Design and Construction
Briand gave the First 50 a sleek, sophisticated hull with a skinny keel carrying a large bulb in a T-bulb configuration. Together with a deep, narrow-chord rudder, the arrangement builds confidence both at the dock and at the helm https://sailmagazine.com/boats/beneteau-first-50/.
The hull is solid fiberglass with an internal reinforcing grid. The deck is a light but strong balsa-cored sandwich of fiberglass, balsa, and polyester resin. Its inner molding incorporates structural beams to provide stiffness without unnecessary weight.
Above the cabin windows, molded eyebrows serve as flush handrails and provide a little shade. The low coachroof gives the watchkeeper a clear view from anywhere in the cockpit. The rudderstock is made from injection-molded biaxial and unidirectional glass set in epoxy, and it runs in ball and roller bearings for smooth movement.
Rig, Cockpit, and Sailing Performance
The First 50 carries a tall, tapered, three-spreader aluminum rig from Sparcraft, with rod rigging and Navtec hydraulics. The Harken roller-furler drum is mounted belowdecks, allowing the genoa foot to meet the deck cleanly.
Twin banks of control lines lead aft to the low-slung deckhouse, where the only protrusions are two Harken winches. From either of the twin 35-inch wheels, the helmsman can easily reach those winches and the centerline mainsheet winch.
Test sailors found just enough weather helm to make the boat a pleasure to steer https://sailmagazine.com/boats/beneteau-first-50/. When a puff heeled her to 25 degrees, she accelerated like a racer. She tacked through just over 60 degrees and touched 8 knots on a close reach.
Under power, the turbocharged Yanmar diesel and three-blade folding saildrive propeller drove the boat at 8 knots. She turned in about one boatlength with an easy wheel, while the deep keel helped prevent her from being blown sideways when docking in a crosswind.
Deck Details and Systems
A husky stainless-steel anchor roller retracts into the foredeck. Operated by a manual lift, it deploys like a short bowsprit while keeping the bow uncluttered when stowed.
The removable cockpit table disappears into a locker in the sole. The companionway washboards slide down and stack; under way, the bottom board can remain in place to help keep water out.
Below, the genset sits astern of the engine and can be reached through panels in both aft cabins. Numerous access panels expose every engine maintenance point.
Accommodations
Veerle Battiau designed the interior around a single three-cabin layout, with one cabin forward and two aft. The forward owner’s cabin has an ensuite head and a centerline queen berth accessible from both sides. The two aft double cabins share one head and shower.
Light Alpi wood trim, laminated for a consistent grain, and a parquet, cherry-stained sole brighten the saloon. Straight settees make practical sea berths, while dramatically curved seats surround the table. The navigation table folds away to create an additional seat, and grabrails are molded into the structure.
Other thoughtful details include a leatherlike saddlebag near the companionway and a matching hanging locker that can be taken ashore. Five Lewmar overhead hatches and 12 opening portlights bring light below. Headroom of six and a half feet extends through almost all cabins.
Fine leather accessories and an Industrial Nouveau electrical panel add to the finish, while the microwave remains concealed until needed.
Verdict
The First 50 combines racecourse competence with family cruising comfort. Its hull-and-deck construction is structurally thoughtful, and its interior offers an unusually high standard of finish. That dual nature defines the boat: it’s quick enough to stay with division leaders, yet roomy and secure enough for coastal exploration in New England. Its deep-keel options limit access to shallow water, while in-mast furling and the low boom position favor cruising over all-out racing.
Pros
- The largest and most capable First-series design to date, drawn by Philippe Briand with styling by Nauta Design
- Solid-fiberglass hull, balsa-cored deck, and engineered rudder bearings for a smooth helm
- Easy handling from twin wheels, with all lines led aft and an electric winch at the companionway
- Bright, well-finished three-cabin interior with practical sea berths and clever stowage
Cons
- Deep-keel options limit access to shallow water
- In-mast furling and the low boom position favor cruising over all-out racing
- The two aft cabins share a single head
