2003 Beneteau First 47.7

The 2003 Beneteau First 47.7 is a 47-foot performance cruising yacht designed by Bruce Farr. Built around a racing-focused hull, the boat balances speed and seaworthiness with practical cruising comfort. She carries a tall mast racing rig paired with a 7'9" shoal draft keel, powered by a 75 hp Yanjan engine that reaches 8.6 knots under power. The fiberglass hull features teak decks and cockpit, replaced in 2015.

The deck is laid out for both racing and cruising, with wide side decks, good non-slip surfaces, and powered Lewmar winches—two 65s installed in 2022, plus 52 and 48 models—to manage large sails efficiently. All halyards and running rigging lead to the cockpit. The boat carries a full sail wardrobe including a new Doyle main and furling headsail (both 2024), three spinnakers in various weights, and multiple racing headsails. A custom carbon sprit supports a furling Code Zero. A power windlass and feathering Max prop (serviced November 2023) complete the deck systems.

Below, the interior spans three cabins and two heads with a spacious, well-ventilated saloon. A custom cabinet built during commissioning houses a large chart table, washer/dryer, multiple storage units, and a fold-away television. The galley is fitted with a new gimbaled stove and oven (2022), and air conditioning is available in the three staterooms or main salon. A 9 kw Northern Lights genset, 12V Spectra Newport 400 watermaker, and dual Victron 3.5 kW inverter/chargers (2022) support extended cruising.

The engine and major systems have been comprehensively overhauled. The Yamic engine received a full rebuild of oil and water cooling in 2021; all major plumbing, exhaust, and hoses were renewed that same year. A new dripless shaft seal, electric water heater, and stainless steel propeller shaft were fitted in November 2023, along with a new cutlass bearing. House and starter battery banks are new AGM units, and a custom Raymarine instrument display with autopilot sits at the helm. A 10-foot aluminum AB RIB with a 20 hp Honda outboard is included on the foredeck.