Class40 Lift 2: World’s coolest yachts

Yachting World has been asking top sailors and marine industry gurus to choose the coolest and most innovative yachts of our times, and Yoann Richomme nominated the Class40 Lift 2. Here’s the report:

The highly competitive Class40 fleet has long been a proving ground for talent, both for designers and sailors, with many going on to the IMOCA class.

“I’ve had the chance of sailing the best part of a decade on Class40s – from the 2011 Transat Jacques Vabre with Damien Seguin, to my second Route du Rhum victory in 2022,” says Richomme.

“The Class40s to me represent the best sailing potential of any glassfibre-built boats: they are now incredible machines capable of 10 knots upwind and sometimes more than 20 reaching and downwind. I’ve had the thrill of crossing the Atlantic in less than 14 days … beating some IMOCAs across the line.

“The class is very active with four or five designers launching new designs every two to three years, which makes it really interesting to follow. The hull designs have come a long way from the pointy ends to the now very fat bow. Look out for more evolutions to come in the future!

“I’ve especially loved working with the team led by Eric Levet at Lombard Yacht Design, they have designed the two Class40s that I raced solo.”

Class 40 Lift 2 stats rating
Top speed: 29 knots
LOA: 12.19m/40ft
Launched: 2022
Berths: 2
Price: €800,000
Adrenalin factor: 80%

For Yachting World’s list of cool boats, click here.