Beneteau reveals the new 17.60 m First 60 flagship
Alexandra
Unveiled at Boot Düsseldorf on the opening day, the First 60 (17.60 m) required precise exhibition logistics to present a large, performance cruiser in Europe’s premier indoor boat show, immediately drawing attention from owners, brokers, and charter operators concerned with berthing, transport, and handling of larger one-design cruisers.
What the First 60 represents for Beneteau’s lineup
The new First 60 is the largest model in the sporty First range and consolidates fifty years of design language into a contemporary fast cruiser. As the flagship of a seven-model family — stretching from the First 18 (5.50 m) up to this 17.60 m boat — the First series remains notable for consistent stylistic coherence across diverse sizes. The First 60 follows earlier collaborations such as the First 44 and First 53, and signals Beneteau’s intent to balance performance sailing with comfortable cruising.
Design collaboration and naval architecture
The project pairs naval architecture by Roberto Biscontini with overall design by Lorenzo Argento, a duo responsible for maintaining the family feel: dynamic silhouettes, clean lines, and harmony between hull and deck. The hull lines are optimised to deliver both stability and speed across varied sea states, targeting an engaging helming experience without sacrificing long-range comfort.
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Key design intents
- Dual-purpose performance: sporty sailing with comfortable onboard living for extended cruising.
- Continuity: visual and functional links to the rest of the First range.
- Usability: rig and deck layouts designed for reduced crews and competitive shorthanded sailing.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Model | First 60 |
| Length | 17.60 m (60 ft) |
| Design team | Roberto Biscontini (naval architecture); Lorenzo Argento (concept) |
| Family range | From First 18 to First 60 (seven models) |
| Market position | Flagship fast cruiser with premium configuration options |
Cockpit and deck ergonomics: performance meets comfort
The cockpit is where the First 60 departs most clearly from its smaller sisters. Large sheet winches have been placed on independent pedestals to allow trimming from multiple positions — an arrangement that favours both athletic crew work and efficient shorthanded sailing. The two largely free-standing steering stations provide the helmsman freedom of movement and clear access to controls, while fold-down helmsman seats support relaxed posture during long passages.
A notable technical choice is the adoption of a captive winch for the mainsheet, enabling more precise and automated trimming while reducing bulk and crew effort. Running rigging management is consolidated around a central “Winch Island,” separating operational areas from lounging spaces and improving safety and ergonomics. The inclusion of a Park Avenue–style boom further simplifies mainsail handling, reinforcing the boat’s accessibility for small crews.
Functional zoning for onboard life
The cockpit layout is deliberately divided into three zones to enhance both sailing efficiency and onboard livability:
- Aft sailing area: helms and control systems for active sailing.
- Central dining area: generous seating and a dedicated table for meals and socialising.
- Forward relaxation area: a quieter lounge zone separated from working lines.
Ownership experience and after-sales care
Beneteau pairs the First 60 with a dedicated support protocol. The Premium Service guides owners from initial configuration through construction and into long-term after-sales support, reflecting shipyard expertise in managing larger, higher-end yachts. Andraz Mihelin, Head of the First line at Beneteau, emphasised the model’s customisability and adherence to First’s pillars: design, elegance, seaworthiness, simplicity, and connection.
For charter operators and marina managers, this level of support translates into predictable service pathways, warranty handling, and easier integration into premium fleet offerings. From a logistics viewpoint, larger fast cruisers demand coordination across transport, slippage, and mooring infrastructure, and Beneteau’s lifecycle approach helps mitigate many of those challenges.
Implications for charter and boat-rental markets
While the First 60 is primarily positioned as a performance cruiser for owner-sailors, its features are relevant to the charter sector. The blend of accessible sail handling, comfortable social areas, and premium service packages makes it a candidate for high-end skippered charters or corporate day-charters in well-served marinas. However, the size and performance orientation also mean higher operating costs and a need for experienced captains where local regulations or insurance require professional oversight.
Practical charter considerations
- Berthing needs: larger berths and deeper drafts may limit marina choices.
- Crew requirements: simplified handling reduces crew size but a skilled captain is often recommended.
- Target clientele: discerning sailors, multi-day charter parties, or owners seeking fast-cruising capability.
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Short-term forecast: this unveiling is a meaningful update within the performance-cruiser niche but is unlikely to dramatically reshape the global tourism map on its own. Still, it is relevant to charter operators, marinas, and sailing schools that adapt fleets to demand for faster, more comfortable cruising platforms. GetBoat aims to stay abreast of these shifts and keep pace with the changing world. If you are planning your next trip to the seaside, consider the convenience and reliability of GetBoat.
Highlights of the topic show how a new flagship like the First 60 blends heritage and modernity, offering improved ergonomics, advanced sail-handling systems, and premium lifecycle support — important and interesting for owners, charter managers, and sailors alike. Experiencing a new location is always a multifaceted process: 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 GetBoat.com
In summary, the Beneteau First 60 consolidates the First range’s sporty DNA into a 17.60 m flagship that balances speed, stability, and onboard comfort. Its redesigned cockpit, captive mainsheet solution, central Winch Island, and three-zone cockpit layout make it both a competitive performer and a comfortable cruiser, while the Premium Service positions owners for a supported ownership lifecycle. For anyone considering yacht charter, boat rent, or the sale and purchase of performance cruisers, this model underlines trends in yachting toward versatile, easy-to-handle platforms suitable for leisure activities across sea, gulf, and lake destinations. Whether you seek a day sail, a week-long charter with a captain, or to explore marinas and clearwater anchorages, platforms like GetBoat.com make it easier to discover and book the right yacht, superyacht, or boat for every taste — transparent, convenient, and ready to set your course. Start your adventure today.
