![]() Our test version of the Beneteau First 44 was the cruising version, which has a 1m-long bowsprit with integrated anchor stowage, plus provision for tacking a Code 0 halfway along it and asymmetric spinnakers at the end. In these conditions many yachts lack positive feel in the helm, but steering was finger-light, responsive and rewarding throughout. Helm positions are great, with a good view of the headsail luff, whether standing up or sitting on the coaming outboard of the wheel. In a little more breeze we made a solid 6 knots in only 7-8 knots of true wind, with occasional bursts of 7.5 knots boat speed in stronger puffs. Instrument pods are of a generous size with space for MFD, compass, engine, thruster and windlass controls. The helm stations have a bench seat that allows you to steer while sitting facing forward, as well as decent folding foot chocks for use when standing. This takes three to four minutes, so is not designed for short tacking, but is perfect for a long beat or when fully powered up on a reach. The system is commendably simple with the tanks filled and emptied individually using electric pumps operated from the helm stations. In addition, there’s an option for 300lt of water ballast each side – equivalent to four people sitting on the rail. ![]() These are changes that promote the light airs performance at the expense of early surfing and only marginally reduce form stability. Naval architect Roberto Biscontini gave the new design a proportionately narrower waterline beam and consequently a slightly deeper canoe body with a little more rocker. It benefits from a hull shape with very high form stability, along with a choice of deep, low centre of gravity keels.įirst 44 performs well in light airs. Conceptually, it’s very much like a smaller version of the Benteau First 53, which is well proven in heavy weather. However, that’s not the case with this boat. In the past good light airs performance was all too often a result of an oversized rig, or lack of ballast, and therefore came at the expense of ability in stronger winds. This makes sense whether you’re based in southern England or the Mediterranean – in both cases summer winds are statistically Force 3 or less for at least 50% of the time.Ī boat that will sail well in light airs is therefore to be welcomed and reduces the amount of tedious motoring needed to maintain acceptable speeds on passage. ![]() The Beneteau First 44 is a great example of the recent shift towards designs that are rewarding to sail in very light airs. Of course, there’s a zephyr of breeze at the masthead, but even then this wouldn’t have been possible in a 44ft yacht weighing 10 tonnes a decade or two ago. To view a full history of Benetau visit here.There’s a glassy calm, without a ripple on the water, yet we’re slipping along on the new Beneteau First 44 under Code 0 at four knots of boat speed. This let the business grow and led them to develop bigger and better boats. The mid 1960s is when Beneteau started producing fiberglass hulled dinghies for fishermen (something no one else was doing) – This led to financial success and larger distribution opportunities. Polyester had been used as a boat building material for a decade before, but the technology had improved enough to have the benefits be usable by the everyday boater. In the early 1960’s wood ship building took a steep decline. This created a snowballing effect of innovation and laid down the foundation of philosophy for Beneteau to operate from – to constantly innovate and improve. Beneteau has a long rich history starting in 1884 when the founder, Benjamin Bénéteau, opened a boatyard in Croix-de-Vie on the west coast of France.Īt the time, boats were called luggers, dundees, and smacks, performance was based on who got back to marina first, since they could sell their fish at the best price.īeneteau is credited to have designed the first engine-powered fishing boat in this region.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |