First 345 Beneteau

Designed by Jean Berret and built by Beneteau from 1984 to 1988, this 36-footer represents the French builder's successful foray into performance-oriented cruising sailboats during the mid-1980s. With 460 hulls produced over its four-year run, the First 345 found favor among sailors seeking a balanced blend of sailing performance and cruising comfort. The boat's fin keel and spade rudder configuration, combined with a masthead sloop rig carrying 688.89 square feet of sail area, delivers respectable performance for both coastal cruising and club racing. The SA/Displacement ratio of 20.96 indicates a moderately powerful sail plan that should provide good acceleration and pointing ability in light to moderate conditions. Her comfortable 23.23 comfort ratio suggests she'll handle offshore passages well, while the capsize screening value of 2.0 falls within acceptable limits for coastal and near-offshore sailing. At 12,125 pounds displacement with 4,409 pounds of ballast, the First 345 strikes a reasonable balance between stability and performance. The hull speed of 7.24 knots provides adequate passage-making capability for a boat this size. Jean Berret's design philosophy emphasized creating boats that could satisfy both the weekend racer and serious cruiser, making this model well-suited for sailors wanting versatility without major compromises in either direction.

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