Efficiency is the byword for this new Beneteau First 44 in both production and performance on the water

There’s a glassy calm, without a ripple on the water, yet we’re slipping along on the new Beneteau First 44 under Code 0 at four knots of boat speed. Of course, there’s a zephyr of breeze at the masthead, but even then this wouldn’t have been possible in a 44ft yacht weighing 10 tonnes a decade or two ago.

The Beneteau First 44 is a great example of the recent shift towards designs that are rewarding to sail in very light airs. This makes sense whether you’re based in southern England or the Mediterranean – in both cases summer winds are statistically Force 3 or less for at least 50% of the time.

A boat that will sail well in light airs is therefore to be welcomed and reduces the amount of tedious motoring needed to maintain acceptable speeds on passage. In the past good light airs performance was all too often a result of an oversized rig, or lack of ballast, and therefore came at the expense of ability in stronger winds.

However, that’s not the case with this boat. Conceptually, it’s very much like a smaller version of the Benteau First 53, which is well proven in heavy weather. It benefits from a hull shape with very high form stability, along with a choice of deep, low centre of gravity keels.

First 44 performs well in light airs. Photo: Gilles Martin-Raget

Naval architect Roberto Biscontini gave the new design a…