First 210 (Beneteau) Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Beneteau First 210 was in production from 1992 to 1997. During this period, Beneteau, building on its history of innovation that included a pivotal shift to fiberglass construction in the 1960s, continued to expand its range of recreational sailboats. The company's design philosophy, often in collaboration with leading naval architects like Groupe Finot, aimed to balance performance with comfort and affordability, creating well-built and thoughtfully designed yachts for a broad audience. The First 210 embodies this ethos, showcasing design innovation focused on sparkling performance and aesthetic appeal. The First 210 is part of the highly successful Beneteau First 21 series, which shares a common hull design and includes subsequent models like the First 210 Spirit, First 211, First 21.7, and First 21.7S. Notably, in Europe, this Groupe Finot design was often referred to as the First 210 Spirit. The enduring popularity of this series led to the formation of a "210 Club" in Europe, fostering camaraderie and promoting one-design racing and cruising events among owners.

Sailing Performance and Handling

Despite its compact size, the Beneteau First 210 is known for its impressive sailing performance and responsive handling, often lauded as one of the best small boats Beneteau has offered in the USA. It features a fractional sloop rig and a distinctive wing keel, contributing to its lively characteristics. The boat is equipped with a powerful rig, which, combined with well-positioned deck fittings and twin rudders, makes her easy to control. Owners frequently note its responsiveness; the boat is sensitive to crew weight and reacts immediately to changes, yet it maintains stability, preventing capsizing even if the crew is slow to react. The design ensures it is unsinkable, adding a layer of safety for its crew. With a hull speed of approximately 5.94 knots, the First 210 is considered to offer competitive performance for a vessel of its length, capable of outperforming many other 20-23 footers. The shallow minimum draft of 2.33 feet and maximum draft of 5.83 feet suggest a lifting or swing keel mechanism, enhancing its trailerability and access to shallower waters.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Beneteau First 210, while necessarily compact for a 20-foot sailboat, is designed to be comfortable and functional, offering four berths. As is typical for boats of this size, the layout is straightforward, likely featuring a V-berth forward, a small central saloon area with seating that may convert into additional berths, and minimal galley facilities often comprising a sink and space for a portable cooler or stove. A dedicated head compartment would likely be minimal or designed for a portable marine toilet. While the exact headroom is not specified, it would be limited, emphasizing the boat's primary role as a performance-oriented weekender or daysailer rather than an extended cruiser. The focus is on providing essential comforts within a small footprint, with practical storage solutions for gear and provisions.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Beneteau First 210 frequently praise its robust build quality and exhilarating sailing characteristics. Many appreciate its ability to offer a spirited sailing experience in a manageable and trailerable package, making it accessible for a wide range of sailors. The strong sense of community fostered by owner groups, such as the "210 Club," highlights the camaraderie among those who sail these boats. Common discussions among owners often revolve around maintenance, such as sourcing specific parts like the keel lift mechanism or components for the motor mount, which is designed to slide up and down. The boat's performance in one-design racing and local club events is also a point of pride for many, with some owners achieving successful results in regattas.