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First 29 Beneteau
Designer: Jean-Marie Finot  ·  Builder: Beneteau  ·  First built: 1983
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About the First 29 Beneteau

Launched during Beneteau's early foray into performance-oriented sailing, this 29-footer represents the French builder's commitment to bridging the gap between racing capability and cruising comfort. Part of the First series that established Beneteau's reputation for accessible performance boats, the First 29 was designed to deliver spirited sailing without sacrificing the practical considerations that weekend sailors demand. The boat's moderate displacement and well-balanced sail plan make it particularly well-suited for coastal cruising and club racing, where its responsive handling characteristics shine. Like other boats in the First lineup, it emphasizes clean lines and efficient hydrodynamics that reward skilled helmsmanship while remaining forgiving enough for developing sailors. Built during an era when Beneteau was refining its approach to fiberglass construction and interior layouts, the First 29 reflects thoughtful compromises between speed and livability. The cockpit and deck layout prioritize sailing efficiency, while the cabin provides essential amenities for extended day sailing or weekend getaways. For sailors seeking an entry point into performance sailing or those wanting a boat that excels in both casual sailing and competitive environments, the First 29 offers the blend of French design sensibility and practical sailing capability that made the First series internationally successful.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 29.67 ft / 9.04 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 26.17 ft / 7.98 m
Beam 9.75 ft / 2.97 m
Max Draft 5.42 ft / 1.65 m
Displacement 7,014.00 lb / 3,181 kg
Ballast 2,204.00 lb / 1,000 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 388.00 ft² / 36.05 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin w/spade rudder
Rigging Type Masthead Sloop
Construction FG
Designer Jean-Marie Finot
Builder Beneteau
First Built 1983
Last Built 1989
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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
17
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
19.18
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
2.04
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. 6.85
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
3.02
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. 911.71
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 36.74
J (Foretriangle Base) 11.84
P (Mainsail Luff) 31.65
E (Mainsail Foot) 10.76
SA Fore 217.5
SA Main 170.28
How It Compares

vs. Arcadia 30 Jeanneau, Etap 30, Olson 29

This boat Similar boats
Dimensions
LOA
First 29 Beneteau ★
29.7 ft
Arcadia 30 Jeanneau
29.5 ft
Etap 30
29.6 ft
Olson 29
29.7 ft
LWL
First 29 Beneteau ★
26.2 ft
Arcadia 30 Jeanneau
24.4 ft
Etap 30
25.1 ft
Olson 29
27.5 ft
Beam
First 29 Beneteau ★
9.8 ft
Arcadia 30 Jeanneau
10.3 ft
Etap 30
10.3 ft
Olson 29
9.3 ft
Displacement
First 29 Beneteau ★
7 lbs
Arcadia 30 Jeanneau
6 lbs
Etap 30
7 lbs
Olson 29
3 lbs
Ballast
First 29 Beneteau ★
2 lbs
Arcadia 30 Jeanneau
2 lbs
Etap 30
3 lbs
Olson 29
1 lbs
Sail Area
First 29 Beneteau ★
388 sq ft
Arcadia 30 Jeanneau
378 sq ft
Etap 30
403 sq ft
Olson 29
365 sq ft
Performance
PHRF Rating (lower = faster)
First 29 Beneteau ★
Arcadia 30 Jeanneau
Etap 30
186 s/nm
Olson 29
99 s/nm
SA / Displacement (higher = more powerful)
First 29 Beneteau ★
17.0
Arcadia 30 Jeanneau
18.0
Etap 30
16.3
Olson 29
24.9
Comfort Ratio (higher = more comfortable offshore)
First 29 Beneteau ★
19.2
Arcadia 30 Jeanneau
16.4
Etap 30
20.7
Olson 29
10.1
Capsize Screening (lower = safer)
First 29 Beneteau ★
2.04
Arcadia 30 Jeanneau
2.26
Etap 30
2.07
Olson 29
2.44
Hull Speed
First 29 Beneteau ★
6.9 kts
Arcadia 30 Jeanneau
6.6 kts
Etap 30
6.7 kts
Olson 29
7.0 kts
Speed Number (higher = faster)
First 29 Beneteau ★
3.0
Arcadia 30 Jeanneau
3.0
Etap 30
2.4
Olson 29
6.2
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