BENETEAU LAUNCHES NEW FIRST RANGE

Beneteau has just announced the launch of the new First range at Cannes Yachting Festival. The return of this much-loved performance series includes four new models: First – 14, 18, 24 and 27. The long-standing First range has enjoyed incredible success worldwide, popular with both professional sailors and family crews.

A NEW FIRST

The evolution of the First range epitomizes Beneteau’s commitment to offering the most competitive and attractive performance yachts to the sailing world. Showing their dedication to the sailing spirit, Beneteau has produced more than 70 different models over the past couple of decades.

Flagstaff’s Micah Lane was at Cannes for the launch and had this to say about the new range:

“The new First range is aimed at bringing simple, fun, exciting sailing back to our owners and the world of yachting. We saw the 18 and 24 on display for the first time at Cannes and we’re very excited about these models.”

FIRST 18

The First 18 boasts a contemporary look and a robust hull, offering exceptional stability at sea. The twin rudders guarantee easy handling, while the waterproof mast prevents capsizing. She is an ideal boat for professional sailing races and vacation cruises with friends and family.

FIRST 24

Sharing the same concept as the First 18, the First 24 highlights easy transportation by road. An A-frame system allows the sailor to step the mast without a crane, as well as launching on the slip. Her performance-oriented hull allows for fast planing even in light wind conditions. Designed with a simple deck plan and strong hull stability, the First 24 brings a whole new world of freedom to sailors and family crew to explore the sea, with room for four crew members on board.

FIRST LEGACY

The story of the First range can be traced back to the opening of the Beneteau shipyard in 1884.

From a sailing trailer for fishermen in 1884…

…to a tuna fishing boat combining sail and engine in 1912, almost all of the early Beneteau boats went on to become the prototypes for the First models.

The year 1977 saw the creation of one of the most famous Beneteau ranges — the First range — with the launch of the First 30. A legendary class was officially born.

BEST POSSIBLE SAILING EXPERIENCE

Retaining its sailing DNA, Beneteau is always at the forefront of innovation, demonstrated by collaborations with talented naval architects and contemporary designers, including Philippe Starck—a major name in the design world.

Beneteau has once again gathered a cross section of international talent, bringing together a multidisciplinary team of sailors, architects, UX designers, product managers and brand ambassadors who work towards creating the best possible sailing experience.

This exciting new development extends beyond the boats to focus on everything from the sailing interface to digital learning applications, including special events and, of course, races. The first boat to result from the work of this unique team will be a new First 35, the design of which is already underway and will be premiered next year.

Stay tuned for more exciting developments from team Beneteau in 2019. For more information on the new First range, contact Flagstaff Marine today.