First 44 Performance (Beneteau) Information, Review, Specs

Emerging from Beneteau's celebrated "First" range, which has consistently delivered successful racers and popular performance-oriented choices for decades, the First 44 Performance represents a contemporary evolution. It is positioned to offer a spirited sailing experience without compromising on the practicalities and comfort desired for enjoyable time on the water, whether for a weekend getaway or longer voyages.

History and Design

Production of the Beneteau First 44 Performance commenced in 2022, marking it as a relatively new entrant into the highly competitive performance cruiser market. The design, spearheaded by Lorenzo Argento for both interior and exterior, aimed to refine the concept of a performance cruiser, creating a vessel that is lively and efficient in all conditions. Beneteau's long-standing tradition, dating back to 1884, has been rooted in building robust and reliable boats, evolving from wooden fishing trawlers to pioneering fiberglass construction in the 1960s. This transition allowed Beneteau to embrace design freedoms, leading to the development of recreational sailboats that were both accessible and appealing. The First 44 Performance continues this ethos, leveraging Beneteau's efficient production methods and robust build quality, which contribute to their reputation for value and reliability.

The First 44 is presented in two primary configurations: the standard First 44 and the First 44 Performance, distinguished by their deck plans, keel options, and mast choices. The Performance variant, in particular, focuses on ergonomics for fully crewed regattas, with equipment and systems geared towards competitive sailing. Owners can also opt for an optional carbon rig to enhance sail area, further boosting its performance capabilities. This dual offering reflects a design philosophy that seeks to accommodate a wide spectrum of sailing goals, from cruising to serious racing.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Beneteau First 44 Performance is engineered to deliver a spirited sailing experience, with its design ratios indicating a boat that is light, responsive, and capable in a variety of wind conditions. With a sail area to displacement ratio (SA/D) of approximately 21.8, the First 44 Performance suggests excellent performance in lighter air, indicating that it should be quick to accelerate and maintain speed even when the breeze is modest. This high ratio points to a generous sail plan relative to its displacement, making it a lively and efficient boat.

Its displacement to length ratio (D/L) of around 140.8 places the First 44 Performance firmly in the lighter end of the cruiser spectrum, typical of performance-oriented designs. This relatively low D/L suggests a hull form optimized for speed and agility, allowing the boat to move efficiently through the water. While its ballast to displacement ratio of approximately 0.28 is not exceptionally high, the yacht's overall design, including its bulb keel and twin rudders, contributes significantly to its stability and control. Reviews highlight that Beneteau has produced a practical performance yacht that is easily handled, even by a smaller crew. The twin rudders enhance steering control, especially when heeled, providing a balanced helm and confident handling in various sea states. The design promotes good light-air performance without overly compromising form stability. The boat is described as being quick and fun to sail, even in lighter winds, with the potential for its performance talents to truly shine when crewed for racing.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Beneteau First 44 Performance combines a modern aesthetic with functional design, aiming to provide comfort without sacrificing performance-oriented efficiency. The yacht typically features a three-cabin, two-head layout, offering ample space for both crew and cruising amenities. The interior design, also by Lorenzo Argento, boasts a contoured internal layout that often combines white varnished finishes with quality materials, presenting a clean and functional ambiance.

The maximum headroom of 6.4 feet ensures comfortable movement below deck for most individuals. The layout includes a full galley, providing necessary facilities for extended stays onboard. While specific details on storage and ventilation would require more in-depth reviews, the general impression is one of a streamlined interior designed to be both aesthetically pleasing and practical for sailing. This interior setup provides enough space and comfort for "very civilised" cruising, distinguishing it from more spartan racing-focused vessels.

Owner's Perspectives

As a model launched in 2022, extensive long-term owner reviews for the Beneteau First 44 Performance are still emerging. However, initial impressions and reviews from sailing journalists and early adopters highlight several anticipated strengths. Owners are expected to praise its ability to bridge the gap between performance and comfort, offering a lively sailing experience without sacrificing interior amenities. Its ease of handling, even with a smaller crew, is frequently noted as a significant advantage. The yacht's contemporary design and the Beneteau brand's reputation for value and reliability are also likely to be highly regarded by owners.

Given its recent introduction, common problems or widespread maintenance issues have not yet been widely documented in owner forums or review sites. However, typical considerations for new performance-oriented yachts might include the specific demands of racing-focused hardware and systems, which may require more attentive maintenance than purely cruising setups. The active Beneteau ownership community and extensive global dealer network provide a strong support system for owners, offering opportunities for knowledge exchange and assistance.