Achilles 840 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Achilles 840 was brought to life in 1979, representing a significant design evolution for Butler Mouldings. Unlike earlier models which often evolved from existing designs, Chris Butler designed the Achilles 840 "from a clean sheet of paper," demonstrating his growing expertise in naval architecture. Butler Mouldings Ltd. itself had a strong ethos, aiming to produce "fast cruiser-racer" yachts that struck an excellent balance between performance and accommodation, all while upholding a commitment to robust build quality and inherent safety. This philosophy is evident in the Achilles 840, which was specifically intended for short-handed offshore sailing, catering to families or small crews embarking on longer voyages.

Throughout its production, the Achilles 840 offered versatility in its keel configurations, a notable feature for the time. Buyers could choose between a fin keel, a bilge keel, or even twin or triple keels, allowing owners to tailor the boat to their specific cruising grounds and shallow-water access needs. Production of Achilles yachts, including the 840, continued until approximately 1989 or 1990, coinciding with Chris Butler's shift in business focus.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Achilles 840 is characterized by its excellent sailing performance, a hallmark of Chris Butler's designs. With a sail area to displacement ratio of approximately 18.17, the 840 possesses a reasonably powerful rig for its size, suggesting good performance in lighter winds while still being manageable as the breeze builds. Her ballast to displacement ratio, around 0.455, is quite high, indicating a stiff and stable boat capable of standing up to significant wind pressures and providing a comfortable motion in a seaway. Furthermore, a displacement to length ratio of approximately 172.03 positions the Achilles 840 as a relatively light, performance-oriented boat for its size, without being overly extreme. This combination of ratios supports its designation as a capable cruiser-racer.

Owners have consistently praised the Achilles 840 for its performance and security on the water, describing it as a boat that "sails well". The model proved itself as a "reasonably successful distance competitor," having participated in challenging offshore races such as the AZAB, Fastnet, and OSTAR. Its spacious cockpit and efficient deck layout contribute to easy handling, while the skeg-hung rudder provides reliable control and protection. While some contemporary designs may have offered sharper handling, the 840 is generally lauded for its overall seaworthiness and stable behavior in various sea states.

Accommodations and Layout

Despite its emphasis on sailing performance, the Achilles 840 offers a practical and comfortable interior, designed with offshore cruising in mind. The layout typically features sleeping accommodations for up to five, with four berths arranged on settees in the main salon and a dedicated quarter berth. The interior was considered an improvement over some earlier Achilles models, aiming for a "simple but better" arrangement to maximize utility.

While specific details on finish quality are less commonly cited, the boat's overall reputation for robust construction extends to its interior fit-out, characterized by materials typical of GRP yachts of its era. The interior is generally described as "well-appointed" with comfortable accommodations, making it suitable for extended periods aboard. The boat also carries a respectable 18 gallons of fresh water, supporting longer trips.

Owner's Perspectives

The Achilles 840 continues to be held in high regard by its owners, many of whom are part of a dedicated community through the Achilles Yacht Owners Association. Owners frequently express "very positive memories" of the design, highlighting its robust construction and enjoyable sailing characteristics. The boat's seaworthiness is a recurring theme; one anecdote recounts an Achilles 840 being sailed successfully from Sardinia to Holland despite a P-bracket fracture, a testament to its inherent durability and resilience.

While individual boats may present specific maintenance needs common to vessels of their age, the overall consensus points to the Achilles 840 as a well-built, capable, and secure vessel for both coastal enjoyment and more adventurous offshore passages. Its enduring popularity and active owner community underscore its success as a thoughtfully designed cruiser-racer.