Beneteau First 36 SE: the planning racer optimized by Cossutti-Ganz for the ORC world

June 24, 2025

Our studio collaborated on the development of the new SE – Seascape Edition of the First 36, one of the sportiest boats recently produced by Beneteau, designed by Sam Manuard and Lorenzo Argento. The SE version is conceived to be more race-oriented and optimized for ORC racing, offering an ultimate high-speed sailing experience.

The Beneteau yard involved us in the design of the racing evolution of the First 36, a boat that had already proven its worth by winning the Rolex Middle Sea Race. The goal was to enhance the platform into a racing version capable of competing at the highest level. This new configuration was created to offer a planing racer that performs at the highest level while remaining deeply connected to the sailor at the helm. Our contribution was specifically focused on maximize ORC racing potential, bringing our extensive rating-rule expertise.

Every aspect—from hull shape to cockpit layout, keel design, and displacement—has been refined for speed, balance, and an improved handicap rating. According to early ORC certificates, the estimated APH (All Purpose Handicap) is around 520 for fully crewed configuration and around 530 for double-handed teams, with a displacement about 400 kg lighter than the standard First 36.

What’s new in the First 36 SE version?

Several key features distinguish the SE version from the standard one. The twin steering wheels have been replaced by a more responsive tiller, allowing for a more direct and intuitive control, creating an ergonomic helmsman position. Soft foam deck grip is added throughout the cockpit for more comfort and confidence underfoot.

As for the features, the First 36 SE now comes standard with flush racing seacocks, an e-bar to fine-tune tiller angle adjustment, and a carbon rig to further enhance performance. The keel shape was slightly revised to better match ORC rules.

As mentioned above, overall displacement is reduced by 400 kg (881 pounds). This lower displacement, combined with a redesigned bow knuckle, shortens the waterline and decreases the wetted surface area by nearly 3 m² (approximately 30 square feet), resulting in improved acceleration and even greater high-speed planing joy.

The result is a lighter, more responsive yacht—ideal for both fully crewed and double-handed racing. It offers outstanding helm sensitivity and strong performance even in light air, while still retaining all of the cruising amenities of a standard First 36—albeit in a more lightweight and ascetic execution.