Beneteau -Farr First 45 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The influence of Farr Yacht Design is immediately apparent in the First 45’s performance profile. With a Displacement/Length (D/L) ratio of approximately 141 and a Sail Area/Displacement (SA/D) ratio hovering around 24.6, the vessel sits firmly in the performance category. These figures translate to a boat that is exceptionally lively in light air—a common praise in Sail Magazine’s editorial review—where it can often match wind speed in 5 to 8 knots of breeze.

The hull features a powerful, broad stern that provides significant form stability when healed, allowing the boat to carry its generous fractional rig well into the upper teens before a reef is required. Owners often report that the boat tracks exceptionally well upwind, aided by a high-aspect spade rudder that remains tactile and responsive through the twin-wheel steering system. According to testing by Yachting Monthly, the boat exhibits a "big boat" feel, remaining predictable in a seaway while maintaining the nimbleness required for tight mark-roundings. The First 45 was offered with multiple keel configurations: a standard deep T-keel (2.40m) for maximum lift and stability, and a shallower L-keel version (2.15m) for those restricted by draft, though the former is significantly more sought after on the secondary market for its superior windward performance.

Interior Comfort & Variations

While the exterior is all business, the interior designed by Nauta Design reflects a minimalist, contemporary French aesthetic. The use of light oak or Moabi mahogany finishes combined with a sleek, low-profile coachroof design results in a saloon that feels significantly larger than its 45-foot designation suggests. The layout is typically a three-cabin, two-head configuration. A standout feature is the longitudinal galley located to port, which provides ample workspace and bracing points for cooking at sea, though some traditionalists prefer the U-shaped galleys found on the Oceanis cruising line.

Beneteau maximized the beam of the Farr hull to ensure the aft cabins do not feel claustrophobic, a common complaint in performance designs of this era. The forward master suite is notably luxurious, often featuring a dedicated head and separate shower stall. Sibling models built on this design philosophy include the smaller First 40, which mirrors the cockpit ergonomics, and the First 50, which shares the "luxury performance" interior DNA. For a time, Beneteau also marketed a "Regatta" pack for the 45, which replaced the standard aluminum rig with carbon fiber and upgraded the deck hardware to Harken racing-grade components, though the interior footprint remained largely unchanged between these variants.

Popular Mentions & Media

The First 45 has maintained a strong presence in the international racing circuit, particularly under the IRC and ORC rating systems. It became a staple in European regattas such as the Copa del Rey and the Middle Sea Race. Its reputation as a "gentleman’s racer" was further cemented by its frequent appearances in nautical media as the benchmark for comparing performance cruisers. The model is well-documented in the official Beneteau historical archive, which highlights its role in transitioning the First range toward a more modern, design-forward identity.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of a Farr-designed First 45 should focus their survey on the structural elements that take the most stress during competitive sailing.

1. Keel Grid and "Smile": Like many high-performance Beneteaus with a composite hull liner, the "spider" grid system must be inspected for any signs of debonding. If the boat has suffered a grounding, a "smile" or hairline crack may appear at the leading edge of the keel-to-hull joint.
2. Rudder Bearings: The large spade rudder places significant load on the bearings. Play in the steering or a "notchy" feel at the wheel often indicates that the self-aligning bearings are due for replacement.
3. Deck Delamination: The First 45 utilized a balsa-cored, injection-molded deck. While this saves weight, any poorly sealed aftermarket deck hardware can lead to moisture ingress. A thorough percussion test of the coachroof is essential.
4. Rod Rigging Service Life: Many First 45s were delivered with rod rigging rather than wire. Rod rigging typically requires a professional "dye-test" or full replacement every 10–12 years; buyers should verify the age of the standing rigging as this is a high-cost maintenance item.
5. Chainplate Leakage: Check the interior cabinetry around the chainplates for water staining, as the high tension of the performance rig can occasionally work the sealant loose over time.

Community & Resources

The First 45 benefits from Beneteau’s massive global footprint. The most prominent resource for technical support is the Beneteau First Owners Association, a long-standing group that provides technical wikis and historical documentation for the range. Additionally, because the boat was designed by Farr Yacht Design, owners can often access original stability curves and polar diagrams directly from the designer’s technical archives for optimized racing performance.

The Verdict

The Beneteau First 45 is a rare example of a production boat that successfully serves two masters. It is fast enough to win a club series on a Tuesday night but comfortable enough to take a family across the Bay of Biscay on a Friday. While it requires more active trimming and attention than a dedicated cruiser, the rewards are found in its superior speed and tactile handling.

Pros:

• Exceptional Light-Air Speed: High SA/D ratio ensures movement when others are motoring.
• Nauta Design Interior: A modern, airy aesthetic that has aged better than many of its contemporaries.
• Dual-Purpose Cockpit: Removable lockers and well-placed winches accommodate both full crews and short-handed sailing.

Cons:

• Draft Constraints: The high-performance 2.40m keel can limit access to some shallower cruising grounds.
• Complex Rigging: The performance-oriented rig requires more maintenance and tuning than a standard cruising mast.
• Galley Layout: The linear galley, while stylish, offers less storage for long-term provisioning compared to L-shaped alternatives.