Welcoming designers on board
Striving for originality, elegance and power
In 1971, the Finnish firm Nautor Swan sets out its style of excellence, with the release of the Swan 48, designed by Sparkman & Stephens. Its sloped roof creates dynamic lines that will be incorporated by all architects over the following years. Two years later, on the Swan 41, the roof line is extended to flow into the transom. This configuration will be a feature of the new models from this range over the following decades, with designs by Ron Holland from 1978, then German Frers in 1981.
1981 was a decisive year for France’s new leading builder, Beneteau, pulling slightly ahead of Jeanneau. The race results, including a world championship in the Half Ton Cup with the King One, a First Evolution, a racing-cruiser version of the First 30 E, and a Class II victory for the First 42 Lady Be Good, confirm the focus on performance and efficiency with the entire First family. They are designed by the most fashionable architects, depending on the size of the yachts, with Jean-Marie Finot, Jean Berret and German Frers.
The hull design also becomes increasingly important, striving for originality, elegance and power. In terms of racing, from the Admiral’s Cup to transatlantic events, we see the emergence of yachts with increasingly elaborate colors. In 1985, for its special boat show issue, Cahiers du Yachting publishes a design competition for First 35 hulls, created by nine designers.
Philippe Starck and Pininfarina
The following year, with the launch of the first Oceanis, François Chalain, the father of the Firsts and the company’s Renaissance man, looks for a designer who will be able to relaunch the image of the Firsts. He meets the brother of Philippe Starck, who was creating a report at the yard, and learns that the designer is “crazy about sailing”. Philippe Starck is said to have asked for a First to be delivered to his garden so that he could spend two days in it, immersing himself in his work. Jean Berret, who designs the hull for the First 35s5, remembers that it was not clear whether Beneteau would be able to actually build a product designed by Starck. His research into materials seems out of step with the world of sailing, such as the white upholstery, shiny mahogany or brushed forged aluminum. While the public response at the 1987 Show leads to extensive press coverage, a new image for sailing yachts is emerging. The three models presented in 1989, the First 32s5, 38s5 and 41s5, will end up being accepted, and will even find public support, especially in America. Today, the First 41s5 is still considered to be a particularly successful yacht.
In 1990, for the high-end sector, Beneteau calls on Bruce Farr, who designs the First 45f5 and 53f5, combining performance with a luxurious look, from the Italian designer Pininfarina. Curves are featured in the volumes and highly refined furniture, with a warm atmosphere combining mahogany, leather and stainless steel.
The final two models designed by Starck, the First 42s7 and the 36s7, will be created primarily by the Berret agency, which remains true to the master’s style.
This groundbreaking experience will bring about a new aesthetic and help drive an evolution in the vision for recreational sailing yachts, more open, with more freedom…
