The narrative of Seascape began not in a traditional shipyard, but in the minds of two passionate sailors, Kristian Hajnšek and Andraž Mihelin, who returned from demanding Mini Transat campaigns with a clear vision. Founded in Slovenia in 2009, Seascape emerged from a desire to translate the exhilarating experience of ocean racing into small, accessible, and easily-handled sailing boats for a wider audience. Their original motivation was to prove that their passion for performance sailing could thrive in a commercial venture, offering exciting sensations in a more manageable package.
The company's inaugural vessel, the Seascape 18, launched in 2009, perfectly encapsulated this vision. Designed by the renowned naval architect Sam Manuard, this 18-foot racing dayboat was conceived to deliver the thrills of single-handed ocean racing in a tamed, accessible, and easy-to-handle format. Crafted with an emphasis on lightweight construction, the Seascape 18 quickly gained a strong following, establishing the young Slovenian shipyard as a notable innovator in 21st-century sailing.
History and Evolution
Seascape's history is characterized by a steady expansion of its model range, always adhering to its core philosophy of performance and accessibility. A pivotal moment in the company's trajectory occurred in 2018 when French giant Groupe Beneteau acquired a controlling 60% stake in the Slovenian builder. This strategic move brought all Seascape models under the umbrella of Beneteau's well-established "First" range, rebranding them as First SE (Seascape Edition) models. This acquisition marked Beneteau's renewed focus on the small sailing boat market and allowed Seascape's innovative designs to reach a broader global audience. Despite the ownership change, the founders expressed confidence that their passion and design ethos could survive and even flourish within the larger Beneteau Group.
Design Philosophy and Identity
Seascape quickly carved out a distinct reputation in the sailing world for producing "people's boats" – high-performance, versatile, and lightweight cruisers that were exhilarating to sail yet remained forgiving and practical. Their design philosophy centers on bringing modern one-design racing and adventure sailing to recreational sailors. This is evident in signature design features such as wide sterns and double rudder blades, which are hallmarks of modern performance-oriented yacht design and contribute to excellent control, even at double-digit speeds.
A crucial element of Seascape's success has been its exclusive collaboration with naval architect Sam Manuard. Manuard's expertise in designing fast, offshore-capable boats, particularly from his background in Mini Transat, perfectly aligned with Seascape's vision. His designs prioritize ease of transport and sailing, catering to a new generation of sailors who value both speed and convenience. The company consistently emphasizes lightweight construction to achieve optimal performance and planing capabilities.
Iconic Models and Legacy
Seascape's relatively short but impactful history is punctuated by several highly successful and iconic models, all designed by Sam Manuard.
- Seascape 18 (now First 18 SE): The trailblazing model, launched in 2009, set the tone for the brand. It was conceived as a racing dayboat that could also function as a cruiser, quickly becoming a hit due to its accessible performance and ease of handling.
- Seascape 24 (now First 24 SE): This model rethought the concept of a small inshore performance family cruiser. It's renowned as a versatile, lightweight, and powerful yacht with a fully retractable swing keel, making it easy to launch and transport, while still capable of planing and sleeping four.
- Seascape 27 (now First 27 SE): Aiming for a boat that was offshore capable, fun to race, and suitable for modest cruising, the Seascape 27 delivered on all fronts. Like its smaller siblings, it's known for its effortless sailing at high speeds and remarkable ease of handling.
- First 36 (developed by Seascape): While not originally named "Seascape 36," the development and build of the First 36 were undertaken by the Seascape shipyard in Slovenia under a license agreement from Beneteau. This larger model continues the Seascape ethos of a modern, performance-oriented planing racer, featuring the signature wide stern and double rudders, and further solidifying their legacy of designing engaging, fast cruising yachts.
Seascape's Modern Chapter
Today, Seascape operates as an integral part of Groupe Beneteau, with its original models proudly carrying the "First SE" (Seascape Edition) designation. The Slovenian team continues to be at the forefront of designing and building these specific models, ensuring the brand's unique philosophy of performance, user-friendliness, and adventurous sailing remains intact.
The modern First SE boats appeal to a diverse range of sailors, from those seeking exhilarating day-sailing and club racing experiences to families looking for easily transportable, performance-oriented cruisers. The ownership experience is characterized by accessible performance and a strong sense of community, often fostered by the brand's emphasis on one-design racing and adventure sailing. The continued success of the First SE line within Beneteau's portfolio is a testament to Seascape's enduring impact on making performance sailing more attainable and enjoyable for a new generation of enthusiasts.
