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Sailboat Beneteau First 40 13m review
Sailing yacht · 43 ft (13 m) · Porto-Vecchio
expert score
Key specs
- Builder
- Beneteau
- Model
- First 40
- Length
- 43 ft (13 m)
- Guests
- 10
Verdict
The Beneteau First 40 is a well-balanced cruiser-racer with a proven Farr design, strong upwind pace, and agile handling. It offers solid charter-friendly accommodation and good build consistency, though comfort and shallow-water flexibility are more limited than on pure cruisers.
Pros
- +Powerful sail plan for spirited performance
- +Responsive fin-keel/spade-rudder handling
- +Proven Farr cruiser-racer design
- +Practical 3-cabin layout in charter form
Cons
- −Deep draft limits access to shallow waters
- −Interior comfort is more performance-oriented than luxurious
- −Aft-focused sailing design reduces cruising volume
- −Older examples may vary in equipment and condition
The First 40 was designed by Farr Yacht Design as a true cruiser-racer, with a fractional sloop rig, fin keel and spade rudder aimed at speed and control rather than easy-going cruising. Its proportions and sail area give it a purposeful look and a clearly performance-led hull form. [1][7][10]
On the water, the boat is known for lively upwind sailing and precise helm response, helped by the deep 8 ft keel option and relatively narrow sailing profile for a 40-footer. The trade-off is draft restriction and a design that rewards active trim and experienced crew more than casual, hands-off sailing. [1][4][12][15]
Accommodation is competent rather than plush. Charter and brokerage listings commonly show a 3-cabin layout with 6 to 10 berths, making it workable for families or mixed crews, but the interior volume is shaped by the performance brief and is less spacious than contemporary pure cruisers of similar length. [11][13]
In value terms, the First 40 remains appealing because it combines recognizable brand support, race-capable hardware, and versatile use as both a club racer and fast cruiser. Buyers should weigh the strong sailing manners against draft, age-related wear on used boats, and a comfort level that is good but not class-leading. [2][8][12]
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