FIRST 45 (BENETEAU - BRIAND)
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 46.16 ft |
| LWL | 38.58 ft |
| Beam | 13.75 ft |
| Draft | 7.83 ft |
| Displacement | 23,369 lb |
| Ballast | 8,543.7 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 8.3 kn |
Rig & Sails
| Pmainsail luff | 23.52 ft |
| Emainsail foot | 18.01 ft |
About the FIRST 45 (BENETEAU - BRIAND)
Optional Deep Keel: draft = 9.0'/2.74m Ballast = 8543 lbs./3874 kg
Designed by Briand Design and built by Beneteau, the First 45 is a performance-oriented cruising yacht with a fractional sloop rig and fin keel. While the exact build count is unspecified in available records, this model represents a specific era of Beneteau's collaboration with Briand, characterized by a displacement of 23369.0 lb and a beam of 13.75 ft.
- Best for:
- This boat suits coastal cruisers and performance-oriented sailors who prioritize speed and handling over heavy bluewater comfort, given its relatively low D/L ratio of 181.68 and SA/D ratio of 19.69.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a capsize ratio of 1.93 and a comfort ratio of 26.95, the First 45 is moderately capable offshore but requires careful attention to structural integrity, particularly regarding the keel and deck core, before undertaking extended passages.
- Comparables:
- Comparable boats include the Beneteau 46 and other Briand-designed yachts from the late 2000s, as they share similar fractional rig configurations and performance-focused hull forms aimed at active cruising.
Performance
ORC Performance Data(47 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 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 16 | 20 | 24 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 52° | 4.3 | 5.8 | 6.9 | 7.7 | 8.1 | 8.3 | 8.3 | 8.5 | 8.5 |
| 60° | 4.6 | 6.1 | 7.2 | 7.9 | 8.2 | 8.4 | 8.6 | 8.7 | 8.8 |
| 75° | 4.7 | 6.3 | 7.4 | 8.0 | 8.4 | 8.7 | 8.9 | 9.1 | 9.2 |
| 90° | 4.6 | 6.3 | 7.5 | 8.2 | 8.5 | 8.7 | 9.0 | 9.4 | 9.7 |
| 110° | 4.7 | 6.4 | 7.7 | 8.4 | 8.8 | 9.3 | 9.5 | 10.0 | 10.2 |
| 120° | 4.5 | 6.2 | 7.5 | 8.3 | 8.8 | 9.2 | 9.7 | 10.5 | 11.2 |
| 135° | 4.0 | 5.6 | 6.9 | 7.8 | 8.4 | 8.9 | 9.4 | 10.5 | 12.2 |
| 150° | 3.3 | 4.7 | 5.9 | 7.0 | 7.8 | 8.4 | 8.8 | 9.8 | 11.0 |
| Beat VMG | 2.8 | 3.8 | 4.7 | 5.3 | 5.8 | 5.9 | 6.1 | 6.2 | 6.2 |
| Run VMG | 2.8 | 4.0 | 5.1 | 6.1 | 6.9 | 7.5 | 8.1 | 8.9 | 9.8 |
Pricing
We don't have market pricing data for the FIRST 45 (BENETEAU - BRIAND) yet. If you own one, help other buyers — what did you pay for it? Reports build a community price estimate over time.
Estimated Cost of Ownership
Based on 46.16ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Articles & Reviews
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
22 reported issues across 8 systems for the FIRST 45 (BENETEAU - BRIAND), compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a FIRST 45 (BENETEAU - BRIAND)? 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 22 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
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Which engine powers your FIRST 45 (BENETEAU - BRIAND)?
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Used sails that fit the FIRST 45 (BENETEAU - BRIAND)
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