Beneteau First 47.7
Overview
About this vessel
VERONESE is a nicely equipped, well maintained and updated 3 cabin, two head Beneteau First 47.7. The 47.7 is a popular racer/cruiser that will take you anywhere you want to go in comfort and style. Strong on design, strong on technology, full of character and a sensational sail!
VERONESE is unusually well suited to San Francisco Bay because its design lines up almost perfectly with the Bay 27s typical conditions: 20 - 30 kt afternoon winds, steep chop, strong currents, and frequent upwind sailing.
1. Designed as a True Performance Racer-Cruiser
The First 47.7 was designed by Bruce Farr, one of the most successful performance yacht designers. The hull was developed for speed and efficiency rather than handicap rules, resulting in powerful but slippery hull lines.
Key performance metrics:
- SA/D ratio ~20 (well powered)
- Displacement/Length ~160 (moderately light)
- Hull speed ~8.6 knots
What that means on SF Bay:
- Accelerates quickly out of tacks.
- Reaches double-digit speeds when the Bay breeze fills in.
- Fast enough to sail efficiently against current.
2. Excellent Upwind Ability for Beating into Bay Wind
San Francisco Bay sailing is often upwind (especially from Berkeley, Sausalito, or Alameda toward the Gate).
The First 47.7 excels here because it has:
- Deep high-aspect keel
- Balanced hull
- Large fractional rig
These features allow it to point high and track cleanly upwind even in heavier weather.
Result on the Bay:
- Efficient tacking up the Cityfront
- Strong performance beating into the afternoon westerlies
- Less leeway in current and chop
3. Large Sail Plan That Thrives in Bay Breeze
The boat carries about 1,464 ft B2 of upwind sail area and much more downwind with spinnakers.
In San Francisco:
- Typical afternoon wind: 18 - 30 knots
- Many cruising boats are overpowered or under-rigged
The 47.7 hits a sweet spot:
- Plenty of horsepower for light mornings
- Reefing options for heavy afternoon breeze
- Powerful downwind sailing under the Golden Gate
4. Stability and Control in Bay Chop
San Francisco Bay chop is short and steep. Boats that are too light slam badly.
The First 47.7 27s characteristics help here:
- Displacement ~25,000 lb
- Lead ballast keel
- Wide beam (~14 279 22)
This gives:
- Strong form stability
- Good tracking in waves
- Comfortable motion compared with lighter race boats.
5. PHRF Sweet Spot for West Coast Racing
The First 47.7 typically rates roughly ~24 - 33 PHRF depending on configuration.
That 27s ideal for:
- YRA racing on SF Bay
- Offshore races like Lightship, Farallones, or Coastal Cup
It 27s fast enough to compete with modern boats but still manageable with a club crew.
6. Big, Ergonomic Deck for Bay Racing
The cockpit and deck layout were designed for racing:
- Twin wheels
- Large winch layout
- Open working cockpit
This matters on SF Bay because crews are often 8 - 10 people during windy races, and sail handling is constant.
The First 47.7 is perfect for San Francisco Bay because it combines power, stability, and upwind efficiency - exactly what you need in strong wind, current, and chop.
