FIRST 40.7 Sail Configuration Guide

Overview

The Beneteau First 40.7, designed by Farr Yacht Design, is a legendary performance cruiser-racer engineered for speed and versatility. It is designed to be competitive on the race course while remaining manageable for fast offshore cruising.

Rig Specifications & Performance Analysis

• Mainsail Configuration: A P/E ratio of 2.76 indicates a high-aspect ratio mainsail, optimized for lift and efficiency in upwind modes.
• Foretriangle Design: The I/J ratio of 3.59 is well-suited for high-aspect jibs and powerful overlapping genoas, depending on the local wind conditions.
• Sail Area: With 75m² of total upwind area, the 40.7 possesses a high power-to-weight ratio for its class.
• Performance: The combination of a 2.41m deep draft and Farr's hull geometry creates a stiff, weatherly boat that excels in close-hauled performance.

Popular Sail Configurations

• Mainsail: Most owners opt for high-modulus configurations that maximize the tall 14.80m luff for better pointing.
• Headsail: Common setups vary between 140% overlapping genoas for light air and 105% non-overlapping working jibs for heavy air performance.

Key Characteristics

• Efficient Lift: The 2.76 P/E ratio provides a high-aspect profile for superior upwind efficiency.
• Versatile Foretriangle: The 3.59 I/J ratio allows for a wide range of headsail sizes and shapes.
• High Stability: The 2.41m draft ensures the boat remains stiff and tracks well in a seaway.
• Balanced Handling: The rig and hull design provide a responsive feel with manageable weather helm.

Sailing Considerations

• Active backstay and traveler management are essential to de-power the high-aspect mainsail as the breeze builds.
• For racing, a crew of 7-9 is typical to manage the generous sail area, though the boat is easily handled by fewer when cruising.
• Performance is highly sensitive to headstay tension, particularly given the 15.81m foretriangle height.

Sailmaking Recommendations

For the FIRST 40.7, 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 2.76 P/E ratio, a tri-radial layout within the membrane works best to handle the vertical loads of the high-aspect rig. A typical inventory includes a SurgeX Mainsail, a Code 2 Jib, and a dedicated reaching sail. With 75m² of sail area, plan to reef around 18-20 knots to maintain an upright, efficient heel angle.

Conclusion

The First 40.7's Farr-designed rig is a masterclass in performance balance, offering significant power across all wind ranges. Explore sail options for FIRST 40.7 to unlock the full potential of this modern classic.