Well protected central cockpit
The new Hallberg-Rassy 40C from the eponymous Swedish shipyard is a center cockpit cruising yacht with an overall length of 13.06 m. It follows in the footsteps of the recent 44C and 57C and offers a brand new hull equipped with two rudders and a wide transom, to gain more space. The Hallberg-Rassy 40C even offers a small swim platform.
The motto of this new model? Sailing as if you were at home. In fact, everything on board has been designed for small groups - especially couples - even though there are two cabins. Starting with the cockpit, well secured by its location in the center of the boat. There is a large watertight locker on the starboard side as standard (which will be less voluminous if you choose a larger galley), two benches and a folding table. On each side of the companionway, two wooden storage spaces will allow you to store your belongings while sailing.
Ease of maneuvering with a small crew
The central steering wheel is close to the maneuvers and the mainsail track to allow for short-handed sailing. The helm station is very spacious and accommodates all the electronic screens for navigation. The rig is very high with its three spreaders - 19.75 m - and accommodates a mainsail and a genoa. The characteristic windshield of the brand protects the cockpit from the spray and can be completed with a canopy or even a hardtop.
Steps provide access to the coamings and wooden handrails on the roof make it safe to walk to the front.
A comfortable layout
Inside, the layout is very comfortable, even if the saloon is a bit small, due to the very large aft cabin. As standard, there are two sofas facing each other with a central table with two flaps. As an option - as on the version we visited - you can choose two soft armchairs on starboard, separated by a small bar. A configuration appreciated by a couple.
A beautiful kitchen
On the starboard side is the U-shaped galley, which can be enlarged as an option. It has all the necessary equipment for cooking while sailing: refrigerator, freezer, microwave, double sink, two-burner gas stove with oven, but above all, plenty of storage space. The worktops are well protected by fargues that will serve both to prevent things from falling off and to hold on while on the move.
The map table - also very comfortable - is installed on the port side of the companionway, in the direction of travel.
Two double cabins and a bathroom
At the front, the double cabin is equipped with storage space and a bathroom with sink and separate shower. This is the only bathroom on the boat, but this arrangement is understandable if you think that in an owner's configuration, they will invest the very large double cabin at the back, equipped with a central bed, a dressing table and plenty of storage space.
In the standard version, the latter will receive a double bed on the starboard side and a single berth on the port side. Thanks to the location of the central cockpit, this cabin is very large and transverse, with a good headroom and a deck hatch at the rear, which provides both light and ventilation.
An imposing engine hold
The engine hold is very nice and shares the same bulkhead as the aft cabin, you will have to sail on board to check the good insulation quality. The latter is accessible from the starboard gangway.
With a 400 L fuel tank and a 520 L water tank, the Hallberg-Rassy 40C is well suited for long-term cruising. Its comfortable wooden layout and deck plan dedicated to short-handed cruising will easily satisfy a couple looking to live aboard their boat with plenty of storage space and equipment.
