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 190 sq m of asymmetric spinnaker flown from the bowsprit, these boats are fast. Class 40 has grown at an incredible pace. There are now over 100 boats registered, in countries all over the world. 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’ was launched in September 2009. 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. Since then 40 Degrees has proven herself as a fast and competitive boat coming 7th in the Solidaire du Chocolat 2009 sailed by Peter and Miranda Merron before completing the Route du Rhum 2010, Normandy Channel Race 2011 and then placing 3rd in the Transat Jacques Vabre 2011 with new boat captain Hannah Jenner at the helm.

2012 will be another busy year for 40 Degrees. Having raced the RORC 600 and been on charter in the Caribbean, the boat is now in the USA ready to take on the Atlantic Cup, Newport - Bermuda and the Quebec - St Malo races. Updates will be posted on the latest news page so keep checking back to follow our progress.