Sailing Performance & Handling
The First 38 S5 is a performance-oriented cruiser that benefits from a relatively high Power-to-Weight ratio for its era. With a Sail Area/Displacement (SA/D) ratio of approximately 18.4 and a Displacement/Length (D/L) of 211, the boat is categorized as a light-to-moderate displacement cruiser capable of lively performance in light air. In his design review for Boats.com, Robert Perry noted the boat’s plumb bow and long dynamic waterline, which contribute to a "businesslike" look and efficient tracking.
Under sail, the fractional rig and swept-back spreaders allow for precise mainsail control, making the boat particularly potent on reaches. The 38 S5 was offered with three distinct keel configurations: a shoal-draft wing keel (5' 2"), a standard fin (6' 3"), and a deep-performance fin (6' 11"). While the shoal-draft version provides access to thinner waters, owner anecdotes and performance tests suggest it lacks the upwind "bite" of the deeper variants, which are far more competitive in club racing circuits.
Interior Comfort & Variations
The interior of the First 38 S5 is where Philippe Starck’s influence is most palpable. Shunning the "teak cave" aesthetic typical of the 1980s, Starck utilized a palette of polished aluminum, stainless steel, and light mahogany (or occasionally teak) to create a space that feels more like a modern apartment than a traditional cabin. A defining feature is the use of unconventional window shapes, including teardrop-shaped ports near the mast and rectangular hatches that roll over the coachroof to flood the saloon with light.
The model was available in two primary layouts. The "Owner’s Version" features a two-cabin configuration with a large master suite aft and a forward V-berth, typically accompanied by two heads. The "Charter Version"—sometimes marketed as the Moorings 38 in specific fleets—utilized the same hull to fit three cabins (two aft, one forward) and a single head to maximize sleeping capacity. Design details like the semi-circular sliding chart table and marble-topped galley counters emphasize the yacht's luxury-performance hybrid identity, as highlighted in editorial archives by Yachting Monthly.
The 38 S5 belongs to a broader family of Starck-designed "S5" siblings, which includes the First 32 S5, the 35 S5, and the larger 41 S5. These models share the signature aluminum window frames and minimalist interior styling, though the 38 is often cited as the most balanced of the range in terms of volume and speed.
Popular Mentions & Media
While the 38 S5 was produced in limited numbers, it earned a reputation in offshore racing circles. A deep-keel version of the First 38 S5 famously took 3rd in fleet during the 2004 Pacific Cup (San Francisco to Hawaii), proving the design's structural integrity and speed over long-distance ocean passages.
Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist
Prospective buyers should focus their inspections on the unique design elements that define this model:
- Window and Port Seals: The "plethora of window shapes," as Robert Perry described them, creates numerous potential leak points. The Starck-designed aluminum frames and the wraparound coachroof windows are known to develop leaks if the original bedding compound has degraded.
- Hull Grid & Liner Integrity: Like many Beneteaus of this vintage, the 38 S5 utilizes a GRP internal grid system bonded to the hull. Surveyors should check for any "voiding" or separation of this grid, especially near the keel floors, which can occur if the boat has suffered a significant grounding.
- Headliner Sag: The foam-backed vinyl used in the overheads is prone to the "droop" common in 1990s production boats as the foam backing disintegrates over time.
- Keel Bolts: On the deeper 6' 11" performance keels, the increased leverage puts higher stress on the backing plates. These should be inspected for signs of weeping or rust streaks.
The Verdict
The Beneteau First 38 S5 remains a "cult classic" among sailors who appreciate avant-garde design and nimble handling. It is an ideal choice for the sailor who wants a boat that stands out in a marina full of white fiberglass and delivers enough speed to be a serious contender in Wednesday night races.
Pros:
- Distinctive, high-concept interior design by Philippe Starck.
- Excellent light-air performance and reaching speeds.
- High-quality hardware (Lewmar, Rod rigging on some hulls).
- Easily handled fractional rig for short-handed sailing.
Cons:
- Atypical window shapes can be difficult and expensive to re-seal.
- Interior aesthetic may be too "industrial" for traditionalists.
- Shoal-draft versions struggle with leeway on the wind.
- Limited production run makes sourcing model-specific parts challenging.
