Rigging Dimensions
The four foretriangle measurements sailmakers need to quote a new suit.
I ?
28.60 ft
J ?
9.18 ft
P ?
32.97 ft
E ?
11.15 ft
Sail Area Breakdown
Calculated from rigging dimensions. Use these as your starting point when ordering a new suit.
| Sail | Area (ft²) | Area (m²) |
|---|---|---|
| MainsailP × E ÷ 2 | 183.8 | 17.1 |
| 100% ForetriangleI × J ÷ 2 | 131.3 | 12.2 |
| 150% GenoaTypical light-air headsail | 196.9 | 18.3 |
| Storm Jib~50% of foretriangle, high-cut | 65.6 | 6.1 |
| Symmetric SpinnakerEstimated from I, J | 472.6 | 43.9 |
| Total Working Sail AreaMain + 100% foretriangle | 315.1 | 29.3 |
Foretriangle Diagram
Drawn to scale from published I, J, P, E measurements — Fractional Sloop · Jacques Fauroux/Jean-Marie Finot design
Performance Ratios
How the First Class 8 Beneteau carries its sail relative to its displacement.
SA/D Ratio
23.8
Performance-oriented — carries a lot of sail for its weight.
Mast Height (above DWL)
— ft
Air draft not published — measure yours before any bridge transit.
Ballast Ratio
37%
Typical cruising ballast — balanced stability underway.
Typical Sail Inventory
What First Class 8 Beneteau owners usually carry and what's worth buying used vs. new.
Mainsail 183.8 ft²
Dacron cross-cut with 2 reef points is standard. Full-batten is a common upgrade.
Replace new
150% Genoa 196.9 ft²
The workhorse headsail. Most boats have one on a furler by now.
Replace new
110% Working Jib ~144 ft²
Good secondary sail for breezy days — used market is strong.
Buy used
Storm Jib 65.6 ft²
Bright orange recommended. Rarely used, hard to justify new.
Buy used
Asymmetric Spinnaker ~473 ft²
Popular downwind upgrade — easier than symmetric for shorthanded sailing.
Optional
Replacement Cost Estimator
Get a rough price range for a new mainsail and genoa for the First Class 8 Beneteau — Dacron, laminate, and cruising performance tiers.