Since the launch of the first Rogers Class 40 in 2007, we have watched the Class 40 circuit go from strength to strength as increasing numbers of short handed sailors, inspired by the likes of the Vendee Globe select this more affordable option to get closer to this extreme action which allures them.

Quite apart from this, the success of this class can also be attributed to the fantastic breadth and depth of the Classes calendar (largely thanks to the Class itself) coupled with a rule that promotes fast, exciting and ultimately affordable racing. This combination has helped to attract some of the biggest names on the solo circuit.

Fortunately for Rogers Yacht Design the Rogers Class 40 has proven to be a worthy steed for two of these top teams: Tanguy DeLamotte with Adrien Hardy, and Bruno Jourdren with Kito de Pavant/ Bernard Stamm. We have had the benefit of continued feedback from all our crews over the last three seasons which has enabled Rogers Yacht Design to validate and gain further understanding of what makes a winning Class 40, across all conditions for both crewed and short-handed. It is this racing experience that has been distilled into the Mk II version of our race-winning design.

It has been interesting to note that has identified one of the main Rogers trademarks: the easily driven hull form which in this case particularly has proven fast across all wind-ranges.

The most notable feature of the Rogers Class 40 Mk II is that it has been designed from the outset with ISAF Cat (0) compliance in mind. To this end, it has a modified structure and additional watertight bulkheads integrated into the design.

The Rogers Class 40 MkII will take advantage of the existing proven hullform. As well as being one of the most powerful boats in the fleets (with all of the existing boats being close to the maximum righting moment permitted) which promotes its long distance reaching performance, it has proven to be extremely versatile in lighter airs both up and downwind thanks to its modable rocker profile. Meanwhile the subtler chine design and generous forward buoyancy distribution makes the boat a weapon in heavy airs off the wind, and goes some way towards cushioning, what others designs have found to be, a ferocious ride upwind in these wide, light displacement boats.

As relatively small boats compared to their Open 60 cousins, there is still a need for a deeper VMG mode off the wind in moderate conditions, both offshore, but especially when racing leeward legs inshore. To this end the new bowsprit concept on the Rogers Class 40 MkII will address both the structural needs of an intermediate Code Zero tack point and the flexibility of an articulating system, without compromising the set of other headsails.

In addition, substantial work has been put into optimizing the sail plan to make the most of the more restrictive sail limitations currently in force, whilst also perfecting the balance of the rig and foil package. This has been allied with changing to higher efficiency rudders under the hull and a review of the fin and bulb lines.

The most obvious visual changes lie in the deck layout. Cleaner cockpit lines will shave panel weight from this area that can be used structurally elsewhere, whilst also providing support for the twin rudder bearings. The central “tunnel” for the escape hatch will also add to the security of the cockpit, provide additional foothold and structural stiffening. For the first time the option is also available to customize the coachroof extension/cuddy to provide the degree of protection most suited to the target races of a particular campaign. Likewise a high degree of flexibility in winch choice and layout provides a further opportunity to tailor the fit of our Class 40 design.

Due to the continuing success of the original Rogers Class 40 it has not been necessary to reinvent the wheel, but Rogers Yacht Design has made that wheel faster, even better balanced and easier to use. The Rogers Class 40 MkII just made the best, better.

Useful Links

• www.class40.com
• www.lasolidaireduchocolat.com

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• NOTE: For full Standard Boat Specification and Designer Notes, please click here or visit the Rogers Yacht Sales / New Boats section of this website.

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