What the fleet has seen
The Beneteau First 300, as the fleet has seen it
Derived from the videos the fleet has analysed of this model. ▶ marks open the moment aboard.
The Beneteau First 300 is a 9.1-meter fractional sloop designed by Finot, Conq, and Jean Marie Finot (Groupe Finot), built by Beneteau from 1994 to 1997. It features a fin with bulb and spade rudder, a 1.8-meter draft, and displaces 3050 kg.6:36 SEILmagasinet reviewed the Beneteau First 30, highlighting its interior layout, standing headroom, and composite through-hull fittings, characterizing it as a weekend cruiser rather than a long-distance vessel.14:22 Halcyon Yachts delivered a Beneteau First 300 named Rebel from Conwy Marina, North Wales, to Falmouth, Cornwall, experiencing a Dyneema backstay failure that necessitated a return to port for repairs before resuming the passage.2:05 The Beneteau First 30, relaunched in 2024, measures 30 feet 8 inches long and displaces just over 6,700 pounds, with a plumb bow, wide stern, twin rudder blades, and a deep fin keel.2:30 Practical Sailor noted the twin rudders provide extreme sensitivity, suitable for racing but potentially fatiguing on long passages. SEILmagasinet tested the First 30 in the Netherlands, reaching 17.5 knots downwind and 6.5–7 knots upwind in 11 m/s winds, comparing it to the Beneteau Oceanis 30.1 and noting its lighter displacement contributes to better sailing performance.11:00 The First 30 has a modern scow bow form and carries a Code Zero gennaker.6:44 Below deck, the interior finish is deliberately rough in places to save weight and cost, with variable headroom.12:48
