The BENETEAU First 35 (Design 622) is the little sister of the BENETEAU First 40 by Farr Yacht Design launched in 2008. The efficient, modern interior arrangement is based on a fairly standard and well-proven layout with a central saloon, the galley to port, navigation station to starboard, V-berths forward and one double berth stateroom aft to port, single head and shower aft to starboard, and well apportioned locker space. Hull, rig and appendages are configured to realize the best performance versus handicap for racing under IRC. These specific IRC-oriented design features include an undistorted hull shape with powerful ends to quickly maximize sailing length when heeled; a large, non-overlapping headsail rig and a “T” keel for high stability and low drag.  The rig also includes large masthead spinnakers for excellent downwind performance.

The ‘T-keel’ appendage package on the BENETEAU First 35 is a development of the style commonly seen in larger high performance race boats.  The keel package consists of a cast iron bulb which is bolted to the bottom of the cast iron fin. This ensures a low center of gravity for improved righting moment, power and speed. A lead bulb, with reduced wetted surface area, is offered as an option for a racing upgrade to replace the standard cast iron bulb.  The bulb shaping features a chine on the lower aft corners which further lowers the center of gravity and improves the efficiency of the keel by increasing its effective span.  The rudder blade has a moderate aspect ratio and forgiving foil section shapes which will provide excellent control and maneuverability in all conditions.

The layout of the deck and cockpit strikes a balance between the dual requirements of competitive boat handling with an ergonomic and spacious cockpit for round the buoys maneuvers, and comfort and versatility while cruising or at anchor. All sail handling lines are led aft to the cockpit for efficiency and safety.  The single wheel and wide aft cockpit area gives the helmsman good position and visibility, provides an expansive area for sun bathing and offers easy passage and transom access.  The forward cockpit area has been optimized for both boat handling and comfort with ample seating room and gear stowage with versatile, removable seat lockers.

The BENETEAU First 35 is constructed from a production-friendly combination of E-glass reinforcements in a polyester resin.  The monolithic hull is hand-laminated using chopped strand mat and woven rovings.  Structural hull bottom and keel support comes from a one-piece molded liner consisting of unidirectional and biaxial reinforcements, while the hull topsides are stiffened with a single longitudinal stringer. The balsa-cored deck and structural headliner, both laminated from unidirectional and multi-axial reinforcements, are vacuum-infused together in a closed mould.  This process achieves a uniform distribution of resin throughout the laminate, and yields a clean, finished surface on both the outside and inside skins.

Design 622 will fulfill the club racer’s desire for a versatile and competitive cruiser/racer at a popular size and price.

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