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 assymetric spinnaker flown from the bowsprit, these boats are fast. Class 40 has grown at an incredible pace. There are now 86 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!).

Having won the 2008 Class 40 Championship, the first much-loved, much-raced ’40 Degrees’ has gone to a new home. The team is currently building a new boat for 2009 and beyond. Due to be launched in July, the race programme for the new ’40 Degrees’ includes the Fastnet Race, the Class 40 Worlds, the double-handed 1000 Milles Race and the inaugural Route du Chocolat – double-handed race from France to Mexico. It should be an exciting season.