Beneteau has pulled the cover off the First 60 concept, marking the 50th anniversary of its First line with a bold new flagship that blends performance sailing with long-range comfort. Unveiled at Boot Düsseldorf, the 62-foot design is the largest First ever built and signals where one of sailing’s most storied performance brands is heading next.

Designed by Biscontini Yacht Design with Lorenzo Argento responsible for both the exterior and interior styling, the First 60 targets sailors who want speed and responsiveness at the helm without giving up the livability needed for extended cruising.

Beneteau describes the boat as “crafted for sailors who seek intensity, precision at the helm, and the satisfaction of fine-tuning every detail,” positioning the First 60 squarely in the crossover space between race-bred performance and true cruising capability.

A performance platform with offshore range

From the dock, the First 60 presents a clean and modern profile defined by long waterlines and minimal visual clutter. Argento’s exterior design pares the boat back to essential lines.

For sailors used to covering long distances, the deck plan reflects serious thought about how boats are actually sailed offshore. The Walk-Around Winch Island places running rigging in a centralized and protected location, keeping sail handling efficient and secure. A captive mainsheet winch and Park Avenue boom are intended to make sail handling more precise and less physically demanding, especially when short-handed.

Adaptive helm ergonomics are shaped around the sailor’s natural posture, an important detail for long watches behind the wheel. According to Beneteau, the goal was a cockpit that supports both high-intensity sailing and endurance cruising.

Beneteau says the First 60 is the only yacht in its size range to divide the cockpit into three distinct zones (Sailing, Dining and Relaxation), allowing crews to trim sails, share meals, or unwind without interfering with one another.

Interior designed for life underway

Belowdecks, the First 60 is laid out to support real life at sea. The main salon combines a forward-facing nav station with a dedicated seating area, allowing watchkeepers and off-watch crew to stay connected without crowding the workspace.

The full-beam galley is designed around long work surfaces and integrated storage, a layout that will matter to sailors who cook regularly underway and need secure footing and easy access to provisions.

Forward, the owner’s cabin is one of the standout features. A walk-around, forward-facing berth, abundant natural light, and broad sea views aim to make it a comfortable retreat after long days on passage.

Argento’s interior styling carries the same aesthetic found on deck, blending warmth with modern materials for a look that is meant to remain current well beyond the boat’s launch cycle.

Built for a connected owner community

Beneteau is also positioning the First 60 as a gateway into its broader First owner ecosystem. The builder says owners will receive personal guidance during configuration, support throughout construction, and long-term backing through its Premium Service program.

Final thoughts

With a 62-foot length overall, nearly 50,000 pounds of displacement, and CE Category A certification, the First 60 is designed for serious offshore work as well as fast coastal sailing.

The concept signals Beneteau’s intent to keep the First name relevant to sailors who want both exhilaration and endurance. For long-range cruisers who still care deeply about how a boat sails, the First 60 suggests that performance and passagemaking do not have to be separate paths.

The post Beneteau Unveils the First 60 appeared first on Cruising World.

The Beneteau First 30 is back, and it’s unlike any before it. Revived and reimagined in collaboration with Seascape, this latest evolution marks the birth of a new category: the planing cruiser. Designed by IMOCA and Class 40 naval architect Samuel Manuard and styled by Lorenzo Argento, the new 30-footer blends high-speed excitement with Beneteau’s trademark comfort and craftsmanship. Built for sailors who crave simplicity, speed, and adventure in equal measure, the First 30 delivers effortless handling, a cozy modern interior, and the unmistakable thrill of planing made easy.

Design & Construction

The First 30’s performance pedigree is clear the moment you step aboard. The hull, drawn by Manuard, who knows a thing or two about offshore rocketships, features a fine entry, broad beam carried aft, and twin rudders for stability under sail. Constructed with a fully cored vinylester laminate and vacuum-infused deck, the 30 achieves impressive stiffness and strength while keeping weight to just 6,700 pounds (3,040 kg). Structural engineering by Pure Design & Engineering, the same team behind cutting-edge raceboats, ensures efficiency without fragility.

