BENETEAU FIRST 53 F5 — Designed by Bruce Farr | Interior by Pininfarina
A true performance-cruiser legend with exceptional potential
Located in Southern Brittany, France, this 1991 Beneteau First 53 F5 represents a rare opportunity to acquire one of Bruce Farr’s most successful offshore yacht designs, enhanced by the distinctive touch of the Italian design studio Pininfarina.
Produced in a limited series, the First 53 F5 continues to be highly regarded for its excellent sailing balance, refined lines and proven structural strength. This yacht offers an excellent foundation, combining solid underlying qualities with the opportunity for selective optimisation to suit the individual preferences of her next owner.
Construction and Recent Major Repairs:
The yacht has benefited from significant recent structural investment (2025), including:
Professional refurbishment and reinforcement of the bottom structure / floors (varangage)
Keel completely removed, inspected and reinstalled
New keel bolts installed and fastening system reinforced
Localised reinforcement of the hull structure
The 2026 marine survey confirms a structurally sound yacht in good overall condition, with no structural defects identified.
Rigging, Sails and Deck Equipment:
A powerful, carefully considered deck layout, equally suited to performance sailing and short-handed cruising:
Cockpit with twin steering wheels and teak seating
Extensive Lewmar winch package, including an electric winch
Navtec hydraulic system for the boom vang and rig control
Furling genoa system
Releasable inner forestay and rigid rod kicker
Sails (RUSSO):
ROD rigging (replacement may be considered during a future optimisation phase, particularly for intensive offshore sailing).
Interior and Accommodation:
An elegant, functional interior finished in fine mahogany:
Cabins (3): Spacious forward owner's cabin with a double bed + 2 aft guest cabins
Bathrooms (2): Two full bathrooms with toilets and showers, one forward and one aft
Spacious, exceptionally bright and welcoming saloon
Entrance area with a dedicated chart table and navigation station
Galley:
Gas cooker with hob and oven
Refrigerator
Double stainless-steel sink
Pressurised freshwater system with hot and cold water
Engine, Electrical System and Onboard Systems:
Engine: Perkins 4.236 Prima diesel (80 hp, shaft drive) – in full working order
Battery bank:
Battery charger and 220 V shore-power connection
Tanks: Fuel — 445 L; Freshwater — 400 L
Navigation Electronics:
Raymarine autopilot
B&G navigation instruments (depth sounder, speed log and wind instruments)
Furuno GPS chartplotter, radar and Navtex
VHF radio
Two Ownership Visions — One Exceptional Yacht:
For the performance-oriented sailor: A genuine Bruce Farr design offering excellent helm balance, a powerful sail plan and sophisticated deck systems — ideal for fast cruising or club racing with a small crew.
For the bluewater cruiser: A reassuring, robust platform with proven hull strength, generous interior volume and a safe deck layout, ideally suited to long ocean passages.
Key Advantages:
Excellent structural condition, with major repair work already completed in 2025
High-quality sailing systems and deck equipment
A yacht ready for phased upgrades rather than extensive, costly refitting
Full 2026 marine survey available
Offered at €89,000, representing exceptional value and investment potential for a yacht of this calibre.
Location: Arzon, Brittany, France.
Viewings by prior appointment. The full marine survey report is available on request.
