FIRST 40.7 Sail Configuration Guide

Overview

The FIRST 40.7, designed by Bruce Farr for Beneteau, is a legendary cruiser-racer that balances competitive regatta performance with comfortable offshore capabilities. It targets performance-oriented sailors who demand a responsive, weatherly hull suitable for both IRC racing and fast coastal cruising.

Rig Specifications & Performance Analysis

• Mainsail Configuration: A P/E ratio of 2.75 indicates a high-aspect rig, offering excellent lift-to-drag ratios for superior upwind pointing.
• Foretriangle Design: An I/J ratio of 3.55 suits high-aspect headsails, providing efficient power without the handling complexity of massive overlaps.
• Sail Area: 73m² total upwind area delivers a potent power-to-weight ratio for its class.
• Performance: The rig is designed for stiffness and efficiency, making it highly competitive in light-to-moderate air while remaining manageable in a breeze.

Popular Sail Configurations

• Mainsail: Owners typically utilize full-batten configurations for shape stability in cruising or high-roach designs for racing.
• Headsail: Configurations range from 105% non-overlapping jibs for ease of tacking to larger genoas for light-air performance.

Key Characteristics

• High-aspect 2.75 P/E ratio ensures efficient upwind lift and reduced drag.
• Modern 3.55 I/J ratio supports versatile, high-aspect headsail inventories.
• 11.92m LOA combined with a 3.77m beam creates a stable, powerful sailing platform.
• Bruce Farr hull geometry provides excellent tracking and a stiff, weatherly feel.

Sailing Considerations

The FIRST 40.7 is a close-winded performer that remains balanced and predictable across various wind ranges. While manageable for short-handed cruising, a crew of 6-8 is recommended to maximize performance during competitive racing. Expect a stiff, responsive ride that handles heavy weather with confidence.

Sailmaking Recommendations

For the FIRST 40.7, we recommend SurgeX membrane sails as the optimal choice for most sailors. SurgeX uses continuous fiber technology where fibers are laid precisely 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 significantly 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 2.75 P/E ratio, a tri-radial fiber layout works best to distribute high vertical loads. A typical inventory includes a 39m² main, a Code 2 jib, and a versatile asymmetric spinnaker. With 73m² of sail area, plan to reef around 18-20 knots to maintain an upright, efficient heel angle.

Conclusion

The FIRST 40.7 remains a benchmark for the cruiser-racer category, offering a versatile rig that rewards high-quality sail construction. Explore sail options for the FIRST 40.7 to maximize your boat's speed and longevity.