New Beneteau First 30 Review

After its much-anticipated debut at the Düsseldorf Boat Show in January, the reimagined Beneteau First 30 is already making waves in the performance sail cruiser market.

With over 120 boats sold as of December 2025, this agile cruiser is capturing the hearts of sailing enthusiasts worldwide. Its standout feature? The ability to plane effortlessly, gliding over the water with exceptional balance and finesse.

To learn more, we sat down with Ancasta’s Beneteau Sail Brand Manager, James Douch, to discuss why this performance sailboat is generating so much interest.

The Beneteau First 30 has a strong legacy. Can you tell us about its history?

The original First 30 was launched back in 1977 when it instantly became a bestseller. Since then, it has maintained its popularity for over four decades. Initially designed by André Mauric, the First 30 concept and the Beneteau First range has evolved over the years, gaining iconic status among sailors and securing multiple high-profile race victories.

What was the vision behind the new First 30?

Beneteau wanted to create a new ‘planing cruiser’ category – an exhilarating blend of speed and comfort. The goal was to make planing performance accessible to a broader range of sailors and the new First 30 delivers that brilliantly – plenty of high-performance thrills while remaining comfortable enough for extended cruising.

Designed by world-class experts, including naval architect Samuel Manuard (IMOCA and Class 40 legend) and designer Lorenzo Argento (performance-cruiser specialist), this new model is a testament to Beneteau’s 140 years of innovation.

What makes the planing performance of the First 30 so special?

At just under 34 feet and with a displacement of 3,150 kg, the First 30 is designed to plane effortlessly. This means sailors can easily experience the thrill of gliding across the water with the hull elevated. As Toby Hodges from Yachting World put it: ‘It’s gonna go like a skimming dish!'”

This new yacht is dynamic and responsive, ensuring a nimble sailing experience. Plus, the uncluttered cockpit and simple rigging make sailing fun and carefree, whether racing with a small crew or enjoying a fast-paced cruise.

What kind of sailor is the First 30 best for?

The beauty of the First 30 is its versatility. Whether you’re a thrill-seeking racer or a relaxed cruiser, every skipper can optimise the First 30 to suit their needs – the cruising version features large winches and ergonomic controls to simplify handling, while the racing package includes a mainsail traveller for more accurate trimming.

Is the First 30 suitable for overnight cruising?

Yes, it is! In addition to its high-performance credentials, the First 30 is perfect for extended sailing adventures with family and friends. Life onboard is comfortable with two cabins, four berths, a cosy saloon, a fully-fitted galley and clever storage spaces.

Plus, for those wanting a bit of extra luxury, we recommend the optional Premium Pack which offers high-quality upholstery, additional lounge backrests, a choice of colours and materials, and ambient mood lighting.

What are your overall thoughts on the new Beneteau First 30?

Here at Ancasta, we’re very excited about this new yacht from Beneteau which blends a longstanding heritage with innovative design. Whether you’re looking for high-speed on-water adventures or comfortable cruising, the First 30 delivers unparalleled sailing experiences. Beneteau has really set a new benchmark in the world of performance sail cruisers with this new model.