The new Beneteau First 36 SE: where performance meets purpose
by Beneteau 12 Jun 21:36 BST
Introducing the BENETEAU First 36 SE – the ultimate planing racer, born from the collaboration between BENETEAU and Seascape. This is more than just a boat; it’s a mindset.
The SE – Seascape Edition badge promises a race-grade sailing experience, backed by the First SE community of passionate sailors.
Bringing people back to the heart of sailing
The mission of the First SE range is to bring people back to the heart of sailing. This is achieved by combining race-grade sailing boats, sailors with the courage and curiosity to sail outside of their comfort zone, and a community of over 1,000 like-minded sailors built around the First SE range.
A team driven by passion and pedigree
Over the years, the First SE range has brought together a team of exceptional sailors, designers, engineers, and builders—people who understand the First SE values and share a deep passion for sailing. The project began with the First 36, a boat that had already proven herself by winning the Rolex Middle Sea Race. From there, the goal was to unleash her full potential.
Renowned naval architect Samuel Manuard, the name behind original First 36, joined forces with design legend Bernard Nivelt to evolve the platform into a thoroughbred IRC racer. To ensure optimal performance under ORC as well, Maurizio Cossutti brought his extensive rating-rule expertise into the mix. Despite having a lower displacement compared to the standard First 36, the First 36 SE test ORC certificate shows an improved APH of around 520 fully crewed, or APH around 530 for double-handed teams.
Together, the team shared one vision: creating a planing racer that performs at the highest level while remaining deeply connected to the sailor at the helm.
Engineered for speed. Designed for sailors
So, what sets the First 36 SE apart? Overall displacement is reduced by 400 kg (881 pounds). This lower displacement, combined with a redesigned bow knuckle, shortens the waterline and decreases the wetted surface area by nearly 3 m2 (approximately 30 square feet), resulting in improved acceleration and even greater high-speed planing joy.
Refined cockpit ergonomics: Twin steering wheels are replaced by a responsive tiller for direct, intuitive control, creating an ergonomic helmsman position. Soft foam deck grip is added throughout the cockpit for more comfort and confidence underfoot.
As for the features, the First 36 SE now comes standard with flush racing valves, an E-BAR to fine-tune tiller angle adjustment, and a carbon rig to further enhance performance.
With all that said, the First 36 SE still offers all of the cruising amenities of a standard First 36—albeit in a more lightweight and ascetic execution.
Read the full article here over on the Sail-World Website
