BENETEAU First 30 Wins “Voilier de l’Année 2026” Overall Award
The boat convinced both the professional jury and the magazine’s reader-testers, securing one of the most competitive distinctions in the sailing world.
Following the First 36, which earned the same accolade in 2023, the First 30 becomes the second model developed through the BENETEAU-Seascape partnership to receive this prestigious honour.
Statements from the Jury and Leadership
"The awarding of the new First 30 as ‘Voilier de l’Année’ by the Voile Magazine jury was kind of evidence. It embodies a sailboat that reinvents itself by returning to the fundamentals and winning back sailors. But beyond the clever marketing idea and undeniable industrial achievement, what emerged from our tests was the pure joy of sailing, maneuvering, steering, and planing as soon as the wind picks up a bit under spinnaker. That's the ultimate goal of this First 30: to provide enjoyment and put sailing back at the heart of the action. And that's precisely what it delivers on the water… The Voile Magazine jury understood the project, enjoyed themselves on board, and gave the boat their seal of approval. Congratulations to the ‘Voilier de l’Année’ 2026!”
François-Xavier de Crécy, Editor of Voile Magazine
"The ‘Voilier de l'Année’ award is a true recognition of the work done by a great team: Seascape with their experience in racing and performance boats, BENETEAU with their industrial know-how, Sam Manuard, our naval architect who managed to combine performance and family, and of course Lorenzo Argento for the overall First design of the boat. The First 30 is a story that started in 1977, and we wanted to make sure that the heritage of these decades-long successful models would meet the new expectations of today’s sailors. This award shows that we have hit our target.
Yann Masselot, BENETEAU Brand Director
"It is incredible to receive this recognition for second time in the row. For me personally, it is a strong reaffirmation that great things come out of great relationships. The trust and cooperation between Seascape and Beneteau is growing stronger and First 30 is the living proof of this. If you add to this an incredible team of designers and engineers closely linked with the production and support team the result is a joy to watch… and sail. I feel privileged and humbled to be part of this story and cant wait to see what next chapter brings."
Andraž Mihelin, Seascape CEO and First Range Manager
A New Category for a New Era
The First 30 introduces a forward-looking concept: the planing cruiser. Designed by Samuel Manuard and realised through the close partnership between Seascape and BENETEAU, the boat blends lightweight construction, modern hull geometry, and innovative solutions to deliver exhilarating planing performance alongside comfortable cruising capability.
This evolution honours a remarkable heritage. The original First 30, launched in 1977, sold nearly 1,000 units and helped define a new category of performance cruisers. Nearly fifty years later, the new First 30 once again reimagines what a compact performance cruiser can be—this time for the sailors of tomorrow.
Exceptional Global Reception
Since its world premiere, the First 30 has enjoyed a standout market introduction. 125 boats have been sold within the first 300 days across 17 countries, making it one of the most successful BENETEAU launches in recent years.
The model has also collected major international distinctions, including:
- British Yachting Award
- Norwegian Sailboat of the Year (Seilmagasinet)
- Yacht Style Award (Singapore)
Additionally, the First 30 has been nominated for European Yacht of the Year and for Boat of the Year awards from US Sailing World, Cruising World, and Sail Magazine.
About BENETEAU First
The BENETEAU First range continues to set new standards in performance sailing, blending advanced design, modern technologies, and the complementary expertise of BENETEAU and Seascape.
With the First 30, the partnership again demonstrates its ability to shape the future of high-performance, accessible sailing.
Published on 02.12.2025