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First 26 Beneteau
Designer: Groupe Finot  ·  Builder: Beneteau (Fra)  ·  First built: 1984
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About the First 26 Beneteau

Designed by Groupe Finot and built by Beneteau from 1984 to 1991, this 26-footer represents the French builder's entry into the performance-oriented cruiser market during the height of the racing boom. The First series was specifically developed to offer recreational sailors a taste of racing-inspired design while maintaining cruising practicality. With a fin keel and transom-hung rudder configuration, the First 26 delivers responsive handling and decent windward performance. The moderate displacement of 4,814 pounds, combined with 291 square feet of sail area, provides a balanced SA/Displacement ratio of 16.38 that favors spirited sailing without being overly demanding. The comfort ratio of 16.18 indicates a relatively stiff, quick motion that prioritizes performance over ultimate comfort. This masthead sloop configuration suits coastal cruising and club racing admirably, with enough stability and seaworthiness for extended coastal passages. The hull speed of 6.41 knots offers respectable performance for weekend adventures, while the capsize screening formula of 2.18 suggests reasonable offshore capability for experienced crews. The fiberglass construction has proven durable over decades, making well-maintained examples attractive options for sailors seeking European design heritage combined with sporty sailing characteristics in an affordable, manageable package.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 26.30 ft / 8.02 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 22.90 ft / 6.98 m
Beam 9.20 ft / 2.80 m
Max Draft 4.30 ft / 1.31 m
Displacement 4,814.00 lb / 2,184 kg
Ballast 1,455.00 lb / 660 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 291.00 ft² / 27.03 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin w/transom hung rudder
Rigging Type Masthead Sloop
Construction FG
Designer Groupe Finot
Builder Beneteau (FRA)
First Built 1984
Last Built 1991
Related Sailboats ["Tanzer 26" · "J/80" · "Etap 26S" · "Ranger 26 Mull" · "Trapper 300"]
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Performance Ratios
SA/Displacement Sail Area to Displacement ratio measures how much sail power a boat has relative to its weight. Higher values mean more performance and speed.
Under 14 — Heavy cruiser, slow14–18 — Cruising sailboat18–22 — Cruiser/racerOver 22 — Performance racer
 16.38
Ballast/Displacement Ballast to Displacement ratio shows what percentage of the boat's total weight is ballast. Higher values generally mean better initial stability and stiffer sail carrying.
30–35% — Typical cruiser35–45% — Stiff performance boatOver 45% — Racing oriented
 30.22
Displacement/Length Displacement to Length ratio measures how heavy a boat is relative to its waterline length. Lower values mean a lighter, faster boat.
Under 100 — Ultralight racer100–200 — Light cruiser/racer200–300 — Moderate cruiser300–400 — Heavy cruiserOver 400 — Very heavy
 178.96
Comfort Ratio Ted Brewer's Comfort Ratio predicts how comfortable a boat will feel in offshore conditions. Higher values mean a steadier, more comfortable motion in a seaway.
Under 20 — Uncomfortably rough20–30 — Acceptable coastal30–40 — Good offshore comfortOver 40 — Very comfortable offshore
 16.18
Capsize Screening Formula The USHS Capsize Screening Formula estimates offshore capsize risk. Lower is safer — values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing.
Under 2.0 — Safe for offshore2.0–2.2 — Borderline offshoreOver 2.2 — Coastal use recommended
 2.18
Hull Speed Hull Speed is the theoretical maximum speed of a displacement hull, calculated from waterline length. Most cruising sailboats reach this speed in moderate conditions. 6.41 kn
S# (Speed Number) The Speed Number (S#) is a quick performance index. Higher values indicate a faster, more powerful design relative to its size.
Under 3.0 — Slow cruiser3.0–5.0 — Average cruiser5.0–7.0 — Performance cruiserOver 7.0 — Racer
 2.89
Pounds/Inch Immersion Pounds per Inch Immersion (PPI) tells you how much weight is needed to sink the boat one inch. Useful for calculating how additional gear and stores affect waterline. 752.78 pounds/inch
SA/Displacement (Calc) Calculated Sail Area to Displacement ratio using actual measured sail dimensions rather than reported values. More precise than the reported SA/Disp figure. 16.38
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 32.31 ft / 9.85 m
J (Foretriangle Base) 10.56 ft / 3.22 m
P (Mainsail Luff) 27.23 ft / 8.30 m
E (Mainsail Foot) 8.85 ft / 2.70 m
SA Fore 170.60 ft² / 15.85 m²
SA Main 120.49 ft² / 11.19 m²
SA Total (100%) 291.09 ft² / 27.04 m²
Est. Forestay Length 33.99 ft / 10.36 m
Engine & Accommodations
Engine Make Volvo
Engine Model 2001
Engine Type Diesel
Fuel Capacity 6 gals / 23 L
Water Capacity 13 gals / 49 L
How It Compares

vs. Etap 26S, J/80, Ranger 26 Mull

This boat Similar boats
Dimensions
LOA
First 26 Beneteau ★
26.3 ft
Etap 26S
26.3 ft
J/80
26.3 ft
Ranger 26 Mull
26.3 ft
LWL
First 26 Beneteau ★
22.9 ft
Etap 26S
22.0 ft
J/80
22.8 ft
Ranger 26 Mull
21.8 ft
Beam
First 26 Beneteau ★
9.2 ft
Etap 26S
8.2 ft
J/80
9.4 ft
Ranger 26 Mull
8.7 ft
Displacement
First 26 Beneteau ★
4 lbs
Etap 26S
3 lbs
J/80
3 lbs
Ranger 26 Mull
5 lbs
Ballast
First 26 Beneteau ★
1 lbs
Etap 26S
1 lbs
J/80
1 lbs
Ranger 26 Mull
2 lbs
Sail Area
First 26 Beneteau ★
291 sq ft
Etap 26S
327 sq ft
J/80
338 sq ft
Ranger 26 Mull
322 sq ft
Performance
SA / Displacement (higher = more powerful)
First 26 Beneteau ★
16.4
Etap 26S
20.9
J/80
24.8
Ranger 26 Mull
15.9
Ballast / Disp (higher = stiffer)
First 26 Beneteau ★
30.2 %
Etap 26S
—
J/80
42.7 %
Ranger 26 Mull
—
Comfort Ratio (higher = more comfortable offshore)
First 26 Beneteau ★
16.2
Etap 26S
16.0
J/80
17.9
Ranger 26 Mull
22.1
Capsize Screening (lower = safer)
First 26 Beneteau ★
2.18
Etap 26S
2.07
J/80
1.80
Ranger 26 Mull
1.93
Displacement / Length (lower = lighter)
First 26 Beneteau ★
178
Etap 26S
—
J/80
70
Ranger 26 Mull
—
Hull Speed
First 26 Beneteau ★
6.4 kts
Etap 26S
6.3 kts
J/80
6.9 kts
Ranger 26 Mull
6.3 kts
Speed Number (higher = faster)
First 26 Beneteau ★
2.9
Etap 26S
—
J/80
—
Ranger 26 Mull
2.0
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