The New Beneteau First 30: Effortless Planing and Performance for All
The Beneteau First 30 redefines sailing with its new planing cruiser design, blending exhilarating speed, ease of use, and cruising comfort. Featuring a high-performance hull, sleek interior, and modern amenities, this boat offers an accessible entry into planing for sailors of all skill levels. With a base price of €100,000 and sustainable, functional design, the First 30 is perfect for both racers and leisure sailors.
The New Beneteau First 30: Effortless Joy of Planing for Everyone
Introduction
Few things compare to the exhilarating feeling of a sailboat planing—the moment when the boat breaks free from displacement speed. Traditionally, this required advanced skills, but the Beneteau First 30 now makes this joy accessible to all sailors.
A New Category: The Planing Cruiser
According to Seascape CEO Andraz Mihelin, small racer-cruisers once met the needs of sailors, but today’s sailors are more focused on connecting with nature and enjoying time with loved ones. Enter the “planing cruiser,” combining high performance with ease of use and cruising comfort.
Rebirth of a Legend
Beneteau’s all-new First 30 brings this planing cruiser concept to life. Quick to plane and easy to handle, the First 30 is designed for both shorthanded sailing and family outings, offering impressive speeds without the need for a large crew. Below deck, the boat comfortably accommodates four people in two cabins with a cozy and minimalist interior design.
Accessible Pricing
Beneteau has set an incredible base price of €100,000 (excl. VAT) for the First 30, making high-speed sailing and cruising attainable for a broad range of sailors.
Cozy, Functional Interior
The First 30 provides essential comfort, with features like a 1.85-meter saloon headroom, a functional galley with gimballed stove, and a marine head. Two cabins offer comfortable sleeping arrangements, and smart storage solutions enhance the boat’s practicality. The interior can be further upgraded with a premium pack, which includes high-quality upholstery, a saloon backrest, and more.
High-Performance Deck Design
The First 30’s deck and cockpit layout focuses on both comfort and sailing performance. Two layout options are available: one for cruising and one for racing. Both layouts keep the cockpit uncluttered, while control lines and winches are placed within easy reach for optimal handling.
The Future of Planing Cruisers
The Beneteau First 30 promises a unique combination of speed, comfort, and affordability. It’s set to debut at Boot Düsseldorf in January 2025, offering sailors a new standard for planing cruisers.
Specifications
- Length overall: 10.33 m (33’11”)
- Hull length: 9.35 m (30’8”)
- Beam width: 2.95 m (9’8”)
- Light displacement: 3150 kg (6945 lbs)
- Standard ballast: 1070 kg (2360 lbs)
- Standard draft: 1.98 m (6’6”)
- Engine power: 14 HP
- Fuel capacity: 50 L (13.2 US Gal)
- Fresh water capacity: 120 L (31.7 US Gal)
- Mainsail: 28.2 m² (304 ft²)
- Jib: 29.8 m² (321 ft²)
- Masthead gennaker: 98 m² (1055 ft²)
- Fractional gennaker: 86 m² (926 ft²)
For more information, visit: www.beneteau.com
captain has written for ALL AT SEA since 2020.
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