Beneteau First 235 vs Bluenose one-design sloop
How do the Beneteau First 235 and Bluenose one-design sloop compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
Beneteau First 235 
Bluenose one-design sloop | Beneteau First 235 | Bluenose one-design sloop | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 23.3 ft7.11 m | 23.4 ft7.14 m |
| Waterline length | 20.3 ft6.17 m | 16.0 ft4.88 m |
| Beam | 8.2 ft2.49 m | 6.3 ft1.91 m |
| Draft | 3.8 ft1.16 m | 3.7 ft1.12 m |
| Displacement | 2,826 lb1,282 kg | 2,050 lb930 kg |
| Ballast | 825 lb374 kg | —— |
| Sail area | 249 ft²23.1 m² | 218 ft²20.3 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 19.93 | 21.61 |
| Displacement / Length | 152 | 223 |
| Comfort ratio | 12.6 | 15.1 |
| Capsize screening | 2.31 | 1.97 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 6.0 | 5.4 |
Beneteau First 235 vs Bluenose one-design sloop: the short version
- The Beneteau First 235 and Bluenose one-design sloop are close in length (23.3 ft7.11 m vs 23.4 ft7.14 m ).
- The Beneteau First 235 is heavier, displacing about 38% more, which usually means a steadier but slower-to-accelerate hull.
- On sail area/displacement the Bluenose one-design sloop carries the more powerful rig (21.6 vs 19.9), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Bluenose one-design sloop scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Bluenose one-design sloop rates better for offshore work (1.97 vs 2.31).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.