FIRST 24 Sail Configuration Guide

Overview

The FIRST 24, designed by Manuard for Beneteau, is a modern performance daysailer and racer-cruiser that emphasizes speed and handling. This 7.28m platform is built for sailors who demand a responsive, planning-capable hull with a versatile rig setup.

Rig Specifications & Performance Analysis

• Mainsail Configuration: A P/E ratio of 2.60 indicates a high-aspect rig designed for efficiency and lift.
• Foretriangle Design: The I/J ratio of 2.93 is optimized for powerful, non-overlapping working jibs.
• Sail Area: 30m² of total upwind sail area provides a high power-to-weight ratio for the hull dimensions.
• Performance: The combination of a deep 2.00m draft and Manuard's hull profile makes this boat exceptionally weatherly and stable in a breeze.

Popular Sail Configurations

• Mainsail: Usually configured as a high-roach or square-top sail to maximize the 9.11m luff length.
• Headsail: Typically non-overlapping 105% jibs that facilitate quick tacking and high-aspect efficiency.

Key Characteristics

• High-aspect 2.60 P/E ratio delivers excellent aerodynamic efficiency upwind.
• 2.93 I/J ratio favors modern, easy-to-trim headsails over cumbersome genoas.
• Deep 2.00m draft provides the necessary righting moment for the 30m² sail plan.
• Manuard hull design ensures early planning and high-speed stability.

Sailing Considerations

• The boat is stiff and responsive, performing best when kept flat through active sail trim.
• Highly manageable for a crew of 2-4, but well-suited for shorthanded performance sailing.
• Expect a close-winded vessel that transitions quickly to planning speeds off the wind.

Sailmaking Recommendations

For the FIRST 24, 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 minimal base weight to maximize acceleration and reduce pitching. For cruising or coastal sailing, add a taffeta protective layer on both sides to enhance UV resistance and abrasion protection. Based on the 2.60 P/E ratio, a tri-radial load-path layout works best to handle the high vertical tensions of the mainsail. A typical inventory includes a full-battened mainsail and a vertical-battened jib for furling. With 30m² of sail area, plan to reef the mainsail around 18 knots to maintain optimal heel angles.

Conclusion

The FIRST 24’s balanced rig and modern hull make it a standout performer in the 7-meter class. Explore sail options for the FIRST 24 to unlock its full racing and cruising potential.