Beneteau First 211

Beneteau First 211 (2003) – "SALLY CINNAMON"

Vessel Overview

The Beneteau First 211 is a highly regarded trailerable performance cruiser designed by Groupe Finot, combining responsive sailing characteristics with practical accommodation for coastal cruising and club racing. With her lifting keel, twin rudders, and easily managed fractional rig, the First 211 is equally at home exploring shallow waters, racing around the cans, or enjoying family weekends afloat.

"Sally Cinnamon" is a well loved example with all the kit to make her "ready to go". The current owner is now wanting to go up in size and travel further afield.

Principal Particulars

• Builder:   Beneteau, France
• Model:   First 211
• Year:   2003
• Designer:   Groupe Finot
• Hull Type:   Lifting keel / centreboard with twin rudders
• Construction:   GRP (Glass Reinforced Plastic)
• Rig Type:   Fractional Sloop

• CE Category:   C (varies by specification)

   

Construction

• White GRP hull and deck mouldings
• Twin transom-hung rudders for excellent control when heeled
• Lifting keel/centreboard providing shallow-water access and ease of trailering
• Self-draining cockpit
• Stainless steel deck fittings
• Non-slip deck surfaces [sailboatdata.com], [beneteau.com]

Rig

• Fractional sloop rig
• Aluminium mast and boom
• Stainless steel standing rigging
• Slab reefing mainsail
• Roller furling headsail/genoa
• Running rigging
• New spliced Dyneema mainsail halyard fitted in Summer 2026
• Rigged for symmetric and asymmetric spinnakers (including pole and Harken ratchet sheet blocks)

Sails

• Mainsail bag with lazy jacks
• North Sails Mainsail - Polyester Radian NDR 6.0 (2013): approx. 12 m²
• North Sails Furling Jib with battens - Polyester Radian 6.0 (2013): approx. 14 m²
• Spare Mainsail (supplied with boat)
• Asymmetric Spinnaker (good condition with minor repairs)

Accommodation

The First 211 offers surprisingly spacious accommodation for a yacht of her size, making her suitable for weekend cruising and family sailing.

• Four berths
• Forward double berth arrangement
• Two settee berths in the saloon
• Compact galley area with single gas hob & sink
• New Plastimo water tank fitted in Spring 2026
• Storage lockers beneath berths
• Cabin table
• Opening hatch for ventilation
• Thetford Porta Potti (and chemicals) stored below V berth (hardly used)

Engine

• Suzuki DF6hp 4 Stroke Outboard engine mounted on transom bracket
• Engine serviced professionally. Lower unit and fuel hose replaced in 2024

• Portable fuel tank

   

Navigation & Equipment

• Compass
• Raymarine Depth sounder
• Raymarine Log/speed instrument
• Raymarine Wind with new 2026 RotaVecta Wind transducer (to fit when mast is next down)
• Raymarine ST1000 Tiller Pilot interfaced with other instruments
• New 80AH leisure battery fitted in Spring 2026
• Navigation lights
• Anchor and warp
• Boarding ladder
• New Mooring warps in Spring 2026 (2 x breast and 2 x springs)
• 6 x Fenders (various sizes for different conditions and uses)
• New 30w Solar Panel fitted Spring 2026
• New Victron Solar Controller unit fitted in Spring 2026

• 12v and USB sockets inside companionway to provide power to chart plotter on mobile devices (not supplied)

   

   

Keel mechanism overhaul (Spring 2026)

• New keel brackets fitted spring 2026 (upgraded to stainless steel for durability and longevity. Fabricated by Spar-Tec at Port Hamble)
• New Beneteau keel lifting mechanism fitted 2026
• New Beneteau keel casing pads fitted 2026

Performance

The First 211 enjoys an excellent reputation as a lively and capable sailing yacht. Her lightweight hull, efficient sail plan, lifting keel, and twin-rudder configuration provide:

• Fast and responsive handling
• Excellent upwind performance
• Easy single-handed operation
• Shallow-water capability
• Straightforward road trailer transport
• Competitive club racing potential

Broker's Comment

A true modern pocket cruiser, the 2003 Beneteau First 211 delivers the rare combination of spirited sailing performance, practical accommodation, and trailerable versatility. Ideal for coastal cruising, estuary exploration, or club racing, she remains one of the most sought-after yachts in her class. "Sally Cinnamon" benefits from having had her lifting keel mechanism completely overhauled and refurbished in early 2026 with new keel brackets and bottle screw.

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.

It is not guaranteed that the safety gear listed on the specification comes within the manufacturer’s safety guidelines i.e. expiry dates and servicing and is therefore sold as seen.