Two cockpit configurations are available: a cruising version with a clean, open layout, and a racing version with traveler, fine-tune mainsheet, and adjustable jib systems. Both feature a German-style mainsheet setup that keeps control lines tidy and within easy reach. In the cruising layout, the mainsheet bridle and flush deck create a “barefoot-friendly” cockpit for relaxing underway or at anchor.

Underneath, a modern fin keel and high-aspect rudders keep handling light and precise. The boat is rated CE Category A, certified for offshore sailing, a testament to the balance of safety and performance that defines the First range.

Layout, Systems & Comfort

Belowdeck, the First 30 surprises with volume, light, and modern flair. Thanks to clever design by SITO and Beneteau’s Seascape division, the interior feels bright and inviting, with 6 feet of headroom, two private cabins, and a practical galley that includes a gimbaled stove, optional refrigerator, and foldable extension.

The forward cabin rivals that of the larger First 36, with a true double berth and generous storage. Aft, a cozy quarter cabin sleeps two, while amidships, the saloon seats four comfortably for meals or passage planning. A marine head with optional holding tank and magnetic doors lends a touch of refinement uncommon in this size range.

Sustainability was part of the design brief as well. Note the cork flooring, removable textile lockers, and modular furniture, all of which keep weight down while adding warmth and practicality.

Systems installations follow Beneteau’s latest production standards, including simplified access to plumbing and wiring runs, LED lighting, optional SEANAPPS connectivity, and minimal through-hulls for easy maintenance.

Safety, Handling & Performance

Planing once meant high effort, advanced skills, and strong breeze, but not anymore. The First 30 delivers the same rush with remarkable ease. With 60 square meters of upwind sail area and a hull designed to lift in 13-14 knots of wind, the boat accelerates smoothly and feels lively yet balanced.

The twin rudders offer surefooted grip even at high heel angles, while the broad transom provides stability and extra form buoyancy when surfing. Under power, a 14-hp diesel drives the boat efficiently and quietly, ideal for close-quarters maneuvering.

Most importantly, “fast is safe” here. The high stability, modern hull form, and responsive helm mean the First 30 remains under full control even when planing. Combined with solid build quality and category A certification, that makes this little speedster as trustworthy as it is thrilling.

Beneteau First 30 Specifications

VIDEO

Get a closer look at the Beneteau First 30’s design, layout, rig details and performance in this preview video.

The Birth of the Planing Cruiser

Beneteau’s new First 30 introduces a bold new category: the planing cruiser. By pairing raceboat design with cruising comfort, the brand aims to make fast sailing fun and accessible again. The hull shape lifts easily in moderate breeze, giving sailors that addictive “surfing” sensation without the stress or complexity of traditional high-performance rigs.

Two Cockpits, Two Attitudes

The First 30’s dual-deck options reflect two sailing styles. Cruisers will love the clean, open cockpit with hidden mainsheet and full-width lounging space. Racers can opt for the traveler and fine-tune controls for precise trim and crew ergonomics. Either way, the setup keeps lines tidy and sailing intuitive.

Interior Innovation

Inside, the First 30 redefines small-boat comfort. Lightweight modular furniture, magnetic doors, and removable storage systems keep things flexible. The use of cork flooring and sustainable materials balances modern style with eco-minded practicality, proof that speed and simplicity don’t have to come at the expense of warmth or charm.

About the Builder

Founded in 1884 in Vendée, France, Beneteau has evolved from a small fishing boat workshop into one of the world’s most recognized names in recreational boating. With models ranging from performance racers to luxury cruisers, Beneteau continues to push the boundaries of design and technology. The partnership with Seascape, a Slovenian builder known for sporty, lightweight craft, has infused the First range with fresh energy, bringing raceboat excitement to sailors of every skill level.

