1999 Beneteau First 40.7, DKK 465,000

Beneteau First 40.7 – A Performance Cruiser with the Right Upgrades

Price: DKK 465,000

The Beneteau First 40.7 is widely regarded as one of the most successful performance cruisers ever built. Designed by the renowned Bruce Farr, it combines speed, balance and confidence-inspiring sailing characteristics in a way that has made it a favourite among both cruising sailors and active club racers for more than two decades.

This particular Beneteau First 40.7 is aimed at the sailor who values sailing performance, sound engineering and documented upgrades above cosmetic appearance.

The yacht bears the honest signs of many years of active cruising and club racing and is therefore cosmetically below the standard of many comparable boats currently on the market. However, beneath the surface lies a structurally sound and proven yacht where the major and costly investments have already been made.

Significant resources have been invested in precisely the areas that matter most for sailing enjoyment, reliability and long-term ownership costs. Modern sails, a new forestay and furling system, upgraded navigation equipment, a lithium battery system, a professionally refurbished autopilot actuator and numerous additional improvements mean that this yacht is technically well up to date.

For the experienced sailor, these upgrades represent substantial added value and eliminate many of the major investments a new owner would otherwise face.

Highlights

• One Sails 103% Tri-Radial DCX furling jib (2022)
• New forestay and Facnor FD230 furling system (2022)
• Garmin GPSMAP 8410 chartplotter (2022)
• 200 Ah lithium battery bank with Victron DC/DC charger
• Victron 1200 W inverter/charger
• Hydraulic autopilot linear drive professionally refurbished by Lecomble & Schmitt (2023)
• Webasto diesel heater refurbished with new burner and exhaust system (2024)
• Rutland 914 wind generator
• Electric marine toilet with 78-litre holding tank
• Kappel & Annat sprayhood and cockpit enclosure
• Rocna 20 kg anchor with 10 metres of chain and 40 metres of warp
• New rod rigging (excluding forestay) and new tip cups (2019)
• New stanchions and stanchion bases (2019)

The Beneteau First 40.7 is renowned for its outstanding sailing performance, responsive and well-balanced helm, and its ability to combine competitive speed with genuine cruising comfort. Even today, it remains one of the most respected yachts in its class, offering a strong hull design, an efficient deck layout and an interior that works equally well for weekend cruising and longer passages.

This yacht is intended for the buyer who prefers investing in documented technical upgrades rather than cosmetic perfection. What you get is a proven performance cruiser with an outstanding reputation, modern equipment and an attractive price point that leaves room to personalise the yacht cosmetically over time.

At DKK 465,000, this represents an opportunity to acquire a Beneteau First 40.7 where the major investments have already been made, allowing the next owner to focus on what really matters: getting out on the water.

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Broker’s Comment

“Some yachts are bought with the eyes – others with the sailor’s heart. This Beneteau First 40.7 belongs firmly in the latter category.

This is not the yacht for someone looking for flawless cosmetics. It honestly reflects many years of active sailing and club racing, and its appearance tells that story. On the other hand, the investments have been made where they truly matter to an experienced sailor: modern sails, a new forestay and furling system, updated electronics, a lithium battery system, a professionally refurbished autopilot and numerous other technical upgrades that together represent considerable value.

The result is a fast, well-maintained and technically upgraded First 40.7 where the money has been spent in all the right places. If you’re searching for a yacht that impresses primarily in the marina, this is probably not the one. But if you’re looking for a proven performance cruiser with exceptional sailing characteristics, the right upgrades and outstanding value for money, then this Beneteau First 40.7 deserves your close attention.”