Beneteau First 36SE — Planing Racer-Cruiser Tested

With a draught of 1.95 m and a displacement of 4,400 kg, the Beneteau First 36SE is sized to access many Mediterranean marinas and shallow anchorages while remaining within the hauling limits of common 5-tonne travel lifts, easing logistic planning for race teams and charter operators alike.

From seascape to racecourse: what changed on the SE

The First 36SE (Seascape Edition) is a performance-oriented evolution of the 2022 Beneteau First 36. The design team coordinated with Sam Manuard and Lorenzo Argento and refined hull sections, weight distribution and appendages to prioritise early planing and downwind speed for ORC-style racing. Key structural changes include a slightly remoulded bow, a shorter cast-iron T-keel and a switch from an aluminium mast to a lighter carbonfibre spar, all while keeping the nominal sail area unchanged.

Design priorities and weight savings

The SE reduces overall mass by roughly 400 kg compared with the standard First 36, achieved primarily through a stripped-back interior and the use of foam-cored composite panels in place of traditional wood panelling. The result is a more Spartan, function-driven accommodation that preserves the three-cabin layout while providing a forward sail locker in the forepeak and removable furniture for racing configurations.

Hull, appendages and rig

Manuard’s hull philosophy remains visible: modest beam carried to the stern, flat aft sections to encourage planing, and a well-rockered hull with reverse sheer for useful coachroof height. The SE’s T-keel depth of 1.95 m and trimmed wetted surface area allow competitive ORC ratings without extreme bow shapes. Switching to a carbon mast and detailing the twin-rudder actuation through a hydraulically adjusted tiller contributes significantly to performance and helm feedback.

Cockpit and deck ergonomics

The cockpit has been rethought for racing efficiency. A single tiller replaces twin wheels, and the aft benches are removed to leave an open stern for easier crew movement and trimming. The tiller is routed beneath the traveller for optimal access to winches, while a dedicated mainsheet trimmer station aft of the helm and effective rope stowage keeps the running rigging tidy.

Handling and systems

• Steering: Tiller with hydraulic push-button rudder angle adjustment for twin rudders.
• Winches: Primary and secondary layout with coachroof winches feeding back to the cockpit.
• Deck safety: Soft, grippy foam cockpit sole and well-placed handholds for active crews.

Interior: functional rather than plush

Below, the SE retains the practical three-cabin layout: saloon with central island, compact galley, chart table and a heads forward to starboard. Weight-saving choices create a sparse but practical environment: removable saloon table, sail stowage forepeak and fabric storage bags in lieu of fixed cupboards. The fit-out supports short-handed racing and fast turnarounds for charter operations that demand flexibility between cruising and regatta modes.

Comfort vs. performance trade-offs

Comfort concessions—less wood, fewer cushions and a denuded forepeak—are deliberate. The SE is targeted at sailors who prioritise speed and simplicity over salon warmth. But for owners seeking a dual-purpose craft, the layout still accommodates six aboard for weekend cruising with a degree of comfort.

Performance on the water

In 12–16 knots of breeze with a moderate chop, the SE demonstrates immediate characteristics of an early-planing hull: tight upwind pointing with stable helm balance and impressive acceleration off the wind. Recorded speeds reached around 6.4 knots at 40° apparent in 12–14 knots, while reaching and running saw speeds near and above 10 knots once the kite was engaged and the boat began to plane.

Short-handed handling

The boat’s balanced rudders and efficient control layout make it feasible to manage single- or double-handed. The simple cockpit and accessible winches reduce crew workload, delivering reassuring tracking under sail and simple manoeuvrability in tight marina approaches.

Practical implications for charter and marina operations

For charter operators and marinas, the SE’s lower draft and modest displacement reduce berth constraints and broaden potential berthing options. Its high-performance profile also offers a niche product for performance charters or racing-focused customers seeking a rentable platform that doubles as both a regatta boat and a short-cruise yacht.

Pros, cons and use cases

• Pros: Early planing, light displacement, race-ready features, manageable for short-handed crews.
• Cons: Reduced onboard comfort for cruising purists, higher price than standard First 36 (~€50k increment), sparse interior.
• Best for: Club and offshore racers, performance-focused charter operators, owners who value speed and versatility.

GetBoat always keeps an eye on news related to sailing and seaside vacations, as we truly understand what it means to enjoy great leisure and love the ocean. The GetBoat service values freedom, energy, and the ability to choose your own course; it places no limits on a good life, allowing clients to find a vessel that suits their preferences, budget, and taste.

Forecasting impact: this specific development—the First 36SE—will mainly influence niche performance charter markets and the ORC/racing community rather than altering the broad global tourism map. Start planning your next seaside adventure and make sure to book the best boat and yacht rentals with GetBoat before the opportunity sails away!

Highlights: the First 36SE demonstrates that a production 11–12 m yacht can deliver genuine planing performance, simplified logistics with a shallower draught, and quick conversion between race and cruise modes. Experiencing a new location is always a multifaceted process, where one learns about the culture, nature, the indescribable palette of local colors its rhythm of life and also the unique aspects of the service. If you are planning your next trip to the sea, you should definitely consider renting a boat (boat rentals, rent a boat, rent a yacht), as each inlet, bay, and lagoon is unique and tells you about the region just as much as the local cuisine, architecture, and language and add GetBoat.com

In summary, the Beneteau First 36SE is a focused racer-cruiser that balances lightweight construction, practical deck ergonomics and a simple, adaptable interior to deliver planing performance in a compact, serviceable package. For owners, charter companies and captains seeking a yacht that bridges club racing and spirited coastal cruising, the SE offers an attractive charter and sale proposition: a fast, versatile boat ready for regattas, weekend coastal cruises, bay hopping and fishing runs alike. Whether your next trip targets a beach-studded gulf, a clearwater lagoon, a sunseeker-approved marina or a lake-side slip, the SE’s attributes make it a compelling option across destinations, sailing activities and yachting experiences on the sea and ocean.