Differences between first 211 / 21.7 / 20

[TheChris]

Since about a year, I am considering downsizing to a smaller boat. Last weekend I was invited to sail along on a Beneteau first 21.7 and absolutely loved it!
I mostly sail single-handed and I'm planning on renting one to see how she sails without a crew.

Are there any differences between the 211, 21.7 and 20 models other than styling? I've read the 211 comes with a CE "B/Offshore" rating while the 21.7 and 20 both have a "C/Inshore" rating. I understand comparing the rating is somewhat flawed, but the difference in rating may hint at some substantial differences between these models?

A concern I have is how well she holds up in (light) gusts without crew weight.

Any thoughts are greatly appreciated!

 

[mrming]

I had it’s slightly larger, older sister the First 235 (swing keel version), and raced against a 211. No idea what changed with the 21.7 / 20 but I don’t think it was very much - essentially the same design.

They are both great boats, easily sailed short or single handed.

They both carry a decent amount of sail, meaning they go very well in light weather and need a reef when it’s breezier, particularly if single handing. It also helps to play the traveller in the gusts.

I miss sailing my 235 a lot. If you like sailing, the small swing keel Beneteaus are very rewarding.

Attached is a photo of mine coming out of the starting blocks during a local regatta. As you can see she’s reefed compared to the other boats but no slower.

 

[Firefly211]

My first boat was a 211 and she was a great fun and easy to handle. Remember she is trailable too so the worlds your lobster! My understanding that it was a styling only update from the 210 -211. . Then 217 version boats got different shaped hull port lights and some equipment upgrades.. The big change came with later boats getting a rig change with a bigger main and no backstays. Is iT possible that this is the reason for the CE rating change?

Mine needed to be reefed early - flatter is faster. I’m chunky by design? so I filled the water bladder under the v-birth to keep some weight forward . Look for ones with beaching legs and mast lowering kit and trailer if your intending to take her exploring.

 

[DownWest]

Re the rating. I am tiding up a Kelt 6.20 DL from the late 70s and it was the first boat of it's size to get the 'semi high seas' rating or 'B'. It stayed that way for several years until the First came along and was given the same rating. Of course, this applies to French waters, not UK.