Review 1 – No Frills Sailing
Building on the First Legacy
In this, Beneteau now closes the range of available boats according to their plan of 2018 to revive the legendary First-range. Now sailors can acquire a fast boat made by Beneteau starting at 14 feet all the way up to 53 feet. With the First 36 launched recently by Seascape, built exclusively for Beneteau, the new First 44 is the last brick in a solid wall of products to be offered.
Looking at the new First 44, at first, it is always the same impression: These boats look so, so, so much better in real life than on the renderings done by the designers. I don´t now why this is, but that´s the reality. I remember when the First 36 was announced, many have stated their disappointment about how “boring” or “unambitious” she looks – well, look at her in reality: She is a beauty indeed!
Beneteau First 44’s Stern
Definitely the most sexy angle from which to look at the new First 44 is the stern. Again, the big blueprint and role model was the First 53 (which, by the way is not called “First Yacht 53” anymore, but just “First 53” for the sake of one consistent line of products). Her open, wide transom excited me three years ago the same as it does it now on the First 44.
Just like on the First 53 the have the coamings ending well before they reach the transom. The steering seats are “hollow” and seem to be floating above the deck. This creates the impression of a very low, brightly open and darn sexy stern section. Imagining standing here steering the boat, angy white foam of praying water just behind my back, must be impressive. No less impressive then mooring stern first in some marina, catching the eyes of every passing boat lover, fishing for compliments.
Review 2 – Yachting World
The Beneteau First 44 is a great example of the recent shift towards designs that are rewarding to sail in very light airs. This makes sense whether you’re based in southern England or the Mediterranean – in both cases summer winds are statistically Force 3 or less for at least 50% of the time.
A boat that will sail well in light airs is therefore to be welcomed and reduces the amount of tedious motoring needed to maintain acceptable speeds on passage. In the past good light airs performance was all too often a result of an oversized rig, or lack of ballast, and therefore came at the expense of ability in stronger winds.
However, that’s not the case with this boat. Conceptually, it’s very much like a smaller version of the Benteau First 53, which is well proven in heavy weather. It benefits from a hull shape with very high form stability, along with a choice of deep, low centre of gravity keels.
Photos of New Performance Sailing Model’s Ergonomic Cockpit
There are also options for the materials of the mast & boom, as well as a hydraulic boom vang as pictured.
Interior Walkthrough
Ergonomic cabin layout keeps fore and aft movement obstacle free. The cabin ensures room for sails and/or for relaxation. Interior takes elements from the successes of the First 53.
Both the racing and cruising layouts will have a sufficiently spacious and complete galley.
2 Heads both with an electric WC, shower, nice sink, and some storage room.
Island bed, drawers, hull windows, recessed ambient lighting.