Class 40: share and share alike

Class 40 was originally created to enable experienced amateurs to take part in offshore races. In 2006, around 20 Class 40 boats lined up at the start of the Route du Rhum race. Professional skippers did not need any further encouragement to embrace Class 40 as they saw that the class enabled costs to be kept under control.

Class 40 now includes:

• 81 registered boats, including 50 that are under two years old!
• 18 nationalities represented on five continents.

Class 40 boats are monohulls measuring 12.19 metres. They are designed to cross the ocean but can also be used over shorter courses.

Class 40’s goals fit in perfectly with the spirit of Solidaire du Chocolat:

• Including a mixture of amateurs and professionals, focusing on the spirit of human adventure
• Strengthening its international development, which is already very active
• Maintaining a spirit of sharing with its entourage, whether participants, sponsors, organisers or the host population

This emerging class is now concentrating on creating a good events programme that enables it to stamp its own identity.