1994 Beneteau First 310

The First 310 rides on the award winning Figaro 3 racing hull designed by Groupe Finot for Beneteau. In order to increase headroom the freeboard was increased by 6”. The cabin packs a lot into the space with standing headroom throughout and berths for six. Forward is a private V berth, then a saloon that seats six, then a galley to port and a nav station to starboard with the ice box convenient to the companionway. Aft to port is a generous stateroom and to starboard is the head with a shower. Stowage is generous and near at hand in all cabins and especially so in the galley.

Beneteau commissioned Phillipe Starke for the interior design which is executed in cherry and featuring a circular motif in all the details including two portholes set low in the cabin, just above the waterline offering a constant reminder of the vessel’s progress while underway. The interior is light and airy thanks to the forward hatch and numerous lewmar ports.

“Ondine” is a shoal draft 31’ vessel drawing only 4’3”. In keeping with the revolutionary designs of the 1990’s the stern sections run broad and make for a large aft stateroom to port and a large lazarette under the starboard bench in the cockpit. This vessel is fast around the cans, with a displacement of only 7500 lbs. and a combined sail area of 460 sq. ft., the SA/D ratio is over 20, “Ondine” ghosts along in light air and really comes into its own once the breeze picks up to 10 knots. The sweet spot is in the teens, where the boat shines and easily gets into a groove with a light and well balanced helm. At 18 knots it’s time for the first reef. The main has two reefs and the roller furling genoa allows for fine tuning of the sailplan. The jib sheets are set close, providing excellent pointing.

The cockpit is highly ergonomic and comfortable while heeled. All lines are led aft making it unnecessary to go forward unless setting the asymmetrical spinnaker. There is a custom stowable table at the binacle and stern seats have been added for passenger seating away from all the action at the winches and wheel.

Equipment: Part of their racing lineup, the First 310 rides on the award winning Figaro 3 racing hull designed by Groupe Finot for Beneteau. In order to create more headroom, the freeboard was increased by 6”. The cabin packs a lot into the space with standing headroom throughout and berths for six. Forward is a private V berth, then a saloon that seats six, then a galley to port and a nav station to starboard with the ice box convenient to the companionway. Aft to port is a generous stateroom and to starboard is the head with a shower. Stowage is ample and near at hand in all cabins and especially so in the galley. It is rare to have so much creature comfort in a 31’ racer, and the high freeboard provides a dry ride for the crew back in the well sheltered, spacious, and conveniently laid out cockpit.

Beneteau commissioned Phillipe Starke for the interior design which is executed in cherry and features a circular motif in all the details including two portholes set low in the cabin, just above the waterline, offering a constant reminder of the vessel’s progress while underway. The interior is light and airy thanks to the forward hatch and numerous lewmar ports.

“Ondine” has a shoal draft beaver tailed cast iron keel weighing in at 2400 lbs. making for a 31’ vessel that draws a mere 4’3”. In keeping with the revolutionary designs of the 1990’s the stern sections run broad and make for a large aft stateroom to port and a large lazarette under the starboard bench in the cockpit. This vessel is fast around the cans, with a displacement of only 7500 lbs. and a combined sail area of 460 sq. ft., the SA/D ratio is over 20, Construction is solid glass for the hull with a cored deck to reduce weight topsides.

“Ondine” ghosts along in light air and really comes into its own once the breeze picks up to 10 knots. The sweet spot is in the teens, where the boat shines and easily gets into a groove with a light and well balanced helm. At 18 knots it’s time for the first reef. The main has two reefs and the roller furling genoa allows for fine tuning of the sailplan. The jib sheets are set at tight angles, close to the well inboard mounted shrouds, providing for excellent pointing. The fractional rig makes for rig tuning options to match any and all conditions. This vessel tracks well, is highly maneuverable, slices into chop without losing any momentum, and has enough righting moment to resist any gusts, translating them seamlessly into added forward progress,

The cockpit has ample combings to keep the crew dry while still providing excellent visibility forward. The cockpit is also highly ergonomic and comfortable while heeled. All lines are led aft making it unnecessary to go forward unless setting the asymmetrical spinnaker. There is a lighted compass and a custom stowable table at the binacle. Stern seats have been added for passenger seating away from all the action at the winches and wheel. The stern combing opens up to allow access to the swim ladder. Topsides feature Beneteau’s molded aggressive anti-skid surfaces and the cabin contours are gently pitched with stainless grab bars molded into the cabin top alongside the wide side decks.

Both the main and the 150% genoa are in good condition and the spinnaker, complete with dousing sock, is in very good condition. The Tides Marine mast track makes hoisting the main a breeze. The mainsheet and traveler have excellent purchase. Lewmar clutches and self-tailing winches round out