Yachting Art Magazine

June 11 2025

Unveiled in June 2025, the Beneteau First 36 SE is a regatta-oriented evolution of the First 36 model developed by Bénéteau in collaboration with Seascape. Lighter, more refined and designed to maximise performance in IRC and ORC races, this 11.98-metre sailing boat has clear technical ambitions. Read the full review on Yachting Art, the magazine that makes you want to go sailing!

Beneteau First 36 SE: planing optimisation according to Bénéteau

In the world of planing monohulls, the SE version of the First 36 now occupies a place of its own. Developed from the First 36 platform, this performance-oriented model aims to offer a more engaging sailing experience while maintaining an accessible structure for experienced sailors. Behind the acronym SE — for Seascape Edition — lies an optimised architecture, tailored to racers who want to get the most out of a production sailboat in a competitive environment.

A redesigned hull plan to reduce drag

One of the first areas of focus was the overall size of the boat. The First 36 SE retains the dimensions of the original version (11.98 m long, 3.80 m wide), but its displacement has been reduced by 400 kg. This weight reduction, combined with specific work on the bow geometry – shortening the waterline and reducing the wetted surface area by almost 3 m² – improves acceleration and planing performance, particularly in light winds.

This work on the hull is reinforced by the integration of a tiller in place of the double wheel steering system. This more direct configuration improves responsiveness at the helm, an essential criterion for tactical regattas or double-handed manoeuvres.

Three signatures for a common goal: efficiency under rating

The development of the Beneteau First 36 SE is based on a multidisciplinary team. Samuel Manuard, who designed the standard version of the First 36, is responsible for architectural continuity. Bernard Nivelt is working on adjustments related to the IRC rating, while Maurizio Cossutti is contributing his ORC expertise. The result is an indicative APH rating of 520 with a full crew and 530 for double-handed sailing, according to initial test certificates.

This approach is based on a precise compromise: to remain competitive in regattas while maintaining technical and budgetary accessibility, far removed from one-off prototypes.

A cockpit redesigned for manoeuvring ergonomics

Beyond pure performance, the Beneteau First 36 SE incorporates significant adjustments on deck. The cockpit benefits from soft foam grip to enhance grip during active sailing. The helm station has been completely reconfigured, with ergonomics designed to reduce fatigue on long legs. An e-bar allows the angle of the tiller to be adjusted precisely.

Other features specific to this version include flush valves for racing, carbon rigging and a general deck layout optimised for quick transitions between manoeuvres.

Performance in real conditions: initial feedback

The first sail trials were conducted in moderate conditions. According to Samuel Manuard, the weight reduction is noticeable from the very first gusts. ‘We were planing in less than 12 knots of real wind, which is rare for a boat of this size.’ He also highlights the stability at high speed, thanks in particular to the twin rudders, which ensure control despite the wide transom.

Lorenzo Argento, owner of a standard Beneteau First 36 and designer of the model, emphasises the boat's overall responsiveness. He describes an immediate feeling of lightness at the helm, increased responsiveness when tacking and better adaptation to unstable winds.

Andraž Mihelin, managing director of Seascape, describes a boat that is more responsive than the classic version, capable of taking advantage of the slightest breeze to get up on plane. He believes that the SE could well be ‘the fastest 36-foot production boat on the market today.’

Reduced but retained performance

Although designed for racing, this version retains some of its cruising DNA. The interior layout is similar to the standard First 36: two double cabins, a bathroom, a simplified galley and a simplified saloon. The living space has not been sacrificed, but has been stripped back in a ‘light but liveable’ spirit.

In terms of propulsion, the boat is equipped with a 29 hp diesel engine, with a 70-litre fuel tank and 200 litres of fresh water capacity, enough for extended coastal cruising without immediate stopovers.

Positioning in the range and market outlook

With this model, Bénéteau and Seascape are seeking to attract a specific clientele: amateur coastal racing crews, mixed double-handed sailors, and owners who want to sail fast without going down the prototype route. By retaining some of its cruising modularity, the First 36 SE also opens the door to hybrid use.

It is being launched in an already competitive segment, up against more regatta-oriented boats such as the J/112E, the Dehler 38 SQ and the Elan E6. The challenge for the Beneteau First 36SE is to combine performance, ease of use and industrial reliability — a trio of qualities rarely found in this niche market.

Analysis - With the First 36 SE, Bénéteau is refining its strategy in the sports monohull segment. Without disrupting the original platform, this lighter and optimised version offers a more competitive alternative without compromising on technical fundamentals or on-board usability. It remains to be seen how it will fare on the starting lines... and at the finish.