Editor’s First Take

It’s rare to find a 30-footer that promises this much fun without asking for full-time crew or Olympian reflexes. The new First 30 feels like a breath of fresh air—a boat that’s simple to rig, easy to drive, and genuinely fast. The cockpit is clean and confidence-inspiring, the interior feels bright and purposeful, and the overall vibe is pure sailing joy. This is a boat that could lure both lapsed racers and new sailors back on the water, reminding them what made sailing feel magical in the first place. —CW

The post New Boat Preview: Beneteau First 30 appeared first on Cruising World.

The Beneteau First 36 SE made an impressive debut at the 4th ORC Double-Handed World Championship in Monfalcone, Italy, finishing on the podium in its maiden race. The 165-mile windward/leeward course was meant as a discovery run for Hull No. 1, with naval designer Samuel Manuard and community member Jure Jerman focusing on familiarizing themselves with the boat.

Despite being a first test rather than a full racing campaign, the First 36 SE showed remarkable pace. The boat finished third, just one minute behind the second-place competitor, in a competitive fleet of 29 boats in ORC Class B.

“It was a wonderful race. Our main goal was to learn more about the boat and her behavior,” said Samuel Manuard. “This is only the beginning, but I’m really pleased with the First 36 SE’s dynamic and speed. Light wind suited her well, and she performed strongly on reaching legs. There is still a lot to refine, especially transitions, but the boat combines cruiser comfort with high-level racing performance.”

Community co-skipper Jure Jerman added, “I’m not a professional sailor, and this fleet was full of serious racers. With the investment we put in, I think we did well. The First 36 SE was extremely competitive in all conditions, and any lost ground was due to our mistakes, not the boat. She deserves all the credit for being fast all around.”

Andraž Michelin, CEO of Seascape and First range manager at Beneteau, highlighted the First 36 SE’s versatility. “This result is amazing. We engaged our First community and borrowed extra sails for the championship. The boat proved itself as a competitive, all-around racer. Moving forward, we plan to work closely with future owners to optimize their racing projects and ensure maximum performance and enjoyment.”

With its Seascape Edition design, the First 36 SE continues Beneteau’s commitment to producing boats that balance performance, accessibility, and comfort, giving sailors a platform that is competitive offshore while still approachable for cruising enthusiasts.

The post Beneteau First 36 SE Impresses at ORC Worlds appeared first on Cruising World.

Lagoon, the world leader in cruising catamarans, is expanding its partnership with Ponant Yachting and Sailoé with a new flagship model, the Lagoon EIGHTY 2. The catamaran, named Spirit of Ponant II, will begin operating luxury charters in French Polynesia by late 2026.

The announcement marks the third yacht in Ponant Yachting’s growing fleet, joining Spirit of Ponant in the Seychelles and La Désirade, which splits its season between Corsica and the Caribbean. Each catamaran in the program is designed for small-group exploration, offering a more personal and environmentally conscious sailing experience.

Built at Lagoon’s Bordeaux facility, the EIGHTY 2 reflects the builder’s focus on elegance, performance, and sustainability. With more than 400 square meters of living space, five double cabins, and a four-person crew, the new yacht is designed for fully private charters and tailored itineraries. Guests can expect a mix of refined comfort and hands-on water adventure, including an array of high-end water sports.

“The Spirit of Ponant II reflects the natural evolution of a partnership based on shared values: excellence, innovation, and respect for the environment,” said Thomas Gailly, Lagoon’s Brand Director. “We are honored to support Ponant Explorations Group in developing its premium sailing offering, with a yacht that raises the bar for luxury at sea.”

The project underscores an ongoing alliance between three French yachting leaders. Ponant Explorations Group, renowned for small-ship luxury expeditions, Sailoé Yachting, specialists in Lagoon charters worldwide, and Lagoon, a brand of the Beneteau Group, continue to shape what they describe as “a more intimate and inspiring” style of ocean travel.

With a growing fleet spanning multiple oceans, Ponant Yachting says it aims to redefine modern luxury under sail, matching slow travel, sustainability and seclusion with world-class comfort.

The post Lagoon and Ponant Expand Luxury Sailing Fleet appeared first on Cruising World.

