Design and Construction
Farr Yacht Design drew a hull not constrained by the IMS rule, which freed the team to optimize for real-world speed and balance rather than rating-rule distortions. The hull is solid fiberglass with a laminated structural hull liner for load bearing and distribution, while the deck is fiberglass sandwich with a balsa core and unidirectional weave. All bulkheads are bonded 360 degrees to hull and deck for structural strength, and all fuel and water tanks are positioned on centerline to minimize heeling moment under load. Epoxy-sealed wood finishes earned particular praise: an independent expert noted that the ends of all wood floorboards and panels were sealed, preventing the water absorption and swelling that plagues lesser builds. The 44.7 is built exclusively at Beneteau's assembly plant in France, and the quality of glasswork and joinery throughout reflects that concentration of craft.
Rig and Sail Plan
Beneteau offered the 44.7 in three distinct rig configurations to suit the full spectrum of owner intent. The entry-level Standard version carries a two-spreader aluminum rig with wire rigging; the Race 1 steps up to a tapered rig with three spreaders and Dyform rigging; and the Race 2 goes the full distance with a three-spreader carbon rig with rod rigging. The 44.7 is pound-for-pound more powerful and stiffer than the 40.7 and delivers plenty of grunt in all three configurations, even in light air. The mainsail carries a large roach, though a quick shake of the backstay frees the leech when it hangs up. The Navtec solid vang leads aft from the rig alongside halyards and topping lift, keeping the mast controls organized without cluttering the working deck.
Cockpit and Deck Layout
Farr's deck plan aims to please both racers and cruisers alike through a straightforward, uncluttered arrangement. The large-diameter Lewmar Y-spoke wheel is sunk into the deck and positioned to accommodate nearly any helmsman stance. Aluminum Lewmar winches surround the cockpit, and the mainsheet is led grand-prix style along the decks back to the trimmer, whose working position sits close to both winches and the helm. The traveler runs across the cockpit immediately forward of the wheel, and the sheet lead from the boom is exactly perpendicular to the traveler — a detail that separates a well-engineered boat from one that merely looks the part. The enclosed transom incorporates well-thought-out stowage for liferafts beneath the helmsman's seat. The unobtrusive deckhouse provides a wide platform for crewwork, as does the broad bow, and molded nonskid throughout provides good traction.
Accommodations
Below decks the 44.7 makes no sacrifices for its racing credentials. The long, low deckhouse delivers headroom topping out at 6'9" in the aft head and 6'8" in the main cabin. The standard layout places two staterooms port and starboard under the cockpit, with a head immediately forward of the port stateroom across from an L-shaped galley. The nav station sits to port at the center of the boat, away from wind and water, close to the center of effort, and facing forward — the only direction a nav station should face for offshore work. A C-shaped couch/settee faces the nav station, and light-colored Beachwood joinery makes the interior feel larger than its dimensions suggest. Keelbolt and bilge inspection requires only lifting the lever-action centerline settee seat, an access solution that surveyors and owners alike appreciate. An optional empty forepeak is available for those who want to reduce bow weight and maximize sail stowage.
Engine Access and Mechanical Layout
The 44.7 was consciously engineered for maintainability. Two gas pistons lift the companionway stairs assembly to reveal the engine, which is covered by a large shroud protecting belts and moving parts. The water pump faces forward so the impeller can be changed without removing the entire unit, and access to all engine filters is excellent. Engine noise below is negligible, allowing the off watch to sleep even during battery-charging sessions. For owners weighing options, the standard powerplant is a 40 hp Volvo 2040 driving a sail drive, with a 55 hp Volvo D255 available as an upgrade.
The Verdict
The Beneteau First 44.7 is the product of a mature collaboration between two organizations at the top of their respective trades: a designer whose offshore racing pedigree is beyond question and a builder with the production discipline to execute complex engineering at scale. The boat delivers on its club-racer promise with sleek, balanced lines and formidable performance without asking owners to accept a spartan interior or difficult handling. The tiered rig system means the same hull suits a committed IRC campaigner and a performance-minded cruising couple, and the structural and ergonomic details — from bonded bulkheads to forward-facing nav station to tool-free engine access — reveal a builder that listened carefully to what the 40.7's owners actually experienced at sea.
Pros
- Three rig configurations (aluminum, tapered Dyform, carbon rod) let owners match the boat to their program
- Pound-for-pound stiffer and more powerful than the First 40.7
- Exceptional below-deck headroom for a boat in this performance class
- Grand-prix cockpit ergonomics (centered traveler, correctly angled sheet lead, grand-prix mainsheet run)
- Outstanding engine access via gas-piston companionway stairs
- 360-degree bulkhead bonding and centerline tank placement reflect serious offshore engineering
Cons
- Standard full-length toe rail is higher than ideal for racing use; a lower option is available
- Large roach mainsail can hang up on the backstay, requiring active backstay management
- Performance-oriented displacement means the comfort ratio sits toward the sportier end of the 44-foot class
