“FIRST was born forty-five years ago with the launch of the legendary FIRST 30, and we doubly celebrate the occasion this year with the announcement of the FIRST 36 in January and the arrival of the FIRST 44 today, finalizing the renewal of a standard-bearing range now entirely redrawn and complete”, says Yann Masselot, BENETEAU's Brand Director. “ The boat pencils itself in among such great 40’ to 45’ BENETEAU yachts as the FIRST 40.7, the 45f5 or more recently the FIRST 40 and 45”.
NAVAL ARCHITECT: BISCONTINI YACHT DESIGN
INTERIOR & EXTERIOR DESIGN: LORENZO ARGENTO
Today, the FIRST 44 embodies a natural link between the FIRST 36 and FIRST 53, equally refining and redefining performance, elegance and comfort - a new Biscontini/Argento creation that truly denies itself nothing. She’s a lovely sailing yacht with a remarkable design, offering through her architecture and build quality an experience underway that is simply second to none.
With the new FIRST 44, BENETEAU has delivered the noblest version of a “racer/cruiser”: an elegant and comfortable yacht that provides unequaled enjoyment under sail. With the same methodical approach honed on his work on America Cup racers, Roberto Biscontini went through several revisions and improvements to deliver a powerful and well-balanced hull, which is coupled with an ample sail plan to deliver lively sailing in any conditions.
The FIRST 44 was imagined with two deck layouts to satisfy a greater variety of wishes and needs. The FIRST 44 version distinguishes itself with a inviting and comfortable cockpit, where wide side-decks converge towards a folding cockpit table. Four winches, a fixed centerline block for the mainsheet, and a mast that is set further aft all maximize the potential of her modern sail plan, defined by a slender mainsail and generously sized foresails.
In order to make serious performance even more accessible, BENETEAU used experience from ballast systems and the Figaro 2 to deliver that same technology to FIRST 44 owners; twin 80-gallon ballast tanks, activated electronically from the helm stations, offer the possibility of reaching the boat’s full potential with reduced crew.
On the FIRST 44 PERFORMANCE, deck ergonomics were studied and developed with fully crewed regattas in mind. Equipment and systems are geared towards racing, such as the foam non-skid surfaces that replace the teak on the cockpit sole, six well-placed winches and a conventional mainsail traveller. The rigging and sail setup include a 4 ½’ bowsprit, a hydraulic backstay, a powerful in-hauler system and a performance keel/mast combo that will satisfy the most demanding captains and crews.
The FIRST 44 is infused with Lorenzo Argento’s style, a distinctive blend of elegance and modernity. Her three-cabin, two-head layout is a combination of quality materials interwoven into a masterful finish. In the salon the six-seater table stands opposite of the couch and nav station; its position in reference to the mast eases the movement between the galley and master stateroom, accentuating the spacious interior.
This arrangement is enhanced by superb craftsmanship, a refined combination of white lacquered surfaces, molded woods, touches of indirect lighting and a large selection of luxurious upholsteries.
Assembled in a specially dedicated workshop, the FIRST 44 takes full benefit of BENETEAU’s expertise and the knowledge of the industry’s sharpest minds. Subjected by their owners to the rigors of offshore racing, FIRSTs are always the result of a rigorous development and perfection process. The engineering of the FIRST 44 was entrusted to the Mer Forte firm, well known for its work on high-end blue-water race boats, including the celebrated Figaro BENETEAU 3.
This general equipment list is intended for general informational purposes only. The information contained herein is subject to change without notice and does not constitute a contractual agreement. We reserve the right to modify, revise, or discontinue any product, service, or feature mentioned in this document without prior notice. Any descriptions, representations, or statements made in this document are not to be considered binding unless explicitly stated otherwise in a formal contractual agreement.
Length Overall
48’1’’
14.65 m
Beam overall
13'11''
4.25 m
Light displacement
23,142 lbs
10 500 kg
Air Draft Max
72’9’'
22.17 m
Draft Min
7’1’’
2.15 m
Draft Max
8’6’’
2.6 m
Fuel Capacity
53 US Gal
200 L
Water Capacity
98 US Gal
370 L
Max. engine power
57 HP
CE Certification
A12 / B12 / C14
After 11 days at sea, the SV Lenny and her crew placed second in their class. The crew gave their feedback on the boat pre and post race.
Two legendary races, one Ocean, a new boat from a long successful line of great boats, and a remarkable crew who have sailed on major boat races around the world … BENETEAU’s First 44 is starting a Pacific adventure like no other before.
BENETEAU has decided to follow the path of innovation to reduce the environmental impact of sailing. Practical yet ground-breaking innovations that were visible on the First 44e and the Oceanis 30.1e sailing yachts world premiered at the Nautic Boat Show in Paris.
Buying a BENETEAU doesn’t have to be a daunting task. We have teams of experts to guide you through the entire process – everything from sea trials, financing, and customization to after-sale commissioning, service, and maintenance. We are proud to have one of the largest, most highly-regarded dealer networks in the world. We’re ready to provide you with the assistance and expertise needed to launch you and your BENETEAU on a lifetime of happy, rewarding, and memorable voyages.
Length Overall
4.3 m / 14’1’’
Beam overall
1.7 m / 5’7’’
Length Overall
7.29 m / 23’ 11’’
Beam overall
2.5 m / 8’ 2’’
Length Overall
7.99 m / 26’ 3’’
Beam overall
2.54 m / 8’ 4’’
Length Overall
10.97 m / 36'0"
Beam overall
3.8 m / 12'6''
Length Overall
17.12 m / 56’2’’
Beam overall
5 m / 16’5’’
