Design and Construction
Farr’s brief called for strong IRC performance, and the hull reflects a deliberate weight strategy: ballast kept low and concentrated, with savings everywhere else. The T-bulb keel places the centre of gravity as low as possible while giving the fin its greatest effective span. The design process began with careful positioning of the centre of buoyancy to produce a slippery yet seaworthy hull shape, and reducing wetted surface was a stated priority.
Beneteau built the First 34.7 as a durable production racer-cruiser to a price. Its Infujection process combines infusion and injection in inner and outer moulds, fusing the hull and internal floor structure in a single operation. The builder claims this produces tighter resin-to-fibre accuracy and consistent weight.
The deck is injection-moulded, giving the interior a clean finish without a liner. Chainplates attach to mini-bulkheads that transfer their loads directly to the keel.
Rig, Performance, and Handling
The fractional sloop rig allows fine control over sail trim and accepts overlapping headsails of up to 150 percent. A retractable carbon bowsprit—the first fitted by Beneteau—came as standard.
A carbon mast with rod rigging was an expensive option, but nearly all of the first 60 boats built in 2006 carried it in place of the standard alloy mast. Downwind, the masthead asymmetric spinnaker provides 980 square feet of sail area. Testers described the First 34.7 as having the sprightly feel of a bowsprit-blaster and recorded speeds of 7 to 9 knots in 10–14 knots of true wind.
Upwind, the deep 6.56-foot draft and 38.07 percent ballast ratio provide the pointing ability and stiffness needed for aggressive sailing. The small rudder, however, was a deliberate IRC trade-off intended to reduce drag. If the boat isn’t kept on her feet, she can lose grip and round up, with little warning before the rudder stalls. The helm itself feels solid and dependable, with just over half a turn from lock to lock.
Cockpit and Accommodations
The beamy, open transom and long cockpit give a racing crew room to work. The cockpit is also deep enough for occasional family cruising and includes decent lockers.
Below, the emphasis remains on saving weight without giving up the essentials. The saloon has settee berths on either side of a fixed table, with the hull sides serving as seat backs. A galley sits to port, opposite a small navigation station, and both offer generous stowage.
Anchor, chain, and warp are stored beneath the companionway floor. Two double cabins lie under the cockpit and can be left open-plan, or the starboard side can be enclosed as an owner’s cabin. The heads are forward of the mast, helping to keep weight out of the bow. This compartment also doubles as a wet area when the spinnaker is retrieved through the foredeck hatch.
Known Issues
Beyond the rudder’s limited low-speed bite, period testing found the control-line layout less refined than that of the X-Yachts X-35. In particular, the fine-tune block and jammer would be better placed on the mainsheet car than on the pedestal moulding.
Cross-sheeting the spinnaker to the secondary winches causes the sheet to chafe against the cockpit coamings. One stanchion complicates genoa skirting upwind, while the solid kicker blocks the 20/20 displays.
The Verdict
The First 34.7 is a focused IRC racer-cruiser that punches above its length in light air and downwind. In return, it demands an attentive helm and provides only moderate comfort in a seaway.
Pros
- Farr-designed T-bulb hull with low wetted surface and strong upwind pointing
- Standard carbon bowsprit and large asymmetric spinnaker for lively downwind speed
- Integrated Infujection structure and a clean, liner-free deck finish
Cons
- Small rudder trades low-speed control for reduced downwind drag
- Simple interior is best suited to weekends and short coastal trips, rather than heavy offshore use
- Several minor deck-gear ergonomics call for owner refinement
