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.
