First Class 7 (Beneteau) Information, Review, Specs

The First Class 7 emerged from the Beneteau yards between 1983 and 1985. During this period, Beneteau, having spearheaded the "fiberglass revolution" in the 1960s, was actively diversifying its offerings beyond traditional fishing vessels into the burgeoning recreational sailboat market. The company embraced fiberglass construction to allow for more efficient production and lighter hulls, aligning with their goal of making sailing more accessible and appealing. The First Class 7 was part of Beneteau's "First" series, a line dedicated to performance cruisers and racers that originated with the First 30. Designed by the same naval architects responsible for the First Class 8, the First Class 7 was specifically envisioned as a high-performance vessel suitable for both coastal sailing and racing on inland water bodies. A notable design feature of the First Class 7 is its wing keel, also referred to as a swing keel, offering versatility in varying water depths.

Sailing Performance and Handling

True to its "First Class" designation, the Beneteau First Class 7 is recognized as a light, high-performance sailboat. With a length overall of 21.5 feet and a waterline length of 20 feet, its design allows for agile handling. The boat is characterized by its stability and stiffness, capable of standing up to wind effectively. Its fractional sloop rig, combined with a reported sail area of 216 square feet, contributes to its lively performance, particularly in upwind conditions where it boasts 24.70 square meters of sail. While known for its high performance, it's also noted for having a low righting capability if fully capsized, which is a characteristic to consider for small, lightweight racing designs. The theoretical hull speed for the First Class 7 is approximately 5.99 knots.

Accommodations and Layout

Given its primary role as a performance-oriented day-sailor or weekender, the Beneteau First Class 7 offers a minimalist interior focused on essential functionality. The cabin is typically equipped with four berths, providing basic overnighting capability. As a smaller vessel designed for speed and agile handling, the interior headroom is limited. The layout prioritizes open space within the hull for sails and crew movement during racing or day-sailing activities, rather than extensive cruising amenities. Information on specific interior finish quality, materials, storage solutions, or ventilation systems is not widely detailed in common reviews, suggesting a straightforward and practical, rather than luxurious, fit-out.