With the First 34.7, Bénéteau is launching a racer for the 2006 season that packs a punch. The exclusive test in the new YACHT shows Bruce Farr's boat at its best.
It is a thoroughly successful sports concept from Bénéteau: with a flat underwater hull, a long waterline, deep hull appendages and a powerful carbon fibre rig, the new First 34.7 is very consistently geared towards high sailing performance. The goal is IRC. The new First is designed to follow the equalisation system, which is particularly popular in France and England. However, the boat could also be sailed in a standardised class - assuming it becomes popular soon and sales figures are high.
But nothing should really stand in the way of this. The First 34.7 is not only visually attractive and has a well thought-out design both inside and out, it also sails superbly and is also available at a very fair price. 115,900 euros in the basic version with carbon mast and rod rig for a 10-metre boat - that's really hard to beat for the competition.
The GRP sandwich construction (injection/infusion) is certainly not a product for the masses. For the regatta scene, however, the First 34.7 is a real asset.
Now in the new YACHT (issue 7/2006, now on newsstands)
Michael Good
Editor Test & Technology
