Beneteau Asia-Pacific is very proud to announce that the First 30 wins the Best Sailing Yacht Under 20M Award during the 2025 Yacht Style Awards Ceremony organised by Yacht Style—Asia’s leading yachting lifestyle media.
The Yacht Style Awards Celebrate BENETEAU’s First 30 as Best Sailing Yacht of the Year
The prestigious Yacht Style Awards Ceremony lit up the evening of April 9th with a glamorous gala dinner at ONE°15 Marina Sentosa Cove, Singapore, just ahead of the 2025 Singapore Yachting Festival. The event welcomed over 350 VIP guests—including yacht owners, charter clients, industry insiders, and manufacturers—to celebrate the finest achievements in the yachting world, both in Asia and beyond.
Among the night’s most celebrated highlights was the First 30 by BENETEAU, which earned the coveted title of Best Sailing Yacht. The jury praised the boat for multiple standout qualities, concluding that this versatile and innovative yacht marks a new era in performance cruising.
Unveiled at Boot Düsseldorf in January 2025, the First 30 introduces a new generation of ‘planing cruisers’. With a sleek 10.33m hull designed to reduce drag and boost speed, this sailing yacht offers a thrilling ride without compromising on comfort. It perfectly blends racing excitement with cruising convenience, making it ideal for everyone—from seasoned racers to families seeking an adventurous sailing boat charter experience.
First 30: Bridging Performance and Accessibility in Modern Sailing
The buzz around the First 30 started well before its launch, and it has more than lived up to expectations. Positioned neatly between the First 27 and First 36, it addresses the diverse needs of modern sailors. Whether it’s professional regattas, weekend sailing trips, or casual family cruising, the First 30 is designed to perform. And with its accessible pricing, it opens the door for more sailors to experience the joys of planing performance.
“BENETEAU is honoured to receive the Best Sailing Yacht award for the First 30,” said Erwan HER, BENETEAU Asia-Pacific Sales Director. “The first name has deep roots with us—dating back to 1977—and this latest model continues that legacy with cutting-edge innovation. We’re especially excited to introduce this yacht to sailing communities and charter operators across the Asia-Pacific region.”
Indeed, the First 30 has already seen strong international demand. In Asia Pacific alone, four units are expected this year: two in Australia, one in Hong Kong, and one in Japan. BENETEAU plans to launch the First 30 Immersive Tours across key cities, featuring onboard viewings and sea trials to let more sailors and sailing boat charter providers experience the thrill firsthand.
Designed with user-friendliness in mind, the First 30 offers quick planning, low loads, a simplified rig, and a clean cockpit layout—making it safe and fun to sail, even at double-digit speeds. Whether you're cruising short-handed or with family, it's an effortless ride.
Below deck, the minimalist yet welcoming interior provides smart accommodation for four people across two cabins—ideal for a sailing getaway or a premium boat charter.
With the launch of the First 30, BENETEAU is not just launching a yacht; it’s defining a new category—the accessible planing cruiser—and inviting more people to explore sailing through thrilling, easy-to-handle performance.
Photo: beneteau.com