The First 36 is getting a third variant. With the new Spirit, Beneteau has stripped the fit-out and interior down to the essentials and significantly reduced the entry-level price. The aim is to make this fast cruising yacht affordable to a wider range of sailors. It will make its world debut at boot Düsseldorf in January 2027.
The First 36 has carved out a niche for itself in a short space of time: plenty of space and cruising capability below deck, combined with the potential to plane even in moderate winds. The entry-level model impressed in the YACHT test with its sailing performance, subsequently winning the title of ‘Europe’s Performance Cruiser of the Year 2023’. The First 36 SE (Seascape Edition) takes things a step further. With a carbon mast, tiller, minimalist interior and deck fittings tailored for regattas, it is aimed at ambitious competitive sailors. We have already tested this version as well.
With the First 36 Spirit, industry leader Beneteau is now expanding the range in the opposite direction. The new variant retains the tried-and-tested design of the 36-footers, but does away with some of the more elaborate fittings. Its name is reminiscent of the First 300 Spirit from the 1990s. The idea behind it is to focus on the pure sailing experience: a light, fast boat that is easy to handle, even with a small crew.
Fewer features, but still plenty of sail area
Little has changed in terms of the basic design. The hull, constructed using the vacuum infusion process, is expected to have a displacement of just 4.62 tonnes in the lightweight version. As with the First 36, the design is by Samuel Manuard, whilst the exterior design is by Lorenzo Argento. Two rudder blades are intended to ensure control even at higher speeds. Beneteau quotes 80 square metres of sail area upwind and up to 183 square metres on broad reaches. According to the shipyard, the Spirit begins to plane at around 15 knots of wind. Whether it lives up to this promise as effortlessly as the base model and the SE version remains to be seen in a test.
In the cockpit, the key controls remain within easy reach of the helmsmen. The mainsheet, traveller and winch are arranged in such a way that the yacht can be sailed even with a small crew. Removable bench extensions and a cockpit table transform the open working cockpit into a lounge area for cruising. Beneteau also highlights a lightweight bathing platform and a large storage compartment in the stern.
A simpler lifestyle in three cabins
Below deck, the cost-saving measures are more evident. The interior layout is simpler and more open-plan than on the base model, whilst still offering a layout suitable for cruising. There are three cabins, a saloon and a wet room. Instead of closed cupboards, there are open shelves, clothes rails and storage nets. The doors can be easily removed thanks to magnetic fastenings. Even in the small toilet cubicle, a fold-down washbasin is designed to save space. Lorenzo Argento and Studio SITO are responsible for the interior design.
The price speaks for itself: Beneteau has set the starting price for the First 36 Spirit at 200,000 euros excluding VAT. However, neither the detailed price lists nor the standard specifications are available as yet. By way of comparison: the base model First 36 currently costs around 250,000 euros excluding VAT, making it around 50,000 euros more expensive than the new Spirit version. The sportier First 36 SE version, with its high-quality, regatta-ready fittings, is on offer for around 300,000 euros.
The first First 36 Spirit is now under construction. The world premiere will take place in January 2027 at the boot boat show in Düsseldorf.
Technical specifications: First 36 Spirit
- Designer: Samuel Manuard Yacht Design
- Design: Lorenzo Argento
- Structural Engineering: Pure Design
- Interior Design: Sito & Lorenzo Argento
- Concept: Seascape & Team Beneteau
- Hull length: 11.00 m
- Overall length including bowsprit: 11.98 m
- Length at the waterline: 10.25 m
- Width: 3.80 m
- Weight: 4.6 t
- Ballast/percentage: 1.55 t / 33 per cent
- Draught (standard keel): 2.25 m
- Draught (short keel): 1.95 m
- Engine: Inboard engine 29 PS / Saildrive
- Mast height above the waterline: 17.80 m
- Mainsail: 42.0 m²
- Genoa 106 per cent: 38.0 m²
- Gennaker: 1.41 m²
- CE breeding category: A(6) / B(8) / C(10)
Michael Good
Editor Test & Technology