Real sailors know what they want – Beneteau First 44

Ultra Sailing as a Beneteau dealership for Croatia knows from beginning what the „First“ brand stands for, that’s why we aim to satisfy little sailors hearts and got this beauty into our charter fleet in Croatia for the season 2023.

Actually, the First 44 is the perfect addition to our First-Range fleet, after the First 27 „Suferina“, First 36  „Ultra First“ and First 53 „Zenith“, the First 44 „Checkmate“ was more than logical realization for us. 

This lovely sailing yacht, with a remarkable design, is today the natural link between the First 36 and First 53. It combines performance, elegance and comfort thanks to the quality of its equipment, which offers unequaled sailing pleasure.

There are two versions of the new First 44, the First 44 (cruiser/racer) and First 44-Performance (racing-regatta option), these are different by the deck layout and additional options for the keel and mast configurations and also the First 44-Performance is almost 600kg lighter than the cruiser version.

Since our „Checkmate“ is ment to be for the the charter guests, looking for a real sailing experience during vacation, our First 44 is ordered in cruiser version.

Deck layout & exterior

The main difference is the deck layout, the First 44 has been thought for fast cruising with a limited number of people to handle the sails. The First 44 Performance has a deck layout designed so that a full crew can handle and trim the sails.

Looking at the First 44 (cruiser), the cockpit is very convivial with a lovely cockpit table as well as its fluidity with a level access to the large clear gangways. It also has four winches, comparing to the Performance version which have six. The winches are two on each side, closely grouped so they stay within reach of the helms and away from the social part of the cockpit. On First 44 the mast has been moved aft to create a smaller mainsail but more generous headsail options.

Both First 44 versions have bathing platform which is also a garage under the deck for a tender, and also both versions have a twin-rudders which are helpful since the hull is nearly 4,30 meters on the beam.

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Our First 44 „Checkmate“ will have teak deck, which will attract even more classy looks under the Adriatic sun.

Interior & Accommodation

Inside, the layout of the Beneteau First 44 is organized around 3 double cabins and two heads. Both above and below deck there are plenty of similarities to the First 53. There is one master cabin in forward in bow with a ensuite head compartment and two double cabins at the stern and a head compartment. Both heads are with an electric WC, shower and sink.

In the saloon, the transverse table seats up to six people and faces the sofa and navigation station; its position in relation to the mast facilitates circulation between the galley and the master cabin, enhancing the feeling of space.

The galley as well is very well organized and spacious. It has a top loading fridge-freezer and two-burner stove.

For the hot summer days in Croatia, our “Checkmate” will be equipped with air condition in salon.

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So, the first 44 shares a lot of similarities with the style, the elegance and the organization of space and volume of the First 53, yet certain elements and characteristics of her design take her a step further in her quest for performance. Which we are already excited to check, once it arrives to our charter-base in ACI Marina Split.

Sailing First 44 in Croatia

First 44 „Checkmate“ is expected to be in Croatia by the end of April, beginning of May, so it will be a perfect time to take her out for a sailing journey when the days are longer and there is some good wind.

It will be available as a bareboat charter and we are sure there are a lot of sailing enthusiast who are willing to experience this cruiser-racer beauty, cause it never hurts to have an extra knot of speed when reaching the next marina or a bay during the summer season in Croatia.

The price depends of the season and reaches from 4.720€/week  in the pre-season and 9.760€/week at the peak of the season. For sure Ultra Sailing have your back with some early-booking, repeater client or last-minute discounts, so just contact our booking department and start planning your First 44 experience in Croatia.

For those looking to buy a new First 44, you can find more information about purchase, equipment and delivery schedule from our sales department or on our website beneteau-croatia.com