Excess, the catamaran brand from Groupe Beneteau, is partnering with Swiss endurance swimmer and environmental advocate Noam Yaron for a world-first athletic and ocean awareness challenge this summer. Yaron will attempt to swim 180 kilometers non-stop from Calvi, Corsica, to Monaco—an extreme open-water journey that will traverse the heart of the Pelagos Sanctuary, the Mediterranean’s largest Marine Protected Area.

Scheduled to begin August 9, 2025, the swim is registered with the World Open Water Swimming Federation and is a candidate for the Guinness World Records. In addition to the physical challenge, the effort carries a broader environmental goal: to highlight the importance of protecting fragile marine ecosystems and promote sustainable interaction with the sea.

To support Yaron’s effort, two Excess catamarans will serve as floating basecamps throughout the crossing. An Excess 14 will handle logistics and athlete support, while an Excess 11 will accommodate a dedicated scientific team collecting environmental DNA (eDNA), plankton samples, and conducting megafauna observations.

Yaron, who reaches more than 650,000 followers monthly through social media platforms, has positioned this endurance feat as both a sporting challenge and a conservation statement. His previous projects have focused on raising awareness about aquatic biodiversity and climate-related ocean threats.

“This partnership truly reflects the Excess mindset,” says Mathilde Raoul, Communications Manager for Excess. “It’s about experiencing the sea with intensity and purpose, without compromise. Noam’s mission and energy align perfectly with that vision.”

The effort will be documented in real-time via social channels and culminate in a longer-form documentary. The support catamarans were selected for their blend of performance, stability, and comfort—critical attributes for a high-stakes endurance expedition in open water.

Excess catamarans, which debuted in 2019, are designed for sailors seeking modern styling, responsive performance, and liveaboard comfort. Ranging from 11 to 14 meters, the line has found favor among cruisers looking for an alternative to more traditional multihulls.

This latest adventure follows a growing trend of ocean athletes and brands collaborating to promote marine conservation through visibility, data collection, and storytelling.

For more on Yaron’s challenge, visit calvi-monaco.com.

The post Excess Catamarans Back Noam Yaron’s 180-Kilometer Swim for Ocean Awareness appeared first on Cruising World.

In an offshore race where waterline length usually rules, the 2025 Transpacific Yacht Race delivered a head-turning surprise: a 36-foot production-based boat finished second over the line—beaten only by an 88-foot maxi. Even more impressive? The Beneteau First 36 SE Custom Rahan was sailed doublehanded.

The biennial Transpac stretches 2,397 nautical miles from Los Angeles to Honolulu, and this year’s edition brought unusually light winds, putting a premium on strategic sail handling and staying in pressure. Rahan’s co-skippers, Charles-Etienne Devanneaux and Frédéric Courouble, kept their foot on the gas the entire way.

Originally developed as a prototype for Beneteau’s new First 36 SE, Rahan was customized specifically for offshore performance. Devanneaux—owner of Naos Yachts—and Courouble worked with the Seascape design team to strip weight, fine-tune the sail plan, and optimize the rig, keel, and cockpit layout. The resulting boat, nicknamed “TP” for the Transpac, maintained the production model’s hull, rudders, and rig dimensions.

Despite being the smallest boat in the 53rd Transpac fleet, Rahan kept pace with larger fully crewed competitors early on and stretched her lead as the race opened into reaching and downwind conditions. She ultimately finished nine hours ahead of the next boat in her class, and just one minute off the corrected-time overall podium.

Throughout the race, Rahan logged daily runs over 270 nautical miles and clocked a top speed of 20.4 knots. Her average speed exceeded 10 knots over the full passage.

“It never felt like a small boat,” Devanneaux said at the dock in Honolulu. “This is what a modern planing hull should feel like—fast, fun, responsive. We were able to push the boat with confidence, even doublehanded.”

The performance not only validated the design but directly influenced the launch of the new First 36 SE production model, which incorporates many of Rahan’s innovations.

Rahan wasn’t the only Beneteau to make headlines—Macondo, a First 47.7, won Division 8.

