The new Beneteau First 36 SE: where performance meets purpose

by Beneteau 12 Jun 2025 13:36 PDT

Beneteau First 36 SE © Groupe Beneteau

Introducing the BENETEAU First 36 SE - the ultimate planing racer, born from the collaboration between BENETEAU and Seascape. This is more than just a boat; it's a mindset.

The SE - Seascape Edition badge promises a race-grade sailing experience, backed by the First SE community of passionate sailors.

Bringing people back to the heart of sailing

The mission of the First SE range is to bring people back to the heart of sailing. This is achieved by combining race-grade sailing boats, sailors with the courage and curiosity to sail outside of their comfort zone, and a community of over 1,000 like-minded sailors built around the First SE range.

Beneteau First 36 SE - photo © Groupe Beneteau

A team driven by passion and pedigree

Over the years, the First SE range has brought together a team of exceptional sailors, designers, engineers, and builders—people who understand the First SE values and share a deep passion for sailing. The project began with the First 36, a boat that had already proven herself by winning the Rolex Middle Sea Race. From there, the goal was to unleash her full potential.

Renowned naval architect Samuel Manuard, the name behind original First 36, joined forces with design legend Bernard Nivelt to evolve the platform into a thoroughbred IRC racer. To ensure optimal performance under ORC as well, Maurizio Cossutti brought his extensive rating-rule expertise into the mix. Despite having a lower displacement compared to the standard First 36, the First 36 SE test ORC certificate shows an improved APH of around 520 fully crewed, or APH around 530 for double-handed teams.

Together, the team shared one vision: creating a planing racer that performs at the highest level while remaining deeply connected to the sailor at the helm.

Beneteau First 36 SE - photo © Groupe Beneteau

Engineered for speed. Designed for sailors

So, what sets the First 36 SE apart? Overall displacement is reduced by 400 kg (881 pounds). This lower displacement, combined with a redesigned bow knuckle, shortens the waterline and decreases the wetted surface area by nearly 3 m² (approximately 30 square feet), resulting in improved acceleration and even greater high-speed planing joy.

Refined cockpit ergonomics: Twin steering wheels are replaced by a responsive tiller for direct, intuitive control, creating an ergonomic helmsman position. Soft foam deck grip is added throughout the cockpit for more comfort and confidence underfoot.

As for the features, the First 36 SE now comes standard with flush racing valves, an e-bar to fine-tune tiller angle adjustment, and a carbon rig to further enhance performance.

With all that said, the First 36 SE still offers all of the cruising amenities of a standard First 36—albeit in a more lightweight and ascetic execution.

Beneteau First 36 SE - photo © Groupe Beneteau

The Quotes

Here are some quotes from the team after the first test sails on the First 36 SE:

Samuel Manuard, world-class racer and her naval architect: "After first sail I can confidently say First 36 SE is a racing boat! The 10% less displacement compared to the First 36 is something you really feel. Today we were planning in light wind conditions, which is excellent. The boat is very responsive to the helm. You can place the bow exactly where you want it and feel completely in control. She's fitted with twin rudders because of the wide stern, which means you can really push the boat when reaching, even at high speeds, without being afraid of broaching. I'm really happy with the ergonomics—the steering position is excellent. You can spend hours racing and you won't feel destroyed afterwards, which says a lot. She will be pretty efficient in double-handed racing as well as fully crewed racing, because you have room to manoeuvre and accommodate the whole team."

Lorenzo Argento, owner of First 36 and her designer: "I've owned a First 36 for two years now—this will be my third season—and I've already sailed over 6,000 nautical miles with her. While designing the First 36, I thought, this is perfect for me—it checks all the boxes. Today, I had the chance to sail the new First 36 SE. The wind was shifting, but I was truly surprised by the acceleration and the level of control. The tiller gives you a much closer, more direct feel. The SE version is lighter, cleaner, and designed to fully unleash the planing potential of the boat—and you can really feel that. Even when walking on board, the boat responds immediately. Personally, I would still choose the cruising version—the planing cruiser First 36—because it suits my needs better. But if I had ambitions in racing, I would definitely go with this one.

Andraž Mihelin, the CEO of Seascape, said, "The First 36 SE was designed to provide an unparalleled connection to the ancient art of sailing. Every element has been fine-tuned to transform wind into pure sailing joy, and after sailing her, this is precisely what she does. Compared to the First 36, she is more responsive, more precise, reacts quicker in light sticky conditions, and starts planning in as little as 12kt TWS. I'm now convinced she is arguably the fastest and most fun 36-ft production boat on the market."