FIRST 40 Sail Configuration Guide

Overview

The FIRST 40 is a legendary Bruce Farr design built by Beneteau, engineered as a dual-purpose performance cruiser-racer. It is specifically targeted at sailors who demand IRC/ORC competitiveness without sacrificing the amenities required for fast coastal cruising.

Rig Specifications & Performance Analysis

• Mainsail Configuration: A P/E ratio of 2.83 indicates a high-aspect ratio rig, optimized for upwind lift and efficiency.
• Foretriangle Design: The I/J ratio of 3.43 is designed to support high-performance non-overlapping jibs and versatile headsail selections.
• Sail Area: 76m² of total upwind sail area provides a powerful sail-area-to-displacement ratio.
• Performance: This configuration favors a close-winded, weatherly performance profile that excels in offshore racing environments.

Popular Sail Configurations

Most FIRST 40 owners utilize a high-roach mainsail paired with a series of headsails ranging from a heavy-weather J3 to a light-air J1. For cruising, a single furling genoa and a slab-reefing mainsail remain the standard configurations for ease of handling.

Key Characteristics

• High-aspect 2.83 P/E ratio delivers superior upwind pointing and lift.
• Moderate 3.43 I/J ratio allows for efficient, easy-to-tack headsail geometries.
• 12.24m LOA provides a stable, fast platform for the 76m² upwind sail plan.
• Farr-designed hull ensures the boat remains stiff and responsive in heavy air.

Sailing Considerations

The FIRST 40 is a balanced yacht that rewards precise trim and active backstay adjustment. Due to the high-aspect rig, the boat should be depowered or reefed when true wind speeds exceed 17-19 knots. A full crew is recommended for racing, though the rig remains manageable for short-handed cruising with modern sail handling systems.

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 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 2.83 P/E ratio, a tri-radial load path layout within the membrane works best. A typical inventory includes a high-roach mainsail and an all-purpose J2 jib. With 76m² of sail area, plan to reef around 18 knots to maintain optimal heel angles.

Conclusion

The FIRST 40 remains a benchmark for performance cruising, especially when powered by modern, continuous fiber sail technology. Explore sail options for the FIRST 40 to unlock the full potential of this Bruce Farr classic.