Beneteau 1 Ton Information, Review, Specs

The creation of the Beneteau 1 Ton falls within a transformative period for Beneteau, which had, by the 1960s, fully embraced fiberglass construction, moving beyond its roots in wooden fishing boats to explore recreational sailing. This shift allowed for more efficient production and greater design freedom, fostering collaborations with leading naval architects to broaden its appeal. The Beneteau 1 Ton (or First 40 Evolution) was produced from 1983 to 1985, a testament to the builder's commitment to pushing performance boundaries. Built at Beneteau's specialized custom yard, these yachts incorporated the most advanced materials and construction techniques available at the time, featuring a fiberglass foam core hull and deck.

The design philosophy behind the Beneteau 1 Ton was centered on achieving peak performance within the complex IOR rating system. The designers aimed to create a high-performance offshore racing yacht, and there was also an intention to develop a one-design class that would not require a rating. With an IOR rating of 30.5 feet as of 1983, the boat was specifically configured for intense regatta sailing. While the Beneteau 1 Ton was a limited-production IOR racer, a later production version that drew inspiration from these prototypes was the First Class 12, designed by Jean-Marie Finot and built in larger numbers between 1985 and 1986.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Beneteau 1 Ton's specifications clearly indicate its racing pedigree and the designers' emphasis on performance. With a reported sail area of 829 square feet and a displacement of 12,125 pounds, its Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio calculates to approximately 25.01. This high ratio suggests excellent light-air performance, allowing the boat to generate considerable speed even in lighter winds, a crucial advantage in varying race conditions.

The yacht's stability and stiffness are also impressive, with a ballast of 6,878 pounds providing a Ballast to Displacement (B/D) ratio of about 0.567. This exceptionally high ratio means the Beneteau 1 Ton is designed to stand up to a significant amount of wind, maintaining its sail-carrying ability and reducing heel, thereby ensuring stability and control in heavy air and challenging seas. Furthermore, its Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio of approximately 200.37 places it firmly in the category of a moderate, performance-oriented yacht, leaning towards lighter displacement for its length overall of 39.4 feet. This combination of attributes positions the Beneteau 1 Ton as a fast, technical vessel built for serious offshore competition, capable of spirited sailing.

Accommodations and Layout

Given its primary purpose as a high-performance IOR racing yacht, the interior accommodations of the Beneteau 1 Ton would have prioritized functionality, weight reduction, and crew efficiency over luxurious comfort. Specific detailed interior layouts for the Beneteau 1 Ton / First 40 Evolution are scarce in available information. However, typical for racing yachts of its era, the interior would likely feature a more spartan finish, utilizing robust but lighter materials.

Accommodations would most likely include efficient sleeping berths for a racing crew, possibly V-berths forward and quarter berths aft, along with a functional navigation station and a compact galley suitable for preparing basic meals offshore. Headroom, while not specified, would be adequate in key areas, but overall interior volume and amenities would be secondary to performance considerations. Storage would be practical, focused on gear and provisions for racing, and ventilation would be provided through deck hatches and ports, designed for utility rather than extensive liveaboard comfort.