FIRST 44 S/Y KURONEKO (2023)

The FIRST 44 S/Y KURONEKO, built in 2023, embodies BENETEAU’s pure performance philosophy and stands as the natural connection between the First 36 and the First 53. Designed as a true racer/cruiser, she blends speed, balance and comfort, offering a highly engaging sailing experience for demanding sailors.

With the First 44, BENETEAU delivers one of the most refined interpretations of modern performance sailing: an elegant yet powerful yacht, optimized for efficiency and responsiveness in all conditions through a generous sail plan, advanced hull design and race-focused deck layout.

Exterior Design & Deck Layout

On board the FIRST 44 S/Y KURONEKO, the deck layout is conceived to support both performance sailing and ease of operation. The cockpit is spacious and welcoming, featuring a cockpit table and direct access to wide, uncluttered side decks, allowing safe and efficient movement on board.

Sail handling is optimized through a carefully designed deck plan, with four winches, a fixed centerline mainsheet block and a mast positioned further aft to enhance sail balance and power. The sail plan, characterized by a slender mainsail and generously sized foresails, delivers excellent acceleration and precise trimming.

Two 350-litre ballast tanks, electrically controlled from the helm stations, enable dynamic trim optimization and stability, ensuring that the FIRST 44 S/Y KURONEKO maintains peak performance in both offshore sailing and competitive scenarios.

Designed by Roberto Biscontini, the hull reflects an America’s Cup–inspired, data-driven development process. Extensive simulations resulted in a powerful and well-balanced hull form that remains fast, predictable and efficient across a wide wind range.

Rig, Deck Gear & Performance Equipment

The FIRST 44 S/Y KURONEKO features a race-oriented rig and deck configuration, focused on precision, reliability and control:

• Anodized aluminum tapered mast, deck-stepped, with 2 aft-swept spreaders (Sparcraft)
• Genoa tracks on the coachroof with traveller and hauling lines controlled from the cockpit
• German system (two-way mainsheet control at the helm stations)
• All control lines led back to the helm stations (except boom topping lift)
• Complete Dyneema running rigging, including:
  • Mainsail halyard sheave block
  • Genoa halyard
  • Boom uphaul (polyester) with cleat on mast
  • Mainsheet
  • 2 genoa sheets
• Automatic reefing system (2 reefs)
• Halyard clutches: port and 4 to starboard
• Harken pulleys throughout
• 2 spinnaker sheet / Code 0 chain plates
• Running rigging concealed for a clean, efficient deck layout
• Self-tacking jib rigging pack
• Staysail rigging pack
• Offshore pack with Garmin navigational equipment
• Harken mainsail traveller positioned at the bottom of the cockpit
• 2 manual H60.2STA genoa sheet winches
• Electric portside H50.2 STAEH halyard winch

Sails

The FIRST 44 S/Y KURONEKO is equipped with a high-performance North Sails inventory, including:

• Full-batten laminated mainsail with 2 reefs (53 m² / 570 sq ft)
• Laminated genoa (53 m² / 570 sq ft)
• North Sails NPL Tour, dark grey

In addition, the sail wardrobe includes a North Sails heavy weather stay-sail, fitted with a Ubi Mayor furler, designed for use on the self-tacking configuration. This setup enhances control, balance and safety in strong wind and heavy weather conditions.

The sail plan is completed by Facnor travellers, comprising:

• 1 header traveller
• 5 intermediate travellers
• 5 batten travellers

A Gennaker is available upon request and at an additional charge, providing improved performance in reaching and downwind sailing for experienced crews.

Interior Design & Layout

Below deck, the FIRST 44 S/Y KURONEKO features a modern, clean-lined and luminous interior, combining white lacquered finishes with moulded wood and carefully selected upholstery. The layout consists of three cabins and two heads, offering a refined and functional living space.

The saloon includes a transverse table seating up to six guests, positioned opposite the sofa and navigation station. Its placement relative to the mast allows easy circulation between the galley and the owner’s cabin, reinforcing the sense of space on board.

Expertise & Philosophy

The FIRST 44 S/Y KURONEKO benefits fully from BENETEAU’s engineering expertise and the contribution of top-level specialists. Design and development were entrusted to the Mer Forte design office, renowned for its work in ocean racing and also responsible for the Figaro Bénéteau 3.

While yachts of this category are not intended for standard charter use, White Blue Seas operates two FIRST 44 yachts, with plans for further expansion, addressing a clearly defined niche of experienced sailors.

The FIRST 44 S/Y KURONEKO is offered exclusively to advanced charterers and performance-focused sailors interested in regattas, high-level training and demanding sailing experiences.

This is sailing beyond conventional leisure.
FIRST 44 S/Y KURONEKO delivers speed, precision and true racing sensations, exactly as intended by the shipyard.