Beneteau Yachts First 30 – A New Generation

A NEW GENERATION

Chime those chines!

Juan Kouyoumdjan, designer of the last two Volvo 70 around-the-World winners, has joined the Beneteau specialist designer list! Currently the most desired race-boat naval architect in the world, Juan K has ‘waved his wand’ over the long standing First 31.7 to produce a truly exciting new model for Beneteau – the FIRST 30.

In Conjunction with the French legend Open 60 sailor Michel Desjoyeaux –  the two minds have lived up to reputation to create the First 30 – a legitimate coastal racer!

She is fine in the bow (with a positive sheerline) and boxy in the stern with a flat bum and long accentuated chines! Twin transom hung rudders (tiller steer) plus a forward slanted (and weighted) fin/bulb keel makes for an aggressive underwater profile, certain to have ‘get up go’ around the track.

The ‘skiff like’ qualities seen in the First 30 and can be directly related to the Volvo 70 developments made by Juan K and Michel Desjoyeaux’s knowledge from professional offshore racing campaigns. The proportionately larger batwing mainsail (transom sheeted), exclusion of backstay and non-overlapping headsails formulate a vessel that is trimmed like a sports yacht yet easily managed short handed.

The wide, uncluttered cockpit with a simple rigging and working gear configuration is ideal for manoeuvring about the yacht and promotes clean teamwork or easy cruising. Specific knowledge from Desjoyeaux’s offshore experience has been used for these advancements.

Below deck surprises most with the level of comfort, a large aft double with walk through access to the galley and saloon with a V-berth forward. It is typical of what to expect in a 34 footer and her interior fitt-out stays true to the latest range of Firsts making her one sexy 30 footer!  

With Juan K and Michel Desjoyeaux’s stamps on this vessel, it is sure footing to stay at the front yacht design and eye catching to those behind!