But it’s hard to beat a story of two sailors on a 36-footer charging across the Pacific and finishing just behind a canting-keel maxi. As Devanneaux said: “This boat, and this race, reminded us what modern offshore sailing can be.”

Doublehanded Offshore: What It Takes

Sailing across an ocean with just two crew isn’t for the faint of heart—but it’s increasingly common in races like the Transpac and events like the Global Solo Challenge. The right combination of preparation, systems, and seamanship can make a doublehanded passage not only possible, but also efficient. Here’s what successful teams like Rahan‘s Charly and Freddy rely on:

Autopilot is Your Third Crew

In doublehanded sailing, a reliable, well-tuned autopilot is essential. Offshore pilots must be able to steer to apparent wind, handle sail changes, and maintain course in heavy weather—all while conserving power. Many crews carry redundant pilots or at least backup drives and spare parts.

Watch Schedules That Work

Forget rigid 4-on/4-off shifts—most doublehanded sailors rely on flexible, sleep-when-you-can systems. Offshore veterans often use short rotating watches (e.g., 90 minutes to 2 hours) to avoid deep fatigue. The key is mutual trust and honest communication about when one partner needs rest.

Smart Sail Selection

Without the manpower to do constant changes, sail inventory needs to be both versatile and manageable. Fractional furling spinnakers, reefable mains, and easily reefed jibs are staples. Planning sail combos for expected wind angles—and knowing when not to push—is part of the strategy.

Pre-Race Prep is Everything

From rigging to power management, every system must be dialed in before departure. Doublehanded teams rely on meticulous pre-race checklists, preloaded routing plans, and gear organized so that any task—reefing, cooking, fixing gear—can be done solo if needed.

Emergency Planning

With only two aboard, you don’t get a second chance in a man-overboard situation. That’s why tethers, jacklines, and cockpit safety routines are non-negotiable. Top crews also train on how to handle medical emergencies, rudder loss, or dismastings without outside help.

The post Transpac 2025: Pint-Sized Powerhouse First 36 SE Finishes Second Over the Line appeared first on Cruising World.

Beneteau is set to debut its eighth-generation Oceanis sailing yachts—the Oceanis 47 and Oceanis 52—at the 2025 Cannes Boat Show this September. Developed with input from owners, dealers, and charter operators, these new models aim to advance cruising performance and onboard living in the popular production-cruiser category.

The Oceanis 47, created by Finot‑Conq naval architecture and Nauta Design interiors, builds on nearly four decades of Oceanis heritage. Its design emphasizes a balance between ease of handling and deckroom, featuring a spacious cockpit that extends to the transom, an optional open or closed layout, and refined lines that enhance performance. Interior configurations include three-cabin layouts with two heads, and style options range from warm Mediterranean tones to classic Ivory finishes.

The larger Oceanis 52, co-designed by Biscontini‑Nauta, expands on the success of the bestselling Oceanis 51.1. Measuring approximately 52 feet LOA with a beam near 16 feet, the 52 delivers a performance-optimized hull and accommodations tailored for extended cruising. It features a roomy cockpit—up to 30% larger than its predecessor—with dual “C-shaped” seating, a centralized social area with integrated refrigeration and grill, and twin-rudder handling systems controlled via a 12-inch navigation display. The owner’s suite is also significantly upgraded for comfort and privacy.

On both models, Beneteau is offering a “First Line” upgrade, which includes a taller mast, overlapping genoa, and performance sail package aimed at sailors seeking enhanced sailing capabilities.

Beneteau characterizes the new Oceanis range as blending “power, elegance, innovation, and lineage,” focusing on versatility—whether for family cruises, social weekend sail-outs, or casual regattas. Production is expected to begin following the official Cannes debut, with deliveries scheduled for late 2025 or early 2026.

The post Beneteau Launches Eighth‑Gen Oceanis 47 and 52 Cruising Yachts appeared first on Cruising World.

