Beneteau’s new First 36 SE (Seascape Edition) surprised the world of offshore racing by finishing her maiden race on the podium at the ORC Double-Handed World Championships in Monfalcone, Italy last week.

Even though this was more of a discovery race for Hull No 1 — with naval designer Samuel Manuard and known First SE community weather guru Jure Jerman feeling her out for the first time and identifying strengths and weaknesses — she surprised the team and competitors with her pace.

The race proved to be a 165-mile long windward/leeward course, which naturally wouldn't suit this kind of design. But even from the blocks she showed impressive VMG speeds — finishing in third place, just one minute behind the 2nd, in an extremely competitive fleet of 29 boats from the ORC group Class B.

“It was a wonderful race,” Manuard said. “Our main goal was to learn more about the boat and her behaviour. This is only the beginning, but I’m really pleased with the First 36 SE’s dynamic and speed.”

He added: “She is an excellent combination of a cruiser on which you can also have fun at high level racing—and I think that is fantastic. This race was a great test, and it’s only a starting point for her.”

For more on the First 36 SE, get in touch with James Kirwan, group sales manager for Beneteau’s Irish agents BJ Marine, at [email protected].