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NEW BENETEAU FIRST 40 GEARING UP |
These photos are of the new Beneteau First 40 on her maiden voyage. She is the result of a partnership between SAYANN (Cyril Baille) and MADRACO (Christophe Charles). The latest generation of UK-Halsey Sails and Hall Spars rigging were the hands-down choice for optimal performance and service. Her working sails are Matrix Titanium made by UK-Halsey France and her massive chutes were designed in France and built by UK-Halsey Turkey. In a chance encounter with a well-sailed Beneteau First 40.7, Cyril Baillie breathed a sign of relief as his new boat sailed 10 degrees closer to the wind and nearly one knot faster than this sistership to his old SAYANN. Before this dial-up, Cyril couldn’t help wondering if he might be chasing rainbows. SAYANN-MADRACO initial speed testing places her right in the speed targets of the Archambault 40. With the new straight keel option and a mast rake respecting Bruce Farr''s recommendations, the new First 40 has become a serious challenger. Other First 40s have won Spi Ouest 2010, 2009 Rolex Sydney-Hobart and the 2009 Cowes-Dinard race. |