Design #608 Beneteau First 40

The new Beneteau 40, designed by Farr Yacht Design, is the heir to the hugely popular and successful Beneteau 40.7.  Just as the 40.7 was a benchmark for performance and styling when it was introduced over ten years ago, the 40 combines state-of-the art performance features with contemporary interior and exterior styling representative of the best of 2009 design and representing a new benchmark for 40’ cruisers.

The hull, rig and appendages are configured to achieve the best performance versus handicap for racing under IRC.  These specific IRC-oriented design features include an undistorted hull shape with powerful ends to quickly maximize sailing length when heeled; a large, non-overlapping headsail rig and a “T” keel for high stability and low drag.  The rig also includes large masthead spinnakers for excellent downwind performance.