Beneteau First 36, pure racer-cruiser harmony

The Beneteau First 36 will be world premiered next January during the Dusseldorf Boat Show 2022. Expectations are very high, given the boatyard’s quest for the perfect balance between cruising comfort and great racing performance that has been successfully achieved.

The First 36 is a promising racer-cruiser that is finally preparing to fill the gap created by the announcement two years ago of the first First Yacht 53: an excellent cruiser but not really suited to racing.

The First 36, on the other hand, is designed to win and get on plane in moderate winds, even in her standard version, while promising the comfort needed for family cruisers at the same time.

First 36: the racer-cruiser of the First range

The high-performance concept of the new First 36 is firmly backed up by the 40-year heritage of the First range, which has always managed to combine easy handling, elegance and construction technology to perfection. These are all plus points, offered by Beneteau to owners without increasing the price. It’s no coincidence that the First 36 has a recommended list price of 198,000 euro (VAT excluded).

11 meters long and 3.80 meters wide, First 36 was certainly designed for the new generation of sailors and amateurs who want to enjoy their summer cruises but don’t hesitate to take part in winter competitions, we repeat, to win them.

The First 36 is, fact, offered in two layouts: Racing and Cruising.

Regardless of the configuration, the First 36’s waterlines are optimized for use in both directions. A very wide sail plan and a well-balanced design contribute to this, to satisfy the great demands of both club racers and the less ambitious.

Interior

The sleeping zone below deck consists of three cabins, two aft and one forward, all with two portholes providing natural lighting and air flow. The dinette is designed with a classic layout, with the large chart table to the right. The galley is located to the left, with a central fridge in the hallway that doubles as a worktop or chopping board.

In terms of interior space, the First 36, although smaller in size, is, to our surprise, equal to the legendary First 40.7 and does so thanks to its exceptionally spacious hull.

Outside in the cockpit, up to six people can sit around the table. And there’s a compelling aft platform (very light) that doesn’t detract from the racer’s performance, but makes it easier for sailors to access the water.

The synthesis of the nautical project is impressive and ensures pleasant family cruises, offering a boat that is suitable for having fun in total safety.

Racing Mode

The Racing layout will allow the owner to compete at his best thanks to a deck plan that facilitates the crew during races: for example, in this version the table and benches in the cockpit can be removed in order to increase the ease of manoeuvring in the cockpit.

The exact positioning of the six winches and the two very forward wheels at the stern are the result of numerous tests carried out to offer a sailing experience at the highest level when sailing as a duo or with the entire crew.

The First 36 is a lightweight craft in her own right. She is no more than 4,800kg in displacement and is well designed to beat the competition. Her steel keel and 2.25-meter draft represent a careful choice of “compromise between performance and ease of use“, especially if we think of the frequent shallow waters of Mediterranean ports.

First 36 is the brainchild of Sam Manuard, the nautical architect known for the designs of many Minis, Class 40s and IMOCA 60s. Mr.Manuard, with Beneteau, also designed the First SE in the 14 to 27 foot range.

As for the structural engineering, this is by Pure Design & Engineering, the New Zealand team that designs many racing boats and even some top-level yachts. The design of the First 36 is instead by Lorenzo Argento, whose pencil had already sketched the First Yacht 53 in 2019.

Technical Specs