Balance

Racing Sailboat Balance

Viewings/Showings by Appointment Only

A rare opportunity to own this French built performance cruiser. The spectacular Beneteau First 45 was designed by Naval Architect Phillipe Briand. The First 45 has both performance and comfort, hence the name “Balance.” Spend your spring and winters on the racing circuit and spend your summers cruising the Salish Sea in style.

Performance: While it has head turning lines, it is built to offshore specifications. The First 45’s are regulars on one of the most challenging races in the world - the Sydney Hobart race. Balance has the optional tall, triple spreader mast with rod rigging. She has pure, sleek lines with a lowered coach roof while maintaining generous headroom below. The deep T-profile torpedo-bulb keel and balanced rudder have been faired and epoxy coated. A retractable Side Power bow thruster keeps the bottom sleek when not needed.

The double composite steering wheels, well-positioned primaries and the cockpit sole mounted mainsheet traveler all add up to a crew friendly and efficient sailing trim system that is both comfortable and safe to operate. Harken 60 primary winches are positioned well in reach of either steering wheel as well as the traveler lines for powering up after a tack – while the German style mainsheet is led aft ending at a pair of Harken 48s.

A carbon fiber spinnaker pole and fixed sprit provide options for downwind and code sails. Jib inhaulers provide the ability to sail closer to the wind. A Leisure Furl Boom and Facnor Flat Deck jib furler ease sail handling of the powerful North 3Di sails. An electric Harken winch helps with the halyards. Should you desire to return to the OEM setup, the sale includes the OEM Boom, North 3Di Mainsail and the North Quick Cover lazy jack canvas.

All new Garmin instruments and transducers were installed in 2024. See list for details.

Comfort: Step below and there are comforts enough to call the 45 “home” while cruising. Light oak and Alpi wood contrast nicely with upgraded white upholstery. Forward, an owner’s stateroom includes head and shower and room to dress for dinner. Aft, there are two double cabins, both with soft-sided hanging lockers.

To port, a head with a shower doubles as a wet locker. Forward, the ample nav station faces outboard. A pair of bolt-down stools amidships augment the salon table and the L-shaped settee to port providing seating for 6.

Cruising amenities include refer, freezer, microwave, Webasto furnace, 4 burner eno stove/oven and Starlink antenna mount. A lithium battery system and inverter/charger installed in 2023 combined with a high output alternator/regulator and a solar panel provide significant power while cruising. A removable teak table transforms the working cockpit into a comfortable entertainment area. The large aft locker provides ample storage for cruising gear and toys.

The Iverson Dodger is upgraded with 1.25” frame, aft and side grab bars, upgraded window vinyl,

and window covers. In addition, quick release pins attach the dodger to the deck allowing quick

removal for racing.

Don’t miss this rare opportunity to own one of the best racer-cruisers on the market. A boat that

makes you turn and admire it whenever you leave the boat!

Dimensions (per manufacturer)

• LOA: 46 ft 2 in

• Hull Length: 44 ft 11 in

• Beam: 13 ft 8 in

• LWL: 39 ft 5 in

• Maximum Draft: 7 ft 10 in

• Air Draft: 71 ft 5 in

• Ballast: 8541 lbs

• Dry Weight: 25445 lbs