Design Brief & Intent
The primary mission of the First 32 S5 WK was to deliver a dual-purpose pocket cruiser-racer that could transition seamlessly from weeknight beer-can racing to family weekend cruising. In an era where many production builders prioritized interior volume at the expense of sailing performance, Berret designed a hull with a fine entry, moderate beam carried well aft, and a clean, easily driven underwater profile. This was coupled with Starck’s modern interior styling, which turned traditional maritime design on its head.
Below decks, the Starck influence is immediately recognizable and remains a "love it or hate it" design statement. Traditional hand-rubbed, dark teak joinery was eschewed in favor of either light-hued veneers or deep, high-gloss mahogany trim. The cabin is characterized by striking stylized cast-aluminum saloon table legs, customized aluminum companionway details, curved grab rails, and gray marble-patterned laminate countertops. Rather than small, traditional portlights, Starck incorporated long, form-following curved coachroof windows that flood the salon with natural light. The overall fit-out was designed to appeal to buyers who wanted the performance of a modern fractional rig but desired a cabin resembling a contemporary Parisian apartment rather than a dark, traditional wooden cave.
Variations & Configurations
While the standard First 32 S5 was delivered with a deep fin keel drawing nearly six feet, the Wing Keel (WK) configuration was engineered to expand the boat's cruising footprint. Drawing only 4.41 feet (approximately 4 feet, 5 inches), the wing keel utilizes a shortened, high-efficiency cast-iron bulb fitted with prominent horizontal winglets. This design allows the boat to access shallow draft regions—such as the Chesapeake Bay, the Florida Keys, the Bahamas, and inland lakes—without completely sacrificing the windward lift and tracking ability of a deep-keel boat.
The interior layout was thoughtfully optimized for the 32-foot hull, offering a level of privacy uncommon for boats of this vintage. It features a private double-cabin layout aft to port with an opening hatch and hanging locker, alongside a private V-berth forward. The salon consists of two straight settee berths flanking Starck’s center-line drop-leaf table. To starboard of the companionway is an enclosed head and shower stall, while the L-shaped galley sits to port, equipped with double stainless steel sinks, a gimbaled stove, and a top-loading icebox or refrigeration unit.
Sailing Performance & Handling
Under sail, the First 32 S5 WK is a lively, rewarding, and highly tactile boat to helm. With a displacement of 10,000 pounds and a moderate displacement-to-length (Disp/LWL) ratio of 207.79, the boat occupies a sweet spot. It is light enough to remain agile and easily driven in light airs, yet possesses enough inertia to punch through coastal chop without losing significant momentum.
The sail area-to-displacement (SA/Disp) ratio of 15.68 indicates a balanced and highly manageable sail plan. While not as aggressively canvased as some pure racing designs, the 7/8 fractional rig utilizes a highly efficient, tall mast that works in harmony with overlapping headsails. This allows the boat to point high and gather speed quickly in light-to-medium conditions. The wing keel draft limits upwind pointing by a few degrees compared to the deep fin version, but the winglets generate decent hydrodynamic lift, keeping leeway to a minimum.
With a comfort ratio of 22.24, the motion of the hull in a seaway is active. It provides immediate feedback to the rudder and will heel relatively quickly to its initial stability point. Experienced owners note that the hull sails fastest and most comfortably when kept under 18 to 20 degrees of heel, meaning the mainsail should be reefed early as the wind climbs past 15 knots. A capsize screening ratio of 2.01 places the boat right on the threshold of offshore-rated stability limits. This confirms its suitability for coastal cruising, offshore passages in moderate conditions, and club racing, rather than extreme, heavy-weather blue-water voyaging.
Market Snapshot & Economics
On the brokerage market, the First 32 S5 WK occupies a niche, highly respected position. It is generally considered a high-value entry point for sailors looking for speed and style on a modest budget. Because Beneteau produced a limited run of these boats between 1989 and 1993, they are relatively scarce compared to the ubiquitous Oceanis or Catalina models of the same era.
The economics of purchasing a used First 32 S5 WK heavily favor buyers who understand the cost of refitting aging yachts. They do not command the high premiums of modern performance-cruisers, but they hold their value far better than generic, slow-cruising boats of the late 1980s. Prospective owners should expect to budget for rigging, electronics, and structural window repairs, as these older performance boats are often sailed hard by previous owners. While well-maintained examples are highly sought after by enthusiast club racers, neglected projects require significant investment that can quickly exceed the boat's ultimate market value.
