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With just a few weeks to go before her relaunch, the Class40 Centrakor Hirsch is entering a key phase in her preparation, between technical refit, sailing arbitrations and a busy schedule.
Hull and deck modifications to reduce drag
The winter refit focused on both visible and more discreet elements, but all linked to downwind and upwind performance. Bulwarks were added along the deck. Their role goes beyond simply protecting the crew.
When heeled, these lateral surfaces increase leverage and limit the immersion of stanchions and rigging running to leeward. The expected result is reduced hydrodynamic drag and a drier deck. However, this choice also requires weight management and additional stress on the structural links.
The keel has also undergone work on its profile and surface. On a Class40, these adjustments directly influence the compromise between power and drag. A more optimized profile can improve performance, but requires fine-tuning under real sailing conditions.
Securing the interior against water ingress
One of the weak points identified concerned access to the companionway. The old configuration, with a wide opening offset on one side, made closing difficult in heavy seas.
The new layout is based on two narrower downspouts, positioned on either side. This arrangement effectively closes off the leeward side. On a boat that fills or takes on water, this detail quickly becomes a determining factor in preserving the interior.
And this choice also improves circulation on board. On a Class40, where every move is made with support and constraint, a few extra centimetres make a big difference to daily life, especially on long single-handed voyages.
A boat designed for solo sailing despite double-handed operation
Even though some races are sailed by small crews, the season is geared towards solo sailing. This has a direct influence on the choice of layout and ergonomics.
Maneuver management, workstation accessibility and cockpit legibility are becoming priorities. The skipper must be able to control everything alone, even when tired. This implies compromises, sometimes to the detriment of comfort or double-handed versatility.
The Normandie Channel Race will be run with Benoît Hantzperg. The duo not only allows us to validate our set-ups, but also to test our technical options against another form of ocean racing experience.
A busy schedule to make Class40 more reliable
The 2026 season is structured around several events. The return to the water is scheduled within a short timeframe, followed by a solo training program.
The schedule includes the Trinité 40 at the end of April 2026, the Normandie Channel Race, then the Les Sables Horta at the beginning of July 2026. An event in September 2026 will conclude this build-up to the Route du Rhum in November 2026.
This sequencing allows us to progressively validate our technical choices. Each race serves as a full-scale test, with varied conditions and different levels of commitment.
The contribution of teamwork and confrontations at sea
The boat will be based in La Trinité-sur-Mer as part of a training group of 9 Class40s. This collective work, supervised by Daniel Souben, provides a structured framework.
Sailing in a fleet allows you to compare speeds, angles and settings. On boats that are similar in terms of measurement, the differences quickly reveal areas for improvement.
And there's also a human dimension. Finding former Tour de France à la voile rivals in a coaching role changes the dynamic. The outside view, which is often more direct, helps to make the right technical choices.
Preparation under sporting constraints with the Globe40
At the same time, Benoît Hantzperg continues his commitment to the Globe40, a round-the-world leg race. The bClass40 on which he sails remains at the top of the overall rankings.
The passage around Cape Horn was completed without any major incident for the fleet. A technical stopover was nevertheless necessary before this key point to replace some damaged parts.
This dual involvement between shipyard and ocean racing illustrates a reality of the Class40 circuit. Sailors are involved in a succession of projects, boats and formats, which enriches their feedback, but also complicates their availability for the fine-tuning phases.
At the end of the day, this winter refit is more than just a simple overhaul. It reflects a series of technical and sporting choices that will be judged at sea, as soon as the first miles are covered.
