Even in light airs the First 45 performance was prominent

First test sail of the new First 45 from Bénéteau. Following in the same lines as the Beneteau First 50 the First 45 has a modern light interior that is neither designed solely for cruising or racing but equally for them both.

Designed by the Briand design team the two new First models from Bénéteau, First 50 and now the First 45, are attracting buyers who want a cruising boat that can be raced, or a racing boat that can be equally cruised. The First 45 from Beneteau covers both bases with style.

In what can only be called light wind conditions off Monaco, we got the chance to test sail the First 45. From the quay side with it's twin carbon lookalike wheels and it's ultra low flat and low profile look, you can tell straight away this is not your average cruising boat, and this is the desired effect that Bénéteau have worked for. By hiding all the main sail halyards in a sunked trough line on the coach roof and even flaring the roof line to hide the pulleys at the base of the mast all these elements help to create it's clean uncluttered lines that set the First 45 apart from other similar models.

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As soon as you step aboard the First 45, the low profile lines and efforts that have been made to hide the normal clutter is more apparent. The two wheels in the cockpit are placed wide to allow ample access. The main sheet traveller is placed on directly on the cockpit floor which really helps to keep the cockpit area free and open. The instrument panels are placed flush into the side of the cockpit just at about ankle height and are protected via a single steel bar in case of a strike by a heavy boot.

Even in light airs the First 45 performance was prominent

The Bénéteau First 45 model is very striking looking and anyone looking for a new cruiser / racing yacht in this size will also be considering models including the Dehler 44, Archambault A40 and the XC-45 from X-Yachts. Just like any choice quite often the decision comes down to subtle asthetic differences. During our test sail in light sae airs in Monaco, the First 45 proved exceptionaly well mannered and despite the light airs, the performance of the boat was evident in the manner it pushed along with consumate ease.

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