Launched in 1985 at a time of huge expansion for Bénéteau, the First 375 was popular with cruising and racing skippers and enjoyed success in both fields, selling nearly 300 units. She was derived by Jean Berret from a highly successful Admiral’s Cup design of 1985, Phoenix. In production form she
proved easy to handle and well mannered for families, though the big genoa could be a handful. When required she could be powered up for success round the cans. Like others of her genre, many will have had a hard life. Those in need of a refi t should be priced accordingly. There were two interior layouts: one with double cabins fore-and-aft and one with an extra, twin-bunk cabin aft. This squashed up the heads and navigation area. She had a good galley and comfortable saloon. Stowage was unusually good.

LOA 11.6m (37ft 1in), LWL 10.1m (33ft 2in), beam 3.8m (12ft 6in), draught 1.47m or 1.98m (4ft 10in or 6ft 6in), displacement 7,000kg (15,400lb). Price guide: £40,000 TO £60,000.