Practical Sailor · video

What this video covers

The Beneteau First 44 Performance distinguishes itself from the standard cruiser version through a taller carbon fibre rig, a deeper keel, and an active cockpit layout designed for sail trimming.0:38 The carbon mast increases the mainsail area from 570 to 657 square feet and pushes the air draft to 69 feet 11 inches, rendering the boat incompatible with the standard 65-foot ICW bridge clearance.2:42 The performance model features an 8-foot 6-inch draft, which limits access to shallow anchorages compared to the 7-foot 1-inch standard keel.1:56 Optional water ballast tanks allow for increased righting moment during shorthanded sailing, though they require electrical management and add system complexity.6:15 While the interior offers three cabins and two heads, the design prioritizes weight reduction over the extensive storage found in dedicated offshore cruisers.7:20 The boat utilises twin rudders and a 57-horsepower Yanmar engine, with a 53-gallon fuel capacity intended for manoeuvring rather than long-range motoring.7:06

Boats in this video

More from Practical Sailor

Bayfield 36 – A Cheap Bluewater SailboatAug 202610 Sailing Mistakes You’ll Only Make OnceAug 2026Bayfield 32 Boat Tour - The Canadian Cruiser That Crossed the AtlanticAug 2026Which Boats Are Easy to Sail? 7 Features That MatterAug 2026

From Practical Sailor — see the channel’s boat, crew, and every analysed video.

The Sailing Directory Newsletter

One email with the fleet's best finds — the moments, boats, and stories worth your watch time. Enter your own address to get your own copy.