Beneteau -Mauric First 30 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The First 30 is a quintessential product of the International Offshore Rule (IOR) era, characterized by a deep fin keel, a pronounced skeg-hung rudder, and a relatively narrow beam that pinches toward the stern. This hull form yields exceptional upwind performance; the boat tracks with remarkable stability and points high, often outperforming modern cruisers of similar length in a beat. Its Displacement/Length ratio of approximately 240 indicates a medium-displacement vessel that carries its momentum well through a chop, offering a sense of "sea-kindliness" that lighter, flat-bottomed modern boats often lack.

Handling characteristics are generally predictable, though like many IOR designs, it can become "tender" if over-canvassed. In heavy air, the narrow stern can lead to rhythmic rolling (often called the "death roll") when sailing dead downwind under a large spinnaker, a quirk noted by many veteran owners. However, when kept on a reach or a beat, the First 30 feels balanced and powerful. According to the official Beneteau historical archive, the model was specifically chosen for the Tour de France à la Voile because it offered a level playing field where tactical skill, rather than equipment, determined the victor.

Interior Comfort & Variations

For a 30-foot boat designed in the late 1970s, the First 30 offers a surprisingly functional and warm interior, heavily featuring molded fiberglass liners topped with teak or mahogany joinery. The layout is traditional: a V-berth forward, a central salon with two settee berths (the backs of which can often be raised to create additional pilot berths), a compact galley to port, and a full-sized chart table to starboard. A single quarter berth tucked behind the navigation station provides a secure place for a navigator or off-watch crew to sleep at sea.

Headroom is approximately 1.80 meters (5'11"), which was considered generous for the era but may feel slightly cramped for taller modern sailors. While the First 30 (Mauric) remained largely consistent during its production run, it is frequently confused with its successor, the First 30E. Designed by Jean Berret and introduced in 1982, the 30E utilized a different hull with more beam carried aft and a modernized interior. Buyers should also distinguish the Mauric version from the much later Juan Kouyoumdjian-designed First 30 (2010), which is an entirely different ultra-modern sportboat.

Popular Mentions & Media

The First 30’s cultural legacy is inseparable from the Tour de France à la Voile. Between 1978 and 1980, this model was the exclusive fleet for the race, catapulting the Beneteau brand into the international spotlight. Famous French offshore racers, including those who would go on to win the Vendée Globe, cut their teeth on the First 30 during these grueling coastal stages. The boat is also a frequent subject of "classic boat" retrospectives in European maritime journals like Voiles et Voiliers and Yachting Monthly, where it is often cited as the boat that brought performance sailing to the masses.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective owners of a Mauric-designed First 30 should focus their inspection on several age-related areas:

1. Osmotic Blistering: Like many hulls from the late 1970s, the First 30 is prone to osmosis. While the hulls are thick and structurally sound, a survey should include a moisture meter check and a visual inspection for hull blisters.
2. Deck Core Integrity: The deck uses a balsa core that can suffer from delamination if water penetrates through unsealed hardware fittings. Common trouble spots include the area around the mast step and the chainplates.
3. The Skeg and Rudder: The skeg-hung rudder is a safety feature, but the bushings and the connection point between the skeg and the hull should be inspected for play or structural cracking.
4. Engine Replacement: Many original units were fitted with Renault Marine or Couach engines, for which parts are now nearly impossible to source. Most desirable examples have been repowered with Yanmar or Volvo Penta diesels.
5. Mast Step and Compression: Check the internal support post and the fiberglass around the mast step for signs of compression or "sinking," which can occur if the boat has been raced hard with high rig tension over decades.

Community & Resources

The most authoritative resource for this model is the Association des Propriétaires de First 30, a highly active technical group that maintains a comprehensive database of original blueprints, tuning guides, and restoration logs. This association is instrumental in preserving the heritage of the boat and organizes "First 30" specific regattas in Europe.

The Verdict

The Beneteau First 30 (Mauric) is a seminal piece of yachting history that offers a purist’s sailing experience. It is an ideal choice for the sailor who values upwind tracking and traditional aesthetics over the "condo-on-the-water" volume of modern cruisers.

Pros:

• Exceptional upwind performance and tracking.
• Robust, overbuilt hull construction.
• Strong community support and historical "classic" status.
• Relatively affordable entry point into performance cruising.

Cons:

• Narrow IOR stern can lead to instability on downwind runs.
• Limited interior volume and headroom compared to modern 30-footers.
• High probability of requiring an engine repower or osmosis treatment.