Beneteau First 36: The Yacht That Makes You Look Like a Pro

This isn’t your granddad’s sluggish cruiser. The First 36 was designed by a team of sailors and engineers to combine race-ready speed with vacation-level comfort. Translation: You can hit 14 knots, while your friends lounge on deck with drinks and zero knowledge of what a jib actually is.

Let’s break this down for the non-nautical. This boat sails like a dream. It’s light, responsive, and can easily hit double-digit speeds without turning your day on the water into a workout. Want to race? It’s got the precision and engineering of a grand prix boat. Want to chill? The cockpit transforms into a cozy lounge that wouldn’t feel out of place in a boutique hotel.

And yes – that’s the same cockpit where you can remove the bench extensions and pretend you know what you’re doing with a winch. It’s built for racing, sure, but also perfect for family cruising, sunset trips, or showing off to friends who think they’ve done sailing because they once went on a catamaran in Greece.

Don’t let the number 36 fool you. Thanks to some very clever design choices, this boat feels more like a 40-footer inside. It’s got three cabins, a minimalist-yet-elegant saloon, and a galley with a removable cutting board island – which sounds small, but will impress anyone who’s tried to slice cheese on a rocking boat. There’s even a foldable sink in the bathroom to save space. Smart, right?

And while we’re on smart: yes, there’s an app. Because of course there’s an app. The Seanapps system connects your phone to the yacht’s brains, showing battery life, fuel levels, maintenance alerts – and even lets you plan your routes. Basically, it’s like having a yacht PA in your pocket.

This yacht is no stranger to the spotlight. It’s picked up awards all across Europe – including European Yacht of the Year, Boat of the Year from Sailing World, and Voilier de l’Année.

What’s the secret? It’s the mix of cutting-edge materials, including the vacuum-infused hull, clever layout, and a team that genuinely loves sailing. It’s made for people who enjoy the thrill of moving fast across the water – but who also appreciate a nice teak detail and a well-placed glass holder.