First 45 F5 (Beneteau) Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The creation of the First 45 F5 marked a significant moment in Beneteau's history, showcasing the builder's commitment to pushing boundaries through high-profile collaborations. Launched in 1990, the yacht was a product of Beneteau's "Fiberglass Revolution," which allowed for more efficient production and design freedoms beyond traditional wooden boats. During this era, Beneteau, a company rooted in robust boatbuilding since 1884, was expanding its recreational sailboat offerings by partnering with esteemed naval architects to achieve a balance of performance, comfort, and affordability.

Bruce Farr, known as a master of fast hull designs, envisioned the First 45 F5 to be "born to perform," incorporating an advanced keel design that emphasized speed and competitive characteristics. The involvement of Sergio Pininfarina, typically associated with iconic automotive designs, brought a fresh perspective to the yacht's interior. This unprecedented partnership aimed to create a sailing yacht that embodied cutting-edge technology, pure intelligence, and beauty, setting it apart in the performance cruiser market. The First 45 F5 was offered with different keel options, including a wing keel with a draft of 5.9 feet (1.8 meters) and a deep lead keel extending to 7.87 feet (2.4 meters), allowing owners to tailor the boat to their sailing preferences.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Beneteau First 45 F5 is unequivocally designed for performance, a characteristic evident in its well-balanced design ratios. With a Sail Area to Displacement Ratio (SA/D) of approximately 18.10, the yacht is poised to deliver strong performance, particularly excelling in lighter air conditions. Her Ballast to Displacement Ratio (Bal/D) of around 36.2% indicates a respectable level of stiffness and stability, enabling the boat to stand up to wind and maintain a comfortable heel angle. Furthermore, the Displacement to Length Ratio (D/L) of approximately 173.97 positions the First 45 F5 firmly in the lighter, more performance-oriented category of cruising yachts.

Reviewers and owners often highlight the First 45 F5's "excellent sailing characteristics" and describe her as a "true sailing machine". Known for being fast and competitive, the yacht's fractional sloop rig makes her quite sensitive to sail adjustments, a trait common among high-performance vessels. Her Bruce Farr-designed hull contributes to a pleasurable sailing experience, making her a capable and rewarding boat to handle across various sea states.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Beneteau First 45 F5 is a standout feature, distinguished by the elegant and innovative design work of Sergio Pininfarina. The interior is noted for its "curves and cool design," creating a warm and inviting ambiance with the prominent use of mahogany tones. Abundant natural light permeates the living spaces, enhancing the sense of openness.

While specific headroom is not detailed in the provided specifications, the layout typically features double berths, with some configurations offering an additional single berth adjacent to the forward double. A defining characteristic of the interior is the "common oval dinette with centerline island seating," which serves as a central gathering point. The design also ingeniously incorporates "sea view" for all cabins, connecting occupants with their surroundings even below decks. Owners frequently praise the combination of good sailing performance with an accommodation that offers "maximum exclusivity and innovation".

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Beneteau First 45 F5 consistently praise its dual nature: a high-performance cruiser that doesn't compromise on comfort. Many consider it a "very successful design," finding it "pleasant to stay on the inside" and "a pleasure to sail on the outside". The yacht is often regarded as a capable "Bluewater cruiser," with owners aspiring to undertake extensive voyages with a vessel that offers both "style and speed". The blend of Bruce Farr's performance-driven hull and Pininfarina's luxurious interior styling is frequently highlighted as a major strength, contributing to a satisfying ownership experience.