First 36 (Beneteau) Information, Review, Specs

Conceived as a true sailing boat for the modern age, the First 36 aims to bridge the gap between high-tech racing development and the mainstream racer-cruiser market. Its essence lies in delivering an exhilarating sailing experience without compromising the comforts expected on a cruising yacht, a philosophy deeply ingrained in the "First" series legacy.

History and Design

The Beneteau First 36 emerged in 2022, signaling a fresh chapter for Beneteau's renowned "First" performance line. The design brief for the First 36, led by Lorenzo Argento, was emphatically centered on performance. Argento, who also owns a standard First 36, emphasized the goal of designing a boat that would be responsive and exciting to sail, while integrating onboard comfort without it negatively impacting high-performance sailing.

Beneteau, a builder with roots stretching back to 1884 and a pivotal shift to fiberglass in the 1960s, has consistently aimed to balance performance with comfort and affordability across its recreational sailboat range. Their modern ethos, evident in the First 36, continues to focus on efficient production methods and robust build quality, ensuring value and reliability. The First 36 is offered in two primary layouts: Racing and Cruising. The Cruising layout notably includes cockpit benches with cushions, which can be removed for racing, allowing a quick transformation between modes. This adaptability reflects the builder's intention for the boat to serve multiple sailing purposes.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Beneteau First 36, with its modern hull design and performance-oriented specifications, is engineered for a spirited sailing experience. Its sail area to displacement ratio (SA/D) calculates to approximately 28.72, a remarkably high figure that indicates exceptional power in light winds and a strong ability to accelerate and maintain speed even in marginal conditions. This suggests the boat is lively and responsive, true to its "First" lineage.

The ballast to displacement ratio (B/D) stands at roughly 32.3%. While not an extreme racing ratio, this percentage, combined with the boat's bulb keel, provides a solid foundation for stability, allowing the boat to stand up to a good breeze without excessive heel, balancing performance with a comfortable motion. The displacement to length ratio (D/L) is approximately 124.3, categorizing the First 36 as a very light and performance-oriented vessel for its size. This low D/L suggests a boat designed for speed and agile handling, capable of quick planing in suitable conditions.

Reviewers have described the First 36 as pure, unfettered sailing, highlighting its overall responsiveness and balance. Its handling is reported to be uncomplicated and a pleasure, delivering a combination of sailing fun that aligns with its racer-cruiser reputation. The dual rudder system also contributes to precise steering control, especially when heeled.

Accommodations and Layout

Despite its emphasis on performance, the Beneteau First 36 strives to deliver practical and comfortable accommodations, offering a spacious interior comparable to some larger predecessors thanks to its wide hull. The boat features a traditional three-cabin layout, designed to maximize living space. Headroom in the salon is a respectable 6.17 feet.

The interior layout includes a spacious forward cabin and twin aft cabins, providing ample sleeping arrangements for cruising. A notable feature is the inclusion of a full-sized navigation table, a detail often omitted in modern designs, underscoring its dual-purpose nature. While specific details on finish quality and materials would require a direct inspection, Beneteau typically uses a combination of wood trim and fiberglass elements, focusing on durable and functional finishes for their production boats. Owners and reviewers generally find the accommodations to be comfortable and family-friendly, suitable for both short trips and extended cruising.

Owner's Perspectives

Given that the Beneteau First 36 only commenced production in 2022, long-term owner reviews and widespread anecdotal evidence regarding common issues are still emerging. However, initial impressions from owners and press reviews are largely positive, focusing on the boat's success in blending spirited sailing performance with practical comfort. Owners frequently praise its responsiveness under sail and its ability to transform from a race-ready platform to a comfortable cruiser by adjusting cockpit features. The consensus suggests that the First 36 successfully delivers on its promise of being a genuine racer-cruiser where comfort does not detract from high-performance sailing.