The First 36 is a fast boat, not just for racing, designed and built by Seascape and Beneteau, a collaboration between naval architect Samuel Manuard and yacht designer Lorenzo Argento. It’s considered a new-generation boat and is dubbed the “first racer/cruiser.” Unveiled in 2023, it’s extremely versatile, suitable for both cruising and racing.

An innovative construction technique was used: the entire structure is vacuum-infused with a foam sandwich construction, including bulkheads and furniture. This results in an extremely rigid boat, a technique previously reserved for smaller racing boats. This method allows for a displacement of just 4,800 kg for a 36-footer, which is very light, enabling the boat to be a high-performance planing vessel. It’s a boat designed for pleasurable sailing: speed and responsiveness at the helm, combined with elegant, clean, and modern lines. Another extremely interesting feature is its 80 sqm of sail area, which can expand to 180 sqm downwind, allowing it to surf waves like a dinghy.

The interior design is modern, innovative, yet very comfortable. It features two aft cabins that can be disassembled for racing. A single central refrigerator, contained within a column in front of the companionway, doubles as a handhold but can be connected to the essential and rational L-shaped galley to port, creating a large work surface. Opposite this is the chart table to starboard, which makes a welcome return in layouts, allowing the owner to use it as an office space. The cockpit is also modular for racing or cruising.