Beneteau First 36 - Speed made easy

by Beneteau 2 Apr 2022 19:17 AEDT

Welcome to the latest model in our new breed of high-performance cruiser-racers. With a weight of 4,8 tons and an upwind sail area of 80 square meters, the new First 36 simply presents a different sailing experience.

Actually, we believe this is the first time a mainstream-production boat with full-cruising facilities, a mid-market price tag and the full support of a worldwide dealer network has been pushed this far towards true high-performance sailing.

But what we are really proud of is making this level of fast, fun sailing available to everyone. Because First 36 has made speed easy, we believe you will simply sail more.

Beneteau First 36 - photo © Beneteau

The difference

The main difference from most of the other boats labelled as cruiser-racer is this: In a First 36 you are no longer locked in displacement speed. The main reason for this is its significantly lower weight.

Going 9, 10 or 11 knots instead of 5, 6 or 7 knots makes sailing more fun. It also makes your cruising radius bigger. You will not only enjoy sailing more with this boat. You will also spend more time under sail.

Beneteau First 36 - photo © Beneteau

The sailing experience

The mission of the team behind the First 36 was to take the drama out of going fast. The sail plan, underwater body and steering system are balanced so well that the boat can be pushed really hard without wiping out or even developing excessive weather helm. You can steer a First 36 with fingertip control on a hard upwind as well as a fast, planning ride downhill.

Beneteau First 36 - photo © Beneteau

How it was done

The all-around speed, seaworthiness, and stability of First 36 has trickled down from modern offshore racers. Our naval architect, Sam Manuard, works at the front end of this development.

Then, the design was given to PURE Design & Engineering, a team famous for making structural calculations for America's Cup boats, IMOCAs and TP-52s—in other words, the fastest and most abused racing boats in the world.

This was iterated in endless cycles through the design process where Lorenzo Argento and Gigodesign, together with teams from Beneteau and Seascape, shaped the project into the new First 36.

The entire boat is a vacuum-infused, fully-cored GRP composite structure—including bulkheads and most interior parts. Almost all interior elements contribute to the structural strength of the boat.

Beneteau First 36 - photo © Beneteau

Variety of sailing styles

First 36 is designed to fit a variety of sailing styles: cruising with family and friends, shorthanded sailing, club racing or distance racing with a full crew.

To facilitate all of this, the cockpit has two distinct modes: one for racing/shorthanded sailing and one for cruising.

In racing mode, the open T-cockpit has space enough to move effortlessly between ergonomic work positions.

In cruising mode, the cockpit is supplied with removable boxes to lengthen the benches—and a cockpit table. This transforms the cockpit to a more lounge-like, relaxing environment.

Deck gear is upgraded from industry standard, both in size and quality.

Beneteau First 36 - photo © Beneteau

More than just 36 feet

The living quarters below deck are a reinvented layout of the legendary First 40,7. Their huge volume comes as a natural consequence of the modern, performance-optimized lines of the hull.

Even though most of the interior is structural elements in vacuum-infused GRP, warm wood has been used for floorboards, doors, table and trim. A smooth inner liner and ambient light settings create an atmosphere where you will feel at home and relaxed before and after sailing.

A freestanding kitchen island contains a huge fridge, connected to the pantry with a removable cutting board. The bathroom footprint is significantly reduced, due to a foldable sink. The two multipurpose aft cabins can sleep two people comfortably. They can also be transformed into huge storage rooms when needed—big enough for a surfboard.