Beneteau
Figaro 3
The Beneteau Figaro 3 marks a revolutionary departure in one-design offshore racing, being the first production foiling monohull ever built. Designed by VPLP, it replaces the legendary Figaro 2 with a lighter, faster, and more technically demanding platform. The inclusion of inverted 'C' foils not only provides lift to reduce displacement but also significantly increases righting moment, allowing for a smaller, more efficient bulb keel. It is the definitive tool for aspiring solo offshore racers and professionals competing in the Solitaire du Figaro circuit.
From a surveyor's perspective, the Figaro 3 is a high-stress machine that requires careful inspection of the foil cases and the surrounding structural reinforcement. Unlike traditional cruisers, the hull-to-deck joint and the internal carbon-reinforced grid are subjected to immense slamming loads at high speeds. Surveyors should check for any signs of delamination or stress cracking around the foil exits and the mast step. The standing rigging, often Dyneco or specialized rod, should be inspected for fatigue, particularly at the spreaders and tangs where cyclic loading is most intense.
Build quality is industrial and performance-focused, utilizing vacuum-infused polyester with carbon reinforcements in critical areas. The interior is Spartan, optimized for weight saving rather than comfort, which simplifies the inspection of plumbing and electrical systems as everything is exposed. On the brokerage market, the Figaro 3 represents a 'pure-blood' racer; its value is heavily tied to its racing pedigree and the meticulously documented maintenance required for one-design compliance.
At a glance
Quick facts
- Production
- 2018+
- LOA
- 10.89 m
- Beam
- 3.48 m
- Model
- Figaro 3
Key takeaways
- Best for: serious solo/double-handed racers seeking modern tech
- Common issue: foil mechanism maintenance and interior condensation
- Typical price: see FairHelm Market Index — niche racing liquidity
Expert verdict
FairHelm rating: 8.4/10 — Innovative foil-equipped racer; designed for short-handed offshore racing and high speed. Survey typically focuses on foil mechanism maintenance and interior condensation management.
Vadim Nareyko, FairHelm Editorial · Last reviewed: 2026-07-12
Technical data
- Length overall (LOA)
- 10.89 m
- Beam
- 3.48 m
- Production years
- 2018+
Typical problems
Buyer FAQ
- Can the Figaro 3 be used for family cruising?
While technically possible, it is not recommended. The interior is minimal, lacks standing headroom, and the foils make docking in tight marinas more complex.
- How do the foils affect performance?
The foils provide lift that reduces wetted surface area and increases stability, allowing the boat to reach speeds exceeding 20 knots in the right conditions.
- What are the main maintenance concerns for the foils?
The foil bearings and the retraction mechanism should be serviced regularly to prevent jamming and to ensure the foils can be safely retracted when docking.
- Is the Figaro 3 difficult to sail solo?
It is designed specifically for solo sailing, with all controls led to the cockpit, but it requires a high level of physical fitness and technical skill to handle at its limit.
- Does the Figaro 3 have a ballast tank system?
Unlike the Figaro 2, the Figaro 3 does not use water ballast, as the foils provide the necessary righting moment.
Design History
Figaro 3 emerged when Scandinavian and North Sea yards were scaling reliable GRP cruising platforms for owner crews rather than charter fleets. French production shaped the hull lines and interior volume for predictable manners in Baltic chop and North Sea swell. Production ran from 2019 to present; registry and owner-club sources cite approximately ~280–460 completed hulls.
Beneteau positioned the Figaro 3 for coastal and offshore use in the 2019–ongoing production window — explaining mixed maintenance histories on the secondary market today.
Mid-production changes were mostly interior trim, engine options, and deck hardware rather than fundamental hull revisions. That means survey condition, winter storage history, and rigging invoices usually matter more than the model year printed on the brochure. When you evaluate a Figaro 3 on Blocket, treat the maintenance story as part of the specification — not a footnote after the asking price.
Annual Ownership Costs
| Cost item | Low (SEK) | High (SEK) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marina berth | 22,000 | 48,000 | 10.3 m class, Stockholm/Gothenburg |
| Insurance | 8 000 | 22 000 | Agreed value and cruising area |
| Haul-out + winter | 12 000 | 28 000 | Yard package varies by region |
| Antifouling + hull care | 6 000 | 16 000 | Materials and labour |
| Engine / drivetrain | 5 000 | 16 000 | Service intervals and saildrive |
| Rigging reserve | 7 000 | 20 000 | Standing rigging age |
| Deck / structural reserve | 6 000 | 22 000 | Bedding, moisture follow-up |
| Total annual | 62 000 | 172 000 | Excludes major refit years |
Annual ownership for Figaro 3 is predictable when service records are complete. Berth, storage, and insurance dominate fixed costs in Sweden. The largest variables are rigging replacement timing and any survey-led deck or drivetrain work triggered after purchase. Keep a separate technical reserve so routine season costs stay stable — especially on Blocket boats marketed as "ready to sail" without invoices.
Pre-Purchase Survey Checklist
Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist: Figaro 3
Hull, Keel and Underwater Body
- Moisture-map the underwater hull; document osmosis or barrier-coat history on Figaro 3 GRP of this era.
- Inspect keel-to-hull joint, keel bolts (if external iron), and backing structure for movement or recurring fairing cracks.
- Check rudder bearings and steering linkage under load during sea trial.
Deck and Hardware
- Test bedding at stanchions, tracks, and winches; open nearby interior access if damp stains appear.
- Inspect hatches and portlights for seal compression and core moisture at corners.
- Verify chainplate areas internally for rust staining or soft laminate.
Rig and Sail Systems
- Confirm standing rigging age with invoices; treat unknown age as near-term replacement on club-used hulls.
- Inspect mast step, spreaders, and terminals for corrosion or fatigue marks.
- Operate furling and reefing systems under realistic load.
Machinery and Systems
- Review engine and saildrive service including cooling, exhaust elbow, and mounts.
- Audit batteries, charging, and owner-added electrical work for safe fusing.
- Check tanks, bilges, and hoses for age-related seepage.