Used Beneteau First 38 Sailboats for Sale

The Beneteau First 38, introduced in 1982, represents a pivotal moment in the evolution of the modern production cruiser-racer. Designed by Jean Berret, it was conceived as a high-performance flagship for the "First" range, succeeding in a market that demanded both silverware on the racecourse and luxury at the anchorage. While its official designation suggests a 38-foot boat, it actually measures over 40 feet in overall length, a fact noted by editorial reviews like those at Wave Train. The hull was so successful that it served as the foundation for several siblings; Beneteau utilized the same tooling to create the First 405 in 1986 and the more cruising-oriented Idylle 11.5, which featured a modified deck and a skeg-hung rudder for greater stability. According to official historical records from Beneteau, the model was specifically engineered to offer a level of finish and functionality that set it apart from its contemporaries during its production run through the mid-1980s.