The Beneteau First 29 is a well-regarded cruiser-racer, offering a solid mix of performance, comfort, and practicality in a compact package. At just under 30 feet, it’s ideal for coastal cruising and club racing. The hull is responsive and well-balanced under sail, with a deep fin keel providing good upwind performance. Below deck, the layout is surprisingly spacious for its size, featuring two private cabins, a practical galley, and a full head. It sleeps four comfortably, making it a great option for small families or couples. Its build quality, typical of Beneteau’s 1980s models, has stood the test of time. The First 29’s combination of sailing agility, classic lines, and manageable size make it a great choice for sailors seeking an affordable, versatile, and fun yacht with a proven pedigree.
Mechanical
Volvo 2002
18hp
Shaft Drive
2 blade fixed bronze propellor
Last serviced - July 2024
Electrical
1 x 12v engine battery - 2025
1 x 12v domestic battery
Marlec - Charge regulator
Rutland wind charger - 2021
Navigation
Depth - Navman
Speed - Navman
2 x cockpit compass
Tiller pilot
Wind Pilot wind vane steering system - 2020
VHF/DSC - Icom IC-M411
Chart plotter - Garmin GPSmap 451
BT-3 NASA bluetooth Navtex receiver - 2023
QK-A027 wireless AIS receiver - 2023
Sails, Spars and Rigging
Mast head rig
Single spreader
Deck stepped mast
Lower shrouds - 2020
Cap shrouds - 2023
Lines led aft
Rod licker
Spinnaker pole
Furling headsail - Furlex 104s - 2019
Slab reefing main with stackpack
Sails
Genoa
Main
Interior & Domestic
6 berths in 2 cabins plus saloon
1 x heads a shower
Pumped cold water system
Forward facing chart table
Galley with oven, grill and 2 ring burner
Sink
Coolbox
Deck
Tiller steering
GRP deck
Manual windlass
Anchor and chain
Boarding ladder
2 x Barlow 23 primary winches
2 x Barlow 15 coachroof winches
Safety
Manual bilge pump
Canvas
Sprayhood
Stackpack system - 2020
Miscellaneous
Outboard - by separate negotiation
Replacement of all sea-cocks - 2023
New rudder bearings - 2023
Full rig service and new windex, tri-light, combination deck light/steaming light - 2023
Plastimo compass for port side of cockpit - 2025
Engine waterpump - 2022
Documentation
Bills of sale going back to 1990
SSR registration
Letter confirming UK location 31/12/2020
Owners comments
My wife and I bought BEAUJOLAIS JO in August 2019 to give us the accommodation and space that we didn't have on our much loved Achilles 24. She didn't disappoint. The generous interior proportions belie the ease of sailing and handling the boat. Easy to manage as a single-hander yet comfortable with 4 in the cockpit. There are 6 berths and these have all been filled on a number of memorable occasions.
Between June and August 2023, I conducted an anti-clockwise circumnavigation of Great Britain, a journey of 1629nm of which 1139 were single-handed. The longest leg was Lowestoft to Peterhead, a distance of 334 nm. Throughout the whole two months, with winds ranging from F0 to F7, she performed magnificently under engine or sail and I never had any reason to doubt her sea-keeping qualities. Having completed this long-held ambition, I'm ready for the next challenge and somewhat reluctantly offer BEAUJOLAIS JO for sale.
Measurements
LOA: 9.04 m
LWL: 7.98 m
Beam: 2.97 m
Displacement: 3181 kg
Fuel Tanks Cap.: 27 L
Fresh Water Tanks Cap.: 90 L