First 265 Beneteau

Designed by Group Finot and built from 1990 to 1997, this 26-footer represents Beneteau's successful entry into the performance cruiser market during the early 1990s. With 520 units produced over seven years, the First 265 found favor among sailors seeking a spirited coastal cruiser that could handle both weekend getaways and club racing duties. The boat's modern fin keel and spade rudder configuration delivers responsive handling, while the fractional sloop rig provides excellent upwind performance. At 4,800 pounds displacement with nearly 30 percent ballast ratio, she strikes a good balance between stability and performance. The generous sail area-to-displacement ratio of 18.21 gives her plenty of power in light air, making her well-suited for inland lakes and coastal waters where winds can be variable. Her comfortable motion at sea stems from well-balanced proportions, though the low comfort ratio of 15.13 indicates a relatively quick motion typical of performance-oriented designs. The capsize screening formula of 2.24 suggests good stability for coastal sailing. With a hull speed of 6.59 knots, she's capable of spirited passages while offering enough interior volume for comfortable weekending. This boat appeals to sailors wanting French styling, solid construction, and engaging sailing characteristics in a manageable size.

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