Overview

There’s nothing quite like the rush you get when a sailboat starts planing—the exciting moment when the boat lifts off the water and breaks free from displacement speed. This is the thrill sailors expect today. In the past, achieving this kind of performance required advanced skills. But now, the all-new Beneteau First 30 is making it easier.

The Planing Cruiser

With the First 30, Beneteau is making the planing cruiser category accessible to everyone. Designing a new First 30 was no easy task, especially since the 30-foot range is legendary in the First series, and this launch marks Beneteau’s 140th anniversary. However, Beneteau and Seascape joined forces again, bringing together a talented team of world-class designers and engineers to create something truly special.

Designed with today’s sailors in mind, the Beneteau First 30 is a fun, fast boat that easily planes. Despite its speed, it is surprisingly easy to handle, even when sailing at double-digit speeds. Thanks to its simple rig, low loads, and uncluttered cockpit, the First 30 doesn’t require a large crew or extensive training to sail safely and enjoyably, whether you’re sailing alone or with family.

Below deck, the boat features a clean, minimalist, yet cozy interior, providing comfortable accommodation for four people in two cabins. Thanks to smart engineering, Beneteau has made the First 30 available at an incredible base price of just 100,000 EUR excl. VAT. With flexible financing options, the Beneteau First 30 is making the thrill of planing accessible to many sailors in more than one way.

Interior Design

The First 30 offers everything you need for comfort. The saloon has a headroom of 1.85 m (6.0 ft), and the galley is fully functional, including a gimballed stove and fridge. The boat also has a marine head, a standard-sized forward cabin, and a decent aft cabin with removable storage elements that provide enough space for a week’s worth of cruising. As expected from Beneteau, the interior uses sustainable materials like cork flooring, along with clever solutions such as magnetic doors and smart storage options. Additionally, ambient lighting creates a cozy atmosphere throughout the space.

For those who want to take it a step further, there’s an optional ‘premium pack.’ This package includes high-quality upholstery, a saloon backrest, a cutting board, a choice of inner liner colors and materials, and atmospheric lighting to enhance the interior even more.

High-Performance Chill-Out Area

The deck and cockpit layout of the Beneteau First 30 are designed with two main goals: to reduce clutter and create a large, comfortable area for relaxing, while still providing great sailing ergonomics. There are two deck layout options available: one for day sailors and cruisers, and another for racers. Both layouts share spacious cockpit dimensions and include well-designed features like backrests and toe rails.

In the cruising layout, both the main and jib sheets are controlled by large winches, so adjusting the sails doesn’t require too much physical effort. The control lines are always within easy reach, even when the boat is heeled, and the cockpit floor stays clear and uncluttered. In the racing layout, a mainsail traveler and additional trim controls are added to create a familiar workspace for racing sailors.

In conclusion, the Beneteau First 30 offers the perfect balance of high performance and comfort. It is an ideal choice for sailors who want both exciting speed and an easy, enjoyable sailing experience. Whether you’re out for a day of cruising or racing, the First 30 is ready to deliver.