The Beneteau 1 Ton is a high-performance racing sailboat designed in collaboration with renowned naval architects Berret-Racoupeau, Jacques Fauroux, and Jean Marie Finot of Groupe Finot. Built by Beneteau from 1983 to 1985, only 12 units were made, making this a rare and prestigious yacht, particularly among sailing enthusiasts who appreciate classic IOR (International Offshore Rule) designs.
Design and Construction
With a length overall (LOA) of 12.01 meters (39.40 feet) and a beam of 3.99 meters (13.09 feet), the Beneteau 1 Ton offers a sleek profile optimized for competitive sailing. The boat features a fin keel and spade rudder configuration, which provides exceptional maneuverability and responsiveness, key attributes for racing. It was constructed using advanced materials for the time, including a foam sandwich core, carbon fiber, and Kevlar, which offered a high strength-to-weight ratio and increased rigidity, enhancing performance.
The yacht’s lead ballast of 3,120 kg contributes to a ballast-to-displacement ratio of 56.73%, ensuring excellent stability and stiffness in challenging conditions. With a maximum draft of 2.20 meters (7.22 feet), the Beneteau 1 Ton is built for optimal upwind performance.
Performance
The Beneteau 1 Ton is rigged as a fractional sloop, maximizing sail control, especially in strong winds. Its reported sail area of 77.02 m² (829 ft²), paired with its light displacement of 5,500 kg (12,125 lbs), provides impressive acceleration and speed. The Sail Area to Displacement ratio (SA/Displ) of 25.22 and a theoretical hull speed of 7.34 knots underline the boat’s potential for fast, competitive sailing.
Racing Heritage
This model was specifically designed to compete under the One Ton Class of the IOR, which was a highly prestigious racing circuit in the 1980s. Known as the First 40 Evolution, the Beneteau 1 Ton was a popular choice for serious racers due to its cutting-edge construction and outstanding performance. Its capsize screening index of 2.28 suggests it was also capable of handling offshore conditions, a necessary feature for long-distance races.
Conclusion
The Beneteau 1 Ton is a well-balanced, high-performance sailboat crafted for competitive racing, with a design that excels in both speed and agility. Its rarity and advanced materials make it a sought-after yacht among classic racing aficionados. For those looking for a piece of sailing history with performance pedigree, the Beneteau 1 Ton represents an exciting opportunity to own a boat built for success on the water.
Specifications
| Hull Type | Fin w/spade rudder |
| Rigging Type | Fractional Sloop |
| LOA | 39.40 ft / 12.01 m |
| LWL | 30.00 ft / 9.14 m |
| Sail Area (reported) | 829.00 ft² / 77.02 m² |
| Beam | 13.09 ft / 3.99 m |
| Displacement | 12,125.00 lb / 5,500 kg |
| Ballast | 6,878.00 lb / 3,120 kg |
| Max Draft | 7.22 ft / 2.20 m |
| Construction | Foam sandwich / Carbon / Kevlar |
| Ballast Type | Lead |
| First Built | 1983 |
| Last Built | 1985 |
| Number Built | 12 |
| Builder | Beneteau |
| Designer | Berret-Racoupeau, Jacques Fauroux, Jean Marie Finot (Groupe Finot) |
| Auxiliary Power/Tanks (Original Equipment) | |
| Make | Volvo |
| Type | Diesel |
| Fuel Capacity | 4 gallons / 15 liters |
| Sailboat Calculations | |
| S.A. / Displacement | 25.22 |
| Ballast / Displacement | 56.73 |
| Displacement / Length | 200.48 |
| Comfort Ratio | 18.58 |
| Capsize Screening Formula | 2.28 |
| Hull Speed | 7.34 kn |
| Pounds/Inch Immersion | 1,403.16 pounds/inch |
| Sailboat Organizations | |
| Associations | One Ton Class |
| Additional Notes | |
| Also known as First 40 Evolution. A later production version was the Fist Class 12. | |
Disclaimer
The considerations and analyses presented regarding the Beneteau 1 Ton sailboat are of a general nature and are based on the available information and technical data on this model, interpreted to the best of our knowledge and understanding. It is important to note that the specific characteristics of any particular sailboat may vary due to custom modifications, maintenance performed, and conditions of use over time, among other factors. Therefore, the details and performance of the boat you are considering may not exactly match the information provided here.
We strongly recommend that, before making any purchasing or usage decisions, you conduct a detailed inspection of the boat in question, consult with nautical professionals and other sailors, and consider your personal needs, expectations, and capabilities. Each sailboat may have unique particularities that affect its performance and suitability for different types of sailing and sailors.
The information contained in this analysis should be used as a general guide and not as a definitive reference. Professional evaluation and personal inspection are essential to ensure that the boat meets your specific requirements and expectations.