What Became of Them?
Transat Jacques Vabre 2011
There is life beyond the official racing circuit for a Class40. Designed to meet the demands of the world's leading offshore races, these boats often begin a new chapter once their original racing programme comes to an end. They are sold, refitted or given a new purpose. And that is where another story begins—quieter, sometimes harder to follow, but often just as inspiring.
With their accessible size, relatively affordable cost by offshore racing standards, and proven durability, Class40s have shown a remarkable ability to stand the test of time. Some remain on the international racing scene, while others move on to regional campaigns, round-the-world adventures, sail training or even scientific expeditions. Whatever their new mission, they all have one thing in common: they keep sailing.
Several boats perfectly illustrate these diverse second careers. Class40 No. 52, formerly Swish and later Monday Night, notably sailed by Damien Seguin and Yoann Richomme in the 2011 Transat Jacques Vabre, where they finished runners-up, is now racing in Japan under the name TREKKEE.
Competing on the Japanese offshore circuit, the boat continues to perform at a high level, highlighted by victory in the 2024 Japan–Palau Race. Its current campaign is now focused on an ambitious new goal: competing in a future round-the-world race.
Class40 No. 130, a Mach 40 launched in 2013, is one of the most successful boats of its generation, with 15 victories on the Class40 circuit. Previously campaigned by skippers including Phil Sharp and Sébastien Rogues, she is now racing under the command of young Slovenian skipper Matic Vrečko.
His programme combines offshore and single-handed racing, including the Global Solo Challenge as well as several Mediterranean events, notably the Rolex Middle Sea Race.
Class40 No. 55, a Tyker 40 launched in 2007 and formerly raced by Giovanni Soldini, has followed yet another remarkable path. After her Class40 racing career, the boat became part of an exploration project led by James Ketchell, serving as the platform for an extraordinary round-the-world journey combining land, air and sea.
Beyond the adventure itself, the boat has also contributed to several scientific programmes supported by SeaKeepers, including the collection of oceanographic data, microplastic sampling and seabed mapping projects.
These examples demonstrate that a Class40's story rarely ends when its racing career does. Instead, the boats simply embark on a new mission, explore new waters or even new continents.
Other Class40s have undergone even more significant transformations. Class40 No. 43, after competing in its final Route du Rhum in 2018, was donated by its owner, Olivier Magré, to begin a new life as a training boat, reflecting a commitment to education and passing on offshore sailing expertise.
A similar story can be found with Class40 No. 84, recently spotted in Lisbon, where she now enjoys a mixed programme combining racing and cruising.
Despite these inspiring stories, one reality remains: once many of these boats are sold or exported, they gradually disappear from our radar. Some continue racing without our knowledge, while others change their name, flag or programme, making them increasingly difficult to track.
That is why this article is also a call to the Class40 community.
If you are a former owner, skipper, race organiser, journalist or Class40 enthusiast, and you have news of a former Class40—if you spot one racing or moored in a harbour, or if you know its new name, new owner or current programme—we would love to hear from you.
Please share any information by emailing class40@class40.com
Every Class40 has a story. Our ambition is simple: to keep telling those stories, long after a boat's career within the Class40 Association has come to an end.
Louis Bregeon - translation Daphné Schreder
