1989 Beneteau First 38s5
Valletta, Maltaon the market since 10 days
€89,000(Tax paid)
RD
Richard D'Aguiar
Is this your listing? Claim listing with Yatzo PRO or report it.
About
A Classic First, Completely Reimagined
This 1989 Beneteau First 38s5 is a rare combination of both: a proven Philippe Briand racer-cruiser with the unmistakable character of a classic First, comprehensively refitted for modern Mediterranean cruising and performance sailing.
Designed by Jean Berret with interiors styled by Philippe Starck, the First 38s5 has long been admired for its lively sailing characteristics, balanced performance and genuine cruising ability. This example takes that pedigree several steps further, having undergone a high-end refit between 2023 and 2026.
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
2026 full engine overhaul — 0 hours since. Volvo Penta 2003T 43hp turbo (factory upgrade).
Air-conditioned: 2× 16,000 BTU MBC Marine inverter A/C units (2023) + Coelmo 3.2kVA generator (<30 hrs).
Complete 2023–24 Raymarine electronics suite.
Full racing + cruising sail wardrobe, including a brand-new carbon Code-0.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Model Beneteau First 38s5
Year built 1989
Design Jean Berret
Interior & styling Philippe Starck
Builder Beneteau, France
Layout Owner's version — forward double cabin, generous owner's aft stateroom, saloon
LOA (length overall) 11.70 m / 38'5"
Hull length 11.50 m / 37'9"
LWL (waterline length) 9.20 m / 10.05 m (loaded)
Beam (max) 3.75 m / 12'4"
Beam (waterline) 2.94 m / 9'8"
Draught – lead keel 2.10 m / 6'11"
Displacement ≈ 6,600 kg
Ballast ≈ 2,200 kg
Mainsail area 38.67 m²
Genoa area (max) 41.82 m²
Spinnaker area (approx.) 88.45 m²
Rig Fractional 7/8 rig — I: 14.37 · J: 3.90 · P: 14.60 · E: 4.70 · SL: 14.21 · SMW: 7.47
Berths 6/8 persons
Navigation category 1st (Ocean)
Engine Volvo Penta 2003T, 43hp turbo (full overhaul 2026, 0 hrs since)
2023–2026 REFIT SPECIFICATION
ENGINE & DRIVETRAIN
• Volvo Penta 2003T 43hp turbo — full overhaul 2026 (0 hrs)
• Shaft drive
• Twin-blade folding propeller + spare 3-blade propeller
RIGGING & SAILS (RACE-READY)
• Full rigging renewal 2023 (standing + running)
• Carbon fibre Code-0 (2023, brand new)
• Racing genoas
• Storm jib
• Spinnaker with pole
• Extra mainsail
• Assymetrical tack point on bow
ELECTRONICS (ALL 2023–24)
• Raymarine Axiom+ 9 RVM chartplotter
• RVM sonar / fishfinder
• 2× i50 Tridata displays
• i60 Wind with vane & sensors
• EV-100 wheel autopilot (2024)
• New VHF/DSC + handheld VHF
• New engine panel & gauges
• Digital water-tank gauges
• Fusion RA-660 with cockpit Fusion + saloon Pioneer speakers
• 32" Samsung smart monitor
• LED navigation, mast & deck lights
COMFORT & LIVEABOARD
• 2× 16,000 BTU inverter A/C units, retrofitted to match the mahogany interior
• Coelmo 3.2kVA generator (2023, <30 hrs)
• 2× new electric toilets
• Memory foam mattresses (2023)
• New cockpit cushions in white Silvertex
• New bimini structure + 2024 Sunbrella charcoal bimini & boom bag
• 2x removable solar panels on bimini
• LED lighting throughout
• USB-A & USB-C sockets throughout
DECK & GROUND TACKLE
• 2023 full teak cockpit refit
• New windlass
• Below deck furler
• 60 m new galvanised chain
• CQR anchor + spare stern Danforth
• 2023 decals
TENDER (ALL 2023)
• 2.7 m 3D ultra-light tender (Hypalon, aluminium hull)
• Tohatsu 9.8hp two-stroke outboard (26 kg)
• Stainless A-bar crane for the outboard
SYSTEMS (2023–24)
• Major rewiring
• Shore power cable & connector
• 2× new bilge pumps + spare
• New water pump + spare
• New faucets & shower heads
• Bticino UK-standard sockets & switches
EXTRAS
• Magma BBQ
• 3 m inflatable floating platform
• Rod holders
• Safety equipment
FRESH FOR THE SEASON
• Antifouled, full hull & deck polish and wax — March–April 2026
MOORING
Can be sold with her generous 4.68 m-wide pontoon berth in Msida Creek, Malta, at a separate cost.
Ready for Her Next Chapter
The First 38s5 has always been about balance — performance without sacrificing comfort, character without compromising practicality.
This example builds on that original philosophy with an impressive programme of recent investment. With her engine freshly overhauled, rigging renewed, modern electronics installed, carbon Code-0, air-conditioning, generator and extensive comfort upgrades, she is ready for everything from relaxed weekends around Malta to longer Mediterranean passages and competitive sailing.
She is a yacht for an owner who appreciates the character of a classic Beneteau First, but wants the reassurance and convenience of a boat that has already received the attention where it matters.
View her in Malta, and experience this exceptional First 38s5 for yourself.
A generous 4.68m-wide pontoon berth in Malta may also be available separately, offering the opportunity to secure a convenient home for the yacht.
