The BENETEAU First 36 has a mission to bridge the gap between high-tech development in the world of racing and mainstream racer-cruisers. To be specific, even the standard version of First 36 will fully plane in a moderate breeze.
However, this by itself was not the main challenge for the design and production teams. For 40 years, the Firsts were successfully hitting the elusive sweet spot between comfort, performance, utility, elegance, high-tech construction, and reasonable price. The First 36 is no different.
SAFE FAST SAILING
Perfectly optimised for short-handed sailing, the First 36 is a high performance boat thanks to its very high sail area/displacement coefficient and its balanced nautical design.
A standard aluminium mast, a cast iron keel and a 2.25m draught have been chosen to offer the best compromise between performance and ease of use.
RACING LAYOUT
In this configuration, the wide and modern cockpit offers the possibility to sail efficiently either for short-handed or fully-crewed sailing. A higher than average steering wheel position leaves to the helmsman to move forward to the mainsail winch when sailing shorthanded. The mainsail trimmers work efficiently thanks to the position of the winches.
CRUISING LAYOUT
In cruising mode, the additional lockers and their cushions offer increased seating capacity and comfort. In the cockpit, 6 guests can sit around the table.
The ultra-light bathing platform extends the living space without compromising the boat's performance.
LIVING ONBOARD
As well as being fast, the First 36 is also simple, comfortable and multi-purpose. Its spacious interior is comparable to its predecessors and offers 3 double cabins.
The large central fridge is equipped with a removable cutting board. This feature makes the First 36's galley the largest in its class. In the saloon, the corridor created with the folding table and its removable flaps facilitates safe movement forward. A large chart table can also be used as an on-board office depending on your needs.
Three cabins with double berths and an innovative head complete the spacious interior. A minimum of two portholes in each cabin provide ventilation and natural light, while indirect lighting discreetly illuminates the boat at night.

Meet the newest member of the First SE range: the First 36 SE (Seascape Edition).
Designed for ultimate high-speed sailing experience she is a pure planning racer while being optimized for competitive ORC racing. The First 36 SE is a game-changer for those who love high-performance sailing.
Whether you’re looking to push the limits in ORC racing or simply experience the pure joy of planing, this boat delivers in every way.
The Ultimate Planing Experience
Feel the exhilaration of high-performance planing, where speed and control unite. With every gust, the First 36 SE accelerates effortlessly, offering an unmatched connection to the elements— pure, wind-powered sailing joy.
Constructed with a fully cored, vacuum-infused hull, deck, bulkheads, and interior components, the First 36 SE is exceptionally light and stiff. She is 400 kg (881 pounds) lighter than the standard First 36, thanks to innovative material optimization, ensuring superior speed and handling.
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Naval Architect:
Samuel Manuard
Design:
Lorenzo Argento
Structural engineering:
Pure Design & Engineering
Innovation and research:
Gigodesign
Hull Length: 11,00 m / 36’ 1’’
Hull Length with bowsprit:: 11,98 m / 39’ 4’’
Hull Beam: 3,80 m / 12’ 6’’
Draught - Standard keel: 2,25 m / 7' 4,6''
Light displacement: 4800 KG / 10580 lbs
Light displacement SE: 4400 KG / 9700 lbs
Ballast: 1550 kg / 3421 lbs
Ballast SE: 1530 kg / 3373 lbs
Upwind sail area: 80 m² / 860 sq. ft
Downwind sail area: 180 m² / 1930 sq. fr
Mainsail: 39 m² / 420 ft²
Mainsail SE: 42 m² / 452 ft²
Jib: 36 m² / 388 ft²
Jib SE: 38 m² /409 ft²
Fractional furling gennaker: 58 m² / 624 ft²
Masthead gennaker: 141 m² / 1518 ft²
Max Engine Power (Hp): 29
CE design category: A6

Beneteau First Yachts Range
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Beneteau First SE Yachts Range
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