06/2007 –

FIRST 45: MORE FIRST THAN EVER!

Given the enthusiastic reception received by the First 50 from customers and the international yachting press (voted Yacht of the Year in Norway, Slovenia, the USA and Italy), there’s every reason to suppose that an equally warm welcome awaits the Philippe Briand-designed First 45 when it is unveiled and premiered at the next Paris Boat Show. Its purity of line, now-famous attributes (“eye-lid” blinds, and flush hatches), sleek, aggressive profile, hull balance when heeled and high-precision 2-wheel helm give this 45-footer all the qualities so admired in its big brother.

This new First is designed for lovers of fast, comfortable cruising, with attributes that include a spacious, highly-functional and welcoming interior crafted from contemporary wood, upholstery and material finishes (a combination of light oak, wengé, leather and stainless steel), uncluttered deck plan, multiplicity of stowage lockers and uninterrupted forward vision.

But the First 45 has also been designed as a boat for cruiser/racers, with a lot of attention paid to its hull shape, deck plan and sail plan, including an IRC option:

– The hull shape is innovative for maximum performance within the constraints imposed by rating rules. The broad transom and tapering aft chine deliver more power (for hull stability) and maximum waterline length underway.

– The deck plan is very user friendly, with a mainsheet track. The German mainsheet system offers greater precision and better communication between helmsman and trimmer. The primary winches are positioned forward for greater efficiency when fully-crewed. The open transom provides easier access to the sea, whilst the aft beam improves safety.

– The optional sail plan has also been optimised to meet the rating rules and deliver even greater efficiency. The IRC rules favour reduced sail overlap, so to avoid the need to reduce overall sail area and the resulting loss of performance, the First 45 will be offered in a tall mast version for improved aerodynamic efficiency, whilst remaining inside the rating rules.

Combining comfort and design for cruising with higher performance for racing, there’s little doubt that the FIRST 45 will be even more FIRST than ever!
STANDARD SPECIFICATIONS

Length overall: 13.68 m
Length at waterline: 11.76 m
Max. beam: 4.20 m
Light displacement: 10,950 kg
Shallow draught – bulb keel (standard): 2.40 m
Deep draught – no bulb (option): 2.70 m
Mainsail area: 57 m²
Genoa area: 60.4 m² (135%)
Spinnaker area: 151 m²
Designer: Philippe Briand
Propulsion: Yanmar Sail Drive 56 HP
Fuel tank: 200 L
Fresh water tank: 200 L (aft tank) 330 L (forward tank).
Sailing categories: A8/B9/C14
Berths: 6 / 8

More details: www.beneteau.fr

– PR –