FIRST 40 Sail Configuration Guide

Overview

The FIRST 40, designed by Farr and built by Beneteau, is a quintessential dual-purpose yacht engineered for competitive IRC/ORC racing and fast performance cruising. With a fleet of 35 boats, it is recognized for balancing a powerful rig with a hull shape that remains controllable in diverse sea states.

Rig Specifications & Performance Analysis

• Mainsail Configuration: A P/E ratio of 2.93 indicates a high-aspect rig, prioritizing aerodynamic efficiency and windward lift.
• Foretriangle Design: The I/J ratio of 3.61 suggests a tall, narrow foretriangle ideal for high-modulus non-overlapping jibs.
• Sail Area: 80m² total upwind area provides a high power-to-displacement ratio.
• Performance: The configuration is optimized for close-windedness and rapid acceleration out of tacks.

Popular Sail Configurations

• Mainsail: Typically a large-roach, high-modulus configuration to capitalize on the 15.77m luff length.
• Headsail: Most owners utilize a range of 100-105% jibs (J1-J3) to maintain visibility and ease of tacking.

Key Characteristics

• High-Aspect Main: The 2.93 P/E ratio ensures efficient power generation in light to moderate air.
• Tall Foretriangle: The 3.61 I/J ratio allows for powerful, stable headsails that are easy to trim.
• Balanced Beam: The 3.89m beam provides sufficient form stability to carry the 80m² upwind plan.
• Sailing Profile: Highly responsive and weatherly, performing exceptionally well on windward-leeward courses.

Sailing Considerations

• Rigging should be tuned for adjustable backstay tension to manage mast bend and headstay sag.
• Optimized for a racing crew of 8, though the deck layout allows for shorthand cruising.
• Expect peak upwind performance in 10-15 knots of true wind.

Sailmaking Recommendations

For the FIRST 40, we recommend SurgeX membrane sails as the optimal choice for most sailors. SurgeX uses continuous fiber construction where fibers are laid along load paths and embedded in a thin membrane, providing superior shape retention compared to traditional Dacron while being more affordable than premium laminates. The continuous fiber structure means less stretch over time, maintaining the designed sail shape for years.

For racing applications, specify a lightweight SurgeX configuration with a carbon/technora fiber blend and minimal base weight to maximize performance. For cruising or offshore sailing, add a taffeta protective layer on both sides to enhance UV resistance and abrasion protection. Based on the 2.93 P/E ratio, a tri-radial fiber layout within the membrane works best to handle the high vertical loads. A typical inventory includes a SurgeX mainsail, a medium-heavy J2, and an asymmetric spinnaker. With 80m² of sail area, plan to take the first reef around 18-20 knots to maintain an upright, efficient heel angle.

Conclusion

The FIRST 40 is a refined performance platform that rewards precise sail trim and high-quality membrane construction. Explore sail options for FIRST 40 to maximize your yacht's racing and cruising potential.