Express 40 - Fifth boat goes to Norway

With five boats on order and boats six and seven provisionally reserved, the Owen Clarke designed production Class 40 Express 40 has proved to be a Global hit. With a competitive base price starting from as little as 132K GBP or 195K Euros this UK/France build collaboration represents serious value.

Sail Ventures Ltd led by offshore racer Paul Metcalf have put together the Express 40 package on the Isle of Wight. SP/Gurit have provided input and technical expertise. Builders from previous Owen Clarke boats Ecover, Hexagon and Spirit of Canada together with people from the Pirates of the Caribbean Volvo Ocean Race campaign and the America's Cup, have been drafted in to ensure a high quality product. The initial boats will be finished by the massively experienced French yard - V1/D2 that specialises in the preparation of the top French Open Class boats.

Though described as a Class 40 “Racer/cruiser” the Express 40 is more of a race boat with optional cruising comforts. Based on the same hull platform as the racing Class 40's, Bollands Mill, Friends of the Earth and Fujifilm, the Express40 is equally designed for serious offshore short-handed campaigns, this is borne out by the current buyers who are planning the GOC, AZAB, OSTAR, 1000 Miles, and the Transat Jacques Vabre next year.

However, as Allen Clarke explains - “Paul has insisted on features that give more consideration to keeping the driver performing 100% – a cuddy for weather protection and a larger, lighter, internal space. These and other features together with her high speed stability make the Express 40 a boat you want to spend some time on even when not racing.” The Express is equipped to a high standard with Harken, Spinlock and Wichard equipment and a Marechal Carbon mast designed by Lorima's Eric Duchemin.

Standard sail choices are Incidences or Express 40 branded sails from a New Zealand loft. For more info http://www.owenclarkedesign.com/, http://www.express40.com/,