Extreme 40
2005 saw the launch of the Extreme 40, with the aim of providing an easy-access multihull that could be raced in a variety of conditions without compromising performance. Designed to perform not only for her crew, but also for the public, the X40 was the headliner for the inshore racing of the Volvo Ocean Race and the Extreme Sailing Series (www.extremesailingseries.com). The class has been growing steadily since its inception and 2010 saw the first ISAF recognised World Championships.
The X40 is strictly one-design, with a single boatyard producing the hulls and a choice of two providers for the foils and spars. Running costs are kept in check by a class rule that only allows 2 suits of sails to be used in a season. The high-performance catamaran is specifically designed to fit into a shipping container or towed behind a car, and to be quickly assembled with a small team. The boat can be sailed by 4 crew (5 are permitted for an all female crew) and up to two guests.
Alinghi joined the X40 game in 2008, using two of the catamarans for in-house training in Valencia as part of the teams’ preparations for the 33rd America’s Cup. The four-man team comprising Ed Baird, Lorenzo Mazza, Rodney Ardern and Piet van Nieuwenhuijzen also participated in the 2008 Extreme Sailing Series (iShares Cup). Despite a steep learning curve, with the crew racking up some spectacular moments including a capsize in Lugano, Alinghi took the series title in Amsterdam.
Extreme 40 Specifications
Designer: Yves Loday, Mitch Booth & TornadoSport
Construction: Marstrom Composites
Length Overall LOA: 40ft (12.19m)
Beam: 26ft (7.92m)
Displacement: 1250kg
Mast height: 62ft (18.89m)
Main Sail Area: 75 m²
Gennaker Area: 78 m2
Jib Area: 25 m²
Top Speed: 40 knots
Crew: 4 (5 if all female crew) + up to 2 guests
Schedule 2012:
28th February 2nd March – Muscat, Oman
17th – 20th April – Qingdao, China
7th – 10th June – Istanbul, Turkey
5th – 8th July – Porto, Portugal
30th August – 2 September – Cardiff, UK
13th – 16th September – Trapani, Italy
18th – 21st October – Nice, France
29th November – 2 December – Brazil
