FIRST CLASS 12 (BENETEAU)
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 39.33 ft |
| LWL | 33.8 ft |
| Beam | 12.47 ft |
| Draft | 6.89 ft |
| Displacement | 9,480 lb |
| Ballast | 4,673.6 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 7.8 kn |
Rig & Sails
| Pmainsail luff | 18.86 ft |
| Emainsail foot | 18.37 ft |
About the FIRST CLASS 12 (BENETEAU)
Based on the earlier BENETEAU ONE TON.
Designed by Jean-Marie Finot and built by Beneteau (FRA) from 1985–1986, the First Class 12 is a rare fractional sloop with only 70 hulls produced. Its lightweight displacement of 9480.0 lb and high SA/D ratio of 26.99 reflect a performance-oriented design that prioritizes speed over heavy cruising comfort.
- Best for:
- This boat suits active coastal cruisers and short-handed racers who value performance and are willing to manage higher maintenance demands. It is less ideal for novice owners seeking a low-maintenance, heavy-displacement bluewater cruiser due to its lighter build and known structural vulnerabilities.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a capsize ratio of 2.36 and a comfort ratio of 14.34, the boat is moderately capable offshore but requires careful attention to its fin keel and rudder integrity for serious bluewater passage-making.
- Comparables:
- Comparable boats include the Beneteau First Class 10 and 14, which share the same Finot design lineage and performance-focused philosophy. It also competes with other mid-80s European performance cruisers like the Oyster 36 or Hallberg-Rassy 36, though those typically offer heavier displacement and different rigging configurations.
Performance
ORC Performance Data(3 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° | 5.1 | 6.1 | 6.7 | 7.1 | 7.3 | 7.4 | 7.5 |
| 60° | 5.4 | 6.3 | 6.9 | 7.2 | 7.4 | 7.6 | 7.7 |
| 75° | 5.5 | 6.5 | 7.0 | 7.4 | 7.6 | 7.8 | 8.0 |
| 90° | 5.4 | 6.4 | 7.1 | 7.5 | 7.7 | 7.9 | 8.3 |
| 110° | 5.4 | 6.5 | 7.2 | 7.7 | 8.0 | 8.3 | 8.7 |
| 120° | 5.2 | 6.3 | 7.1 | 7.6 | 8.0 | 8.3 | 9.0 |
| 135° | 4.6 | 5.8 | 6.7 | 7.3 | 7.7 | 8.1 | 8.8 |
| 150° | 3.9 | 5.0 | 6.0 | 6.7 | 7.1 | 7.5 | 8.0 |
| Beat VMG | 3.3 | 4.1 | 4.6 | 5.0 | 5.2 | 5.3 | 5.4 |
| Run VMG | 3.4 | 4.4 | 5.2 | 5.8 | 6.2 | 6.6 | 7.5 |
Market Price
Estimated Cost of Ownership
Based on 39.33ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
23 reported issues across 8 systems for the FIRST CLASS 12 (BENETEAU), compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a FIRST CLASS 12 (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 23 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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