Our 1984 Beneteau First 38’s hull was laid in September 1983 in France. At that time the US$ vs. French France exchange rate soared to over 8 Francs per dollar. From what I have heard there were a lot of US sailors who went directly to the Beneteau factory and ordered sailboats at that time. The boats were sailed across the Atlantic to their homes here in the USA.
Not sure how many First 38’s were manufactured but our hull number is #178. Learned last year that hull number #179 is still loved and sailed in San Francisco and found that hull #175 (also loved and sailed) is in the same marina/yacht yard where we are here in Chicago.
Amazing!
Doug in Lakeview
1984 Beneteau First 38 – Hull #178
Belmont Harbor – Chicago
Not sure how many First 38’s were manufactured but our hull number is #178. Learned last year that hull number #179 is still loved and sailed in San Francisco and found that hull #175 (also loved and sailed) is in the same marina/yacht yard where we are here in Chicago.
Amazing!
Doug in Lakeview
1984 Beneteau First 38 – Hull #178
Belmont Harbor – Chicago