First 47.7 Race (Beneteau) Information, Review, Specs

Beneteau, a company with a rich heritage tracing back to 1884 as a builder of fishing trawlers, transitioned into fiberglass construction in the 1960s, a move that revolutionized their approach to recreational boating. Throughout its history, Beneteau has consistently partnered with top naval architects to produce sailboats that offer a harmonious balance of performance, comfort, and accessibility. The "First" range, to which the 47.7 Race belongs, was specifically established to cater to sailors seeking a more spirited and performance-oriented experience, aligning perfectly with the builder's ethos of innovation and thoughtful design.

History and Design

The Beneteau First 47.7 Race began its production run in 2000, emerging from a period where Beneteau, under the guidance of Benjamin Bénéteau's grandsons, had firmly embraced fiberglass construction and forged a reputation for accessible, well-built yachts. The specific iteration, the "Race" model, was distinguished by its deeper draft and a more performance-oriented rig, setting it apart from its standard cruising counterpart. Naval architect Bruce Farr, known for his innovative and performance-driven designs, was instrumental in shaping the First 47.7 Race. Farr's philosophy for this model centered on creating a yacht that would excel in ocean racing while retaining the essential comforts for cruising, a design brief that led to a hull with a fine entry forward and a comfortably wide transom aft, optimizing both speed and interior volume. While interior layouts offered some variations, the deck layout remained consistent across all versions, emphasizing its racing capabilities.

Sailing Performance and Handling

With a length overall of 47 feet and a waterline length exceeding 41 feet, the Beneteau First 47.7 Race boasts impressive dimensions that contribute to its sailing prowess. Her calculated Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio of approximately 20.22 indicates a potent sail plan for her displacement, suggesting strong performance, particularly in lighter wind conditions. This high ratio is characteristic of a boat designed for speed and efficiency, making her a capable performer on the racecourse.

The boat's ballast to displacement ratio of around 0.333, combined with a significant maximum draft of 9.16 feet and a bulb keel, underpins her stability. While not an exceptionally high ballast ratio, the deep keel provides substantial righting moment, allowing the First 47.7 Race to stand up to a considerable amount of wind and maintain her canvas longer, translating to a stiffer and more stable ride in a seaway. Her Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio of approximately 160.31 classifies her as a light-to-moderate displacement yacht for her size, further reinforcing her design as a performance-oriented vessel rather than a heavy cruiser.

Anecdotal reports consistently praise the First 47.7 Race for its "excellent sailing performance" and "responsive handling". Owners describe her as "fast and responsive," attributing her impressive speed and maneuverability to the well-balanced hull shape and sail plan. The deck layout is specifically optimized for racing, with lines led aft for easy handling, even when short-handed. Overall, the combination of Farr's design, the deep performance keel, spade rudder, and triple-spreader race rig delivers a sailing experience characterized by pleasure, speed, and power.

Accommodations and Layout

While the Beneteau First 47.7 Race prioritizes performance, it does not entirely sacrifice cruising comfort. The interior layout typically features a forward owner's cabin that spans the full beam of the yacht, providing generous space and comfort. Reviews often highlight this forward cabin as "particularly comfortable". Common configurations usually include a spacious salon, a well-appointed galley, and additional cabins aft, offering ample accommodation for crew or family on longer voyages. The interior finish generally reflects Beneteau's standard of quality for the era, combining practical materials with touches of traditional joinery. While specific details on headroom are not widely available, the overall design aims to offer a comfortable living space commensurate with a yacht of its size and dual-purpose nature. Storage is typically adequate for cruising provisions and gear, and ventilation is managed through a series of hatches and ports designed to keep the interior comfortable at anchor.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Beneteau First 47.7 Race frequently laud its exceptional versatility, noting its capability as both a competitive club racer and a comfortable fast cruiser suitable for Caribbean voyages or even ocean crossings. Many owners highlight the yacht's impressive racing success as a testament to its design and build quality. The "thrilling speed, responsive handling, and spacious living" are consistently mentioned as significant strengths. The deep performance keel and rudder, paired with the racing rig, are often cited as key contributors to the enjoyable and powerful sailing experience.

However, some common considerations and potential maintenance areas have been noted by owners. As with many performance cruisers, the keel bolts and the keel-hull joint are areas that require careful inspection, especially if the boat has experienced grounding or consistent racing stress. While not exclusive to the 47.7, some general Beneteau characteristics, such as the potential for original deck fittings to develop leaks over time, have been observed across the brand's models, suggesting that re-bedding may be a recurring maintenance task. Owners appreciate the strong sense of community that often surrounds Beneteau yachts, with owners' groups and forums providing valuable resources for shared experiences and technical advice.