FIRST 35 Sail Configuration Guide

Overview

The FIRST 35, designed by Farr Yacht Design for Beneteau, is a high-performance cruiser-racer engineered for competitive IRC/ORC fleet racing and fast coastal cruising. With 57 boats in the fleet, it is recognized for balancing a powerful sail plan with a manageable hull form.

Rig Specifications & Performance Analysis

Analysis of the rig dimensions reveals a modern, performance-oriented sail plan:

• Mainsail Configuration: A P/E ratio of 2.92 indicates a high-aspect ratio rig, prioritizing aerodynamic efficiency and lift for superior upwind pointing.
• Foretriangle Design: The I/J ratio of 3.60 is optimized for high-modulus headsails, favoring efficient non-overlapping jibs or moderate genoas.
• Sail Area: 62m² total upwind area provides a high power-to-weight ratio for the 10.65m hull.
• Performance: The Farr-designed hull and tall rig ensure a weatherly boat that excels in light-to-moderate air while remaining stiff in a breeze.

Popular Sail Configurations

• Mainsail: Standard configurations usually feature a full-batten or semi-full batten main to support the high-aspect 14.00m luff.
• Headsail: Most owners opt for 103-106% jibs to maximize the efficiency of the 3.60 I/J ratio while maintaining tight tacking angles.

Key Characteristics

• High P/E ratio supports a tall, efficient sail plan for superior close-hauled performance.
• Elevated I/J ratio allows for powerful, high-aspect headsails that are easy to trim.
• 3.64m beam offers significant form stability to carry the 62m² upwind sail area.
• Farr-designed hull provides a responsive, performance-bred platform for the 10.65m LOA class.

Sailing Considerations

• Optimized for active trimming; the high-aspect rig rewards precise backstay and car adjustments.
• Typical racing crew is 6-8, though the deck layout allows for capable short-handed cruising.
• Expect the boat to remain balanced and close-winded up to 20 knots of true wind.

Sailmaking Recommendations

For the FIRST 35, 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 performance and acceleration. For cruising or bluewater sailing, add a taffeta protective layer on both sides to enhance UV resistance and abrasion protection. Based on the 2.92 P/E ratio, a load-path tri-radial layout works best to handle the high vertical loads. A typical inventory includes a 34m² main and a 29m² All-Purpose Jib. With 62m² of sail area, plan to reef around 18-22 knots depending on the sea state and crew weight.

Conclusion

The FIRST 35’s high-aspect rig and Farr-designed hull create a versatile platform that excels in diverse conditions. Explore sail options for the FIRST 35 to maximize your boat's performance potential.