A large sticker on the bow makes it clear that this is no ordinary yacht. In the large assembly hall of Seascape, located just ten kilometres south of the Slovenian capital Ljubljana, it reminds employees and visitors alike to leave their smartphones and cameras behind. Because shortly before Christmas, the model that is set to become the most talked-about new release of 2025 will be completed here.
The First 30 promises to close several gaps in the market: fast enough to get planing at three to four Beaufort, large enough for young families and as affordable as standard boats with a hull length of nine metres are currently available. With her Beneteau The new model series will build on the success of the long legendary model series that made the French company the world market leader in the first place.
The First 30 looks modern, but not modernist
As in the first computer illustrations, the First 30 also looks timelessly modern live and in 3D. The bow section of the hull designed by Sam Manuard has a lot of volume, the underwater hull has a pronounced keel - both attributes that are typical of current ocean racing yachts. Only in the aft third does the hull bottom run flat for good gliding properties. There are special recesses for the large twin rudders to optimise their flow.
This and the comprehensive fittings show that the makers are serious about the sailing characteristics. The weight of the First 30 also remains within limits despite the inner hull and complete extension. It should even be slightly below the specifications - even though the bulkheads and berth supports are made of 15-millimetre plywood. This is a first for Seascape, which designs and manufactures all First models up to 40 feet. Until now, foam sandwich has always been used here.
First 30: touring yacht, sports boat and daysailer in one
For a nine-metre boat, the new boat looks extremely compact on deck. As usual, the cockpit ergonomics are very good. The real surprise awaits below deck. Despite the shallow freeboard and low superstructure height, the First 30 offers full headroom in front of the companionway and a pleasant amount of space in the saloon and foredeck. In fact, she is a touring yacht, sports boat and daysailer all in one.
The concept was developed in a joint venture between Beneteau and Seascape. The Slovenian shipyard is responsible for all First models from 40 feet downwards within the Group and has earned a first-class reputation, having won three European Yacht of the Year titles to date.
The First 30 closes a large gap in the previous range, which existed between the First 27 and First 36. As with all Seascape designs, the construction is by Sam Manuard, one of the most successful architects for ocean-going racing yachts.
Lorenzo Argento, who was brought in by Beneteau, was responsible as stylist. The laminate plan and structure were calculated by Giovanni Belgrano's Pure Design & Engineering. A team that vouches for sailing efficiency and visual aesthetics and already characterised the First 36.
Early gliding, fair price
The new model is very similar in shape and proportions. However, unlike its bigger sister, the First 30's margins were considerably smaller and the scope for development was therefore much narrower. Above all, the goal of not breaking the 100,000 euro (net) mark in net price presented Seascape CEO Andraz Mihelin's team with considerable challenges.
As weight is also a critical factor in enabling early planing, it became an exercise in intelligent omission - but without neglecting basic comfort requirements. In fact, the First offers everything you need for cruising: two bedrooms, kitchen, bathroom and sea terrace. The double berth in the foredeck is almost generous for a sporty boat of this size and is queen-size in the shoulder area; it has the same dimensions as the First 36. Only aft is it a little tight for two adults.
As usual with Seascape, the furniture foundations are part of the load-bearing structure and, just like the hull and deck, are laminated from a lightweight GRP sandwich. As standard, there is only one folding door that closes with magnets - the one to the wet room, which is also made of lightweight foam panels.
Floorboards in the lounge for cosiness
There are no floorboards in front of the companionway; these are only found in the slightly raised saloon. Instead, the hull floor is covered with a six-millimetre-thick Seacork covering, which can also be laid in the cockpit as an option and for an extra charge. This leaves enough headroom of 1.85 metres where it counts most below deck.
Above all, however, all these measures save weight, which is why the First 30 displaces a good half tonne less than its smaller predecessor from 2011, which was still built entirely in plywood. These are worlds apart, and this is also reflected in the higher sail carrying capacity of the current model (5.2 vs. 4.9). The difference in displacement to the J/99 is even greater: 3.1 tonnes for the Frist, 3.8 tonnes for the J/99.
Despite the dominance of GRP surfaces, the computer illustrations make the First 30 look quite cosy. And this is probably also true to the character, if you look at the design of the 36. However, its detailing will not be as comprehensive.
The colour-contrasting textile panels on the hull walls, for example, are an optional extra; as in the cabins, only the "woodchip look" of uncovered laminate coated only with acrylic varnish is available as standard.
However, you can make the interior more cosy. In addition to the wall panelling, the options list includes a hot water boiler and heating. Magnetic doors for the cabins and matching storage bags can also be ordered.
Ocean category is fulfilled
Remarkable: The First has plenty of storage space on deck. At the very stern, two forecastle boxes hold a gas bottle, mooring lines and small items. More than two cubic metres are available for storing fenders, sails and other equipment under the starboard cockpit, accessible via a large hatch, which is more than usual in this class.
In contrast to the shipyard renderings, the boat will of course be delivered with a CE-compliant sea railing. According to the preliminary classification, the First 30 is certified for category A (high seas) with a crew of up to two people - an important aspect for authorisation for demanding sea races. Category B applies for crews of up to six people.
Nevertheless, the new Beneteau should not be misunderstood as a racer in disguise, although it will certainly be well represented at Silverrudder, Baltic 500 or Midsummer Sail. At its core, it is a boat designed to provide sailing fun for the widest possible target group.
First 30 creates a new genre: gliding cruisers
Seascape founder Andraz Mihelin sees the First 30 as part of a tradition with the original from the year 76, which also established a market that didn't really exist yet. This is why the visionary, who already proved with the Seascape 18 that he likes to think beyond convention, has created a separate category for the nine-metre speedster: instead of a performance cruiser, he prefers to call it a "planning cruiser", literally translated as "gliding cruiser".
It's a big promise: even at 3 to 4 Beaufort, the First 30 should effortlessly detach itself from its own wave system and sail in double figures. A year later, he wants to take it to another performance level with a "Seascape Edition" that will be even lighter and more powerful - just like the First 36 SE that was also announced in Cannes. The only question is whether he will run out of places to build it. Even before the presentation, Beneteau dealers had already blind pre-ordered and paid for 50 boats. Deliveries will start in February. It is therefore quite possible that the success story of the first First 30 is about to repeat itself.
Technical data First 30
- CE design category: A2/B6
- Torso length: 9,35 m
- Total length: 10,33 m
- Waterline length: 8,75 m
- Width: 2,95 m
- Depth: 1,98 m
- Mast height above WL: 14,70 m
- Theor. torso speed: 7.2 kn
- Weight: 3,1 t
- Ballast/proportion: 1,07 t/34 %
- Mainsail: 29,8 m2
- Furling genoa (106 %): 28,2 m2
- machine (Yanmar 2YM15): 10 kW/14 hp
- Fuel tank: 50 l
- Fresh water tank: 120 l
- Holding tank: 50 l
