Beneteau First 31.7

It has been well received in Australia with many already cruising, and racing, Australia's coast from Mackay to Adelaide.

Amid the fanfare of the new model's launch, is the ongoing success of the larger First 40.7. It has been in the limelight of late with wins at Hayman and Hamilton Island boat series, and more recently, the first round of Sydney's Offshore race series with first, second and third placings.

According to Beneteau-Vicsail's Brendan Hunt, the 31.7 is riding on the wave of this recognition and can be seen as a more compact version of its star-studded sibling. As such, it is targeted at racing and fast cruising enthusiasts.

Measuring 9.85m with a 3.23m beam, the 31.7's hull is solid GRP while its deck is balsa-cored. Built to be a real contender on club race circuits, the Groupe Finot/Conq-designed hull is driven by an easily controlled sailplan with 9/10th fractional rig with no runners, two sets of aft sweptback spreaders, Vectran downhaul and adjustable backstay tackle with Torlon racing ball-bearing blocks.

The racing deck fittings, mast stepped on a deep bulb keel (shallow draft an option) are all delivered as standard, so that all is required is sails and instruments before a new owner sets sail.

According to Beneteau, it is not just the performance aspects of the First range that have won it a loyal following Down Under. The company maintains that in a buoyant market, it is consistency in design and consistency in price that stands Beneteau in good stead over its competitors, Hunt says.

In addition, Beneteau has a strong policy to offer ongoing after sales support and service, he says.

The interior has been designed to reflect the entertaining aspects of a sailing lifestyle. The 31.7 has two staterooms, L-shaped galley, navigation station, heads compartment and saloon. The classic feel is heightened by the cherrywood finish throughout.

From the companionway, (with 1.8m of headroom) the navigation station is to starboard, facing forward with a hinged panel for onboard electronics and a curved slatted seat for the navigator.

The galley to port features a cooker, grill, 12V refrigerator and numerous cupboards and lockers.

Aft of the galley is the owner's cabin, while the head compartment, located abaft the nav seat features a shower unit, marine toilet and stormgear locker.

The symmetrical saloon converts to two sea berths to accommodate additional crew and family. It is well-lit by day from portholes and opening hatches.

The forward cabin features a V-shaped double bed and hanging lockers and is lit and aired by a large forward hatch which also provides an exit onto the deck if necessary.