Beneteau First 31.7 Racing St Mawes Sailing Club off St Anthony Light

 Overview & Specs

• First 31.7 Designer: Finot Conq (Groupe Finot)  
• LOA: ~9.6 m (31.5 ft); Beam: 3.23 m  
• Draft: 1.45 m (shoal) – 1.90 m (deep bulb keel)  
• Displacement: ~3 750 kg with ~1 025 kg ballast  
• Rig: Fractional sloop, keel-stepped Sparcraft mast, deep bulb keel  
• Engine: 18–21 hp (Yanmar or Volvo Penta); saildrive configuration . Diaphram replaced twice in last 7 years.

The Bénéteau First 31.7 is a versatile and much-loved 31-foot racer-cruiser based on the Figaro offshore racing hull, giving it fast, responsive performance and excellent upwind ability. It combines race-bred handling with genuine cruising comfort, offering a proper forward cabin, a roomy aft double, a practical saloon, and a full galley. Strong construction, a deep fin keel, a balanced rudder, and tiller steering make it durable and fun to sail, while its fractional rig and manageable headsails make it easy for couples or solo sailors. With active racing fleets and great value on the used market, the 31.7 is popular for anyone who wants one boat that can both win club races and take the family cruising.

Performance & Handling

• Draws from the Figaro hull: powerful form stability and excellent control upwind, light, responsive but manageable .
• Races well against lighter counterparts, even planing downwind with ease under strong breeze .
• Solid cockpit layout with twin Lewmar winches, tiller steering, swim platform..

Interior & Layout

• Accommodations: Two cabins (V‑berth forward + aft cabin), saloon converts to accommodate up to 6  
• Comfort: Headroom ~1.8 m, L-shaped galley with cooker, fridge, sink; nav station to starboard  
• Systems: Single head with shower, modest tankage (~160 L water, 30 L fuel)  

• Rig & cockpit: Competitive deck layout with twin Lewmar winches on coachroof, mainsheet traveller across cockpit, tiller steering  
• Sailing: Known for quick acceleration and agility; performs strongly upwind, especially when heeled to bring hull shape into play  

The Beneteau First 31.7 is a celebrated 30‑foot cruiser‑racer designed by Finot Conq and built by Beneteau from 1998 to 2010 . Sold in excess of 1200 units. Hugely popular club and offshore racer.