FIRST 260 SPIRIT (BENETEAU)
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 24.57 ft |
| LWL | 24.11 ft |
| Beam | 9.06 ft |
| Draft | 6.07 ft/ 2.79 ft min |
| Displacement | 4,740 lb |
| Ballast | 1,432.9 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 6.6 kn |
About the FIRST 260 SPIRIT (BENETEAU)
Renamed the FIRST 25.7 (2004). The designer, Jean-Marie Finot owned a FIRST 260 for a number of years. Thanks to 260 owner 'ceeceebee' for providing additional information.
Designed by Groupe Finot and built by Beneteau (FRA), the First 260 Spirit is a compact fractional sloop with 500 hulls built in 1994. Its lightweight displacement of 4740.0 lb and high SA/D ratio of 19.85 indicate a design prioritizing performance and ease of handling over heavy offshore comfort.
- Best for:
- This boat suits coastal cruisers and weekend sailors seeking a responsive, easy-to-handle package that is manageable for single-handers or couples. Its dimensions and rigging make it ideal for trailerable or marina-based cruising rather than extended offshore passages.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a low displacement of 4740.0 lb and a capsize ratio of 2.16, this boat is not designed for serious bluewater cruising and is best suited for protected coastal waters.
- Comparables:
- Comparable boats include the Beneteau First 23.7 and First 26, which share similar fractional sloop rigs and performance-oriented hull forms from the same era. Other contemporaries like the O'Day 23 or Catalina 22 offer similar footprints but typically feature heavier displacement and different rig configurations.
Direct variant of the FIRST 260 SPIRIT (BENETEAU)
Near-identical models — same hull, builder and designer, re-badged or lightly changed. Specs and owner-reported issues are typically shared across the group, so a sister model's page may carry detail this one doesn't.
Performance
ORC Performance Data(13 certificates)
Measured performance data from ORC (Offshore Racing Congress) certificates.
Polar Diagram
Boat speed (kn) vs. true wind angle. Source: ORC
Racing Ratings
Triple Number
ORC Measured
Sail Areas (ORC)
Speed Table (kn)
| TWA \ TWS | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 16 | 20 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 52° | 4.7 | 5.5 | 5.9 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.1 |
| 60° | 4.9 | 5.7 | 6.1 | 6.2 | 6.2 | 6.3 | 6.3 |
| 75° | 5.2 | 5.9 | 6.2 | 6.4 | 6.5 | 6.6 | 6.6 |
| 90° | 5.2 | 5.9 | 6.3 | 6.5 | 6.7 | 6.9 | 7.1 |
| 110° | 5.2 | 6.0 | 6.4 | 6.8 | 7.0 | 7.2 | 7.5 |
| 120° | 5.0 | 5.9 | 6.3 | 6.7 | 7.1 | 7.5 | 7.9 |
| 135° | 4.5 | 5.5 | 6.1 | 6.5 | 6.8 | 7.3 | 8.1 |
| 150° | 3.9 | 4.8 | 5.6 | 6.0 | 6.3 | 6.6 | 7.3 |
| Beat VMG | 3.1 | 3.6 | 4.0 | 4.1 | 4.1 | 4.1 | 4.0 |
| Run VMG | 3.4 | 4.2 | 4.8 | 5.3 | 5.8 | 6.2 | 6.8 |
Market Price
Estimated Cost of Ownership
Based on 24.57ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Articles & Reviews
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
7 reported issues across 5 systems for the FIRST 260 SPIRIT (BENETEAU), compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a FIRST 260 SPIRIT (BENETEAU)? This is an in-depth report on the faults this model is known for — so you know exactly what to check when you walk the boat. For the price of a coffee.
- ✓ All 7 specific issues — severity, symptoms & fixes
- ✓ Model-specific pre-purchase inspection checklist
- ✓ Downloadable PDF to take to your surveyor — yours to keep
One-time $2.99 · secure checkout by Stripe · instant access · 30 days online, PDF yours to keep
Similar Sailboats
Which engine powers your FIRST 260 SPIRIT (BENETEAU)?
We haven't confirmed the engine for this model yet. If you own or know one, tell us — as owners report in, we build an accurate picture over time.
Brands sometimes mentioned for this model: Yanmar — is it one of these?
Already know your engine? Search all engines → to find its exact parts.
Used sails that fit the FIRST 260 SPIRIT (BENETEAU)
Checking eBay for sails sized to this boat's rig…