Contact Hybrid Yachting Malta to arrange your private viewing.
This 1989 Beneteau First 38s5 is a rare combination of both: a proven Philippe Briand racer-cruiser with the unmistakable character of a classic First, comprehensively refitted for modern Mediterranean cruising and performance sailing.
Designed by Jean Berret with interiors styled by Philippe Starck, the First 38s5 has long been admired for its lively sailing characteristics, balanced performance and genuine cruising ability. This example takes that pedigree several steps further, having undergone a high-end refit between 2023 and 2026.
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
2026 full engine overhaul — 0 hours since. Volvo Penta 2003T 43hp turbo (factory upgrade).
Air-conditioned: 2× 16,000 BTU MBC Marine inverter A/C units (2023) + Coelmo 3.2kVA generator (<30 hrs).
Complete 2023–24 Raymarine electronics suite.
Full racing + cruising sail wardrobe, including a brand-new carbon Code-0.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Model Beneteau First 38s5
Year built 1989
Design Jean Berret
Interior & styling Philippe Starck
Builder Beneteau, France
Layout Owner's version — forward double cabin, generous owner's aft stateroom, saloon
LOA (length overall) 11.70 m / 38'5"
Hull length 11.50 m / 37'9"
LWL (waterline length) 9.20 m / 10.05 m (loaded)
Beam (max) 3.75 m / 12'4"
Beam (waterline) 2.94 m / 9'8"
Draught – lead keel 2.10 m / 6'11"
Displacement ≈ 6,600 kg
Ballast ≈ 2,200 kg
Mainsail area 38.67 m²
Genoa area (max) 41.82 m²
Spinnaker area (approx.) 88.45 m²
Rig Fractional 7/8 rig — I: 14.37 · J: 3.90 · P: 14.60 · E: 4.70 · SL: 14.21 · SMW: 7.47
Berths 6/8 persons
Navigation category 1st (Ocean)
Engine Volvo Penta 2003T, 43hp turbo (full overhaul 2026, 0 hrs since)
2023–2026 REFIT SPECIFICATION
ENGINE & DRIVETRAIN
• Volvo Penta 2003T 43hp turbo — full overhaul 2026 (0 hrs)
• Shaft drive
• Twin-blade folding propeller + spare 3-blade propeller
RIGGING & SAILS (RACE-READY)
• Full rigging renewal 2023 (standing + running)
• Carbon fibre Code-0 (2023, brand new)
• Racing genoas
• Storm jib
• Spinnaker with pole
• Extra mainsail
• Assymetrical tack point on bow
ELECTRONICS (ALL 2023–24)
• Raymarine Axiom+ 9 RVM chartplotter
• RVM sonar / fishfinder
• 2× i50 Tridata displays
• i60 Wind with vane & sensors
• EV-100 wheel autopilot (2024)
• New VHF/DSC + handheld VHF
• New engine panel & gauges
• Digital water-tank gauges
• Fusion RA-660 with cockpit Fusion + saloon Pioneer speakers
• 32" Samsung smart monitor
• LED navigation, mast & deck lights
COMFORT & LIVEABOARD
• 2× 16,000 BTU inverter A/C units, retrofitted to match the mahogany interior
• Coelmo 3.2kVA generator (2023, <30 hrs)
• 2× new electric toilets
• Memory foam mattresses (2023)
• New cockpit cushions in white Silvertex
• New bimini structure + 2024 Sunbrella charcoal bimini & boom bag
• 2x removable solar panels on bimini
• LED lighting throughout
• USB-A & USB-C sockets throughout
DECK & GROUND TACKLE
• 2023 full teak cockpit refit
• New windlass
• Below deck furler
• 60 m new galvanised chain
• CQR anchor + spare stern Danforth
• 2023 decals
TENDER (ALL 2023)
• 2.7 m 3D ultra-light tender (Hypalon, aluminium hull)
• Tohatsu 9.8hp two-stroke outboard (26 kg)
• Stainless A-bar crane for the outboard
SYSTEMS (2023–24)
• Major rewiring
• Shore power cable & connector
• 2× new bilge pumps + spare
• New water pump + spare
• New faucets & shower heads
• Bticino UK-standard sockets & switches
EXTRAS
• Magma BBQ
• 3 m inflatable floating platform
• Rod holders
• Safety equipment
FRESH FOR THE SEASON
• Antifouled, full hull & deck polish and wax — March–April 2026
MOORING
Can be sold with her generous 4.68 m-wide pontoon berth in Msida Creek, Malta, at a separate cost.
Ready for Her Next Chapter
The First 38s5 has always been about balance — performance without sacrificing comfort, character without compromising practicality.
This example builds on that original philosophy with an impressive programme of recent investment. With her engine freshly overhauled, rigging renewed, modern electronics installed, carbon Code-0, air-conditioning, generator and extensive comfort upgrades, she is ready for everything from relaxed weekends around Malta to longer Mediterranean passages and competitive sailing.
She is a yacht for an owner who appreciates the character of a classic Beneteau First, but wants the reassurance and convenience of a boat that has already received the attention where it matters.
View her in Malta, and experience this exceptional First 38s5 for yourself.
A generous 4.68m-wide pontoon berth in Malta may also be available separately, offering the opportunity to secure a convenient home for the yacht.
Contact Hybrid Yachting Malta to arrange your private viewing.
