February 27th 2008,
Owen Clarke Design LLP reveals their latest generation Class 40 racing
yachts.
Available as either, semi custom or limited production designs the latest
generation of Class 40 designs are now well advanced.
Owen Clarke Design has been continually analysing and updating information
in the expectation that a new Class 40 would be required for races
commencing in the 2009 season. Changes in the class rules, observation from
on the water and forecasts for the future development in the class have
influenced some of the new yachts parameters. The systematic analysis of a
number of new hull designs has been undertaken and the existing hull form as
seen for example on the Jaz 40 has been used as a comparison datum.
This new ORC Category 1 maximum beam design is aimed at Class 40
owner/drivers who want more horsepower within the Class 40 rule
restrictions. To achieve the minimum 4500kg weight all the internal
structure where appropriate doubles as the supports and panels for the class
mandatory bunks and domestic fit out requirements. A posted fabricated keel
fin along with under hull rudders will be the standard appendages. Since the
Class 40 rules limit upwind sail area to 115 m2, the reaching and downwind
sail areas are only limited by what the yacht is able to carry and the
sailors’ ability to handle the sail sizes. With this in mind the rig has
been relocated further aft allowing for a significant increase in size of
the headsails, spinnakers, code sails and gaining a much higher aspect ratio
indexsail. The new rig will be available in either two or three spreader
arrangements.
Having worked closely on performance comparisons between the existing and
new generation design it is clear that the wider beam boats have strengths
in certain areas over the existing narrow beam design. However, effectively
exploiting this area of the performance envelope will require more than just
extra horsepower, careful consideration will need to be given to the
performance crossovers for the sail plan and the ballast configurations,
here, owners will have the opportunity to work on a one on one basis with
the designers and their own selected sail makers exploiting any possible
advantage they may be able to gain for a particular race or series.
This latest generation of Class 40 racing yachts is a result of three years
ongoing development
and will represent a significant evolution within one of the most
competitive and rapidly expanding offshore racing classes.
Our first custom design of this latest generation is for a renowned UK based
sailor, who will be making an entry into the Class 40 racing circuit with
this new yacht in 2009 culminating in the Route du Rhum of that year.
Meanwhile a limited production run of 6-8 boats is due to be made by UK
based Osprey Racing Yachts. Construction is due to commence in April 2008
with the first boat launched in October 2008.
For further information contact: HYPERLINK
"mailto:info@owenclarkedesign.com"info@owenclarkedesign.com
For Osprey Yachts contact: HYPERLINK
"mailto:info@ospreyracingyachts.com"info@ospreyracingyachts.com
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