First Ims 40.7 (Beneteau) Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The creation of the Beneteau First IMS 40.7 in 1994 marked a singular moment in Beneteau's history. While Beneteau, founded in 1884, transitioned from building sturdy wooden fishing trawlers to embracing fiberglass construction in the 1960s, it consistently sought to balance performance with comfort across its recreational lines. The "First" series, to which the IMS 40.7 belongs, was specifically developed to offer a more spirited sailing experience. The IMS 40.7 was designed by Bruce Farr, a naval architect celebrated for performance-oriented yacht designs. Notably, this 1994 IMS 40.7 (Farr design #289) is distinct from the highly successful and more prolific First 40.7 (Farr design #354) that debuted three years later in 1997. The later 40.7's hull, in fact, was developed from its "IMS pedigree," indicating a shared design philosophy rooted in optimizing performance under rating rules. Only five units of the First IMS 40.7 were built, underscoring its role as a specialized, purpose-built racer rather than a mass-market offering.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Beneteau First IMS 40.7's design specifications reflect its clear focus on competitive sailing. With a length overall of 40.67 feet and a waterline length of 36.16 feet, it combines a relatively light displacement of 11,298 pounds with a significant sail plan. Its high calculated Sail Area to Displacement ratio (SA/D) of approximately 27.89 suggests exceptional light-air performance, indicating that the boat is well-powered and eager to accelerate in minimal breeze.

Complementing this, the yacht boasts a high Ballast to Displacement ratio of nearly 49% (5,511 lbs ballast in 11,298 lbs displacement). This substantial ballast ratio contributes significantly to the boat's stiffness and stability, enabling it to carry its large sail area effectively and stand up to more wind without excessive heel, a critical characteristic for an IMS racer. The Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio of approximately 106.74 further confirms its classification as a lightweight, performance-oriented vessel, designed for speed rather than heavy-duty cruising. While specific anecdotal handling descriptions for the rare IMS 40.7 are scarce, its design lineage suggests crisp, responsive handling and a balanced helm, characteristics praised in the closely related First 40.7, which exhibited "excellent and positive handling characteristics" and tracked well under power. The First IMS 40.7, with its even more pronounced racing focus, would likely amplify these attributes.

Accommodations and Layout

Given its genesis as a dedicated IMS racing platform and its extremely limited production run of just five units, the interior accommodations of the Beneteau First IMS 40.7 would have been configured primarily for functionality and weight saving rather than extensive cruising comfort. While specific detailed layouts for this particular model are difficult to ascertain, most Beneteau First series yachts of that era, even those with a strong racing bias, offered a basic but practical arrangement.

Typical layouts for performance yachts in this size range often include a V-berth forward, a main salon with settees that can double as berths, a functional galley for basic meal preparation, and a marine head. Storage would likely be ample for racing gear and limited personal effects. Materials would prioritize durability and ease of maintenance, with a balance of molded fiberglass and possibly some wood trim, though less ornate than in a dedicated cruising yacht. Ventilation would be provided by deck hatches and opening ports. The focus would have been on ergonomics for crew movement during racing and providing essential facilities for short-term stays, rather than luxurious living. For instance, the later Beneteau First 40.7 was known to feature layouts reflecting a "French penchant for multiple double-berth" configurations, often with a three-cabin arrangement including a V-berth and two aft double quarter berths, alongside a good-sized head. While the IMS 40.7 would have been more spartan, it likely followed a similar functional division of space.