BENETEAU has introduced the First 36 Spirit, an 11.98-metre sailing yacht that takes the planing-cruiser idea established by the First 36 and pares it back around lightness, direct control and a simpler relationship between crew and boat. The new model sits only two centimetres below Leisure Boat Guide’s 12-metre ceiling, making it one of the largest sailing launches still within LBG’s core scope.
The Spirit is not positioned as a more luxurious version of the existing First 36. BENETEAU instead describes it as a more focused interpretation, removing equipment and complexity where they do not contribute directly to sailing, while retaining three cabins and enough cruising functionality for owners who want to combine performance with overnight use.
Light displacement and twin-rudder control
Official specifications give a lightship displacement of 4,620kg, a 3.80-metre beam and a maximum draft of 2.25 metres. Naval architecture is by Samuel Manuard, with exterior design by Lorenzo Argento and structural engineering by PURE Design & Engineering.
BENETEAU says the hull is intended to accelerate quickly in light air and move onto the plane once the breeze reaches around 15 knots. Twin rudders are used to maintain precise steering as heel and speed increase, while the wide stern creates both stability and a large working cockpit.
A cockpit that changes between sailing and cruising
The deck plan keeps the mainsheet, traveller and primary winch within reach of the helm positions, allowing the person steering to remain closely involved in sail handling. Removable cockpit boxes and a removable table can be installed for cruising and taken away when a cleaner, more performance-focused cockpit is preferred.
A lightweight bathing platform gives direct access to the water, while a large aft locker is reserved for sailing equipment. The approach is intentionally modular: comfort is added when needed rather than permanently occupying the working deck.
Three cabins without turning into a heavy cruiser
Below deck, the First 36 Spirit uses a single three-cabin, one-head layout. BENETEAU has kept the saloon and cabins deliberately straightforward, with open storage concepts and a compact head using a folding sink to reduce the amount of fixed furniture and weight.
Tankage is similarly restrained, with 70 litres of fuel and 160 litres of fresh water. Auxiliary power comes from a single inboard engine rated up to 29hp, while CE certification is listed as A6, B8 and C10 depending on operating category and crew numbers.
Spirit revives a familiar First idea
The “Spirit” name reaches back into BENETEAU First history, but the company is using it here to describe a design philosophy rather than a retro exercise. The emphasis is on responsiveness, simplicity and retaining a clear sense of what the boat is doing through the helm and sails.
For buyers comparing sub-12m performance cruisers, the most significant distinction is that the First 36 Spirit does not try to maximise domestic equipment. It offers three cabins and genuine cruising capability while prioritising a 4.62-tonne light displacement, planing potential and a cockpit that can be stripped back for sailing.