First 35S5 Beneteau

Launched in 1988, this French-built performance cruiser emerged from an intriguing collaboration between naval architect Jean Berret and renowned industrial designer Philippe Starck. With 430 hulls produced during its six-year production run, the First 35S5 established itself as a popular choice among sailors seeking spirited sailing characteristics in a mid-sized package. The boat's fractional sloop rig and modern fin keel with bulb design deliver impressive sailing performance, evidenced by its substantial sail area of 556 square feet. The hull configuration, featuring a spade rudder setup, provides responsive handling that appeals to both weekend racers and performance-oriented cruisers. At 35.42 feet overall with a waterline length of 29.36 feet, the design maximizes sailing length while maintaining manageable size. Built with fiberglass construction and carrying 4,190 pounds of ballast in its 11,460-pound displacement, the First 35S5 strikes a favorable balance between stability and performance. The relatively low comfort ratio of 21.15 reflects its sporting nature, making it well-suited for coastal cruising and club racing rather than extended offshore passages. This Beneteau represents the builder's focus during the late 1980s and early 1990s on creating accessible performance boats that could satisfy sailors transitioning from pure racing machines to versatile cruiser-racers.

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