Specifications for a boating daddy
Having settled in Concarneau several years ago, Benoit had to find a boat quickly when he heard that a mooring was becoming available. A naval architect by trade, more active in professional vessels, he is used to drawing up precise specifications for the use of boats. For his sailboat, Benoit set himself a few essential points: "The boat had to be safe with young children, so with a closed cockpit at the stern and enough ballast, not a full dinghy, it had to be fun to sail with friends, manageable single-handed with average experience. The draught had to be reduced, with a constraint of 1.40 m to access the anchorage. The budget was obviously not stretchable, at around 10,000 euros. Maintenance also had to be easy. So much for the woodwork, plastic everywhere was fine with me."
A new, easy-to-maintain boat
Benoit looks at the second-hand market. Although the First 260 would have fitted the bill, it was out of his budget. Older yachts such as the First 24, which was quite habitable, or the Kelt 6.20 might have been suitable, but they were already a little old and would have required too much maintenance.
Benoit identifies the First 211 as a model that suits his needs, and visits several, finally signing up for the purchase of a 1999 model in September 2020. "I bought it for 9,500 euros. The only thing that hadn't been changed was the daggerboard system, which I had changed, also taking the opportunity to sandblast the keel, which cost me around 1,000 euros more."
A Bénéteau bestseller
Featuring the same hull as its predecessor, the First 210, and its successors, the First 21.7 and First 20, the model was a real success for the Bénéteau shipyard, with 510 units built in 4 years, between 1999 and 2003. The Finot design features a comfortable cockpit, closed at the stern by an open bench, and two aft lockers for the outboard motor feeder and fenders.
Wide side decks around a discreet coachroof lead to the foredeck, which features an anchor locker.
Inside, the cabin is accessed by a single step, under which is a storage space for the companionway door and folding table. Two coffin berths at the stern and a Breton bed enable a crew of 4 to sleep on board.
On either side, around the lifting keel system, you'll find a stove and space for washing up.
A real pleasure to navigate
Benoit's sailing experience has not disappointed him. He emphasizes: "The yacht performs well in light airs, and stays really healthy when the wind picks up, which is very positive for the family. I really enjoy sailing like a dinghy, without a pilot. My log doesn't work, but that's okay! The boat is really simple."
Another positive point is that the anchor locker makes life easier for outings to the Glénan or elsewhere.
From a technical point of view, the choice of a widely broadcast series reassures Benoit. "For a first boat, this makes it easy to find any maintenance parts."
The defects of its size!
While he really enjoys using the boat, Benoit sees a few shortcomings that are hard to avoid on boats of this size: "The First 211 remains light and therefore moves around quite a bit at anchor. Space also remains small when there are 4 at anchor, especially with the absence of enclosed toilets."
However, Benoit remains convinced of his boat's suitability for both solo and family sailing, and its affordability.
