Beneteau launches next line of First performance yachts
Seventh-generation First range arrives featuring a new source, traditional keels and no fancy foilsFrench boat brand Beneteau has relaunched its First racing yachts sub-brand, with four new hulls ranging from 14-27 feet the first of the seventh-generation First line.
The hulls are being turned out of Seascape, the Slovenian boat-builder known for designing and building performance sailing yachts, which was bought by Groupe Beneteau earlier this year.
“With a broad-beam planing hull, the four latest First models promise lots of speed and fun,” beneteau said in a statement.
“Affordable and safe to sail, the aim of these small sailing yachts is to bring sensations worthy of a racing yacht within everyone’s reach. Everything on board has been designed to really simplify manoeuvres for out-and-out recreational sailing.”
Racing ratios
The broad-beam boats use a carbon mast, stable hull and a wide cockpit. Beneteau also boasts the boats have the best sail area-to-weight ratio on the market. “In other words, they are the lightest and fastest sailing yachts in their category,” it said.
The skiff-like, 4.3m First 14’s hull weighs in at just 67kg, meaning it is light enough to transport on the roof of a car. It uses an 8.5-square-metre square-topped main, 3.5-metre-square jib and 13-metre-square asymmetrical spinnaker, and what looks like a pair of daggerboard keels.
The twin-rudder 5.5-metre First 18 comes with a retractable offset bowsprit, and displaces 500kg via its 125kg standard and 145kg short swing keels. Its sail areas include 14.5 (main), 9.2 (jib) and 32 (spinnaker) square metres. All up, the boat displaces 500kg.
The First 24 has a similar option of standard (320kg) and short (430kg) keel with a 890kg displacement. Its retractable bowsprit follows the centreline of the boat. Sail areas are 24 (main), 16 (jib) and 63 (spinnaker) square metres.
The range-topping First 27 displaces 1400kg with its 610kg swing keel. Its square-metre sail are is 24 (main), 16 (jib) and 63 (spinnaker).
Beneteau will adopt one of the strategies that Seascape used to sell its performance yachts; getting bums on boats by encouraging sailors to try the First, and letting them promote sales via word of mouth.
Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
