- From 6 000 euros for a First 210 . The First 20 with its rig without backstay and its mainsail with horn, is proposed new against 26 160 euros TTC (2016).
- 2,500 copies since 1992
Semi offshore cruising, raid or regatta, this sailboat can do it all! The First 210 is fast, accessible and above all marine: it is the smallest unit approved in category B ! Or a sesame to consider small crossings, all exempt from bib thanks to the unsinkable approval. Attention, the last 21.7 and the current 20 offer extra storage but more foam!
Very fast in light weather, it also excels in breeze thanks to an exemplary stiffness to the canvas. Its 1.80 m deep pivoting keel allows a high heading even in the chop, the rear shapes facilitating downwind planning. The outboard motor, fixed in the middle of the transom between the 2 rudders, remains effective in waves. If the volume and the four berths are well there, the volumes dedicated to storage are (very) limited and one will not necessarily find on board a second-hand model, the stove or the table (sold in option).
The diagnosis of Bateaux.com
The blue gel coat of the first models, elegant in new condition, has generally floured over time. The dark blue"Blue Navy", proposed in 1999 on the 211, often looks sad too... Opt preferably for white hulls. Pre-1996 models have fixed rudder blades. They impose crutches for stranding to avoid breakage. The 211 model, more richly equipped than the original 210 (with the addition of an anchor locker) is finally the most attractive 21.7 provides nothing more than a more chic interior finish. As for the last 20, with its shorter mast free of backstay, it is not the horn embryo of the mainsail that will seduce you.
" The low deformation of the hull at the list and the two rudders give good course stability and good control of the boat ".
Jean-Marie Finot, architect of the First 210
Advantages
- Safe, fast and seaworthy sailboat
- Excellent regatta potential
- Suitable for family cruises
Disadvantages
- Jib adjustment without demanding overlap
- Price of certain spare parts including the keel lifting mechanism
- Poor quality color gel coat pigments
But what does he miss?
Nothing especially in the first version: more bare and unsinkable, it had many assets.
The equivalent today?
24 years after its launch, Bénéteau is still offering the same hull.
