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First 45 Unveiled 
  
At the Salon Nautique de Paris, Beneteau's new First 45 has just been revealed to an eager public.  The Launch was hosted by Madame Roux, Bruno Cathelinais (President of Beneteau Group), Henri Brisse (Vice President of Sales & Marketing), Philippe Briand (First 45, First 50 designer) and Ms Tabarly.

Following the success of the recently launched First 50, this new member of the latest generation 'First' follows the same philosophies of plush and performance.  Acclaimed by critics to be even more sporty than the already impressive First 50, the 45 still provides all the comfort and luxury that has become expected from the leading French shipyard.
 
The modern interior boast style and comfort, with oak woodwork, stainless steel fittings and leather trim. The large skylights make for an airy and fresh interior.   Emphasis has also been placed on practicality, with laminated floorboards providing a durable and rugged finish, hand-holds in strategic locations, and very generous living spaces.   Plenty of storage space and well thought out ergonomics assure that the boat is just as desirable for family holidays as well as for on the racecourse.   A truly seductive combination.
 
Underwater, Philippe Briand has once again worked marvels, producing an efficient and easily driven hull.   The powerful fin keel and bulb, coupled with a light and sensitive rudder make for a stiff and responsive boat. The Sports version, with its 18+ metre mast, has plenty of power on tap, with a tapered, 3-spreader mast to extract the maximum out of the sails.   The fine entry on the bow makes for easy upwind sailing, whilst the hard chine on the aft section of the hull guarantees speed and stability once off the wind.

On deck, the boat is kitted out with the best equipment available, with harken and Spinlock hardware, and Dyneema running rigging.   Crew spaces have also been well thought out, with a large open cockpit, carefully positioned winches, and a clean, clutter-free deck.   Cockpit ergonomics have been based on the tried and tested First 40.7, and are aimed at having a boat that is easily manageable in regatta conditions, with a crew of less than ten persons. The aft cockpit is closed off with a beam across the transom, maintaining safety and security without compromising the open plan.   The most notable difference from her larger sister is that the First 45 is now sporting a ball-raced mainsail traveller, right across the cockpit floor, with a dual purchase mainsheet led back to the trimmers' winches.
 
All in all, this new thoroughbred from the European Shipyard of the year promises to live up to its reputation - MORE FIRST THAN EVER!