FIRST 35 S5 Sail Configuration Guide

Overview

The FIRST 35 S5, designed by Jean Berret for Beneteau, is a sophisticated cruiser-racer that balances avant-garde design with high-performance naval architecture. It is purpose-built for sailors who demand a competitive edge on the racecourse without sacrificing the amenities required for coastal cruising.

Rig Specifications & Performance Analysis

Technical analysis of the P/E/I/J dimensions reveals a versatile and powerful sail plan:

• Mainsail Configuration: A P/E ratio of 2.79 indicates a high-aspect ratio rig, optimized for aerodynamic efficiency and superior lift when sailing close-hauled.
• Foretriangle Design: The I/J ratio of 3.73 is notably high, favoring powerful headsails and providing a large area for overlapping genoas in light air.
• Sail Area: 52m² total upwind area offers a high power-to-displacement ratio for this 10.58m hull.
• Performance: The rig is designed for agility, excelling in light-to-moderate conditions while remaining stiff enough for offshore work.

Popular Sail Configurations

• Mainsail: Most owners prefer a full-battened configuration to maintain leech profile and increase the longevity of the sail shape.
• Headsail: A versatile inventory typically includes a 135-140% overlapping genoa for light air and a high-aspect #3 jib for heavy-air stability.

Key Characteristics

• High-aspect mainsail (P/E 2.79) provides exceptional pointing ability and reduced drag.
• Large foretriangle (I/J 3.73) allows for diverse headsail inventories suited for various wind gradients.
• 10.58m LOA combined with a 3.57m beam creates a stable, weatherly platform.
• Responsive Berret-designed hull ensures high performance in both IRC and PHRF racing fleets.

Sailing Considerations

With a generous 52m² sail plan, the FIRST 35 S5 is quick to power up and requires active backstay tuning to manage forestay tension. The boat remains well-balanced up to 15-18 knots, after which early reefing or flattening of the mainsail is necessary to minimize weather helm. A crew of 6 is optimal for racing, though the rig is easily managed by a couple for cruising.

Sailmaking Recommendations

For the FIRST 35 S5, 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 using Technora or Carbon fibers with a film-on-film finish to minimize weight aloft and maximize acceleration. For cruising or bluewater sailing, we recommend adding a thin taffeta protective layer on both sides to enhance UV resistance and prevent abrasion during tacks. Based on the 2.79 P/E ratio, a tri-radial load-path layout works best to support the high-aspect leech. A typical high-performance inventory includes a loose-footed mainsail and a 135% furling genoa. Given the 52m² upwind area, plan to take the first reef at approximately 18 knots of true wind.

Conclusion

The FIRST 35 S5 is a high-performance platform that rewards high-modulus sail materials and precise trim. Explore SurgeX membrane sail options to maximize the speed and longevity of your FIRST 35 S5's sail plan.