FIRST CLASS 7 (BENETEAU)
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 21.5 ft |
| LWL | 20 ft |
| Beam | 8 ft |
| Draft | 4.9 ft/ 2.08 ft min |
| Displacement | 1,975 lb |
| Ballast | 740 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 6.0 kn |
About the FIRST CLASS 7 (BENETEAU)
Designed by Jean-Marie Finot and Jacques Fauroux and built by Beneteau (FRA) from 1983–1985, the First Class 7 is a compact 21.5 ft fractional sloop with a production run of 120 hulls. Its lightweight displacement of 1975.0 lb and high SA/D ratio of 22.01 reflect a design prioritizing performance and ease of handling over heavy offshore comfort.
- Best for:
- This boat suits coastal cruisers and weekend racers who value a trailerable package with strong upwind performance, as well as single-handers or couples seeking a manageable 21.5 ft vessel with a fractional rig.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a low D/L ratio of 110.21 and a comfort ratio of 9.35, the First Class 7 is best suited for protected coastal waters rather than extended bluewater passages, as its light displacement and narrow beam limit seakeeping in heavy weather.
- Comparables:
- Comparable boats include the Beneteau First Class 6 and 8, which share the same designer lineage and era, as well as other 20–22 ft trailerable fractionals like the O'Day 23 or Catalina 22, though the FC7 offers a more modern fin keel and lighter displacement.
Performance
ORC Performance Data(2 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° | 4.4 | 5.2 | 5.7 | 6.0 | 6.2 | 6.3 | 6.5 |
| 60° | 4.6 | 5.4 | 5.9 | 6.2 | 6.4 | 6.6 | 6.8 |
| 75° | 4.8 | 5.5 | 6.0 | 6.3 | 6.7 | 6.9 | 7.3 |
| 90° | 4.8 | 5.7 | 6.3 | 6.7 | 6.9 | 7.0 | 7.8 |
| 110° | 4.9 | 5.8 | 6.3 | 6.8 | 7.4 | 7.9 | 8.7 |
| 120° | 4.7 | 5.7 | 6.2 | 6.7 | 7.3 | 7.9 | 9.9 |
| 135° | 4.2 | 5.2 | 5.9 | 6.4 | 6.9 | 7.4 | 9.3 |
| 150° | 3.5 | 4.5 | 5.4 | 6.0 | 6.4 | 6.8 | 8.0 |
| Beat VMG | 2.9 | 3.5 | 4.0 | 4.3 | 4.5 | 4.5 | 4.5 |
| Run VMG | 3.1 | 3.9 | 4.7 | 5.3 | 5.9 | 6.3 | 7.1 |
Pricing
We don't have market pricing data for the FIRST CLASS 7 (BENETEAU) 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 21.5ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
9 reported issues across 7 systems for the FIRST CLASS 7 (BENETEAU), compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a FIRST CLASS 7 (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 9 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 CLASS 7 (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, Westerbeke — is it one of these?
Already know your engine? Search all engines → to find its exact parts.
Used sails that fit the FIRST CLASS 7 (BENETEAU)
Checking eBay for sails sized to this boat's rig…