by Providing a link between the new First 36 and the First Yacht 53, the First 44 racer-cruiser offers standard and Performance versions.
Beneteau is producing the First 44 and plans to actively test the model before its world premiere at this year’s Cannes Yachting Festival (September 6-11), where the racer-cruiser could debut with the Oceanis Yacht 60. Based on a 43ft 2in hull with a beam of almost 14ft, the First 44 is offered in standard and Performance versions with an overall length of 46ft 5in and 48ft lin respectively.
The First 44 features naval architecture by long-time America’s Cup designer Roberto Biscontini plus deck and interior design by Lorenzo Argento, the Italian pairing who also worked on the First Yacht 53 and Oceanis Yacht 54 and 60 models.
The standard First 44 has a convivial cockpit with wide side-deeks converging toward a cockpit table. Four winches, a fixed centreline block for the mainsheet and a mast set further aft are designed for a modern sail plan with a slender mainsail and generous foresails. Twin 300-litre ballast tanks, activated electrically from the helms, can help the boat when there’s reduced crew.
The Performance version was developed with fully crewed regattas in mind and offers a different deck plan and options for keels and masts. Equipment and systems are geared towards racing and features include foam non-skid surfaces on the cockpit sole, six winches and a conventional mainsail traveller. The rigging and sail set-up include an almost 5ft bowsprit, hydraulic backstay, powerful in-hauler system and a performance keel/mast combination.
Biscontini said: “The objective with the First 44 was to refine the concept of performance cruiser. We tried to find the correct balance between cruising comfort, performance and safety, and are quite satisfied with the result. The First 44 shares the style and the elegance of the First Yacht 53 and is similar in the organisation of space and volumes, yet certain elements and characteristics of her design take her a step further in her quest for performance.”
The interior features the mast at the end of a six-seater table to port, while opposite is a sofa and navigation station. The en-suite master cabin is in the bow, while aft is the galley to port and two guest cabins sharing a starboard bathroom. The decor includes white lacquered surfaces, moulded woods, indirect lighting and luxurious upholstery.
Argento, who also worked on the new First 36, said: “For the First 44 deck design and interior, we’ve tried to maximise the use of volumes and minimise the impact of any restrictions. For example, the position of the mast had a great influence on the way the interior is arranged, and we were able to draw up a practical, harmonious solution for the table-galley-sofa area.”
Deck Plan
Gallery
Source: Yacht Style, www.beneteau.com, www.simpsonmarine.com
