Figaro Beneteau 3

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Overview

The Figaro BENETEAU 3 is the first-ever production foiling monohull. Combining advanced technology with innovative design, it was created through a collaboration between Beneteau’s top experts and the Van Peteghem Lauriot-Prévost (VPLP) design team. Notably, VPLP is the same team behind the last two boats to win the Vendée Globe.

MODERNITY, RELIABILITY, AND PERFORMANCE

The FB3 is designed to offer the same reliability as its predecessor, the FB2, but with several key upgrades. Specifically, it now features foils, a more efficient hull without ballast, a sleeker and deeper keel, a repositioned mast, and a larger sail plan. As a result, the boat is not only more powerful but also more agile.

Additionally, after extensive testing of the prototype, production has officially started. Consequently, the Figaro BENETEAU 3 is set to meet the ISO/World Sailing design category A standards, ensuring it delivers top-tier performance and safety.

THE FOILS

Unlike the Imoca 60 foils, the Figaro BENETEAU 3 features foils with an inward-facing profile. This new design allows the foils to operate differently, reducing drift and improving the boat’s righting moment. Furthermore, this change ensures the boat remains stable without adding excessive movement, which ultimately improves performance.

THE KEEL

The keel on the Figaro BENETEAU 3 is deep and has a straight blade, which minimizes drag and enhances speed. In addition, the foils contribute to reducing drift, further improving the boat’s efficiency and handling.

THE HULL

The hull is made from a foam sandwich, fiberglass, and polyester-infused resin. This modern construction method aligns with the latest boat designs and is ballast-free, making the boat lighter and more responsive. As a result, the boat is more agile and easier to handle.

MAST AND SAIL LAYOUT

The mast is set back, similar to the design seen on the Imoca 60 boats. This positioning helps provide better balance while sailing. Thanks to this setup, the boat can accommodate high-performance sails, including a bowsprit. For solo sailors, the boat is equipped with a square-top mainsail, a genoa, a jib, and a large spinnaker (105 m² or 125 yd²), which helps the boat reach higher speeds in lighter winds. Additionally, there is a small gennaker, adding further versatility to the sail plan.

  • Mainsail area: 39.5 m² (420 ft²)

  • Jib area: 30.5 m² (323 ft²)

  • Large spinnaker area: 105 m² (125 yd²)

NAVAL ARCHITECT: Van Peteghem – Lauriot Prévost

Specifications
Length overall :
35’9”
Hull Length :
32′
Hull Beam :
11’5”
Light displacement :
7,000 lbs
Fuel tank capacity :
11 US Gal
CE Certification :
A2/B4
Air Draft
49’11”