Tidelines: New Beneteau

A new performance yacht from Beneteau arrives in Auckland in early March.

The First 31.7 evolved from the Finot/Conq one-design racing hull of the Figaro Beneteau. It has a modified rig, keel and rudder but not the water ballast of the high-performance version.

Already making a name for itself in Europe, the new Beneteau is aimed at racing fanatics as well as those seeking a fast cruiser. It has a fractional rig with two sets of angled spreaders and no runners. Racing deck fittings are delivered as standard.