By Thomas Kjaersgaard Beneteau’s First series is the world leader in production-built, racer-cruisers. The current series of First boats are the product of the teamwork of Beneteau and Farr Yacht Design, and includes the 36.7, 40.7 and 44.7. All have won Boat of the Year honours, and they have countless other accomplishments, such as IMS World Champion, Kenwood Cup champion, Sydney to Hobart Race class winner.
The Beneteau First 44.7 first experienced the global spotlight as a result of its excellent 2004 Sydney-Hobart result. Right out of the box, with only token preparation time, it suffered no breakdown or damage, in a race that saw carnage and 50% fleet retirement.
http://www.canadianyachting.ca/boat-reviews/79-sail/3081-beneteau-first-44-7
Beneteau 44.7-A Refined Thoroughbred
The 44.7 was selected as the Best Cruiser/Racer in the 2005 Boat of the Year Contest.
By Tony Bessinger November 15, 2004
Beneteau, one of the world’s biggest boatbuilders, and Farr Yacht Design, one of the world’s most successful racing design offices, make a formidable team. Their latest collaboration, the Beneteau First 44.7, is a prime example of what two such powerhouses can produce. Using feedback from owners of the First 40.7 and not bound in any way by the IMS rule, the 44.7 will speak to those who appreciate how well Beneteau can build a boat and Farr can design. Those who have sailed or owned a Beneteau will feel right at home on the First 44.7, as will those who have experience sailing Farr designs. The boat is comfortable to the point of opulence below, and the sailing qualities are exemplary. With three versions of the First 44.7 available (Standard, with a two-spreader aluminum rig and wire rigging;
https://www.sailingworld.com/sailboats/beneteau-447-refined-thoroughbred
Design #496 First 44.7
Arguably one of the most successful sailing yacht builders of all time, Beneteau and Beneteau USA have been important partners with Farr Yacht Design for almost 15 years. Our most recent designs, the First 40.7 and the First 36.7 have both enjoyed success on the IMS racing circuits in Europe and in the US at regattas on both coasts. Our most recent cruising design, the Beneteau 57 is also enjoying robust sales in it’s first year in Europe. It’s should be no surprise then that Beneteau has come back to Farr Yacht Design to continue the successful First Series of yachts.
http://www.farrdesign.com/496.htm
Beneteau First 44.7: Fast and Easy
Beneteau First 44.7 debuts at the 2003 Paris Boat Show
By Staff
December 4, 2003
The feedback provided by over 550 owners of the First 40.7 has been instrumental for Farr Yacht Design and the Beneteau Design Team to create the new Beneteau First 44.7.
The First 40.7, designed by the same team, is a world best seller with a record of race titles, including an IMS World Championship. Her success is not due to race results alone. The 40.7 offers rare versatility, outstanding value, and consistently high resale value as will the NEW Beneteau First 44.7.
Fast and easy cruising or club racing
https://www.boats.com/reviews/fast-and-easy/
Beneteau First 44.7, Big Sister to the 40.7
Beneteau introduces a new 45-footer with performance emphasis.
By Staff
February 8, 2004
Based on the world-renowned First 40.7 – winner of the IMS World Championship, and most recently, overall winner of the Sydney Hobart Race – Beneteau introduces the all new First 44.7. Innovations abound including the new Lewmar “Y-spoke wheel”, hi-tech aluminum winches, a bigger and brighter interior, and a unique adjustable settee adjacent to the dinette.
Beneteau turned to the Farr Yacht Design team to draw the lines for the 44.7. Farr Yacht Design have previously drawn the 36.7, 40.7 and 47.7 in Beneteau’s First line. The Farr office is world renowned for their depth of design experience, mostly notably for racing boats of all stripes, but also for the ability to design true racer-cruisers. The new 44.7 was conceived only after extensive interviews with many owners of the 40.7.
https://www.boats.com/reviews/the-407s-big-sister/
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