Beneteau Frirst 305

wiggy

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13 Jun 2001
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Any thoughts on this boat for family cruiser/occasional racer. Yes I know they are light but any other first hand thoughts much appreciated.

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alan

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7 Jun 2001
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I've been on a 305S that was use by a school and for occasional racing. The boat I was on had running backstays (I don't know if this is standard or not) but you may want to consider this if you are sailing as a family and don't want the extra work or do not have enough hands to manage them. Apart from that the boat should be fine for what you are looking for - they can hold their own in racing in a cruising boat class.

Alan.
Nettuno, Italy.

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billmacfarlane

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16 May 2001
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I think that the First range of Beneteaus in the mid 80's, when the 305 was built was the best boats they've built. The 305 has a practical cockpit, a comfortable interior and good though not frightening performance. They came in various flavours, a racing version which has a larger rig, a cruising fin keeled version which is by far the most popular in the UK and a twin rudder, lifting keel version which you'd need to go to France to buy. Also have a gander at one of its rivals, the Jeanneau Sunlight which I sailed for 12 years with 2 young daughters, though I think the 305 will sail quicker.

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