The beginnings of Class40
Created in 2004, Class40 was born of a desire to democratize ocean racing. It is aimed at professional and amateur sailors who want to compete on high-performance, yet accessible boats. The idea was to create a class of 40-foot monohulls - 12.19 m long - capable of competing in transoceanic races while remaining affordable.
The restricted rules are designed to be simple and strict, to be accessible to reasonable budgets, by prohibiting certain costly elements. For example, pendulum keels, foils and tilt masts are not allowed.
The Class40 was the link between the Mini 6.50 and the IMOCA, and the class association was created and announced at the 2005 boat show. Class40s made their debut in the 2006 Route du Rhum, with 25 competitors already entered. Today, the class counts 205 boats and has made its mark on the history of competitive sailing.
A class in constant evolution
Over the years, the Class40 has continued to evolve. Naval architects and builders have competed in ingenuity to improve the boats' performance, safety and handling. New materials, innovative hull shapes and technological improvements have been regularly introduced, keeping the class at the forefront of innovation. Ian Lipinski is introducing the scow hull in 2019, a small revolution within Class40.
Major Class40 competitions
Class40 has rapidly gained in popularity, attracting sailors from all horizons. It has become a fixture in major ocean races such as the Route du Rhum, Transat Jacques Vabre and Québec Saint-Malo. These events provide exceptional visibility for the class and its participants, contributing to its development and international renown. The class calendar is vast, with numerous races in less-frequented areas such as the North Atlantic and the Mediterranean. Today, the class includes such not-to-be-missed events as the Normandy Channel Race and Les Sables - Horta - Les Sables.
A passionate and committed community
Class40 is much more than just a class of boats. It brings together a community of passionate sailors and designers. Rapidly international in scope, it has attracted sailors from all horizons, who over the years have come to understand the importance of adapting to the rules to improve performance. While it serves as a stepping stone to larger supports, it is also a class in its own right, with dedicated competitors.
Members of this community share values of solidarity, mutual aid and respect for the environment. Initiatives are regularly launched to promote more ecological and responsible navigation.
