The SE is a pure planing racer optimized for competitive ORC racing, not a softened cruiser with sporty trim. It’s aimed squarely at performance-minded sailors who may cruise occasionally but put speed first. The underlying platform had already claimed class victories in the Rolex Middle Sea Race before the SE variant appeared.
Design and Construction
Beneteau describes the SE as a lightweight evolution of the original First 36. It weighs 400 kilograms less than the standard boat, a saving the builder attributes to innovative material optimization intended to preserve superior speed and handling. The hull also has nearly 3 square meters less wetted surface than the standard First 36.
The hull shape, cockpit layout, keel design, and displacement were refined for speed, balance, and an improved handicap rating. Manuard also reworked the hull shape, weight distribution, and cockpit ergonomics for IRC and ORC competition. He carried out the IRC- and ORC-focused reworking with design veterans Bernard Nivelt and Maurizio Cossutti.
The hull, deck, bulkheads, and interior components are all fully cored and vacuum-infused, allowing the boat to be exceptionally light and stiff at the same time. The result is arguably the fastest and most exhilarating 36-foot production boat on the market. Seascape CEO Andraž Mihelin similarly described it as the fastest and most fun boat in its class.
Rig, Deck, and Handling
The SE combines a carbon rig with a tiller rather than steering wheels, sharpening helm response. Twin rudders maintain control when the boat is reaching at high speed, and it planes in as little as 12 knots of breeze.
Soft, non-skid technical foam covers the cockpit, with soft deck grip used throughout. Flush racing hardware helps keep lines tidy and crew movement unobstructed.
The boat measures 11.98 meters overall, with a 3.8-meter beam, a 1.95-meter minimum draft, and a 17.8-meter air draught. Lightship displacement is 4,400 kilograms, and the boat carries a bulb keel. A 29-horsepower Yanmar diesel provides auxiliary power, while the boat carries a 70-liter fuel cell, but the sail plan and hull define the boat’s temperament.
Racing Record
Hull No. 1 demonstrated the concept at the 2025 ORC Double-Handed World Championship in Monfalcone, where it finished on the podium.
A First 36 SE later took second over the line at the 53rd Transpacific Yacht Race and decisively won its class on ORR corrected time. It was sailed by the fleet’s only double-handed crew and missed the overall podium by a single minute.
Accommodations
Sito designed the interior. Despite the focus on reducing cruising weight, the SE retains the standard First 36’s spacious three-cabin layout, salon, and living areas.
Lightweight carbon companionway stairs and carbon fiddles replace traditional wood, while removable crew bags take the place of wooden lockers. Lee-cloth nets enhance safety when sleeping under sail, reflecting the cabin’s dual role as race quarters and occasional cruising accommodation.
Water capacity is 200 liters, or a 53-US-gallon equivalent. That capacity supports short coastal use rather than extended liveaboard cruising.
Equipment and Ownership
Owners can specify the Seanapps mobile application and onboard unit. Through a phone, the system can display battery charge, fuel or water tank levels, and maintenance scheduling.
The First SE line has developed a dedicated following among doublehanded racers and high-performance weekend sailors. As a result, a used SE is more likely to have been campaigned than cosseted.
The Verdict
The First 36 SE is a focused instrument: a version of an already race-proven 36-footer that’s 400 kilograms lighter, has less wetted surface, planes early, and is designed to rate well under ORC and IRC.
It retains a genuine three-cabin interior, but directs its material budget toward a carbon rig, tiller steering, and the stiffness of infused construction rather than cruising comfort. For sailors who measure a weekend by boat speed and a clean spinnaker peel, it’s a rare production boat that races as built.
Pros
- 400 kg lighter than the standard First 36, with nearly 3 m² less wetted surface
- Carbon rig and tiller helm provide direct, responsive control
- Twin rudders maintain authority when reaching at speed
- Early hulls established a strong race record at the ORC Double-Handed World Championship and the Transpac
- Retains a usable three-cabin interior with carbon weight-saving details
Cons
- Minimal fuel and water capacity limit use beyond coastal cruising
- Race-oriented layout and companionway equipment favor speed over cruising ease
- Still too new to have an established long-term service history
