht of this calibre.

A rare opportunity to acquire a classic performance cruiser capable of delivering both sailing pleasure and long-range comfort, with the added benefit of being shaped to your exact programme.

Location: Arzon, Brittany, France
Viewings: By appointment
Full survey report available upon request... whole text » less text