Sundance Yacht Sales -
14 June 2006
First 34.7s rule the waves
First 34.7s displayed their full capabilities during the Grand Prix du Crouesty last weekend by taking first and second place in their category in the IRC 3 racing class.
With moderate and fluctuating winds of 5 to 12 knots during the entire Whitsun weekend at Crouesty, the First 34.7 Cornouaille Nautique skippered by Hervé Ricoux (1st ) and TBS skippered by Pierre Follenfant (2nd) dominated the championship between them, coming in winners in 4 of the 5 legs of the competition. Weather conditions were perfect with a synoptic wind blowing from the east in the morning and a thermal wind from the west in the afternoon.
Whether competing around the cans or in coastal races, these latest Farr designs built by Bénéteau really dominated the proceedings. In fact, since the starting signals for the IRC 2 and IRC 3 races went off at the same time, one could see the First 34.7s frequently outclassing their larger opponents and beating them easily on handicap. Note also the performance of a third First 34.7, Yapluka, skippered by Francis Denizart, well to the fore in the first few days, and lying in 4th place up until the last leg.
These results vindicate the design choices made by Chantiers Bénéteau and demonstrate the First 34.7’s performance, which will again be on display during the Commodore’s Cup where three boats are in competition - 1 Belgian, 1 English and 1 French.
Lastly, don’t let us forget the boat’s success amongst our European neighbours. In Italy, the First 34.7 won the Troféo Punta Stendardo, the Troféo Mauro Mancini and the 28th Troféo di Primavera SR Circeo. In England, she won the Southern Royal May Regatta, came second in the Scottish Series and qualified for the Commodore’s Cup by coming in 1st, 2nd and 4th during the selection races.
Heartiest congratulations to all the crews who nail the First’s colours to their masts!
