Five Classic Boats that are exceptional “flagships” (16 m)

Compared to the past, to the world ofClassicBoats, today’s boating scene offers yes hulls of all types and sizes, starting, however, from much larger numbers than it was. The example is almost simple: a thirty- or thirty-five-footer of today can in fact often be understood as a weekender, a hull conforming to occasional uses, to daily outings then, or to barely extended weekends. This was not the case, however, back in the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s, when a thirty-five-footer could already be a cruiser and a 60-footer was still and often a flagship. In this article we will look at the latter, the “flagships,” or quasi-flagships, of yesteryear. Why? Certainly, a little for nostalgia and culture, but mostly because, at the end of the day, they are very valid options for those wondering about possible purchases.

5 Classic Boats that were outstanding “flagships”

Looking at today’s shipbuilding landscape, the range of hulls between 50 and 60 feet, as ambitious as it may perhaps seem, is not surprising in size and, certainly, is not the exception. One need only step back, however, as far back as the 1980s, to realize how, instead, this, precisely, was. If, in the 1970s, a 35/40-foot boat was seen as a stately hull, with the 60/65-footers understood as exceptionally rare hulls, extreme luxury, the 1980s, on the other hand, cleared customs for the 50/60-footer as luxury cruising options, thus offering larger sizes as standard and, consequently, flagships on wider ranges than before. It is in this landscape that we find the exceptional flagships of this article, spectacular Classic Boats between 50 and 60 feet that, today, can still prove to be among the best options and surprises the market has to offer. Of course, forget vertical prows and open deck wells. So here are five 16-foot classics that are still outstanding boats today, to say the least.

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Classic Boats. SWAN 53 | 16.1 m

Nautor Swan; 1987; 16.15 x 4.73 m; Germán Frers

In the second half of the 1980s, Nautor Swan began his association with the great German Frers. Among the first hulls to see the light of day was the Swan 53, a 16.15-meter powerful, fast, pure cruiser racer. It will be produced in 50 copies. Sleek, fast and with clean lines, it is the typical Argentine design, with flush deck and impeccable lines. Excellent boliniera, in medium-stretched winds it is a real treat for the eyes.

Find out how much the Swan 53 is worth

FIRST 53 F5 | 16.2 m

Beneteau; 1990; 16.2 x 4.5 m; Bruce Farr & Pininfarina

Beneteau decides to open the 1990s decade with a hull that will make waves. Thus was born the First 53 F5, signed by two superstars, Bruce Farr and Pininfarina. The signatures are not wasted, and they bring out an unusual hull, as comfortable offering comfortable ocean cruising as it is racing against other IOR 50s. In short, it is a great project, as convenient as it is fast and performs well.

Find out how much the First 53 F5 is worth

GRAND SOLEIL 52 | 16.3 m

Pardo Shipyard; 1987; 16.3 x 4.75 m; Germán Frers

The signature is German Frers and is immediately apparent from the design of the stern, which is enormous, with characteristic flared ends. Two separate cockpits, an exaggerated maximum width of no less than 4.75 meters, and the deckhouse, retractable and very elegant. A true masterpiece of the era.

Find out how much the Grand Soleil 52 is worth

Classic Boats. HALLBERG RASSY 53 | 16.4 m

Hallberg Rassy; 1992; 16.44 x 4.64 m; Germán Frers

Introduced as a flagship in its time, it is precisely the largest Hallberg Rassy ever built. And it was immediately a great success of the HR-Frers combination. It boasts an impressive 88 built in 15 years, not a few for a flagship. But quality, after all, justifies success. Comfortable, seaworthy, and safe, she was the pinnacle of the combination of the two sides, a hull of excellence, perfect for anyone looking for a safe, elegant, and voluminous bluewater.

Find out how much the Hallberg Rassy 53 is worth.

BALTIC 55 DP | 16.7

Baltic Yachts; 1984; 16.7 x 4.92 m; Doug Peterson

Just 9 Baltic 55 DPs were born from Peterson’s brilliant design, but numbers do not deceive, it was a small masterpiece. Even before a year had passed since the first example was launched, the palmares was already respectable, with a third-place finish in the 1984 Newport-Bermuda Race. Not bad for a cruiser racer. The 55DP, in fact, is a hull that wants to run, sleek, easy to handle, yet comfortable and more than adequate for cruising. It also does not lack elegance, with an incredible flush deck, stern a la Peterson, and well-balanced lines.

Find out how much the Baltic 55DP is worth

Three “tidbits” about Classic Boats

• Want to learn more about the world of Classic Boats (1967-1998), the iconic boats of the period, the legendary designers, the stories and races of the “golden age” of sailing? Check out our section dedicated to Classic Boats!
• Do you have a Classic Boat to sell? Put it (for free) on our classifieds market!
• Do you have a Classic Boat? Participate in the SAIL CUP with your boat. There is a special ranking for you! Find out which stage is right for you!

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