The First 36 was built for one simple reason: joy in planing.
Not just for weekend escapes, but also for family holidays, club races and every moment in between.
She is the first mainstream planing cruiser where onboard comfort and high-performance sailing no longer require compromise — they are one and the same. With vacuum-infused construction and an innovative design, her deck and interior bring the best of grand prix racing within reach of true sailors like you.
Once the hull lifts and the wake stretches cleanly behind you, you will feel the joy and remember why you sail in the first place.
She is our ultimate planing cruiser and the European Yacht of the Year 2023.
NAVAL ARCHITECT : Samuel Manuard
Design : Lorenzo Argento
Structural engineering : Pure Design & Engineering
Innovation and research : Sito
The moment the First 36 starts to plane, everything changes. Double-digit boat speeds are easy to achieve, always with complete control. This is not a performance reserved for professionals. This is Joy in Planing — accessible, real, and addictive.
The key elements that make this possible are the boat’s light weight and the world-class nautical design of Sam Manuard. An ergonomic and extremely precise steering system is also vital. Race-grade rudder blades and an ergonomic steering system keep the wheels light and direct — downwind at speed, at higher heeling angles, in conditions that would unsettle a heavier boat. Planing is not just fast. On the First 36, it is effortless.
To stay true to its 40 years of Beneteau FIRST heritage, she excels in everything — relaxed family cruising, shorthanded sailing and fully crewed club racing. Cockpit ergonomics was a major focus of the design process. The raised wheel position gives the helmsman direct access to the mainsail winch — a small detail that makes a big difference when you are sailing shorthanded.
Joy in Planing. In complete control.
The First 36 features a traditional three-cabin layout. To maximize living space in the saloon, the bathroom footprint is minimized, using an innovative foldable sink. The extra space makes room for a navigation table/onboard office.
Another innovation standing out in the saloon is the standalone fridge island. A removable cutting board can significantly extend the working surface of the standard L-shape galley and make it the largest kitchen area in the class.
High-quality wooden details, in combination with minimalistic GRP, provide a modern, elegant living space below deck.
The mobile application, Seanapps, and its onboard unit lets you view the status of the boat's various systems (battery charge, fuel or water tank levels, maintenance scheduling) via your smartphone, as well as planning your route or reviewing your sailing status using your mobile phone.
Length Overall
36'0"
10.97 m
Beam overall
12'6''
3.8 m
Light displacement
10,580 lbs
4 800 kg
Draught Min
7'5''
2.25 m
Cabin Number
3
After a double victory at the Baltic 500 and the Brassfahrt, we talk to FIRST 36 sailor Arno Böhnert about fast racing, exclusive insights into his First 36, and tips for beginners.
Introducing the BENETEAU First 36 SE – the ultimate planing racer, born from the collaboration between BENETEAU and Seascape. This is more than just a boat; it’s a mindset. The SE – Seascape Edition badge promises a race-grade sailing experience, backed by the First SE community of passionate sailors.
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.
With teams for sea trials, financing, customization, events, an after-sales service, and a network of dealers worldwide, BENETEAU delivers the help and expertise every boat owner needs throughout his boating life maintaining an enduring customer relationship.
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
9.35 m / 30‘8“
Beam overall
2.99 m / 9‘9“
Length Overall
14.65 m / 48’1’’
Beam overall
4.25 m / 13'11''
Length Overall
17.12 m / 56’2’’
Beam overall
5 m / 16’5’’
Length Overall
18.95 m / 62'2''
