The Class 40 sits between the Mini 6.50 and the Open 60 classes. The original aim was to provide fast but affordable 40 footers, limiting exotic materials, banning canting keels and restricting water ballast. Carbon fibre is banned in the hull, and all but two of the maximum of eight sails must be made from woven polyester. However, with 115 sq m of upwind sail area and 170 sq m of of asymmetric spinnaker flown from the bowsprit, these boats are fast. Class 40 has grown at an incredible pace. There are now 90 boats registered, in 18 different countries. It is one of the biggest offshore classes in the world, and on that is attracting a fair amount of attention. The Class 40 mandate is to provide a programme of solo, double-handed and crewed races, mainly offshore and long-distance (and preferably to beautiful destinations!).

The new ‘40 Degrees’ arrived at the beginning of September. There followed a few frantic weeks of preparation and sea trials, completed in time for the boat to compete in her first event, which she won. The key 2009 race for the boat is the Solidaire du Chocolat, a double-handed transatlantic race from France to Mexico, starting on the 18th of October.