Beneteau and Seascape have unveiled the First 36 SE (Seascape Edition), a lightweight evolution of the original First 36 aimed squarely at performance-minded sailors. Built on a proven offshore platform—one that has already claimed class victories in races like the Rolex Middle Sea Race-the new SE model pares back weight and amps up handling, without sacrificing core cruising functionality.

The development of the First 36 SE draws on the experience of a world-class team of designers and engineers. Naval architect Samuel Manuard, joined by design veterans Bernard Nivelt and Maurizio Cossutti, helped rework the hull shape, weight distribution, and cockpit ergonomics to better suit IRC and ORC competition.

The result is a 36-foot monohull racer that planes in as little as 12 knots of breeze and delivers responsive control at speed. The SE version trims 400 kilograms off the standard First 36’s displacement and shortens the wetted surface by nearly 30 square feet. Key upgrades include a carbon rig, flush racing hardware, a tiller helm for direct control, and soft deck grip throughout the cockpit. Twin rudders help maintain control when reaching at high speeds.

Despite the race-focused design, Beneteau says the boat retains the same interior layout as the standard First 36, making it suitable for sailors who occasionally cruise, but prioritize speed.

The First SE line-now counting over 1,000 boats in the community across multiple sizes-has grown into a performance sailing sub-brand for Beneteau, attracting a dedicated following of doublehanded racers and high-performance weekend warriors alike.

Seascape CEO Andraž Mihelin called the First 36 SE “arguably the fastest and most fun 36-foot production boat on the market.”

With deliveries expected in 2026, the First 36 SE represents the latest step in Beneteau’s evolution toward race-grade design with broad sailor appeal.

For more on the new model, visit Beneteau First 36 SE.

The post Beneteau Unveils First 36 SE appeared first on Cruising World.

The Midsize cat category for the 2025 Boat of the Year contest was represented almost as well as the United Nations, with a truly international lineup. It included two nominees from the most prolific builders of cruising cats on the planet, France (Lagoon 43) and South Africa (Vision 444 ES). The third boat (Seawind 1370) was conceived by a builder that started operations in Australia, moved them to Vietnam, and now produces yachts in a brand-new facility in Turkey. 

All three brands have enjoyed considerable Boat of the Year success over the years, which made this one of the most highly competitive divisions for 2025. What made it even more enticing were the different approaches from the trio of nominees.

WINNER: Seawind 1370
Seawind Catamarans

This 45-foot cat from Aussie Richard Ward’s growing stable of bluewater cruisers follows on the heels of 2024’s 1170. As Mark Pillsbury notes, the concept was a commercial success from the get-go: “The Seawind representative told us the company took 90 orders for the new 1370 before the first boat was launched. That certainly points to a lot of trust in the quality of the boats, as well as their design and performance. The new model was much like many of the previous Seawinds we’ve seen: well-built, quite suitable for a liveaboard couple, and fun to sail.

“I thought the galley-up location and U-shaped design of the counter space and sink on the 1370 worked well, especially for preparing meals underway. There’s easy access to both the indoor dining table and the cockpit. And underway, the cook has plenty of places to brace in any seaway.”

Herb McCormick also found several features that felt familiar, and noted that Seawind is evolving from a performance aspect. “You step aboard any of the Seawinds, and you know what’s in store: the single-level floor plan, the folding doors that are cleverly stashed overhead in the hard Bimini, even the big stainless-steel barbecue stashed astern,” he said. “And they’ve always sailed well. But Seawind has brought aboard The Design Collective—a pair of performance-oriented French rock stars named François Pérus and Romain Scolari—to enhance the slipperiness of their wave-piercing hulls, and this boat really lit up under sail. Seawind has always marketed their boats for what they call ‘real sailors,’ and they rang the bell here. This is one real sailboat.”

Finalist: Lagoon 43
Groupe Beneteau

One of the true pioneers in the introduction and advancement of cruising catamarans, Lagoon is aggressive when it comes to bringing new cats to the marketplace. Herb McCormick said that the new 43-footer has some big shoes to fill. “The Lagoon 43 is replacing the 42 in the brand’s lineup. It was a huge success story, having sold over 1,100 units,” he said. “With this model, they commissioned the VPLP design office, one of the top French naval-architecture concerns. There will be a 50-50 split of private owners and charter operators, and this boat will serve both markets well.”

