Beneteau Unveils the First 60
Beneteau has pulled the cover off the First 60 concept, marking the 50th anniversary of its First line with a bold new flagship that blends performance sailing with long-range comfort. Unveiled at Boot Düsseldorf, the 62-foot design is the largest First ever built and signals where one of sailing’s most storied performance brands is heading next.
Designed by Biscontini Yacht Design with Lorenzo Argento responsible for both the exterior and interior styling, the First 60 targets sailors who want speed and responsiveness at the helm without giving up the livability needed for extended cruising.
Beneteau describes the boat as “crafted for sailors who seek intensity, precision at the helm, and the satisfaction of fine-tuning every detail,” positioning the First 60 squarely in the crossover space between race-bred performance and true cruising capability.
A performance platform with offshore range
From the dock, the First 60 presents a clean and modern profile defined by long waterlines and minimal visual clutter. Argento’s exterior design pares the boat back to essential lines.
For sailors used to covering long distances, the deck plan reflects serious thought about how boats are actually sailed offshore. The Walk-Around Winch Island places running rigging in a centralized and protected location, keeping sail handling efficient and secure. A captive mainsheet winch and Park Avenue boom are intended to make sail handling more precise and less physically demanding, especially when short-handed.
Adaptive helm ergonomics are shaped around the sailor’s natural posture, an important detail for long watches behind the wheel. According to Beneteau, the goal was a cockpit that supports both high-intensity sailing and endurance cruising.
Beneteau says the First 60 is the only yacht in its size range to divide the cockpit into three distinct zones (Sailing, Dining and Relaxation), allowing crews to trim sails, share meals, or unwind without interfering with one another.
Interior designed for life underway
Belowdecks, the First 60 is laid out to support real life at sea. The main salon combines a forward-facing nav station with a dedicated seating area, allowing watchkeepers and off-watch crew to stay connected without crowding the workspace.
The full-beam galley is designed around long work surfaces and integrated storage, a layout that will matter to sailors who cook regularly underway and need secure footing and easy access to provisions.
Forward, the owner’s cabin is one of the standout features. A walk-around, forward-facing berth, abundant natural light, and broad sea views aim to make it a comfortable retreat after long days on passage.
Argento’s interior styling carries the same aesthetic found on deck, blending warmth with modern materials for a look that is meant to remain current well beyond the boat’s launch cycle.
Built for a connected owner community
Beneteau is also positioning the First 60 as a gateway into its broader First owner ecosystem. The builder says owners will receive personal guidance during configuration, support throughout construction, and long-term backing through its Premium Service program.
Final thoughts
With a 62-foot length overall, nearly 50,000 pounds of displacement, and CE Category A certification, the First 60 is designed for serious offshore work as well as fast coastal sailing.
The concept signals Beneteau’s intent to keep the First name relevant to sailors who want both exhilaration and endurance. For long-range cruisers who still care deeply about how a boat sails, the First 60 suggests that performance and passagemaking do not have to be separate paths.
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