Known Issues & Triage
Like any production yacht of this vintage, the First 32 S5 WK has documented trouble spots that require careful inspection and proactive maintenance:
- Coachroof Window Leaks: The long, curved, stylized acrylic cabin windows are a signature feature of the Starck design but are notorious for developing leaks and UV crazing over time. Re-bedding or replacing these curved panels is a complex task. Because the cabin top flexes under mast and rigging loads, standard marine sealants often fail. Successful DIY or professional triage requires removing the old panels, preparing the fiberglass flange, and using structural glazing silicones, such as Dow Corning 795, paired with the correct primer to ensure a flexible, watertight bond.
- Structural Grid Separation: Beneteau constructed the hull using a solid GRP laminate reinforced by an internal molded fiberglass grid system (inner liner) bonded to the hull to distribute rigging and keel loads. Hard groundings or excessive pounding in heavy seas can cause the adhesive bonding between this grid and the hull to crack or delaminate, particularly around the keel sump. A marine surveyor should perform hammer percussion tests and inspect the bilge areas for any signs of grid separation or stress fracturing.
- Keel Bolt and Sump Maintenance: The mild steel keel bolts securing the cast-iron wing keel are prone to rust and crevice corrosion if the bilge is left wet. Regular inspection, wire-brushing, and occasional replacement of the keel bolts and backing plates are common maintenance requirements for this model.
- Proprietary Starck Hardware: Many interior fixtures, such as the curved aluminum sink faucets, custom plastic cabinet latches, and companionway trim, are highly proprietary. Sourcing OEM replacements is nearly impossible, meaning owners must either repair the original components or adapt modern marine hardware, which can clash with the boat's distinct aesthetic.
- Interior Liner Sag: The foam-backed vinyl headliners and wall coverings used by Beneteau in this era eventually degrade, especially in hot or humid climates. The foam turns into a crumbly, sticky residue, causing the vinyl to sag. Remedying this is a labor-intensive project involving scraping away old adhesive and gluing new marine-grade vinyl or foam-backed materials in place.
Modernization & Upgrades
Many current owners are actively updating the First 32 S5 WK to match modern sailing standards. The original auxiliary power was typically a raw-water-cooled Volvo Penta 2002 diesel engine generating 18 horsepower. Over decades of use, raw-water cooling can lead to internal salt-scale buildup and localized corrosion. Consequently, many owners choose to repower with modern, fresh-water-cooled diesels, such as the Yanmar 3YM20 or Volvo Penta D1-20, which offer smoother operation, better fuel efficiency, and easier winterization.
Electrical system upgrades are also common. Replacing the original lead-acid battery banks with lightweight Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) systems allows owners to run modern 12-volt refrigeration, upgraded autopilots, and contemporary navigation suites without relying constantly on shore power or engine alternator charging.
Rigging upgrades are highly recommended for short-handed sailing. Upgrading the deck layout by running all halyards, reefing lines, and control lines aft to newer, modern line clutches on the cabin top allows the boat to be easily sailed by a couple or a single-hander. Additionally, retrofitting newer, high-modulus running rigging and upgrading older primary winches to self-tailing models greatly reduces crew fatigue.
The Verdict
The Beneteau First 32 S5 WK is a standout cruiser-racer that successfully merges avant-garde design with sparkling sailing performance. For sailors seeking a responsive, quick, and visually distinctive boat that can navigate thin-water coastal regions, it remains one of the most compelling pocket yachts of its era. While its unique Starck-designed interior and complex curved windows demand dedicated maintenance and specialized care, the rewarding sailing characteristics and intelligent deck layout more than compensate for these ownership quirks.
Pros
- Excellent sailing performance in light-to-medium air with a highly responsive, light feel at the helm.
- The wing keel reduces draft to 4.41 feet, allowing access to shallow coastal waters and estuaries without major compromises in tracking.
- Clever, highly private two-cabin layout with separate doors, which is remarkable for a 32-foot boat.
- Bold, light-filled, modernist interior designed by Philippe Starck that stands out in a sea of conservative yacht designs.
- An active, helpful owner network that makes sourcing advice and DIY solutions for common retrofits relatively straightforward.
Cons
- The long, curved acrylic coachroof windows are highly prone to crazing and leaks, requiring complex and specialized re-bedding.
- Mild steel keel bolts are prone to corrosion if the bilge is subjected to standing water.
- Proprietary interior hardware and fixtures are virtually impossible to replace with OEM parts.
- The active motion in a seaway (comfort ratio of 22.24) may feel too lively or skittish for those seeking a heavy, passive cruising platform.
- Original raw-water-cooled Volvo Penta engines are reaching the end of their reliable lifespans and often require costly repowers.
