The Beneteau First 30, designed by Jean Berret and introduced in the early 1980s, is a performance-oriented cruiser-racer that belongs to the renowned First series by Beneteau. Aimed at sailors who value both speed and comfort, this boat successfully blends racing capabilities with cruising utility. It was designed for club racers, coastal cruisers, and weekend sailors looking for a responsive vessel with a competitive edge, without sacrificing onboard livability.
Design and Construction
The Berret-designed First 30 features a moderate displacement hull with a fin keel and a spade rudder—typical of performance designs from the era. The hull is constructed from fiberglass (GRP), offering durability and low maintenance. The boat’s beam is relatively wide amidships, giving it good form stability and interior volume. The rig is a masthead sloop, which was a common and proven configuration at the time, offering a good balance of power and simplicity.
The deck layout is clean and functional, designed to accommodate both shorthanded sailing and a full racing crew. The proportions are classic and elegant, with a slightly raked stem and a gentle sheer that gives the boat a timeless profile. The cockpit is adequately sized and offers good ergonomics for both cruising comfort and active sailing.
Performance
In terms of sailing performance, the First 30 (Berret) is lively and responsive. It handles well in a variety of wind conditions, with good pointing ability upwind and balanced behavior on the helm. The fin keel provides efficient lift and allows for solid upwind tracking, while the spade rudder ensures sharp maneuverability.
Downwind, it performs well under spinnaker and is capable of planing in stronger winds due to its moderate displacement. While not as light or aggressive as modern designs, it still holds its own in club races and offers a satisfying sailing experience for those who enjoy trimming and optimizing sail shape.
Comfort and Accommodations
The interior of the First 30 is thoughtfully laid out for a boat of its size and vintage. With a beam of around 3.2 meters (10.5 feet), it offers a spacious saloon with settees that double as berths, a forward V-berth cabin, and an aft quarter berth. The galley is compact but functional, featuring a stove, sink, and icebox. The navigation station is traditionally placed to starboard, facing aft.
Headroom is modest but acceptable, and the general ambiance inside is warm and nautical, with wood trim and classic marine finishes. While it’s not a liveaboard cruiser, it’s more than adequate for coastal cruising, weekend trips, and overnight races.
Safety and Practicality
From a safety perspective, the First 30 is equipped with sturdy handholds, non-skid surfaces on deck, and secure lifelines. The rudder-on-skeg design offers some protection compared to fully spade rudders, and the moderate displacement contributes to seaworthiness and a comfortable motion at sea.
For handling, the boat is relatively easy to sail short-handed thanks to its straightforward sail plan and control layout. Reefing is manageable, and winches are appropriately sized. While not specifically designed for bluewater passage-making, the boat is capable of extended coastal voyages and has been used by adventurous sailors in offshore conditions.
Versions of the Beneteau First 30
The Beneteau First 30 is a sailboat with multiple versions that reflect the evolution of nautical design and technology over time, offering options for different types of sailors and sailing styles. Each version was created by a renowned designer, bringing specific features that address varied needs—from comfort for coastal cruising to performance in racing.
The First 30 (Jean Berret version), along with its variant First 30 ES (Jean Berret version), represents the classic design of the 1980s. These models stand out for their robustness, stability, and good livability, ideal for sailors seeking a balance between comfort and performance on coastal passages. The fiberglass construction and mostly masthead sloop rig reflect an era when reliability and ease of handling were paramount.
On the other hand, the First 30 (Mauric version) offers a slightly more traditional design with a rudder protected by a skeg, which provides greater safety and control, especially in challenging conditions. This model is suitable for those who value stability and safer handling in demanding waters.
The more recent and sportier versions, such as the First 30 (Juan Kouyoumdjian version) and the First 30 (Samuel Manuard version), incorporate modern designs with lighter hulls, bulb keels, and dual rudders that enhance performance and maneuverability. These models are aimed at sailors looking for higher racing performance or more agile and faster sailing, while still maintaining reasonable comfort levels for short or medium cruises.
In summary, the different versions of the Beneteau First 30 offer a wide range of choices for today’s sailor: from the tradition and comfort of classic models to the innovation and sportiness of the latest designs, adapting to various preferences and sailing styles.
| Model | Designer | Year Built | LOA | Hull Type | Rigging | Displacement | Ballast | Main Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First 30 (Jean Berret) | Jean Berret | 1981–1984 | 30.5 ft / 9.3 m | Fin w/spade rudder | Fractional Sloop | 6,834 lb / 3,100 kg | Lead ballast | Coastal cruising & club racing |
| First 30 E (Jean Berret) | Jean Berret | 1981–1984 | 30.5 ft / 9.3 m | Fin w/spade rudder | Fractional Sloop | 6,834 lb / 3,100 kg | Lead ballast | Comfort-oriented coastal cruising |
| First 30 ES (Jean Berret) | Jean Berret | 1981–1984 | 30.5 ft / 9.3 m | Fin w/spade rudder | Fractional Sloop | 6,834 lb / 3,100 kg | Lead ballast | Performance and cruising balance |
| First 30 (Mauric) | A. Mauric / A. Maurie | 1977–1981 | 29.36 ft / 8.95 m | Fin with rudder on skeg | Masthead Sloop | 7,606 lb / 3,450 kg | Iron ballast | Safe coastal cruising and day sailing |
| First 30 (Juan Kouyoumdjian) | Juan Kouyoumdjian | 2011–2015 | 32.32 ft / 9.85 m | Fin w/bulb & dual rudders | Fractional Sloop | 8,267 lb / 3,750 kg | Lead ballast | High performance racing & fast cruising |
| First 30 (Samuel Manuard) | Samuel Manuard | 2025 (planned) | 33.89 ft / 10.33 m | Fin w/bulb & dual rudders | Fractional Sloop | 6,702 lb / 3,040 kg | Cast iron ballast | Modern performance cruising & racing |
Conclusion
The Beneteau First 30 by Jean Berret is a well-rounded sailboat that successfully straddles the line between racer and cruiser. Its strengths lie in its solid performance, responsive handling, and decent onboard comfort for a boat under 31 feet. While newer designs may offer more modern ergonomics and speed, the First 30 remains a desirable option for sailors who appreciate classic lines, proven performance, and versatility.
It’s best suited for sailing enthusiasts who enjoy active sailing, club racing, and coastal cruising, all wrapped in a stylish and affordable package.
Specifications
| Hull Type: | Fin w/spade rudder |
| Rigging Type: | Masthead Sloop |
| LOA: | 30.50 ft / 9.30 m |
| LWL: | 26.97 ft / 8.22 m |
| S.A. (reported): | 392.00 ft² / 36.42 m² |
| Beam: | 10.66 ft / 3.25 m |
| Displacement: | 7,055.00 lb / 3,200 kg |
| Ballast: | 2,866.00 lb / 1,300 kg |
| Max Draft: | 5.50 ft / 1.68 m |
| Construction: | FG |
| Ballast Type: | Iron |
| First Built: | 1981 |
| Last Built: | 1984 |
| # Built: | 443 |
| Builder: | Beneteau (FRA) |
| Designer: | Jean Berret |
Auxiliary Power/Tanks (original equipment) | |
|---|---|
| Make: | Yanmar |
| Model: | 2GM |
| Type: | Diesel |
| Fuel: | 9 gals / 34 L |
Accommodations | |
| Water: | 27 gals / 102 L |
Sailboat Calculations | |
| S.A. / Displ.: | 17.10 |
| Bal. / Displ.: | 40.62 |
| Disp. / Len.: | 160.55 |
| Comfort Ratio: | 16.64 |
| Capsize Screening Formula: | 2.23 |
| S#: | 3.23 |
| Hull Speed: | 6.96 kn |
| Pounds/Inch Immersion: | 1,027.27 pounds/inch |
Rig and Sail Particulars | |
| I: | 37.70 ft / 11.49 m |
| J: | 11.30 ft / 3.44 m |
| P: | 32.50 ft / 9.91 m |
| E: | 11.00 ft / 3.35 m |
| S.A. Fore: | 213.01 ft² / 19.79 m² |
| S.A. Main: | 178.75 ft² / 16.61 m² |
| S.A. Total (100% Fore + Main): | 391.76 ft² / 36.40 m² |
| S.A. / Displ. (calc.): | 17.09 |
| Est. Forestay Length: | 39.36 ft / 12.00 m |
Disclaimer
The considerations and analyses presented regarding the Beneteau First 30 (Jean Berret design) sailboat are of a general nature and are based on the available information and technical data on this model, interpreted to the best of our knowledge and understanding. It is important to note that the specific characteristics of any particular sailboat may vary due to custom modifications, maintenance performed, and conditions of use over time, among other factors. Therefore, the details and performance of the boat you are considering may not exactly match the information provided here.
We strongly recommend that, before making any purchasing or usage decisions, you conduct a detailed inspection of the boat in question, consult with nautical professionals and other sailors, and consider your personal needs, expectations, and capabilities. Each sailboat may have unique particularities that affect its performance and suitability for different types of sailing and sailors.
The information contained in this analysis should be used as a general guide and not as a definitive reference. Professional evaluation and personal inspection are essential to ensure that the boat meets your specific requirements and expectations.