First And Foremost
Andi Robertson takes Beneteau’s new First 35 on a standard setting La Rochelle test sail HAVING come first and second in the 2009 Rolex Sydney Hobart Race, interest is building rapidly in the successful new First 40. Already Beneteau had sold over 100 boats before the handicap result in the classic annual race came in. Factor in a small change to the handicap tax on the T-keel format and the First 40 looks like it will be even more of a winner. And the brand new First 35 is not far behind. When I spoke with Beneteau in early February they had no significant race results, simply because the boats are too new and there had been few major regattas. But already the new Farr designed replacement for the 36.7 and the less successful 34.7, has shifted a remarkable 60 units since it was launched, and 40 boats have now been delivered. Interest in Scotland is consistent, and there are 35s destined for the north of England and Ireland among the complement of 10 sold so far to the UK. So the 35 is well on the way to matching the 36.7 which sold about 600 units. The 34.7 only sold around 200 boats and gained a reputation for being quick in the light, but tender in more than 13 knots. Also, with quite narrow foils, less experienced helms are not used to having something more positive to lean against. The philosophy of the new First 35 is space and comfort. There is one big aft cabin, a big aft toilet and correspondingly a big cockpit locker. Then, the main saloon is stretched so that the space is in fact close to the dimensions of the new First 40. While the 34.7 is now seen to be too stripped out and racy, the 35 is absolutely in line with the First philosophy of a cruising boat which will race competitively. What they strive for is the same level of performance as the more stripped out, race orientated boats – like Archambault’s A35 which would be the most obviously successful rival on the race course, particularly on the Clyde. But the typical First customer is a weekend racer who will cruise regularly and take part in one, two or even three major events a season. With the extra tall non-overlapping headsail rig, the resulting step forwards inside is having the shroud chainplates out on the hull deck edge, thus removing the need to have the tie rods pass through the inside edge of the cabin. In the cockpit there is one massive locker as well as the excellent liferaft locker in the sole, just aft of the wheel which is the same size as the 40’s. The stern beam is also removable, but unlike the 40 the cockpit seat lockers are not removable. In terms of the proportions relative to the bigger sister, while the saloon is the same length, the cockpit is relatively shorter. The trend these days is to reduce options and be a little more prescriptive, but there are three rig options, all the same height. The two aluminium spars are of the same section, the basic one has regular wire rigging and the racing version has rod rigging, PBO backstay and all the spinnaker equipment plus carbon pole. The third version is a carbon mast from Z Carbon (who have supplied most of the Classe 40 masts) with the full package which is about €18k extra. Typically on the 34.7, 70% of the boats sold specified the carbon rig and Beneteau expect to provide something close to that with this new First 35 which comes only with a deep, cast iron T-shaped keel. Lead is prohibitively expensive to bring the boat in on budget, and the environmental issues dealing with lead become increasingly problematic for a large boat builder. The First 40 is excellent upwind and downwind and the VPP’s suggest that the new 35 will be every bit as good, and better in the slightly lighter airs. Certainly our day off La Rochelle gave clear indications that the new boat is quick across the light to moderate wind range. Sticking to target price, the hull is made as a solid polyester laminate and the deck is injection moulded balsa sandwich. The choice of the T-keel again is the best option and from the designers point of view it’s best to move the centre of gravity forward to make a nice aft line and reduce the wetted surface aft, since IRC does not measure wetted surface, it only measures the length and height of the transom from the water. Current IRC ratings are coming in at 1.025 with the aluminium rig and 1.031 with the carbon rig. That pitches it almost exactly against the A-35. In reality there is a crossover market common to the two, but the Archambault is much more an out-and-out regatta racer with a more basic interior fit-out. BIG BOAT FEEL In almost all respects the new 35 feels like a big boat, both sailing in the cockpit and, of course, downstairs. The cockpit is a little tighter but there are still ample working areas in race mode and the ergonomics are generally excellent. The helm’s forward view is good on all points of sail. Just as with the 40, I’d like to see some kind of foothold for the mainsheet trimmer forward of the helm as they sit together. The pit-person would probably tend to spend more time in the companionway area perhaps. The jib pullers are well spec’d as is the in-hauling system, both of which are key to extracting the final percentage from the 35’s small fore triangle and big mainsail. Other than having some competition to line up against and get a more objective measure of the new boat’s potential, we had a perfect day off La Rochelle. Setting out early to catch what breeze there was gave us a morning in light and very light airs. That was replaced in the afternoon by a perfect 8-11 knots which offered another perspective on the First 35’s favourable performance. In just four knots of patchy breeze it slipped along nicely indeed on all points of sail we tried. There was no obvious sticking, showing that pleasing equilibrium between being light enough to feel responsive to the small increases in wind pressure, but also weighty enough to feel the momentum builds. The foils are not wide and so it is important to keep the flow attached as long as possible, but it is nowhere near as critical as its smaller predecessor. Upwind in just under five knots of breeze we would make 3.8 to four knots with little encouragement and in much the same speeds on a broad downwind angle in the light stuff. If anything the rudder lacked a little bite in the light, but the rig on this early boat needed just a little more rake for a more positive feel. But even running deep she did not feel sticky. The First 35 seemed especially strong upwind, tracking strongly and positively, but remaining light and responsive on the helm in a modest breeze. Making 6.7/6.8 knots seemed easy with a couple of bodies on the rail, but no doubt with more we could have squeezed it a little tighter on the breeze. Through the tack it rewards clean steering and a steady speed build, accelerating evenly. But, in saying that, there is no doubt this is a boat which has an easy feel – one of the few which really will do the work for the club standard sailor in a rewarding, vice free manner. We never had more than 11 knots, but the boat felt quite stiff, even if there was never chance of being over pressed. The interior by Nauta Design is excellent with simple, clean lines. One benefit of the lack of tie rods impinging in the cabin is that the lines of lockers are lifted higher, leaving neatly symmetrical linear white spaces below which makes the boat feel wider and slightly taller. If there is a downside it is that there are no hull side windows in the saloon area, but there are in the forecabin and aft. The saloon ambience is excellent. One asset is having space between the forward bulkhead and the mast so that you can pass this way as well. The bulkhead door space is opened considerably to make the front of the boat feel much more open plan and adds extra light to the excellent forecabin space, which is a fully functioning comfortable owners’ living space. It is good to see designers and boat builders now not prepared to compromise on space in any area, looking to deliver comfort, function and style; a complete reversal on the trend of years gone by when it was squeezing cabins and WC’s into every available metre. The nav station and the galley area are both good too. Easy access to the wiring and the instrumentation is a strength of the nav area which has ample space and stowage. The L-shaped galley has full 1.85 metres standing headroom. There is an excellent 100 litres refrigerated ice-box. I’m no expert on galley layout, but the continuation of the locker line into the galley does rather negate the option of being able to have these nice clear view doors so you can see what is where, but then many aesthetes would argue that is a plus point. The aft cabin is large, with an excellent 1.98 by 1.78 by 1.5m double which would also be the preferred cabin of choice with young kids perhaps. Overall, the First 35 offers an excellent package which stands every chance of bucking the market meantime. It sets the bar extremely high as a racer-cruiser representing good value for money. As a more dedicated IRC performer which seems powerful for her size but is still easily handled, success of the race course surely awaits this new boat. • The First 35 is available from northern Beneteau dealers Sunbird International based at Ardrossan. Price tag for a standard boat, fully commissioned Clyde and inc VAT is £135,000 plus sails.