First 36 SE Makes Waves with Podium Finish at World Championship Debut
The newly launched First 36 SE has made a splash in the offshore racing world, securing a podium finish at the 4th ORC Double-Handed World Championship. This unexpected success highlights the boat’s potential as a serious contender in competitive racing circuits.
A Challenging Course and a Strong Performance
Facing a fleet of 29 boats in the ORC B class, the First 36 SE navigated a demanding 165-mile windward/leeward course. Despite being a newcomer, the boat held its own against seasoned competitors, finishing just one minute behind second place. This impressive result underscores the boat’s design and capabilities.
Architect’s Perspective: Speed and Dynamics
Samuel Manuard, the naval architect behind the First 36 SE, helmed the boat during the championship. He expressed satisfaction with the boat’s performance, stating:
“It was a magnificent race. Our goal was primarily to discover the boat and better understand its behavior. We had a good rhythm, with some very good phases, especially in light winds. I am really satisfied with its speed and its dynamics.”
Manuard acknowledged some minor errors during nighttime transitions that allowed leading boats to gain an advantage. However, he believes the First 36 SE demonstrated its ability to blend comfortable cruising with high-level performance.
Enthusiastic Crew and Versatile Performance
Jure Jerman, a prominent figure in the First SE community, echoed Manuard’s enthusiasm. He emphasized the boat’s competitiveness in various conditions, stating, “The First 36 SE was competitive in all conditions. If we lost, it was mainly because of our mistakes. The merit of the performance really goes to the boat.”
Andraž Mihelin, CEO of Seascape and head of the First range at Beneteau, shared this positive sentiment. He explained that the World Championship served as a valuable performance test for the new boat. The feedback from Manuard confirms that the First 36 SE is a versatile and capable racer, appealing to a wide range of sailing enthusiasts.
Looking Ahead: Regatta Plans for 2026
Mihelin added, “We will now work with our future owners on their regatta projects for 2026, in order to offer them a platform that is both fun and competitive.” This commitment suggests a focus on supporting owners in their racing endeavors and fostering a strong community around the First 36 SE.
A New Chapter for the First Range
The First 36 SE’s podium finish signals a new era for the First range. It demonstrates that the boat is not only a fast cruising sailboat but also a capable racing machine. This successful debut marks the beginning of a new chapter, with the First range aiming to attract an even broader community of passionate sailors.
Key Takeaways:
- The First 36 SE achieved a podium finish at its first major race, the ORC Double-Handed World Championship.
- The boat demonstrated strong performance in various conditions, impressing both its architect and crew.
- The success highlights the First 36 SE’s versatility as both a comfortable cruiser and a competitive racer.
- Beneteau and Seascape are committed to supporting owners in their racing ambitions.
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