Tuesday, September 01, 2015

Boats Seen at Burnham – Part 3 – Beneteau First 211


  



This is a highly attractive ‘pocket rocket’, a term used by Yachtsnet in their data section. (See first link below.) If one is looking for a boat with exciting performance and at the same time the ability to coastal cruise, this little job may be the answer.

A lot of thought has gone into making her a practical yacht in terms of ergonomics, i.e., her efficient functional properties.  She has slab reefing for the mainsail and a furling, non-overlapping jib for easy tacking and control of sail area. With a fantastic ballast ratio and a deep keel providing lateral and directional stability, she should make to windward better than many yachts of her size. She has the added advantage of being able to dry out level on her raised keel and dual rudders. Dual transom hung rudders allow for the placing of an outboard motor on the centreline where it is most efficient and it can be used on both tacks when motor-sailing - though I doubt this situation will be required, except under special circumstances.

She is a highly practical small yacht for a crew of two, each of whom can sleep in the main cabin on berths either side, that extend into the quarters. There’s room for two children up forward in a double ‘v’ berth. Not everyone will like the chemical toilet under the companionway step, but there it is easily accessed, unlike many small yachts that have their chemical loos tucked away under the forward ‘v’ berth. The self-draining cockpit has sensible seating with good back support and lockers underneath for warps, fenders, etc.

Links

Beneteau First 211 Yachtsnet Archive Details (Excellent Photos)

First 211

Beneteau First 21 Solent Class

First 211 Owners Manual

Beneteau First 211 for Sale £13,995

2001 Beneteau First 211 for Sale £12,150

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