Just a few short years ago the idea of new breed of offshore yachts was conceived -an affordable performance monohull designed around a simple box rule.  The concept was to use modern design-technology to limit the cost of an offshore racing class of yacht - the Class40 was born.

Exotic materials such as carbon fibre are only allowed for the mast and boom; underwater appendages are limited in their number;keels must be fixed not canting; metal materials are non-exotic and even the number of sails allowed onboard and their materials are strictly controlled.

Today close to 100 Class40 boats have been built and the Class Association arranges an enticing calendar of events throughout each year, ranging from inshore regattas to trans-ocean races and now, with the Global Ocean Race 2011-12, an official around the world race.

Some additional safety features are enforced for the Global Ocean Race 2011-12, a race in which all the boats must adhere to Category 0 offshore racing regulations. The principle additions are extra watertight bulkheads and extra safety equipment plus each boat must pass a self-righting test from an upside down position.

The Portimao Global Ocean Race 2008-09 had four Class40 type boats in its fleet which proved the ocean-going capabilities of this class of boat and has opened up competetive around the world racing to every sailor.

There are numerous Class40 builders, with the production boats being the most popular buys. However, there is also the option of building a prototype Class40 - as long as the Class rules are adhered to and a Class40 measurment certificate is issued, the Class Association will welcome a custom-built boat to their ever-expanding membership with open arms.

To learn more visit their website   class40.com