Beneteau First 32 S5 WK Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

Under sail, the First 32 s5 WK is characterized by the agility typical of Jean Berret’s designs, featuring a relatively light displacement and a powerful fractional rig. The hull profile is sleek with a fine entry and a broad transom, a precursor to the modern hull shapes that dominate the industry today. Because this is the Wing Keel version, the boat exhibits a slightly different motion compared to its deep-finned sibling. The wing configuration concentrates ballast lower than a standard shoal keel, which helps maintain a respectable righting moment. However, owners and testers often note that while it tracks well, it may experience a marginally higher degree of leeway when pushed hard into the wind in heavy chop compared to the 5' 11" deep-keel version.

The steering is typically responsive, often utilizing a tiller in its most performance-oriented configurations, though wheel steering was a common option. The deck layout reflects the "s5" philosophy of clean lines, with most control lines led aft to the cockpit under a streamlined coachroof. This makes the 32 s5 WK an excellent candidate for short-handed sailing. According to technical archives from the Beneteau Group, the boat was designed to be stiff and capable of carrying its canvas well into the mid-teens, though like most fractional rigs of its era, it rewards early reefing of the mainsail to maintain balance and reduce weather helm.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the First 32 s5 WK is where Philippe Starck’s influence is most palpable, offering a stark (pun intended) departure from the traditional teak-heavy cabins of the 1970s. The design utilizes a "Neo-Retro" aesthetic characterized by curved mahogany or light oak joinery, aluminum accents, and circular portlights that became a signature of the s5 line. The layout is exceptionally efficient for a 32-foot hull, typically featuring a two-cabin arrangement: a private V-berth forward and a surprisingly large aft cabin tucked under the cockpit on the port side.

One of the most distinctive features is the central salon table, which often incorporated a bottle rack and served as a focal point for the Starck-designed curves. The galley is L-shaped and functional, while the navigation station is positioned to starboard, featuring a dedicated seat that was often criticized in contemporary reviews for being somewhat cramped but praised for its integration into the overall design flow. Beneteau also produced a "First 32" (without the s5 suffix) earlier in the decade, but the s5 is a completely different hull and deck mold. The sibling models in this specific design language include the smaller First 24 s5 and the larger, highly successful First 35 s5 and 38 s5, all of which shared the Starck interior DNA and Berret’s performance-oriented underbody.

Popular Mentions & Media

The First 32 s5 gained significant attention in European yachting press upon its release, notably winning the "Boat of the Year" accolades in several regional markets for its daring interior design. It remains a fixture in "Used Boat" spotlights in publications like Yachting Monthly and Practical Boat Owner, where it is frequently cited as a top choice for sailors who want a modern-looking boat on a vintage budget. The model's cultural footprint is cemented by its association with the "Starck Era" of Beneteau, a period often studied in maritime design circles as the moment production boatbuilding moved from "nautical traditionalism" to "modern industrial design."

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of a First 32 s5 WK should focus their inspections on several age-related and design-specific areas:

• Keel-to-Hull Joint: The wing keel exerts significant leverage on the hull grid. Inspect the "smile" at the leading edge of the keel joint and check the internal floors and keel bolts for signs of stress or movement, especially if the boat has a history of groundings.
• Starck Interior Wear: The unique aluminum-trimmed portlights and specialized hardware are difficult to replace. Check for "crazing" in the circular ports and ensure the proprietary cabinet latches are functional, as sourcing original replacements is nearly impossible today.
• Deck Core Integrity: Like many boats of this era, the deck is balsa-cored. Use a moisture meter or perform a percussion test around the chainplates and stanchion bases, where leaks can lead to core delamination.
• Grid Bonding: Beneteau utilizes an internal structural grid (the "liner"). Ensure the liner is securely bonded to the hull; any "hollow" sounds when tapping the hull internally near the mast step or keel may indicate structural separation.
• Rigging Age: Since many of these boats were used for club racing, the standing rigging may have seen significant stress. Verify the age of the wire and look for any elongation in the chainplate holes.

Community & Resources

The First 32 s5 enjoys a robust following within the Beneteau Owners Association, which provides a technical forum for owners to share Starck-specific restoration tips. Regional groups, such as the Beneteau Owners Group of North America, offer extensive archives on parts cross-referencing, which is vital for maintaining the older Volvo or Yanmar engines typically found in these hulls.

The Verdict

The Beneteau First 32 s5 WK remains a standout choice for the sailor who refuses to choose between a shallow-water cruiser and a spirited performer. While its interior design remains "love-it-or-hate-it" thirty years later, there is no denying the quality of the Jean Berret hull.

Pros:

• Shallow Draft: The wing keel allows access to thin-water anchorages inaccessible to most performance boats.
• Timeless Hull Design: Remains competitive in club racing and offers a rewarding helm feel.
• Iconic Aesthetic: A true conversation piece for fans of modern industrial design.
• Ease of Handling: Well-placed hardware and a fractional rig make it manageable for solo sailors.

Cons:

• Hard-to-Source Parts: Starck-specific interior fittings and circular ports are difficult to repair or replace.
• Headroom: While decent, the sleek coachroof profile results in slightly less vertical space than more bulbous modern cruisers.
• Leeway: The wing keel, while efficient, cannot match the pointing ability of the deep-fin version in heavy air.