Sailing Magazine Reviews the New First 40 from Beneteau

Beneteau First 40

Stylish and fast, this latest racer-cruiser has already won the Sydney-Hobart race
There are boat tests, and then there are boat tests. I sailed the exciting new Beneteau First 40 for a few hours after the United States Sailboat Show in Annapolis, Maryland, last fall. The wind was fresh and we flashed our open transom to plenty of boats as we skidded across the crowded harbor under spinnaker. On the other hand, this past December, Australian Andrew Saies and his crew sailed Two True, a just-out-of-the-box First 40, 628 miles in just less than four days. They were on their way to an overall win in the most recent running of the Rolex Sydney Hobart race. This legendary Southern Ocean get-together can test the mettle of the stoutest sailors and the most promising boats. Wicked, another new First 40, claimed second place overall, finishing just behind Two True. To my way of thinking, all three boat tests do a great job of defining the capable and versatile new Beneteau First 40.  CLICK TO READ THE REVIEW

Photo Credit: Guillaume Plisson

Photo Credit: Guillaume Plisson

Photo Credit: Guillaume Plisson