Mark Pillsbury added: “I really liked sailing the Lagoon 43. The steering was smooth and responsive, and I liked the location of the helm station on the port bulkhead. The seat was raised high enough for good visibility over the cabin top, but I also felt connected to the social spaces in the salon and cockpit. This is a good arrangement for a shorthanded crew—much better, I think, than a flybridge. After climbing over the side panels at the sterns of several catamarans at the show, I really appreciated the new Lagoon feature that incorporates boarding doors outboard on each transom. It makes hopping aboard from a side-to tie at the dock simple, and it works well when climbing in and out of a tender.”

Finalist: Vision 444 ES
Vision Yachts

The Vision 444 ES moniker stands for “extended scoop.” The hull shape is an evolutionary step in a boat that was familiar to the judging team. “The sistership to this fine yacht is the Vision 444, which was named the winner of its catamaran category in 2024,” Herb McCormick said. “A lot of boats take on the characteristics of the country or coastline where they’re produced, and this cat—built and laid out for extended bluewater cruising—is manufactured in Knysna, South Africa, a salty town on country’s wild southern coast. If you’re sailing in and out of Knysna, you need a boat that can handle any condition.”

Mark Pillsbury adds: “We had the pleasure of inspecting and sailing the Vision 44 with company founder James Turner, a designer and builder who has some very good ideas, and the skills and crew needed to produce an owner-friendly cruising cat. Turner is an all-around waterman with a solid background in competitive racing, in some of his own monohull designs, so he has an innate sense of what makes a boat move. The equipment, sails and accommodations were all executed with the safety and comfort of a shorthanded crew in mind. The helm station of the Vision 44 was very well laid out with all sail controls readily at hand and the necessary gear in place to comfortably tame a powerful sail plan when needed.”

Click here to return to the 2025 Boat of the Year main page.

The post 2025 Boat of the Year: Best Midsize Multihull appeared first on Cruising World.

Beneteau has launched a new model, the First 30, that it also sees as the first in a new category of sailboats: the planing cruiser.

The builder’s thinking is that until the turn of the century, small racer-cruisers matched sailors’ needs. Today, the racer-cruiser is outdated, since people want to spend more time connecting with nature and having fun with family and friends.

“We realized that sailors needed more than a traditional racer-cruiser,” says Andraz Mihelin, the CEO of Seascape, which worked with Beneteau on the project. “We have decided to create a new, groundbreaking category of sailboats: the planing cruiser.”

According to Beneteau, the First 30 planes quickly and easily while being easy to handle, including at double-digit speeds.

“With low loads, a simple rig and an uncluttered cockpit, it doesn’t need a large crew or intense training sessions to make sailing it fun and safe in all conditions—both shorthanded and as a family,” according to Beneteau.

The First 30 has headroom of 6 feet in the saloon, a galley with a gimbaled stove and fridge, a marine head and two staterooms (forward and aft).

Sustainable materials used in the boat’s construction include cork flooring, and there are innovations such as magnetic doors and ambient lighting.

Owners can choose Beneteau’s “premium pack,” which adds high-quality upholstery, a cutting board, a choice of inner liner colors and materials, and atmospheric lighting.

Two deck layout options are available: one for day sailors and cruisers, and one for racers. Both layouts include features such as backrests and toe rails. In the cruising layout, the main and jib sheets are controlled through what Beneteau calls “generously sized winches,” so sail trim doesn’t require undue physical strength. Control lines are within reach, even when the boat is heeled, and the cockpit sole remains uncluttered.

The racing layout adds a mainsail traveler and additional trim controls.

Where will the Beneteau First 30 make its debut? At Boot Dusseldorf in January 2025. The base price is expected to be about $112,000.

How to learn more: visit beneteau.com.

The post Beneteau’s First 30 is Here appeared first on Cruising World.