This Beneteau First 40 Optimus Prime is a Bruce Farr design built for performance under IRC while remaining comfortable for cruising. She carries the sought-after deep T-keel at 8 feet and the tall fractional rig with a three-spreader tapered mast, giving her excellent upwind performance, light-air power, and balance when pressed offshore.
The Farr hull is moderate displacement with a fine entry and broad stern sections, paired with a balanced spade rudder for positive helm. The sail plan runs just over 1,050 sq ft with large symmetric spinnakers over 1,300 sq ft, making her quick and competitive around the cans or offshore.
On deck she has an open racing cockpit, efficient traveler and mainsheet systems, Harken winches, and a layout that works for a full crew but is still manageable for shorter passages.
Below, the Nauta Design interior provides three cabins—two doubles aft and a forward owner’s cabin with its own head and shower—plus an L-shaped galley, nav station, and convertible saloon berths. She sleeps eight in comfort, making her suitable for race weeks or cruising.
Auxiliary power comes from a Yanmar 40 hp diesel with shaft drive, enough for reliable motoring in tight harbors or strong current. Systems are straightforward and serviceable, designed for both competition and delivery reliability.
This configuration—deep draft and tall rig—is the most desirable version of the First 40. It delivers stiff, high-pointing upwind performance, quick acceleration out of tacks, strong reaching and downwind legs with large A-sails, and a proven IRC/ORC race record. With her Farr pedigree, race-optimized rig and keel, and a proper cruising interior, Optimus Prime is a true dual-purpose yacht—equally at home winning regattas or cruising comfortably with family and friends. She is currently located in the Spanish Virgin Islands, but comes to the US Virgin Islands for races and maintenance several times a year.
Additional Information
Accommodation
- (2) Large cabins to port and starboard of companion way with queen beds and large storage area with hanging locker
- Large settee on either side of dining table in main salon
- Open concept, galley to port with double stainless steel sinks
- Chart table and navigation center to starboard
- Spacious double V birth with dedicated head/shower
- Sleeps 8 in 3 cabins with additional sleeping in main salon
- Light oak interior with off white leatherette upholstery
- (8) LED overhead led lights
Interior Comforts and Amenities
- Refrigerator with small freezer (12v)
- 2 burner propane stove top with oven
- Propane shut off valve
- Fresh and salt water sink
- Beneteau plates and bowls
- BBQ
- (2) Propane tanks
- Water heater
- Fume detector
Electronics and Navigation
- Raymarine chartplotters with three Raymarine ST60+ multifunction displays mounted on the mast plus an additional ST60+ display at the helm
- Fusion stereo system at the chart table
- Contest Plasimo compass in the cockpit
- Raymarine VHF radio at the chart table with an Icom handheld VHF as backup
- Xantrex Freedom X system monitor located at the chart table
- Navigation lights installed
- McMurdo SmartFind AIS-equipped EPIRB onboard
Electrical Systems
- (3) Full River DC 115-31 115amp AGM house batteries (2024)
- (1) Full Throttle engine battery (2024)
- Dolphin 120/240 charger
- 1000w inverter to charge or run small items
Deck and Hull Equipment
- Quick DP3 Windlass
- One plow anchor 45lbs with 60ft 3/8 chain and 160 ft 3/4 rope
- (1) Danforth 35lbs with 45ft chain and 120ft rope 5/8 rope
- 12 person hard shell life-raft
- (10) Lifejackets/harnesses with connection cord
- New cockpit cushions
- Fenders
- Dock lines
- Over the boom awning
- Swim ladder
- Swim Fresh water rinse handheld shower
- USCG safety package
- Throw ring
Sails and Rigging
- North delivery full batten, (3) reef mainsail
- 105% North roller jib
- Medium and Heavy Spinakers
- Carbon fiber spinaker pole
- Tripe spreader tall rig
- Rod rigging (2019)
- Hydraulic backstay
- Lots of tools and engine spares
- (4) Winch handles
- Storm mainsail and jib
Mechanical Equipment
- Shore power cord
- Windlass
- Battery charger
- Dual electric bilge pumps plus manual pump
- (2) AB fire extinguishers
- Engine area blower
- New folding prop (Dec 2024)
- Water pressure pump, dual tanks
- Refrigerator with small freezer
- Emergency tiller
- Spare rudder quadrant
- Spare hydraulic backstay (New)
Engine Info
Tankage
- Water tanks: 52 gallons
- Fuel tank: 36 gallons
- Holding tank: 20 gallons
Owners Comments and Boat History
Good solid boat to finish making it into a fast cruiser or take it back to racing.
Needs new race sails.
Boat started as a racer in Antigua then I used it as a family cruiser around all the caribbean, fast and easy to handle boat. Strong engine with only 800hrs.
-All new rudder bearings (Dec 2024)
-Bottom paint (Dec 2024)
-New water pump (Dec 2024)
-No accidents
-New thermostat (2024)
-New engine impeller (2024
-New alternator belt (2025)
-All new filters (2025)
-New sail drive seals, bearings and oil (Dec 2024)
Disclaimer
The company offers the details of this vessel in good faith but cannot guarantee or warrant the accuracy of this information nor warrant the condition of the vessel. A buyer should instruct his agents, or his surveyors, to investigate such details as the buyer desires validated. This vessel is offered subject to prior sale, price change or withdrawal without notice.