First 44 and First 44 High Performance
Racer/Cruiser boating perfection comes first with the latest addition to the FIRST fleet
The definition of perfection is ‘the state or quality of being perfect.’ Partnering yacht performance with absolute opulence is how to deliver racing and cruiser perfection on the water, and Beneteau delivers, now announcing the arrival of their FIRST 44 – the natural and exquisite connection between the First 36 and First 53.
The First legacy
The Beneteau First legacy was born 45 years ago with the launch of First 30.
The bespoke features – designed for sailors who enjoyed luxury yacht and powerboat events, club racing and cruising – continue to distinguish this incredible boating portfolio.
This year, we announced First 36 in January, and now we celebrate the arrival of First 44 and First 44 Performance with a different deck plan and varied options for keels and masts. As described by her naval architect, Robert Biscontini, First 44 is a “step further in her quest for performance.” She is the result of refining the concept of a performance cruiser.
Floating opulence
The spectacular design of First 44 and First 44 Performance is the work of celebrated yacht designer Lorenzo Argento, who says, “The sailing yacht [interior] must live up to the expectations of sailors, reflecting the way they sail, and giving them a chance to enjoy anchorages and stopovers. We base our ideas on what our users say. You have to adapt and break away from the classics.”
Assembled in the dedicated Beneteau workshop, First 44 and First 44 Performance offer a gorgeous, contoured internal layout that combines white varnished surfaces and natural wood furnishings finished off with quality, luxurious upholstery.
The science behind the splendour
Biscontini’s approach, which was aligned with the incredible work carried out on the America’s Cup racers, required a few revisions to adapt and deliver a powerful and well-balanced hull with a substantial sail plan capable of withstanding any water conditions.
His colleague, Argento, applauded Biscontini’s ability to successfully create a hull/mast/rigging combination. He said that at their level, they “tried to reproduce the fluidity and spirit through the deck design and interior arrangements by maximising the use of volumes and minimising the impact of whatever restrictions the build encountered. This design gave [us] a delightful and [proficient] yacht on the water.”
Her elegant hull
The First 44 and First Performance have been built using the identical hulls as their yachting counterparts with simpler systems, aluminium masts and opulent interiors and cockpits, keeping all racing and coastal cruising needs fulfilled.
The sociable design of the First 44 cockpit encourages entertaining with its cockpit table and large clear passageways for easy manoeuvrability. A fixed centreline block and mast are set further back than their usual location, and a four winch arrangement maximises her modern sail plan potential.
Her slender mainsail, generously sized foresails and two 300-litre ballast tanks (which can be activated electronically from the helm consoles) make the experience on the water surreal.
The ergonomically designed layout also offers a three-cabin, two-head design using quality materials combined with master craftsmanship. The salon provides a six-seater transversal table located conveniently between the galley and master stateroom for easy manoeuvrability and a feeling of space.
The result
First 44’s equipment and systems have been developed with fully crewed, racing regattas in mind, therefore foam non-skid surfaces can replace the teak in the cockpit sole and six well-placed winches are positioned along with the conventional mainsail traveller.
First 44 and First 44 Performance are the perfect display of multidisciplinary and expert collaborations in yachting efficacy by the Beneteau project team. This example of marine proficiency blended with this level of luxury and performance is what is to be expected from a Beneteau vessel.
Specifications
LOA (FIRST 44) 14,15m – 46’5ft
LOA (FIRST 44 PERFORMANCE) 14,65m – 48’1ft
Hull Length 13,15m – 43’2ft
Beam 4,25m
Standard draft (T-keel) 2,15m
Standard ballast weight (cast iron) 3 300kg
Performance draft (T-keel) 2,60m
Performance ballast weight (cast iron / lead) 3000kg
Standard air draft 19,5m
Light displacement (FIRST 44) 10 300kg
Light displacement (FIRST 44 PERFORMANCE) 9 800kg
Fuel capacity (standard) 220L
Fresh water capacity (standard) 330L
Engine power (standard) 57CV
ALUMINIUM MAST
Mainsail 53sqm
Genoa 53sqm
Code 0 95sqm
Asymmetrical spinnaker 170sqm
CARBON MAST
Mainsail 61sqm
Genoa 56sqm
Code 0 105sqm
Asymmetrical spinnaker 190sqm
