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First 456 Beneteau
Designer: German Frers  ·  Builder: Beneteau (Fra)  ·  First built: 1982
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About the First 456 Beneteau

Beneteau's First 456 represents the French builder's ambitious entry into the performance-oriented cruiser-racer segment during the late 1980s. This distinctive yacht emerged from Beneteau's collaboration with naval architect Jean Berret, who crafted a hull designed to excel both on the racecourse and during extended cruising passages. The First 456 showcases a modern underbody with a fin keel and spade rudder configuration, delivering responsive handling characteristics that appeal to sailors seeking spirited performance. Her moderate beam and sleek profile hint at serious sailing capabilities, while the spacious cockpit and well-planned deck layout accommodate both competitive racing crews and cruising families. Built during an era when European yacht design was rapidly evolving, the First 456 incorporates advanced construction techniques and materials that were cutting-edge for its time. The yacht demonstrates Beneteau's commitment to creating versatile platforms suitable for coastal cruising, offshore passages, and club racing events. While detailed specifications remain limited, the First 456's reputation among sailing enthusiasts suggests a well-balanced design that successfully bridges the gap between pure racing machines and comfortable cruising yachts, making it an intriguing option for sailors prioritizing performance without sacrificing livability.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 45.50 ft / 13.87 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 39.33 ft / 11.99 m
Beam 14.08 ft / 4.29 m
Max Draft 8.00 ft / 2.44 m
Displacement 26,500.00 lb / 12,020 kg
Ballast 9,000.00 lb / 4,082 kg
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin w/spade rudder
Rigging Type Masthead Sloop
Construction FG
Designer German Frers
Builder Beneteau (FRA)
First Built 1982
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Performance Ratios
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
33.96
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
194.46
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. 11.87 pounds/inch
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 16.52
J (Foretriangle Base) 18.14 ft / 5.53 m
P (Mainsail Luff) 914.00 ft² / 84.91 m²
E (Mainsail Foot) Perkins
Engine & Accommodations
Horsepower 60
Fuel Capacity 55 gals / 208 L
Water Capacity 105 gals / 397 L
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