First 24 (Beneteau) Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The creation of the Beneteau First 24 occurred during a significant period for Beneteau, as the company, under the leadership of Benjamin Bénéteau's grandsons André and François, had fully embraced fiberglass construction. This material innovation, which began in the 1960s, allowed for more efficient production and the development of recreational sailboats that appealed to a burgeoning leisure market. Beneteau's manufacturing ethos during this era emphasized a balance of performance, comfort, and affordability, producing well-built and thoughtfully designed yachts accessible to a broad range of sailors. The First series, to which the 24 belongs, was specifically developed to appeal to keen regatta racers and demanding performance sailors, prioritizing speed and design while maintaining the pleasure of both cruising and racing.

Jean-Marie Finot’s design philosophy for the First 24 focused on maximizing utility within its modest length. He aimed to achieve the seemingly "impossible": a true family cruiser with five berths, capable of good sailing performance. This design often featured a wing keel, and notably, a centerboard version was also available, providing a range of draft options from 2.5 feet to 4.8 feet. This adaptable keel system enhanced the boat's versatility, allowing for access to shallower cruising grounds and facilitating easier launching and retrieval from a slipway.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Beneteau First 24 was designed as a "good sailer" that could perform as a "stylish racer and a fast cruiser". Its design ratios reflect a balanced approach to performance and cruising comfort. With a Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio of approximately 17.6, the First 24 exhibits decent performance across a range of wind conditions, leaning towards a lively feel without being overly demanding in light air. Its Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio of roughly 182.4 places it in the lighter end of the displacement spectrum for its length, contributing to its nimble handling and ability to achieve respectable speeds for a boat of its size. The Ballast to Displacement (Bal/D) ratio of approximately 0.31 suggests that while not exceptionally stiff, the boat is designed to be manageable and responsive, allowing sailors to enjoy a spirited experience on the water. Anecdotal accounts often describe the First 24 as a fun day-sailer and a competitive club racer, showcasing its dual capability.

Accommodations and Layout

Despite its compact length overall of just under 25 feet, the Beneteau First 24 was cleverly designed to maximize interior volume. While some descriptions refer to its interior as a single continuous room, it was conceived to offer distinct sleeping areas for up to five berths, an impressive feat for a boat of its size. The layout typically includes a V-berth forward, which serves as the primary sleeping area. The salon commonly features settees that can double as berths, and a quarter berth may be present, extending aft under the cockpit.

Given the boat's age and design era, interior finishes would typically feature a blend of molded fiberglass components for structural integrity and ease of cleaning, often complemented by wood trim to add warmth and a traditional marine feel. Storage is generally practical but limited, typical for a boat of this size where every inch is optimized. Ventilation would rely on a forward hatch and possibly a few opening portlights. While headroom is not explicitly documented, the design emphasis on accommodating five berths suggests a layout prioritizing sleeping capacity and efficient use of space over standing headroom throughout, which is common in compact cruisers of this vintage.