Beneteau First 36 SE

The Beneteau First 36 SE pushes the First SE concept into a more advanced, race-focused arena, delivering a powerful blend of cutting-edge design, offshore capability, and uncompromising performance. Developed with serious sailors in mind, it takes everything that defines the SE range and refines it into a boat that is built to be driven hard, yet remains remarkably composed and rewarding at the helm.

From the outset, the First 36 SE feels purposeful. Its modern hull form is optimised for speed across a wide range of conditions, offering efficient upwind performance while unlocking impressive downwind potential when the boat is powered up. The balance through the helm is precise and communicative, giving you constant feedback and the confidence to push further. Twin rudders ensure grip and control remain consistent, even at higher speeds and steeper angles of heel, reinforcing that sense of control when it matters most.

Performance is at the core of the experience, but it is delivered in a way that feels refined rather than aggressive. The sail plan is designed to be powerful yet manageable, supporting both competitive racing and fast cruising without unnecessary complication. Every element of the deck layout is considered, from the positioning of winches and control lines to the open, efficient cockpit that allows crew to move quickly and safely during manoeuvres.

Despite its clear racing pedigree, the First 36 SE does not lose sight of usability. It is capable of extended passages and offshore sailing, offering the reassurance and structural integrity expected from a boat of this calibre. The design strikes a careful balance between weight optimisation and onboard comfort, ensuring that performance gains do not come at the expense of practicality.

Below deck, the interior is clean, functional, and purpose-driven. It provides the essentials needed for longer races or fast cruising passages, without adding unnecessary weight or distraction. The result is a space that supports the boat’s overall mission: to deliver speed, efficiency, and a direct connection to the sailing experience.

What truly defines the First 36 SE is its ability to blur the line between race boat and performance cruiser. It is equally at home competing at a high level as it is covering serious miles along the coast, offering a level of versatility that experienced sailors will immediately appreciate. Fast, capable, and finely tuned, it is a boat designed for those who want to get the very most out of every moment on the water.