First 45

27/6/2007

Given the enthusiastic reception received for the First 50 by the customers & international press there is excitement for the unveiling & premier of the Phillipe Briand designed First 45 at the next Paris Boat Show. Its purity of line, now famous attributes (eye-lid blinds / flush hatches), sleek, aggressive profile, hull balance when heeled & high precision 2 wheel helm give this 45 footer all the qualities so admired in its big brother.

The new First 45 is designed for lovers of fast, comfortable cruising, with attributes that include a spacious, highly functional & welcoming interior crafted from contemprary wood, upholstery & material finishes ( a combination of light oak, wenge, leather & stainless steel), uncluttered deck plan, multiplicity of stowage lockers & interupted forward vision.

The First 45 has also been designed as a boat for racers, with a lot of attention paid to its hull shape, deck plan & sail plan including an IRC option:

- HULL SHAPE is innovative for maximum performance within the constraints imposed by IRC rating rules. The broad transom & tapering aft chine deliver more power ( for hull stability) & maximum waterline length underway.

- DECK PLAN is very user friendly, with a German mainsheet system offering greater precision & better communication between helmsman & trimmer. The primary winches are positioned forward for greater efficiency when fully crewed. The open transom provides easier access to the sea, whilst the aft beam improves safety.

- IRC SAIL PLAN has also been optimised to meet the rating rules & deliver even greater efficiency. The IRC rules favour reduced sail overlap, so to avoid the need to reduce overall sail area & the resulting loss of performance, the First 45 will be offered in a tall mast version for improved aerodynamic efficiency, whilst remaining inside the rating rules.

Combining higher performance for racing with superior comfort & design for cruising, there's little doubt that the First 45 will be even more First than ever!

Please contact our office for further details, specifications & release dates.