Beneteau First 265
Description
Browsed https://sailboatdata.com/sailboat/first-265-beneteauBeneteau First 265 Overview The Beneteau First 265 is a versatile French cruiser-racer sailboat designed by Groupe Finot (now Finot-Conq) and built by Beneteau from 1990 to 1997, with approximately 520 units produced. It's an evolution of the earlier First 26 (1984), featuring a more refined hull for better performance and comfort, and served as the basis for the cruising-oriented Oceanis 281 (1995). This model bridges the gap between spirited racing and family cruising, with a focus on speed, stability, and efficient space use—earning it praise as a "pocket rocket" for coastal hops or club racing. Naval architect reviews highlight its stiff, responsive handling and modern lines, making it forgiving yet quick, with a PHRF rating around 180 (faster than contemporaries like the Catalina Capri 26 at 220). It's tiller-steered for direct feel, and the design emphasizes short-handed ease, with inboard shrouds for tight sheeting angles. A Practical Sailor matchup against the Catalina 270 notes the First 265's edge in agility and build quality, though the Catalina offers more interior volume for extended cruising. Yachting Monthly describes it as a "mid-stage development" with an open-plan saloon and standard lifting keel for versatility in shallow waters.
The standard boat dimensions
| i | 31.33 ft |
|---|---|
| j | 10.07 ft |
| p | 30.51 ft |
| e | 10.82 ft |
| p2 | - |
| e2 | - |
| I | J | P | E | P2 | E2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 31.33 ft | 10.07 ft | 30.51 ft | 10.82 ft | - | - |
Sails
| Sail Type | MAINSAIL |
|---|---|
| Luff | * 30.51 ft - (9299 mm) |
| Foot | * 10.82 ft - (3298 mm) |
| Leech | * 31.72 ft - (9668 mm) |
| Tack Angle | * 87.98 ° |
| Diagonal | * 32.01 ft - (9757 mm) |
| Head (inches) | * 4.5 in - (114 mm) |
| Area | * 168.75 ft² |
| Sail Type | JIBSAIL |
|---|---|
| Luff | 26.33 ft - (8025 mm) |
| Foot | * 13.35 ft - (4069 mm) |
| Leech | * 22.84 ft - (6962 mm) |
| Percentage LP | * 115 % |
| Length Perpendicular | * 11.58 ft - (3530 mm) |
| Deck Angle | * 12.02 ° |
| Area | * 152.45 ft² |
| Sail Type | GENOA |
|---|---|
| Luff | 30.5 ft - (9296 mm) |
| Foot | 15.17 ft - (4624 mm) |
| Leech | 28.75 ft - (8763 mm) |
| Percentage LP | * 140.52 % |
| Length Perpendicular | * 14.15 ft - (4313 mm) |
| Deck Angle | * 3.33 ° |
| Area | * 215.77 ft² |
| Sail Type | GENOA |
|---|---|
| Luff | 31.26 ft - (9528 mm) |
| Foot | * 16.27 ft - (4959 mm) |
| Leech | * 29.38 ft - (8955 mm) |
| Percentage LP | * 149.95 % |
| Length Perpendicular | * 15.1 ft - (4602 mm) |
| Deck Angle | * 4.04 ° |
| Area | * 236.02 ft² |
| Sail Type | ASYMMETRICAL |
|---|---|
| Luff | 34 ft - (10363 mm) |
| Foot | 17.83 ft - (5435 mm) |
| Leech | 32.5 ft - (9906 mm) |
| Perc LP | * 165 % |
| Area | * 455 ft² |
| Sail Type | ASYMMETRICAL |
|---|---|
| Luff | * 31.26 ft - (9528 mm) |
| Foot | * 16.62 ft - (5066 mm) |
| Leech | * 28.76 ft - (8766 mm) |
| Perc LP | * 165 % |
| Area | * 390 ft² |
| Sail Type | SPINNAKER |
|---|---|
| Stays | * 31.26 ft - (9528 mm) |
| MidGirth | * 18.13 ft - (5526 mm) |
| Foot | * 18.13 ft - (5526 mm) |
| Perc LP | * 180 % |
| Area | * 482 ft² |
| Sail Type | STORMJIB |
|---|---|
| Luff | * 18.1 ft - (5517 mm) |
| Foot | * 7.54 ft - (2298 mm) |
| Leech | * 14.87 ft - (4532 mm) |
| Perc LP | * 59.98 % |
| Length Perp | * 6.04 ft - (1841 mm) |
| Deck Angle | * 18.94 ° |
| Area | * 54.67 ft² |
Disclaimer. Boats are not all the same -- even when produced in the same factory of the same model. Sailrite does its best to publish accurate dimensions, but we often find it worthwhile to have our customers measure their boats carefully before we produce kits for them. You should take the same precautions, especially when the data is not from Sailrite.