Design and Construction
The First Class 10 is built predominantly of solid fiberglass, with a balsa-cored deck that trims weight in open areas while leaving solid fiberglass under winches and other high-stress hardware. The hull carries molded-in longitudinal and lateral stringers in a grid pattern for rigidity, and bulkheads are layered to the hull with fiberglass for additional stiffness. Above the waterline the lines show a fine bow with very flat midsections, a narrower beam and wider aft sections than typical IOR racers, and long low topsides sweeping back to an open transom with a Gallic scoop extending the waterline at the stern. A raked stem and walk-through reverse transom complete the profile. The engine is mounted amidships just above the keel, a placement that Canadian Boating noted enhances stability alongside the fairly deep fin keel.
Rig and Handling
The sailplan carries a tall seven-eighths fractional rig on a double-spreader mast produced by Z-Spar in France, with stainless steel wire rigging and lots of sail area. Standard equipment includes a double groove headstay, adjustable jib leads, and adjustable running backstays led to self-tailing winches; the mainsail is controlled by a French-manufactured traveler system and a sophisticated mainsheet arrangement with a secondary block for fine-tuning. Tiller steering is comfortable and positive, and the deep spade rudder yields quick definite results from small helm movements. Test sailors found her scorchingly fast, particularly downwind, and the folding propeller works adequately in forward but loses bite in reverse. The cockpit is extremely well designed for steering comfort and racing efficiency: a traveler bridge reserves the aft end for the helmsman, teak railings line the seat insides for footholds, and a recessed channel drains water aft along the seat backs.
Accommodations
Below, the low freeboard and very flat bilge mean standing headroom is not possible, but the layout sleeps six. There is a double V-berth forward with an adjacent head compartment that has no sink or counter space and offers virtually no privacy from the berth. The main cabin has an L-shaped and a straight settee around a huge double-hinged table resting on the engine enclosure just aft of the mast, with a teak veneer headliner and bulkheads, teak-and-holly sole, and cream foam-backed vinyl or pile fabric on the remaining walls. A sliding door aft of the nav station opens to a double-berth compartment beneath the cockpit floor and starboard deck; to port behind the galley is a large sail locker that can alternatively take a pipe berth. The galley to port of the companionway is L-shaped with a two-burner alcohol stove, single sink, modest lockers, and no icebox, opposite a functional nav area with a roomy chart table.
Known Issues
Period testers flagged several fittings on the particular boats reviewed. The cast-aluminum gooseneck was thought less than premier quality, and rather wobbly stanchion bases did not match the sturdy pulpits. Deck hardware of high racing pedigree was secured under the deck with oversize washers and lock-nuts rather than backup plates. The cabin interior wall covering drew doubts about durability after years of hard racing, and rod rigging was suggested as a useful upgrade over the standard wire. A considerable share of the one good-sized locker is taken by the unadorned fuel tank, and the electrical panel in the nav area appeared to have no spare breakers and awkward rear access.
Refits and Ownership
The engine under the table can be fully exposed by removing the table top and base, simplifying service, though the panels with ignition, tachometer and temperature gauge sit on the forward end of the engine box behind the mast. Caps for both water and fuel tanks accept a winch handle for tightening. The tiller extension's positive latching length adjustment was praised by one tester. With 114 built and a focus on flat-out performance, the design rewards owners who value speed over cruising creature comforts.
The Verdict
The First Class 10 is a sharp-edged 1980s performance racer-cruiser that trades interior volume for exhilarating downwind speed and a well-thought-out racing cockpit. It remains a pure expression of the Finot-Fauroux one-design philosophy in a 34-foot hull.
Pros
- Scorchingly fast, particularly downwind, with a tall fractional rig and generous sail area
- Amidships engine over the keel and deep fin deliver notable stability
- Racing-efficient cockpit with traveler bridge, teak grips, and aft drainage
- Engine fully exposed by table removal for straightforward service
Cons
- No standing headroom; head has no sink and poor privacy
- Wobbly stanchion bases and less-than-premier gooseneck fitting
- Folding prop weak in reverse; wire rigging and wall coverings questioned for durability
- Electrical panel lacks spare breakers and easy rear access
