Concordia 40 Information, Review, Specs

The vast majority of these distinctive yawls, 99 out of a total of 103 built, were meticulously crafted by the prestigious German shipyard Abeking & Rasmussen. This collaboration between American design ingenuity and German shipbuilding excellence cemented the Concordia 40's status as a true maritime masterpiece.

History and Design

The narrative of the Concordia 40 began in 1938, a pivotal year that saw the creation of the initial design. Production of these classic yawls continued until 1966, resulting in a fleet of 103 boats that have achieved worldwide recognition. The first four Concordia 40s were built in the United States, but the subsequent vessels were imported from Abeking & Rasmussen in Germany.

C. Raymond Hunt, a self-taught designer and accomplished helmsman, was known for his instinctive understanding of yacht design. While he later became famous for perfecting the deep-V motorboat hull, the Concordia Yawl firmly established his yacht design career. His design philosophy for the Concordia 40 emphasized a balance of speed, comfort, and seaworthiness, aiming to create a vessel capable of both spirited racing and comfortable offshore cruising. Abeking & Rasmussen, from its inception, cultivated a reputation for building robust workboats and exquisite wooden yachts, a manufacturing ethos perfectly suited to the Concordia 40's construction. Their commitment to "Made in Germany" quality ensured that each Concordia Yawl was built to the highest standards.

The Concordia 40s were distinguished by their premium construction, featuring an oak keel, steam-bent oak frames, and African mahogany planking, all topped with mahogany deck trim and a canvas-covered main deck and coach roof. This testament to quality is evident in the fact that nearly all of these boats have survived the twentieth century in sailing condition. A slightly larger version, the Concordia 41, was introduced later, offering variations in hull and rig configurations.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Concordia 40 is a long-keel, masthead yawl, designed for solid performance and excellent seakeeping. With a total calculated sail area of 630.56 sq ft and a displacement of 18,000 lbs, the boat's Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio is approximately 14.69. This ratio suggests that while she is not a light-air flyer, she will perform reliably in moderate to fresh breezes, prioritizing stability and power over extreme speed in light conditions.

Her ballast-to-displacement ratio stands at a significant 0.427 (7,700 lbs ballast in an 18,000 lbs displacement), indicating a very stiff and stable hull capable of standing up to considerable wind and maintaining a comfortable motion in a seaway. With a displacement of 18,000 lbs and a waterline length of 28.5 feet, the Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio is approximately 347.16. This high D/L ratio classifies the Concordia 40 as a heavy, full-bodied, traditional cruiser, emphasizing seaworthiness and a comfortable ride over outright speed. The long keel contributes to her excellent tracking ability and a stable course, particularly in open water. Owners and reviewers consistently praise the Concordia Yawl for its exceptional seakeeping abilities and its balanced helm, making it a joy to sail on long passages. The yawl rig, with its versatile mizzen sail, also provides flexible sail-handling options, especially useful for balancing the boat and heaving-to in rough conditions.

Accommodations and Layout

While the detailed interior specifications for the Concordia 40 are not extensively documented in structured data, the design typically offers a classic and functional layout tailored for cruising comfort, albeit with a focus on traditional aesthetics and durable materials. The interior is generally characterized by robust wooden joinery, often African mahogany, reflecting the high-quality craftsmanship found throughout the vessel.

Based on common layouts for classic yawls of this size, the Concordia 40 would typically feature a V-berth forward, followed by a marine head, usually located to port or starboard. The main saloon would offer settees on either side, which often convert into berths, alongside a central drop-leaf table. The galley, while compact by modern standards, would provide essential amenities for cruising, likely including a sink, icebox, and a stove. A quarter berth or two are commonly found aft, providing additional sleeping capacity. Ventilation is typically achieved through traditional dorade vents and opening ports. Storage is usually ample, with lockers and shelves integrated throughout the cabin, utilizing the full extent of the wooden construction. Owners often appreciate the cozy and secure feeling of the interior, designed to be practical and comfortable during extended voyages.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Concordia 40 consistently laud its robust construction and exceptional seakeeping abilities, often highlighting its comfortable motion even in challenging conditions. Many appreciate the timeless beauty of its classic lines and the traditional craftsmanship evident in its wooden construction. The longevity of the fleet, with many boats remaining in excellent sailing condition decades after their build, is a testament to their enduring quality. Owners frequently praise the yawl rig for its versatility and ease of handling, especially in varying wind conditions or for balancing the helm.

While primarily celebrated for its strengths, common considerations among owners often revolve around the inherent maintenance requirements of a wooden vessel, such as the need for regular varnishing and diligent upkeep of the hull and deck. The original deck fittings are sometimes noted for their tendency to develop leaks over time, often requiring re-bedding to maintain watertightness. Despite these aspects typical of classic wooden yachts, the collective sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, with many owners expressing deep affection and pride in their Concordia Yawls.