First 32 S5 (Beneteau) Information, Review, Specs

The creation of the First 32 S5 in the late 1980s and early 1990s marked an ambitious period for Beneteau, a company with a rich history rooted in building robust fishing trawlers before embracing fiberglass construction in the 1960s to democratize recreational sailing. During this era, Beneteau was focused on collaborating with top naval architects and designers to balance performance and comfort across their range. The First 32 S5 embodies this philosophy, being designed by the respected naval architect Jean Berret, known for his performance-oriented designs.

However, what truly set the S5 series apart was the innovative involvement of interior designer Philippe Starck. Starck's philosophy for the S5 interiors aimed to introduce a "new idea and a necessary luxury," breaking away from traditional yacht interiors with a distinctive, often polarizing, modern flair. The yacht features solid fiberglass construction for the hull and a balsa-cored deck, a technique employed for weight reduction and stiffness, complemented by a fin keel and spade rudder, all indicative of its performance cruiser intentions. While there isn't significant information on major variations like MkI/MkII for this specific model, the design consistently maintained its core characteristics throughout its production run.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Beneteau First 32 S5 exhibits characteristics that make her a rewarding boat to sail. With a Sail Area to Displacement ratio of approximately 16.50, she presents as a moderately powered vessel, suggesting good performance in a range of conditions, though not specifically optimized for very light air. Her Ballast to Displacement ratio of around 0.321 indicates a reasonable level of stability, allowing her to stand up to a decent breeze without excessive heel, though perhaps not as stiff as some dedicated racing yachts. The Displacement to Length ratio of approximately 192 categorizes her as a relatively lighter, more performance-oriented boat for her length.

Anecdotal evidence from sailors suggests the First 32 S5 "sails very well" and is "relatively fast," particularly appreciating her performance in a breeze where she is capable of accelerating without fuss. Owners often praise her good balance, contributing to a comfortable and engaging sailing experience in various sea states.

Accommodations and Layout

Despite the limited interior details in raw specifications, the Beneteau First 32 S5 offers a practical and surprisingly spacious interior, distinguished by Philippe Starck's unique design influence. Reviews and owner accounts indicate a high standard of fit-out, typical of Beneteau's approach to providing well-built yachts.

The interior layout typically features a V-berth forward, a main salon with settees and a central table, a galley, and an aft cabin (or sometimes two, as variations in aft cabin/head arrangements have been noted). The saloon is generally considered to have good space for a boat of its size, offering comfortable living areas. Starck's aesthetic is notable throughout, often characterized by clean lines, innovative use of materials, and a departure from more traditional wood-heavy interiors, which can be a point of love-it-or-hate-it for some. While specific details on storage and ventilation need to be gleaned from individual boat inspections, the overall design aims for practicality alongside its modern styling.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Beneteau First 32 S5 generally hold their boats in high regard, particularly for their sailing capabilities and the quality of construction. Many appreciate the boat's "modern classic" appeal and the distinct French flair in its design. The solid build quality and the comfortable motion in a seaway are frequently highlighted strengths. The boat is often described as a "very nice boat that sailed very well," making it a popular choice for those looking for a capable cruiser-racer.

While the First 32 S5 is considered a capable coastal cruiser, some owners discuss its potential for more extensive voyages, with considerations around preparation for longer passages like an Atlantic crossing. The model is somewhat rarer on the used boat market compared to other Beneteau First models, suggesting that owners tend to hold onto them, perhaps due to their unique combination of performance and Starck-designed interiors. General maintenance issues, as with any boat of its age, typically revolve around re-bedding deck fittings or updating older systems, rather than specific inherent design flaws widely reported for this model.