FIRST 35 S5 Sail Configuration Guide

Overview

The FIRST 35 S5, designed by J. Berret for Beneteau, is a performance-oriented cruiser-racer that balances racing agility with cruising comfort. It targets active sailors looking for a responsive hull capable of competitive club racing and fast coastal passages.

Rig Specifications & Performance Analysis

• Mainsail Configuration: A P/E ratio of 2.83 indicates a moderately high-aspect rig, providing efficient lift and better upwind performance.
• Foretriangle Design: The I/J ratio of 3.98 is notably high, indicating a design that favors large, powerful overlapping genoas to drive the boat.
• Sail Area: 50m² total upwind area.
• Performance: The sail plan is optimized for light-to-moderate air versatility, requiring technical trim to manage the power-to-weight ratio in heavier breeze.

Popular Sail Configurations

• Mainsail: Standard configurations usually feature a full-batten or 2+2 setup to maintain the 13-meter luff profile.
• Headsail: Most owners utilize a large 135% to 150% overlapping genoa to maximize the high I/J ratio, supplemented by a heavy-weather jib.

Key Characteristics

• High-aspect 2.83 P/E ratio ensures efficient lift and excellent pointing ability.
• Aggressive 3.98 I/J ratio provides significant power via large headsails.
• 10.45m LOA combined with a 3.57m beam offers a stiff, stable sailing platform.
• Berret-designed hull ensures a weatherly boat that excels in close-hauled conditions.

Sailing Considerations

• The boat is most efficient in 8-15 knots of true wind; consider reefing the main once speeds exceed 18 knots.
• Ideal for a crew of 4-6 when racing, though the deck layout allows for short-handed cruising.
• Precise backstay and traveler control are essential to depower the high-aspect rig in gusts.

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 with carbon or Technora fibers and 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 fiber layout within the membrane works best to handle vertical and horizontal loads. A typical inventory includes a high-modulus mainsail and a 140% genoa. With 50m² of upwind sail area, plan to reef around 18 knots to maintain a flat heel angle.

Conclusion

The FIRST 35 S5 is a versatile J. Berret classic that rewards high-quality sail shapes and technical trimming. Explore sail options for FIRST 35 S5 to maximize your yacht's potential.