14
SVN Solovelanet Global
First
53
A
t the Genoa boat show, the First 53 was cer-
tainly one of the most waited-for boats. Desi-
gned by Roberto Biscontini of Biscontini Design
(water lines and appendages) and Lorenzo Argento
(layout), the 53 is surprising in many different ways.
The first thing you notice when you see her is that
she has nothing to do with earlier First yachts and
for those who expected to see a boat suitable for
racing, this surprise has not been completely wel-
come. Designed for fast cruising, the First 53 offers
few opportunities for racing, except perhaps for
some rounds of sailing with your club. For exam-
ple, the deck stepped mast, the lack of a trailer rail,
and the winches placed in front of the helmsman all
undermine its racing efficiency. On the other hand,
if you are looking for great comfort and for the op-
portunity to use the sails seriously, then you will
be positively surprised because this goal has been
achieved. Spaces on deck are very wide, with a cle-
ar distinction between those for guests and those
used by the crew while manoeuvring the boat.
Big couches and large sundecks decorate the boat
and make it the perfect place to spend a day in a
bay. The high-quality deck equipment is arranged
so that the skipper may operate the boat single-
Top: The boat
underway
Above: The large
cockpit for guests
and the separate
manoeuvring area
located aft
Aside: The two
available layouts:
on the left, 3 cabins
and 3 heads; on the
right, 3 cabins and 2
heads
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