Many of you will remember Farr’s First 36.7, which, along with the 40.7 and 31.7, was one of Beneteau’s most successful models: launched in 2000, more than 800 were built. The stated goal of the all-new First 36 is to-at the very least-replicate its success.
FIRST 36 VS FIRST 36.7
Taking a first glance at the boat (which we assume to be about 11 meters, since the 36.7 was 11.33 m long), the masterful differences from the 36.7 jump out at you, summing up 20 years of design evolution at a glance.
In place of the large central rudder (or tiller) come the two wheels to gain space in the cockpit, which will have an open stern, the fore and aft starboards have become vertical, the deckhouse is less pronounced, and the hull shape is “V”-shaped, with the maximum beam set back aft, there is room in the bow for the now unavoidable dolphin locker to be able to accommodate the anchor nose and prevent the anchor from beating against the hull when becalmed, and, most importantly, to tack the asymmetrical sails as far forward as possible to benefit performance.
Because if one thing hasn’t changed, in First’s DNA, it’s the pursuit of performance: cruising boats-even comfortable family boats-that compete and win in racing.
THE DREAM TEAM BEHIND THE FIRST 36
To achieve the right mix of comfort and performance, elegance and humanness, high-tech construction and reasonable cost, the Beneteau team was joined by an international elite of designers, with many Italians (let’s not forget that Beneteau’s deputy CEO is Gianguido Girotti): Pure Design & Engineering (TP52, AC75 Ineos, IMOCA), led by. Gianni Belgrano, for facilities.
Together with Lorenzo Argento-former designer of the First 53, as well as Wally and Brenta Yachts-who oversaw the design, Sam Manuard, guru of IMOCAs, Minis and Class40s, handled the design. Slovenians from Gigodesign handled the first phase of research and development.
This “dream team” is Kristian Hajnšek, CTO of Seascape (Seascape built the 14- to 27-foot models later acquired by Beneteau and become First), who works closely with the Beneteau team to bring modern construction technologies to the serial racer-cruiser segment.
IN DUSSELDORF WE WILL TOUCH IT WITH OUR OWN HANDS
In short, with such a team, the new First 36, of which for now there is only a rendering, without data and measurements, promises to be very interesting. We will see it at the Dusseldorf Motor Show in January 2022. All we know is that thanks to the modern hull shape and space distribution, the new boat will offer spaces, Beneteau let us know, comparable to those of the legendary First 40.7.
From the shipyard they also promise planing in medium winds with small or full crew, while remaining an allround boat-a perfect club racer and comfortable family-cruiser.
“It will be much more ‘lively’ and lighter than most boats on the market. It bridges the gap between sport boats and family cruising boats,” Belgrano reveals.
E.R.
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