FIRST 36.7 Sail Configuration Guide

Overview

The FIRST 36.7, designed by Farr Yacht Design for Beneteau, is a benchmark performance cruiser-racer built for competitive fleet racing and fast coastal cruising. It balances a responsive hull with a powerful rig to satisfy demanding sailors seeking both speed and versatility.

Rig Specifications & Performance Analysis

• Mainsail Configuration: A P/E ratio of 2.87 indicates a high-aspect rig, optimized for efficiency and lift when sailing close-hauled.
• Foretriangle Design: The I/J ratio of 3.79 supports powerful overlapping genoas while remaining compatible with high-modulus working jibs.
• Sail Area: 65m² total upwind area provides a high power-to-displacement ratio for light-air performance.
• Performance: The rig is designed for a weatherly performance, excelling in windward-leeward configurations with a stiff, responsive feel.

Popular Sail Configurations

• Mainsail: Configurations typically feature a loose-footed design to maximize trim control and depth adjustment.
• Headsail: Common setups vary from 150% overlapping genoas for light-air lakes to 100% non-overlapping jibs for heavy-weather coastal use.

Key Characteristics

• High-aspect P/E ratio (2.87) ensures exceptional windward pointing ability.
• Versatile I/J ratio (3.79) allows for a wide range of headsail inventory options.
• 10.61m LOA combined with a 3.47m beam creates a stable and weatherly platform.
• Farr-designed underwater profile ensures a balanced helm and minimal leeway.

Sailing Considerations

• Active backstay adjustment is critical to manage headstay sag and maintain optimal jib shape.
• Requires a coordinated crew of 6-8 for racing, though the rig is manageable for short-handed cruising.
• Performance expectations include early planing potential downwind and high stability upwind.

Sailmaking Recommendations

For the FIRST 36.7, 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 2.87 P/E ratio, a tri-radial fiber layout works best to handle the high vertical loads of this rig. A typical inventory includes a SurgeX Mainsail and a Class-compliant Jib. With 65m² of sail area, plan to reef around 18 knots to maintain an efficient heel angle.

Conclusion

The FIRST 36.7 remains a premier choice for sailors who demand a stiff, fast, and weatherly yacht. Its rig dimensions are perfectly suited for modern continuous fiber membranes. Explore sail options for FIRST 36.7.