FIRST 34.7 Sail Configuration Guide

Overview

The FIRST 34.7, designed by Bruce Farr for Beneteau, is a performance-oriented cruiser-racer built for competitive IRC/ORC fleet racing. It balances a responsive hull with a powerful, modern rig, targeting sailors who prioritize speed and technical handling.

Rig Specifications & Performance Analysis

• Mainsail Configuration: A P/E ratio of 2.80 indicates a tall, high-aspect rig designed for efficiency and lift.
• Foretriangle Design: The I/J ratio of 3.59 is optimized for high-aspect, non-overlapping jibs or limited-overlap genoas.
• Sail Area: 52m² total upwind area provides a high power-to-weight ratio for its 10-meter length.
• Performance: The configuration is highly weatherly, excelling in light-to-moderate air and windward-leeward courses.

Popular Sail Configurations

• Mainsail: High-modulus sails with full top battens for shape stability are common in the 18-boat fleet.
• Headsail: Typically equipped with a range of furling jibs for cruising or specialized racing headsails for IRC optimization.

Key Characteristics

• High-aspect P/E ratio (2.80) delivers exceptional pointing ability and lift.
• Modern I/J ratio (3.59) supports efficient, easy-to-tack headsail configurations.
• 3.37m beam provides the necessary righting moment to carry 52m² of upwind sail.
• Bruce Farr design ensures a stiff, responsive feel that rewards precise sail trim.

Sailing Considerations

• The high-aspect rig is sensitive to backstay tension; depower early as the breeze builds.
• Requires a coordinated crew of 5-7 for racing, though the jib setup is manageable for short-handed cruising.
• Expect peak performance in 8-14 knots, with high stability provided by the wide beam.

Sailmaking Recommendations

For the FIRST 34.7, 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. For cruising or bluewater sailing, add a taffeta protective layer on both sides to enhance UV resistance and abrasion protection. Based on the 2.80 P/E ratio, a tri-radial fiber layout works best to distribute the significant vertical loads of this tall rig. A typical inventory includes a performance mainsail, a Code 2 jib, and an asymmetric spinnaker. With 52m² of sail area, plan to reef around 16-18 knots to maintain a flat heel angle.

Conclusion

The FIRST 34.7 is a technically sophisticated platform that thrives with high-performance membrane sails. Explore sail options for FIRST 34.7 to maximize your racing or fast cruising potential.